Dear Pinkie, AJ and Rainbow,

I’m not sure how to start this, so I’ll just write and see what happens. You have no idea how much your visit meant to me. It was the most fun I’ve had in months. And I miss you already. Raven and I made a deal of sorts for you to come visit again, so if everything goes right, I’ll see you soon. As long as I can keep the fire lit with my studies, that is.

I need to be honest with all of you. Even after the visit, I’m still scared. Scared that you’ll want me gone. Scared about what’ll happen to Golden Tree because of me or my actions. And scared to see everyone again. I know I told you what happened when I was poisoned, but words can’t describe what it was really like. It left, as Lady Inkwell or General Sentry would put it, “a deep wound” on me. Me shattering when I saw you is proof enough of that. Being with all of you helped, but the fear’s still there. Maybe it’ll never completely go away. I love you all. I love you so much. And it hurts so much to have this fear tainting it.

Raven says she’s going to help me, so I hope that the next time we meet, it won’t be as bad.

I love you. And I want you in my life for as long as you’ll have me. Please believe that if nothing else.

Love,

Sunset Shimmer

*****

Sunny,

You have no idea how happy I am that we’ll get to see you again soon. I missed you too. I’m just sorry I couldn’t make you smile more. I don’t really get why you’re scared of us saying we don’t love you or that we don’t want you to be our sister. We love you. I’ll just have to show you more proof that’s true. I’ll be sure to make some extra special treats for you, just to show how much I care. You deserve to smile.

Sending lots of hugs and love your way.

Pinkie

*****

Hey Sunset,

I really don’t know what to say. I guess I understand. Sort of. I just need you to know that I’m here for you, okay. That hasn’t changed, despite what that skull-faced freak did to you. I wouldn’t have sworn a sisterhood oath with you not once, but twice if I didn’t want you as my sister. I’ve asked my dad and mom if there’s anything I can do to help. They said something like “make sure she knows you love her,” or something. So we’re going flying, okay. Just you, me and Philomena, if she can keep up. Being up in the sky? It frees you. Lets you get above it all and see it from a new perspective. I can tell you need that right now.

Stay strong sis. I’ll see you soon.

Rainbow Dash

*****

Dear Sunset,

I’m glad we got a chance to visit. With everything that happened, I only wish we could have done it sooner. Or been there with you in the first place.

Going to be honest with you, I don’t know how to fix this. I think Lady Inkwell is right. I see the same thing with Mac over Ma and Pa. You remember what he was like before, right? I’m going to talk with Granny about sending you something extra with your next cider order, okay. No. I’m not taking no for an answer. You need to know your family loves you. If I can’t be there for you myself, then maybe something made with good old Apple love will help.

I love you. And I will keep telling you that as long as I need to.

Love,

Applejack

*****

Dear AJ, Rainbow and Pinkie,

Girls, please don’t think I don’t love you. I do. I love you so much. And I know you love me too. This thing that’s happened to me? It's something deeper. I can’t really explain it. I told you the ul’muri was meant to kill me with my worst fears. The one that almost did was you throwing me away.

This wound? I don’t think it's ever going to go away. But, I’d be grateful if you all proved me wrong. I want you to prove me wrong. I’m not sure what else I can say.

I’ll write again when I get the chance. The Queen and Raven have already given me my first milestone, so I’m going to be focusing on that.

Love you all. If everything goes well, I’ll see you in a month.

Sunset

*****

Dear Lady Orange Spice,

Bright day to you. Please pass on my congratulations to Lady Sapphire Prism regarding Marquis Mirage’s elevation to Regent of Aurorias. It is good to know that someone so loyal to Heliopolis and Solaria will be acting in Lord Blueblood’s stead until he reaches the age of majority. Though I hope he will meet Lady Inkwell’s expectations and take the throne, I do also admit that a small part of me hopes that the Marquis and his family prove themselves worthy of being elevated. It was his father that instigated the conspiracy to control Phoenix-rite. But, such is out of our hands, is it not?

Listen to me ramble. I do hope you had a fine Fall Harvest Festival. I do not fear to say mine was quite eventful, though mostly because I was working the whole time.

May your flame burn long and brightly.

Dame Flare Gleam of Chromos

*****

Dear Dame Flare Gleam,

It is good to hear from you, Dame Gleam. I will certainly pass along your congratulations to Lady Sapphire Prism. I have known her father for years, and despite being somewhat taciturn, he is quite the capable politician. He certainly won over Lady Ruby Prism. And she is not easy to impress. Aurorias will be in good hands for the time being, rest assured.

Thankfully, my family stayed in Heliopolis for the Festival. Lady Sapphire Prism tells me that there was quite the commotion out in the Eastern Territory. I don’t know what’s true and what’s rumor, but if Ruby Prism is to be believed, we almost lost Lady Shimmer to the machinations of Nightcrawler. Regardless of my history with her, the loss of our newest phoenix-born would have been a tragedy. I’m grateful that the other phoenix-born were able to save her life.

May your flame burn long and brightly.

