//------------------------------// // New Skin // Story: Sunset Shimmer - The Princess of Lordran // by ratedoni //------------------------------// Looking up and down and truly taking in the design and details that had been engraved on the different parts of the armor, Sunset inspected everything about the armor to know exactly what parts could leave her vulnerable. Once she finished the inspection, she had to be sincere about the armor. The level of protection it granted was superb, allowing enough movement freedom for Sunset to move around the field and still sturdy enough to let her absorb damage. Andre was a complete genius and Madeleine was amazed at the kind of work he did in just a couple of days. The armor covered her whole body, with the exception of the face and part of the neck in the front, but it was clearly not something off the shelf, because it was molded to Sunset’s body while still keeping her padded like her original robes. It was a teal green, almost jade and on top of it, there was a long cloth, probably what remained of Sunset’s robe alongside the pockets and holsters that the undead had used to keep different objects with her. It had engravings that looked like ivy, but it didn’t look excessive or out of place, like many armors that were made to be used as statues or simple trophies. No, this armor was made to receive damage and look good in the battlefield all at the same time. Sunset, who knew next to nothing about armors in general, was also incredibly happy about what she just gained. Back in Equestria, she never took interest in the armor of the guards, nor the enchantments that had been casted on it. After all, to her, the guards were just a formality, remains of an era long lost. Equestria hasn’t always been peaceful, but with long years under the protection of the sun, well, people usually grew complacent and now guards were just for decoration really. This armor was simply marvelous, being made specifically to her size and done with enough care that it would be an invaluable companion to her throughout the rest of her trip. It was a little painful to say goodbye to her worn robes since she got used to them, but she was still happy that she could keep her pockets and useful space with this new robe. Moving her arms in a circle, she was amazed at the amount of movement range that she had with such an armor, so she could have no problems walking around, although things like acrobatics and rolling around were still pretty much a lost cause for her with something like this on. She left such tactics to Madeleine who always seemed like a cat in her movements. Maybe more like a panther, considering how dangerous the woman was. “It is indeed a great job that you did Andre, truly a perfect gift for our little sun,” the pleasant voice of Solaire traveled across the room, clear even with the sound of Andre’s hammer. Sunset smiled a bit at the man’s nickname for her. There had been no one in her life who have gave her a nickname before and while before all this she would have tried to break the neck of whoever have uttered the nickname, now it felt… nice. It was proof of friendship, companionship, and it felt right. “Probably one of my best works if I say so myself,” Andre said with a rumbling that was supposed to be his laughter, but it was clear that he was proud of his job and he had all the right to be. “It is slightly heavier than a normal knight armor, but considering I took inspiration from the Berenike knights, I think the end results will go well with your way of fighting.” Way of fighting? Sunset had no way or style. She simply ran up to the enemy and then used her weapon like a madman. So far she had been lucky, only dying a couple of times since she had someone watching her back, but maybe she should try to gain some experience with the weapons she had. Maybe next time she could use her claymore and shield, or maybe only the big sword with both hands now that she could withstand some damage. “Berenike knights? Like that giant in the cathedral?” Sunset took off the helmet of her new armor and was surprised to see her hair regaining the volume she was used to. No matter the kind of magic Andre had used to make the armor, just for that simple fact she already loved her new armor. “Indeed, we already took care of one of those things, but there are more all around the place, probably idiots that accompanied Tarkus in his travel to Anor Londo. Now they are ghosts of a long lost place too.” Madeleine truly loved to make melancholic speeches, but just the idea of many knights of those dimensions made Sunset shake. If they had problems with only one, what would she do if she was ever in a fight with many of those things? “So, who’s Tarkus? Another hero from another age?” “You’re learning Sunset. Basically, he was a knight that did a pilgrimage to Anor Londo and apparently was powerful enough to gain entry to the city, but after he went in, well, nobody knows what happened. Some say he met his end at the city, others that he arose alongside the gods when they left Lordran. Some even claim that he simply went home.” Too many mysteries in one city for Sunset, who by herself was very bad with mysteries. Just look where she was because she couldn’t resist not knowing about one mystery. “Not only was he strong, but he survived Sen’s Fortress, the only known access point to the God’s City, and we are close to it.” Solaire still didn’t put his helmet back on, clearly wanting to see his companions face to face. Sunset preferred it that way. It felt a little too impersonal to always talk to someone underneath a mask. Well, Madeleine was an exception since she was always using that masquerade of hers. Besides, it did suit her. “So, if there is a way to get into Anor Londo faster, why are not we using that route? I mean, if it’s supposed to be the city of the gods or whatever, maybe there is an answer to the undead curse there after all, or of why the Bells of Awakening are so important.” “Sunset, if it were so easy, Sen’s Fortress wouldn’t be such a dark place. The problem is that the door to the fortress is forever closed and no one has an idea of how to open it. And believe me, getting into Sen’s Fortress IS the easy part. You don’t wanna know the kind of dangers you could find inside my dear.” For Madeleine to be saying something like that, well, it must be horrible inside. “Well, guess I have no choice but to go for the next bell then… right?” “Sunset, what is it? You’ve been a little… I don’t know, pensive. Something on your mind?” “I don’t know, I… well, I think I heard something, like when we were getting closer to the cathedral, something like a call, or maybe magic? I’m not sure, I’m not an expert in Lordran’s magic,” Sunset explained, though she herself wasn’t so sure about that last statement, especially when she already showed that she could not only use Pyromancy, but that she could detect and break locked doors and enchanted places? Both Madeleine and Solaire looked at each other and like one took their weapons and got their own armors in order. “Well, why didn’t you say so earlier? If you think something is bizarre, then the only thing we can do is go and check it out, don’t you think? So where exactly did you feel that?” “At the hall, where we fought that Titanite Demon-wait, just like that?” “Because we trust you,” Solaire said, his voice now echoing slightly underneath his full helmet. “And think about what we could find. Maybe some long lost artifacts? We already found Havel. Just imagine what could be underneath this place, so let’s go.” Sometimes Sunset was truly surprised about the energy Madeleine had all the time. “Yeah, sure, why not? Andre, thank you for the armor, I’m grateful for your help.” “Well, what else could I do except keep my abilities from rusting? Now, you be careful out there Sunset of Equestria. Don’t go and become hollow on me okay? Neither of us would like to see that happen.” And like that, the three went on, taking their first step into garden and closer to Sunset’s destiny.