//------------------------------// // An Unexpected Savior // Story: Shimmering Hope // by TheBlueRogue //------------------------------// A lone girl walks the snow-covered streets of Canterlot City. She shivers as the cold bites at her bare hands and neck. She keeps her leather jacket closed as she walks the empty sidewalks, her breath visible in the moonlight. She enters the park, as it is still and silent. She treads on the freshly fallen snow, as the moon shines brightly above her. The park is eerie and majestic, with snow covered trees swaying in the breeze. She takes it all in, standing out with her fiery hair and dark attire. She wipes away the nearly frozen tears off her cheek, as she sits on a bench in the middle of the park. Her hands shake from more than just the shivers rattling her body, as she succumbs to her pain. She couldn't take it anymore, after everything she did, all her hard work and dedication to get better, shattered and tossed aside due to some stupid blog. Her five best friends, no the entire school, just so easily believed and hated her due to falsehoods.  She pulls out a pocket knife, its red and orange cover shining in the light of the moon. She opens it, and stares at the blade. No one would believe her, no one really cared or loved her, and even when the culprits were discovered, no one but the three apologized, as if they did nothing wrong. Hell even AJ’s idea of a punishment is not justice, and they then had the nerve to invite her to a slumber party at AJ’s house. She feels her tears fall from her cheeks, as their words echo in her mind.  She rolls up her sleeve, as she looks at her other attempts, the sideways marks of her always deciding not to finish the job. She now aims her blade length wise, as she shutters and remembers how Fluttershy looked at her, her tear filled eyes and puffy cheeks, she hears those words so clearly. “You… betrayed me Sunset… h-how could you?” Those words make her stop.. The blade an inch away. She feels hate and guilt, as her eyes blurred with tears. She never notices a single jet black crow landing on the bench, silently as strange amber eyes look at her. She shutters, and looks up and away from her arm. “I never did Shy ...I never did.” She closes her eyes as she puts the blade to her arm and feels some fluid on her skin, yet no pain.  She opens them, and comes face to face with a pale skinned man, with amber eyes and a black suit on. His hair is ginger, as he smiles at her. She then sees, his hand enclosed on the knife, his hand bare as she sees his blood drip onto her arm. “Huh..how..why?” She is beyond confused, as she feels a sudden chill run up her spine.  The Stranger smiles at her. “How? That is simple, I walked and grabbed the knife. Why is harder to explain. So, why don’t I take this and we go someplace to chat kid.” His voice is calm and cool, yet full of warmth and care. She is still cautious, as she lets go of the knife but moves away from him. He nods, sitting down next to her as he removes the knife from his injured hand. It bleeds badly, as she sees him clean and pocket her knife.  He looks back at her, that smile still present. “My name is Xavier, and well, lets just say I was passing through and saw you here, so I came to investigate. I must say I came just in time from the looks of it. So, Miss, why are you out here trying to end it all?” He asks calmly, as he put a glove on his injured hand. Sunset, is shocked and worried, as she looks at this strange man. His paleness contrasting against his jet black suit, those bright amber eyes standing out, like they are glowing. He is unsettling, his sudden arrival and very cheerful manner seem forced and yet he shows no signs of pain from his injury. He crosses a leg over the other, and looks at her. “I know what your thinking, ‘Why should I trust you?’ Well, maybe because I have nothing to gain or lose from you dying here, I shouldn’t care, yet I do. I care because, truthfully, I hate seeing people die. It is sad, the lost potential and a waste of a life.” He sighs, his breath barely visible in the light of the moon. Sunset looks at him, and decides she may just play along till he lets her go, maybe she can find another way to end her miserable life. “So, why the hell are you out here, why in public? Just, talk to me, and if your still wanting to end it, than you can. However, this means a last supper for you, and don’t worry, I’m buying.” He stands up, and smiles at her, those white teeth fit his pale skin and lips. Sunset shakes her head. “No, I’m fine, your already helped enough.” She lies as she feels he maybe trying to take advantage of her. 'Targeting the helpless for an easy catch. Well, I am going to at least keep my dignity a bit longer.' Xavier looks at her, as he sighs again then kneels before her. “Miss Shimmer, that wasn’t an offer, it was a request. So please follow me, I know a good place to eat at. A small family run restaurant, they make amazing tea.” Sunset is shocked, he knows her name, has he been stalking her, does it matter, after all, no one would believe her. She stands and shivers, accepting her fate now. “Just… no meat.” She manages to say as she hugs herself, the cold making her shake violently. He nods, as he quickly gives her his jacket. “Don’t worry, it has a plethora of vegan options.”  