//------------------------------// // Chapter 9 - The birth // Story: A Blackened Sunset // by MLPSolarDash1907 //------------------------------// As the weeks turned into months, Sunset began getting bored around the house with basically nothing to do. Celestia hadn’t been able to send her new material other than come and visit monthly. Emerald offered her to read on some of the village and the Guardians. Just to humor her, Sunset did read some books to occupy her time, but she didn’t pay any real attention to what was in them. She suspects Emerald might know as well. A ceremony to give thanks to the Guardians took place. There were songs, dancing, food, drinks, games, and appreciating one another’s differences, and being united as one were all there. Yes, Sunset, with nothing to do, attended the ceremony. Despite being limited to her pregnancy, she enjoyed playing with the kids. She threw balls so they could catch them, played bag toss, croquet, and chess with the adults. She socialized with the villagers who were very friendly and happy to make her acquaintance. She enjoyed tons of food, being pregnant, she felt as if she could eat it all and she felt like she did at the end. After letting the food and drink settle, she reunited with Emerald and both struck a conversation about their homelands and their hobbies. Sunset came to appreciate Emerald for all she’s done for her, she could’ve rejected to take her into the village at all, but she not only took her in but took her into her house. Sunset thanked Emerald for her hospitality and apologized for not appreciating it sooner. “I understand, Sunset,” Emerald said, “You were in a rough spot.” “I still have other things to deal with...” replied Sunset, and muttered to herself. “One thing at a time, Sunset, one thing at a time. Do your best and things will work out better in the end.” Despite some feelings of doubt, Sunset felt more assured that things would work out for the better. This caused her to join in a little bit of dancing and even sing along with some of the songs the villagers sang. This ceremony is to help the spirits of the Guardians empowered, friendship, light, and Harmony alive by celebrating it all. Sunset felt better than she had in a long time. Hearth’s Warming arrived and Sunset got a lot of presents and love from the villagers. She enjoyed the festivities, humming along with carols and being with Emerald. Celestia arrived and stayed an entire two days for the holiday, lifting Sunset’s spirits up. Sunset’s belly eventually reached its peak and the mare was very confined to the house. Despite this, she was still able to keep herself entertained by putting together some puzzles and playing some board games with the fillies. They marveled at her belly, having never seen anything like that before. Then, the day eventually came when Sunset’s water broke. Sunset had gotten up to use the restroom late in the night, and after she’d finished. She noticed that her water had broken. After struggling to get a noise out, she managed to scream out for Emerald. The mare rushed down the stairs and gasped when she saw Sunset on the floor. It took three ponies to get Sunset off the floor. They realized that it would be too late to take her to the hospital. Emerald had a letter sent to Celestia at once before they set her up on the bed and got her into a position to get the baby out. After what seemed like hours to Sunset, sweat, crying, and wailing, the baby eventually came out completely healthy. As the assistants calmed Sunset down, Emerald wiped the baby clean of blood. The assistants managed to help Sunset relax after that painful process. She managed to settle down. Her vital signs were healthy and there aren’t any signs of anything going wrong during the delivery. Now, laying on her bed up against a few pillows, the exhausted unicorn let out several breaths of relief. “Oh, thank Celestia that’s over...” she breathed out. “Sunset,” Emerald said in an awed voice. The unicorn looked to see Emerald with a proud and awed smile. What stood out the most was the little bundle of blankets wrapped around something. Her heart raced as her eyes widened. “Congratulations,” said Emerald, “You gave birth to a beautiful, healthy daughter.” “A-A daughter?” Sunset began smiling. “Yes. I’ve never seen such a beautiful baby before,” Emerald admitted, “She looks very special.” “Amazing...” “Here you go, my friend,” Emerald smiled wider. Emerald placed the baby gently into Sunset’s forelegs. When