ACT 1 - FORMATIVE MEMORIES

CHAPTER 2 - THE SUN DIMS

Canterlot was beautiful. Sunset had only seen the city in illustrations and photos, and yet, it blew her every expectation away to be there in the flesh.

Streets were gorgeous, well modeled, buildings were large and colorful, there were multiple water fountains, multiple statues, multiple gardens and parks accessible to all, a full tram system for easy transport across the mountainous city, and many rivers that flowed through the mountain, through the town, and to the valley. And yet, through it all, the city showed its age– It showed that it had existed for centuries.

Every corner they turned, she would see something new, and she would gasp.

But she would never go far from Celestia.

The Queen was greeted constantly, many cheerful ponies would be delighted with her presence, and she would gladly bow back– but her attention was fixed on Sunset, with yet another lesson.

“Every building has its purpose– every pony has its life, and they all share it in a weaving tapestry of breaths and laughter.” She spoke gently, soothingly, delighted to see little Sunset hopping around, as she relayed her lesson. “You will see many living life as any do– Superficial, from afar– But you must look beyond, and see the net of connections they share.”

“I get it! They’re all connected, like a big machine? Like an engine! With a buncha gears!” Sunset nodded affirmingly, beholding the crowds they passed by.

“We are all connected, little one. Every breath we take has been breathed by another.” She giggled, leaning down. “Do tell me if you’re getting tired! We can take a break.”

“Not tired!” Sunset proclaimed proudly. “O-oh, that right there, what’s that?” She pointed at an immense wall that led to more districts of the city above, and surrounded many homes and businesses, with the wall itself covered in hundreds upon hundreds of flowers.

“That is the Dew Blossom wall, Sunset.” She affirmed with a nod, approaching it. “The wall honors one of the first gardeners that ever worked on this city– I knew her well; She was a kind soul, and gave more than she had.”

“G-gosh, you must know everypony and everything here, then!!” Sunset beamed, with eyes full of wonder.

“...Not exactly. After a few centuries, street names become abstract… Walls, facades, even the simple cracks on the buildings all become part of a tapestry.” She closed her eyes, feeling the wind spread her mane, hearing every sound. “It is not just about knowing, little one. It is feeling. Somewhere not far from here, birds nest on a rooftop, poorly kept, yet beautiful. Somewhere near, a fountain gleams with coins that held many wishes, long ago. And somewhere close, a couple shares their first kiss– The first of many.”

“Blargh.” Sunset pinched her own nose. “Lame!”

“Love is far from lame, little one.” Celestia giggled; She might not have had any personal experience with relationships, but she knew the positive effect it had on others, and knew it well. “You’ll see someday, I hope.”

“As if, heheh!” Sunset giggled too.

“But about the rest… Do you understand it?”

“I think I do…?” She approached a wall, seeing the wear of time, the cracks and erosions that came with existence, the repainting, restructuring, remodeling, and still through it all, love. “You’re talking about… Time? But not time as in seconds... Time as in …Everything?”

“Yes, little one.” She bent down, and nuzzled the unicorn affectionately. “Everything.” She took a moment to breathe, and feel it. “All that was, is, and will be, part of every breath we take, Sunset. A bug crawls on a leaf, a bird sings in the morning, a warrior puts down his blade for the last time… Everything.”

They shared giggles and affection, until Sunset’s attention was drawn elsewhere. “I-is that… Ice cream?!”

“Indeed it is.” Her smile was wide and warm. “Are you ready for that break now?”

“If the break has ice cream, yes.” Sunset nodded emphatically.

They approached the shop, a small, yet lovely decorated one, with signs that had drawings of ice creams decorated by gemstones, unlikely a visual indication of the product, but rather simply a ploy to spice up the appearances and instigate desire on the consumers.

‘Triple Treat Threat’s Ice Cream Parlor!’ it read in a colorful, gleeful font, and the rest of the small shop followed suit.

“I knew the owner’s mother.” Celestia affirmed with a smile, as she ensured Sunset didn’t run forward too fast. “They moved from quite far, from the Crystal Empire, to open their business here.”

“The Crystal Empire…” Sunset gasped with wonder, simply trying to imagine the majesty. “You have family there too, don’t you?”

“Not blood related.” With a quiet nod, she came closer. “Rather like you. I merely hope Cadance isn’t… Flaking her college duties. She went to high school here, actually– But I sent her off to the home of her late mother to continue her studies. I hope she is making me proud.”

“Heheheh. Not everypony can be as good of a pupil as me.” Sunset let out a devious smile.

That was amusing, if nothing else, after all, Cadance had never been a pupil. “Certainly, little one.” She snickered quietly, as they finally reached the small shop. “Queens are not meant to play favorites, but in my humble opinion, this is the best ice cream parlor in Canterlot.”

“YES!” The little unicorn jumped up and down with excitement. “I wanna taste the BEST!!”

A few glances of curiosity were shot to the duo that entered– A curious duo, for sure; The Queen of the Sun, accompanying a little foal. Many in the shop were mothers and their children– A fact that was not a coincidence.

“Ah, Miss Celestia!! What a pleasure to serve you again!” An apron-wearing pegasus greeted with a nervous, yet happy smile. “What will it be?”

“The usual, Triple Treat. My favorite.” She nodded calmly. “Sunset, what would you like?”

The little unicorn was much too short to see the selection, she tried hopping fruitlessly, groaning in frustration, and the Queen of the Sun immediately sat and bowed, allowing Sunset to mount her in a rehearsed motion, so that she had ample visual of the flavors.

“W-woah!” The owner’s eyes widened in immense surprise. “Who’s this little fella?”

“This here is my new pupil, Sunset Shimmer.” She spoke proudly, and the little unicorn was much too distracted with the bountiful selections of ice cream to notice. “Say hello, little one.”

“Hi. I want all of your ice cream.” She had a devious grin on her little face.

“Trouble maker, eh? Ain’t that lovely!” Triple snickered to himself. “Nothin’ gets by you, does it, Queen Celestia? Of course you’d know about the mother's day discount!”

“Discount?” She blinked in surprise.

“I’m shocked myself, I figured that if the Queen had a daughter, it woulda been bigger news!” The owner shrugged, with that same snicker. “But I don’t keep up much with politics, so it’s my bad, on that one.”

“Oh, um, you must be confused. I am not–”

“What’s the discount?!” Sunset’s eyes widened, as she salivated.

“Why, free triple scooped cones for mother and daughter, of course! Once a year, naturally.” He smiled proudly. “There’s a coupon to cash in and everything!”

Delighted, Celestia giggled, shaking her head. “You are mistaken. I am not this foal’s moth–”

Quickly and quietly, Sunset nudged her, with a wink.“Free triple scooped ice cream!!”She whispered, nudging the Queen to play along.

Tilting her head, Celestia couldn’t help but be amused. To the little orphan, the sight of a potential free discount seemed like bountiful riches– To a queen, she could afford buying the entire shop with pocket money.

But subterfuge was entertainment, and so was the little one. So she played along with a smile. “Why yes, I am her mother! And I am so very proud of how much she’s growing!!” She acted poorly, but with enthusiasm, even doing an almost pompous loving voice, while ruffling Sunset’s short mane with a wing.

“Thanks, mom!! I’m gonna be as big as you someday!!” The foal acted just as poorly, but with the same enthusiasm.

“It will be a triple scooped midnight delight for me! What will it be for you, my little sunshine?” She hammed that delivery in with a nuzzle.

“I want mint chocolate chip, spicy mango, and mixed red fruits, one for each scoop!!!!” She declared with joy, pointing aggressively at the flavors.

