Chapter 59: Behind Me
When Sunset and Celestia got home, Luna and Chrysalis where nowhere to be seen despite leaving a little while before they did. Though, Celestia had a feeling they left so Celestia could talk to the teen privately.
Sunset immediately flopped down on the couch with a sigh as Celestia went in the kitchen to make tea.
I am so glad I wasn't on the receiving end of that this time. Sunset thought to herself then smiled, Life just got infinitely more interesting, but... how was that even possible in the first place. There are only six elements, it just doesn't make sense. Though I suppose with friendship magic, it doesn't work if you leave out a friend.
Celestia came out of the kitchen with two mugs, handing one to Sunset as the girl sat up on the couch.
The silence was overwhelming for a moment before Celestia spoke, "Sunset, I am so sorry for my actions these past two days. I can only imagine how that must have felt."
"Yeah, I'd be lying if I said it didn't hurt." Sunset said, "But I also want you to know that as soon as I walked into your office to tell you about the Dazzling's, I knew something wasn't right. It's why, after Rarity came to pick me up that night, I sent a text to Chrysalis, just in case something went wrong."
Celestia nodded, "I am really glad that you thought to contact her. I know we never discussed it, but I know if anything happened with me and Luna, Chrysalis would look after you." She took a deep breath, "Still, I remember the look your face every time you saw me and my sister. I could see that you were falling backwards and it hurts me to know that I didn't care."
The teen smiled sadly, "I know, it's probably what made the whole thing worse for me. You know how well I am at reading people and I saw how cold and empty you looked. It was the first time since living with you that I didn't want to be anywhere near you. I felt as alone as I did in that stupid building, only this time, I didn't really have anywhere to go. I felt like I was outside, looking in on everyone else."
Celestia took in her words. She'd lost the stability she'd gotten since living here.
"I'm sorry that we made you feel like that." Celestia apologized that seemed to be the umpteenth time that evening, "This whole situation with those girls had made me realize how foolish I have been lately."
Sunset gave her a quizzical look.
"For the last couple months, Chrysalis, Luna and even my parents have been trying to get me to do something that they knew I wanted but was, and still am, afraid of." Celestia said in attempt to explain.
"What are you getting at?" Sunset asked.
Celestia sighed and got up and left the room Sunset could hear the door to the study open then close a minute later before Celestia walked back over to the couch, holding a brown folder.
"Chrysalis made a point of finishing these before she went back home after the holidays." Celestia explained, "The papers in this folder can only happen with your consent and I don't want you to decide because you think it would make anyone else happy besides yourself. I want you to understand that this is your life and you get to decide what you want."
Sunset nodded and Celestia handed her the envelope.
She stared blankly at the page at first as her brain didn't want to focus at the time. When she could however, the title of the first page made her heart stop. It read: 'Adoption Request'.
As she looked through the papers in silence, she saw that Celestia had already filled out the majority of the forms along with a report from Chrysalis. There were a few pages with places that both she and a judge still had to sign.
Celestia had excused herself so Sunset could collect her thoughts so, the younger girl sat on the couch alone.
Sunset wasn't sure how to say what she was thinking. It was all just so overwhelming she found that she was at a loss for words. Tears ran freely down her face as she struggled to keep calm. She knew that if she didn't say anything, Celestia would think that she didn't want her to.
Sunset reached into her pocket for the pen she always kept with her and did the only thing she could think of without completely breaking down
It had been ten minutes since Celestia left Sunset alone with her thoughts and, quite frankly, she was getting concerned.
What if I scared her away? Celestia thought, What if I put too much on her? Does she think I expect something from her?
She was so lost in thought that Celestia didn't notice Sunset enter the room until she gingerly placed the papers next to the older woman.
Celestia tried to get a read on how Sunset was feeling but, much like Fluttershy, her face was shielded by her red and gold hair. So, she glanced at the top page to see Sunset's signature right under her own. Her heart swelled and turned to brushed the hair out of Sunset's face, revealing a small smile and a tear stained face.
The younger of the two turned to Celestia, "Thank you."
With that, Celestia captured Sunset with a hug, "You have no reason to thank me, Sunset. You have been a wonderful addition to the family and I hope you understand that, once a judge signs these, you're stuck with me."
"Crap, I didn't think about that." Sunset joked, flashing a cheeky grin.
They then heard the front door open, announcing Chrys and Luna's arrival. Upon walking in the kitchen, the first thing the other two noticed was Sunset and Celestia's faces, it was evident that they had recently been crying.
"You two, OK?" Luna asked.
They simply nodded.
It was Chrysalis who noticed the familiar stack of papers sitting on the island, "You actually did it? You actually asked and didn't chicken out?" She didn't wait for any sort of response before snatching the papers and glancing through them.
Luna looked at the papers over her friend's shoulder and grinned at her sister and Sunset. "She did!" Luna said excitedly, "Sunset even signed them!"
It wasn't long before Luna tackled Sunset and Celestia in a Pinkie-level hug.
"I'm going to be an aunt!" Luna said, causing everyone else in the room to laugh, "I can't wait to be a bad influence!"
With that final comment...silence.
The next day, Sunset, Twilight and the others all met at Sugarcube Corner to spend some time together before Twilight had to return home.
"Is anyone else sore?" Rainbow asked.
Sunset and Twilight laughed, "What do you expect? We created a giant, powerful alicorn and it shot a rainbow laser." Explained Sunset, "How did you guys feel after the formal?"
"I see your point." Rarity commented.
"Before I forget, Sunset." Twilight said, "I want you to know that you are welcome to visit Equestria any time."