Lady Orange Spice of Aurorias

*****

A pleasant melody of string, wind and percussion instruments drifted through the White Room. It was like nothing Sunset had ever heard before; divine, flawless, and stirring, effortlessly drawing forth pure euphoria from deep within her. She wasn’t even sure if the sounds were based on real instruments, or if it was a manifestation of Queen Celestia’s own imagination, created to produce the perfect sound for the music she wanted. All she knew was that it was the most beautiful thing she’d ever heard.

Sunset kept her eyes closed, letting herself be completely subsumed into the music as she danced, her body moving in time to the melody. There was nothing else in her world other than the melody. No responsibilities. No studies. No impending high-council meetings to grant Saphire’s father regency of Aurorias. Nothing but the divine sound that drove off all distractions, and the blissful elation of moving her body to its rhythm.

Within her chest, she felt the familiar pulse of her flame responding to her dance. Growing. Kindling and sparking. It was such a simple sensation, one she’d had hundreds of times before. Yet this time, it threatened to bring her to tears. Having her flame respond to her call was like taking a drink of cool, clean water after walking for days in the Bright Desert. Like coming up from underwater and taking a gulp of fresh air after holding her breath until her lungs screamed in agony. Like having her arms and legs crushed and destroyed, only to wake up one day to discover that a renewer had regrown them as good as new.

And yet, her flame was different. Unfamiliar. Alien. It was still her flame. She knew that as certainly as she knew Queen Celestia raised the sun each day. But, at the same time, it wasn’t her flame. At least, not as she knew it. She couldn’t explain it to herself, but it was… more expansive. More complex. As though rather than a single string section, it was an entire orchestra.

But even with the strangeness of her flame, it was to nothing in the face of the sheer, pure, primal joy of it replying to her call.

Sunset let the music guide her. Twirling, hopping, stepping, dipping, shuffling and breaking in new directions, she gave herself to her dance. Yet even in the midst of her elation, she had a purpose. Her flame was growing, and it demanded sustenance. She obliged, letting the warm, blissful joy in her chest slowly trickle into it. The emotional energy poured into the flame, and the flame hungrily devoured it, blazing to life with renewed vigor.

It was tempting to let the flame do as it willed. To let it grow wildly. Suffuse herself with it and let her magic erupt from every part of her body in a conflagration of radiance. To bask in its light and give in to it completely.

To simply let her flame burn brighter and brighter until it eclipsed the sun with its glow.

But she didn't. Down that path lay nothing but pain and death. Grasping her flame, she wrapped it in a shell of her will, holding it in check. She was the master, not her flame. The flame rebelled in response, fighting her control. Just as it always did. It struggled and twisted against her bindings, desperate to break free and run wild. Sunset clamped down even harder to hold it back. Compared to the battles of will she’d endured for the last three-quarters of a year, the act of reigning in her flame was nothing.

Once the flame was properly contained, she began using the motions of her dance to mold it into its final form. It was a painfully slow process. Unlike her old flame, she didn’t know the steps of the dance needed to refine it into its proper state. But she knew how the shape it should take felt. So she danced, experimenting with her motions, feeling the shape of the flame all the while.

Slowly, bit by bit, she molded it. Formed it. Refined it. And shaped it again.

Then, when she was certain it was just right, she unbound it, forming a channel of her will to direct it down her arm and out her hand. Like the flame itself, the act of directing her magic through her body rather than her missing soul-gem was a strange one. Not unpleasant. But strange nonetheless.

Within moments, the magic had left her body, leaving a familiar emptiness in its wake. Her dance coming to a halt, she bent over, holding her knees as she panted for breath, her eyes still held firmly shut. From the other side of her bond, she sensed Philomena’s concern. Sending back feelings of reassurance, she continued to take deep breaths, the sweat trickling down her face and neck tickling her skin.

That… that took more out of me than I expected.

Probably because you’re out of practice, Philomena teased, relief and pride flowing through their bond. You need to dance more and listen to Raven go on and on about politics less.

Huffing, Sunset sent a light, playful poke through their bond, along with a small bit of amusement. Really, Mena? Really? You decide to snark now?

A return feeling of amusement came from Philomena. But it's so much fun to tease you.

In spite of the tiny itch of irritation brewing in her chest, Sunset found it overwhelmed by warm mirth. Laughing under her breath, she finally opened her eyes and stood up, turning to face where Philomena was “perched” nearby.

I’m glad I can provide you with so much entertainment, feather-butt.

Hi platinum, I’m silver. You’re shiny.

Sunset glared at Philomena for a few long seconds, the phoenix glaring back just as intensely. Then, soft laughter slowly began flowing from Sunset’s throat, accompanied by the sound of Philomena’s trilling.

Point taken. Just know I’m not going to get you back later.

Wouldn’t expect any less, sun-butt.

Giving Philomena another playful poke, she rose, looking at the spot where she’d cast her spell. The sight greeting her brought a tired yet happy smile to her face.

Though it was difficult to see in the White Room’s glow, she could barely make out the feeble flicker of a will-o-wisp. The sphere of light was tiny, barely bigger than a rushlight, wavering and shifting unstably like it might collapse at any moment. In almost every sense, it was thoroughly unremarkable. Any fire-caller could have instinctively created something superior with a one handed spell-dance by the time the soul gem emerged from their foreheads. Only someone with a pitifully weak and impure flame would require minutes of full-body spell dancing to make something like it. Add the fact that the light was so unstable would be considered unacceptably sloppy spellcraft under any circumstances.

