Poetry and Prose, Chapter 7.2: The Lonely Sun - Midday

Eyes blinded by spite, the lonely Sun couldn't know, that from it's warm light, a Shadow did grow.

Then Shadow saw Sun, in it's spite and isolation, and sought to be one, offering itself in temptation.

Taking Shadow's will, the lonely Sun gained a friend, making anger fall still, as its freedom came to end.

From shadow and light, their combined strength did bare, a being ripe with might, calling itself Shadow Flare.

So Sun did shine, harkening to a new master. With words declared divine, brought Equestria disaster.

When Moon returned, it begged for the Sun's rest, but the Moon's words were spurned, for night did Shadow Flare detest.

Through grief and tears, six lights the Moon did claim, and for a thousand years, forced Shadow Flare tame.

Shadow and light bound, the Sun's responsibilities claimed, company kept them sound, while the Moon ruled alone, ashamed.

And so the two, now made into one, watched from their new home. A smile carried by the Sun, happy it was not alone...

“Sunset...” Trixie began, drawing Sunset's attention as they looked to each other, Trixie wearing a concerned expression, “Did you, break the sun?” Sunset blinked at her, actually giving the question a moment of serious consideration.

“Sunset didn't break the sun!” Twilight quickly assured, then gave her a hesitant look, “Right?”

Did I? Sunset thought, looking to the ground wide-eyed as the workings of the spell rushed through her head, seeing if she was the cause of this, and greatly hoping she wasn't. No, that doesn't make any sense. The spell can't make the sun flare like this!

“N-No, I didn't!” she declared with certainty, her face quite flustered, “I've never tried the spell on the sun, until just now!” Trixie and Twilight shared a look, prompting Sunset to step closer to them. “I've used the spell to get a feel for the moon, but I haven't tried to move either.” Even though I really wanted to, she thought to herself as Spike nodded.

“It's true!” he declared confidently, “If she'd pulled it off, she'd have made a big deal out of it.”

“Well,” Twilight started, her look becoming reassuring, “I guess we'll have to ask Luna about it.” Her brow then furrowed as she considered something, “Though, will she still come?”

“It is midday,” Trixie affirmed, “So she should be here any minute now.” Sunset nodded to them as she looked to Canterlot, her brow furrowing in doubt as she turned to the dragon.

“Sunset?” Spike replied, bringing out paper and quill, giving her a confused look.

“Luna may have her hooves full with this. There's a chance she needs our help,” Sunset explained as she noticed Applejack approaching them. “So it might be better if we send word now, instead of waiting for her.” Spike nodded and started writing as Applejack addressed them.

“Any of you know what's goin' on with the sun?” she asked as she brought a hoof over her eyes to examine the large fiery ball in the sky. The three unicorns shook their heads as Sunset noticed Spike burn the letter.

“And more importantly, it's not moving,” Sunset quickly added, prompting Applejack to adopt a worried look. “We just sent a letter to Luna, so-” Sunset was interrupted when Spike immediately burped out a letter, “Th-That was fast!” she exclaimed, quickly levitating the letter to her eyes. She instantly recognized Spike's claw-writing, and it took her a moment to understand that his letter had been returned. “The letter was returned?” Sunset stated as she took on the same worried look Applejack had.

“Has that happened before?” Trixie asked, getting Sunset and Spike to shake their heads in unison. “Does that mean she's not taking letters right now?”

“Spike, try again.” Sunset requested, and Spike did just that, having his letter return again in short order.

“Well, that's not good,” Applejack affirmed as she looked to the town, a small number of ponies gathering towards them in confusion. Sunset began to notice water dripping off of the snow buried roofs, and so did Applejack, who nodded to herself as she looked to Twilight. “What can we expect if the sun stays there?”

“Snow will melt, naturally,” Twilight quickly answered as she considered the possibilities, “If it's a short term problem, then the melted snow will ice up when things return to normal. There's also a small risk of flooding.” Applejack considered that for a moment as Twilight hesitated, “If it's a long term problem, we could be looking at droughts, and possibly wildfires.” That made all of them adopt a terribly concerned look as they briefly glanced to the heavens.

“Let's hope it's short term,” Applejack affirmed, “Either way, let me worry 'bout Ponyville. You three do what you need to.” Sunset and Twilight shared a look before nodding, and Spike took up a small grin as Trixie looked to Applejack in confusion.

