//------------------------------// // Chapter 7 - Moving out // Story: A Blackened Sunset // by MLPSolarDash1907 //------------------------------// The next day, the soldiers that escorted Sunset picked her up and she climbed onto the carriage back to Canterlot. When Celestia heard what had happened, she wrote a letter to the family to offer Sunset support when they can and to track down Copper and deal with him on their own terms. Celestia comforted and protected Sunset. The poor mare got herself pregnant, lost her parents, and now Copper. What a deadbeat. That afternoon, Celestia received a response from the village leader and she agreed to take Sunset in until she has the baby. Sunset felt relieved something went right but decides not to push her luck in case something else happened. Celestia helped Sunset pack up for her journey, arranging all she needs to study. She promised to visit when she could, arranged the permission slips and paperwork before Sunset was off for the village for seclusion. The carriage brought Sunset further north where it began getting a little chillier, despite it being the end of spring. Sunset wondered why Celestia has her going to a potentially colder place, but if she is, maybe she’s arranged everything just fine. Eventually, the carriage landed outside a village in the woods and a high, thick wood fence to keep outsiders out. Sunset spotted the entrance to the village, a white star symbol with six multicolored circles on the edge of them. Their colors were green, red, yellow, blue, purple and white (outlined by black to make ponies see it easier). The gates opened to reveal a middle-aged pegasus mare with a green coat, blue mane, and tail. She had three scrolls as a cutie mark. Her green eyes brightened as she beamed at the arrival of Sunset. “Miss Shimmer is it?” she called. “Yes,” replied Sunset. “Brilliant! I’m glad you’ve finally arrived!” the pegasus trotted up to her and outstretched a hoof, “I am the Leader of this village and your host!” Sunset gazed at the pegasus’ hoof for a moment before she took it and they shook hooves. “Don’t worry about your luggage, I’ll get my assistants to bring them in,” the pegasus smile grew wider, “And where are my manners? My name is Emerald Shine, a pleasure making your acquaintance!” “Likewise?” Sunset replied hesitantly. “Well, I suppose we should get you settled in,” said Emerald before looking behind her to see a couple more ponies heading out to meet her, “Please take care of Miss Shimmer’s luggage, I’ll get her settled in.” “Yes ma’am,” the ponies replied in unison. With that, Sunset began following Emerald, just wanting to get inside and get to studying again. “I assure you, you won’t regret your stay here, Miss Shimmer,” said Emerald as they made their way past the gates. Sunset sighed, “Can you just call me Sunset? The ‘Miss’ thing isn’t really cutting it for me.” “Okay, Miss...I mean, Sunset!” Emerald corrected herself. “Uh huh...” Sunset mumbled. Entering the village, Sunset saw that there were a lot of cottages with straw roofs, plaster walls and more of that symbol on posts around the village. There’re four streets in the center of the village that intersect, meeting a large fire pit in the middle of the village. Past the fire pit is a larger fine wooden house, standing at two storeys tall. Unlike the cottages, it had shingles for the roof. Ponies did their normal routines and the kids played, but when they saw Sunset, they stopped to look at her, whispering excitedly to one another. When Sunset noticed this, she began to feel uncomfortable again. “Oh, don’t mind them,” said Emerald, as if she read her mind, “We’re a really connected community and everypony here knows one another. Meaning news travels fast.” She smiled at Sunset, “We get visitors here every so often, but we’ve never had anypony from Canterlot staying with us.” “Even if that’s so, I don’t want to be disturbed,” replied Sunset. “Of course, Sunset. We’re here to help you in any way we can. But as we walk, I’ll tell you what you need to know,” said Emerald, “The shopping center is along the west side of the village where you can get high-quality foods. The fire pit is used for special ceremonies to honor those whose spirits we help keep alive. Along the eastern side of the village is the place to be blessed in any shape and form by the Guardians of Everlasting Harmony. Finally, there’s my house, the place we’re heading to.” Emerald pointed at the fine wooden house. “That’s really interesting,” Sunset drone, not really paying attention, “But where am I staying?” Emerald giggled, “Silly, you’re staying at my house.” “What?” Sunset asked, eyes widening. “Princess Celestia was adamant that you’d get the best of our treatment, and it’s our honor and pleasure to make sure you have everything you need for your babe.” “Shh! Ponies are staring!” “Oh, they already know. As I said, news travels fast here.” Sunset briefly glanced at the other ponies who were minding their business, but some couldn’t take their eyes off of her. She slightly shivered and