They walk together, as they reach a very fancy car, with dark black paint and no sign of snow on it. It is no sports car, but it is clearly for the rich. He opens her door and makes sure she is alright before getting in and starting the car. The interior is ebony and gold, with blue lights eliminating its interior. Sunset sees his still gloved hand grasp the wheel. “What about… your hand?”  Xavier looks at his gloved, the black leather stretching as he moves it weakly. “Please Miss Shimmer, it is not a problem.” He reverses and drives into the heart of the city. They see people out celebrating the holiday, a great contrast to the serenity and eerie park. Soon she finds herself at a store, as he buys her better clothes and for some reason, everyone assumes he is her father. He jokes and smiles, as she feels confused. Maybe he is just trying to trick her still, but a part of her hopes he is actually just a nice guy. That hope turns to guilt as she thinks about how much he will waste on her. As she tries it on, she looks in the mirror she sees her red cheeks and red tearful eyes. She notes that his ginger hair looks like her own, yet she is more colorful than him. She wonders if he may be sick, due to his pale complexion, which looks ghostly white inside the store. They continue on, walking around a bit, until she sees others from her school. She panics and hides herself, as Xavier decides to take another path and they go into another store. He keeps on buying her clothes, for all seasons as most of the staff talk to him as if he was her dad. Xavier keeps her from knowing exactly how much he spends, nor does he let her go cheap. She goes with it, guilt slowly building as she keeps a rough total in her head. She keeps her wrists covered at all times, and she sighs when she sees a family shopping or walking about, or couples enjoying the night.  They soon reach a very cozy looking restaurant, and as they enter, she hears smooth jazz play as she smells fresh bread and sweets. He goes over and talk to the Hostess, as she nods, he then walks back over. “Go pick a seat, I’ll be right back.” He goes out the door and stands out front. Sunset can no longer take it, she decides to apologize for wasting his time and say she can not pay for anything, and see what he does at that. She goes and sits down, a waiter handing her a menu and a list of teas. Sunset sighs, and waits for Xavier to return. She now has a fluffy winter coat that goes to her knees, boots, and a scarf. She removes the scarf and her coat, folding them neatly next to her. She looks down as she digs at her wrist and feels her freshest scab open, her warm blood seeps out slowly as she feels so bad for ruining this man's attempts to help her. Xavier walks over and sits down across from her, he opens his menu and smiles at her. “So, you can order as mu-” Sunset pushes his menu down, as she looks apologetically at him. “No, you have been very kind, but.. I can’t let you spend anymore money on me. I, I can’t repay you.. Sorry. You can return the clothes and all later. I’ll just go home an-” Xavier interrupts her as he puts his menu down and speaks in a clear and stern voice. “Sunset Shimmer, I have spent a total of 3,211 dollars on you, and I expect you to pay me back.” He glares at her with his amber orbs, as if what she says is breaking the law.  She stares at him in shock, worry and guilt stir in her stomach as she sweats at the amount. 'How could I ever repay him? I have no job, will he ask me to work for him? Is this some trap? Maybe this really was too good to be true.' Xavier snaps her out of her thoughts with a snap of his fingers. She shakes her head and looks at him. “You can start, by answering my questions, then by listening to me.” He waves a hand, and suddenly the waitress delivers two fresh cups of tea and two massive bowls of steaming vegan stir fry. She smiles and walks off, as the smells hit Sunset and her stomach growls. She ignores her hunger and just stares at him, speechless. He looks at her, his eyes warm yet stern, like of a father or guardian. Sunset stutters and is very confused by all of this. “I-I… why do y-” Xavier hods up his pale hand to silence her. “No, I ask first, and I want honest answers please.” Sunset nods, as she looks down, feeling like Princess Celestia herself is judging her again.  Xavier takes a breath, as Sunset waits for him to begin. “Why in public?” He looks at her inquisitively, she feels his eyes stare straight at her soul.  She sighs, and she swallow a lump in her throat. “T-to show that… they caused this, all of them, didn’t believe me and treated me so... so badly over lies from a stupid blog.” She tries to keep her voice down, not wanting others to hear.  