“Right away, then!” The owner cheered, and with gusto, began preparing their orders.

“I can’t believe he fell for it!!” Sunset snickered to herself in delight.

“And Raven implied I needed acting lessons.”Celestia shared on those giggles.

Of course, neither of them had the capacity to understand that they hadn’t fooled anyone– That the owner was simply happy to provide a service to the queen and her pupil, on the house. “Here you go, you two!” Triple Treat slid two coupons over the counter, silver looking and with delightfully decorated stamps.

Celestia leaned forward and studied them– Two coupons for ‘Triple Treat Threat’s Ice Cream Parlor’, for a yearly Mother’s day discount. There was a distinctive design for each, that made one coupon smaller than the other, with a drawing of a smaller filly accompanied by the larger coupon, that housed the drawing of the larger mare.

She involuntarily giggled to herself, amused at the sight. It was adorable, and quite quaint, even if it was… Wrong.

“Yay!” Sunset quickly swiped the coupons, and studied them proudly.

From behind the counter, as he placed the two cones on the counter, Triple dared asking. “So Queen, if ya don’t mind me asking, who’s the, uh, dad?”

“Haha this is wonderful! Thank you for the ice cream, bye!” Celestia’s face reddened slightly as she took the two cones and walked outside of the shop, taking Sunset to sit on a table outside.

The two ice cream cones were mighty, with the little filly having to stand on the table to eat hers. She questioned why the Queen of the Sun had chosen only one flavor, a mixture of the darkest of chocolates, sprinkled only a little bit with white on top, and she stated that it was her favorite for centuries.

For only a moment, the owner came to question the decision of allowing a foal to stand on a table, an act that was swiftly reprimanded by the Queen raising a single defiant eyebrow, which made the poor owner fold instantly. With it, the little unicorn giggled unendingly, claiming that when she became Princess, she would get ice cream for free every day.

In the end, Sunset couldn’t finish her whole ice cream, she got too full– But she affirmed the honest truth, that it was the best ice cream she had ever had, and that she wanted to be capable of eating all of it, next time.

“We should do this every year.” Sunset nodded mischievously, beholding the two coupons.

“Perhaps we should.” Celestia smiled warmly and nodded back, and came to the realization that she wouldn’t mind if Sunset was here for every year beyond.

And on that same day, Sunset would take her first flight, riding Celestia’s back with exhilaration and euphoria.

Later, Sunset had a belly ache from eating too much ice cream.

It was Sunset’s first Nightmare Night in Canterlot. It had already been eventful– In a ploy to make her own costume, she had raided one of the garden sheds in the castle for paint, dyed her own mane poorly, made her own wings out of cardboard, and dyed those too, making the closest she could to a Queen Celestia costume.

And with that, she had also left a trail of paint on many of the Canterlot halls– A fact that she was aware she would be punished for, but also wholeheartedly ignored. After all, Celestia had promised that her first Nightmare Night would be one of joy and wonder, not of chores.

And that, it definitely was. She spent nearly the entire evening on the Queen's back, proudly displaying her cardboard wings, whenever any passerby would question the Queen over the Foal that rode her.

And of course, the most valuable bounty on a night like this– Candy. Many of which she had never seen or tasted where she had come from, and an equal many that were delicious.

They sat together, after spending hours in the lovely decorated city, on a comfortable nook of the gardens of the Canterlot Castle.

Above them, was the moon, shining brightly, welcoming Nightmare Night.

“I will remind you once more– Once you are done feasting, it will be bath time, little one.” Celestia affirmed with a smile.

The unicorn had her mane and most of her body covered in dry paint as she pouted in defiance. “Can bath time be tomorrow?”

“No.” Celestia affirmed with a grin and an eyebrow raise. “But how do you feel? Have you enjoyed your first Nightmare Night in Canterlot, Sunset?” She tilted her head, while carefully selecting her preferred candy from a modest pile they had acquired.

“It was really cool!!” She responded while chewing more than one type of candy at once. “Easy to get lost, though. Canterlot is so big! Plus, not as many ponies like dressing up here. They’re kinda stuffy.”

“They most certainly are, at times...” She delighted herself in thinking of the many royals she knew that wouldn’t be caught dead with a costume.

“Back in Hollow Point, everypony dressed up! We didn’t have much material to make our costumes, but we tried anyway. Miss Peo always had really crappy and simple costumes like a nurse or a witch– But Miss Light always wore a super awesome bug monster costume every year!! It was so cool!” Sunset giggled to herself. “B-but I like it here better. More candy… And I don’t have to share.” She snickered.

“Next year, we shall plan out our costumes in advance.” Celestia smiled warmly, with a hint of excitement. “I believe you have shown me the benefits of ‘dressing up’, so to speak.” After all, she had not made any costume, and Sunset had dressed up as her.

Cutely, Sunset displayed her cardboard wings. “You can’t dress up as the strongest alicorn in Equestria, though! That’s taken!” And they both shared laughter.

Comfortable silence passed, as the queen looked up at the moon.

“Nightmare Night, it is… A special holiday to me.” Celestia murmured, looking back down, chewing on a candy pensively. “Do you remember when I mentioned I had a sister?”

Sunset tilted her head with curiosity. “Oh yeah! You said she was on the moon, right? When is she coming back?”

“Nightmare Moon.” She whispered the words carefully. “She was my sister.”

With eyes widened, the little foal’s jaw dropped. “I– What? I thought she was just a dumb story adults told to kids so they behave– And Nightmare Night, isn’t it–”

“--Yes. This is the only holiday that acknowledges her existence…” Celestia mourned quietly, looking at the moon. “I wanted her to be remembered as she was… But all those that had seen her rampage, and the damage she had done… They disavowed her ever being good. It felt sickening. Like I had to erase her from history...”

“I’ve never heard you had a sister before–” She waddled a bit closer, seeing that the Queen was in pain. “And I read a lot of books about you, too…?”

“Nightmare Night was… A compromise. Yes, the holiday remembers her at her worst, but… It is a holiday of joy and reverie.” She picked up a candy from the pile, smiling at it. “I… I like to think that she would like it, too.”

“I love it.” Sunset giggled, stuffing her face on the pile of candy they had gathered. “H-hey… When I get wings, can we go visit the moon? I wanna meet her!” She asked, pointing at the night sky curiously.

“Oh, little one…” Celestia smiled wide, at the mere suggestion, letting out a joyful exhale. “When you gain your wings, I will take you to the cosmos.”

AGE 10

“She is so peaceful in her sleep…” Celestia muttered into the night. “Her first Hearth’s Warming here in Canterlot, and she’s out like a light…!” She couldn’t help but smile at the sight.

They were in her room, one of the tallest towers, and most secluded– Perfect for relaxing after a party. Sunset wasn’t yet prepared for a big royal event, but Celestia took her around it either way, not letting the little one out of her sight.

Despite an incident where Sunset nearly toppled a chocolate fondue fountain, all else had gone well. “There are some that have judged me for this decision, you know?” She whispered. “Choosing a pupil so young… But I do not care.”

She looked up briefly, sighed, then looked back down, to the little foal. “Can I be blamed for feeling pity…? She was alone. She was alone, and in desperate need for purpose… Who am I to deny her a chance to reach for the heavens…?” She exhaled, turning her gaze to the fireplace. “I know. I know I shouldn’t have made this decision out of pity.”

Sunset had adored every decoration, every glow, every fleck of snow. She had never seen snow so high and so beautiful, and with it, had managed to have unending fun with her first snowballs thrown. “She is a fighter, like us.” Celestia giggled, reminiscing on Sunset antagonizing royal passersby with barrages of snowballs. “Perhaps a little more savage.” She snickered to herself.

