//------------------------------// // Searching for the Truth // Story: Shadows of a Sunset // by Pen Dragon //------------------------------// Searching for the Truth Ever since she was a little filly, Sunset Shimmer had always wondered why her family would abandon her. This made her resentful and bitter towards other ponies at least until she was adopted by Princess Celestia. Even though she has family and friends now, she wonders why she feels so empty. But today she'll finally find the truth as she arrives at Canterlot. Okay, Sunset you can do this, just ask her and I can get answers? Sunset trotted towards her mothers private study with a grim look. "Maybe I can ask her later and I'm pretty sure she's busy and...." "Oh for the love of our mother! Just go in there and ask her already!" Her brother Spike shouted as he began to rub his head in irritation. "Spike it's not easy for me to do this!" She argued, huffing at the young drake. "Look I know you want to know the truth, but we've been standing in front of moms office for twenty minutes now! And you haven't moved and inch since we got here! All you have to do is open the door and ask her!" He said, folding his arms. "It's like you're asking for me to set you on fire," She said with a glare. "You wouldn't dare? I just bought this suit from Coco and I have a date with Moon Dancer," Spike said as he took a step back. "Try me," she said with a smug look as a green aura formed around her horn as Spike began to take another step back. "Well this is an unexpected surprise," both Sunset both turned to see the doors had been opened with Celestia standing at the entrance. "I wasn't expecting to see you so soon, Sunset and Spike. What brings you two here?" "Sunset has something to ask you mom," Spike said aloud with grin, with Sunset mumbling something about throwing Spike out the window. But Celestia ignored that and simply smiled. "Sunset if something is troubling you than all you have to do is ask," She said as she wrapped a wing around her daughter. Sunset felt comfort as she nodded in agreement Soon both of them entered Celestia's study, leaving Spike outside alone. "Guess this means I can head out on my date now," Spike said with a cheeky grin as he fixed his red bow tie and headed off to meet with Moon Dancer. "So what is it you wanted to talk about, Sunset?" Celestia asked. "Mom I've been meaning to ask you about..." Sunset struggled to get the words out. "About?" "I want to know who my parents were?" She said, gasping for air after finally getting those words out. She looked towards her mother who held a sorrowful look. "Sunset are you sure you want know the truth?" She asked. "I do...it's not because I'm not happy to have you and Spike, but I just need to know why they left me at the orphanage," Sunset answered, truthfully. "Please I just want to know?" Celestia could only close her eyes as she turned away from her daughter. If she knew the truth would it hurt their relationship? Would she hate her? All of these questions whirled in Celestia's mind as she looked towards Sunset, who could only wait for her response. "Very well, Sunset I will tell you, but I want you to know that even after hearing the truth, I'll always love you as my daughter." Sunset could only nod as she hugged her. "You were born into the Shimmer family, a wealthy family that resided in the mountains far from Canterlot. Your father was one of my holy guards and one the strongest magic users during the third chaos uprising awhile back. He was honorable and well respected among his fellow soldiers, while your mother, a young pegasus, was medic during the time." "Your parents also had son and named him Crimson Blaze. He was born a unicorn and was your older brother. Things seemed to go there way....until one fateful night a fire was started mysteriously and killed them. I don't know how, but somepony saved you and brought you to the orphanage. That is all I can tell Sunset....That's all I know," Celestia finished explaining. Sunset could only sit there shocked at the tale she was told. "That can't be it! There's got to be more mom!" Sunset yelled, refusing to believe that was the whole story. "I know you wish to know more, but that's all I know. You're story might not have a happy being, but see how things turned out for you. You have me, Spike, and your friends. You've accomplished so much and I couldn't be more proud of you," She said, wrapping her wing around her as they hugged each other. "I know you are mom," Sunset replied as tears began to stream down her face. "If you want to know more, Sunset than....I won't stop you," Celestia said, feeling tears stain her cheeks. Sunset had her full support and would still love her no matter what. "Thank you," After learning so little of what happened, Sunset had returned to Ponyville a few hours later to prepare for the long journey to the mountains. "Are we seriously going to the mountains?" Spike muttered under his breath. "Yes we are Spike," Sunset answered, bluntly. She didn't know how long it would be to get there and she was willing to prepare for anything that comes their way. The trip could take days, weeks, or even months... "It's only a days travel if we take an airship or blimp," He replied. "Fine, we can take an airship, but you'll be carrying our stuff," Spike could only groan response. He didn't know why his sister was acting so strange lately. "And you won't tell anypony about this...not even the girls." "S-sure sis, I didn't say anything," He replied sheepishly, already upsetting Sunset. "Spike what aren't you telling me?" She asked, raising a brow. "Like I said, I didn't say anything because...." Knock, Knock Sunset opened the door to find Coco Pommel, Quickfix, and Nurse Redheart, standing outside the door. "Hi Sunset!" They shouted in union. "...they already know..hehehe," Spike chuckled as sweat began to form on his forehead. "Hi...girls! Would you excuse us for just a moment please..." Sunset said, as she closed the door slowly. "Huh? I wonder what's up with Sunset?" Quickfix asked, when all of a sudden they heard the young drake scream in terror. "Oh-I hope he's okay..." Coco said. The doors opened once again with a smile. "Alright girls you can come in now." The girls were hesitant at first, but as they entered they found Spike encased in ice with a look of terror. The girls knew he pissed off Sunset and only shook their heads in shame as they took a seat on the sofa. "So what exactly did Spike do to upset you, Sunset dear?" Redheart asked. "Oh...it's nothing to worry about at the moment," She answered. "But this is actually the first time I used a freezing spell and it actually works pretty well." "That must have taken a lot out of you," Coco stated, and she wasn't entirely wrong. "I do admit that conjuring up this spell was a bit difficult, but I'm not disappointed in the results. I would have liked to set that suit of his on fire instead, but this is actually much better. Besides his punishment doesn't end there, he'll be doing extra work while we're on this trip," Sunset explained, tapping the ice with the tip of her hoof. And he'll be doing a lot more when we get back. "And speaking about trips. Why are heading to the mountains anyways? The mountains are freezing during the spring and rumors have it that some chaos cultists run those areas. So what's the reason?" Quickfix asked. "It's none of your concern at the moment. It's just something personal and I want to keep it that way," Sunset said, avoiding eye contact. "Well...whatever it is, Sunset we'll support you all the way," Coco said, grinning. "Besides you'll need a nurse on this trip if one of you gets hurt," Redheart added. "And a mechanic who can help repair any gear you have." Sunset couldn't help, but smile at them. She was still trying to learn more about this friendship thing, but she doesn't regret it one bit. You girls somehow always try to make me smile. "Thanks girls!" "Um...shouldn't you let Spike out of there now, He might catch a cold?" Coco asked "I'm sure he's fine," Sunset said. "I'll let him out in a little bit, but you should all gear up. We're taking off in a small airship that I'll schedule to be here in an hour." "Alright!" They all agreed as they exited the library, but what they failed to notice was that somepony was watching from the distance, near the Everfree Forest. "It would seem that destiny was correct about you, Sunset. But will you be ready to face the truth?" The stranger said quietly as he disappeared within the trees.