44. First Sunset: Just be patient
"CANTERLOT!"
No amount of stares could stop Sunset 'Finally Left Home' Shimmer from loudly announcing the name of the city that she had just reached. She felt fully justified in her outburst. She held herself back long enough, not wanting her parents to suspect how much she was looking forward to it, nor did she do or say anything on the train in fear of the other passengers, some of which could've been spies sent by her parents, which would make them a spy spying a spy, which was too crazy if she explained that to authorities, and her parents knew that. Wit ran in the family. It was harder to contain herself the closer she got there, her excitement was reaching its critical stage once the royal castle appeared in the distance. Three cups of coffee on the way didn't help, but she couldn't say no to the overpriced, but unbelievably delicious caffeine filled hot beverages they served on the train. I could get used to that... oh wait, I ALREADY DID!
Once out of the train, she was met by a taxi cab in front of the station. "Miss, do you need help with your luggage?" Asked a scrawny, earth pony taxi colt.
She turned to her tower of boxes and suitcases, easily twice her size and many times as heavy, full of books she either hadn't read yet; read but wanted to keep for reference; or would just rather keep nearby in case the library wasn't as well equipped as she was told. One had some clothes and personal things, but that was it. Okay, so maybe I overdid it a little.
"No thank you, I got this." That said, she levitated all the luggage at the same time onto the cab, then used another spell to conjure up a thin, but sturdy rope and tied them carefully, ending it with a cute ribbon knot. The cab driver, along with a few ponies that noticed it, cooed in awe. Even though Canterlot was populated primarily by unicorns, most of them used very little of their magical potential. If she was going to make her grand entrance in the new city, she might as well make it as flashy as possible. From the murmurs of the onlookers, they figured she was a student at the academy, which was absolutely correct.
As soon as her baggage was secured on the cab, she sat inside and pointed forward. "To Celestia's Academy for Gifted Unicorns!"
---
Once the cab reached the place, she made sure to give the driver a generous tip. Considering his scrawny physique, distance and her luggage, he earned it, big time. He seemed like he could use better meals. Speaking of, I should probably scout the area for good eatery! Once I find my new room. My new... home! Few minutes of maze running in the corridors later she finally found it. Room A616. Weird, this isn't sixth floor and I'm pretty sure this place doesn't have even one hundred rooms. She shrugged and opened it for the first time.
And she wasn't at all impressed. This is it, huh? This is smaller than my closet back home. Two desks, some empty bookshelves, this won't fit even half of what I brought, she thought, a window with the street view, two beds, chairs, a large dresser--
Woah, hold the phone: TWO BEDS! That means... Her grin increased exponentially. I'M GONNA HAVE A ROOMMATE!
Since nopony was in the room, no death threats had to be made in order to cover for what she did that day.
"SQUEEEEE!"
She took a deep breath and started walking in circles, from one bed to the other. Okay Sunset, this is your big chance! Nopony knows you, your parents are hundreds of miles away and plenty of ponies here are new. This is YOUR, I mean, MY chance to find...
...friends.
A few droplets of sweat appeared on her head. She might've been excited, but this was still new territory for her.
I can't screw this up! First things first- don't talk to yourself, it creeps ponies out! She waited a moment, then smiled. Perfect! She will be here any moment now and I don't even know her name... or his? No, what am I thinking, this is a girl's dorm. Focus, Sunset! You--I need to prepare for anything!
She looked back at her luggage, which filled the corridor and blocked the door. One quick spell arranged the boxes near one of the beds... but then she put them next the other, but she thought about it more and decided to put them in the middle of the room instead. I'll let her choose the bed. I don't want her to feel pressured. I'll just chill out, sit down and wait and... no, this is Celestia's Academy, a place for higher learning... well, a middle school either way, she's probably the more studious type. Okay, let's take out one of the more advanced book, pretend a bit, go for the 'I was in the middle of a fascinating article' kind of situation... unless she's a party type? I don't want to be labeled as nerd on my first day! So more outgoing, more cheerful, maybe put on some music or stuff? Yeah! She reached out for a record player in one of her boxes, but stopped in the middle. But what if she's a wallflower? What if she easily gets scared of loud noises and runs away? Then I'll be 'The One who made a filly cry' forever! Why is this so hard? Curse my life in solitude, my overbearing, vilified parents, not having siblings, living in the middle of nowhe--"
"Good morning, my little po--"
"EEEEP!" Sunset Shimmer jumped and quickly turned back. Good news: it's most definitely not my new roommate. Bad news... "P-P-Princess Celestia!" She bowed to the monarch of her kingdom and principal of this school. "W-what are you doing he-- I, I mean, hello, uh, I was just..."