And after the little unicorn was covered in snow, she began sneezing in a certain manner, and Celestia responsibly decided the party was over. “Her studies have been progressing wonderfully. You would be proud of her, I think.” She ensured that the little foal was properly bundled up, and covered beneath a wing. “So little time together– And yet, the potential I see…!”

With a gaze around her room, her mind wandered. “I cannot blame her for choosing to sleep with me for so many of the days we’ve been together. I cannot blame her for fearing that this is all a dream…” With a glance down to the unicorn, she smiled. “I can only hope that the nights she has spent in my embrace did her well… And I am pleased that she has gained the courage to sleep in her own room.”

“She talks so often about wanting to be an alicorn. She is often hasty… Getting ahead of herself.” She murmured, beholding the little unicorn shift lightly in her sleep. “Her desire for greatness, ascension, above all else... I can sense tumultuous reasoning… But she is young. Perhaps it is only the vain hope to be better…!” She leaned forward, as stealthily as she could. “She wants to prove to the universe that she matters.” Her gaze landed on the moon again. “...Rather like you, once upon a time. …How could I blame her for this?”

The warmth of the fireplace, and the warmth of the Queen of the Sun… She hoped that would be enough to keep Sunset safe, for this night, as she looked beyond her windows, into the darkness. “She is strong. Perhaps not physically, not yet. But I can see a fire within her… We haven’t even spent a full year together, and I see it.” She brought the foal just a little bit closer, ensuring she was warm. “I… Luna, I believe she will be the one to set you free…!” She looked up to the moon with hope.

She sighed, an ironic sigh, one that held tears. “The Prophecy was clear… Only after a thousand years, you would return– And a pupil of mine would set you free. By the time you return… Sunset Shimmer will be thirty years old…!” She shuddered, with both expectation and fear. “And I will ensure she is ready.”

“I think…” She stopped, for a moment, beholding the little foal, peacefully bundled up in her sleep. “I think I fear seeing her hurt… I think I fear losing her…! That is a good thing, is it not…? It means…” She sighed, shaking her head.

“I know the irony, sister.” She chuckled to herself, beholding the moon, still, and beautiful, like always. “I know the irony of saying ‘it feels like a lifetime ago’. After all, it was lifetimes…” Her gaze led her to the fireplace, with memories so, so distant. “You used to make fun of me. When I said I wanted a family. Something simple, normal. A house, a husband…” She looked down. “...A daughter.”

“Then we got these wings. And just like that, that dream felt foolish, it… it faded. I hardly ever considered it again. It felt childish.” she muttered, closing her eyes. “It… still does.”

She forced herself to look at Sunset Shimmer, to not avert her gaze. The little foal had her hooves above her snout, bundled into a fetal position, nearly fully covered, and yet, her gentle breathing raised and lowered the sheets in a simple, yet soft manner. “...And here I am, entertaining the notion. The foolish, childish, irresponsible notion…”

She pouted, frowning, looking at the moon. “No, this does not mean I will be looking to give her a father. Don’t even go there.” She rolled her eyes, then smiled. “But… I am amused by the idea that you may be an aunt someday.”

With a sigh, she recoiled. “...But now I am the one getting ahead of myself. I am her teacher… nothing more.” She laid down properly, getting comfortable, dimming the light of the fireplace with her magic, and closing nearly all curtains. “Anything more would be… Dangerously selfish.”

After one last yawn, she closed her eyes. “I waited nearly a thousand years to see you again… What is twenty more…? I will see you soon, sister. Maybe… Just maybe, our family will be a little larger, then.”

“...Better late than never...” She whispered, and fell asleep.

“Magic comes from within you… No bind can ever stop that.” Celestia spoke calmly, gently, assuring the little unicorn.

“I… I can’t! Nothing is coming out!” She muttered helplessly, straining, closing her eyes, as the small restraining cuff was tightly bound around her horn.

“Do not see magic as something that leaves you, Sunset.” Celestia assured calmly, closely. “Magic is a part of your very being, as a unicorn. It is in every fiber of it…!”

“Oof, ow ow…!” The foal strained, touching her own forehead.

“O-oh dear! If you begin having a headache, I will remove the bind immediately! Just say so–”

“N-no, I can do it!” Sunset recoiled slightly, trying even harder.

“A headache is an unfortunate symptom of attempting to fight against a restraint on your magic– Forgive me.” The Alicorn beheld her with concern. “Remember Sunset… Feel the magic inside the horn itself. Feel the warmth, the heat that it gives as it brings you life– Focus on nothing else.”

“O-okay…!” She closed her eyes, and instead of straining, she just breathed.

Little by little, she could feel warmth. It rose from within, it extended through all of her horn– Like it was a soldering iron, heating at an ever increasing speed…

“Now, feel your horn– Carefully.” Celestia took one of her hooves, leading it up.

“I-it’s– It’s warm! Oh my gosh! OW, super warm!!” Sunset giggled in excitement.

“Indeed it is, little one. One day you will be capable of going much further– And any foe seeking to bind you will struggle.” Gently, the Queen of the Sun removed the restrictive cuff around the foal's horn…

…And a fireball immediately erupted from it as she did, with the filly being shot back, and the flames falling on a cabinet.

The two couldn’t help but exchange laughter, before Celestia hurried to put out the flames.

AGE 13

“Sunset? Hello?” She heard Celestia calling out audibly from outside the gardens.

Grinning, the unicorn closed her book– An extensive read over spells of various kinds, one that was quite enlightening, and now, useful.

With one magical motion, she teleported atop of the tree she had been resting under. It was an easy motion, after enough practice. She knew these gardens well, and had many clever hiding spots. Snickering, she was perfectly comfortable balancing herself in a few branches.

“I know you’re out here, my pupil! Ready or not…!” The Queen delighted herself, spreading her wings.

Although she was not as small as she used to be, her stature still aided her with stealth, especially if she had the high ground.

Watching from above, she couldn’t help but snicker, seeing the Queen of the Sun search for her, seemingly fruitlessly.

With a flash, Celestia vanished, and immediately after, Sunset heard a “Boo!” From behind her.

She shrieked, and fell out of the tree, and with another flash, Celestia was below her to catch her with ease. “Found you!” She stated simply, with a devious smile.

Sunset let out giggle after giggle as Celestia nuzzled her chest, tickling her. “Did you really think you could escape me?!” She took on a joking tone.

“You got me this time, Queen Celestia! But one day soon, I’ll have your crown, you’ll see!” Little Sunset acted, unable to contain giggles as she did it.

After the laughter was over, the Queen helped her pupil up, and handed her the book that had fallen. “Alright, alright… We must go, little one. No more stalling.”

“Ugh, c’mon, I still don’t get why I have to…” She groaned, looking down.

“Sunset, I’ve told you–”

“--I’m your star pupil, aren’t I? Haven’t I proven myself?? Why would I need to go to a school of magic?!” She complained, pouting.

“Sunset, my school for gifted unicorns is the greatest magic school in the world, that only accepts the best and most promising. It is exactly why you, my star pupil, must enroll, now that you are of age.” She spoke as kindly as she could, as she led her pupil through the gardens. “It is important that you haven’t just gained your position, but demonstrated plainly and fully that you’ve earned it, for all to see.”

“B-but you said I was worthy, didn’t you? Why would I need to prove anything to some stuffy jerks?!” She became exasperated.

“Sunset you are worthy, I know it. And now it is time you showed all of Canterlot as well… If not the world.” She spoke warmly. “It is important that you show your talent to all your peers… And it is especially important that you learn magic in a more social environment.”

