Author's Note

Again thank you diablo4000 for inspiring this chapters. Their ideas inspired me to write this chapter. They also have wonderful ideas that I shall be using to base my next two or so chapters on. Now Remember, PM me to give me ideas, and I shall credit you in the note. Thanks again to my friend Redhairsaiyan for editing this with me. I hope you all enjoy this chapter of Shimmering Hope. Also, if anyone could make a cover for this story that would be greatly appreciated, and I will credit you in the updated Story Info.

Nightmares and Daydreams

Principal Celestia walks back into her home, having just gotten back from the Hospital. Sunset was doing well and Dr. Wolf had his best team of nurses and doctors on her case, making sure she was alright throughout the night. She refused to go home at first, but was reminded by Dr. Wolf that she needed to rest, and he knows from experience one should not try to sleep in the hospital chairs. She reluctantly left, promising Sunset she would return early in the morning. 'It is currently 11 o'clock, so the visiting and check out opens at 9 o'clock sharp. So I will need to wake up at 7:30 at the latest to make sure I get there without rushing.' She continues to think as she hangs up her winter coat and sets her boots on the rug.

She shivers a bit, the floor cold on her feet. She moves swiftly into the living area. She smiles, at the family picture hanging over the fireplace, the Christmas tree all decorated and lit up. She sees the small pile of presents she and Luna had gotten each other. 'Christmas is only 6 days away, maybe we can get something for Sunset by then.' Celestia notices her sister's absence on the couch. When she left, which felt like ages ago but was only close to an hour, her dear little sister was on the couch, as they both were talking about her idea to adopt Sunset. Luna was cautious, not feeling she could ever face the teen again.

That was when Fluttershy called her, 'To think, such a quiet girl has such anger and fire.' Celestia remembers that call, at first confused, than trying to reason as her own guilt crept up on her. Then.... the words that made her and Luna freeze, "PRINCIPAL CELESTIA! SUNSET ISN'T HERE, SHE LEFT... AND SHE JUST TRIED TO KILL HERSELF!" Those words still ring in her head. She took action, running to the car as Luna stayed, unable to move as she broke down. 'I'll check on her before going to bed.' Celestia walks and checks her things for tomorrow, then locks up and heads to her sister's room. She opens the door, as she sees her fast asleep. She is wrapped up like a cocoon on her queen sized bed.

Celestia smiles, as she shuts the door. 'She is asleep, so we will talk before I go. Maybe she will come with me to get her.' She walks to her room, which is equal in size and layout. She got herself ready for tomorrow, setting her alarm and changing into her nightgown. She shivered slightly, as she crawled into her bed, wrapping up as the warmth is trapped by the blankets. She smiles, thinking about tomorrow, as sleep slowly takes her.

Celestia soon opens her eyes, but finds herself standing up. She is looking at Sunset Shimmer, still on a stretcher. Her heart grows cold, as she sees a nurse place a cloth over her. The stretcher moves away, as she looks around confused. She finds herself in the park, right where Xavier said he found Sunset. There is bloody snow next to a bench, as she sees the girls all present. They all seem mortified, as Fluttershy cries and clings to Dash. Celestia feels cold, as she tries to speak but can't. She then feels weightless, as the dream shifts around her like a cloud of colored smoke.

She finds herself next to Sunset, in the hospital, as she hears her own words replay. Sunset glares at her, and nearly shouts, "You think I want to live with you? You let this happen to me! I trusted you, I LOOKED UP TO YOU! YOU DID THIS!" Sunset suddenly begins to bleed from her wrists and neck, as Celestia sees her face go lifeless. She falls over, in shock as the body spasms out in front of her. It goes from Sunset Shimmer, to her sister with a noose around her neck. Celestia screams out, as the dreams shatter around her.

She wakes up panting, jolting up and nearly slams her head into Luna's. Luna jolts back, nearly falling out of bed as Celestia looks frantically around, then pulls Luna closer. She looks at her neck, checking for any marks. 'No no no, please no.' She finds none, as she calms down a bit, but she tries to grab her phone. Luna stops her, as she grabs her hand. "I have already called them, Tia, she is asleep and safe." Celestia nods, as she feels the tears flow down her cheeks.