Sunset saw her child for the first time, she was in awe. A beautiful sharp orange coat that shimmered in the light, a black mane, and a bit of a black tail poking out of the bundle of blankets. Her eyes were closed, but they did open slightly revealing sapphire blue eyes. “Oh...oh my Celestia...” Sunset breathed out, “She’s gorgeous...” “Indeed, she is,” said Emerald, joining her side and getting another look at the precious gift of life. Sunset felt warm. She felt happy. She felt thankful that she decided to go through with this. The baby looked so innocent and pure. Emerald looked to her assistants, “Somepony get Sunset something warm, we want to be sure she and her child are safe and comfortable.” “Yes ma’am,” they said in unison. Sunset couldn’t take her eyes off her child. She had never felt so warm and happy before, seeing her own daughter for the first time. Then, the baby’s eyes opened, giving Sunset a clear view of her sapphire eyes. The first thing the baby saw, was the loving gaze of her mother. Sunset held her close to her chest, letting the baby feel her heartbeat. “I’m here,” she said softly, “Mommy’s here.” The next morning, Celestia arrived to see how everything went and she was overjoyed to see Sunset and her child in healthy states. The baby laughed and giggled at the sight of Celestia, apparently knowing she’s a friend. For the next few days, Sunset spent the day in bed with her child. Celestia stayed with her until she recovered and even helped feed the baby when Sunset was sleeping. Emerald felt as if she’d had a daughter herself with getting to know Sunset’s child and would love to see her and her child how many times she could. Sunset promised she would come to visit as much as possible, and so did Emerald. When Sunset recovered, Celestia left to attend her royal duties. However, Sunset would stay a little longer to celebrate her newborn. On the night of the ceremony, Emerald approached Sunset both wearing their jackets and scarves. “Sunset, I had time to ask,” Emerald said, looking down at the baby in its winter plush pillow, “What is this little one’s name?” With a proud smile, Sunset stated, “Sunny Star.” She looked down at her baby again, “Her name is Starry Sun.” Emerald smiled, “Such a beautiful name.” “Thank you.” “You’re welcome,” said Emerald, “Now, let’s get outside. We’ve got a ceremony to get to!” “I’m right behind you,” replied Sunset before heading out the door with Emerald. The ceremony would be taking place as soon as Sunset enters the tent. She still didn’t fully believe in their ideals but she decided to go along with it. Entering the tent, a pony wrapped in white robes sitting behind the table and the bowl filled with glitter, greeted them with a smile. “Greetings, Miss Shimmer,” she said, “Is this your child?” Sunset nodded, “She is.” “Let me see her,” the unicorn smiled. With a small bit of hesitation, Sunset levitated her over to the unicorn. She smiled sweetly at the child. “Oh, land sakes, she really is beautiful,” she said, she turned to the glitter and said in a bold tone, “Today we give thanks to the Guardians in order to keep Harmony alive. Today, a special baby has been born, and now, we turn to see what this child will turn out to be in her life! May we see the outcome!” With those last words, the glitter shot into the air, forming a circle. Within the circle, a bright light formed and great darkness surrounded it. But, there came the multicolored circles of white, red, green, blue, purple, and yellow and the Darkness dispersed. Eventually, the white light condensed into a white sun-like star, and a shimmering rainbow formed around the edges of the star. Everypony’s eyes were wide at this display. Then the glitter went back into the hat as the beautiful light show faded. “Wh-whoa...” Sunset said, completely awestruck. “I...” the unicorn said. “I’ve never seen anything like that...” “What?” Sunset whispered, eyes wide, “What does that mean?” “I’m not entirely sure,” said the unicorn, looking at Sunset with a smile, “But even though I don’t know at the moment. I do believe that you have a truly special child, Sunset.” “I do? How?” “The universe and the Guardians ways are mysterious,” said the unicorn, “But that was a sign unlike any other I’d ever seen before. Treasure this child, Sunset.” Still, without any real answers, and confusion, Sunset nodded, “I will.” The night that followed was a lot of dancing, singing and playing more games. There was a ground welcome to the new baby, Sunny