//------------------------------// // Ch 3 - The Choosing - Forging the Path Forward // Story: Phoenix-born Rising - The Ascension of Sunset Shimmer // by The Voice in the Water //------------------------------// The slow, rhythmic clang of metal on metal filled the air of the forge, the cacophonous sound reduced to safe levels by a set of enchanted runes carved into the wood and stone of the building. On one side of the main workshop was Sunset, her long hair tied back in a braid and wearing her smithing apron, while her mentor Bronze Hammer, similarly protected, worked another avil on the opposite side of the forge.  Lifting her hammer, she brought it down onto a thin, red-hot tip of the metal bar in her other hand, smashing it against the anvi’s surface. After every strike, she turned the rod 90°, drawing the steel out into a long, tapered point. Once she was satisfied she’d drawn the metal out enough, she set her hammer down and slotted the rod through a header, checking the size. Seeing it was just right, brought the rod back to the forge and reheated the metal. Once the steel at just above the point’s taper was red hot, she brought it back to her anvil, and, using her hammer, sliced most of the way through the rod using an axe-like blade set on the top of the anvil. After short reheating to bring it back to red hot, she slotted it into the header, and snapped off the sharpened point. Quickly fitting the sharpened tip into a small hole on her anvil, she struck the top with her hammer until it mushroomed out. Lifting the header, she dropped the newly finished nail into a bucket next to her work station. Without missing a beat, she returned to the forge to reheat the rod and make another nail. It was simple, mindless work. Mindless enough for her to stew in her anger and bitter disappointment. Two months had gone by since the test. Two months since she’d been sent running through town in tears by the phoenix-rite’s examiners for the “crime” of being an orphan. Taking the heated glowing metal bar out of the forge and back to her anvil, she began to work the steel again. She’d been barely functional for days after the incident, and it was only through the gentle care of her oath-sisters and friends at the orphanage that she’d recovered from her depression. Bronze had been as understanding as he could under the circumstances, but had still docked her pay for the days she missed. She had considered protesting, but decided against it. Better to lose a few radiants than have him kick her out. Even after she’d recovered enough to get back to her regular routine, she’d been stewing over the whole situation. When she told Lyra and the others about what had happened, they were horrified; their tests weren’t anything like what Sunset had gone through. The examiners that had administered theirs had been condescending and mean when they learned they were orphans, but didn’t become outright hostile to the level Sunset got. They hadn’t been yelled at and thrown out.  What was even stranger was how different they described their flames’ appearance. Most of them described their manifested inner fire as yellow, red or orange, with only a few having white flame. And while some of them produced either very bright or dim flames, nobody Sunset talked to had the same combination of color and intensity.  Even her oath-sisters. Sunset dropped another finished nail into her bucket and began the next one. At first, she’d held out hope that maybe it was a sign that she might be chosen for the rite.  But then word had finally reached Golden Tree that the nine candidates had been selected.  Sunset’s hands gripped her hammer a little tighter and she struck the bar with a little more force than necessary, flattening the metal incorrectly. Cursing inwardly, she went to work fixing her mistake, still seething inside.  As she learned about the chosen candidates, her heart sunk lower and lower and she had nearly broken down again; All but one candidate were from Heliopolis, with the outlier coming from the Eastern Territories. What was worse, all of them were from very prestigious, affluent, powerful noble families.  Another nail was added to the bucket. After she’d learned who the candidates were, Sunset had gone to Tender Heart, and asked her if there was any way for her to attend the rite itself. As badly as she’d wanted to be chosen, and as painfully, almost furiously disappointed as she was that she hadn’t been, she still wanted to see it. Part of her reason was that she wanted to see the once in a lifetime moment when a new immortal joined the ranks of the solarian elite. But, she also wanted to know what sort of people deserved to become joined to a phoenix. Wanted to know why she hadn’t been chosen… Much to her disappointment, Tender Heart told her that it was impossible. The free tickets for the event had been given out over a month ago. And even if she’d put in an application on time and won the lottery to get one, there was the matter of getting to the rite in the first place. It was a week long trip from Golden Tree to Heliopolis on a dedicated caravan. From the few people Tender Heart knew who’d made such a journey, it would cost Sunset all the radiants