//------------------------------// // Chapter Six // Story: Sunset Shimmer: Element Bearer // by ConningOfficer //------------------------------// “Aria, I’m here. It’s Sunset Shimmer,” she said, maternally brushing a lock of long, purple hair out of the way and placing a hand on Aria’s forehead. Aria’s skin was damp with a fine, cool layer of perspiration. She was fitfully awaking, pleading with someone. “Don’t go!”, “Tell me more!”, and “I don’t understand!” were what Sunset could make out from the sleepy, troubled ramblings. Sunset’s touch seemed to calm Aria’s thrashing a bit and she considered letting the Siren fall back asleep when her purple eyes opened suddenly. All the shock, confusion, and fear that could be expected from waking in an unfamiliar bed after a terrible nightmare was reflected in those wide eyes, even though Aria’s brain hadn’t quite caught up. She patted her shoulders and chest, frowned briefly at the frilly nightgown Rarity had dressed her in, and even pinched herself firmly on a purple-tinted forearm to confirm that she was truly awake. Sunset watched patiently and waited for Aria to speak. At last the violet eyes narrowed slightly and met Sunset Shimmer’s blue-green gaze. “Where am I?” she asked simply. Pulling the chair over to the side of the bed, Sunset Shimmer sat down and leaned forward. She didn’t want to stand three feet above Aria while they talked. Reaching out, she laid a hand on Aria’s forearm. The other girl flinched slightly, almost involuntarily, at Sunset Shimmer’s touch, but didn’t pull away. “Aria, you’re in Rarity’s suite in the center of Canterlot.” “Canterlot?” she gasped. “The last thing I remember I was… out of town.” “Do you drink coffee? Maybe you should wake up a bit before I tell you what we know.” A bemused smile unlike any of the threatening, cruel expressions Sunset Shimmer had seen on Aria’s face appeared. She replied, “Do you honestly think that I could deal with Sonata Dusk for all this time without drinking a lot of coffee? I’d love a cup.” “Here, just have mine,” Sunset Shimmer said, handing over the mug that she nearly spilled when Aria had suddenly cried out. Taking a deep drink, Aria Blaze said, “Mmmm… I’m glad you like cream and sugar, too. So, anyway, why am I here?” As the sun rose into a cloudy sky, Sunset Shimmer briefly told Aria about how Fluttershy had found her in the woods inside of a hollow log, near the Crusaders’ clubhouse. She told her about how the group had warmed her up in the bathtub and then put her to bed after the crisis seemingly passed. Sunset decided to stick with simple facts during this initial retelling, omitting the magic spell she had cast with the help of Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash. “Sonata is here, Aria. She came to check on you as soon as we told her you had been hurt,” said Sunset. Sitting up in bed, Aria implored, “Please, I need to talk to her. Could you go get her?” Looking at the bedside clock, she replied, “She’s probably getting ready for school, but I’ll find her. While I’m up, I’m going to get you some soup. You’re hungry and need to eat.” The last comment was clearly not a request. As the door opened, the din of five teenage girls attempting to use a single bathroom to get ready for school rolled into the quiet bedroom. “Rarity, you have a store full of clothes down there,” said an annoyed voice. “All I want is a T-shirt so I’m not wearing the same thing two days in a row. ” “Rainbow Dash, this is such an opportunity for me. I can’t pass it up! I’d love for you to accept my help with your wardrobe every day instead of just for formal occasions,” Rarity’s voice continued. “T-shirt. Now. Or we’re going to be late for school!” Sunset Shimmer interrupted, saying, “Good morning. Our patient’s awake and wants to see Sonata. She’s hungry, too.” From the bottom of the stairs, Fluttershy called up, “I heard you two talking and started some soup. I’m so glad Aria’s okay! I’ll be back in an hour or two, um, if that’s all right?” She had in her arms a thick stack of flyers detailing the animal shelter's needs for the week. Without fail, no matter the weather, the kind girl would stand near the statue at the front of Canterlot High School every Wednesday, and politely ask for volunteers. “Thanks, Fluttershy, and thanks for talking to Vice Principal Luna for us, too!” she replied. Turning to Rarity, who was obviously frustrated with more than just Rainbow Dash, Sunset Shimmer added, “How did you sleep?” Rarity put her right index finger in the air, motioning for her to wait and directed, “Rainbow Dash, I keep some T-shirts in the laundry room and I expect whatever you borrow to be washed and returned in a usable condition. No grass stains!” Turning back to Sunset Shimmer, she complained, “I know I slept more than you did, but how can I be expected to function with THIS going on most of the night?” Rarity’s exasperated gesture took in Rainbow Dash’s wardrobe struggles, Fluttershy’s early rising, and a loud duet of pop music