Midnight's Radiance

by MrAlterad

1. Sunset's Dawn

Sunset Shimmer stirred as the deep chimes rang out from her old clock, feeling the traces of a nostalgic dream fade away as she appraised the source of the noise. With barely a thought, her horn glowed, and the large clock fell silent before it could ring out its seventh, and final bell. Resisting the strong urge to go back to sleep, she abandoned the warmth of her bed, briefly shuddering from the chill in the room.

As usual, Spike had slept through the alarm, and it was up to her to stir him. A habit between them she was quite fond of, she gently shook him, making him stir as the young dragon gave her a sleepy look, before rubbing his eyes.

“What time is it?” he asked with a yawn.

“Seven. Come on Spike, we've got a big day ahead of us!” Her morning fatigue was always short lived, and she could already feel her blood pumping for what was to come. Quickly glancing over a wall of notes on a particular spell, she nodded to herself-

Spike wrapped himself up in his blanket, giving Sunset a dismissive gesture.

“Ten more minutes...” he grumbled, getting a small smile from her as she moved to the window, seeing a snow covered Canterlot stretched out before her, the snow shining in the light of the moon; dawn was two hours away. Looking to the sky, she spotted her target, and gave the spell she'd been working on for the last month another test run.

Her horn glowed, her gaze locked on the moon, feeling for it was one feels for objects using telekinesis. Her horn then flared, Sunset concentrating as she added a little bit of teleportation magic, signal enhancement, accuracy focusing, and good old determination to her spell. And after focusing for a minute, she felt her magic brush up against the moon, and she smiled.

She then found herself very greatly resisting the urge to grab the moon and give it a small nudge. She really, really, really wanted to see if she could pull it off, but didn't want to upset her mentor, and also didn't want to ruin the surprise. Still, she gave in a little, lightly grasping the moon, feeling it with her magic. It was cold to the touch, yet, it still gave of a comforting warmth, which Sunset didn't find surprising. Starting to feel the exertion of her spell, she abandoned it, not trusting herself to see if she could nudge the moon.

Feeling the moon reinvigorated the fire beating in her breast, now certain she'd be able to deliver on her gift. The very gift she was going to give Princess Luna for Hearth's Warming. Sunset Shimmer intended to start helping her with raising the sun, everyday.

Being one of her students for over twelve years, she's had plenty of time to see that it wasn't easy for the princess to raise the sun, in addition to managing the moon. So, Sunset had been working to mirror Luna's spell, and help ease the load the princess has for looking over Equestria.

Nodding to herself, she passed the small end-table next to her bed, pausing a moment to look to the picture on it, a smile on her face. In it, Princess Luna stood with her students, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight, and Trixie, as well as her bookkeeper, Sir Tell Tale, and Spike, who was standing between the four mares. All of them were happily waving to the camera. The picture was taken a little over a year ago, the last time all of them were together in Canterlot.

Leaving her bedroom, a sleeping Spike levitating behind her in her grasp, she went and got things together for the two of them, in preparation for speaking with Luna.

In a flash of emerald, Sunset appeared at the front gates of the castle. Spike was on her back, she wore a scarf that matched her mane, while Spike was completely bundled up for the cold. It was still dark out, but the castle gates were lit with magical lanterns along the wall. When the guards noticed Sunset, they opened the gate for her, giving her a warm greeting.

Trotting inside, through the front garden, a fire in her eyes, Sunset paused when something odd caught her attention. A small set of un-bloomed green flower buds were poking out of the snow.

It was the only green presented in the garden, blanketed in white, and Sunset couldn't help but smile at the stubborn plants, growing despite the cold. Her horn glowed briefly, an enchantment being cast on the flowers, and in short order, Sunset continued past them, the snow touching the buds slowly melting.

“Sunset...” Spike began, his eyes following the trail of his breath as the mare looked to him curiously, “Why so early? I mean. Luna's still asleep, right?” That made Sunset stop in her tracks, looking to Spike wide-eyed before looking to the tower Luna slept in. She then put a hoof to her head as she let out an annoyed sigh.

