//------------------------------// // The Road to Canterlot // Story: Sunset Eclipsed // by EldritchNexus //------------------------------// Sunset Shimmer, Radiant Dawn and Star Shield proudly trotted down the stairs of Fillydelphia, flanked by four of Princess Luna's bat-ponies. The citizens of Fillydelphia were waiting eagerly at the bottom for their saviors. When Star Shield reached the bottom, he turned to give the two unicorn siblings a salute. The townsponies exploded with applause. "At ease, boys." whispered Radiant to the bat-ponies, when they noticed they were quivering in the growing sunlight. The four bat-winged pegasi took off into the air, flying westwards to escape the light of the rising sun. Taking their place were four unicorn guards of the Canterlot Royal Guard, who had been sent by Princess Celestia to help with the aftermath. The Night Captain and the siblings marched through the midst of the crowd until they reached a podium in the town square, where the Mayor and his niece were waiting patiently. The two earth ponies gave a generous bow to the three, before stepping away from the podium. Captain Shield approached the platform, and cleared his throat. The crowd gradually fell silent. "Citizens of Fillydelphia..." he spoke with a firm, clear voice. "The time to fear the night has ended. The crisis that has plagued your city has finally ceased. Princess Luna learned of your predicament, and her Night Guard proudly rose to the call. You therefore have the Princess of the Night to thank for your newly-found safety and freedom." The crowd applauded. "But the doings of others must be taken into account." continued Star Shield. "If it were not for the glorious deeds of a certain somepony, we never would have learned about your troubles until it was too late. Thus, I request that you all put your hooves and wings together for none other than her majesty's own apprentice, Miss Sunset Shimmer. Madam Shimmer, if you would please..." He turned a give a warm nod to the yellow mare, who graciously approached the podium to her loud, cheering audience. Sunset could've sworn that she heard at least three or four wolf-whistles from a few stallions and colts lurking amongst the countless townsponies, but didn't pay attention. Instead, she gave a humble curtsy, took a deep breath, and looked back up to address the onlookers. "Everypony, I would like to say a few things." she announced. "First, I would like to point out that I haven't been the kindest soul for the past few years of my life. And I feel regretful to have been away from my homeland for such a long time, and for selfish reasons at that. But now I hope to make up for it, like I have here in Fillydelphia, and hope to prove myself worthy to the rest of Equestria in the future. "And though I have been away from my own home and loved ones for so long, I hope that my actions here have made it possible to save your own today. This has truly been a wonderful opportunity for me, to work with others, and help them in their time of need. I even made a few friends out of this whole ordeal. It may not seem like much to you, but I can honestly say that friendship was something I, until recently, never really took the chance to learn about." "You go, girl!" whooped Lightning Dust, who stood alongside a clapping Trixie in the crowd. "But I can't truly take all the credit for bringing about your safety." Sunset spoke on. "I wouldn't be here to tell you all this if it weren't for a certain somepony: my loving brother, Radiant Dawn." Radiant slowly approached his sister, and put a hoof around her neck to hug her. Sunset promptly hugged him back, putting a hoof around Radiant's other front leg. The crowd cheered on even louder than before. Radiant silently shed tears of happiness, and returned to Captain Shield's side with a wink to the townsponies. The Mayor of Fillydelphia trotted up to the podium to speak with Sunset Shimmer. Posey was at his side, carrying a long gilded key on her back. "Miss Shimmer, words alone can't express how relieved we all are that those horrid monsters are finally away from our fair city." he said to her. "If it weren't for your selfless choice to remain in this city to assist us, even when it wasn't your task to do this, we may all be stuck in some slimy green pods in that Changeling's lair! Thus, I find it reasonable to reward you with the key to the city!" He nodded down at Posey, who happily brought the key over to Sunset Shimmer. The mare's horn glowed, and she stood the award up with her front left hoof. She