she made in a month just to get there, to say nothing of paying for a hotel, food, and a way to get around. Heliopolis was no place for a child out on her own, especially one without someone there to support and protect her. Sunset had needed to spend a day with her oath-sisters after that, the four of them playing games or exploring Sweet Apple Acres to help her deal with her funk. One more nail dropped into the pile. Now, the phoenix-rite was just over five months away, and Sunset had resigned herself to not attending. It didn’t make the disappointment hurt any less though. Looking down at the metal rod she was working, Sunset noticed that she’d used up most of it. With a sigh, she dropped the used portion into the scrap pile to be melted back down, grabbed another, and got back to work. ***** It was a little over two hours before noon when Bronze Hammer came to check on Sunset’s progress. Even after working for the forgemaster for close to a year, Sunset found the tall, massively muscled, steel-grey skinned, copper haired fire-caller a little intimidating. Kneeling down and examining the nails she’d been making, he grunted with irritation and rose back to his feet with a slight frown, his yellow soul-gem glinting in the light of the forge’s fire. “Some of these are pretty shoddy Sunset.” He said as he held up one of the nails.  “I’m sorry sir.” Sunset said. “Don’t be sorry. Do better.” He said as he held up the overly thin nail. “Yes, we can melt this back down, but that means we can’t sell as many as we could have.” “Yes sir.” Sunset replied, looking away. WIth a sigh, Bronze ran his fingers through his short-cropped hair and regarded his apprentice.  “Sunset, I get that you’ve had a hard couple of months.” He said sternly, holding up the shoddy nail. “Sometimes you’re going to have them. But, regardless of how you feel, you have a job to do. And people are counting on you to do it right. What happens if we sell this to someone, and it fails. Best case, something falls off their wall. Worst case, the wall falls down. Then your ability as a smith is in question, and people stop buying from you. And then what?” Sunset didn’t respond, only looked at the nails in the bucket, considering what Bronze had said. “Let’s take a break from the anvil for a little while.” Bronze said as he picked up the bucket. “Most of these are good, so let’s get them tempered.” Turning away from his apprentice Bronze headed out of the smithy, Sunset following close behind. Walking a short distance from the blacksmith workshop, the two entered a second, domed building also made of stone. Unlike the main smithy, this building consisted of a single room, and was devoid of tools, benches or a forge. Instead, it had a large dias in the center. Along the edge of the dias were dozens of engraved runes, each one meant to help focus the power of the forgemaster’s spell dances into the objects he placed on them. “Sunset. Help me sort these.” Bronze said as he poured the nails out on the dias, pulling out the usable ones, while dropping the problematic nails into the bucket to be melted back down. Sunset joined him, quickly pulling out the flawed nails. Soon, there was a good sized pile of usable nails resting on the dias, with about a dozen flawed ones in the bucket. Walking to the door and setting the bucket down, Bronze began to remove his smithy clothes, hanging them on a set of hooks. Sunset did the same, stripping down to her underwear before both donned a set of bleached wool robes composed of a simple tunic with sleeves and a skirt of elbow and knee-length ribbons covered in fire-caller runes. “Okay Sunset, let’s go over this. I’m about to do a resilience tempering. What does this type do, and how does one fuel their flame to produce the effect?” Bronze asked as he looked at Sunset. Sunset closed her eyes and crossed her arms, thinking back to his lessons on the different types of magical tempering they could do to items they made.  “Resilience tempering provides the object tempered with greater durability and resistance to wear.” Sunset said. “To do this sort of tempering, the smith needs to feed their inner flame with feelings of determination, objection, or rejection.” “Good,” Bronze said neutrally, “and which is the best one to use, and why?” “Determination. Objection and rejection are easier to manifest, but harder to control or apply, because the flame will resist being bound to the object you’re trying to temper. Determination, while not as easy to gather and feed to the flame, it’s better because it can be applied to the object more easily, and can be bonded to it with less resistance.” “Yes, that’s exactly right. Well done Sunset.” Bronze said as he got into position near the dias. “Now, once I temper the good ones, I’m going to pull out a couple of the unusable ones, and you’re going to try tempering them. Understand?” “Yes sir.” Sunset said as she took a step back, watching her master intently. Nodding once, Bronze closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Then, he began his spell dance. It started with slow steps around the dias, before his arms began to move in deliberate, precise swoops. Soon, his entire body was caught up in the dance, the ribbons of his forging robes swishing and twirling as he moved. Soon, his inner flame began to manifest, and his soul-gem produced a warm, bronzy glow. Sunset kept her eyes glued to him, doing her best to memorize his movements. She’d seen him do this particular dance dozens of times, and practiced it with him a dozen more, but she felt it could never hurt to watch her master perform the spell. After all, there was a difference between practicing without calling on her inner flame, and actually performing the tempering herself.  