Princess Celestia giggled and waved a hoof. "At ease, Sunset Shimmer, you're not in trouble."
SHE REMEMBERS ME! "Oh, okay," she swallowed, then asked "h-how much did you hear?"
Princess Celestia raised an eyebrow. "Were you saying something?"
"Uh... no," So all of this was ONLY in my head. Good, very good. "so, Princess, what brings you here?" She quickly scanned the room, noting especially the giant pile of boxes in the middle of the room. "I'm sorry for the mess, I didn't have time to unpack and..."
"It's alright, I understand. You only got here a few minutes ago, I don't expect anypony to be ready for inspection that early." She paused and noted the panic in Sunset's eyes. "No, this is not an inspection. I just wanted to see how you're holding up. What do you think of Canterlot, after all these years?"
Sunset Shimmer immediately perked up. "It's wonderful! The weather is nice and warm, ponies are well behaved, the food looks and smells delicious..."
Princess Celestia giggled. "Yes, and it tastes even better." She couldn't help but smile at the salivating lips of her newest student. As somepony who had visited Winter Gardens a few times, either as herself or Sunny Skies, she was well aware of their terrible cuisine. "I came to check if you were having any problems, but I'm glad to see I was worried over nothing."
Sunset beamed. THE Princess of Equestria is caring about me! Well, she cares about everypony... but does she take the time to visit everypony? I highly doubt it. "Thank you Princess, but ever since I left home, this day just kept getting better and better! I can't wait for classes to start!"
Princess Celestia nodded. "That's not something I hear too often, but I'm happy to hear that. As much as I'd love to stay and chat, I have some business to attend to."
"It's been an honor, Princess!" Sunset bowed slightly, but not too much, and the Princess nodded to her as she left. But not before uttering a few parting words.
"Oh, and Sunset Shimmer? A word of advice: be yourself. When your roommate comes, don't pretend to be anypony you are not. True friends will accept the real you." And then the door magically closed behind her, leaving the confused filly alone with a room full of boxed books.
How did she-- no, nevermind! I'll keep that in mind... now, back to the best first impressions strategy...
"Hi!"
"MEEP!"
Bad news: Princess Celestia wasn't back. Good news: ...
The stranger was a yellow coated unicorn filly with a short, golden mane. Her cutie mark was a calendar with a small sun shining over it. "Sorry, didn't mean to startle you." She giggled and extended her hoof forward. "I'm Yellow Year, I guess we'll be sharing this room."
Sunset smiled brightly and shook her hoof excitedly. "H-hey, I'm Sunset Roommate, I'll be your Shimmer from now o--" she immediately shut her mouth with her hooves and blushed profoundly, as Yellow Year had trouble containing the laughter.
"Okay, maybe try that again, but slower?"
Sunset took a deep breath. "I'm Sunset Shimmer. I'll be your roommate from now on." Pause. "Did I get it right?"
Yellow Year giggled. "You nailed it! Still, it's pretty exciting, right? Away from home, in Canterlot?"
"You have no idea how glad I am to be away!"
"Where you from?"
"Winter Gardens."
"That's... south Equestria?"
"Yup. And you?"
"Manehattan. It's a crazy place, full of weird ponies."
"I'll keep that in mind." Another pause ensued, so Sunset initiated another conversation before things got too awkward. "I was going to go explore Canterlot for a while, wanna come with?" Hanging out with ponies my age! Just like in the movies!
Yellow Year looked away and scratched her head. "Uh, sorry, no can do." She said, making Sunset's ears drop. "My folks are staying in the city for the day and they insist, no, FORCE me to spend time with me, before going back home. I only came here to get my keys and say hi. Which I did, in that order."
Sunset couldn't help but sigh. Shouldn't get my hopes too high. Oh well. "So, tomorow maybe?"