“I think she means finding Luna and fixing the sun,” Twilight clarified, getting a nod from Applejack, who gave her a determined look, before turning to the gathering ponies of Ponyville.

“Everypony listen up!” Applejack began, “We're gonna need some volunteers to help manage this heat. Anypony willin' to help out, stay in front of town hall!” Applejack then gave the group an assured smile, “And everypony else, continue enjoyin' the festival!” Applejack then nodded, “Got some unexpected weather to manage, not much more than that.” Then she added quietly, “That I know of, anyway.”

“Hmm, so then, Trixie supposes it's up to us to fix the bigger problem,” she affirmed with a confident smile, “Nothing The Great and Powerful Trixie, along with her friends, can't handle!” Her enthusiasm washed over the others, making a small smile grow on their faces as Twilight looked to Sunset.

“Do you think you can move the sun away from Equestria? Help lower the heat?” Twilight asked, prompting Sunset to shake her head.

“From what I know of the spell, that's practically impossible.” Sunset then considered that for a moment as she appraised the fiery orb. “Though, its heat would pose less of a problem if it was lower in the sky...” She briefly considered trying to lower it, then shook her head. No, using magic on it right now could make things worse. We'll need to figure out what's wrong first!

“None of your books have the answer?” Trixie asked Twilight, prompting the lavender mare to shake her head.

“I've read all the books in the library-” Twilight's eyes then widened in realization, in time with Sunset's, as they both looked to each other. “Poetry and Prose!” Twilight exclaimed as Sunset let out a small, annoyed groan, directed at herself. The others traded in surprise for confusion as she addressed them.

“Luna said the book needed to be delivered before noon,” Sunset explained, I was so caught up in everything that I just- Sunset's eyes then widened as another thought dawned on her. Wait, is Luna testing us?

“In that case,” Twilight began, a determined look in her eyes, “let's return to the-” Sunset didn't hesitate, and her horn glowed. With a emerald flash, all four of them were back at the-

“library,” Twilight finished, a little surprised by the unexpected teleport. Trixie shook her head, caught off guard by being yanked along by another pony's magic. She then turned to Sunset, a stern frown welcoming her face.

“Trixie requests that you ask first next time!” she declared in annoyance, huffing out a heated breath as she started to take in Twilight's library to distract herself from her anger.

“Sorry. I didn't want to waste too much time with walking, not with what's going on. I'll ask next time,” Sunset assured apologetically. Spike then hopped off her as she turned to her friends, “I get the feeling that this may be Luna giving us another test.”

“What makes you think that?” Twilight asked as Sunset approached Twilight's desk, picking up 'Poems and Prose' with her magic.

“She wanted this delivered by noon. When noon came, the sun decided to be, sunnier, and now our letters aren't reaching her. She brought us together for this-”

“Sunset,” Twilight began, putting a hoof on Sunset's shoulder, “I don't think Luna would set the sun on fire just to test us.” Twilight then hesitated, “At least, not without filling us in, first.”

“You know, Trixie really hopes it's just a test. She'd hate to think that something's happened to Luna.” That thought hadn't even crossed Sunset's mind. She honestly couldn't picture anything that would prove a challenge to the princess.

Considering Twilight's words, Sunset opened the book, her eyes immediately drawn to a folded letter stuck to the inside of the cover. A little surprised, Sunset pulled the letter off, feeling faint traces of what remained of a concealment spell. Presenting the letter to the others, she cleared her throat, and read the letter out loud.

“To my dearest students. Before reading the book, separate yourselves from any nearby sunlight." Sunset blinked as she looked to the others before continuing, "Close off the windows and stay indoors. She can see you where the sun touches. Ever since she was imprisoned, she could see where the sunlight falls, and she mustn't see what's in this book.”

Finishing that paragraph, the three of them shared a look, and in terribly quick order, all the windows were curtained off. Then they boarded them all up, just for good measure. Now, not a glimmer of sunlight was able to enter the library, and a candle had to be lit so everyone could see.

“You know,” Spike began as he tossed a hammer to the side, “we could have just gone into the basement.”

“Basement's off limits,” Twilight quickly replied, her eyes then widening at how fast she had cut that option off, “I, I'm researching something important, and I'd rather nopony see it just yet,” she added sheepishly. Sunset raised an eyebrow to her, but let the matter drop as she continued narrating the letter.