Star, and a giant fire was lit in the fire pit to offer their thanks to the Guardians. These ponies seemed to really love this legend. However, a blizzard suddenly arrived, cutting the party a bit short but Emerald and Sunset went home laughing, playing a small game of getting out of the blizzard. The blizzard howled outside as Sunset sat with Starry. It was a late January blizzard and they’re fairly common this time of year. Emerald said they usually die down a few days, so they began waiting. This gave Sunset a lot of time to spend with her baby. She read to her, played with some baby toys given to her by the villagers. She began gushing and making cooing sounds around her child, something she never thought she’d ever do. Emerald caught her a couple of times, making the unicorn turn beet red, only for Emerald to join in and give her own cooing sounds towards the baby. As it turned out, when she didn’t want the baby at first and believed it all to be a mistake, she now embraces her child with full love, thankful to have at least have somepony she can watch and grow as she grows older. She can’t wait to teach her everything she knows, what Celestia taught her, and seeing her succeed in school. The possibilities were endless now that she has a daughter. Sunset was busy thinking happy thoughts for now. Despite a little lack of sleep and spending time with Emerald on advice to raise the child, she was happy. Now, as she lays in bed reading some books, waiting for the blizzard to blow over. She closed it with a yawn. “Ba!” Sunset heard from the hallway. “Oh no, not again,” Sunset mumbled. Standing up from her bed, she opened the door to find Starry crawling in the hallway. “Oh, gosh, not again!” she groaned, “I’ve really got to place a magic lock on that doorknob, and get find a way to keep that fence from being opened.” Starry looked up and her eyes lit up, eagerly outstretching her forelegs. “For Celestia’s sake, Starry Sun, don’t you know by now not to open your crib and door?” Sunset asked before lighting up her horn and picking her baby up before placing her in her foreleg. She rubbed her temple. “Ba!” Starry squeaked, waving one of her forelegs. “I know, I know,” Sunset mumbled, “I’ve got to feed you.” With that, Sunset trotted into the kitchen, pulling a baby bottle filled with Starry’s nutrients out of the sink’s warm water, Sunset beamed as she made her way back into the den. “Oh, who am I kidding?” she said with a small chuckle, “I can’t stay mad at you, you adorable little thing!” She giggled. “You’re just so precious, like an angel that fell out of the sky.” Starry giggled as Sunset sat down in a chair next to the fireplace and lifted the bottle with her magic, cradling her little one in her forelegs as she lifted her head slightly. “Ready for your breakfast, Starry?” she asked. “Ba!” replied Starry. Sunset giggled, “Very well. Open up!” Starry opened her mouth slightly, and before she knew it, her mommy gently pushed the nipple into her mouth, and a pleasant taste for her little taste buds filled her mouth. Starry squeed happily as she began sucking on the bottle’s nipple, enjoying the taste as if it were a slice of heaven touching her tongue at this moment. As she fed her child, Sunset giggled again, “Oh, my Celestia. I can’t believe how I thought I wouldn’t gush over my child.” She sighed contently, a smile forming on her lips, “You’d think, Sunset, that you wouldn’t be taken by something like this. Something so precious.” She smiled wider, “I guess it’s just a mother’s natural instinct to so love a child.” She blinked a couple of times before looking off towards the wall, remembering how she got here. She didn’t want her daughter to go through all she’s been through, she wants to raise her right. She knew her parents are probably wanting to reconcile, but how could she fully forgive them after all that? Soon, Starry finished her meal, Sunset to smile and place her stomach on her back. She patted her baby’s back soft, yet firmly. Starry began to feel something in her gut about to spill out of her mouth before she let out a small burp. Sunset giggled and pulled Starry back into her lap, cradling her like her most prized possession. “Now, to spend more time with your mommy, and for her to cuddle you for the rest of the morning,” she said, putting the thoughts behind her. “Ba!” Starry squeaked happily. “Oh, you get me every time with that,” Sunset declared as she embraced her baby. And so, both mother and child decided to