"Sure thing! Tomorow we can go explore, unpack and decide what goes where..." she eyed the boxes behind her new roommate, raising an eyebrow.
Sunset couldn't help but smile sheepishly. "I might've overpacked."
"You think?"
The two stood there for a moment, before bursting into giggles. As soon as Yellow Year left, Sunset sighed heavily, somewhat satisfied about the outcome. Could've been much worse, but she seems cool. I'll find out tomorow. But now, let's get my mouth and stomach stuffed with EDIBLE food! As soon as she reached for her wallet, a realization hit her, followed by her own hoof. Shoot, I forgot to ask which bed she wants! What if she doesn't come back until late evening? She thought for a moment, looking between both beds. She shrugged and put her saddlebags on one of the beds. Whatever, her loss!
She spent the rest of that day exploring, finding a few interesting shops, landmarks and more importantly, her new favourite place to eat, owned by a rather flamboyant gryphon, of all things. When she was back home (she was still getting shivers whenever she thought about it), Yellow Year was nowhere to be seen, but she guessed she was just kept by her parents for too long. She read a few chapters of one of the books she brought with her, before officially ending the "The Best Day Ever".
---
"I'm going to Canterlot, I'm going to Canterlot!"
"I already knew that and even if I didn't, I still wouldn't be interested in finding out."
"I wasn't talking to you, Sugarcoat."
"Judging by the volume you were speaking to yourself and the fact that we're the only two ponies in the toilet at the moment, I feel no shame in confusing your monologue with a failed excuse for small talk."
"Always a ray of sunshine, eh?" She stopped for a while, as the two fillies washed their hooves at the adjacent sinks. "Weren't you applying for Celestia's school too?"
Sugarcoat waited a moment before answering. "I was, but I changed my mind after I found a different school."
Sunset snickered. "Works for me! I won't have to worry about anypony talking behind my back!"
"For the record, Sunset Shimmer, I wouldn't speak to or about you if I went to Canterlot, because I couldn't care less what happens to you."
Sunset's eye twitched. "Why do I even talk to you?"
Sugarcoat shrugged. "Probably because unlike every other pony in the school I didn't give you a hint strong enough or outright told you to not talk to me." Pause. "Don't talk to me." That said, she went towards the door.
Sunset Shimmer smacked her face. "I know who I won't be missing when I'm gone! Just two more days, I can do it!"
"Sunset Shimmer?" Sugarcoat turned one last time, her face unchanged from the start of this conversation (not that she ever had a different emotion showing). "If you want to make friends, I advise you to stop talking to yourself. It creeps ponies out."
"JUST GET OUT ALREADY!"
---
She woke up the next day, groggily rubbing her eyes after what was possibly one of the best night's sleep she had in her life. Being woken up by Celestia's sun was new to her. She didn't see the sun often back home, courtesy of the thick snow clouds and smog that was almost always on the sky. I will gladly get used to that as well! She smiled to herself as she slowly got to her senses.
"Up yours, Sugarcoat!" She said to herself, grinning madly.
She glanced to the other side of the room, behind her tower of boxes, to an empty bed. Did she wake up already? She hummed, then went to the other bed. It was exactly as she left it yesterday, not a single sign of being tampered with. She didn't come for the night? Did she spend the night at the hotel? Must've been some family party!
A few minutes of preparing herself later, she was already out in the cafeteria for breakfast. She heard epic stories about the food here and was about to find out what the deal with daffodil sandwiches was all about, when she saw a familiar face in the distance.
"Hey, Yellow Year! Over here!" She happily waved to her new roommate (still getting shivers about that!) and then walked with her tray toward her. Yellow Year looked at her wide-eyed and turned to the two other mares she was sitting with at a small, round table. Sweet, even more potential friends! "Hey, you weren't back for the night."
Yellow Year took a moment to answer, as she shuffled nervously on her seat. "Y-yeah, about that..."
"Nah, it's cool," Sunset waved a hoof, sitting at the empty chair, putting her tray in front of her "parents and stuff, I know all about it." At least hers aren't planning a revolution. At least I hope. She turned to the other two fillies, whom she hoped she hadn't offended by sitting without asking for permission. "Hey, I'm Sunset Shimmer, Yellow Year's new roommate, but I guess you already figured that one out..."
"Sunset Shimmer," Yellow Year suddenly spoke up "I, uh... I won't be moving with you."