“An old enemy of Equestria was destined to return today, so I sent you all away so I could battle her, while keeping each of you safe. She's been watching Equestria for a long time, and she undoubtedly knows of what the three of you are capable of. I couldn't risk any of you being within earshot of the castle, or you'd get yourselves involved. For making sure all of you were away during my battle, I'm terribly sorry.” Sunset paused, what she read sinking in, the silence in the room becoming painful as her eyes glossed over the next sentence, making her mouth hang open as her eyes started to itch. “I, I will lose.” Sunset's eyes froze on that sentence, unsure if she had even spoken it out loud as her mind was wracked by disbelief.

“Sunset...” Trixie stated cautiously, putting her hoof on Sunset's shoulder, making her jump slightly. She hadn't realized it until Trixie touched her, but she was trembling. That realization only worked to confuse Sunset as Twilight gently took the letter from her.

Luna lost to somepony, and now the sun won't move? Who could do that? Sunset wondered, her shock drifting away as her brow furrowed at the notion that anypony would bring harm to somepony she cared for. Whoever it is, the one that can see with sunlight, I'll make them pay!

“I, I'll read on,” Twilight said hesitantly, pulling Sunset from her thoughts, getting a small nod from Trixie as Twilight's eyes went down the paper, levitating her glasses over as she reached where Sunset had left off. Leaving the spectacles close to her, she continued on, “Look to chapter 7.1-3, as well as the final poem in Clover's book, there you will find the answers you'll need.” Twilight then smiled as she finished, “Don't worry about me. I'll be fine, and so will each of you. I have faith that you'll be able to handle this crisis, so believe in yourselves, as I believe in you. Be safe, and strong. Luna.” Twilight then looked to the letter for a moment longer, sniffling lightly, before looking to her friends, and they all shared a somber look. Trixie, not taking kindly to the atmosphere, cleared her throat as she adopted a fierce grin.

“S-Sounds like Princess Luna could use our aid!” Trixie quickly stated, nodding to herself as her bravado swelled up, “Guess we have no choice but to be dashing heroines, off to take on whatever evil has accosted Equestria!”

“Do you think we can?” Twilight asked, and Sunset nodded, an fierce and certain fire burning in her eyes, born of anger from whoever caused all this, and determination born from Trixie's words.

“We will,” Sunset sternly stated as she looked to the book, “So let's get to learning about what we're dealing with.” Twilight nodded, putting on her spectacles as she flipped through to chapter seven, the words on the pages lighting up the glasses, the magic within them activating.

“The lonely sun... Shadow Flare, and the sunset,” Twilight said, almost in the trance as the entire poem was instantly absorbed by her, with her spectacles. She then blinked, closing the book as she took the glasses off, before looking to the others. “Oh, Right. I'll recite the poem for everyone. Let's see, 'The Sun shines bright, cast out the night...”

And from there, Twilight recounted the three poems, and after finishing, her brow was furrowed in thought. “Is this poem a prophecy?” she wondered out loud, considering it for several moments, breaking out of the spell when Sunset cleared her throat. “Oh, sorry. Um, let's see. I think the poem is referring to Luna's older sister, Celestia. According to the poem, she was possessed by something long ago, and Luna had to seal her away somewhere.” Sunset nodded in agreement, falling in line with what they knew about Celestia-

“You recall the alicorn in the mural behind Luna's desk, in the royal library?” Sunset asked Spike, who quickly nodded, “that's Celestia. She was the princess of the sun, and she disappeared a thousand years ago, which led to Luna needing to raise and lower both the moon and sun.”

“Huh,” Spike stated, “Luna has a sister... It sounds like something happened to her, long ago.” Spike considered that for several moments before continuing, retaining the others attention, “So Shadow Flare, did the poem say how to beat her? I didn't really get it.”

“Well,” Twilight began, “It mentioned six lights, as well as lowering the sun. From what the poem says, Celestia was possessed by some sort of dark presence.” Twilight considered all that for a moment, as did Sunset and Trixie, “I, I think Shadow Flare need's daylight, to maintain that possession.”

“Oh, wait!” Spike said excitedly, stealing everponys attention as he grabbed the book from Twilight, flipping to the back, “Luna's letter said it was that poem, and the one in the back, that we needed to look at,” he proclaimed as he pointed to the last poem in the book, holding the book towards Twilight. She put her reading spectacles back on as she looked over the poem, the words on the pages again being instantly taken in by the glasses' magic.