“Geeze. You're right... I guess I was so excited that it slipped my mind.” Today was the winter solstice, the day with the shortest amount of sunlight all year. In the winter, the sun was raised later and set earlier to help keep the winter temperature, as well as letting the princess sleep in, making winter Luna's favorite season. “I guess we'll just wait in the library 'till she's up.”

Sunset wanted to help the princess with the sun, but she knew better than to try such a thing shortly after Luna woke up. Continuing on into the castle, she made her way to the library.

Her heart then skipped a beat as a familiar stallion crossed her path. She felt her face flush as he looked to her, and they both adopted a rather silly smile.

“S-Shining Armor? What are you doing in the castle?” Sunset quickly asked, having been out of touch with him since he left his home two years ago. Noticing his golden armor, she then added. “You're part of the castle guard?”

“Even better!” he replied as he gave her a salute, “Captain of the Royal guard, at your service!” He then gave a small wave to Spike, who eagerly returned it in kind. “So it's been what, two years? Still with Princess Luna I take it?”

“Yes!” Sunset quickly replied, surprised that Shining was a captain. She then found herself reminded of where they were, and a look of matching comprehension appeared on his face as they both regathered their composure.

A thought then came to mind, and Sunset latched onto it, not hesitating as she gave him her best smile. “Well, Shining, since we're both busy at the moment... Do you wanna get together later? So, you know, we can catch up?” Among other things... Sunset thought to herself as she gave him a hopeful look.

“That would be great,” he quickly replied, then adopted a contemplative look as he nodded, “I'm going to be pretty busy today, but tomorrow?” Sunset gave him an eager nod, feeling all the more glad for this unexpected encounter. “How does tomorrow night, at six, in front of the castle sound?” Another eager nod was all he got for a reply, Sunset not daring to let a noise out of her mouth at this particular moment, lest she make a fool of herself. “It's a date then.”

Oh. That sentence didn't do her complexion any favors, and Shining took note of it, giving her a quizzical look before he himself started to blush. “I- Uh, I'll see you then?” he stammered out, and with a small nod from Sunset, he looked to the side, trying to compose himself. “Alright. Good. That's great! I got, uh, guarding things to do. So, see you then!”

“R-Right! See you tomorrow, and I hope you enjoy the solstice!” They both shared a very awkward, and happy smile, as they parted. Sunset watched him leave, basking in the happiness she felt when she saw him blush. She must have been basking in the glow for more than was prudent, because the sound of a young dragon on her back clearing his throat was needed to snap her out of it.

“Equestria to Sunset Shimmer!” Spike added, giving her an annoyed look, “You okay? Your face is all red, and you were kinda not there for a bit.” Sunset blinked at him, feeling her face flush again, and with several deep breaths, she composed herself before nodding to Spike.

“Yes, I'm fine. It's been so long- I was just caught off guard,” she replied as she continued to the library.

“Oh. If you say so.” Spike then adopted a toothy grin, “Still, captain of the Royal guard. That's pretty cool! I bet-” Spike stopped, making a funny face before letting out an unexpected belch, his fire having traces of a magenta hue as a burnt letter appeared. Sunset caught it before it could hit the ground, making Spike look over her should as she appraised it. The letter was sealed with a wax imprint of Twilight's cutie-mark, prompting Sunset to quickly open it. A fond smile then adorned her face as she looked over the words.

'To my dear friend, Sunset Shimmer.'

'Knowing you, you're probably up and already taking care of things in the castle! Is it busy over there yet? I know that today's going to be a pretty hectic day in Ponyville. I'm not sure if you've heard, since she decided to announce it last night, but Luna intends to host the solstice celebration here!'

'I know it'll be pretty stressful, getting ready for Luna, but I don't doubt the mayor will manage to keep everything together!'