Xavier nods, though his reaction is not one Sunset expected, he seems underwhelmed by this. “That is a very lackluster reason for them to act like that, the internet is full of lies. However, I think there is more to that than you say. Tell me, do you have a past involved with harming others?” He speaks calmly, in a logical manner, and takes a sip from his cup of tea.  Sunset sighs, and just lets her word flow. “Yes but, I am reformed, I have helped out and worked myself to exhaustion, helping those I wronged and trying to show I am better than my past self, and yet, all it takes is a stupid blog to ruin all of it. My best friends even believed it, after everything we have been through. They didn't even let me explain a single thing…. Even Fluttershy believed it.” Sunset sips her tea, using her uninjured hand to drink. The sweetness of honey with the slight tang of the blend helps calm her nerves some. Xavier nods, as he thinks for a moment. “Well then, you must find the ones behind it.” He sips his tea again, as Sunset groans and glares a bit at him. “Already happened.. Yet, those three apologize, but no one else does, not even my friends. In fact, they have the audacity to invite me to a slumber party so casually. I showed up, expecting an apology party, only to walk in on them talking about me, laughing and bring up the past. I just… left, not a word to any of them. I didn’t even take my bag.” She sighs, as Xavier nods, eating some of his food. He swallows and wipes his face. “Yes, well that is all very sad and unfortunate, however, Miss Shimmer I fi-” Sunset stops him mid-sentence with a raised hand. “Hold it, how do you even know my name?” She nearly yelled, as him somehow knowing her name without her telling him is unsettling, her old ideas about him return to the forefront of her mind. Xavier sighs, as his entire demeanor changes. “Because,... well I am not from around here per say.” He takes his glove off, and Sunset sees his hand is fully healed, not even a scar remains. “I am… as hard as it is to believe, Death. I tend to just wait and have these chats when people are dead… but your not a person. Your not from here either, so I intervened and now here we are, two other worlders having a chat.” Sunset, thinks about this, she read about the manifestation of death in some old books back in Equestria. 'But they described it as a bone pale pony, who wore a black cloak and usually had a mane of blue fire. Now he sort of fits it, but he has ginger hair and seems to alive to be Death. Maybe this world has their own -no the human world has no real magic, so they can't have Death like we have in Equestria.' Yet, she has evidence before her, his hand is healed, and now that she thinks about it, he barely even breathes, and he is in a rather thin suit for this weather. He never once complained of being cold, and she remember how cold his hand was. There is also his mere presence, as her mind realizes that even as a human, her body warns her he is very powerful and something she should be careful around. Sunset sighs, as she is still unsure if he speaks the truth. “If your really death, which is hard to believe, than prove it.” She drinks some more of her tea and looks at the food, waiting for him to respond.  Xavier takes a moment, as he sets his cup down and holds his head in his hands. “Applejack’s parents died in a car crash on I-89 when a truck swerved into their lane, died instantly. They are buried on the farm under the old apple tree with their initials carved into it. Your mother miscarried once before you were born, male, three weeks to early. Finally, you have tried and failed to kill yourself 23 times, mostly cutting but two were attempts at hanging yourself.” Sunset, blinks and shutters as she takes that in. Sure, anyone could figure those first two out, with a lot of research and asking the right people or ponies. However, only she knows how many times she has tried. “You… alright, but if your death than why stop me?” She genuinely is confused as to why Death itself, no himself, would want to stop someone from dying. Xavier sighs deeply, his face going stern and his body tenses a bit. “Like I said earlier, I hate seeing a life wasted. I want to meet all mortals like an old friend, peacefully and calmly guiding them to the after, or meeting them as my reapers bring them for judging. I have tea and chat with them, then send them on their way. You however, you have so much ahead of you, you just need help my dear child.” Sunset nods, but looks ashamed. Xavier straightens up and gets her attention with a wave of his hand. “Now, eat and I’ll take you someplace safe for the night, but know this my dear, sometimes you just need to talk to someone… and other times, someone needs to talk for you.” He begins to eat again, as Sunset takes it all in, her wrist still bleeding a little, for she did not stop picking at the scab. Xavier sighs, as Sunset feels a cold on her wrist, as her wound closes. “Just relax and eat Sunset, I promise you I am not tricking you. ” He smiles and for once, Sunset feels that she can truly trust him.   