take it easy. But after a while, Starry would want to play with her toys and cause her mommy to chase her around as she flew around the house with her unicorn magic. She could tell her daughter had so much fun while doing that, despite her protests until she brought her down with her favorite cookies of course. Sunset didn’t seem to punish her that much, yet she was firm in her commands to her child. Then a knocking came from the door. Both mother and daughter perked up and gazed over to the door. “It’s open,” Sunset called. Emerald Shine stepped in, she had on a blue winter coat with a red and green scarf wrapped around her neck. Snow covered her and she shook it off. “Ah, how are my two favorite occupants?” she asked with a bright smile. Sunset chuckled, “More like we’re your only occupants.” “Ah, potato, patato,” the pegasus waved her off as she trotted over to the opposite seat, removing her winter coat and shaking the snow off it. “Anywho, is the babe doing well?” Sunset rolled her eyes, “Escaped from her crib and the nursery again.” “Again?!” the pegasus gasped. “Yeah, we’ve got to do something about that.” “Well, I’ll help, but remember...” the pegasus winked before she retreated into the kitchen. Sunset sighed and frowned slightly, remembering her departure is coming up very soon. Emerald came back in with a mug containing hot chocolate in her hooves. She sat down in her chair and blew on her beverage before taking a small sip. “Whew!” she let out, “Man that’s good.” “You make good hot chocolate,” Sunset remarked as she pulled Starry closer. “The best in our little village! Nopony dares trek this kind of weather without it!” “You know it,” said Sunset, taking a glance out the window, “Wow. It’s really coming down out there.” “Weather’s a fickle thing this far north. It’s hot in summer and can rain without warning, and in the fall it can even snow,” the pegasus explained, “We’re in an ‘unstable weather zone’ compared to the rest of Equestria.” “I know, you told me that a few dozen other times,” Sunset rolled her eyes. “Only cuz it’s true, sister.” Sunset chuckled, “Yeah right.” The two adults sat there in silence as the pegasus continued to drink her hot chocolate, savoring every flavor of it. Sunset looked down at her child again, a loving look in her eyes. But she frowned again and looked up. “It’s great that you’ve opened up a little bit since you arrived here,” said Emerald, “However, I can’t help how you glance at your baby with some frowns.” Sunset sighed, “Am I really that obvious?” “As somepony who trained some in therapy, I can tell when a pony’s upset.” Sunset gazed at the floor, looking slightly nervous and a little sad. “Do you want to talk to me about it?” the pegasus asked. Sunset slightly winced and the pegasus quickly said, “I know you’re not one to talk about your concerns to anypony. But it wouldn’t help a little bit.” Sunset seemed in thought now, thinking hard about something. Finally, she relented. “I guess being an excel protégé of a Princess just makes me wonder about things,” Sunset started, the pegasus leaned in, listening, “I mean, I’m the best student Princess Celestia’s got, and one impulsive act eventually landed me this one here.” “What’re you saying?” “I’m not saying I don’t want this baby,” Sunset quickly said, “I love her to pieces, but... I just wonder about my image and what other ponies would think about me, a pony in her late teens to have a baby like this.” She paused and swallowed hard, “Do... do my parents know where I am?” Emerald shook her head, “No. As per your request, they still believe you’re out studying and discovering new ancient magic.” She frowned before breathing out of her nose, “You know, they keep asking what you’re finding out. They’re going to get suspicious here in a little while.” “I know,” replied Sunset, “But how can I tell them right now that I have their granddaughter?” “I guess you need to figure out when the right moment is to tell them, but I suggest you tell them sooner rather than later.” “Great,” Sunset mumbled, “Now you’re sounding a touch like Celestia again.” “Really? Thanks for the compliment,” Emerald said, amused. “But how will I properly adjust to this life? Sunset asked, “I have a strained relationship and have been gone from the school and have to balance my studies and...” She groaned loudly, “Oh, why does this have to be so darn hard?!” Sunset sulked in her seat, still holding her baby lovingly while Starry gently stroked her mother’s chest