> Sunset Shimmer is a gladiator > by SolarEmpiress > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Before > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- *scrape* What if she isn't here? *scrape* Is she ok? Is she sick? *scrape* Sunset Shimmer ran over the list of possible scenarios in her head over and over again, each one worse then the last. It was the day Twilight Sparkle, the world-famous scientist mare, was back in town, and Sunset hoped with all her heart that nothing went wrong when she came over to watch. Just thinking about Twilight and seeing her hurt was enough to give her chills, but the happy kind, with butterflies and tingling, in her stomach to go along with it. Sunset had been in the Ring for at least three years now, and the main attraction to the poor arena. She didn't want to join the Equestrian military, though. More suited for dirty, sweaty and bloody fighting, Sunset preferred the thrill of not knowing who your enemy was, the cold blooded rush of finishing. She always looked the other way when killing them, unless they struggled. The manager was a beautiful, curvy mare who wasn't money crazed or corrupt. She desired of bringing more things to the arena, and provided most of the funding. She had imported all sorts of animals and trained warriors herself. A real tough lady, her name was Rose. No other name had been provided. Her right-hand stallion was a skinny, whiny twig of a stallion who was probably the exact opposite of Rose. His name was Berry Tree. Looked nothing like a fruit tree or bush. Knowing Twilight was going to be in the crowd made her want to take better care of her stained leather toga. She was a rich gladiator anyways, the Ring did that to you, and Rose paid good money. She had prepared some drinks and cooked up some scones earlier in case she invited Twilight over to her room, fluffed the pillows and did various other things to cozi-fy it. Sunset even stacked up some science books near the couch. She had come to the rather-large town of Auchterarder in the New Kingdom, a small nation governed by Princess Luna herself, on business. Twilight had hoped to snag a moment or two with Sunset and talk, and check up on other friends in the reigon. A prosperous kingdom, the New Kingdom's economy consisted of farming and technology. Auchterarder was not the capitol but another large city with 'modern' improvements. A knock on the door startled her. She stopped sharpening her sword and looked towards the door. Well, that did no good. It was stone, with no windows. It was a wonder the thing didn't work. "Come in," she called out, her voice nearly cracking, looking back to her work. "Visiting hours aren't over yet." The door grinded, stone against stone, as it opened. A meek, boney figure stepped in. "Sunset? It's me. I wanted to pay a quick visit. See how you're doing." The young woman stepped forwards, and Sunset looked over. Her hair was tied up in a meek little bun, but strands of her hair flew out at odd angles. She wore a simple white dress with a gold belt and silver trim. She brushed some hair out of her face and flicked her wings out. "Twilight. How are you doing?" Sunset wanted more then anything to run forwards and hug her, anything to make the pain go away. She felt a warm blush creeping from the tips of her round, furry ears to her smooth face down to the tips of her toes. Kicking her sword over to the side, Sunset Shimmer walked over to a crude, but effective, wooden cupboard. She opened it, getting some cups out. "Want some tea? Or coffee? Whatever. I have at least an hour." Twilight laughed. Sunset grimaced. "What did I say? Was it funny?" Both of them quieted down. Damnit! What a stupid thing to say to her! Idiot! She felt embarassed, standing there being sort of negative, but not quite. She had the tendency to be rash and say things ahead of her brain. Sunset broke the silence by coughing, and started pouring tea for both of them. "Sugar?" she asked Twilight. "Sure. Oh, do you have any milk? I'd like that too." Twilight smiled sweetly and sat down. "Science books? Really?" Twilight stopped smiling for a minute, thumbing through the pages of the rather thick book on top. Sunset faltered. "You know I love this stuff!" And in a moment everything was all smiles. The fiery maned unicorn finished pouring the tea, and served them up. They sat next to each other, enjoying the close contact and heat. They sat silent for a few minutes, when Twilight put her cup down and hugged her. The suddeness of it shocked Sunset, as she squeezed her arms close to her to let Twilight hug her. She hadn't had much romantical contact. She wriggled her arms out and calmly stroked Twilight's back, inhaling her shampoo scent. Wait, what was she thinking? Sunset pulled away gently. "It's so good to see you again." Twilight breathed, laying her head on Sunset's shoulder. So they stayed for a long time, her hand moving out of it's way to gently squeeze Twilights. Then another knock. They both sat bolt upright as a lanky stallion in heavy armor pushed in. "Ms Sunset Shimmer?" He looked around for a minute before noticing two heavily blushing mares on the seat. He gave them a warm smile. "This way." Motioning for Sunset to follow, he walked out, armor clanking. Sunset got up and leaned down as she did so, giving Twilight a soft peck on the forehead. She sat still as Sunset picked up her sword, and hefted her armor over her shoulder and following the stallion. The battle was about to begin.