'Oh, Sunset, if Luna's going to be there, will you be accompanying her? I really hope so!'

'If not. Then, well, that's okay too, I guess. If I don't see you later today, then have a happy Hearth's Warming. You can count on me being in Canterlot on New Year's Eve.'

'Love and best wishes, Twilight Sparkle.'

'PS. Tell Spike I miss him!'

'PPS. You may already know, but my brother is now captain of the Royal Guard! Isn't that amazing!'

'PPPS. Have you heard from Trixie lately? I'm kind of worried about her.'

Huh. Luna's going to Ponyville today? Sunset thought, a little surprised, as she shared the letter with Spike, a contemplative look on her face as she entered the library. I wonder if the Princess actually has any plans for me today-

“Well, somepony's here rather early,” an almost old, collected voice spoke out, drawing Sunset's eyes to Sir Tell Tale. The dark blue stallion closed an old book he was looking over, and approached her with an appraising look. “Good morning Sunset, pardon me, but I'm going to get straight to business. I have orders from the Princess for you.”

“You knew I was coming?” Sunset asked, and he shook his head.

“I'd have thought you'd sleep in, since we're both technically 'off' for the rest of the week.” He then looked to Spike, giving him a small, but warm smile. “Good morning Spike.”

“Morning Tell Tale. How's Page?” Spike's inquiry on the bookkeeper's daughter made the stallion's smile grow.

“She's doing well, she wanted to play with you today, but when I told her we were going to Manehatten-”

“You're both going?” Sunset asked, a little surprised.

“Well, Luna insisted on this vacation, so I might as well bring Page along, I'm sure she'd enjoy the sights of the city.” Sunset shook her head, letting out a small chuckle.

“Luna's personal bookkeeper, a tourist?” The mental image of him dressed as some common pony, buried in souvenirs and a flannel shirt came to mind. What made her chuckle, was how despite all that, he'd still have that super-serious look on his face.

“Stranger things have happened, I suppose.” He said dismissively, then let out a sigh as he levitated the old book he had to Spike. “See to it that Twilight receives this book before noon. That's Luna's order.” Sunset felt her heart skip a beat as she looked to Tell Tale.

“Luna wants us to go to Ponyville?” Then, a little to her annoyance, another thought came to mind, “Wait, is Luna awake right now?”

“Indeed she does, and yes, she is.” He then noticed another look flash across her face as he added, “And she's too busy to talk to you at the moment, but don't worry, you should have some time later today when she reaches Ponyville.” Her frowned deepened as she looked to the bookkeeper. It always bothered her, just a little, that she felt like an open book around him.

“You're sure she can't spare a moment? There's something, important, that I want to talk to her about.”

“I've fairly sure she has no moment to spare. Though, you're free to try and track her down, if you'd like,” he finished with a smile, before walking past her, “Now if you'll excuse me, Ms. Shimmer, but I have a, vacation, to get to.” He said the word with such contempt that Sunset's line of thinking tripped, making her appraise her old teacher. Well, more like substitute teacher.

“Come on Sunset~” Spike spoke out, now filled with enthusiasm, prompting Sunset to look to him, his grin infectious, “Let's go see Twilight!”

For several moments, Sunset was torn. She wanted to track down Luna, and 'present' her gift. She also wanted to see Twilight as soon as possible. It's been several weeks since the last time she's seen her friend, and there were times where Sunset felt terribly alone with Twilight and Trixie gone. Luckily, she still had Spike and Luna to keep her loneliness at bay.

Thinking of the time she's spent with the Princess as of late, compared to Twilight, Sunset found her destination, and nodded to Spike.

“Alright, You ready?” Spike nodded as he grabbed a little tighter to her coat, and Sunset's horn started to glow as she began a spell she had mastered twelve years prior.

Ponyville was just within her range, and she focused on the mental image of the town's center, as her horn shined bright.