“Social, schmocial.” Sunset huffed. “I already know I’m better at magic than all the other kids at that school– It’s a waste of time!”

“Sunset.” She called out sternly.

“A-and… I don’t wanna leave the castle. Why do I have to leave here…? I don’t want to be away from you…!” Her voice became softer, as she looked down.

“Little one, I will always be right here for you– The castle is not far, the dorms in the school are incredibly comfortable… And I gave you that book, remember? If you need to communicate with me, all you must do is write in it.” She assured, despite the unicorn not being convinced. “Besides… In the past years, I have spent enough time shirking my duties to take care of you. I presumed you would appreciate a bit of independence!”

“A-are you getting rid of me??” Her eyes widened in shock.

“N-no! No!” Celestia paused immediately to lean down, with a mournful expression, meeting her pupil eye to eye. “Sunset, I will never simply discard you! Do not think that, please!” She assured, coming closer. “I have unwavering faith that you will be capable of doing this. I am allowing you to do this task alone because I trust your capabilities!”

The little foal sniffled, looking down, huffing. “I-I know I can do it. I just don’t wanna… I just don’t wanna leave…!”

The Queen smiled as warmly as she could. “We will still see each other on weekends and events… And The Castle will be right here when you’re back, little one. As will I. Please know that.”

She groaned, shaking her head, remaining silent for a moment, pouting. Until she finally asked a question she was waiting for a while. “...When I graduate from that school… Will I get my wings…?”

A sigh of disappointment escaped the Queen. “...That is not how it works, little one.”

“W-well then, when I graduate, will you finally start my combat training??” She asked a little more assertively.

“I may consider it– But you know my stance on you picking fights!” She exhaled, frowning. “Combat is not all you need as a Princess, and what’s more, I don’t need you picking a fight with foes bigger than you– Do you honestly want a repeat of the Stinfalean incident??”

“H-hey, I beat that bird! And I would have done it without being hurt too if you had taught me how to stabilize the blade spell!” She bit back, complaining.

“Sunset, you will not–” She stopped herself, inhaling, and made her tone softer. “You know I do not wish to see you hurt. You are far too young to be desiring for battle.”

“Princesses gotta fight eventually, don’t they? Not everything can be solved with dumb diplomacy!” She muttered. “When I first met you, you blew a huge monster away without even saying a word!”

“You are not a Princess yet.” Celestia affirmed sternly, but her expression softened just as fast. “So please… Have patience, little one. For now, please attempt to enjoy your time with your studies in my school. Besides… This is your chance to show all of Canterlot just how good you are, like you’ve shown me…” She took a smug, teasing expression. “That is, of course, if you can pass the entrance exam.”

“Oh, it’s already passed.” Sunset grinned confidently.

“That’s my girl.”

AGE 14

“H-hey! I’m not sleepy!” Sunset complained, pouting. “I can handle it this time!”

“We shall see, little one. You’ve always fallen asleep before I could show you this– But I must affirm, tomorrow is a school night, so you will not see the whole event.” Celestia led her to a balcony of the castle, calmly and delighted. “But it will be worth losing a bit of sleep over.”

Sunset joined her with a smile and expectation.

The Sun had already fallen beneath the mountains, with only small hints of purple beyond the horizon as stars bathed everything else. They could see all of the valleys beyond Canterlot on this balcony, the view showed very little of the City, instead highlighting most of the distant railroads and villages, as well as the Everfree forest, distant, yet always in sight, encompassing the horizon.

“When does it start?” Sunset’s tail whipped about involuntarily.

“Patience, little one.” She smiled, containing a snicker.

“I’m not little, you know…? You don’t have to call me that anymore…” She said, while still being very much incredibly little.

“You will always be little to me.” She regarded Sunset with adoration, giving her a warm smile.

“Psh. As if. I’ll outgrow you someday, just you wait.” She pouted, but couldn’t help but smile.

“I shall wait expectantly, little one.” They both turned to the nightly horizon.

Silence. Even at night, so much of the valley could be seen, and it was beautiful. Sunset blinked expectantly, waiting for the moment.

“Since we are waiting, there is another subject that I must address with you.” She turned to her, sternly, but with a smile. “You are of age now, and you will not skip the next Grand Galloping Gala.”

The sheer memory of being exposed to passing impressions of the party was enough to pry dissatisfaction out of her. “Awww, why!? It’s so boring!!” Sunset groaned, leaning against the railing in defeat.

“And you must wear a dress.”

“Aw, man!!!!”

“And mingle.”

“AWWW, MAN!!!”

She huffed, puffed, but accepted. “...Fine.”

“...I will allow you to bring one book to the party.” Celestia resigned.

“Yes!!”

“...And you do not have to leave my side, if you do not wish to.” She smiled.

“YES!!” She hopped up in delight. “Now it’s bearable.”

Amused silence passed, until the little unicorn’s tail started wagging. “I-I see it!! There!! In that little town!” She smiled widely.

“Indeed…!” Celestia looked at her, instead of the show, wanting to see her every reaction.

“W-wow…!” The little unicorn gasped in wonder.

From a distant town in the valley, they could see many lights manifest, little by little. And with just a bit of time, the lights began floating into the sky.

Sunset’s eyes were filled with wonder, as she saw them spread into the sky, moving with the wind through the valley.

“That’s so cool…!”

“It is the lantern festival. The little town of Ponyville has many festivals, and this is but one of them.” She smiled, letting out a pleased sigh. “It is beautiful, no matter how far, isn’t it…?”

“Yeah.” She nodded quietly, mesmerized.

“Perhaps next year, we may have time to view it from up close? Ponyville is a wonderful town. I would love to show you it personally.” She tilted her head expectantly.

“Pfft, why would we go there? We got the best seat in the house right here!” She grinned and shrugged. “Besides. As if school would let me.”

“...I suppose so, yes… Maybe next time.”

AGE 16

“Please, come in, Queen Celestia.” The principal cleared her throat, as she knocked on her own table lightly.

The office was not massive, but the school was more than funded for it to be comfortable– Though Principal Star often worked with ‘Organized chaos.’ Stacks of papers, loose books, burnt out candles, decorations and gifts from teachers and students and calendars and planners littered the whole office. She prided herself on being capable of providing more than a quality experience for the students and teachers of her school.

…And rarely, she had to deal with some trouble cases. And now, Sunset Shimmer sat on one of the two chairs left in the office.

“Good evening, Principal Star. …Ahem. And hello, Sunset Shimmer.” The Queen narrowed her eyes, but kept an optimistic tone, as she took a seat next to her pupil. “I see you continue to ignore the dress code, my pupil.”

“Um, the school’s dress code is nothing.” The unicorn chuckled to herself, popping the collar of her leather jacket. “Why not spice it up and try to show some fucking style?”

Celestia narrowed her eyes. “Sunset, you know how I feel about profanity. Please refrain from doing so.”

She simply mumbled and shrugged, rolling her eyes.

With a sigh, Celestia turned to the principal. “What was the incident this time?”

“Well, for starters, I’d like to say that Sunset’s grades continue to be top of her class. She has set a school record, actually; Specifically on physical applicability of assorted transport magic.” This prompted the unicorn to smirk, while not saying anything. “And of course, she has not been late with any of her assignments. She is quite the overachiever!”

A genuine smile of pride manifested on Celestia’s lips, as she shot a glance to her pupil. “That is wonderful to hear.”

“But of course, we’ve had… Incidents.” The Principal spoke a bit quieter, almost as if dancing around her words. “I will gloss over her unwillingness to work on teams, we’ve had plenty of fun with those reports already…” She was not usually inclined to use sarcasm, but that was close. “It seems that due to her record, a lot of the other students are… Intimidated by her.”