But for Sunset, it was one of the most wonderful things she’d ever seen.

I – I did it, Mena. I did it! It worked! It actually worked, Sunset sent, wrapping her arms around herself as the tears of joy began to flow down her face, saying “I did, Your Majesty!”

“You did, Sunset,” Queen Celestia’s voice echoed through the White Room, the music fading as she spoke. “I am so proud of you and the progress you’ve made. Your flame has finally begun to come into balance. At the rate you’re developing, I would say your magic will fully return within the next two or so months.”

Raing her head, Sunset looked expectantly up into the white void. “Are you sure, Your Majesty?”

“If you keep progressing at the pace you are right now, I am sure of it.”

Dropping to her knees and curling in on herself, Sunset’s happy weeping grew stronger.

Mena, did you hear that?! My magic… I’ll have my magic back. I’ll have my magic back! I… I can use magic again. I…

I heard, Sunset. I heard. Philomena’s sending lacked any of her typical snark, only adoration and happiness for her bondmate. Flying over and landing in front of Sunset, she reached up and touched the tip of her beak to Sunset’s nose, gently rubbing the edge of her culm against her bondmate’s skin.

Letting go of herself and scooping Philomena up, Sunset hugged the phoenix tightly to her chest, barely registering the distressed squawk that she made. I can use magic again…

I’m happy for you, Sunset. Could you use it to make me some air? It's kinda getting hard to breathe.

Suddenly aware of the discomfort Philomena was desperately sending her, Sunset relaxed her grip. Oh! Sorry! Sorry.

Taking several relieved breaths, Philomena sent, It's fine. Though maybe practice controlling that proto earth-weaver strength of yours?

Sure thing, Sunset sent, nuzzling her cheek against the top of Philomena’s head. I’ll put it on the list of things I need to do.

Make it a high priority. I don’t want to get crushed every time you hug me.

I’ll consider it, Sunset said, hugging Philomena a little more gently this time.

“However,” Queen Celestia said, pulling Sunset and Philomena out of their sendings, “you must also remember that even after your flame returns, you will be rebuilding a mountain. Do not expect to master your phoenix-born magic immediately.”

Sunset looked up into the glowing void of the White Room and nodded, still holding Philomena in her arms.

“I understand, Your Highness. I’m just…I…” Sunset trailed off, leaving her thoughts floating in the void.

“You need not say anything, Sunset. In many ways, you are still and always will be a fire-caller at heart. You may want to rush to reclaim your magic now that it has started to return, but you must be patient. Trying to force its return will not speed the process. It will come as it comes. And I will be here to help you explore its possibilities as it does.”

Before Sunset and Philomena’s eyes, thin, horizontal lines began to form in the featureless glow of the White Room. Slowly, the fissures expanded, revealing the interior of one of Queen Celestia’s chambers. The white ribbons soon swireled and flowed back into Queen Celestia’s left hand, leaving Sunset and Philomena resting in the palm of her right.

“I fear,” Queen Celestia said as Sunset set Philomena down and got to her feet, “that our time is at an end for today. You have other obligations to attend to, do you not?”

“I do, Your Majesty,” Sunset said, rising to her feet, the jubilation of the past however many minutes fading as the cold, hard reality of her afternoon duties returned. “Is there anything you wish me to study in preparation for tomorrow?”

“No, dear Sunset. We will work on the kinesthetic aspects of spell dancing. As I have told you, the spell dances you will use will be yours and yours alone. So we will continue to focus on finding the dances that your returning flame responds to best.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Sunset said, curtsying to the Queen. “Tomorrow then.”

Rising into the air, Sunset flew towards the sky-rail platform high on the far wall of the chamber, Philomena following close behind.

“Yes,” Sunset heard Queen Celestia say. “Tomorrow, my dear Sunset.”

*****

Sunset stood on the edge of the landing platform on the north face of Celestia’s Castle, staring down towards the Cathedral of the Sun, Philomena perched on her outstretched arm. Taking to the air, Philomena began to leisurely fly down towards the grand edifice. Sunset, however, didn’t immediately follow. Leaving meant going back to reality. A reality that she wasn’t looking forward to in the least.

Looking down the ledge, she found a strange idea coming to mind. It might have been the return of her magic. It might have been a moment of whimsy. She wasn’t sure. But, she decided that she was going to have a little fun.

I know that feeling, Philomena sent, wheeling around and hovering in place. What are you scheming, sun-butt?

Just watch. Jogging back a little ways from the edge, Sunset took a deep breath. Then, steeling herself, she burst into a full sprint. Upon reaching the edge, she leapt off with a laugh, her arms spread wide and her heart racing with excitement as she allowed Nitor’s grasp to pull her down into a freefall.

Sunset! Philomena’s panicked sending only made her laugh harder as she fell.

She was half way down the castle’s wall before she focused on taking flightt. Swooping in a wide arc, Sunset slingshotted back upward, rising up to hover by her fuming bondmate. Sunset let out a jubilant guffaw as she started to come down from the adrenaline rush.

Okay, that was more fun than I was expecting.

Irritation conflicting with relief slammed into her from Philomena. Warn me next time you want to do something like that, Sunset!