With an emerald flash, the castle disappeared, the warmth being traded in for a cold chill as the two of them found themselves standing in the town center of Ponyville, in front of town hall. They were greeted by decorative lights of many colors, born from moonlight and festive decorations reflecting off the snow. Sunset then shook her head, trying to dispel the light-headed sensation that accompanied teleporting herself and Spike as far as she had.

After she had recollected herself, Sunset observed her surroundings. While this wasn't her first time in this small, homely town, she admittedly had no idea where Twilight was staying. She knew it was someplace called Golden Oaks Library, but she hadn't the first clue where it was. He line of thinking paused when she realized that. She then mentally kicked herself, seeing that she didn't know where Twilight lived because Twilight always came to visit her, rather than the other way around.

“Something wrong?” Spike asked as he noted her disappointed expression.

“It's just,” she let out a sigh, “I did it again." He gave her a confused look, "Be inconsiderate, I mean.”

“Uh oh. What was it this time?”

“I don't know where Twilight lives,” she admitted, glancing to the side, before letting out small sigh. “I should have come to see her, instead of the other way around, is all.” I mean, I can teleport here! While she has to take a hot air balloon! Mentally kicking herself again, she started to look around for anypony that could guide her to the library.

Which promptly reminded her that the sun wasn't even up yet. The quiet feeling in the air made the fact that most of the ponies in town were asleep even more apparent. Guess everypony intends to get what shut-eye they can before getting everything together, Sunset assumed as she eyed town-hall, seeing that the lights inside were on.

“I suppose we could ask the mayor or one of her aides where the library is,” Sunset said out loud, for Spike's benefit, as she approached, and entered the building. Both of them welcomed the warm air, the smell of burning wood greeting them as a single pony sitting behind a desk looked up, a little surprised to have guests.

“Somethin' I can help you with?” the orange earth pony asked quizzically, her golden mane tied into an old fashioned ponytail. She was wearing slightly formal attire, which looked fitting with her position behind the desk. Her accent immediately caught Sunset's attention. It was unique, and she couldn't pin down if it was a Manehattan accent or an Appleloosan accent.

“Yes,” Sunset bluntly replied, “I'm looking for the Golden Oaks Library, on duty by the Princess,” she explained, an air of authority in her voice, making the orange mare's eyes narrow as she appraised her.

“That a fact. And just who...” she paused as she got a better look of Sunset Shimmer, and her eyes widened in comprehension. “Are you, Sunset Shimmer? One of the Disciples of the Moon?” Sunset winced at that title, she had never liked it.

Two years ago, Twilight, Trixie and herself managed to drag Princess Luna to the Grand Galloping Gala. Sunset was now certain beyond any doubt that the princess hated the event, because halfway through the Gala, Luna had given them that title. And in the process proclaiming her students to be 'a big deal'.

I mean, we're not even disciples! She didn't send us out to spread the 'good word of the moon' or anything like that! Sunset thought with a sigh. That title has done nothing but bring Sunset and Twilight misery. Trixie, however, had taken quite a liking to it. The orange mare seemed to catch the bothered look Sunset had briefly taken up, prompting her to smile.

“Well I'll be, you are Sunset. Well, I gotta say, weclome to Ponyville! Twilight's told me a whole lot 'bout you.”

“Huh? She has?” Sunset then shook her head, “And you are...?”

“Oh, pardon me. I'm Applejack, mayor of Ponyville. Pleasure to meet you.”

“You're the mayor?” Sunset asked, a little impressed. She looks to be about my age!

“That's right, and a darn good one too, if you ask me.” She was very confident with that assertion. “So, is this about the Princess comin' to our little town later today?”

“Oh, uh, not quite." Sunset admitted, "I need to deliver something to Twilight, and I don't know where the library is.” Applejack's brow furrowed slightly at hearing that.

“Well that's just silly, how do you not know where she lives!” she asked, raising an eyebrow, making Sunset mentally groaned as Applejack gave her a hard look.

“I, I don't really think that's any of your business,” Sunset said defensivly, getting a worried look from Spike.