coming from the bathroom (courtesy of Sonata Dusk and Sweetie Belle). Sunset Shimmer knew that Rarity was gearing up for a classic display of exaggerated drama and suppressed the urge to roll her eyes at her friend. Rarity continued with grand theatrics, crossing her arms over her chest. “This is no way for guests to act, even in such dire circumstances! Next time, I think you should suggest the slumber party happen somewhere else.” “Rarity, if you should be mad at anybody, it should be me,” Sunset replied, stopping the other girl’s tirade. “I asked you if Sonata could come here and we had a great night until the business with Aria came waltzing in the front door. I know how you like to make a plan and stick to it, but last night we had to be a little more, um, adaptable.” Rarity’s expression softened from angry to tired pouting. “Look, your makeup and hair are half-done and you’re not dressed. Finish up in your bathroom while I fetch Sonata, unless you’d prefer for all of CHS to see you like this?” Sunset Shimmer concluded with a playful smile. Her gesture took in Rarity’s sweatpants, thermal shirt, and lack of makeup. Rarity sniffed. “Of course you’re right, my dear, but it doesn’t mean I have to be happy about it.” “Rarity, and one more thing,” Sunset shimmer said hesitantly. “I know we have a lot to talk about later that we didn’t have time for last night. For now, I’ll just say thank you for the best compliment I’ve ever received. Can you forgive me for not knowing what to do with it quite yet?” With a genuine smile and a twinkle returning to her blue eyes, Rarity said, “Of course, darling.” She looked up and down the empty hallway, then leaned forward and gave Sunset Shimmer a peck on the cheek and bounded down the hallway to her room. Sunset Shimmer was completely shocked. Her hand went to her cheek with her mouth hanging open. Sunset Shimmer’s astounded blush was in full bloom at the precise moment that Sweetie Belle and Sonata Dusk emerged, giggling loudly, from the guest bathroom. They were similarly dressed, each in a conservative blouse with a light sweater over the top and a complementary flowing skirt, all from Rarity's previous spring collection. Even their hair was styled similarly, with both girls electing the long ponytail that Sonata favored. The only remnant of Sonata’s original outfit was a single spiked bracelet around her right wrist. Composing herself and intentionally ignoring Sweetie Belle’s new hairstyle, Sunset said, “Sonata, before you leave, I wanted you to know that Aria is awake. Would you like to see her?” Sonata Dusk’s smile could have lit an entire city block. “Of course!” Aria was just setting the empty coffee mug on the nightstand when Sonata and Sunset Shimmer entered Rarity’s suite. Sonata nearly threw herself on to the bed to give Aria a hug. “You’re all right!” she squealed. “I’m hungry and feel a little strange, but I think I’m going to be fine,” Aria replied, looking Sonata up and down, “I like your new look. I’m not sure it’s your speed, though. Anyway, we need to talk about some important things.” Sonata had her own agenda, not hearing Aria and continuing on, “What did she do to you? Where can I find Adagio? She has to pay for this!” Making an effort to interrupt, the purple-haired Siren had to become increasingly sharp, “Sonata. Sonata, stop. SONATA!!!” The torrent of words pouring forth came to a sudden halt. Both Sunset Shimmer and Sonata Dusk stared at Aria Blaze. Aria said, “Listen carefully. This is serious. Do I have your attention?” “Yes,” replied Sonata. “Good. Adagio didn’t do this to me. She gave me a job to do, but I couldn’t finish it because I saw something happen that changed everything for me. I think that who I used to be was fighting with who I want to be, and it knocked me out of action in the woods. Fortunately, the nice one with the pink hair found me freezing my tail off in the forest. So, she and the guitar player with the crazy rainbow hair brought me here and saved me.” Aria leaned forward, grabbed Sonata’s hands and pulled her face close to her own. She continued, “This is what I need to tell you. We are no longer bound to the Master. Whatever Sunset Shimmer and the Rainbooms did to us, it broke his hold over us. You, me, and Adagio can choose who we are and what we do now. We don’t need to split people apart or make them fight any more. That’s why I’m happy to see you’re choosing to go to school and become friends with these girls.” “They have been so nice to me, especially Sunset Shimmer, after what Adagio did to me,” said Sonata cheerfully, “and my singing voice is starting to come back, too!” “Sonata, be careful!” she cried, shocked, “You remember who Adagio used to be and how badly she wanted to get home, right?” “Yeah,” she replied uncertainly. “The Master is furious at me. I turned away from him in a dream, but it seemed so real. The point is that I think the Master needs us a lot worse than we, and especially Adagio, need him. Bottom line, you were right. We needed