But where’s the fun in that? Sunset sent, her laughter dying down as she wiped her eyes.

Philomena continued glaring at her, before letting out an exasperated huff, the sendings shifting to mild annoyance and a small amount of mirth, I’m counting that one as payback for earlier, you know.

Laughing again, Sunset sent warm feelings of love to Philomena, reaching out and petting the top of her head affectionately. Fair’s fair, feather-butt.

You’re impossible, you know that?

Hi platinum, I’m silver. You’re shiny.

Trilling with amusement, Philomena sent a shove at Sunset, Okay. Okay. Fair point.

Sharing one last moment of mirth, the two of them resumed their flight towards the western face of the cathedral. Sunset found herself reminiscing as they flew. Though it felt like ages ago, she remembered how she’d had to be ferried to the queen for the first couple of months. But now? Now she could fly to and from the queen’s home under her own power. She’d never really understood why Rainbow Dash or Flitter liked being in the air as much as they did when it was safer on the ground. But after experiencing flight for the first time, a whole world she’d never known she wanted or needed had opened up to her. So even if she still found herself more comfortable with her feet solidly on Nitor, she wouldn’t give up the sky for anything.

Reaching the cathedral, a mischievous smirk worked its way onto Sunset’s mouth.

Mena, race ya! Sunset sent, suddenly doubling her speed and shooting ahead of Philomena.

Hey! No fair! Philomena sent indignantly as she sped up to match.

Weaving through the cathedral’s spires with Philomena, Sunset found herself smiling as the two of them jockeyed for the lead. Swinging around one of the spires, they dropped down the face towards the now familiar sight of her balcony, along with the slightly less familiar sight of a pair of sun-touched waiting for her.

Sensing Philomena starting to overtake her, Sunset pushed herself, keeping her narrow lead just long enough to reach the balcony first.

I win! she sent proudly.

The sun-touched bowed to Sunset as she landed on the balcony, opening the door to her bedroom, and ushering her in. Letting Philomena fly in first, Sunset thanked them before following her into her room.

Only because you had a head start. Philomena sending was laced with good humored annoyance, flying straight to the gold perch by Sunset’s bed. Alighting on the shining metal structure, she turned to face her bondmate.

You’re just mad that you lost.

Sure, whatever makes you think you actually won, sun-butt. I could beat you while molting if you didn’t cheat.

Is that a challenge, Mena.

I don’t know. How bad do you want to lose?

I don’t know. How bad do you want to?

An amused shriek came from Philomena’s throat, one echoed by Sunset’s own laughter as the sun-touched entered her room, shutting the door behind them.

Her room.

The thought of this room being hers was still a strange one. When she’d first been brought to the cathedral, it hadn’t felt like hers. It felt sparse. Lonely. Empty. And too large for her liking. That latter opinion hadn’t changed much, but in the time since her arrival the space had at least become hers. The bookshelves that lined the wall were now filled with not only volumes upon volumes of arcane literature, art theory, history, fantasy novels, anthologies of myths and legends, political discourses provided by Raven, a small number of treatises on military tactics and logistics assigned to her by General Sentry, but copious notebooks filled with her own thoughts and ideas.

Her dresser, who’s surfaces had once been empty, were now decorated with mementos of her time in the smithy with the queen. Most of the objects were simple, crude pieces of metalwork that no normal smith would be willing to keep. But to her, they were important milestones in her training. In addition to the metallurgic memories, there were many small pots and vessels containing plants gifted by Roseluck, bringing a much needed feeling of life to the room. And not just flowers, but ferns and strange things Roseluck called clubmosses.

It wasn’t exactly what she’d have liked, but at least it didn’t feel strange anymore.

Walking over to her bed, she began examining the three outfits she’d asked the sun-touched to lay out for her while she was taking lessons with the queen. Scrutinizing the three, she considered which one she wanted to wear. Truthfully, she didn’t really want to wear any of them, if only because they were all “frilly monstrosities.” But, at least they were frilly monstrosities that she’d had designed using western sensibilities, and that she’d chosen for today.

It was just part of playing the game, she reminded herself as she made her choice. Pointing at her choice, Sunset addressed the sun-touched, saying “This one.”

The outfit in question consisted of a light gray, lacy blouse, and full length black velvet dress, along with a black leather pauldron for Philomena to perch on. Both the dress and pauldron were embroidered with swirling lines of red, yellow and orange lace and ceramic beads, creating the appearance of streams of fire. The warms of the outfit were complemented by matching deep-sea-green and aquamarine belt-sash, boots, and head scarf that would be wrapped around her forehead and tied under her living flame at the nape of her neck.

Neither of the sun-touched replied, instead simply walking past her, one retrieving the chosen clothing, while the second collected the other two and began the process of putting the component garments away. While the second worked, Sunset and the first sun-touched headed into her bathroom. And the pre-warmed tub of water waiting for her. From the pleasant aroma in the air, she knew that the sun-touched had added herbs to the water to help her relax.

Just another of the luxuries she was still getting used to.

After a quick bath to remove all the sweat she’d accumulated during her morning lessons, the sun-touched gently dried her and applied a few drops of floral-scented oil to her skin, then started the process of putting her into her formal clothes. As she let them do their job, she closed her eyes and opened her bond with Philomena.