“I dunno 'bout that. Twilight's my friend too. An' come to think of it, I always see her goin' to Canterlot to see you. Now yer here to see her, and it's because Princess Luna sent you?”

“Look. I don't want to go into this, okay?” Sunset began carefully, feeling her temper start to boil. Applejack looked over for for a moment longer, before letting out a disappointed sigh.

“Well, I suppose you got yer reasons,” she replied, a little bitter, “Still, it's good yer here.” She then adopted a small smile, “I think yer just what Twilight needs right now; she'll be right happy to see you!” Sunset felt a guilty at those words.

It would be better if Princess Luna didn't have an errand for me, she thought to herself. Sunset was happy to be seeing Twilight, there was no doubt, but she was always so busy that she never seemed to make the time for her friend. Letting out a sigh of her own, she was caught off guard when she noticed Applejack standing in front of her, failing to notice her approach.

“Come on, I'll show you the way.”

“Oh. Good.” Sunset curtly replied, making Spike put a claw to his face, groaning lightly at Sunset's tact.

“I think you mean 'thanks'.”

“I did mention this was royal business,” Sunset declared defiantly.

“And I could have just pointed you in the right direction,” Applejack replied as she turned to Sunset.

“I just want to say,” Spike quickly interjected, “That it would be nice if Twilight's friends were friends too, and also, thanks!” he finished, giving Applejack a wide grin. The orange mare then looked to Spike in surprise, before blushing slightly in embarrassment.

“Oh, hey there little fella! I guess I didn't see you there. You... You must be Spike! Well, gosh,” she added as she gave him a warm smile, “you're just as cute as Twilight said!”

“I'm not cute! I'm a dragon!” Spike quickly replied with a frown, getting a small smile from Sunset, which was mirrored by Applejack, as they left towards the Golden Oaks Library. She recalled her first impressions of Trixie long ago, and took Spike's words to heart, and nodded to herself.

Come on Sunset, she's a friend of Twilight, so let's not be a complete stick in the snow, she thought to herself as she looked to Applejack.

“So..." Sunset began, her head held high, "you and Twilight are friends? How'd that happen?” She was pretty sure her voice was free of condescension. At least, she sure hoped so.

“Well, there's a bit of a story to that," Applejack began fondly, "But ... to make it nice and short, she helped me reconnect with my family.” Sunset adopted a small frown, having expected a little bit more than that. Her frown then shifted to a small smile as she pictured what that must have felt like for Applejack.

“Reconnecting with family...” she said, more to herself before nodding to Applejack. “Yep. That sounds like something she'd do, alright.” She then appraised the mare again. Unsure of how long the canter to the library was, she brought up another curiosity. “So, you're pretty young, for a mayor. Is that a short story too?”

“Heh. I'll tell you, it took a lot of hard work, good credentials, and strong ties.” Sunset gave Applejack a confused look, who then elaborated. “My family runs the apple farm here, maybe you've heard of Sweet Apple Acres?” Sunset shook her head, prompting an annoyed sigh from Applejack, “Well, Ponyville was founded around my family's farm. So after practicing law and leadership in Manehattan, I returned and pressed Mayor Mare of an assistant position.”

“I'm guessing she's the former Mayor? What happened to her?”

“I, uh...” Applejack suddenly looked very sheepish, “I'd rather not say...”

“Did something bad happen?” Spike asked curiously.

“I don't wanna talk about it, 'kay?” Spike and Sunset shared a concerned look, but nodded.

“It was parasprites~!” A bubbly voice chimed out, catching all three of them by surprise as they looked to a pink pony with a long straight pink mane, giving them all a hearty grin.

“Pinkie, I said-” Applejack began, being interrupted by Pinkie, firing off her explanation at a speed that Sunset almost had trouble keeping up with.

“They came and gobbled up the everything and Pinkie had to save the day and the damage was terrible so Mayor Mare resigned because she brought the 'sprites to town~!”