affectionately. “I’m afraid I don’t have an answer for that, Sunset,” said Emerald, “But I advise you look to those who love and care for you and listen to their advice about this situation.” Sunset seemed in thought again as she stroked her baby’s little black mane softly. “I’ll... I’ll see about leaving when most of the snow melts...” “Which will be in a week or so,” said the pegasus, “We’ve got a schedule in which we know how the weather will move and affect us.” “Okay.” The pegasus finished her hot chocolate and stretched a bit, “I may not be an expert here, but I advise you to love this child as much as possible and always put your family ahead of your magical studies.” Sunset slowly nodded as the pegasus grabbed and put on her winter coat again. “As for me, I’ve got to go clear out some snow in the west part of the village, got some houses partially buried,” she said. “I hope they’re okay.” “They are, we know how to handle snow up here.” With that, Emerald put on her scarf and headed out the door before closing it. Despite the warmness of the room, Sunset shivered. She looked down at her baby who’s giving her a small smile to go along with her blue eyes. They seemed to sparkle. Sunset smiled sadly. “Oh, what am I going to do with my life with you in it now?” she asked. Starry only continued to stroke her mother affectionately as if sensing her sadness and uncertainty. The next few days saw Sunset taking her baby outside into the yard all swaddled up in very thick blankets to keep her warm. Starry was enchanted by the snow falling all around her, into the yard, and on the pine trees in the distance. She let her baby play with her toys as she cooked dinner a couple of nights, and even played tag with her as she crawled on the floor. Starry didn’t like it when her mommy went out to buy some supplies one day, but she was back within half an hour, just to be with her child. Her mother seemed brighter when she was around her, more emotional, caring, and happy. It was something Starry loved about her mommy. Maybe she’ll grow up to be just like her. The thought excited Starry. Sunset read to her a new book called “Goodnight Moon” and “Go Dog Go!” to her a couple of times before tucking her to sleep each night. Now, it was bedtime for little Sunny. Sunset seemed a little brighter than normal, clutching a small box in her magic as she laid Sunny down for the night. “Just several more nights and we’ll be home!” Sunset chirped. Stary tilted her head. Home? Weren’t they already home? They are together, aren’t they? “I know you can’t wait to meet some exciting new ponies in several days,” said Sunset, “I’m sure they’re going to love you.” Then she mumbled, “I hope...” She paused for a second before looking at her with a bright smile. “I’ve got a little gift for you,” she opened opening the box, “I was going to wait until we got home, but I can’t wait much longer anymore.” She pulled out a gold necklace with a golden emblem at the very bottom and center of it. She held it in front of her daughter’s face and showed her the front; are stars with one large one in the middle and then on the back there was a sun. “The villagers gave this to me to give to you when we had the ceremony,” Sunset explained, “It’s meant to be an impression of affection for your kids here in this village. Parent love.” She pulled it back and smiled at it, “It’s also meant to symbolize good luck, a good life, and inseparability from one another in life. I admit I thought it was a little silly at first, but...” She looked at her child, “With how much joy you bring me, I don’t know what I’ll do with my life as of now, but I’m sure of you, Starry Sun.” She laid the box down next to her baby and planted a small kiss on her head, “It also symbolizes your beautiful name.” Starry didn’t fully understand what her mother was telling her, but she felt happy and warm. Sunset placed another light kiss on her forehead before whispering “Good night” and leaving the box in the crib as she exited the nursery. Sunset walked into the den and sighed happily. She felt giddy with going back home, pushing the negative thoughts behind herself. She spotted Emerald sitting in front of the fire and writing some stuff down on a list. “Hey Emerald,” she said. “Oh, hi Sunset,” replied Emerald, not looking up. “What’re you doing?” “I’m about to go shopping. I was so busy I forgot to do so for myself.” Sunset smiled, “Why don’t I go with you?” Emerald looked up and smiled at her, “Really?” “Sure. If it’s not too