“'Six lights united, now divided. For between the Sun and Moon, Harmony's loss presided...” Twilight continued, reading out the entire poem to the others. It was shortly clear to Sunset that this poem was closer to a prophecy than the other, and when Twilight finished, a somber silence fell within the library as the weight of those words seeped into each of them.

“Let's see,” Sunset began, her simmering anger born of their foe helping her break the mood as she looked to her friends, “The six lights referred to in each poem, that has to be the Elements of Harmony,” and quickly catching the confused look Trixie had, “It was six crystals that embodied Harmony. Magic, Kindness, Honesty, Laughter, Generosity, and Loyalty. Looks like they were lost with Celestia long ago. Now we know what became of them, sort of.” Sunset nodded to herself as she explained, “Shadow Flare was locked away, and in the process the Elements of Harmony were damaged.”

“So if we want to deal with this Shadow Flare,” Trixie began as she looked over the poem, “we need the Elements of Harmony. And whatever this Spark, Radiance and Flare is.” Sunset nodded as she looked to Twilight.

“It's probably a spell of some kind,” Twilight offered as her brow furrowed, “So, from what it looks like, we need to find the elements, and whatever those three things are.” She then picked up Luna's letter, scrutinizing it with her magic before letting out a sigh, “And it doesn't look like Luna decided to tell us where she hid the elements.”

“Luna hid them?” Spike asked, “I don't recall the poems saying anything about that.”

“It's an assumption,” Twilight explained, “She used them last, so she probably hid them away. If Shadow Flare can see where the sunlight touches, then I can see why Luna was being so secretive about it. I bet Shadow Flare's trying to find them right now,” she offered as her brow furrowed. “So, where did Luna hide them?” They all looked to each other, and suspecting Luna had left them a clue, they started to dig around in their memories.

“Oh!” Trixie exclaimed happily, breaking everyone else from their contemplation, “Trixie has a guess~! They must be in the royal library!” Twilight and Sunset both gave her an uncertain look.

“Weelll, if The Great and Powerful Trixie wanted to hide something very important, she'd keep it close by! And, if she really wanted to throw off anypony looking for it, she'd hide it in plain sight!” Sunset blinked, looking to Trixie wide-eyed, a little impressed by how 'Luna' that sounded.

“That sounds like something Luna would do,” Twilight affirmed, getting an agreeing nod from the others, “Then, if that's the case, we'd have to head to Canterlot.” She then looked to Sunset, then shook her head, “And we'll have to take the long way.”

“...Right, no teleporting,” Sunset replied, seeing where Twilight was coming from, “It wouldn't be all that good if I was on the edge of passing out as soon as we got there.”

“That,” Twilight began, “and we may need your magic if we can't find the elements.”

“To lower the sun?” Sunset asked, and Twilight nodded, prompting Sunset to adopt a determined look. She wasn't one hundred percent sure if she could pull it off, but there was no doubt she'd put her everything in-

“But let's leave that as a last resort.” Twilight added, getting a confused look from the others.

“Because I'm pretty sure Shadow Flare controls the sun now. And I don't think Sunset would win a tug-of-war with her,” Twilight then looked to Sunset apologetically, “no offense.” Sunset's brow furrowed at that.

“Give me some credit Twilight,” Sunset began, a little annoyed, “I haven't tried it yet, so don't write me off already.”

“Sunset,” Twilight replied, giving Sunset an appraising look, “do you think your magic is stronger than Luna's?” Sunset hesitated to reply, as it was something she hadn't considered before.

“I, don't know.” If she succeeds with moving the sun, which she was quite certain she was capable of, then that would mean her magic is on the same level as the princesses'. “But, still. We don't know if it'll work unless we try.” She then gave Twilight a smile, “But, I agree, we should leave it as a last resort.” In case Shadow Flare's weakness isn't actually lowering the sun. We need to learn more about our foe. So, she knows about us, does that mean she'll come for us? Sunset thought to herself as Spike stepped forward.

“Hey!” he said, looking like he just thought of something amazing, “If Luna fought Shadow Flare, then wouldn't she be tired?” The three unicorns shared a surprised look, and Sunset nodded.

“It's possible, if so, we should confront her before she recovers." She then shook her head, "Regardless, we need to move fast! The longer the sun is up, the hotter it'll get. We need to reach Canterlot-” she was interrupted by the sound of furious knocking at the door, causing Trixie and Twilight to flinch as they looked to the source.