Slowly, the runes on the dias came to life, glowing the same warm bronze color as Bronze’s gem. As the runes’ glow began to grow in intensity, the flame spread to the nails, coating them in soft, steely light. Slowing his dance, Bronze did one final flourish with his arms before coming to a stop, sealing the magic. Gradually, the glow of his flame faded from the nails, runes and his soul-gem. Standing tall, he took a deep breath and nodded to Sunset. Scurrying forward, Sunset collected the nails, and took them outside, depositing them in a separate bucket. By the time she returned, Bronze had set three of her defective nails on the dias. “Alright Sunset. Your turn. Take it slowly.” Bronze said as he stepped back, allowing Sunset to take her place by the dias. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, Sunset visualized the dance in her head one last time, before beginning to move. Unlike her master, Sunset’s dance was less refined, almost clumsy. But, she kept at it, listening for Bronze’s corrections. After a minute, and a few minor corrections from Bronze, she began the next part of the spell: feeding her inner flame and shaping it through the dance. Tapping into her emotions, she summoned her feelings of determination, her desire to not give up and stand strong against the things that wanted to push her down. Letting the feelings suffuse her mind, she poured them into her flame. Her flame hungrily ate up the emotional energy she gave it, flaring up as she wove it through her body. Focusing her mind, she grasped the flame, and began to channel it through her soul-gem, causing it to emit soft, teal light. Round and round the dias she twirled, holding her flame in check as she poured it into the focusing runes on the dias, infused the nails with the tempering. As she danced, her eyes traced across the runes on the dias, and her mind began to wander. Back to the strange runes on the disk she’d stood on when she’d been tested. Back to the fear she felt that day. Back to the anger and humiliation that followed.  Sunset’s body lurched as her flame latched onto the unexpected emotions and devour them, causing it to flare violently and slip from her control. She could feel it the flame take control of the dance, threatening to consume her and burn her alive from the inside. She was dancing out of control now, the flame dictating her motions as it sought a way outside its vessel. “Sunset!” Bronze’s cry of alarm gave her an anchor, which she latched onto, desperate to bring her flame under control. Clamping down her will, she pressed the flame upward and forced the energy out her soul-gem, venting the power as raw magical energy. Her world was engulfed in a brilliant flash of teal light and a deafening roar as the spell she’d been casting backfired on her, throwing her to the ground and knocking the wind out of her. Sunset lay on the ground, her body aching from the backlash of the interrupted spell-dance. But, as much as it hurt, she was grateful for Bronze’s intervention. Had he not given her an anchor, the flame would have continued growing, until it would have erupted from her in an uncontrollable conflagration of raw magical energy. Sunset could hear Bronze rush to her side and kneel down. Strong, rough hands grasped her shoulders and gave her a gentle shake. “Sunset? Sunset! Can you hear me?” Bronze asked, concern lacing his voice. Coughing once, Sunset cracked open her eyes. She could see the worry in her master’s eyes as he looked down at her. “Yea. I’m alive.” Sunset wheezed out. Bronze let out a sigh of relief. “That’s good. Let’s get you out of here.” He said as he gently lifted the young girl and carried her out of the spell forge, doing his best to ignore the red-hot pool of slag on the dias. ***** Sunset was sitting in the main smithy, back in her regular work clothes, head bowed and hands clasped in her lap. Peaking up, she saw Bronze pacing back and forth, also back in his regular clothes, his face twisted with anger. Eventually, he came to a stop, and glared at his apprentice. “Sunset… what in the chaos was that?” He said tersely. “I… lost my focus sir.” Sunset replied. “That wasn’t losing your focus. Losing your focus means the spell fails.” Bronze said, his glower growing deeper as he spoke. “That was you losing control of your flame. And from the look of it, you lost control because you fueled it with the wrong emotions. So, I ask you again, and I want an honest answer. What? Happened?” Sunset sighed and looked down at her hands, wringing them, before replying. “I… I remembered the phoenix test. About how scared I was when they chased me away. How angry I was at the