Something in Sunset's mind cracked. Her ears dropped along with her jaw as she processed those words. "B-but..."
"I'm sorry."
Sunset refused to believe it. She shook her head in disbelief. "I-I... I'm sorry, if it's about the bed, or, or, the boxes, I'll get rid of some of them, I didn't mean to--"
"Woah, calm down, girl, it's not you. It's my parents," at the sound of that last word, Sunset's body became covered in cold sweat, as she knew where this conversation was going "when I told them about you, they started acting weird. They said that your folks are bad news and they forbid me from seeing you, let alone living in the same room," Sunset's eye twitched, her gaze locked on her deliciously looking sandwich, even though stomach didn't seem interested in any food. I was supposed to be AWAY from them! "I tried reasoning with them, you know? I said you were fine, but they threatened me, saying they'll take me back home if I don't listen, so... yeah..." There was a small pause, with neither knowing what to say. "Sunset Shimmer, I was working too hard to get here, I can't go back home! It's not worth it, you see?" Sunset couldn't help but nod. Yellow Year coughed and forced a smile. "But hey, we can still hang out and stuff! And really, now you have all the room for your books! That's not something many dorm-fillies can say. Right, girls?" She turned to her new friends.
"If I wanted a room for myself, I would've stayed home!" She snapped, then immediately covered her mouth. "I-I mean, no, it's okay! No harm done, heh..." She sighed deeply, trying to focus on some positive thinking. Okay, no need to panic yet! It's just one spineless teen with paranoid parents. It's not like everypony here is prejudiced against southerners, or my clan or...
"Not to be rude or anything," one of the other fillies said "but this seat's taken."
Sunset's eyes opened wide as she nervously stood up. "Oh, uh, sorry, didn't know that. So, uh, see you later?" The other girls nodded, though even she couldn't miss the hint that they wanted her away. The fact that nopony sat on that chair while she was looking was a dead giveaway. She tried to scout out a good place to sit and eat. She wasn't in the mood for any more food, especially now that everypony was already preoccupied with eating and talking with their friends, old or new ones, and there didn't seem to be anypony left alone. Except her. Resigned, she sat down somewhere away from everypony and tried to enjoy her breakfast. At least the legends were true and she was gorging herself on another delicious meal.
I can't be angry with that in my stomach! It'll be all alright! It's not like Yellow Year and her cronies are the only ones available. I can find friends just fine. Where should I start? She looked around herself to the nearest pair of mares seated close to her. Rude or not, she tried to eavesdrop on their conversation. Or rather a monologue in this case.
"... I kinda mixed up the days and set a date with two at the same time, but I didn't want to disappoint any of them, so I said 'hey, how about I take you both at the same time'? They look at each other and I can see that they're not quite sure, but not entirely against it, but you know me, I don't give up!" The other, a lavender filly, didn't answer, preferring her red face behind a book, pretending to not hear the red maned one. "One was rather nice, he was all worried about me, saying that he's a big boy and he's not sure I can take it, but I'm like 'filly please, I've had bigger and more at the same time, I'll be fine'!"
Sunset immediately turned away and focused on the sandwich. Nope! Not in a million years!
That day was spent mostly on formalities and unpacking, with no time to find friends or more roommates, or so she told herself. She realized that after the fiasco with Yellow Year she had to lower her expectations, or else her clan's infamy could get the best of her. Besides, classes wouldn't start until Monday, so there was no rush. For now she concentrated on unpacking, memorizing the layout of the campus and surrounding area, supplying her stock of emergency snacks and completing the paperwork that was usually done by her parents, but since they were nowhere near (still liking it!) she was forced to do it herself, not that she minded. Sure, it would've taken a lot less time if she had somepony to help, but for once she wasn't being told what to do and she was enjoying it immensely.
On the last day before the classes started she went to the public library to make a generous donation of her own books. On her way there she stopped by several bulletin boards and posted a flier on each.
Looking for a roommate!
Building A, Room 616, with its own bathroom.
Ask for Sunset Shimmer.
She wasn't sure if that was enough, but if anypony at this point was looking for a place to stay, this was as good a chance as any.
"Alright!" She nodded to herself, wary if there was anypony to see her speak to herself. Finding nopony, she left with a cart full of books towards the library.