Alright, let's review for afternoon, Sunset sent, the feeling of the sun-touched gently dressing her becoming distant as she fully immersed herself into the bond. First is the coronation of Sapphire’s dad as regent of Aurorias.

Better him than Blueblood getting it.

He still might, if he doesn’t give Raven a reason to deny him.

I’m not standing under that boulder.

He’s that Chaos-spawn Highblood’s son. I wouldn’t be surprised if he learned to lie just as well as his dad.

From the other room, she could feel Philomena fluff up her feathers in irritation. Hopefully Raven has Dawn Wings watching him.

I doubt he warrants Dawn Wings herself. Probably one of the other Eyes, if that.

An unusually vicious thought crossed Philomena’s mind. That’s too bad. Knowing Dawn Wings, she’d probably rearrange stuff in his room while he was out just to mess with him.

Sunset had to restrain herself from laughing. Mena, Dawn Wings would never do such a thing. She’d just put some ground berries under his pillow and let a bunch of rats loose in his room while he was asleep.

Ugh, Philomena gagged in revolt, I didn’t need that image. Even if it’s funny.

Hey, just keeping my fantasies true to Dawn Wings’ character.

Sure. Whatever you say, sun-butt. Can we please move on? I prefer rodents roasted and seasoned, not alive and biting.

Just had to get the last word in, didn’t you?

Yes. Yes, I did. So, you were saying.

Feeling of the sun-touched carefully tying the scarf onto her head, Sunset sent, Right. After the coronation, we’re meeting with the ranking councilors from the Western Territory. Not sure which one I’m looking forward too less. At least with the coronation, we just have to pass that goat-licker his nighted sash. Meeting with the councilors on the other hand…

Sympathy flowed into her mind from Philomena, along with a touch of defiance. At least Roseluck and my sister are going to be with us. Besides, this is just a first introduction.

Sunset sent a feeling of agreement to Philomena. Doesn’t mean we can’t let our guard down. They’re still nobles, even if they’re from the west. I doubt they’re going to be happy about having to eventually take orders from us.

Philomena sent a feeling of reassurance. You could handle the kirintal, you can handle this. Don’t stress too much about it. We’ve got time to win them over.

This time, Sunset sent a solid wave of disagreement in response. It's still going to be years before we’re going to be granted our title. If we set this alight, it’ll make things much harder when it finally happens.

Feeling the sun-touched stop dressing her, Sunset pulled herself back from within the link and opened her eyes, looking into the bathroom’s mirror.

And at the pretty young girl looking back at her.

It was strange, seeing herself in that way. She’d never really considered herself pretty. Never wanted to think of herself that way either. Even with the vision Queen Celestia showed her all those months ago. But, looking at herself now, she knew that it wasn’t just her future. It was her present too.

Philomena clearly shared the sentiment thanks to the feeling of warm wonder and adoration flowing back to Sunset.

I guess Roseluck and my chat-lecti were right, weren’t they; I am pretty.

Yes. You really are. I’m just glad you’re finally willing to admit it, sun-butt.

All it took was finding the right outfit, Sunset sent, letting her mirth flow through to Philomena while examining her reflection, turning left then right to get a good look at herself. There was something missing, but she couldn’t shine a light on what. After a short moment of consideration, an idea struck her. Focusing on her living flame, she willed it to form it into a braid. Withdrawing her control and letting it fall back into place, but still retain its shape, she gave herself another look. And nodded with satisfaction.

Maybe. Or not being too distracted and annoyed by “being paraded around like a doll.”

Huffing through her nose, Sunset sent a good humored poke through her link.

No, that makes too much sense. It must be the scarf, Sunset sent, looking up to the sun-touched and saying, “Thank you. It looks wonderful.”

The sun-touched bowed their head to her in response.

Well, guess we’re ready. How are we looking on time? Sunset sent, heading for the bathroom door, followed by the sun-touched.

Sunset found herself in two places, where she actually was, and seeing the world from Philomena’s perspective showing her the face of the wall clock. We’re on schedule. But, we’re going to have to get to the sky-rail station sooner than later if we want to get to Chromos on time.

Holding out her arm, Sunset made her towards the door to her living area, Philomena flying over and landing on the outstretched limb. In that case, we should take the cathedral’s rail system instead of flying.

Pushing the doors open, Sunset headed towards the exit to the main hall, bringing Philomena up to her shoulder.

Stepping onto the pauldron, Philomena sent, Afraid I’ll prove that you can’t take me in a real race? Or do you just not want to mess up your dress?

Giving Philomena a sidelong glance, Sunset started scratching her chin, making the phoenix trill happily at the touch. After I went through all the trouble of actually finding something I like? The latter.

*****

Sunset subtly squirmed in her overly large throne in an effort to make herself comfortable, while trying not to draw the attention of the room's other occupants. Unlike the elation of the morning’s lessons with the queen and the euphoria of her magic’s return, the atmosphere in the Council of Light’s chamber was heavy. Tense. Weighed down by a crushing weight of anticipation. Both from herself, and the room’s other occupants. To her left, the rest of the phoenix-born were seated in their own thrones with their bondmates. Before her, the rest of the Council of Light. Unlike the last time she’d been in the council chamber, the room was completely filled, every seat in the gallery occupied. And not just by the council, but by civilians from across Heliopolis that had come to witness the event.