“Twilight!? Uhh, Sunset Shimmer?” An unfamiliar, tomboyish voice cried out from the opposite side, “Are you in there? It's really, really important!”

“I think I know that voice...” Twilight affirmed curiously, dispelling Sunset's hesitation as she opened the door, surprising everyone with who was standing on the other side.

It was a Shadowbolt, a member of Luna's wing of elite pegasi. She wore an almost completely covering black and purple uniform, with purple and yellow goggles shielding her eyes. Her coat and feathers were cyan, and she sported a rare multicolored mane, resembling a rainbow. With the door open, the mare quickly entered, and as she closed the door, Sunset noted that the sky had been overcast with clouds, as she looked to the Shadowbolt.

“Oooh, a Shadowbolt? Most excellent!” Trixie proclaimed enthusiastically, “Now we can get some answers!”

“Yes,” the newcomer replied, “it's bad. Like, really bad!” she affirmed as she looked to the covered windows, nodding with approval. Sunset noted Twilight taking a step forward, giving the newcomer an odd look.

“Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked, and the Shadowbolt flinched as she looked to Twilight, then shook her head.

“I'm afraid you've got me mixed up with some other pony, I'm Shadow Blitz!” she affirmed, puffing her chest out in pride. After an awkward pause, she cleared her throat as she nodded to herself, “I don't know who this Rainbow Dash is, but if you confused me for her, then she must be a preetttty awesome pony.”

“Who's Rainbow Dash?” Spike asked Twilight curiously, and Sunset couldn't help but notice Shadow Blitz bite her tongue as Twilight turned to the dragon.

“A friend, she's also best friends with Fluttershy.” Twilight answered with a confident nod, then, realizing nopony else knew who this Fluttershy was, elaborated, “The pegasus that helps at the Pony & Pet clinic.” Sunset couldn't help but hide a smile, as the Shadowbolt seemed to be struggling to keep herself from replying.

Just how many friends does Twilight have in Ponyville? Sunset wondered as Shadow Blitz shook her head, then beat the ground with a hoof as she cleared her throat.

“Luna, and my friends- I mean, the rest of the Shadowbolts, they've all been sent to the moon!” There was a brief pause following her reply as the mood in the library shifted.

“Yeah!” Shadow Blitz replied, a dark scowl on her face. “Princess Luna knew that big mare with the shadows was coming, and she had all of us ready to fight that mare. I tell you, it was quite the fight! But, we were outmatched,” she bitterly admitted, looking to the ground. “Princess Luna, Darkfire, Shade Soar, and Specterhoof, all of them were sent to the moon!” She stomped her hoof again as she looked to the others.

“How'd you get away?” Sunset asked, How long ago was the fight? Did she come straight to Ponyville afterwards? Sunset wondered as the mare glared at her. Shadow Blitz then let out a sad, yet angry sigh.

“So if she let you go, then-” Sunset began, her mind wandering to the involved parties at the castle. A troublesome thought came to mind, and her eyes widened, her blood running cold as she stepped towards Blitz, “The royal guard, where were they during the fight!?” Her question caught the pegasus off guard, as Twilight also adopted Sunset's terribly worried expression. Is Shining Armor alright!?

“I, I don't know.” Shadow Blitz admitted, “The guard wasn't at the castle when we arrived, I think Princess Luna issued them orders, but I wasn't informed of what. Sorry,” Blitz added, seeing how troubled they were concerning this matter. She then took off her goggles, rubbing her red eyes as she looked to Sunset, “Look, uh, Sunset, Shadow Flare, she let me go for a reason. She told me, to give you a message.” Sunset's fear shifted to anger as she adopted a glare.

“She wants to talk to you, that she'll be waiting at the castle for you.” She then slapped her goggles on, and turned to the door, “And, well, since that's done, I'm going back.” Blitz then nodded, her stance becoming more certain, “I am going to show that mare just who she's messing with!”

“So!? What I do is Shadowbolt business, so stay out of it.” Blitz quickly replied, “I'm going back to show her I'm not some pony you can just push around!”

“No, you're not.” Twilight sternly replied, making the Shadowbolt flinch, looking to her, surprised. “You'll just get banished like the others-”

“Whatever!” Twilight shouted, getting a surprised look from her friends, “Look, we're going to the castle, and we're going to deal with Shadow Flare, and rescue Luna. But, it would be nice, to have some help.” Shadow Blitz looked over Twilight for a moment, who took the opportunity to drive her point home. “Or, are you just going to get yourself banished, leaving your best friend behind?” she asked as she raised an eyebrow. Blitz's brow furrowed as she took a step towards Twilight.