stayed close to Emerald. “We’ll hold a special ceremony for your baby when it’s born, and who knows?” Emerald looked at her with sparkling eyes, “Maybe you’ll be truly blessed by having it.” Sunset scoffed, “I don’t know how this situation makes me ‘blessed’ per se.” “Things might be hard for you now, but I believe that they will improve one day. If you need anypony to talk to, you always come to me.” “Right...” Sunset really didn’t want to talk anymore, so she didn’t. Emerald didn’t say anything else either as they made their way up to her house. After climbing the stairs to the door and entering, spotted the living room. It’s large with a coffee table, a couple of soft, plump chairs in front of a fireplace. A ways in front of Sunset there’s a hallway going from the left to right with a few doors alongside the wall, and there’s a staircase to Sunset’s upper left. Directly to her left is a kitchen with nothing more than a refrigerator, sink, a countertop and a place to prepare food. “It’s nothing like the Canterlot palaces, but I believe we can make this very suitable for you,” said Emerald, trotting ahead. “It’s fine,” said Sunset. “I sure hope so!” Emerald giggled, “Sorry, I’ve just not had somepony like you in my house before.” “Can you stop it with the ‘somepony like me’?” Sunset asked, annoyed, “It’s reminding me of scars I currently had.” Emerald’s smile slightly faltered, but she nodded, “Okay.” “Just treat me like anypony else. I just want to study and have this child,” then she turned to herself, mumbling, “As much as a pain that’ll be...” “There’s one more thing you should know,” said Emerald. “What?” Sunset asked, not hiding her annoyance. “I do have an open field where you can privately try out new spells if you’re bound to find some and pull them off,” Emerald explained, “It’s out the back door and about 100 yards from the house. Just don’t do any dangerous spells that could harm anypony.” “I got it, I got it.” “In addition, you don’t want to overexert yourself when you’re in the late stages of pregnancy. It’ll risk the baby’s health.” A feeling of concern came to Sunset, she hadn’t thought of that. What if Emerald hadn’t told her? It was a bit of a scary thought. “And I encourage you to get to know someponies here in the village and...” “No.” “I’m sorry?” “No,” Sunset stated simply, “Going that direction just got me in this situation in the first place. I don’t want to get to know ponies.” Emerald frowned, “But we’re a strong community here and they’d love to meet you.” “Then I’m sorry to disappoint,” Sunset said simply, “Where’s my room?” “Oh, it’s the last door on the left down the hall, my room’s upstairs if you need anything.” “Right.” With that, Sunset left and took a glance back to see Emerald giving her a soft smile. “She’s trying to help and be nice...but I’m not in the mood for anything of the sort...” Sunset thought before she went down the hallway, found her room with a simple bed, a dresser and nightstand with a lamp on top. Sitting down, the situation all the more cemented itself to Sunset. As she waited for the assistants to bring her luggage, she wanted to get started studying and learning all she’d missed out on being with that accursed Copper Bronze. A couple of months passed as Sunset resided in the village. She didn’t bother bonding with anypony, just keeping to herself and residing in the comfort of her studies. She and Emerald met each other for breakfast about every day, and when they did, Sunset was distant and didn’t talk much to the mare. Emerald was very patient with her but did feel sad that she isn’t opening up to anypony. One day Sunset did have to go shopping for some food and several ponies wanted to talk to her, but she was quick to keep them off her back and make it clear she doesn’t want to speak with them. Some kids marveled at her, but she ignored them. She never caused any problems for the village, she just wanted to get this delivery process done. Celestia kept her promise and visited Sunset every month, catching up with her and her studies. She mentioned that her parents approached her and begged, pleaded with her so that they could see her. Sunset was surprised by this and found out that they want to apologize and make amends, but Sunset, still bitter towards them, told Celestia that she wants her space and to not let them know where she is. Celestia hated the idea and tried to convince Sunset otherwise, but the mare was insistent, so Celestia conceded and did as she wished. Sunset’s belly began to show a little bulge as time went on, and it soon will stick out like a sore hoof. All the more she felt bitter towards herself and for getting caught up in such a foolish relationship with Copper. Every time she asked Celestia about him, Celestia mentioned his family has been trying to get him to own up to what he’d done and were very upset with him for abandoning Sunset as he did, but he’s so wrapped in guilt that he hardly ever leaves the house. Sunset is very disappointed that he doesn’t even try to approach Celestia to come to see her. It’s