way they treated me. And… the flame latched onto it. And I lost control…” Sunset said morosely. “I’m sorry Bronze.” Looking up, Sunset saw Bronze pinching his forehead between his eyebrows, just below his soul-gem. “Sunset… what am I going to do with you?” Bronze said. “I’m sorry Bronze.” Sunset repeated as she curled up on herself a little. Sunset heard her master take a deep breath in through his nose and out through his mouth, but dared not raise her head to look at him. After a minute, she heard him approach her and kneel down. “Sunset… look at me.” Bronze said. Slowly, Sunset raised her head and looked Bronze in the eyes. Eyes that were no longer angry, but still firm. Sunset whimpered a little as he stared her in the eyes, steel grey boring into teal. “You’re still hurting. I get it. But, regardless of what’s going on up here…” Bronze lifted a hand and gently touched Sunset’s temple with his index and middle fingers, “…you need control here…” he moved his hand from her temple to her chest, pressing his fingers over her heart “…or the flame will consume you when you’re forging. You’ll get it eventually. But… you have to learn control first.” “I’m trying Bronze.” Sunset said with a hint of defiance. “But it just happens so easily. One little slip, and I lose control.” Bronze sighed as he regarded his apprentice. “Sunset, that’s why you need focus.” Bronze sighed as he regarded her, “When Tender Heart sent you to me, I had no idea just how much raw power you would have, or how easily you could call on it. Your potential is immense Sunset, but unless you learn to control your flame, it’s not just a danger to others, it’s a danger to you.” Standing back up, Bronze shook his head. “Look, you’re clearly not in the right headspace to practice spell dances as long and complicated as forging dances.” He said before pointing his thumb towards his office. “I want you to practice your rune engraving. If anything, it’ll take your mind off things. After that, you can help me get started on a few orders, and we can call it a day.” Sunset wanted to protest, to say that she could do it. She just needed another chance. But, the stern look from Bronze killed any defiance she had. “Yes sir.” Sunset said as she rose to her feet. ***** The rest of the day at the smithy passed quietly for Sunset. After changing out of her forging robes, she had retreated to one of the workbenches in Bronze’s office, and grabbed a tome on runic engraving. After settling down, she pulled out a set of steel practice tablets, her etching tools, and got to work. The hours passed slowly as she engraved the runes, had Bronze inspect them, and return to the bench to try again when he found flaws in her execution.  After two hours, Bronze decided that she’d practiced enough. After cleaning up her bench, she joined Bronze back in the smithy, helping him get started on an order of replacement farming tools for Sweet Apple Acres. It was around 3 hours before sundown that they finished up the initial work, at which point Bronze dismissed Sunset, saying they could pick things up again tomorrow.  Putting their street clothes back on and getting cleaned up, Bronze brought Sunset to his office and pulled out a sack of coins, handing her two radiants. It was slightly less than she usually got, but given the day’s events, Sunset understood. Thanking Bronze, she turned to leave, only to be stopped by the master smith. “Sunset, after what happened today, we’re going to hold off on spell forging for a while.” Bronze said levely. “But, sir, I…” Sunset began, but Bronze raised a hand. “I understand that it’s disappointing, but I’m not going to have you hurt yourself.” He said as he approached his apprentice. “Instead, we’re going to work on some meditation techniques. It’ll help you get your emotions under control.” “I… okay. Thank you sir.” Sunset said with a pout. “You’ll get there Sunset. It’s just going to take some time.” Bronze said as he patted her shoulder. “Now, off with you. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” “Of course. I’ll see you then.” Sunset said as she slowly walked out of the smithy and onto the street. Taking a deep breath, Sunset thrust her hands into the pockets of her pants and began to walk back towards the orphanage. She briefly entertained the idea of visiting Pinkie at the Sweet Shoppe, but decided against it. Pinkie was wonderful at bringing a smile to her face, but right then, she didn’t feel like smiling. She felt like being left alone to stew. She’d messed up. She knew that. Bronze had taken her off her spell dance training. Part of her understood why. But another just couldn’t accept it. She knew she could do the dances right. She’d done them before. Admittedly, they weren’t perfect, but they’d never blown up in her face like this. Kicking a rock, she growled angrily. It just wasn’t fair. Not what Bronze had done. That she understood. Even if she didn’t like it. It all came back to those jerks from Heliopolis. They were the cause of all of her problems for the last two months. Them and their stupid, stuck-up attitudes. If only she could go to the phoenix-rite. That’d prove to them that she wasn’t just some worthless, parentless child. But