There was at least one other significant difference between the previous meeting: Marquis Amethyst Mirage and Blueblood were sitting at the Aurorias representative’s bench. Behind the pair were both Marchionesses Ruby and Sapphire Prism, as well as Blueblood’s mother Duchess Delicate Silk. Every so often, Philomena would catch the Aurorians glaring in her direction. Something that Sunset did her best to ignore.

She hated it, but she couldn’t give in to the temptation to glare back. She had more eyes on her than the Aurorians did. They were all playing the game. They were just trying to get her to ignite, just like they had when they were at the Photon Museum of Art. Or like Duchess Rich had done during the Fall Harvest Festival. Get her to act out of turn. Damage her reputation. Humiliate herself.

Only now, she knew their moves. Or at least some of them. And this time, she swore she wouldn’t fall for them. A task made much easier by Philomena quenching Sunset’s temper with a cool, steady stream of calming sendings.

The sound of Raven’s hammer stone striking her sounding board shattered the crushing tension in the air and snapped Sunset back to Nitor. The sound was followed by Raven saying “Bright day to all of you. By the power vested in me by Queen Celestia as her Voice and Hand, I hereby declare this special meeting of the Council of Light to be in session.”

Waiting a moment to ensure she had the council’s attention, Raven continued.

“Today, we have but a single order of business: officiating the coronation of Marquis Amethyst Mirage as Regent of Aurorias. Does anyone wish to add any items to the agenda?”

There was a solemn silence that settled over the Council chamber. To Sunset’s relief, none of them asked for any alterations to the agenda. To her chagrin, none of them suggested a vote of no confidence against Sapphire’s father.

“If there are no requests for additions to the itinerary, we will move on. Roseluck, would you please read the Article of Confirmation?”

Watching Roseluck from the corner of her eyes, Sunset saw the archduchess rise. It was obvious to Sunset that she was in no hurry to perform her assigned task, the lethargic pace of her movements emphasizing her unspoken disdain.

“Yes, Raven,” Roseluck said coldly, a scroll of parchment in her hands. Unfolding the scroll, she began to read in her flat, official voice. “On this day, we, Queen Celestia’s Council of Light, hereby declare that Marquis Amethyst Mirage, of the house of Highblood, shall be elevated to the rank of Regent of the Southern Ray of Aurorias. In this capacity, Regent Mirage will be tasked with all duties, privileges and obligations of former Duke Highblood. This regency will last for a minimum of seven years, at which time the former Duke’s son Blueblood will have reached the age of majority.”

Roseluck briefly paused in her reading, taking a moment to look around the room. Sunset noticed that several councilors, most notably Duchess Redheart and Duke Fancy, did not look pleased by what they were hearing. Roseluck took a deep breath, and continued. “During Regent Mirage’s tenure, we, Queen Celestia’s Council of Light, will observe his performance as Regent, as well as the actions of his nephew Blueblood. Before the expiration of this regency, we, Queen Celestia’s Council of Light, will reconvene and determine if Regent Mirage will be permanently elevated to the status of Duke and assume permanent control of Highblood’s domain, or if the rule of Aurorias shall pass to Blueblood, who will be granted his full title of Duke.”

Another lengthy pause came, Roseluck reaching down with a hair tendril to grab a goblet from her bench and taking a swift drink.

“The course of this decree was debated and voted on by all top ranking members of the Council of Light, as well as seventy percent of the lower ranked members. The resolution passed with seventy-five percent in favor, twenty opposed, and five abstaining from all participating members of the council.”

Setting the scroll down, Roseluck clasped her hands behind her back. “I now return the floor to Lady Raven Inkwell.”

“Thank you, Archduchess Roseluck,” Raven said as Roseluck took her seat. “Before we bestow the title of Regent to Marquis Mirage, he has prepared an address. Please, Marquis Mirage, the floor is yours.”

“Thank you, Lady Inkwell,” the marquis replied, his voice cool, calm and controlled as he rose. As he did, the nervous pall in the room grew even stronger. Sunset suspected that a few of the lower ranked councilors might even be holding their breath in anticipation.

Stepping around his bench and approaching the floor, he moved with the practiced control of one who had spent their entire life in the high courts. Smooth, flawless and unflappable. While it was nothing compared to the grace of her fellow immortals, Sunset ruefully noted that for a mortal, he was all but flawless. To her, it was more than just adherence to decorum. It was a warning. This was a royal who was confident in his ability, and was not to be trifled with.

Coming to stand before the phoenix-born’s thrones, he bowed to the collective immortals, holding the pose for just the right amount of time. Then, rising and turning to face the rest of the assembled councilors, he clasped his hands behind his back, and spoke.

“Bright day to all of you, my respected colleagues and august guests. May Queen Celestia’s light grace you,” the marquis said, his voice projecting to the assembled council with authority and confidence. “I wish I could be speaking to you under better circumstances. A phoenix-rite defiled by blasphemy. The integrity of my nephew’s house and many others, besmirched by my elder brother’s heretical conspiracy. Suspicion and distrust now plague not only Aurorias, but all of shining Heliopolis. Nay, our entire nation. How close we came to losing the newest phoenix-born to the machinations of Nightcrawler when she visited the Eastern Territory. Were it not for the stalwart and grounding presence of our phoenix-born, I suspect things would be much worse.”