“That's not fair, and you know it.” She glared at Twilight for a moment, who calmly looked back, and under that calm gaze, the Shadowbolt let out an annoyed sigh. “Fiiine, no flying off to fight a losing battle... That I could totally win. Just saying. So, what do the Disciples of the Moon need of me?” Sunset groaned internally at that title as Twilight adopted a smile, surprising the pegasus with a hug.

“Thank you, Shadow Blitz,” Twilight replied, making the cyan mare blush lightly, “We need to get to Canterlot as fast as we can. We can take the hot air balloon, can you give us some speed?”

“Alright then, let's get a move on!” Sunset affirmed, getting a nod from the others as she opened the door, heading out so see the sky was completely cloudy, making it a bit darker out. It also felt cooler, not so much summer hot, but more spring-like. Looks like Applejack managed just fine. So, can Shadow Flare see us, right now? Sunset wondered as she glared at the sky, picturing the fiery sun behind that ceiling of clouds, Well, once we leave that cover, there won't be any doubt. She'll know we're coming.

“Am I staying behind?” Spike asked sheepishly as he stopped at the doorway, claws behind his back as he looked to the ground.

“What?” Sunset asked, pulled out of her thoughts unexpectedly, “Oh, no,” she quickly replied as she levitated him onto her back, getting a smile from him. “At least, not here,” she added as she considered her young assistant, “you'll be going with us to Canterlot. From there... I don't know.” Sunset then nodded to herself, “I need to think about it, I'm not sure what we're in for, or what Shadow Flare wants with me.”

“Oh, well, okay,” Spike replied, satisfied at the moment with that answer, as they started making their way to the landing for the balloon.

“I have something in mind,” Sunset stated with earnest, “I'll go over it when we're inside the castle.”

“Won't she stop us from doing that?” Trixie asked curiously. "Trixie of course meaning herself, Twilight and Shadow Dash?"

“No worries,” Sunset assured, “getting inside the castle is the easy part, right?” Twilight and Trixie considered that for a moment, then caught on to what Sunset was referring to, and nodded in agreement, prompting them all to adopt a sly smile. Having spent many years in Luna's castle, the three of them were well familiar with its countless secret passageways. Teleporting into them from outside was something they could do in their sleep.

A brief quiet fell over each of them as they started considering what was to come, and the silence was broken when Spike looked to address everypony, a curious expression on his face.

“Well, couldn't we have hid in one of the secret passages?” Spike asked, and Sunset considered that before shaking her head.

“I wouldn't be able to do it. Stay hidden, while Luna fought somepony dangerous.”

“Same here,” Twilight affirmed, “She's right, we would have gotten involved, and may have been banished too.”

“Or, maybe we could have won!” Sunset proclaimed in frustration, prompting Twilight to let out a small sigh at Sunset's words. Though, Sunset reluctantly thought, if that was the case, then I suppose Luna would have had us with her, instead of sending us away...

As they got closer to the landing, Sunset spotted Applejack, looking over the festivities while also conversing with several pegasi. Sunset briefly considered filling in the mayor, then nodded to herself, following her friends till they reached the balloon. Quickly making note of the location, Sunset told them she'd return shortly, asking them to ready the balloon in her absence. She then teleported to where she last saw Applejack, leaving Spike and the others behind.

Spotting the orange mare not too far away, Sunset quickly trotted up to her. Applejack noticed Sunset approaching, and in quick order, freed herself from the ponies she was conversing with to give Sunset her full attention. In short order, Sunset filled the mayor in, telling her everything they learned, minus the Elements of Harmony, in case a certain somepony was spying on them.

“That's … pretty bad,” Applejack began, looking a little lost, “And a lot to take in." She considered all she heard for a moment before giving Sunset a grateful look, "Yer sure 'bout this?" Sunset nodded, "You know, you didn't have to tell me.”

“To be honest... I don't know." Sunset admitted, "I'm not sure what'll happen when we encounter Shadow Flare. I keep telling myself it'll be alright, that we'll show her that you don't mess with Luna. But, I'm also a little worried...” that we'll fail. Applejack appraised her for several moments, seeming lost in thought, before her eyes looked to Sunset's.