to move on in our own ways.” Aria moved her hands to Sonata’s shoulders and said excitedly, “Thanks to you, I can make my own decisions and be responsible for what happens. I don’t know what I’m going to do yet, but I know that living life is more important to me now than controlling others.” Sonata was having trouble processing all of this. “I don’t know what to say,” she said, “I don’t understand. I shouldn’t sing?” “Of course you can sing! Hey, I don’t totally get what’s going on either. But do not go back to the Master. If he speaks to you somehow, don’t listen to anything he says or do what he tells you to do. And do not go back to our hiding spot. We’ll worry about Adagio later, if we worry about her at all.” “But, who will be the Princess then?” cried Sonata, stepping back a step from the bed. Sunset Shimmer suppressed a gasp by putting both hands over her mouth. Aria’s annoyance began to bubble over. She waved her arms in exasperation as she raised her voice slightly, “Sonata, I don’t get this princess obsession of yours. It’s like you’re a scared little filly sometimes! Go to school. Meet new friends. People have always liked you in this world because of who you are. You’re free to grow again, if that’s what you want. Don’t let Adagio change you now!” “All right, Aria. I’ll do my best,” she said sheepishly, with downcast lilac eyes. But there was something in her tone that concerned Sunset Shimmer. It was something subtle that she’d heard from Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom when they didn’t agree with their older sisters. Did Sonata just blow off Aria? Softly and seriously, Aria replied, “Remember Baltimare. Remember what you did there. We went hungry that night and Adagio and I were both angry with you. But, to all those people, you were an inspiration.” She gave Sonata a hug that was uncertainly returned. From there, the farewells cascaded. Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Rainbow Dash, and Sonata Dusk all departed for Canterlot High School. Sunset Shimmer and Aria Blaze stayed in the dwelling above the Carousel Boutique to eat breakfast and shared more coffee. Sunset Shimmer chose fruit and yogurt while Aria hungrily ate the entire pot of soup that Fluttershy had started along with several rolls. The two shared small talk, mostly about Rarity’s choices in interior decorating. After clearing away the dishes, Sunset Shimmer finally asked, “So, what was that all about?” Aria threw back the covers and stretched. She rose from the bed and unsteadily walked towards the other easy chair. Arranging her unbound purple hair over one shoulder and absentmindedly combing the teal highlights with her fingers, she sat across from Sunset Shimmer. “Put on another pot of coffee, Sunset Shimmer. I’m going to tell you everything,” Aria instructed. “Of course,” she replied, briefly leaving the bedroom and walking to the kitchen. Aria saw the large journal on the table. Curious, she reached out and touched the red-and-gold sunburst on the cover and felt the tingle of Equestrian magic. Open it! Learn her secrets! Split her from the others! The cruel, effective side of Aria ordered. Ask her after you tell her. The lady in your dream said she was special. Sunset will help you, if you ask. The emerging selfless, patient side of Aria cautioned. Last night’s vivid dream defeated her past for the time being, and she withdrew her purple-hued fingers from the cover. Sunset Shimmer returned with two full mugs. She said with a smile, “I think we’re as prepared as we can be for this conversation. Though, I think we’ve cleaned out Rarity’s coffee supply. She does prefer tea, after all.” Taking a deep sip and a deeper breath, Aria Blaze began, “Okay, a thousand years ago, I was born under the seas of Equus in the realm of Aquastria…” After hearing the first part of Aria’s incredible story about ancient Aquastria, learning how she, Sonata, and Adagio were claimed by He Who Swims in Darkness, Sunset Shimmer grabbed a school notebook and took rough notes before the oral history outpaced her memory. The two agreed to let Aria finish her story before Sunset Shimmer would ask questions. Aria’s expressions were fairly neutral through most of the telling, while the unicorn-turned-girl couldn’t fully conceal her amazement, surprise, and fear. Sunset could empathize with the Siren’s perspective of the Battle of the Bands, having been blasted by the rainbow power of Harmony once herself. The rainbow inflicted unique effects that combined pain, an intense rebuke, unbearable self-awareness, complete isolation from dark sources of power, and finally, it granted rekindled hope. As Aria told Sunset about how she tracked Apple Bloom and Scootaloo to the clubhouse and then the cemetery, tears spilled from both of their eyes. Finally, she revealed her dream, down to the smallest detail. “…and then I woke up in Rarity’s bed, thinking about you and that symbol,” Aria finished, pointing at the book on the coffee table. Sunset Shimmer dried