Bringing his right hand out from behind his back, Marquis Mirage stared at his open palm before clenching his fist and sharply returning his attention to the other councilors.

“I have spent my life in service to Aurorias, Heliopolis, Solaria and Queen Celestia. That my own brother, my family, could dare to send us down this path sickens me beyond words. We, the Council of Light, are to be the beacon to which the rest of Solaria looks to for guidance and leadership. Yet we are nothing compared to the will of Queen Celestia. We may be the mortal chosen of Queen Celestia, but we must never forget that we serve her. We are the guiding light that sees her will be done. To think otherwise is the most terrible of heresies.”

Tilting his head back, Marquis Mirage closed his eyes and took a slow, deep breath. Letting it out, he looked back at the assembly, and continued.

“I had never thought I would be called upon for such a regency as the one I have been tasked to fulfill. But, I do so gladly. For my daughter. For my family. For Aurorias and Heliopolis. For Solaria. And, most importantly, for Queen Celestia. If it will be my burden to rebuild the trust lost by my brother, and prepare the way for my nephew to one day take his birthright, then I do so gladly. We stand on the edge of a precipice. Yet not one created by Chaos. Or invaders. Or horrors of old. No, it is a precipice created by those who forgot their place. Forgot that while we are Queen Celestia’s chosen leaders, we are not above Her will. Just as Solaria serves us, we serve Queen Celestia. We must never forget that. If it shall be my role to drag us back from the precipice, then so be it. I know it will take time. I know I will need to earn your trust, for it was my brother who set this all into motion. But I will persevere. I will work for a better, brighter future. And I will do everything in my power to guide Aurorias and Heliopolis towards Queen Celestia’s vision.”

Throwing his hands out wide, he concluded. “Please, my fellow councilors. My fellow Heliopolans. My fellow Solarians! My fellow sun-gazers. Will we bear scars from the wounds inflicted on us by Highblood’s heresy? Yes, we will. For years to come. But those scars will be a reminder to all that there is a price for a lack of vigilance. We must never forget that when we are united under Queen Celestia, we can bear any pain. For we are sun-gazers. We wield the light that is flame. We are the radiance granted by Queen Celestia and the Empress that shines upon Impraecordia, driving back the dark, the shadows, and the poison of Chaos. We are the cleansing light of Nitor. And we will overcome and emerge stronger than before.”

Lowering his arms and clasping his hands behind his back, Marquis Mirage silently stood before his compatriots as though waiting. The Council chamber was completely silent for what felt like an eternity. Then, the silence was broken by the scraping of a chair, drawing Sunset, Philomena and every other sun-gazer’s attention. Chancellor Neighsay had risen from his seat.

And began to applaud.

Then the Richess rose, their applause joining Chancelor Neighsay’s. Then Duke Fancy. Then Duchesses Redheard and Frost. Soon, the entire chamber was on its feet, the thunderous applause drowning out everything else. The only ones to remain seated and silent were Sunset and the other phoenix-born.

The applause went on for far longer than Sunset would have liked, but eventually began to die down, the rest of the council returning to their seats. Once order had returned to the chamber, Raven cleared her throat, drawing all eyes to her, including Marquis Mirage.

“Thank you, Marquis Mirage,” Raven said, her tone indifferent and flat, yet carrying power and authority beyond anything the marquis could hold. “We, the Council of Light, bear the burden of governing Solaria in Queen Celestia’s name. To live by her virtues of Generosity, Kindness, Friendship and Deference. To live up to the obligation placed upon us to see her people protected and safe. It is a heavy burden. Do you, Marquis Amethys Mirage, swear to uphold your obligations as Regent of Aurorias? To uphold the law of the land, and protect it from all who would break it.”

“I swear, Lady Inkwell,” Marquis Mirage replied, his tone smooth and fearless.

“Do you swear to abide by the decisions of this council at the end of your regency, regardless of the outcome? To peacefully abdicate your position to your nephew should we deem him worthy?”

“I swear, Lady Inkwell.”

Lifting her hand imperiously, Raven splayed her fingers wide.

“Then, by the power granted to me by Queen Celestia, Centaur of the Sun, High Queen of Solaria and ruler of all sun-gazers, I hereby declare you Regent of the City of Aurorias. Lady Shimmer, if you would?”

All eyes in the room suddenly shifted to Sunset. From the looks on the assembled councilors, they hadn’t expected her to be the one called upon by Raven. Some were staring at her with disbelief. Others concern. Some, like the Richess and Highbloods, barely contained contempt. But, more than a few, such as Duchess Redheart and Duke Fancy, looked upon her with pleased surprise.

Swallowing as subtly as she could, Sunset let both Philomena and her meditation techniques calm the wildfire that was threatening to ignite in her chest. She knew this was coming. Raven had told her as much. While it was tradition for either Raven or General Sentry to present the sash of station to the newly elevated noble, it was entirely within Raven’s prerogative to have one of the other phoenix-born do so.