Sunset nods and grabs her spoon as she takes a scoop of food. “Alright, but… you can just drop me off at the Homeless shelter, I have a friend there who will accommodate me.” Xavier nods, and they eat their meal and enjoy the delicious tea. An hour passes, as Sunset sits in the car, as Xavier drives them someplace. He had pulled out a laptop and showed her a movie as she ate, than paid the bill. They had a small chat as he drove, though she was feeling tired and was hoping the shelter could accommodate her tonight. He smiles as they pull up to a hospital. Sunset notices the old van Fluttershy has, and Principal Celestia’s car next to it.  Sunset is livid, as she glares daggers at Xavier. “You lied! You said you would take me to the shelter!” She yells at him, feeling betrayed and mortified that those who betrayed her are here. ‘How do they know, did he tell them? Did he plan this all out?’ Her mind races with thoughts and ways to get away from them.  Xavier looks at her, with those caring amber orbs. “Sunset, look, I am death, reaper of souls. I am not really cut out for helping others. I am trying to do better, I really am. Honestly I am not in my element right now. But, the doctors and staff here are amazing. I have been in touch with them all night, and your friends. In fact Celestia even called me and asked if you were alright. Look, Sunset Shimmer, they are all worried about you, they care for you deeply.” His honesty and matter of fact tone makes that information stick in her head.   Sunset shakes, feeling his words crash through her rage, and numb her hate. She sighs as her voice is weak and her mind foggy. “Yeah but… they betrayed me, hurt me, b-broke my heart.” She shutters a bit, keeping her gaze on the new boots she has to avoids looking up and into the building, as she does not want to see her former friends.  Xavier gently rubs her shoulder, reassuring her and making her shutter less. “Heartbreak and pain may hurt, but to overcome and survive is what makes you mortals amazing. While you may still want to do it…  I know deep down, you want to be saved. So, can you walk with me in and at least talk to them? Just tell them what you have told me, after all, I have told them what I know, now you must speak for yourself."  Sunset sighs, as she curls up in the new coat he bought her. She looks out the window, and sees Celestia and the girls, looking so worried. Fluttershy is staring down, being hugged by Dash and Celestia. AJ has her hat tipped over her face. Pinkie is not smiling, her hair flat and looks dull. Rarity's makeup is messed up as she side hugs Pinkie. Dash's face is not visible, but Sunset can tell she is probably crying too. She sighed, as she looks at Xavier, his old eyes showing compassion and warmth, so strange for Death to have such warm eyes. “Sure, you can walk me in.” He nods, as he helps her out, and grabs her bags, they walk in, as the others gasp and approach her. Celestia and a short man in a sweater and coat walks over to Xavier. They talk about something, but the girls make it hard for her to hear.  Fluttershy soon hugs Sunset, as if to confirm she is really there. “W-we heard from.. Mr. Xavier… and.. I..I just want to know… h-how long have you been… suffering?” Sunset hugs her, as she tells them everything, leaving nothing out. Principal Celestia and the Doctor both overhear it. Sunset lets her words flow out, as she breaks down in Shy's embrace. They all feel ashamed and apologize profusely, as Fluttershy never lets her go. The others all hug and comfort Sunset, as she slowly feels better, but those feelings of guilt and anger still remain. Celestia walks over and sits her down, as the girls stand aside.  Celestia looks awkward and thinks for a moment, that sighs. “Sunset, I… am sorry I did not listen to you, nor did I prevent the students from harming you. I… hope you can forgive me.”  Sunset looks at her Principal, knowing what to say. “I can try to, but after you refused to listen to me.. It may take some time.” She sighs as she looks down, as she sniffles and hiccups.  Celestia nods, and gently rubs her back to try and help her calm down. “I.. understand. But now, Dr. Wolf and the others will check you over, and…. Sunset, if you need a place to stay, you can come and live with me and Luna. We have a large home, and we have space for you. I know it may be weird, especially after what I have done.. But I want to help you… I have viewed you like a daughter since I met you. If you refuse, I understand, just know you will always be welcomed in our home, so you won't have to sleep in a park or the school again.”  Sunset, is taken aback, but this news makes her so happy, she nods and hugs her Principal. “Thank you, I do need a place to stay.  