//------------------------------//
// Chapter 5: Tears of the Sun 
// Story: A World of Madness 
// by Visharo 
//------------------------------//

Pony Perspective: Sunset Shimmer(Canon Character - EqG)
Faction: Tears
Year 5 WT

"How are our standing with the Travelers?" I sat at the headmare desk at a long forgotten school. School of Gifted Unicorns, I believe. The school I once went to. The school where it all fell apart.

"They still haven't shared their secrets, but they still agree to our terms of peace and supplies," I nodded. My Second-in-Command is always so helpful. The yellow stallion also nodded shaking his orange mane around. I have no idea who started the custom, but whenever a meeting is done, you have to bow. The stallion left as I watched his flank. The flank that bore a ray of sunshine.

I shook my head, those days are over and his cutie mark is just a coincidence. I could almost taste those cupcakes that Pin...no. Don't dwell on that. I got up and stretched. I looked outside the office windows at the Canterlot ruins. The bomb that blew it up had the castle and the city in ruins. Barely any buildings were left standing, and the school was one of those. 

We set up shop here after the mysterious leader left saying she had to go on her personal quest. She then bestowed leadership to me. I've tried my best in the 4 years I've been leader but it isn't easy. Our little band of Tears, the mysterious mare called us, is small and not many ponies out there believe in our dogma.

"Sunset." I didn't hear anypony come in so I whirled around is surprise...except it was too fast and I ended up on the floor. I picked myself up in embarrassment and looked at the newcomer. The pony was a big figure with a large blue cloak. I immediately recognized her to be the founder. I kneeled but she tsked me and told me to get up.

"Why are you here? I haven't seen you since the coronation," it was so annoying that I couldn't see the mare's face. It might not be a mare for all I know! She could be a unicorn and using a voice alteration spell. I sighed and rubbed my broken horn. I missed magic.

"The Princess is launching an attack on Appaloosa in a year's time. I need you to be there."

"A year? But that's in such a long time! Why are you telling me now? And how do you know?" 

"Come on Sunset, you know me better then that," before I could ask her to elaborate she disappeared in a purple flash. Something about that flash seemed familiar...then I heard a little whisper, "and besides, time is relative..."

"Sunset! Where have you been? You disappeared for a year!"

"Twilight...?" A single tear rolled down my cheek.