Luna is crying, her eyes red as she shakes a bit. Celestia realizes why she would call. "You.... had a nightmare didn't you Lu?" Her sister nods, as she wipes a tear off her face. "Yes I.. did.... It was horrible. I was... making an announcement.. of her funeral... and... I couldn't stop speaking it. I told them everything about her, her lack of family here, her loss of friends... then... everyone just moved on. The five all stayed angry and soon dropped out, as Mr. Sentry played a song in her honor at the funeral. She.. she could have died Tia... she really could have died. If it weren't for Mr. Xavier's actions, she could have died."

Celestia nods, as she slowly realizes with growing dread, how close they were to losing such a bright young student. No, not just close, literally mere moments away from losing her. It took a total stranger, who is not of their world, to save her. She remembers Xavier's words to her, as she feels a chill run down her spine. "She had it right at her arm, and if I didn't catch it when I did, or even got involved, she would be dead within minutes. Tonight, she was lucky I took a walk in the moonlight." Luck. They were lucky this time, but how long would luck keep Sunset alive? No, she ran out of luck this night, they all know that. Sunset needed something more than luck to keep her going now, she needed a safe home, and.. a family.

Celestia looks at her sister, as tears flow from her eyes. "Lu, I have to say.... we were lucky this time. If it wasn't for Mr. Xavier taking a walk, nor his rush to help, she would be dead. She was moments away, as he told me. Sunset, accepted our offer, to live with us. But, we could have lost her twice tonight. Once when she tried to take her own life, the other when I offered to come live with us. I...had a nightmare of both... and... the last one... of you." Luna looks down, as she shivers.

Luna slowly moves closer to her sister, as Celestia hugs her, making sure to avoid pulling on her too hard. "You know... after.... the incident, I haven't tried again."

Celestia nods, slowly rubbing her sisters back. "Yes, but... this reminds me of you. High school bullying, name calling, except this time, no relatives adding to that abuse. This is why I wanted to make sure Sunset has a safe home, we both know what living alone or in a bad home is like. And I promise, I won't tell her about it, you can do so when your ready sister." Luna nods, and hugs her sister back. 'If only I realized it sooner, and if only my irrational false beliefs didn't blind me to what Sunset was going through.' She sighs, as she comforts her sister. Soon, both curl up under the blankets, as both rather not let go of the other. Luna falls deep asleep, as Celestia smiles and nods off, focusing on tomorrow, and what it will hopefully bring.

Celestia wakes up to her alarm, as she feels the bed move the her alarm is turned off. "Why did you set an alarm Tia?" Celestia sighs as she gets up, to her sisters annoyance, as the cold air hits Luna for a moment, making her shiver.

"I have to get Sunset from the Hospital, she had to stay the night like I told you on the phone." She shivers a bit, as she remembers to set the thermostat before she gets ready to take her shower. Luna yawns than speaks in a soft, almost hushed, voice, "So, could I stay here, and maybe make a large meal for us all?" Celestia nods, as she turns the water so it warms up.

"Yes, that is a good idea. However, I was hoping you could come with me to get her. Unless you're not up to face her yet." She wonders if Sunset would accept her sister's apology, or even look at her. She feels the guilt in her return, as she can tell Luna feels the same way. Luna calmly gets up, and makes the bed. "I honestly need some more time, and sister, Miss Shimmer is a vegetarian yes?" Celestia nods, as she gets in the shower. 'I hope Sunset had a decent sleep in the hospital, and I wonder if she knew Xavier was from her world. I should call the girls to make sure they know Sunset is safe, and we can plan out from there how to fix this mess.'

She walks out of her room, dressed in casual clothes, a simply thick sweater and pair of thick jeans. She walks the hall and down the stairs to the living area. She sees Luna in the large kitchen, as the two large windows let some light in. The day is cloudy, but no snow yet. The sun is low, barely above the treetops. She sees Luna looking up recipes and checking to make sure she can make them. "I am going now Lu. I should be back by 10 o'clock. Try not to go overboard."