wore a smile in a manner she hadn't worn since she first became the Princess of the Fall Formal at Canterlot High. "And since you contributed so much for this city..." the mayor resumed. "Including not only getting Lightning Dust under control, but inspiring the rest of us to stand up against the creatures, and saving my niece's life--plus my own--I, Mayor Thorn Side, declare you an honorary Fillydelphian. You, madam, are always welcome in my city--no matter what." He bent his spectacled head down to kiss Sunset Shimmer's front right hoof. Sunset Shimmer was red in the face, not from blushing at the honor she was being given, but because she was fighting the urge not to giggle at the Mayor's name. Luckily for her, nopony seemed to notice the difference, since they were all too busy cheering her on. "Well, how do you like that?" Sunset Shimmer thought, as she looked at her surroundings. "I guess Principal Celestia was right! Maybe it is better to inspire those around you, instead of making them bow down to you. I'm going to love being back in Equestria!" Two hours later, Sunset Shimmer found herself conversing with Lightning Dust, as they, Trixie, Star Shield, and Radiant Dawn were walking on the road back to the city of Canterlot. "Dawn and Sunset, huh?" asked Lightning. "Interesting theme-naming your family has: The complete opposite ends of the Sun!" "Yeah." nodded Sunset, casually. "Really noteworthy." "So, do you two have, like, a name for that little team you have with that brother of yours?" asked Lightning. "How about...the Daytime Duet?" "I really don't have a team with my brother." Sunset shook her head. "We haven't worked together against a common enemy since we were still training together at Princess Celestia's academy. Besides, that's a pretty lame name." "How about the Rising Sons?" suggested Lightning Dust. "That wouldn't be too bad..." said Sunset, before frowning. "Too bad I'm a mare." "Team Daystar! You know, since Daystar Manor's the name of your home." "No thanks. Brings up too many bad memories." "The Sunnysides? I mean, since the sun rises in the East, and sets in the West." "Sounds too...sitcom-ish." "The Sun Twins?" "Radiant's three years older than me." Lightning Dust took a while to think up the next name. "Then how about the Sun Siblings?" she finally suggested. "That sounds great!" Sunset nodded, before turning to her brother. "Hey, Radiant!" "Yeah?" he replied. "I guess we're called the Sun Siblings!" said Sunset. "What do ya think of that?" "Well, it does have a nice ring to it." commented Radiant, twitching his ear. "Did you come up with it?" "Nope. Lightning did." Lightning Dust blushed, then went over to Captain Star Shield. "So, you're a Captain, huh?" she asked. "That is correct." said Star Shield, nodding slowly. "So, do you guys need any more recruits at all?" asked the mare. "Cuz I could totally do that messenger thing for you. Ya know, delivering messages and stuff?" "That won't be necessary, miss." said Captain Shield. "But I hear that the Wonderbolts are still recruiting." "Oh, really..." said Lightning sadly, before frowning. "What seems to be the problem?" asked Star Shield, noticing the mare's saddened face out of the corner of his eye. "Well, it's just that I tried to join the Wonderbolts a few months ago." explained Lightning Dust. "I'm very fast, agile, and have good reflexes and stuff. But I wound up getting kicked out of there for being reckless. I'm not like that anymore, but they probably wouldn't care at all! They'd probably think I was too dangerous to keep around!" Radiant overheard this conversation. He could sympathize with Lightning's conundrum. He once went through similar problems at Celestia's academy. The Night Captain promptly came to a halt, and the others instinctively followed suit. "Well, perhaps there is something you could do for us." said Star Shield, scratching his chin with his hoof. "I have been considering sending Princess Luna a petition to resurrect the Shadowbolts." "The what-now?" asked Lightning Dust, confused. "The Shadowbolts." said Star Shield. "They were minions of Nightmare Moon, until she was defeated by Twilight Sparkle and her companions. The Shadowbolts were shadowy manifestations that assumed the forms of pegasi wearing black Wonderbolt-styled uniforms. Princess Luna told me about them a couple of years ago, when she had me send one of their outfits to Rainbow Dash for winning Cloudsdale's Best Young Flyer competition." "Rainbow Dash?" asked Lightning Dust, frowning again. "Yeah, I know who she