You’re okay, Sunset. Philomena’s sending came with a renewed wave of calm. I’m right here with you.

Sunset let a small amount of mirth flow back to Philomena in an effort to mask her own nervousness. Kinda hard for you not to be, considering our situation.

Using humor to conceal your nerves doesn’t work on me, sun-butt. I live in your brain after all.

And I live in yours, feather-butt. Sunset relaxed and let her gratitude flow through their bond, receiving Philomena’s appreciation and support in return.

“As you wish, Lady Inkwell,” Sunset said, projecting her voice as best she could. Even with all of the speaking lessons Raven had been giving her, she was still not as effective as her elders. But, that didn’t matter at the moment. What mattered was conducting her role in the coronation. And letting the message it would send to the council be heard loud and clear. “Regent Mirage, kneel.”

At Sunset’s command, the marquis dropped to a knee and bowed his head, though Sunset caught the briefest glint of resentment in his eyes. Once he had taken a knee, Sunset retrieved a white and gold sash from the surface of her podium. Floating into the air, she descended from her throne to the floor, landing in front of the soon to be regent.

“With this sash, we bestow upon you the title of Regent of Aurorias. Serve faithfully, regent. Queen Celestia will be watching,” Sunset said, holding the sash in both hands.

The Marquis slowly raised his head, and fixed Sunset’s eyes with his own. Sunset stood firm as she looked him in the eyes in turn. While his expression was controlled, she spent her days with the likes of Raven, General Sentry, and the Queen. And she could see the cracks in his mask. The subtle venom in his stare, the slight furrow of his brow, the ever so tiny downturn of his mouth. He was good at hiding it, but she saw a flicker of his inner thoughts as the two of them faced the other.

And what she saw was a man with a vendetta. A man who was now regent of one of the most powerful rays in all Heliopolis.

As he reached up with both hands to take the sash, Sunset heard the faintest whisper come from him, his lips barely moving as he said, “You hurt my daughter, Lady Shimmer. Don’t think I’ve forgotten that.”

A cold chill ran down Sunset’s back as the marquis took the sash from her hands. She didn’t let it show, instead holding his eyes with her own defiantly. Once relieved of the fabric loop, Sunset rose into the air and flew back to her throne, refusing to look back or acknowledge the marquis. Once she’d returned to her throne, he waited a few moments before rising and donning the accoutrement of his new office. As he turned back to the assembled council, Raven spoke once again.

“Dawn rises across Solaria, and Regent Amethyst Mirage of Aurorias. Praise be to the Sun and Flame.”

“Praise be to the Sun and Flame!” Came an enthusiastic response from the rest of the chamber, accompanied by another round of thunderous applause.

Staring at the back of Regent Mirage’s head, Sunset’s stomach was roiling with barely contained, bilous loathing. It was a struggle to keep her expression under control, but she still felt a small, nigh invisible frown tugging on the corner of her mouth.

That was a load of moorgaunt crap, Sunset sent, as she continued to force her face to stay as neutral as possible.

You don’t have to tell me, Philomena replied, sharing her sight with Sunset. From her perspective, Sunset could see that many of the people applauding the new regent, including Duke Fancy, Duchess Redheart, and most of the councilors from both the Eastern and Western Territories were giving only the minimal amount of effort to their applause.

Then Philomena’s eyes landed on Blueblood. Despite applauding his uncle, his attention was firmly fixed on Sunset, his mouth pinched into a tight, angry frown and his brows furrowed. Likewise, Neighsay, the Riches, and a large number of nobles from each of the Rays kept giving her surreptitious glares, even as they cheered for the new regent.

Looks like the board’s been set, hasn’t it, Sunset?

You got that right, feather-butt. They probably think that they’ve seen what we can do. Think that just because I’m some foundling “dirt-eater,” that they’re going to beat me. Well, they have another thing coming. I didn’t want to play before. Now I do. And we’re not just playing to win. We’re going to crush them.

Author's Note

And there we have it. The "end" of Phoenix-born rising. Before I mark this thing as complete, I need to decide if I want to do any epilogues or not. But, regardless, this is the end of the main story.

This has been a wild ride. Starting from an entry in an Imposing Sovereigns five years ago and ending up expanding into a dramatically alternate reality to Equestria Girls. This thing I've created, I'll be honest, doesn't feel like its really a MLP story anymore. Even with the familiar touchstones, it's become something entirely different. I've received plenty of comments saying that with a few tweaks, Nitor could be its own thing. With how far the Splintered Sky has deviated from MLP, I'm considering that one possibility.

I have plans for Nitor and Splintered Sky in the future. But right now, those plans are still up in the air. I want to get to Selenia, and I have a rough outline of what's going to happen, but its going to take some time to put together. In the meantime, I'd like to do something of an Anthology of myths, stories, fairytales and legends from Nitor. I'm not committing to it, but it might be a fun way to keep things going while I finish outlining and start writing Star-Singer Reborn.

Thank you everyone for sticking with me through all of this. From new readers to those who've been here since the beginning. It means a lot to me that you all think my scribbles are worth reading. Truely, thank you for helping me finish this thing. Without the comments and engagement, I probably would have quit a while ago.