she didn’t have any way of going. Not without a ticket. And not without any money. Slouching down, she listlessly kicked another rock. It was hopeless. As she trudged along, she found herself walking past town hall, and the announcement board. Stopping, she decided to look it over. Maybe there was something happening that could help her take her mind off things. A theater troupe passing through. A musical event. Something. Scanning over the board, there wasn’t much that caught her eye. Announcements of new births. Some senior citizens dying. A few adds for items for sale. Announcements for when the next town council would be meeting to discuss policy. The public hanging of a horse thief that had been caught trying to make off with Bramble Thorn’s prize stallion. Nothing too interesting. As she scanned the board, her eyes eventually reached the section for royal announcements. Normally, she ignored these, as they had little to do with her. But, as she looked the oft ignored section over, something caught her eye. It was a large flier that bore the royal seal, but Sunset was less interested in the proof that it had come from the Queen, and more interested in what it said: Announcement of the Lottery for Servers at the Phoenix-Rite As per tradition, set down by Queen Celestia at the inception of our great nation, it is hereby announced that there shall be a lottery to provide 100 lucky children from across Solaria the opportunity to attend the Phoenix-Rite as servers for the event. Those who wish to enter must submit an application through Raven Inkwell, Seneschal to the Queen, via the application forms provided with the posting of this flier. Of the applicants, 100 will be chosen, at random, to serve at the event. The winners of this lottery will be expected to undergo an intense, one month training session under Lady Inkwell’s tutelage in Heliopolis to prepare them for the event. Housing and food expenses will be covered by the crown, but those selected must make their own way to Heliopolis. Arrangements for transport to the site of the training must be made with the crown before arrival. Winners of the lottery will be announced during the month of Praecipio. Sunset was dumbstruck as she read and reread the announcement. That was it. That was the answer! If she couldn’t attend as a guest, she could enter the lottery to serve at the event. Sure, it was still a longshot, but it was her chance. And it solved the problem of money, because the crown would be paying for her to stay as a server. All she needed to do was figure out a way to get to Heliopolis, and she’d be set. If she saved every radiant that Bronze paid her for the next two months, maybe she’d have enough. Sure, she’d have to skip out on going to the Sweet Shoppe with her oath-sisters, but they’d understand.  Looking below the announcement, Sunset saw a folder of applications forms. Reaching up, she grabbed one and folded it up, stuffed it in her shirt, then took off down the road, running back home as quickly as she could. She still had a chance. She still had a chance!  ***** “Tender Heart!” Sunset yelled as she burst through the front door. “Tender Heart, where are you?!” Sunset’s heart was racing as she came to a skidding halt. She was out of breath from running all the way back from town hall, but she barely noticed her exhaustion. She needed to find Tender Heart.  “Sunset? What’s going on?” A familiar, cheery voice called from her right. Turning, Sunset spotted Lyra staring at her from the doorway leading to the common room. A moment later, Lyra found herself snatched by the front of her shirt, with Sunset pressing her nose right up against her’s, staring into her eyes with the most serious expression that she’d ever seen on the other girl. “Lyra… where is Tender Heart.” Sunset said slowly, “No games. No jokes. No silliness. I need to find her right now. Where is she? Where?” Lyra felt herself trembling a little in Sunset’s grasp. “I think she’s in the back with Flitter doing the laundry.” Lyra said with a gulp. “What’s this all about?” “No time. I’ll explain later.” Sunset said as she released Lyra and rushed deeper into the house. “Okay… that was odd. Even for Sunset.” Lyra mused, then shrugged, her smile coming back in full force. “Glad to see she’s feeling a bit better at least.”  Shrugging, she went back to the common room and picked up her langeleik. Checking the instrument’s tuning, she resumed playing for the younger kids. Sunset rushed through the hallways, taking corners at almost reckless speed, until she burst into the laundry room. As she stood panting in the doorway, she spotted Tender Heart and Flitter frozen midway through scrubbing bedsheets. Flitter’s face was twisted with shock at Sunset’s sudden and uncharacteristic entry, while Tender Heart’s face, while shocked, also bore a look of concern. Before either of them could recover, Sunset had regained herself and marched up to Tender Heart. “Matron!” Sunset almost shouted, her breathing shallow “I need your help. I’ve got one last chance! I can’t miss it!” Dropping the bedsheet she was washing back into the basin, Tender Heart rose to her feet and looked at Sunset with great concern. “Calm down Sunset. What’s going on? What do you mean ‘last chance’?” Tender Heart said. “This! Look at this! The crown is looking for volunteers to work at the phoenix-rite.” Sunset said, waving the form around with almost manic urgency. “I still have a chance to go. But, I need your help filling this out. Please, matron.” Wiping her hands dry, Tender Heart took the application form from Sunset, and read it over. As she read, Sunset folded her arms behind her back and rocked back and forth on her heels, waiting for Tender Heart’s response.  “…Sunset.” Tender Heart said as she lowered the paper and regarded her young charge, distress in her eyes. “I know you’ve been obsessing about going to the phoenix-rite. I get it. But, please, stop and really consider what you’re asking me to do here. Are you absolutely certain that this is what you want?” “I know matron. I know. But, this is the only way left. Please.” Sunset all but begged. Setting the application form aside, Tender Heart kneeled down and put a hand on Sunset’s shoulder. “Sweetie. Please. Stop and think about this. Really think about it.” Tender Heart said, her features now warped by genuine fear. Fear for her, Sunset realized. “There’s no guarantee that you’ll even get chosen in the first place. I don’t want to see you almost break again. And even if you did end up selected, you’d have to go to Heliopolis. What happened at the test was only a taste of the way that the people there treat orphans. You’d be putting yourself right in the middle of very real danger. Do you understand that?” “I…” Sunset began, but was interrupted by Tender Heart pulling her into a hug. “And you wouldn’t just be going to see the rite, you’d be serving at it. I can only imagine what the crown demands of those serving at their events, especially something as important as the phoenix-rite. Raven Inkwell may have the reputation for being kind, but she’s also a phoenix-born, one who’s been serving the Queen since before anyone can remember. Who knows what she’s really like? Sunset… I need to know… do you really understand what you’re going to get yourself into if you do this?” “Matron, please… can’t you just help me…” Sunset began to plea as Tender Heart hugged her a little tighter. It was then that she felt Tender Heart trembling a little. “Matron, are you okay?” “Sunset… you silly, wonderful little girl. I’m scared for you.” Tender Heart said as she held Sunset close. “I’m scared of what could happen to you if you go to that city. I don’t want to lose you. Not like that.” “Matr… Tender Heart. You’re not going to lose me.” Sunset said as she returned Tender Heart’s hug. “I’ll be back.” “Oh Sunset. That’s not what I mean. Not what I mean at all…” “Tender Heart, please. I can do this. I know I can.” “Please, just… think about it. Really think about what this would mean.” Tender Heart said as she leaned back and held Sunset’s shoulders, looking her in the eyes. Sunset began to answer, but Tender Heart put a finger on her lips. “You don’t need to answer now. Let’s make a deal. Think about it tonight. Really think about it, and we’ll talk in the morning. Can you do that for me?” “I… yes, matron. I’ll think about it.” Sunset said, lowering her head. “Thank you Sunset.” Tender Heart said as she rose to her feet and ushered Sunset out of the room. ***** Sunset lay in bed, looking up at the ceiling of her room. All around her, she could hear the gentle breathing of her bunkmates. But she couldn’t sleep. Her mind was racing around and around too much for the darkness to claim her. As much as she hated to admit it, Tender Heart had a point. Now that she stopped to think about it, the idea of going to Heliopolis was terrifying. Not just because of the idea of going to the city itself, but because she had a feeling she knew what it would be like if she went there and they found out she was an orphan. She didn’t want to think what a whole city of people like those examiners would be like. And… there was the matter of figuring out how to get there in the first place. She’d never left Golden Tree before, let alone gone somewhere as distant and impossible to imagine as Heliopolis. It was the City of the Sun, the place where Queen Celestia lived. It was like something out of her book of legends. Tender Heart told her that the trip would take a week to make, which was something that she couldn’t really fathom. The other towns around Golden Tree were, at most, half a day’s journey on horseback, maybe a couple hours for a sky-runner. But a whole week of travel? That was something else entirely. And really, what was the point of going? She wasn’t going to become a phoenix-born. And she’d have to work the entire time. Sure, she’d get to see the ascension, something that few people got to witness. But, it’d cost her months of her life, and put her training with Bronze on hold. All just to see some noble’s dumb kid get to be an immortal. Sunset rolled over onto her side, and curled up.  