“Pinkie!!” Applejack cried out in anger, “I said I didn't wanna talk 'bout it!”

“Oopsie~!" Pinkie's ears then fell as she looked to Applejack apologetically, "Sorry~” She then looked to the two outsiders, readopting her grin as she gave them both a small bag of rock-candy, which she seemed to pull from absolutely nowhere. “Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie, or Pinkamena Diane Pie if you like long names! Come over to my candy store sometime! It'll be fun fun fun~!” And not even missing a beat, she trotted off to wherever her store was, getting a confused look from Sunset, while Spike eyed his bag of candy greedily-

Sunset took his candy from him before he could break into it, prompting Spike to give Sunset a dejected look.

“Later Spike, it's too early, and you know it.”

“Fiine,” he replied curtly as the three of them continued their walk. Sunset briefly eyed the direction Pinkie went, wondering if her appearing suddenly was a normal occurrence in this town. She then turned back to Applejack, seeking to break the silence that followed Spike's reply.

“...So, parasprites...” Sunset began, getting a long, almost sad sigh from Applejack as she looked to her.

“Yes, parasprites. I didn't wanna see her go. I was still learnin' the ropes, and she was a nice pony...” The conversation died down with those words, Sunset unwilling to press Applejack any further, considering how down she looked at the moment.

Their attention then shifted as the sky started to light up, and the three of them halted as they watched the moon set, the sun shortly replacing it in the sky as twilight came and left. Sunset Shimmer felt an urge to feel out the sun with her magic, but resisted the temptation, still feeling a little drained from her teleport earlier.

She felt her attention then being drawn to the fiery orb, her eye's unbothered from its radiance. Something seemed different about the sun today, but she couldn't place her hoof on why. Before she could start to speculate, she caught the sounds of Applejack continuing, and followed after her, briefly glancing to the sun in concern.

Following Applejack for several more minutes, they found themselves before a large tree, hollowed out into a house. A small sign hung nearby, presenting Golden Oaks Library to Spike and Sunset. Applejack continued right to the front door, giving it a hearty knock as Sunset and Spike reached her side.

“Twilight~! I got some visitors fer you!” There was something terribly casual in the manor Applejack spoke that made Sunset raise an eyebrow to her. Applejack caught that look, and her cheeks flushed lightly. Before Sunset could press her, the door swung open, revealing a very surprised Twilight.

“Sunset? Spike!?” She couldn't believe her eyes, and a terribly large grin adorned her face as Sunset moved forward.

“Hey Twilight! Looks like I came to you this time-” Twilight stepped forward and gave Sunset a soft hug, catching the mare off guard, making her blush from embarrassment. From the corner of her eyes, she saw a painful look flash across Applejack's face.

Sunset knew that look. It was a look that's caused Sunset no end of grief. Envy. Applejack was envious, and seeing her look like that made Sunset feel inexplicably guilty.

“Come on in!” Twilight stated, ending the hug as she motioned to her library, “Everypony, you're all welcome anytime.”

“I think I'll pass fer now,” Applejack said with a small smile, “I wanna, don't get me wrong,” she firmly added, “But there's a lot that needs doin'.” With that, she turned around, then paused, giving Twilight a hearty grin, “And Twilight, you needn't worry about the foals today, Cheerilee can look after them, you can have off.” Twilight looked to her, a mix of surprise and confusion adorning her face.

“Y-you're sure? I don't want to trouble her. I mean, I really shouldn't-”

“It's no trouble at all,” Applejack quickly interrupted, cutting off Twilight before she could refuse. “She wanted to help out too, and we both knew you'd want some time to talk to the Princess. So, you two have fun now, 'kay?” Applejack's eyes met Sunset's, and Sunset felt her heart skip a beat. Applejack was envious of the bond between her and Twilight, yet her eyes held a honest look. Sunset had no doubt that Applejack's words were sincere, and at that moment, Applejack gained something few ponies managed to acquire.

Sunset Shimmer's respect.