“They should be.” Sunset muttered under her breath, with a huff. Celestia’s ears twitched.

“And of course, I called you here because of the incident from yesterday, where she physically attacked another student.” She spoke with a tone akin to if there was a target in her forehead, but kept her composure.

Celestia blinked. She looked at Sunset, who looked away, then looked at the principal. “...Details, please.” There was tremendous disappointment hidden in her voice, paved over with hopes that it wasn’t as bad as she speculated.

“Well, magic was involved, and certainly not in a duel-manner. Apparently insults were thrown, and then, well, the student in question was thrown. Through his locker.” She muttered, looking down. “D-do not worry. The injuries were minor, although he spent a few hours, um, unconscious in the nurse's office. …With a locker door stuck around his neck.”

The quietest snickered could be heard through Sunset’s lips.

Silence, as Celestia sighed, rubbing her temples. She then quietly turned to her pupil, who was averting eye contact. “...What did he say to you?”

Sunset spent a few seconds purely breathing, looking down. “...He said I need to be a mare to be a Princess.” She spoke curtly, through gritted teeth.

“Oh, Sunset…” She shook her head, exhaling, taking a moment to consider her words. “...I understand your anger, and your desire to retaliate. But it is precisely when others throw insults like those your way that you should show your strength by not retaliating– By resisting the urge to solve the conflict through violence, and demonstrating how strong you are by enduring the pain, not… Parrying it.”

“I wasn’t just going to sit there like a wuss and take it!” She tried her best not to shout. “That asswipe was completely beneath me, and he KNEW it! So he resorted to petty insults to try to get at me, and I resorted to a simple show of force to teach him a lesson! End of story!”

“Please, do not curse, my student.” Celestia huffed.

“Ahem, if I must, not the end of the story.” Principal Star carefully cleared her throat and garnered their attention. “After all, this is not your first incident; Nor victim, Miss Shimmer.”

“And you are not above others.” Celestia corrected sternly.

“But I literally am! My grades are better, my knowledge of magic is better– Most of these other students can’t even cast a spell under pressure! I don’t even know why I’m here!” She barked out.

“If you enjoy feeling superior to others, why would you not LOVE being here?” Celestia raised her voice, but quickly took a breath, centering herself. “Sunset. Please listen. You can be better– Strength is not just about force, it is about endurance. Next time a situation like that occurs, please make me proud by simply turning the other cheek. Do you hear me?”

The unicorn let out indistinct grumbles.

“Do you hear me?”

“I hear you.”She sighed in defeat.

“Good.” She inhaled, but continued. “Just because one has hurt you, it does not mean you need to make an enemy out of them, Sunset. Through diplomacy and civility, you can both be better.”

The unicorn just shrugged, and sighed.

“Very well then. Miss Shimmer, may you excuse us, please? I have to converse with your mentor in private.” The Principal politely pointed to the door.

“Whatever.” She murmured, leaving the room.

She closed the door quietly, and immediately, Celestia leaned back on her chair, sighing, looking out of a window. “...Has she made any friends at all?”

The Principal almost chuckled, shaking her head. “Like I said, most other students here are intimidated by her– She has a reputation. Not only due to her grades, but due to her status. Many of them would already struggle to conceptualize befriending the pupil of the great Queen Celestia, but then, when that pupil has that glare on her face at most times? I wouldn’t blame them for keeping their distance. After all, this school is for forming wizards and talented magic users that want to aid the world in their own ways– This is the first time that we have housed a ‘future Princess’, so to speak, and it is evident. I do wonder what causes her to act out this much, though…”

“I fear this is a ploy for expulsion.” Celestia muttered, looking down in disappointment. “If not just a way to act out, to get my attention…”

“She has shown… Ample opinions over not belonging here. Well, specifically due to being overqualified.” The Principal leaned back as well, blowing raspberries. “Of which I will not deny; You taught her well, and she does have a fiery passion for learning– In fact, I would think it’s prudent to allow her to skip a grade. If nothing else, for a chance to give her new classmates. That aren’t, well, scared of her.”

“I do not think that would be wise.” Celestia shook her head pensively. “If our issue is her lack of humility, we would be only inflating her ego by allowing her to skip these years due to being overqualified.” She then grimaced, with her mind wandering. “Although now the issue remains on how to humble her…”

“I will leave that issue to you, if that is okay, my Queen.” The Principal checked the time. “I have other meetings to attend to, but I will once more express; Thank you for coming down here to help us deal with her.”

“...I imagine it is what she wants.” Celestia sighed with resignation. “Thank you for caring for her. …She used to be even more sweet and kindly, you know? I struggle to understand why a school environment has not been beneficial to her…”

“Well, hierarchy, status, perhaps it is–”

“--Here, let me show you pictures.” Celestia smiled, while manifesting a personal purse with magic, and immediately fishing out a small wallet out of it. “Here, look, this was her first birthday in the castle! Ten years old, oh, look how small she was compared to her cake…!”

Celestia smiled endlessly while gushing over the picture of a little Sunset covered in the remains of a cake, of which she had leapt on.

“Oh, this one– I took it mid-flight, it was one of the first times where I dared to allow her to ride on my back! Look at that adorable smile!”

One of Sunset’s first euphoric flights, taken to soar the skies with her mentor. The world looked distant from up there.

“Ahem, um, Queen Celestia, I have meetings to attend to...”

The Queen burst out in giggles. “Wait! One more, one more. This one was her first time mastering self-levitation! Oh, look how high she’s floating! She could touch the ceiling!”

The Principal coughed lightly.

“Alright, alright.” Celestia took one last glance at the pictures before putting them away. “Thank you, Principal Star– Until next time– Hopefully, a time distant from now.” And with that, she turned, and made her way to the door.

She entered the hallway, and saw her pupil drawing on the wall of the Principal’s office with her horn, igniting it like a small blowtorch.

The drawing depicted an ass, of which belonged to Principal Star.

“When I suggested that you revisit the arts, I did not mean this, my pupil.” Celestia crossed her arms sternly, frowning.

“T-this was like this when I got here.” Sunset lied poorly, with an awkward smile.

Celestia raised a single eyebrow.

“...I’ll fix it.”

Celestia smiled and nodded.

Quietly, she watched Sunset slowly repair the damage she had done to the wall. And proudly, she smiled, seeing how her pupil did not struggle with undoing it.

“Sunset… When you are in a position of power… There will always be those that dislike you. And I do not mean enemies.” She sat down next to her, speaking gently. “The truth is– You will never be universally loved. It is impossible! You must learn to cherish the ones that do love you– Even if it is only one person, it should be enough.”

“...That sounds lonely.” She sighed, trying her best not to be angry.

“Not if you know how to truly embrace it.” She leaned forward slightly, smiling. “There will always be those that are dissatisfied. Enter royal circles, and there will be many who judge your very action. Just in the last Grand Galloping Gala, there was that fancy stuffy aristocrat that judged my choice for drapes in the ballroom, remember?”

Sunset giggled, but then blew raspberries. “I don't get why you couldn't just punish him. You’re a queen, aren’t you? Nopony should be allowed to talk to you that way!”

“It is not a matter of can or can’t, Sunset.” She shook her head. “If you lived like I have, you learn to filter out pointless babble. All that matters is what matters, do you understand?”

“...Sticks and stones, I guess.” She shrugged.

“Indeed. You are so very strong, little one. Prove it every day by not letting the world break you, okay?” She smiled warmly.

“...Okay.”