so simple! One day, Emerald decided to show Sunset something. The unicorn didn’t have any magic studies to do other than practice a few spells (something she’s been doing for a while) and Emerald encouraged her to come at least for a little bit. Sunset decided to go along with her just for the heck of it. Entering a white tent with the same symbol on a post behind a table, Sunset sat down in the chair. There’s a bowl with something glittering inside it and staffs with white lions on the upper end of them. As Emerald sat down next to Sunset, the young pony saw some glass containers glowing a bright white with some hints of rainbow within. They’re a peculiar sight and looked a little out of place in a tent such as this. There’s a piece of wood labeled “For dire cases only” next to them. Emerald saw Sunset was looking at them, so she shut the box. “Sorry about that, I meant to close that earlier,” she said, “Gotta keep them safe.” “What are those?” Sunset asked. Emerald gave her a bit of a somber look, “Let’s just say that ponies sometimes need these ‘serums’ in order to deal with...personal demons and to purge themselves clean of great darkness.” “Is it like an exorcism?” Sunset raised an eyebrow. “No, no, nothing like that,” Emerald clarified, “It’s to help ponies be free. Sometimes it takes more than a couple doses though.” She sighed, “Some cases can be rather...severe.” “Okay?” “Anywho,” said Emerald, putting the container away, “This tent here, is a very special tent for everypony here.” Emerald smiled, “Have you heard of the Guardians of Everlasting Harmony?” “No.” “Well, they’re true legends and have been told to maintain the balance and energy of harmony. Harmony, light, and the magic of friendship are intertwined.” “Legends?” Sunset scoffed, “Please, sounds like a tall tale.” “It does at first, but they’re very much real. As taught by my ancestors from distant past have told their stories about seeing them, seeking them out and even my many times great grandmother told the story of how she encountered one and it helped heal her sons from sickness.” Emerald smiled, “I always loved that story.” Sunset didn’t know what to make of this, it all just sounded like a bunch of nonsense. “My family’s ancestors are the reason why this village even exists,” Emerald continued, “They founded it soon after Equestria was founded, based on learning to help keep the spirits of harmony, friendship and the light very much alive. It gives the Guardians more power to face against the darkness.” “So why is this tent special?” Sunset asked. Emerald smiled, “Because every birth and pony are special in their own ways. The reason why the village was founded and based on the teachings on the magic of friendship is why we continue to thrive in complete harmony by understanding, being there for one another, and celebrating Harmony.” “Okay, okay,” Sunset said incredulously, “I find all of this difficult to believe.” “I know you might think so at first,” Emerald stated, “But there are a lot of celebrators of the Guardians and Harmony scattered across the globe giving thanks to them all. This tent, after your baby is born, you’ll bring him or her to it to let you know what blessing will be bestowed onto you and the child.” “Ha! Please, I got this child out of one impulsive act! And I lost my parents and the deadbeat ditched me! How can any of this be ‘special’?!” Emerald smiled sympathetically, “Regardless of how a child is conceived, each birth is a special one. I am truly sorry on how everything has befallen on you, dear,” she placed a hoof on Sunset’s shoulder, “But trust me, I believe things will be all right for you.” Sunset didn’t respond, she just looked away. “After the ceremony in the tent, we’ll all gather outside around the firepit in celebration of a special baby,” Emerald continued, “It’s how things are here.” “Great...” Sunset mumbled, “More hocus pocus junk...” Emerald sighed again. Sunset felt annoyed that this mare never got annoyed or even angry with her. She wanted to get something out of her, but nothing ever came out in all her time here. “The reason Princess Celestia wanted you here is how our village’s ideals and safety protect us and keeps us thriving,” said Emerald, “I believe one day, Sunset, that you will understand the importance of all of this, including the magic of friendship.” Sunset’s eye twitched, “Please, as if that’ll happen.” “Oh, we’ll see, Sunset,” Emerald stated. Sunset growled, “What do you know?” “I know of an upset, lost mare that needs care and help with her current situation. I’ve helped other ponies with varying situations, and it helps to be open-minded and sympathetic towards them.” “You know, you’re sounding like Celestia...” Emerald giggled, “Thanks for the comment, never got that before.” Sunset groaned. “Anywho, I just wanted you to know why this village is here and what we do to celebrate newborns,” said Emerald, “You can go back now or you can walk around the village.” Sunset just got up and left, but this conversation will be on her mind from time to time.