Luna looks at her, as Celestia sees she is wearing the most ridiculous apron, which has the video game character, Master Chief, with a chef hat on and the words "The Chief is Here." over his body. "I won't, but isn't that a bit long? It is only 45 minutes from here to the Hospital?"

Celestia nods, and walks over to the kitchen, "Well, I have to make sure to take my time on the roads, pick up some files from the Social Security Office near the Hospital, and be verified by a social worker I can be Sunset's guardian. I also want to get there early to check on her, and to make sure Sunset has appointments set up with Dr. Wolf. Then, well, there is making sure I have those adoption forms ready. I just want them in case I need to change the information on them."

Luna nods, but stops. "Wait, you haven't filled them out for her have you?" Celestia sighs, and looks at Luna with a serious face. "We both know she falsified her residence and legal forms ever since she arrived here. I took what I know and what she had to tell us to get some aspects of it filled out. There is also the fact that she will be filing in some of the pages herself, just I won't have them turned into the Social Department till she is ready." 'And till I feel like I could be her mother for real.' Celestia sighs, looking at her sister.

Luna nods, "I understand Tia, after all she is not from here and we must make sure she is safe here." Luna looks at the clock and nods to it. "I think you should get going." Celestia looks at the clock, and sees it is 7:28. 'Yep, time to go.' She gathers all her stuff and puts on her winter attire. "Alright Luna, take your time and We'll be back soon." Luna nods, as Celestia goes out the garage door. She gets into her small hybrid car, as she opens the garage and gets on her way. She drives carefully, making her first stop with relative ease. The Secretary got her papers right away, as she told her that Mr. Xavier called to let them know she was coming. Celestia stopped, confused as to how he would've known, until she remembers she told him and Dr. Wolf about her intentions of adopting Sunset, if Sunset would let her be her mother. She thanks her as she gets back and drives the short distance to the hospital. She walks in, and sees to her surprise, Dr. Wolf walking up to her. He is smiling, as he carries some papers on a clipboard.

Dr. Wolf speaks to her, with his ever calm and compassionate voice. "Miss Celestia, welcome, we were told you would be arriving early. Now if you are alright, we can work on the paperwork and legal forms now. Sunset is still asleep, and had only a slight issue of having a small nightmare, however our staff helped her calm down and sleep again. It was just after your sister called us asking about her. So, shall we get to work, we wouldn’t want to keep Sunset waiting?" He smiles and looks up at her, as he was slightly shorter than her.

"Yes, lets us begin Dr. Wolf." Celestia speaks calmly, however her worry grows a bit. 'She had a nightmare, what was it about? How does Mr. Xavier know I would be here now? He said he had a flight to catch. Is he spying on her since he is worried? Is he spying on me?' She continues to think as they walk to his office. They sit down in Dr. Wolf’s cozy office and begin discussing everything and working on the legal documents. Celestia goes through the work with a fine toothed comb, making sure there are no issues of any kind, double checking names and dates, maintaining some truth to already false documents. They finish, having spent an hour doing the paperwork and having Celestia become Sunset's guardian. Celestia is shocked at how long it took, and is glad she got here earlier than she expected. Dr. Wolf then takes her to Sunset's room.

Celestia sees Sunset with a nurse, who finishes off her check up as Sunset sits in a wheelchair, her bags from Xavier's shopping spree for her in a cart. Sunset smiles at Celestia. "Hello Celestia, did you sleep well?" Celestia can see her scars, as her leather jacket is off. Those scars stop her in her tracks, reminders of how close she was last night. "I had an alright night sleep, but did you sleep well Sunset" Sunset sighs, and looks a bit concerned.

"I did... till I had a nightmare." Sunset is shaking as she holds herself. "I was... well... dead. I was a ghost I think, watching you say the body was me and have it be taken away. I then saw Luna... tell everyone about my funeral... two set up for me. I think I heard music... than... I saw … Death, just staring at me.... but then he shook me a bit… and I woke up.” Sunset is clearly shaken by her dream, as Celestia watches her wipe away a tear.

Celestia shakes a bit. 'She.. had a nightmare like mine and Lu's.... that is... freaky.' "Well Sunset, I also had a nightmare, about me failing you. I... am sorry for my inaction again and I ju-" Sunset stops her with a raised hand. "I already accepted your apology last night Celestia. If anything, I... feel like you are not to blame, after all, I was a bad student before."