She nodded and smiled, with a lesson well taught, then simply gestured for Sunset to follow, for them to leave that hall together; With the wall fully repaired.

“And about that… Incident with you and another student, yesterday...” Celestia cleared her throat. “I have a story to tell regarding my sister.”

“Oh??” Sunset’s ears twitched as she looked up with expectation.

“When she and I first became Princesses, centuries ago, we had to adjust to royal living fairly quickly.” She reminisced, smiling, as she looked beyond. “And my sister, well… She suffered from an affliction many now would call… ‘Short fuse’, nowadays.” She paused to giggle. “Rather like you, little one.”

Sunset huffed, as she blushed with embarrassment.

“The point is. In many parties, gatherings and even meetings, her patience would be tested by somepony. And she devised a simple way to solve any issue she had with another.” She paused to snicker just a bit, shaking her head. “If a pony had insulted her or wronged her in any way, she would challenge them to a duel for honor. And of course, the point wasn’t the fighting, it was the challenge. Because at any moment that somepony was confronted with the idea of having to fight a Princess, they would immediately fold.”

“Ooooh, I like her.” The unicorn smiled deviously.

“Ultimately, all she was doing was to prove that any of those that might insult her, absolutely could not back up those insults with actions. A little fear, and a paper pony crumbles.” Celestia said simply, then she stopped, leaning down, ensuring that Sunset was listening. “Now. I do not wish you to antagonize anypony else. But do you understand the lesson? If one wishes to drag you down to their level, all they need is a reminder of what their level is.” She frowned slightly, with the mere thought of how anyone would try to hurt Sunset’s feelings. “And with it, they’ll regret having insulted you.”

Sunset nodded confidently, already considering how to use what she learned. “Gotcha.”

“Good.” She affirmed with a smile. “But my wishes stand for you to not seek out conflict, little one.”

“Sure!”

“I’m going to go get some decent snacks.” She stretched and groaned, fidgeting with her dress as she began walking downstairs.

“Stay out of trouble, little one!” Celestia called out, as she observed the whole crowd.

Another Grand Galloping Gala, another set of boring dances and royals kissing up to her mentor.

It wasn’t all bad. In fact, she had learned to enjoy certain parts of this kind of event. After all, if nothing else, she was becoming more known, day by day.

“Here’s the prodigal pupil! How are the studies!”

“Put in a good word for Celestia for me?”

“Sunset Shimmer! Would you like to grace us with your presence?”

“Could you show us some of what you’ve learned?”

Ponies made of paper, she thought. But their adoration, she reveled in. A word in here, a suggestion there, and they followed like sheep.

This was what she had at least, in fraction, expected what being a Princess would be. She already imagined many times how much more influence she would have if she was an alicorn. If she was like Celestia.

Beloved by all, worshiped, compliments and praise every waking hour of her day.

For someone that had come from nothing, it was like a drug, and she reveled in the high.

And still, a lot of them were just pitiful slimy creatures beneath her. She and Celestia were better.

She served herself a drink, and fidgeted with her dress while getting some different sweets all in the same plate.

“Look who has graced us with her presence, fresh out of wearing her shower curtains.” A familiar, slimy voice called from near her.

“Blueblood.” She affirmed with a sneer, hiding her grimace with her glass.

“It is Prince Blueblood, and I expect to be addressed as such!” The young unicorn pompously huffed.

Princes and Princesses without wings; To an orphan were the definition of born into wealth status-coasting fools. She was disgusted at the sight, idiots that never worked a day in their lives, who claimed their status through their wealth, not through their efforts and talents. “Great. How's coasting on your family’s status and money doing?” She looked away, refusing to acknowledge his presence.

“How is coasting on Celestia’s charity doing? Why, I cannot imagine why else she would take you in if it was not out of pity.” He asked, just as pompously.

For a single moment, anger built up within her, nearly erupting. But what came out was a single smile. “You should watch the way you talk to others, Blueblood. In circles like these, you could be challenged to a duel for honor. How easy would it be for even a peasant to wipe that smug look off of your face?”

He simply huffed, throwing his snout up. “Hmpf! Clearly, you are not acquainted with current dueling bylaws. I can simply select a champion for myself to defend my honor for me! Has happened before. The mightiest warriors would accept payment for protecting me. And when the opponent is weakened, as by the bylaws, I can simply tag in and finish the game!”

Her eyes widened with anger; upon the quick realization that Celestia’s suggestion would not solve this problem.

She’d do it her way, then. They were on the second floor, with a balcony vista to the ballroom. Not many other royals near– None paying attention to them.

The staircase to the ballroom was right next to them.

“Great. Goodbye.” She affirmed quickly, taking a full swig of her drink, and placing her glass down while taking the plate of snacks with her.

“You won’t be a Princess with a sneer like that!” He chuckled to himself. “Oh, what am I saying? You are just a charity case– You will never be a Princess.”

Without even turning, already far away, and knowing he was about to descend the stairs, Sunset cast her magic to move him. She entangled him in his own fancy suit, giving him a wedgie to blind him, locking the outfit on his horn, and simply pushed.

She then teleported to Celestia’s side.

“Any interesting mingling?” The Queen asked calmly.

“Can’t complain.” Sunset smiled.

On the opposite side of the party, tumbling and screams of shock could be heard.

AGE 18

“Please, come in, Queen Celestia.” The principal cleared her throat, as she knocked on her own table lightly.

“Hello again, Principal Star. And you too, Sunset Shimmer.” She entered with a side glance, quickly taking a seat. “Let us skip the formalities. What has my pupil done this time?”

With a bit of nerves, the Principal cleared her throat, and gathered certain papers. “Actually, this is about her graduation.”

Celestia’s eyes widened, as she looked to Sunset, who looked away, then back to the Principal. “Excuse me?”

“This is her final year of high school, yes… And she has asked to do all of her final exams in advance… And successfully passed all of them.” She was not cheerful or even disappointed, attempting to speak as neutrality as possible. “Her high school level learning is complete. And she passed it with flying colors.”

Sunset fidgeted slightly, looking up to her mentor. “...Am I done here, then? Can I go back home?”

“S-sunset, that is…!” Celestia gasped. “...That is incredible, but why did you not simply follow the timeline that the classes provided?”

Sunset did not reply. “There were a few incidents.” The Principal tapped her hoof on the desk. “For starters, a few students have come forth with complaints of Sunset bullying them. Whether it is verbal abuse or simply mistreatment during group projects, she has cemented herself as an outcast in nearly all her classes.”

Celestia sternly observed her student, who frowned while looking at the floor.

“What on Equestria are you thinking, my pupil?!” She pouted sternly. “What could possibly elicit this kind of behavior, hm?”

“I’m thinking I’m sick and tired of this tiny place and its tiny people, and that I miss home!” She gritted her teeth, not making eye contact. “So if I can’t be a Princess already, why not rule this stupid school? It’s not like it’s hard!”

“And STILL, you antagonize your peers and your fellow students!” Celestia groaned, shaking her head.

“Fellow students? What a joke! I’m above the level of these idiots and you know it! I swear, I could name names endlessly of unicorns in here that will never amount to jack shit!! Two years below me there’s these two sniveling runts, Moondancer and Twi–”

“Do not presume to be above others, Sunset Shimmer!” Her voice boomed, echoing in the room, and Sunset barely flinched. “And do not CURSE!”

“I just graduated nearly half a year before the rest of my class. Checkmate.” She pointed at the principal sternly. “What other proof do you need?! Can I please go home now? I want to start combat training, I want to gain my wings already!!”

“You are not ready.” Celestia stated sternly. “Now please, Principal, continue. I would like to know how deep this rabbit hole goes.”