Unlike her room, the library was exactly as she imagined it. Not only was it so large she couldn't grasp it with her eyes and so well stocked she had to think hard on what wasn't there, but also well maintained and relatively clean- her collection was in the right hooves. She left her treasure near the entrance and went inside, looking for anypony working here. Even though it was Sunday, at least one librarian was supposed to be around. It was hard to concentrate on her quest when surrounded by so much knowledge, so many precious tomes, so many great books! She was about to just stick a note on her cart saying 'Donation, you're welcome- Sunset Shimmer' and spend the rest of the time just snooping around the place, when she saw something unusual...
Spike the dragon, an assistant librarian, wasn't being lazy. Nopony visited the library on Sunday before the classes, there were no returns and other than some freshmen visiting for the first time, there was nopony else to tell him what to do. Nopony to tell him to clean the place, especially when it was spotless. Nopony to order him around and organize the perfectly arranged shelves. He literally had nothing to do. What he did have, was a large, one of a kind, deliciously juicy ruby which he was still savoring since his last birthday. And savor he did, lying on the chair in the reading area, legs up, hands behind his head, with the ruby in mouth, sucking on it like a pacifier while having no care in the world. Until he heard something.
"EEEEK!"
The shriek caught him off-guard, off-balance and more importantly, off-chair, as he fell on his back with a loud THUD! The ensuing fall had a side effect of him biting into his gem violently, sending shards of his favorite food into his throat, chocking him. A single hiccup escaped his mouth, sending a burst of flames out, which narrowly missed the window sheets behind him. He composed himself, still hiccuping with fire.
"A d-d-d-DRAGON!" The orange coated mare yelled, backpedaling into the bookcase behind her.
"Oww, don't sca--HICCUP!" Another fire breath escaped him, this time narrowly missing the orange filly that scared him before. The girl jumped away, scared, as he tried to get to her and keep the situation in control. "Golly, I'm so so-HICCUP-I can't sto--HICCUP-I didn't mean to-HICCUP!" Each hiccup released another ember of flames, each one dangerously close to the student. Great first impression, Spike, he moaned in his mind.
Sunset dodged just in time to avoid getting burned to cinders. WHAT IS A DRAGON DOING HERE!? HOW DID IT GET HERE?! WHY!?
"G-get away from me!" She yelped as the little, yet ferocious, dragon kept stalking her, hands extended towards her, speaking gibberish in between breathing more flames at her. Being a member of Sunset Clan came with a ton of knowledge of magical fire of many kinds, and dragon fire was considered to be one of the most dangerous of them all. Evidenced by how fast a shelf full of precious textbooks ignited after getting hit with a small one. A quick spell extinguished the fire, but the danger was far from over.
"Ooops-HICCUP!" The dragon yelped, shutting his mouth with his palms, which didn't do a good job at stopping the flames, now flying in all directions randomly.
He... he doesn't want to destroy the library! Then why...? Her eyes widened. A spy? But, why would a baby dragon spy on... no, that's not important! She shook her head, her eyes narrowed and concentrated on her target. Talk later, first things first!
"I don't know what you want, dragon," she said to him, her horn gathering energy "but fighting fire with fire will only get you burned!" Note to self- think of some cooler one liners... no pun intended.
"I'm telling yo--HICCUP it's just a mis--HICCUP!"
"Oh no you don't!" She sent a strong, telekinetic wave, knocking the little dragon back before it could utter another word. As he collected himself from the ground and desperately tried to crawl away from the crazy mare, he was lifted by her magic into the air.
"What are you doing!? HELP! Ugh, let me go you--MPPHHH!" He couldn't finish the sentence due to the tape that suddenly manifested around his mouth, as well as his hands and feet. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't shake away from his captor. The orange filly held him in mid-air as she approached him and looked him in the eye.
"Oh not you don't! I would ask you what you're doing here, but I know your kind- let them utter a word and and they'll burn your face off!" She ignored the little dragon shaking and struggling. "Not on my watch, lizard! You'll be answering to Princess Celestia first!"
Even though he was just recently scared out of his guts (at least it cured his hiccups), he was glad to hear that at least a reasonable pony was going to handle him next. He sighed, rolled his eyes and waited, hoping she wasnt one of those captors that enjoys torturing her captives on the way there. At least she won't dro-- He didn't finish the thought, as he suddenly fell on the ground. Why always me?