Was it really worth it? Sighing, Sunset sat up and, as quietly as she could, got out of bed, then made her way to her trunk. Quietly opening it, she got out her tome, before crawling back into bed, and pulled her quilt over herself. Once she was completely covered, she called on her flame and feed it with a small amount of joy, weaving her right hand through the air. As she channeled her fire into the spell, a small sphere of soft, white light barely brighter than a rushlight appeared between her thumb, index and middle fingers. Grasping the will-o-whisp, she brought it over her book and stuck it to the underside of the blanket, providing her with enough light to read.  Flipping the tome open, she looked for something to read. Something to help settle her mind, or give her some insight. As she sifted through the pages, her eyes caught a title. Turning the page back to the story in question, her heart skipped a beat. Mage Meadowbrook and the Phoenix Sunset knew this story. It was one of Solaria’s oldest legends, and one of her favorites. One that predated the division between their blessed Queen and the traitorous Luna and her degenerate night-loving followers. From the days before the Prince of Shadows betrayed his sisters and turned on them. From the days after the Avatars of Chaos threatened the Empress’s creation and forced her to leave to hold them at bay. Of how a simple peasant girl, Mage Meadowbrook, had found an abandoned egg. Realizing that it was a phoenix egg, she thought of selling it. But, knowing that the phoenix queen would want her child back, she instead set out to return the egg. How she traveled long and far, trying to reach the aerie of the phoenixes. How, before she could reach Lumina, the egg hatched, and her inner-fire had somehow entwined with the hatchling phoenix. And she’d been transformed into the first phoenix-born. How the newly crowned Queen Celestia found Meadowbrook, and brought her to the phoenix queen, and asked what would be her fate. And Lumina told the Queen of the Sun that she had chosen to bless one of her friend’s children with a bond between one of hers. That the rite of the phoenix was to be a celebration of all that followed the path of fire and the sun. And that greatness could come from anywhere, if given the chance to shine. Putting her hand on the page, Sunset slowly ran her fingers down the parchment. Meadowbrook was someone that Sunset had always admired. How she came from almost nothing, but overcame the odds. How she went on to become one of Queen Celestia’s greatest heros. How she had eventually fallen, giving her life saving countless sun-gazers from the deprivations of The King of Monster’s army. Sunset looked at the familiar tale on the pages of her tome. Meadowbrook faced greater obstacles than she did, and she overcame them with determination, cunning, and perseverance. Slowly closing the book, Sunset hugged it to her chest. The challenge she faced now was nothing compared to what the first phoenix-born had faced. Would she let her fear keep her from trying, or would she be strong, and fight for what she wanted?  Before, she was uncertain. Now, she knew her answer. Setting the book on the nightstand next to her bed, she lay down and drifted off into the black oblivion of sleep. ***** Sunset quietly crept out of the bunk room, careful not to wake the others. Tiptoeing down the hallway, she descended the staircase to the first floor. As she walked, the smell of cooking porridge, eggs and tea tickled her nose as she neared the kitchen. Knowing Tender Heart, she’d have risen early to get started on breakfast for the children. Some days, some of the older kids, including Sunset, would help her. But, from the sounds coming from the kitchen, Tender Heart was on her own this time.  ‘Good’ Sunset thought. That meant she’d have Tender Heart’s full attention. Pulling the door open and peaking in, Sunset saw Tender Heart hard at work stirring the porridge cooking over a set of fire-rune inscribed stones, and periodically checking on a large tray of scrambled eggs she had in the large, cast-iron oven. “Matron, do you need some help?” Sunset said when Tender Heart stepped away from the stove. No point in potentially startling her while she was near an open flame or had something hot in her hands. “Oh, good morning Sunset.” Tender Heart replied, surprised to see the girl. “Yes, that would be lovely sweetie. Can you cut up some apples?” “Of course, matron.” Sunset said as she fully entered the kitchen. Closing the door, she went to a wall mounted rack and pulled off an apron. Tying her hair back and washing her hands, Sunset grabbed an armful of apples from the pantry, then climbed a stepstool and set the fruits down on the countertop. Once Tender Heart saw that Sunset was ready, she passed her a short knife and went back to preparing the rest of breakfast. The two worked in silence for a while, Sunset cutting up apples and putting them into a large bowl, Tender Heart preparing the pan of scrambled eggs and the pot of porridge. Sunset was wracking her mind, trying to figure out a way to bring up the subject of the rite to Tender Heart. “Sunset…” Tender Heart said as the girl in question finished up the apples she was currently cutting, and was going to get more. Sunset paused, then turned to look at Tender Heart. The two of them just stared at one another for a moment. Tender Heart’s warm pink eyes looking into Sunset’s cool teal. Sunset could