//------------------------------// // Sunset, Moonrise // Story: Sunset Shimmer Hunts the Undead // by Rune Soldier Dan //------------------------------// Things looked good on the ground. Wendigos were scavengers, not fighters. Even with only Sunset, Applejack, and Twilight as effective combatants, with strong hearts and automatic weapons they had no trouble dispersing the horde. Those wendigos who survived fled to the clouds, spitting curses and trailing snow from their wounds. Above the ground… less good. Sunset swallowed hard, gazing up and up to Tirek’s slow approach. He walked past the concert stage, but that was a small mercy with Canterlot in his path. “Any thoughts?” Sunset mumbled, not expecting an answer. A perky voice emerged from behind. “Did you know that if Princess Twilight came to our world, but kept her pony form, and had an accident that injured one eye and gave her a taste for human flesh, she would literally be a one eyed, one horned, flying purple people eater?” “Cool, thanks Pinkie,” Sunset said, neither looking to the girl nor questioning how, when, or why she had come. “Anyone else?” Wallflower crouched as she gave first aid to the sirens. She raised one hand, blushing faintly. “I have an idea. But we’ll need a giant killer robot.” Sunset paused, then turned in time with the others to look at Twilight. Alas, the girl shook her head. “Mom said no. Also, if we survive this, I need to warn you guys about D–” “Ooh! Ooh!” Pinkie Pie called, drawing a tolerant-yet-exasperated sigh from Sunset. “What if Princess Luna was annoyed at being left behind as the Celestias go to save humanity, so she bullies Queen Chrysalis for a means to keep her form through the mirror and comes with a weapon capable of destroying Tirek so you and your mom can fight side-by-side in an epic climactic battle for the fate of the world?” The hunters gave immediate comment on the unlikelihood of this occurring. Except for Sunset. She just looked up. Blue wings loomed through the deepening dusk, their passage marked by the silver of hoofcups and armor. Princess Luna sped to the group without pause, descending like dark lightning to the shocked cries of all but Sunset. In a mystic aura, she held a purple crystal lance that looked to have once been a railing, ripped from its supports and quickly hammered into a crude spear-like shape. Luna dropped the weapon into Sunset’s arms, bellowing without ceremony. “SUNSET SHIMMER! WILT THOU BE SIDELINED AT THE CLIMAX OF THY OWN STORY, OR WILT THOU RISE WITH ME?” “Story…?” Sunset caught herself and shrugged. “You know what, never mind. I’m rolling with it.” Applejack gave her a troubled smile. “Ain’t you scared of heights?” “Terrified,” Sunset said, though strode towards Luna all the same. Applejack laughed – worried, but strong. “Knock ‘em dead, Sunny.” “I’m sure that’s the plan.” Twilight checked a gauge on her jetpack. “I’ll fly beneath and try to catch you if it goes wrong.” Wallflower called out her own end of things. Only later would they all realize it was the first time she helped form their strategy. “The ice horses are still out there. AJ and I will guard the sirens.” “Sounds good,” Sunset said. She turned back to grace them all with a smile. Twilight, unconscious Adagio, Wallflower… her eyes lingered a touch longer on Applejack, then turned away. She hefted the lance, mounted Luna, grabbed her mane, and– “Rude,” Luna sniffed. Sunset hesitated. “How else am I supposed to stay on?” “Lean forwards, keep balance, and trust me.” “Fine,” Sunset sighed. She released her one possible grip on the barebacked pony, then braced as Luna rocketed to the air.