Sunset Shimmer was new to Canterlot, so she didn't know who to ask for help in matters like these. Was she supposed to ask a teacher? Go find guards? She could try to look for a librarian, but nopony was there even now. She knew that Princess Celestia was most likely at the campus, busy with paperwork, so that was her best shot. Besides, Princess/Principal Celestia probably wanted to know as soon as possible if there was a fire breathing lizard lurking around her school. Day three and I already saved Canterlot! I guess getting recognized here wasn't as hard as I imagi--
SMACK!
Before she could finish that thought, something hit her at the side of her head, sending her flying away in the opposite direction, letting go of her captor. Her vision went blurry and all she could see were two purple blurs, closing in on each other. She massaged her hurting head and blinked a few times, each time focusing her vision on few key elements. One, the remains of a chair she was apparently hit with. Two, the little purple dragon that ran to hide behind her savior. Three, a purple unicorn about her age, with a shade of scarlet on her angry face, teeth showing, standing tall, her horn visibly pulsating with magic ready to go.
"GET YOUR FILTHY !@#$ HOOVES AWAY FROM MY LITTLE BROTHER!"
Sunset couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. She wasn't aware of some things going on in Canterlot. Looking around the scene, where a few more ponies appeared and started whispering among each other, she had a feeling it would bite her in the flank later.
Day minus one of school, and you're already in the Principal's Office. Nice work, Sunset.
Sunset Shimmer tried to avoid Princess Celestia's eyes, while Spike the Dragon Librarian (HOW WAS I SUPPOSED TO KNOW THAT?!) and Twilight 'Top Student' Sparkle explained the entire situation in their own, surprisingly convincing story. That is, if you really believe that the top school in Equestria would ever hire a baby dragon in a place he he could set ablaze with a sneeze. Or hiccup. All she had to offer was her side of the story, her town's rocky past with dragons and a sincere apology.
"I'm sorry I... uh, attacked you, before asking." That was all she could say.
Spike, with his arms crossed, tail bandaged (even though it was just a bruise) and unamused expression in his face, humphed and shrugged. "Yeah, and I'm sorry for being born a dragon."
Sunset Shimmer sighed. Yup, not awkward at all!
"And I'm sorry for throwing a chair at you," Twilight Sparkle chimed in, scratching her head "when I saw Spike in danger, I panicked and acted irrationally."
"Eh, I've been worse." Sunset shrugged.
Princess Celestia cleared her throat, gathering their attention. "Good, let the bygones be bygones and don't let this misunderstanding ruin your relationship. Twilight Sparkle, Spike, you are dismissed. Sunset Shimmer, I would like to have a few words with you."
The two 'not in trouble' bowed to Princess Celestia and left. Spike used his last chance to blow a raspberry at Sunset, but then got scolded by his big sister. Whether it was due to proper etiquette, due to Princess Celestia's presence or the sheer goodness of her heart, Sunset was grateful for at least that much. She suspected it was the last kind act from a non-Celestia being she would experience once this got out. And she knew it would.
"Before we begin," Princess Celestia started suddenly, pulling Sunset away from her thoughts yet again "I must ask, what exactly did you mean when you said 'I've been worse'? Is there something I should know?"
A few drops of sweat appeared on Sunset's forhead. "N-no, it's nothing. It's just that a Shimmer Clan has very strict approach towards self-defense classes." She waved her hoof, of the Princess' raised eyebrow. "'What won't kill or cripple you, will only make you stronger'."
Celestia nodded. "If you say so. Since Spike started as a librarian, most new students either stood paralyzed or ran away screaming, before it was explained to them. So far you were the only pony that challenged him. And won."
Sunset Shimmer was conflicted. What she heard being said sounded like a praise, but she couldn't take it with anything other than shame. She scratched her head. "It wasn't exactly a challenge, so..."
"Sunset Shimmer," Princess Celestia raised her voice "I have been maintaining the protective barriers on this school by myself since this school was first established. Anypony or anything that I don't want inside its walls will not pierce its barriers without my consent and knowledge. And if by any, however minuscule, chance an intruder managed to breach it and stumble upon one of my precious students or staff members, then it means that the intruder is far beyond their capabilities. In such cases, I want them to run away to safety and alert anypony of the incoming danger, NOT face them. That's what teachers and guards are for. It's why I am here." She stopped for a moment, giving Sunset Shimmer some time to start blinking again. "Do I make myself clear?"