But, you don't have to do this. As long as… you will have me, I will do chores and help you to pay for it.” She hugs her weakly and strangely, unsure how she would respond. Celestia is shocked, and takes a moment to collect herself as she wonders if she should hug her back. “Yes, we will. All you would have to do is help us with chores and to stay in school. You won't need to actually pay us anything, not now nor ever. I actually planned on asking you sooner, as I was told about your homelessness once you became a student. However, the blog incident had Luna doubt, as did I. I am ashamed I thought less of you, I should of listened to you and helped you. I know you will need time to even consider forgiving me, just know I am here for you.” Celestia decides to hug Sunset back, still rubbing her back in small circles. The girls cheer quietly as they know their friend has a home to stay in. Sunset pulls back and looks at her Principal. “Thank you so much Princs- Principal Celestia. I forgive you for it, if you will forgive me for everything I did.” Sunset chuckles slightly, for almost calling her Princess. They may be their counterparts, but this Celestia is so much more approachable than the Princess, and Sunset find her easier to talk to.  Celestia nods as she smiles at Sunset. “I already forgave you for your past Sunset, and you can call me Celestia when out of school.” Sunset nods, as the doctors come over and help her to a room, Celestia staying with her, as the others sit and wait. Xavier simply take a seat and leans back, pulling out a small blue book to read.  -6 days later- Sunset sits in her new home, as more surprises had occurred. Celestia had her sign some papers, and today she learned they were not just health forms and new residence papers, but adoption papers. She was now her daughter and both Luna and Celestia cared for her and respected her. Luna had apologized in many different ways for ever doubting her, and both have gotten along very well as both her new mom and aunt help her get settled in. Dr. Wolf has greatly helped her mental health as she goes to him every day during the break. She no longer feels the desire to cut or harm herself as often as she did before, has regained a positive self-image of herself, and she even began making her scars into art via tattoos. She has a special one on her right arm, a black crow with amber eyes. She saw it in a book, and it reminded her of Xavier. She has not seen him since he said goodbye at the hospital, and she wonders if he would come back. She lays in her new bed, under warm blankets and enjoys the warmth. The night sky is lightly cloudy, but the moon still shines into her room. She then heard a tapping on the glass. She gets up and opens it, only to see something in the window box outside. She opens the window and plucks a set of keys on a key-chain, with a strange charm on it. Then she notices something new in the driveway. A Harley Motorcycle, with a fiery paint job sits there. She grabs the keys and runs down stairs, putting her slippers on and the coat Xavier bought her. She runs out the door and check it out. A note rests on the seat. ”Dear Sunset, I have heard and seen you are getting better, and since I know you liked the motorcycle in that movie we watched, I decided to buy you one. Think of it as my present to you. It is fully insured under my false name, and paid for. It is custom made too, will last longer and shall be a breeze to handle. Make sure your mother and aunt are alright with this. I hope you keep getting better, and I only hope when I see you again, we can talk over tea. No spoilers about your life, but maybe offer that shy girl a ride once your experienced at riding. Anyways, thank you for helping this dusty old crow do some good in this world. I now see a new way to walk this mortal world, talking to those like you, and at least making them think and possibly reconsider like you did. You have given me hope, maybe I can make a difference and actually do some good. Thank you Miss Shimmer, for making me be happy to walk the mortal world. Sincerely, Xavier P.S. You have bike gear and a helmet inside under the tree. The gear is in a blue gift box and the helmet has blue wrapping paper on it. Also, the bike does not need gas, so no need to waste money.” Sunset smiles at the note, as she then goes back inside and opens the garage, she then pulls her bike in, and locks up. She then grabs her gear and makes sure it is all there. She smiles and waits for Celestia to come check on why she is up. All the while a jet black crow, with bright amber eyes, watches her. ‘Be good kid, and live a fantastic life.’ The crow flies off into the night, as he feels so much warmer knowing he actually saved a life rather than take one. Maybe he needs to do that more often. He smiles as he goes off into the cold winter night.  ---------------------- Will this be the only time our Heroine meets Death before she dies? Will she manage to live a better life now that she has the beginnings of a home and a family. Is everything truly so easily fixed. And what of the rest of her schoolmates and teachers? It is unclear what may happen for Sunset Shimmer, for her future is full of mystery and surrounded in a veil of fog. However, she has a fire in her that shall help light her path through the darkness, it only depends on her to keep the flame alive. Now that is all I can say, remember to be kind to each other, and remember to always bring warmth to others in your life, and be their fire in the cold winter night.