Star, who had remained fearfully quiet during this exchange, composed herself. “There is more. She has abandoned nearly any and all extracurricular assignments, especially the arts; Focussing solely on magic straining and personal study.”

“Y-you’ve abandoned your guitar practice?” Celestia nearly pouted, tilting her head with sadness. “What about drawing? Oh, you used to love to paint…?”

“When I was like, twelve.” Sunset murmured, looking away.

“Miss Peony would be so disappointed that you have not continued practicing with the gift she gave you, Sunset.” The Queen spoke not sternly, but matching that tremendous disappointment.

“Peony wasn’t my mother, and neither are you. Playing guitar was cumbersome and a chore– I think I can decide what my hobbies are for myself, thank you.” She was almost polite while hurting Celestia so deeply.

“W-well then. I suppose that is true.” The Queen nodded in acceptance, shuddering. “Principal, what else?” She desperately wished to change the subject.

“Well, there are the… Incidents with romantic entanglements.” The Principal took a bit more of an embarrassed tone. “A few hearts were broken. Latest incident was…” She quickly shifted through a few papers. “The sisters, yes; Pea and Pod. Twins. She dated both of them at the same time. Uproar when they both discovered it.”

Celestia turned her head to her student, with her jaw dropped in disbelief.

“In my defense–” Sunset smiled awkwardly. “--They looked exactly alike.”

“Did their cutie marks look exactly alike too, my student?!” She muttered in exasperated disappointment.

“I wasn’t staring at their asses the whole time, Queen Celestia, sheesh! ” She took a bravado of self righteousness. “I'm more chivalrous than that. Who do you think I am?”

“Clearly not who I believed you were! Since when have you been in these romantic entanglements?!” She was in complete shock and disbelief.

“Great question! Principal, isn’t there something more important to talk about? Let’s move down the list!” Sunset quickly turned to her with an awkward smile.

“Um, well–”

“And are you doing this only to mares, or to stallions as well?” Celestia prodded further, pouting.

“Can we talk about this later?” She could barely maintain the awkward smile on her face.

“And have you kissed any of these ‘entanglements’?” She huffed, crossing her arms. “Have you gone further than that? Do we need to have a conversation regarding intimacy of that sort–”

“--We really dont!” Sunset suppressed her own laughter. “Principal, please keep telling her how my grades are great and I graduated AND I can get out of this place!”

“Principal Star.” Celestia called out, making the mare straighten her back in both attentiveness and nerves. “My pupil will effectively immediately sign up for college-level education at this very school. If she cannot enter classes of higher learning within the week or month, she will enter them next year. Is that acceptable?”

“H-hey!! Not acceptable!” Sunset shouted out, getting her attention. “You heard what she said, I’m already too good for this place, I don’t want to waste my time here anymore!!”

“If you earnestly believe that your time here was wasted, little one, then you have not learned enough.” Celestia stated incredibly sternly.

“I’m not little.”She muttered back in anger.

“Sunset, you…!” But she stopped herself, inhaling deeply. “...Principal Star, please see to it. Me and my pupil need to continue this conversation in private.”

With a single motion, she led the way, and Sunset followed. They walked silently, until they were both alone in a balcony, overseeing most of the gardens of the school quietly. Birds chirping, distant sounds of the city, and nearby students talking casually.

Mentor and pupil, silently looking at nothing.

“I know what you’re gonna say.” Sunset muttered out before she could speak. “You want me to be patient.” She leaned her head on the railing in resignation.

“Is that really too much to ask of you, my student…?” She beheld Sunset with sorrow and pity. “You have accomplished so many feats already– Is patience beyond you?”

“L-look, can you just… Can you just give me a date? A test? Can you just tell me when I’ll get my wings, please?” She pleaded.

With a resigned sigh, she shook her head. “That is not how this works, my student. It just isn’t. You are making great strides but– You must understand that the road to growth is not a straight line up– It is a winding maze…!”

“B-but you got wings! How do I get mine? How do I get out of the maze?! …How do I prove I’m worthy…?!” She pouted, leaning her forehead on the railing.

“Time, effort, and patience, my student. The road ahead is… It is not one to be sprinted through! You should enjoy the years you have now…!”

“C-can you at least start my combat training, please? I know how to fight, I KNOW how to defend myself– But I want to do it like you do, please!!” She tapped the railing in frustration.

“Sunset, please understand, I do NOT wish to see you hurt! Under no circumstances!” She affirmed, spreading her wings with worry.

“If you don’t want me to get hurt, then teach me how to win any fight, like you!” She immediately blurted out. “What are you so afraid of! I’m not scared of anything!”

“I am afraid that you will use your capabilities to look for trouble you should not be looking for!” She sternly leaned forward. “Am I wrong to presume that is what you would do, where you capable of ‘winning any fight’?”

“We’re supposed to protect Equestria, right? I want to do it! I want to do it right!” She nodded emphatically. “I want to be able to–”

“--No, Sunset.” She stopped her immediately. “That is enough. My answer is final. I will not teach you to pursue reasons to get yourself into combat– Not now, not yet. Consider it a possibility after college– But for now, please, just continue as you were!”

“Am I…” She gritted her teeth, inhaling. “Am I just a charity case?”

“W-what?” Celestia’s eyes widened.

“Did you take me in because you felt sorry for me?!” She asked with anger, but even more sorrow. “A-am I just the sad orphan you felt sorry for and decided to give a chance to?!”

“Sunset. Please listen to me very carefully.” She folded her wings closely, speaking as gently as she could, as kindly as she could, as earnestly as she could. “I believe in you. I believe in all you can and will be. Nothing will ever change that. Do you hear me?”

“I-I…” She stopped herself, inhaling.

She lunged forward in desperation, and hugged the alicorn.

And the alicorn hugged back.

“I’m s-sorry for–” Sunset began muttering, but Celestia shushed her quickly, gently and with affection.

“It’s okay. Everything is going to be okay.”

They stood like that, embracing each other quietly, a little while longer.

Principal Star had to wait more than she expected.

AGE 19

“Right this way, Queen Celestia.” Raven led the way through Canterlot’s hallways, with a slight smile. “Sunset asked that you enter one of the dining rooms now, for a surprise.”

“Wh–” The Queen dragged a hoof across her face. “If it is a surprise, why did you tell me?”

Raven blinked a few times, pursing her lips. “Ahem. I.” She coughed lightly. “Please enter the room and pretend it was a surprise.”

With a delighted sigh, the Queen rolled her eyes, and entered.

A large dining room, one they often used together, when Sunset wasn’t away in college; Always well decorated and beautiful, but now, Celestia paid attention to only one detail of it.

“Surprise!” Sunset smiled fully, and a bit awkwardly, next to a poorly constructed cake with sparkly candles atop it.

Celestia approached her, and her own smile only grew wider as she moved forward.

The cake was clearly made by Sunset only, and it was evidently quite messy; Decorating it were a few strawberries and chocolates, no doubt handpicked as both Celestia’s and Sunset’s favorites by the unicorn, and the most delightful part of it was a poor, yet truly effortful drawing with artificial coloring atop the cake, representing the queen of the sun spreading her wings and embracing a small depiction of Sunset.

“So, um. I figured that if I can master sequential teleportation through matter, I could figure out how to bake, heh…” Sunset laughed to herself. “And, um, I figured wrong.”

“Sunset, is this…!” Celestia’s smile grew even warmer.

“Happy ten year anniversary of you taking me in as your student…!” She smiled awkwardly, fidgeting, but speaking from the heart. “Look, I know I’m not perfect. I know I mess up, and… I know I wasn’t the ideal pick, but–” She sighed, beholding the Queen with adoration. “Thanks for giving me a chance to prove myself, okay…? I love being your pupil. You’re the best teacher I could have possibly asked for.”