Sunset gulped. "C-crystal!"
Celestia looked at her student for a while longer, before returning to her usual, maternal smile. "Good, as long as you know. You will hear a similar speech at an assembly tomorow morning. But let's change the topic. Since you're already here, how were your last few days? Today's accident notwithstanding."
Sunset shrugged. "Not much has happened, to be honest. I'm getting used to the city, campus, my new room..."
"I saw the flier on the way," Celestia said "I'm sorry it didn't work out with your original roommate."
A few days ago, Sunset would've showed an emotion. By now, she either stopped caring or learned how to hide it. She wasn't sure which one. "Her loss. If she wants to live cramped with two other fillies, then be my guest."
Princess Celestia blinked. Sunset could swear she was contemplating saying something, but after a while she just smiled and nodded. "I'm sure you'll find somepony, sooner or later. You just need to be a little more patient."
Sunset nodded. "Just be patient..."
"Why do the other foals act like they hate me?"
"Because they hate you."
"...Why?"
"Because your parents are to blame in one way or another for most of their troubles."
"What? But I didn't do anything to them!"
"Neither did your father when he was your age."
"I'M NOT LIKE HIM!"
"I never said you were, but adults think you'll grow up to be another Shimmer and they want to protect their foals from bad influences."
"...ugh, forget I asked!"
Sunset opened her eyes way before her alarm clock wanted her to. She sat up on her bed and glanced to the other bed. An empty bed. She yawned, then fell on her back once again. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, but sleep didn't come again. Stupid Sugarcoat, she's supposed to be hundreds of miles away!
"Why do you keep tormenting me?!" She paused for a while, before getting off her bed. "Yeah, I'll talk to myself! Nopony is around to call me creepy! Nopony... at all..."
Mumbling to herself, she took a quick shower and prepared herself for the first day of school.
Just be patient!
The assembly went without any hiccups, poor choice of words, I know. And she did indeed hear a similar speech from Princess Celestia, also things about learning, finding one's self and forming bonds with others. She suspected that part of the speech was aimed specifically at her, but then again it was Princess Celestia, she was always all about friendship. Either way, the speech did its job and she was more motivated than she ever was. Nothing would stand in her wa--
"Hey, is that the one that attacked the librarian?"
"Wasn't this a misunderstanding?"
"I heard she's from the Shimmer clan!"
"That Shimmer clan? From Winter Fields?"
"I think it's Winter Mountains?"
"Why does Princess Celestia allow that nutty family here?"
"Not so loud or she'll burn you!"
Sunset Shimmer sighed deeply. Just... be... patient...
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Poor Shimmer.
Ah, well. It's not like pyrotechnics won't get you anywhere.
I was soooo excited when this came back! I can't wait to read more :)
Moondancer is gonna be her roommate, and chaos will ensue.
D'ohh, widdle Sunset.
Or, not so widdle? She's still adorable so far.
Aaaand Stallionverse debut of Sugarcoat!
It begins. (Well, continues, from the sounds of things)
Stupid Cinch and stupid Sci-Twi, hogging all the screentime.
(I don't hate either character, but such a waste!)
This is an interesting start for Sunset's origin story. I wander what the hell her family did to inspire so much fear from other ponies with the mire association with with her. Can't wait to see more of this story arc.
I'm glad to see this has finally updated. I wonder what kind of crazy shenanigans lead to Sunset befriending Twilight and Moondancer. Especially since she didn't like Moondancer at first and didn't make a good first impression on Twilight.
Awesome chapter! Poor Sunset, Winter Fields sounds like one of those antigovernment militia compounds. Picturing a lot of rusty pickup wagons with Southern Equestria battle flags on the bumpers.
... What?
Wow, Sunset DOES have a heart. Wonder what happened to it?
This is so surreal.
I don't know why, but the way you write Celestia makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.
OK, this is very new.
That sucks.
Ouch! Brutal.
Hm...
Oh? Why no?
OK, what have Sunset's parents DONE for her parents to be so paranoid about Sunset?