almost feel the weight of the earth-weaver’s stare boring down on her. Assessing her. With a slow, sad shake of her head, Tender Heart lowered her head and sighed. “You still want to go, don’t you?” She said. “How did you…?” Sunset began, but was silenced by Tender Heart’s sad smile. “Dear girl, I know you. When you come here to help me without being asked, you either want to talk without the others around, or you’re feeling guilty about something and want to make it up to me.” Tender Heart said as she regarded Sunset. “And unless you did something, you want to talk, right?” Sunset looked away. Tender Heart knew her too well. “So, I take it you thought about it.” Sunset nodded. “And you still want to apply?” “Yes, matron. I do.” Sunset replied. “Why? Why is this so important to you? Why do you want to put yourself through all of that?” Tender Heart said, the concern for her young charge practically saturating her voice. “Because…” Sunset began, before taking a deep breath, “Because… I deserve the chance. And because I need to prove to myself that I can.” Whatever response Tender Heart was expecting, it wasn’t that. “What?” She said as she looked at Sunset. Sunset clenched her fists and looked at the ground, gathering her courage. When she looked back at Tender Heart, her eyes were full of fiery determination. “Matron, do you remember what the phoenix-rite stands for?” Sunset began. “Of course. It’s when the most worthy members of Solaria join with a phoenix to become one of her majesty's chosen.” “That’s not what I mean. That’s what happens at the ritual. But that’s not what it stands for.” Sunset said softy. “When Meadowbrook became the first phoenix-born, Lumina declared that the phoenix-rite was a celebration of all those that followed Queen Celestia, and that great things can come from humble beginnings. The rite is meant to show that all sun-gazers are Celestia’s children, and that they are all worthy.” “Sunset…” “Please, matron, may I finish?” Sunset asked respectfully. Tender Heart seemed taken aback for a moment, but closed her eyes and simply nodded. “Thank you, matron. When Meadowbrook journeyed to return Lumina’s egg to her, she faced so many obstacles. So many hardships. But, she never gave up. She never turned back and quit. She overcame. She persevered. And she defeated the things that stood in her way.” Sunset wrung her hands together, feeling her courage begining to wane. But, she fortified herself with a deep breath and pressed on. “I’m no Meadowbrook. I’m just some girl from Golden Tree. But, I am a sun-gazer. I’m one of Queen Celestia’s children. And… I won’t turn away from hardship. I want to face it like Meadowbrook did. I know it’s a longshot that I’ll get chosen. I know that I’ll have to scrape and save to afford getting to Heliopolis. I know that I’ll be in danger because of what I am. But, I want to… I have to face it. I have to try. And if I fail, then I fail knowing that I gave it everything I had. That I stood tall, and fought for what I wanted.” Tender Heart just stared at Sunset, unsure how to respond. “Matron, I have to try.” Sunset continued. “I want to go to the rite, because I want to be strong. Like Meadowbrook. And I want to prove to myself and to those jerks in Heliopolis that I won’t be beaten. They look down on me like I’m some worthless piece of garbage. Well, I’m not. I’m Sunset Shimmer. I’m a sun-gazer, just like them. And I won’t be told that I can’t go to a celebration of what it means to be Solarian just because they think that I need their definition of family to be worth anything. Because I do have a family. You. Lyra. Flitter. Applejack. Pinkie. Rainbow. Bronze. And everyone else here in Golden Tree. We’re family. A family not of blood, but of heart and flame. Isn’t that a good enough?” Sunset looked at Tender Heart, noticing the worry on the matron’s face. “You… you’re really set on trying, aren’t you? You really want to risk yourself like that?” Tender Heart asked slowly. Sunset simply nodded. “Oh Sunset.” Tender Heart said as she knelt down to look Sunset directly in the eyes, placing a hand on her shoulder. “You stupid, headstrong, couragious little girl. Even with the odds of getting picked, even with how hard it will be, even with all the danger that going to Heliopolis will mean, you’re still set on trying?” “I am.” Sunset said, looking into Tender Heart’s eyes with determination. Bowing her head slightly, Tender Heart sighed. “Okay…I’ll help you send in the application…” Sunset’s eyes lit up and her face split into a giant smile. Lunging forward, she wrapped her arms around Tender Hear’s neck, hugging the matron. “Thank you.” Sunset said, “Thank you, thank you thank you…” “Easy now.” Tender Heart said as she returned the hug. “Just sending in the application doesn’t mean you’re going. There’s going to be a lot of work ahead of you if you do this.” “I understand.” Sunset said. “I’m not sure you really do.” Tender Heart said with a weak chuckle as she hugged Sunset a little tighter. “But, I’m sure you’ll figure it out. You’re too stubborn not to.” Sunset smiled as she held onto Tender Heart. Come chaos, moonlight or shadows, she was determined to find a way to make it happen.