long.” “It won’t be,” said Emerald, “It’ll be about fifteen to twenty minutes.” “Okay, I’ll go get my winter gear,” said Sunset. Out in the snowy village streets, they were heading back having gotten what they needed. Suddenly, they heard screaming. “What in the world?!” Emerald gasped. Sunset looked to see that The fence on the edge of the village is on fire. Ponies were screaming and running from the sight. “What’s going on?!” Sunset cried. “I don’t know!” Then blackened figures with sharp claws and the height of a pony entered the village, the shadows hiding them. They began tearing cottages apart and chasing scared ponies. “I’ve got to get the villagers to the evacuation zone!” Emerald gasped. “Starry!” Sunset gasped in horror. The unicorn bolted off to the house. “I’ll meet you back there! Follow me when you get her!” Emerald called, her voice getting lost in the wind. A loud crash echoed throughout the village. Sunset looked to see a large portion of the fence blown out by a larger figure. More of the shadowy figures came rushing in, clawing and snarling at different cottages. The atmosphere got heavy as Sunset looked to her right to see the Tent was being ripped apart and that the fire pit is being destroyed by a couple of black felines. Sunset managed to reach the house as more dark figures entered the village and began setting things on fire, destroying the west side of town and chasing ponies. “I thought this place was safe...” she mumbled to herself, completely horrified. She bolted through the den, reaching Sunny’s nursery. She began rattling the door’s knob. Sunset let out a cry of rage, enveloping with her cyan magic, tearing it off its hinges and throwing it to the side. “Starry Sun?! Sunset called frantically, “It’s Mommy! Are you okay!” “Momma!” Starry squeaked out. Immense relief washed over Sunset’s features as she picked her baby up with her hooves and hugged her tightly without her. She noticed that her gift to Starry was next to her hoof, she picked it up with her magic and began looking around the room for anything she might need. “Sunset! We have to go now!” Emerald’s voice rang from the living room. Cursing under her breath, Sunset hastily grabbed a bunch of thick blankets and hastily wrapped them around Starry, making sure not to hurt her. Without time to lose, Sunset bolted to the living room, spotting a panicked Emerald at the entrance. “Where did they come from?!” Sunset gasped, “What’s going on?!” “I have no idea, they just came out of nowhere!” Emerald shrilled drastically, “But we can figure that out later, we need to get you and your child out of here!” “Where to?!” “There’s a small settlement roughly ten miles from here that ponies are heading to! It’s much more secure there!” “Let’s get the lead out then!” As soon as they set outside, Sunset gasped in horror, seeing burning houses, buildings, and dark shadowy gremlins running and ransacking the village in front of them. She saw bigger animals, feline in shape along with dark shadows enveloping some of the buildings. Ponies scrambled to get to safety, but they were cut off by a large figure that quickly slammed its large claws next to the snow, throwing them off their hooves. “This way!” Emerald shouted. A hard left, away from the chaos. It had only been a few seconds for Starry to see the chaos, but the image was already imprinted onto her little mind. Other ponies were running as more figures seemed to gain upon them, chaos following them as more screams pierced the air. Smoke blocked the moon and the stars above, making it look like a hellish nightmare. Sunset took a hard right and placed her head next to Starry’s. “Shh shh shh,” Sunset shushed her, “It’s going to be all right.” “We should be near the edge of the village! After that we need to run through the woods!” Emerald shouted, “Be careful as there can be roots sticking out of the ground and rocks that can trip you!” “We don’t have to run too far, do we?!” Sunset asked. “Just enough to get the heck away and lay low until the chaos subsides! Now move, Sunset!” “Did you send a message to Celestia?!” “Yes! I hope she comes soon!” More running and Sunset panted heavily, apparently worn out already after having to raise her. Sunny began calming down some as they entered the forest. The orange glow seemed to radiate in the forest as well, the small trees getting close together and passing by in a blur as Sunset picked up speed. Suddenly, they heard a creature panting loudly. Sunset saw a black