is. She's the one the got me kicked out of the Wonderbolts Academy. Can't say that I didn't deserve it, though. So you're saying she owns a Shadowbolt uniform, when she's not a Shadowbolt herself?" "Yes. And apparently, Miss Dash enjoyed wearing that thing, since Princess Luna told me she was using it when she pulled pranks on the residents of Ponyville for Nightmare Night." "So, how can I get one of 'em?" asked Lightning. "Well, that depends on a number of things." said the pegasus captain. "First, you shall need to come with me to Canterlot, where we shall discuss these matters with the Princesses. Second, I need to see how skilled you are with both flying and following orders." "I'm sure I could do that." nodded Lightning Dust. "Are you sure, miss?" inquired Captain Shield. "Sure, I'm sure!" nodded Lightning Dust with a determined expression on her face. "I won't screw up on this! I promise you, sir!" She gave a military salute to Star Shield. The she turned back to trot alongside Radiant and Sunset. "So, it looks like I'm going to Canterlot with you guys." she said. Suddenly, a pegasus guard in golden armor flew up to Captain Star Shield. He was carrying a scroll in his mouth. Radiant Dawn and Sunset Shimmer both recognized him almost immediately. "Lieutenant Flash Sentry, what a pleasant surprise." said Star Shield. "So, what brings you here?" Flash handed the scroll over to the captain. "We've received your message, sir." he said. "Princess Celestia has sent more royal guards to help keep the city safe from any of Umbriel's remaining troops. Also, Princess Luna is expecting you and the rest of your guards to return to Canterlot by nightfall." "Very good, lieutenant." said Star. "We will be there before the Night Court even begins. Now, I expect your own captain will want to hear from you again. Now don't keep Shining Armor waiting." "Of course, sir." said Flash, who then turned in the general direction of the Sun Siblings. He felt his heart leap and his ears twitching as he saw Sunset Shimmer, who in turn was looking back at him. Nervously, Flash approached her, and cleared his throat. "Miss Shimmer, I take it you are well?" asked Flash Sentry. "Sure thing, Flash." answered Sunset. "So, how's the Canterlot Royal Guard?" "It's...great." said Flash Sentry, hesitantly. "So, you're brother's in the Night Guard, huh?" "That's right." interjected Radiant Dawn. "And guess what? I'm a lieutenant now, just like you." "Well, congratulations!" said Flash, straining himself to turn his head away from Sunset. "I'm looking forward to perhaps serving alongside you, somehow." "We'll see about that." said Radiant, casually. "But we're going to be leaving soon. In the meantime, how about you just go back to flirting with my sister?" "But I wasn't--" Flash attempted to interject, but words failed him when he noticed that Sunset had shot a look at him and Radiant. "Red?" Sunset called over to her elder sibling. "What are you talking about? You didn't set me up on a date with this guy, did you?" "Not at all, sis." denied Radiant. "From the way fly-boy here made it out, you seemed to do a good job of pulling it off yourself!" Sunset then looked over at Flash Sentry. She quickly deduced that Flash had told Radiant about their little "moment" together in Princess Cadence's palace in the Crystal Empire. She blushed so hard, her muzzle was as red as her demon form's skin. Trixie and Lightning Dust turned to glance at Sunset and Flash, and started giggling quietly to themselves. Sunset took a slow, steady breath, then spoke: "Just...look." she said to Flash. "When I tried that...thing...with you, I didn't really mean what I was doing or saying. I was absolutely desperate, and afraid to be caught and arrested. Plus, you reminded me of..." "The other Flash Sentry?" asked the pegasus guard. "Don't worry. Princess Twilight told me all about him." "Including the fact that...we used to date?" asked Sunset, whispering in a surprised manner. "It might've come up once or twice." nodded Flash. "Sunset, you didn't tell me you dated a human!" said Radiant. "I didn't." said Sunset, with a sigh. "I actually dated two." "Well, I don't know what to say about that..." began Radiant. "Look, it's not a happy memory, okay?" Sunset questioned loudly. "You don't see me badgering you about that gryphon or whatever it was that you dated!" "Sounds fair to me." said Radiant. "You know, I'm kinda bummed that we won't be able to make it to that nightclub, since we're all going to Canterlot." said Lightning. "I'm telling you guys: They've