"No, you were not a bad student Sunset. You just needed someone to help you see what you were doing was wrong. Now, enough about the past and bad dreams, let's get you home, Luna is cooking." Sunset nods, but looks ready to ask a question. "Yes, it is a vegetarian meal." Sunset is surprised, and smiles at them remembering that. They go and get Sunset signed out, her appointments made, and prescription made out. However, as Celestia goes to pay the bill, she is told it is already paid for. The Secretary smiles at her, "Mr. Xavier paid for it all, including medications needed. You can pick up her prescription today at four in the afternoon." Celestia nods, in utter disbelief. "A-alright, but are you sure he paid for it all?"

The Secretary nods, as she looks at her computer. "Yes, and I know it sounds weird, but Mr. Xavier usually pays what a patient can't pay, and he sent us a transfer fund to cover Sunset's cost. We know where he gets the money from, his stocks and personal interest, nothing illegal or unethical, so he has plenty to pay for it all." She looks back at them and smiles. "So have a great day, and we will see you tomorrow at three o'clock."

Sunset nods. "Yes, you will Miss Swift." Celestia nods, as she is wheels Sunset to her car, as a aid wheels the cart out. They get Sunset in the passenger seat, and her bags in the back. The aid takes the wheelchair and cart back, as Celestia starts the car but looks at Sunset. "I... am surprised he paid for it all. I heard Mr. Xavier was rich, but never so... kind with his wealth." She sits there, thinking about how she barely knows Xavier, only of him superficially.

"Well, a bought me 3,300 dollars worth of clothes, winter gear, and food. He is very nice, and I think he is just happy to help someone from Equestria." Celestia looks at Sunset, with a questioning look. "So, he is from your world." Sunset thinks for a moment. "Sort of, I think he may be something that walks between and in both our worlds. He told me stuff from my home, and he told me he was Death himself. " Celestia looks at her confused, 'Death.... saved her... from committing suicide?' "That...can’t be true... I mean, death isn't a real person and if he is, how can he be so full of life? Wouldn't he be a skeleton or ghost?"

Sunset speaks, wanting to clarify what she said. "In Equestria, Death is a real entity, as ancient legends described it as a pale pony, with a long dark cloak and fiery blue mane and tail. The descriptions often depict Death as a Unicorn with Skeletal or Bat-like wings, but none ever referred to Death as an Alicorn, or by anything other then Death, the Grimm Reaper, or it. I asked him last night, and he told me how and where AJ's parents died, that my mother miscarried once before me, and how many... times...... it tried.... something I have never told anyone. He also had very old eyes, and he just, gives off this cold feeling. He reminded me of Princess Celestia, except like a stronger and totally opposite kind of presence, which may be why I trusted him so easily after my initial fears were put to rest."

Celestia nods, vaguely understanding all of this. 'I'll... take her word for it. Sunset has no reason to lie about this, and... I have seen her, Twilight, and the others use magic... Is it too hard to believe in a god of Death?... But why would Death walk among us and help stop his own namesake from occurring?' She begins to drive, as Sunset and her talk a bit more about last night, and Sunset is informed of the legal papers she must fill in. They are nearly at Celestia's house, when Sunset asks a strange question. "So... you and Luna do have a mom and dad right?" Celestia nods. "Yes, but only our mother is alive anymore. She is living in a retirement home with our aunt. She is doing well for her age, and she may even ask about you if she visits us." Sunset nods, as she mutters something, but Celestia can't make out what she said.

They soon pull up to the house. Sunset gasps, as she sees the old home. It is two stories with a large front porch, wide three car garage and looks something for the rich elite. Sunset looks at her, eyes wide from shock. "You and Vice-Principal Luna live in a mansion?"