looking feline dashing from behind them and trying to run right into them. It gnashed its teeth viciously as it tried to catch them or even worse. “Back off!” Sunset bellowed before firing a beam of magic right at it, knocking it off its paws, she growled, “Stay away from my baby!” The snow seemed to fall harder as they continued deeper into the forest. Sunset placed the box containing the necklace into Sunny’s waddled up blankets, planting it firmly next to her as the landscape continued to pass by in a blur. “Oh, sweet stars above!” Emerald cried, “Run!” A black feline leaped onto Emerald. “Emerald!” Sunset wailed. Emerald let out a cry of surprise and anguish before the feline dug its jaws into her neck! Sunset gasped in horror as the beast began taking off with its meal. “No! Emerald!” Sunset cried, tears rolling down her face. She almost collapsed onto her knees, “No...” She began sobbing. “Why does this have to happen? Why does this have to happen?” Sunset softly sobbed, horrified at the loss of the closest pony she had as a friend other than Celestia, taken out of her life in an instant. Another growl in the distance caught Sunset’s attention. She looked at her precious child. She had to get her out of here. Now. She bolted away from the burning village. After a while of running, the chaos seemed to die down some. However, Sunset didn’t slow down. It felt as if she’d been running forever, with no end in sight and no way out of this forest. Sunset had glanced back a few times, only to see the orange glow behind her and the snarls of the felines still coming. Every time she thinks she’s getting away from them, they seem to inch ever slowly towards her. There’s no way I’m getting away from them, she thought, If I trip or run out of stamina...I’ll be done for... she glanced at Sunny, And so will she... Soon, Sunset came to a slow stop, realizing that she must act fast. Knowing she has to make a very difficult choice. She closed her eyes tightly. “I’ve got to lure them away,” she muttered, “I’ve got to protect Starry...” Sunset turned to her left, she walked down a hill, trying to keep herself balanced. The wind howled as Sunset grasped Starry in her magic before lowering her into an opening in a tree stump. Hitting it a couple of times to make room, she placed her baby down. Sunset had a forced, sad smile on her face. Sunset carefully caressed her baby’s cheeks before planting a small kiss on her forehead. “I love you so much, Starry Sun...” she whispered. “Ma!” Starry chirped out, a little happy. Sunset looked behind her for a second and began whispering soft words to calm her baby down. She gave a sad look to her. “Mommy’s gotta do something... I’ll be back soon...” she whispered. Sunset’s eyelids twitched as tears leaked out again. She lowered her head, holding her daughter’s forelegs as if she might not see her again. She let go and began climbing the hill, hearing Starry crying after her, but she pushed through with a hurt expression on her face. Sunset reached the top of the hill and spotted the figures charging through the woods. She waved her forelegs into the air, grabbing their attention. Sunset began running off with them right on her tail. The atmosphere got heavy again as she dashed through the woods. She could’ve sworn she heard a heavier figure than the two chasing her, but she didn’t dare look back. Picking up speed, she leaped over a log and shot a beam of magic onto a tree. It fell and nearly crashed onto the figures behind her, stopping them from getting it out of their way. This caused Sunset to get out of their field of vision. She came up with a plan to backtrack and mislead them to get back to her baby and find a safe place to hide. However, before she could try her plan, she slipped on some ice, fell a small cliff, and blacked out as soon as she hit the ground. ... ... Sunset woke up the next morning. Her eyes blearily opened as she tried to get her bearings. She had a massive headache and a bit of a lump on her head. She groaned as she dizzily sat up. The sun shined onto her as she tried to recall what happened. She remembered the village, running through the woods and... She gasped sharply, “Starry!!” Despite her aching head, she stood up and pushed past the dizziness. Sunset climbed back up a hill next to the cliff, she began her way back. Adrenaline flowed through her body; her heart raced before she broke off into a gallop. How could I have let this happen? Was Starry still there? Was she cold? Was