got the coolest music there!" "That reminds me." said Star Shield, who came up to them. "There's a second message on the scroll meant for Sunset Shimmer. This one's from Princess Twilight Sparkle." Sunset sighed. "Okay." she said, flatly. "Let's get this over with." She levitated the scroll up to her face, and read the bottom half of the text, which was written in a fine blue ink. Dear Sunset Shimmer, First, I would like to apologize for leaving you behind in that other world. I wasn't thinking clearly at the time, and I was still angry about what you had done beforehand. It was also wrong of me to steal your ex-boyfriend away from you like that. I should have spent more time helping you try to fit in with the students at Canterlot High, or at least asked you if you wanted to come back to Equestria with me. Truthfully, it was your brother that set me straight. Thanks to him, I can't believe that I actually left you in a place I knew next to nothing about. For all I knew, the government there could've killed you for that whole incident with the Element of Magic and the Fall Formal. I'm glad to know that you are back in Equestria, alive and well. If you are still angry with me, I understand. You have the right to be angry. I simply ask that you do not retread your old ways. You're better than that, Sunset. I know you are. Second, I would like to congratulate you on becoming Princess Luna's student. I kind of had a feeling you two would work well together. After all, Princess Luna went through more-or-less the same problems with Princess Celestia as you did. And I'm sure that your social skills will be able to benefit yourself and those around you in Equestria even better than at Canterlot High, especially since you're (hopefully) not a bully anymore. Third, I've just heard from my brother that you saved the city of Fillydelphia from a Changeling attack. Well done, I say! I'm starting to see a bright future for you here in Equestria. You have no idea how proud the other princesses are, either. They've given Pinkie Pie permission to throw a big party for you in Canterlot Palace's banquet hall. I know you'll just love it! Hope to see you there! Your fellow Equestria Girl (Spike came up with the name, not me!), Princess Twilight Sparkle. Sunset Shimmer put the scroll down, and gave it back to Captain Shield. "Well, it looks like we're all going to have a party when we're back in Canterlot." she said to her companions. "And I guess Twilight Sparkle's going to be there." "Oh, great." said Trixie. "Now she'll rub the fact that she's a princess into my face!" "Miss Trixie, I was under the impression that you and Twilight had made up?" asked Captain Star Shield. "Oh, right." Trixie said. "She kinda did. I just forget these kind of--wait, how'd you know my name?" "Considering your knack of shouting it out halfway across the countryside, how wouldn't he?" asked Sunset, jokingly. Star Shield and Trixie kept a straight face, but the others burst out laughing. "And how'd you know I used to be Twilight's rival?" asked Trixie. "I was there with Princess Celestia, during Twilight's presentation in Ponyville." explained Captain Shield. "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation with her." "Well, thanks for not having me arrested, sir." said Trixie. "What with the Alicorn Amulet, and the tormenting, and the--" "Hey, Trixie?" asked Lightning, nudging Trixie with her wing. "I think he gets the point. So, what kind of stuff can we expect at Canterlot? I've never been there before." "Ah, Canterlot." sighed Captain Star Shield. "Truly the crown jewel of Equestria. It is a beautiful, pleasant city. It's built on the side of a mountain, too. It offers a very good view of the surrounding lands. As one pegasus to another, I think you will love it." "Well, it's time for me to take my leave." said Flash Sentry. "I'll see you all back in Canterlot." "Hey, Flash!" said Radiant Dawn. "I want you to make sure that they've got some awesome music when we get there. I mean, orchestrated music is fine and all, but I kinda want something a little...cooler. I mean, for Lightning Dust's sake. Like the stuff they'd play in a nightclub." "Radiant, you're so awesome!" Lightning squealed, leaning against the large unicorn. "I do my best." said Radiant, before quietly adding to Flash Sentry. "Make sure they don't have any apple cider, either. I think Sunny's allergic to it." "That's sounds fine by me, Lieutenant Dawn." said Flash. "Farewell, everypony!" He flew westwards, while the others continued along the road.