“Right,” Sunset replied, a little confused, not sure where Applejack was going with this.

“Then trust her to keep an eye out fer you. Just like I'm trustin' you to do the same fer her.” Sunset was a little taken aback by that, giving Applejack a scrutinizing look.

“Wait, you want to go with us, don't you?” Sunset ask, and Applejack nodded, adopting a sad smile.

“But I can't. I gotta look after Ponyville, so please, could you look after Twilight fer me.”

“You didn't even need to ask," Sunset replied resolutely, "You can count on it!” she assured, getting a thankful smile from Applejack as she nodded towards the direction the landing was.

“Then get a move on. I'll keep what you shared with me a secret, fer a few hours. Our weather ponies are startin' to notice that the sun ain't movin', so it isn't gonna be easy, fer either of us.” Her brow then furrowed as she offered her hoof, “So, good luck.” Sunset nodded, taking her hoof and giving it a firm shake.

With that, they both let go. Sunset gave Applejack a smile, and Sunset herself was surprised by that fact, as she teleported back to the landing, thinking about what just transpired between her and the mayor.

Did I … just make a new friend? Sunset wondered, curious as to what Twilight would have to say on the notion.

Being welcomed back by the others, she got on the balloon, which was ready to go, and in short order, the three unicorns and dragon were off, with Shadow Blitz pulling the balloon off towards Canterlot, moving at an impressive pace.

As they drifted, Sunset found her mind wandering towards Applejack and Shining Armor, worried she'd disappoint the former, and worried for the health of the latter. Sunset's eyes then fell to Twilight, a common link between Applejack and Shining Armor, and friends with Rainbow Dash- Shadow Blitz- whatever, as well as other ponies in Ponyville. She saw all the friendly looks Twilight got as she gave the tour earlier, and it brought a small smile to Sunset's face, and she could feel a glimmer of an old emotion stir. Sunset quietly smothered her building envy, considering the fact that Applejack was relying on her, and that she was going on a date with Shining Armor tomorrow.

Assuming he's alright tomorrow. Assuming I'm all right tomorrow. Assuming Equestria is all right tomorrow. Assuming everything ends up all nice and perfect! she thought with a sigh. And shortly following those thoughts, the cloud cover over Ponyville was left behind them. The sky instantly seemed to flare with light, the shadow of the balloon offering little comfort as the midday heat greeted them.

The temperature prompted Sunset's brow to furrow, her mind now drifting to the pony that wished to speak to her, prompting Sunset to let out an angry sigh. Seeking to distract herself from an unavoidable confrontation, Sunset looked to Trixie, who was busy fiddling with her cape nervously. Sunset moved closer, sitting next to her, giving her a reassuring smile, which Trixie adopted, mouthing a small 'thank you' as Sunset looked to Twilight.

She seemed to be thoroughly distracting herself by looking over Poetry and Prose, taking her time, having left her glasses behind. From where Sunset sat, she saw that the pages looked blank, and she suspected that Twilight had used a spell to keep a certain mare from seeing what was within the book. Seeing Twilight read Clover's poetry made Sunset aware of how little they knew of Shadow Flare, and a thought came to mind, as she raised her voice to address the pegasus pulling the balloon.

“Tch, it's annoying that she has part of my code name!” she quickly replied, then cleared her throat, “She was big. Bigger than Princess Luna. And her mane and tail were on fire.”

“Yea, which is pretty awesome, I guess,” Blitz reluctantly admitted, “Also, her shadow, it's not normal! It attacked us! It can grab and throw things too! I mean, it was pretty slow, but, it was still weird!”

“So,” Sunset began, almost casually, “Just to reaffirm. We're dealing with a millennium old pony, bigger than Luna, stronger than Luna, who's also on fire, and has a shadow that can attack and grab things.”

And she wants to talk to me!? Sunset thought in concern, then after several moments, abandoned that concern as a fire started to beat in her chest. Bring it on. Shadow Flare's picked a fight with the wrong ponies! Looking over her friends, Sunset's assurance redoubled as she cast her eyes to Canterlot. The castle now visible, Sunset couldn't help but adopt a smug smile, as they drifted towards their foe. Though, as they got closer, Sunset had a nagging feeling at the back of her head, like she was forgetting something important, and she hoped it was just her imagination, as she took in the city she was born and raised in.

Midnight's Radiance

by MrAlterad

3. Midday Crisis