her eyes and gave a low whistle, shaking her head. Still overwhelmed, she said, “Wow. How in Tartarus do you expect me to deal with all of that? I have a few questions to make sure I have it all right, before we figure out what’s next. Okay?” Aria nodded and refilled her coffee mug from the pot, mixing in the correct amounts of cream and sugar. She was still a little pale but seemed very relieved to tell her whole story to someone she trusted. Sunset Shimmer, mostly to herself, said, “First, I need to figure out what questions aren’t for you.” She reviewed her notes and thought: Scootaloo’s parents and the Apples were killed in a car accident that involved each other? That’s heartbreaking and explains so much. No wonder the Crusaders are so close! Most teenagers (both ponies and humans) sneak off at night to meet boyfriends or to go to a party. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom lay flowers at a cemetery. Incredible! “So, you were turned into a Siren by an evil monster that lives underwater?” inquired Sunset aloud. “Yep. Pretty much. Though, ‘evil overlord deity’ may be closer to the truth,” answered Aria, distastefully fingering one of the purple bows crisscrossing the front of Rarity’s loaned nightgown. “And, this He-Who-Swims-in-Darkness pretty much propped up this whole slavery, death, and female domination thing that went on down there a thousand years ago?”, Sunset Shimmer questioned, waving the pen that Twilight Sparkle had given her. “You’re tracking,” replied Aria with a single nod. “Here’s where it gets tricky. The three of you actually tried to divide Equestria to make it so Adagio’s mother and this nasty squid could take over? You fought against Celestia, Luna, and Starswirl the Bearded? You nearly won?” A purple eyebrow raised and she crossed her arms, saying, “Guilty as charged. But, in their defense, we had been absorbing a lot of negative energy before that fight.” Sunset Shimmer found herself liking Aria’s direct responses punctuated with demonstrative facial expressions. Applejack with an edge, she thought. “Okay. So this He-Who-Swims-in-Darkness is a major league player. But you told Sonata that you think he needs you more than you need him?” she asked. Aria sighed, “Adagio is the key. Most of the information and the power from the Master flowed through her, unless he was talking to all three of us at once. Because she was raised in the palace and temple, she knows things about him that we don’t. It might explain why she was so desperate to get back once she felt the magic from your getting blasted by that giant rainbow in the fall. The only thing that makes me use the word ‘desperate’ is the fact that for once, Adagio didn’t have much of a backup plan. We really hadn’t heard anything from He-Who-Swims-in-Darkness in a long, long time.” Sunset Shimmer tapped the amethyst six-pointed star on her pen against her temple in thought and said, “Hmm… Let’s shift to the present. Do you know why Adagio wanted you to follow the girls?” Aria’s frown deepened, “After she beat the stuffing out of Sonata, I sort of stopped asking Adagio many questions. I was just so used to doing what she said. She didn’t let much slip, but she was angry and humiliated. Revenge was the way we solved problems where we came from, so I think she was in the early phases of planning something awful.” Sunset Shimmer mirrored Aria’s concern, pulling her leather jacket a little tighter and crossing her arms. She replied, “So you don’t think she’s not going to give up or shift gears like you and Sonata?” Aria shook her head and said, “Not likely. Adagio still considers herself a princess, a ruler. She hated exile because she couldn’t lead and protect the mermares and the Empire. Even though her mother’s leadership was cruel, I think Adagio had some noble goal buried inside. Why else would she train herself to sing? The lack of magic here didn’t bother her so much, but the lack of power did. My mother served in the royal guard for my entire life. Duty and obligation are important to mermares, but I see that Adagio learned from her mother and He Who Swims in Darkness how to twist that into control. Here’s my point: What frightens me is that until a few days ago, Adagio and I truly believed that we were helping the Empire. I can’t even guess what Adagio might be thinking now that her foundation has been rocked, quite literally, by you and your friends.” Aria smiled at her own pun. “I don’t know much about Aquastria, but I did learn about it a bit at Celestia’s school. It’s much different now than what you described. King Leo rules there now and the seaponies and mermares live side by side. Mermares are supposed to be beautiful but a bit standoffish. No offense, Aria,” said Sunset Shimmer with a comforting smile. “None taken,” Aria answered flatly. “What’s your take on Sonata?” asked Sunset Shimmer. Aria shrugged her shoulders, and said, “For a thousand years, I have never been able to figure out what’s going on in her head. Some days, I think her