Celestia couldn’t resist anymore, pulling her pupil into a hug. “You have nothing to prove, little one.” She said with true delight. “Except, perhaps, if the challenge placed before you was cake making.” She raised a defiant, yet amused eyebrow.

“Y-yeah, heh…!” Sunset laughed with embarrassment, reveling in that embrace, leaving it only to take a seat, and the Queen followed. “Just… Thank you for everything. Seriously. I know I struggle to seem grateful sometimes, I’m just… You know how it is. I’m impatient.” She resigned, with a sigh.

“That, you are.” She spoke, just as gently. “But I am still endlessly pleased to have been the one to teach you, little one. Everything is as it should be.”

They both remained silent for a moment, simply basking on mutual appreciation, until Sunset blinked. “O-oh! Yeah! And thank you too, Raven! I couldn’t fit you in the cake, but you rock! sorry!”

“It is quite alright.” The aide nearly snickered in the corner. “I am just pleased that you two found time to celebrate. Hopefully next decade will be the same.”

“Next decade… We shall bake the cake together, little one.” the Queen smiled just as warmly.

“If we live after eating this one, you’re on.” She smiled confidently, and began cutting slices.

A yawn.

A flip of the page.

A glance to the window outside. Canterlot, still the same.

Everything, still the same.

“Anypony?” The teacher spoke, with a bit of unenthusiasm. “Can anypony tell me the name of the largest known recorded mythical sea beast?”

Sunset sighed, seeing that the class was unresponsive. She raised a hoof, and spoke. “The largest known sea mythical beast is the Kraken; It’s a trick question, because it is the largest known beast in general. Although some titans in the past could have been qualified to outsize it, mythical beasts are not sapient, so that’s the umbrella we are judging them on, right?”

The teacher nodded. “Indeed, Miss Shimmer; Mythical beasts and titans differed on that very factor. What else can you tell the class about the Kraken?”

“There are very few distinctive reports of it– And Its full size has never been truly measured. The most detailed recording of anypony ever facing it was from Starswirl the Bearded. In his encounter with the monster, he–”

The room shook.

An explosion was heard in the city.

Sunset’s eyes widened– She could see it in the distance; In the central district, there was a monster wreaking havoc. She narrowed her eyes– A Wyvern spit balls of flames into streets she had crossed before. Screaming was heard.

An alarm bell rang throughout the school, and the teacher nervously waved his hooves. “O-okay! Okay, everypony stay calm! T-time to evacuate! Stay calm!! Don’t worry, the Queen will surely take care of that monster!”

Students began swiftly gathering their things and making their way towards the door.

Sunset was not among them.

“Stay calm, all of you!” Celestia’s voice boomed through the district as she flew by with worry. “I will take care of the–”

But she stopped. Ponies were panicking, yes, but as the smoke cleared, she could see clearly that the beast was fallen, defeated, slain. She landed on the plaza where the Wyvern was sprawled out– Its wings burnt, its hide damaged in several places, and its neck bent the wrong way, stuck into a statue atop a water fountain, now bathed in its blood. It was as big as a small house– likely a young Wyvern, she considered.

With her magic, she lifted the facade of a building, allowing ponies to evacuate, gently egging them through.

Swiftly, she put out the fires of a building, siphoning the flames into her horn, ensuring all inside it could flee.

As she looked around the beast, she could see no more injured passerbys, but she remained wary, after all, she had no idea what had felled the monster.

…until she saw her pupil.

“...No no no no NO!” Celestia ran to her aid in a frantic panic.

Sunset laid on the street, with the floor cracked beneath her– She was wounded, bleeding, and one of her legs was bent the wrong way.

“Oh, no no no, what have you done, little one…?” She pleaded cradling her student, desperately checking her wounds and her breathing. “W-why…?!”

“C-celestia…!”The faint mutter could be heard from Sunset’s lips, as her eyes barely opened. “D-did you see…? I won…! I killed it…!”

“Stay awake, Sunset, please, PLEASE…!” The alicorn pleaded.

“I-I won…!”She muttered, and faded out of consciousness.

Sunset woke up.

One of her front legs was in a cast, she had multiple bandages covering her body, and she was in a bed in the Canterlot Castle infirmary. The feeling that permeated through her was as if she had been turned inside out, as she looked around faintly.

“C-celestia…?” She called out faintly.

The Alicorn had been sleeping on a couch in the room and instantly awoke, standing up with adrenaline. “I am here!! I am here, little one. Are you alright!? How are you feeling…?”

Sunset could only groan and mutter in response, but still, she smiled, as she saw the relief on the queen’s face; And right after, noticed that there were multiple stains of dried blood on the Alicorn’s fur– Too much to belong to one pony. “Wh… What happened?” She muttered.

“That beast, it was a young one… Following the orders from a family of its kind, on mountains distant, in the south, intent on attempting to destroy me and what I hold dear.” Her expression hardened, as she looked towards the windows. “I found its home, and ensured none of its spawn will ever endanger Canterlot, or you, ever again.”

“G-good” She muttered. “A-and did you see…?” Sunset smiled weakly. “I challenged a Wyvern and won…!”

“You did...” the Queen shuddered, exhaling. “And in doing so, you nearly killed yourself.” Celestia had to hide her fears with a stern frown– But her expression softened nearly immediately.

“...Sunset… I have made a decision.” She paused to breathe, knowing there was no going back. “As soon as you can walk again, we will begin your combat training. You will not have to return to my school anymore– You have more than proved you have surpassed it.”

The unicorn gave no response other than a relieved smile, with starry eyes

“I do not wish to ever see you hurt like this again… So when you can walk and fight, I will teach you to be unbeatable. Your combat training begins when you are better. Are you ready?”

“...Finally.” Sunset smiled confidently, letting out a sigh of relief.

Author's Note

SOMETIMES EVEN I'M UPSET AT HOW DUMB MY CHARACTERS ARE LMAO

Don't worry y'all. don't worry. think of the endgame. I'm sure these two will work out everything okay and everything's going to be okay I'm sure I'm sure

I know I can't spend a lot of time in periods of time, I'm trying to keep every scene vital, every scene incredibly important, but man I just needed to have Celestia giving her little one insight on how immortality feels, not sorrow but an atunement with everything.

Thank me or don't, but I am trying to keep these chapters as short as possible, even if it means cutting out some scenes here and there. But hey, mom Celestia fuels me. it keeps me goin. I must stay strong and we'll get through this... More mom Celestia content will come...

One could say that it is a part of the ludo narrative resonance that these chapters speed through her life-- Because she is rushing, she is desperately trying to make time pass faster so she can be an alicorn already, desperately so. Impatient.

There's a real poetry in there that I really wanted to tap into, honestly. The ultimate subversion of the chosen one trope-- Where this little orphan thinks she's been chosen by a god to ascend, but... In reality she's just receiving the desperate love of a mother and neither of them can tell. It hurts so good 👍👍👍

Also if you think the story is a little meatless when it comes to side characters, don't worry-- Next chapter will have several appearances and cameos, such as Cadance and Flash Sentry! Aaaaand some other fun ones.

I have to slowly build Sunset's world to have more people in it, y'know how it is. by the time chapter 5 comes around they're straight up gonna visit the Hall of Unity, so y'know, lol.

This entire fic is going to be a swan song and a half, lemme tell ya.

Next chapter is rly sweet and nothing bad happens <3 The protagonist is NOT doomed by the narrative <3