she...No! She’s alive and she’ll be okay! All kinds of possibilities ran through Sunset’s mind as the woods seemed to blur around her, time felt slow, and it felt like forever as she made her way through. She felt numb, scared, and lost, things she rarely felt. Sunset made her way down the hill and approached the stump where she placed her baby. She gasped in horror when she noticed that she was gone. “Starry?!” she shrieked, looking around frantically, her eyes wide and pupils dilated. Her heart turned into ice as she felt colder than the snow around her. “Starry?!” she cried again. She began searching the area she’d left Starry Sun, she looked in tree branches, next to rocks, behind and over trees. Some were blasted some apart in complete desperation and anguish. Tears began streaming down her face and blurring her vision. She’s never felt so helpless and powerless before. After half an hour of searching, nothing became of Sunshine despite her best efforts. Her head’s bleeding and her cheeks are stained with tears. She collapsed onto her knees and began crying. “We found her!” a male voice cried. “She’s alive!” another called. Sunset looked up, hoping that they found Starry, only to see two soldiers accompanied by Celestia who looked worried beyond belief. “Oh, Sunset!” Celestia cried, “There you are!” Sunset didn’t reply, instead, she began weeping. “Sunset? What’s wrong?” As if she were a filly again, the unicorn looked up with big sad and scared eyes, “I can’t find my baby!” “What?!” Celestia gasped, completely horrified. “Those monsters took her, didn’t they?!” Sunset wailed, “They have Starry! They took my daughter!!” A search party containing Celestia’s finest trackers and toughest soldiers had begun searching for Sunset’s daughter. Sunset wanted to help, but Celestia assured her they’d find her and managed to get her to get some medical attention as she might have a concussion. A couple of days passed before Sunset was able to leave and assist in finding her daughter. She spent a couple of days searching before she heard Emerald has passed away, as have seventy-five percent of the villagers. Most of them that survived were mares and children. Sunset’s heart tore apart for that wonderful village she’d spent so much time at. She attended the memorial service and spoke a few words on Emerald, thanking her again for all she’s done and wishing she could’ve saved her life. The days turned into weeks, but there was no sign of Sunset’s baby daughter. One day during the makeshift facility, when Sunset heard that they were going to call it quits, she angrily demanded that they continue searching. She begged them, cried at them, and got physical at times when they wouldn’t continue. She felt her world crumbling all around her. “No!” Sunset roared at the captain as tears rolled down her cheeks, “We will not stop until we find her!” “Miss Shimmer,” the captain said softly, “We’ve been looking the woods over and over again for weeks and have not found a single trace of her.” “There’s got to be a place where didn’t look!” “There isn’t we searched everywhere.” “I will not accept this!” Sunset cried as more tears rolled down her face. She didn’t want to face the reality that her daughter is gone for good. Sunset had to be escorted out of the facility and back to her tent, leaving the mare broken, feeling hopeless, and in a crying heap. Sunset just cried on her bed. She had a plan and fully intended to return for her child, only for a simple mistake to take everything she held dear. She’d lost Copper, her parents, and the only one in her family that she’ll ever fully accept into her life. It felt as if it were the end of the world to Sunset. Celestia arrived and saw Sunset’s broken state. She had never seen a pony in all her time as a ruler so destroyed. She immediately wrapped comforting wings around her pupil and let her cry into her chest. Celestia whispered comforting words as best as she could and shed some tears herself. Sunset didn’t want to be moved from where she was and didn’t leave her bedroom, just sulking and crying softly to herself. Her daughter was gone. There was nothing she can do about it. She hated herself, she wanted her life to end, but she couldn’t bring herself to harm herself, she was frozen and unable to do anything. She wanted to scream, she wanted to curse, but nothing ever came out. A week passed before Sunset finally told Celestia she was ready to leave the village while holding her daughter’s blankets close to her chest.