Twilight and Moondancer.
Yeah? Your point?
DRA-GON, not lizard, he doesn't do the tongue thing.
Language!
Oh boy.
Jeez...
... Yikes.
Elaborate.
Seriously, what did they do? And would some tact kill you?
Oh jeez... Also, guys, do you REALLY think Celestia would let Sunset in if she thought she was a threat?
Bolts.
I see no reason to not have Sugarcoat be related to Sunset in this 'verse. I have similar plans regarding another character and Sour Sweet.
Anyway, poor Sunset. Sins of the family shouldn't justify punishing the child, but that doesn't mean folks won't try.
7342571 Except he does do that tongue thing. At least in show canon. Two separate occasions. Once when he was turning greedy from birthday presents, and when he kept eating jewels when trying to make a cake.
7342988
...
(Just kidding.)
This was a nice chapter. It's great to see some background on sunset.
You know...not that this story isn't fun and I really love seeing where it's going, but I seem to remember that there was a certain series being about a bunch of stallions who were swapped out with the Mane Six and all the hijinks and drama they get into in Ponyville. I could've sworn it was related to this one in some way...Maybe I was just imagining it. Anyone else kinda miss that...? Anyone at all...?
7343172 I do remember that. For that you can either wait until I get to it (I actually WILL get to it, eventually), or you can read True Story, which is 100% Stallionverse canon.
Yay, new chapter! And its Sunset's origin story, at long last! I've always been interested in Sunset's background in this fic for ages (ever since that apple bet way back), not just the bad food back home (so bad she can handle Celestia's cooking without flinching) but hints that her parents are plotting against Celestia or something like that.
Its kind of painful to read about such an innocent little Sunset, free from her home at last, yet still in her parents' shadow. Always fun to see Sugarcoat give her blunt (accurate) assessment of the situation. Ironic that Sunset's sweet personality survives at home only to turn nasty in Canterlot, but considering her reception from the other students, it makes sense. Wonder how long until she decides to just be "evil" as they expect. Can't wait to see how Sunset endd up as roommates with Twilight and Moondancer (wonder if Celestia will directly or subtly arrange it).
You know? Been waiting longer for Triptych to update. So you're actually well ahead of the curve. Plus it was a good chapter. Why do I feel the Shimmer's are like the Heterodynes?
Well, Sunset was definitely cute, although I feel like the situation with Spike was a bit stupid. It would have made far more sense to give him a few days off until Celestia gave that talk and used him as an example in it to avoid the mess of having students walk in on him like that.
Okay, Sunset is just too adorable this chapter. It practically made me want to squee.
Although, I am actually curious as to what the Shimmer clan has actually done. Relatively horrible things and ruining ponies/making ponies' lives miserable I'm certain, but details would be very welcome at this point.
That is both adorable and sad ...
Wait, really? By any reasonable view, Spike attempted to attack Sunny multiple times (yes it was unintentional, but Sunny wasn't exactly listening to his garbled explanation at the time), and all Sunset did was restrain him. Yet Sunset is the unilateral bad guy?
7343454 Yeah, it's kinda sad to see a young, (semi-)innocent Sunset who just wants to have friends and be a normal kid, then look at how she is in the primary story (massively cynical, viewing most ponies only in terms of manipulation, and kept from being a full-on warlock/evil mage only (it sometimes seems) by Moondancer's and Twilight's influence and Sunset's devotion to Celestia).
Children are so cruel...
...And teenagers for that matter...
...And quite often adults...
...Wow, I just depressed myself.
Oh well, a good chapter, abet slightly sad to see the origin of the Shimmer. I can just see the beginnings of her transition from hopeful school mare to alpha b
ch.
Saw this and my day got a lot better!
And it's great so far, I currently can't find anything that does not fallow anything that you previously stated!
Alright, keep up the great work, I'll be waiting for the next part
I suppose later on in life, Sunset totally WON'T hold it against Twilight for decking her with a chair, right? RIGHT!?
Awwww...poor Sunset Shimmer T_T
Though I AM rather curious how she went to Shy Shimmer to "Bow Before me" Shimmer!!
Poor Sunset...
Nice chapter, good work.
If I ever get the chance I will hug this universe's version of sunset regardless of the pain that will most likely follow