Celestia chuckles, "Actually, that is our family home. We lived in it for most of our lives, but it is too big for just me and Luna. It is entirely paid for thanks to our parents giving it to us. However, we do have some issues, such as the heating needs to be redone so it won't cost us a fortune. So, know that we keep it low, and have extra blankets and heaters to keep us warm." They enter the garage, which has Luna's own car, and plenty of room for more vehicles. They get out, as Celestia helps Sunset out of the car, before grabbing her bags. They enter the home, as Sunset takes in the old home's rustic yet homely feeling. Celestia sets the bags of clothes and other gifts by the Christmas tree, as Sunset sniffs the air. Celestia sniffs too, as she smells something rather delicious is cooking. They both look at the kitchen, and see Luna set aside a stack of waffles, as she goes to finish making a small fruit dish.

Luna turns around, and smiles at them both. "Welcome to your new home, Miss Shimmer." Sunset smiles. Luna then walks towards her, and gives Sunset a letter. Luna looks at her expectantly. She opens it... and reads it, over and over as she has tears forming in her eyes. Sunset looks at Luna with a smile. "T-thank you for this, Vice-Principal Luna, but an apology letter, specially made breakfast, and saying you got me presents. You don't have to get me anything, or do any of this."

Luna and Celestia both share a look. Luna places a hand on the shorter girl's shoulder, "Sunset, we both failed you as Principal and Vice-Principal of Canterlot High, and I hope you will allow us to help repair the damage we failed to mitigate or stop. I am also extremely sorry for ignoring your pleads against being Anon-A-Miss. I am a fool for even thinking you would go back to your old ways. If you can ever forgive me, know that I will never doubt you again." Sunset nods, thanking her for everything, and smiling at her Vice-Principle. Sunset and Celestia talk, as Celestia tells her about the forms she needs Sunset to look at and sign. Luna finishes cooking, and soon all three of them are sitting at the large dining table, at one end of it, talking and enjoying the brunch.

-Several Hours Later-

Celestia packs up the papers Sunset has filled out, as she smiles at the adoption form. Sunset never asked, as she got so focused into her part she never noticed the documents were for adoption. She sighs as she sits at her desk, with everything neatly organized. She goes to check on Luna and Sunset, who are talking about video games, something both love to play, when she notices a note on the back of the file she got from Dr. Wolf. 'How did I not see this earlier?' She picks the file up and reads it.

Dear Celestia,

This is Xavier, and yes I am Death, the Grimm Reaper, whatever your faith may call me. I write this to let you know I saved her because I hate my job, she is of Equestria, and she deserves a better future. Now, it shall not always be smooth sailing, and she may need some help, but both you and Luna are more than ready to help her. Especially since you both have seen the worst of it, and do know this, that bastard is in hell for his sins. Now, know that I will be watching but I may not intervene again. I know you two will be there for her. I shall be giving her some gifts for Christmas, and know she will love anything you give her. Though maybe a mother is what she really needs right now. Just suggesting is all, that decision is for you and her to make. Have a happy holiday and know that, in time, you will know she has fully forgiven you. She is a musician, so her songs reflect her emotions.

-Sincerely, Xavier W.

Celestia re-reads the note, as she takes it all in. She then organizes the adoption papers and places her set in the safe, and places the set for the Secretary's Office in her desk drawer. She has a plan tomorrow, but for now, she will go spend time with her, hopefully, soon to be adopted daughter. She smiles to herself, unaware of the jet black crow watching her leave her room.

Xavier sees her shut the door, as the cold night air blows against his dark avian form. 'I must remember to thank Madison for helping me with the paperwork. I should repay her in some way, maybe get her something nice for the holiday. Or I can help her find out who her gamer crush is.' He chuckles to himself, as he flies off, going to his new routine, of finding souls in need. 'A large task for a single crow, but maybe my Reapers shall join me in time. I know most rather not see such sparks of potential be put out so soon.' He soars past the house and into the cold, silent night. This is his time to walk the land, and maybe too once again feel warmth in his cold, icy soul.

So our grim friend has been more involved than we thought. But what of this past incident we have yet seen? What of the girl's and their reaction to Sunset's near joining of the dead? Time shall soon show us. So sit back and rest, for the next time we meet, my friend, shall be a night you won't regret. And always know, you can light the fires of hope inside anyone you meet, so never let a flame dim and be extinguished, bring hope to those in the dark. After all, a single flame can be all you need to guide yourself through the darkest of nights. Good night and fair days to you all.