skull is full of fluff. But, I’ve seen her twist many human males and more than a few females to her will with that innocent smile.” “At least she’s well watched by the others while she figures all this out. Now it’s time for some of my secrets, Aria,” said Sunset Shimmer, leaning forward. Aria leaned back in the chair with a smile. Crossing her legs, she motioned with her hand, indicating that Sunset Shimmer should continue. “Sonata gave me the shards to her Siren pendant. I can tell there’s still some power left inside. I’m going to make a magic item from them, a focus for the background magic that’s been slowly building in this world over the past few months.” As surprised as she was when waking in Rarity’s bed, Aria’s mouth fell open. She replied, astonished, “You can do this?” “Well, I think so. I was getting really good at it before I came to this world. I can make great jewelry, so the artistry isn’t a problem. It’s the magic I need to figure out,” Sunset Shimmer answered, shifting uncomfortably in the easy chair. Still excited, Aria reached out for Sunset Shimmer’s hand, “Can you make a weapon?” Blushing under the intense purple-eyed gaze, Sunset Shimmer said hesitantly, “I’m more into jewelry molds to create rings, necklaces, and maybe some earrings. With the right tools, I could forge something simple that’s based in a mold, like a club or a mace. Sorry, but these,” she waggled her fingers, “don’t have enough strength to make something with hammered edges.” “I want to give you my pendant shards, but only if you turn them into a weapon,” Aria insisted, “I don’t think the woman from my dream can help me again and I want to be ready for anything before my old Master can get his tentacles involved. I had always been Adagio’s enforcer and now I want to help you. The shards are with my belongings at the Canterlot Aquarium.” Sunset Shimmer’s heart was pounding. The past hour had changed everything. She thought that this would be mopping up after the Battle of the Bands. Now, the fight they had barely won was only an opening skirmish in something much darker and deeply shrouded in mystery. Doing her best impression of Princess Celestia, she replied evenly, “I’m grateful for your help, Aria. I can’t promise you a weapon, but I promise you my best effort.” Aria Blaze gave Sunset Shimmer a sardonic smile, and jokingly said, “Well, now I have some really serious business for you. Can you find me some clothes that I don’t want to tear to shreds?” With a throaty laugh and a smile that touched her blue-green eyes, she replied, “There’s a whole store down there to choose from and I’m on pretty good terms with the owner. I think we can find something your speed. Then, let’s head over to my apartment. There are a few things I’ve stashed there that we may need.” They spent the next three-quarters of an hour getting ready to go. Despite her inner transformation, Aria didn’t make too many fashion changes, selecting skinny jeans, a dark, form-fitting top and practical boots. She styled her purple-and-teal hair in twin ponytails as usual, but with much less ostentatious ornamentation. The only odd moment came when Aria was presented her original clothes. She recoiled and demanded that they be destroyed. When Sunset asked about her reaction, Aria reminded her about the part of the dream when she reached the village and the leather bands disintegrated. The red-and-gold-haired girl carefully folded the clothes and placed the outfit in a bag to be dealt with later. Sunset Shimmer humored Elegant Ensemble (and Rarity, by extension) and subjected herself to an orange silk blouse instead of a T-shirt, but kept her favorite skirt and leather jacket. They hit the timing right, because they were ready to go, just as Fluttershy entered the boutique struggling with a heavy load of books and papers. Her pink hair was windblown and a chill came in from the busy street outside. She set down what she was carrying and said softly with a warm smile, “Hi there, Aria. I’m so glad to see you up and about.” Aria swept up the shy girl in a hug and said, “Thank you for saving my life.” Fluttershy, surprised and uncomfortable, could only whisper, “You’re welcome. Anyone else would have done the same.” “No, they wouldn’t,” Aria replied steadily, breaking the hug and holding the other girl by the shoulders, “which is why I’m so grateful.” Fluttershy, still self-conscious, replied, “Well, thank you. But, Sunset Shimmer is the one that cast…” Sunset Shimmer loudly interrupted, “What did you do with spring, Fluttershy?” Aria looked at Sunset Shimmer and raised an eyebrow in frustration. Fluttershy answered the question with a frown, “I don’t think this gloomy day was in the forecast.” “It’s a good thing we have your van, then! Hey, could you give us a lift over to my apartment? I have to pick up a few things for an important project,” Sunset asked. Fluttershy nodded and said, "Of course! Let's go!" The three girls left the Carousel Boutique together to tackle the cloudy, windy day.