Sunset smiled, "Thanks, Twilight, but for now, I think I'm good here. Besides, I think Celestia would have an aneurism if I went dimension jumping so soon."
"I'm really glad you found a place here, Sunset." Twilight smiled, "I do think that one day you and the Princess should meet. Clear the air."
Sunset nodded, "One day, I promise."
Just then, Sunset's phone buzzed, enticing a genuinely over joyed grin from the girl.
"Sunset?" Rarity drawled, "That's a look I've never seen on you before. Who just messaged you?"
Sunset blushed, "I...well...I, um..."
Rainbow took Sunset's phone and read the message, "It's from Principal Celestia. Why do you need a court date?"
"Oh, you're not in any trouble, are you?" Fluttershy asked.
"Of course, she's not." Applejack said, "Why would she be smiling so big?"
Pinkie pie took the phone from Rainbow and Sunset felt overwhelmingly awkward.
"So," Pinkie said out loud, "Principal Celestia texts you about a court date and you get all smiley." It was then that something seemed to click in her head, "Oh my gosh!" she said loudly, "Oh. My. Gosh!" She said again, this time hopping out of the booth, capturing absolutely everyone in the facility's attention.
"Pinkie, not so loud. Everyone's watching." Sunset said.
Pinkie looked just about to erupt in excitement, "Why would you want to hide the fact that you're getting adopted!"
All eyes went to Sunset, looking for a confirmation.
Sunset ginned, "Yes, I have a court date next week because I am being legally adopted!"
After that there were many, MANY, congratulatory cheers from Sunset's friends and the strangers in the café. Mrs. Cake even went over for a tearful hug. Sunset was just happy Pinkie said what she wanted to. She wasn't ashamed or anything, she just didn't know how to drop the initial bomb without breaking down in tears.
On the walk back to the school: Sunset, Spike and Twilight hung at the back of the group so they could talk as per Sunset's request.
"What's bothering you, Sunset?" Twilight asked.
"Magic is." Sunset said, "More specifically, the events at the battle of the bands. It just doesn't make sense."
"What?" inquired Twilight.
Sunset sighed, "There are only six elements of harmony. I keep thinking that you guys only needed me because it didn't work if one friend was on the sidelines."
"But that makes sense." Twilight said.
"That's what I thought too, but then, why is it that you don't need Spike?" Sunset said, "And, besides that, I had directly contributed to the elements. It makes me wonder if there is something we're missing. I know everything translated differently here. So, is it possible that, in this, that there is a seventh element?"
Twilight pressed her thumb to her mouth in thought, "I'm not sure." She smirked, "I keep forgetting that you are actually from Equestria."
Sunset smiled, "Don't worry, so do I."
The purple girl chucked, "I still feel so out of place in this world. Like I don't actually belong here. How long did it take you to get used to it?"
Sunset thought for a moment, "I actually never felt out of place. It was like slipping on an old sweater. Sure, I was alone, but I never felt like an outcast, not really."
Twilight furrowed her brows, much to Sunset's confusion.
"What is it?" Sunset asked.
"It's just...I have this odd feeling that you belong here. Have you ever tried to find your counterpart?"
Sunset frowned, "A couple years ago, yeah. But there was nothing. The only conclusion I came to hear it that the other me was, possibly..."
Twilight nodded, "Right, sorry."
Finally, the seven girls were gathered around the portal, ready to wish Twilight a farewell.
"You sure you don't want to stay for Sunset's big day next week?" Pinkie asked.
"No, I have to get back to Equestria, I have my royal duties to attend to."
"I sure wish you could stay longer." Applejack said.
Twilight gave a sad smile, "Me too. But now, I can go through the portal whenever I need to." She grinned, "this isn't goodbye. It's just goodbye until next time."
Spike and Twilight said their goodbyes then disappeared through the portal.
"Don't take this the wrong way," Rainbow said, "But I'm really glad you stole her crown."
Sunset looked at Rainbow quizzically, "Why? Do you like having your world threatened by monsters?"
"Well, it is pretty awesome." She said, "But no, it just means we have three awesome friends."
Sunset smiled, "Yeah and, at this very moment, I'm glad I stole it too." She said, "I have seven amazing friends and have a family that cares about me. That's more than I ever had."
That earned Sunset another hug.
Sunset didn't dream of the endless void again, instead, she sat on top of the hill where her and her friends took down the Sirens. She felt a presence walk up to her but it didn't feel like her demon. When she turned around, she saw herself looking out over the stage. The difference was, she had wings and a tail made out of flame and pony hears on her head.
"I told you they needed you." She said.
Sunset smiled, "Thank you but, who are you?"
"I'm you, your subconscious." It said.
"The Elements created you, didn't they?" Sunset questioned again.
"You made me." It stated, "Your past leaves many scars, physical and otherwise. I'm just a Scar that was created at the formal. Like all scars, they make you stronger, smarter. They ensure you don't make the same mistakes."
"So that's why you helped me."
It changed its form to the demon, "I took this form to motivate you to move past the formal and help your friends. It was your fear of this form that gave you courage in that defining moment." It switched back.
"So, what now?" Sunset asked.
"I know as much as you do."
"Will I keep having nightmares or see you in them." Sunset asked.
"I'm a scar of your past, Sunset, you will never entirely be rid of me." She said, "It just depends on how you look at me, just like the scars on your back. Will they make you stronger, or will you let them weigh you down?"
Sunset didn't answer as she smiled and looked up to the sky.
Sunset sat on the roof of the school on Friday afternoon, Sunset sat anxiously outside of the court room with Celestia, Chrysalis and Luna. Today was the day
"Party for Sunset Shimmer and company." A guard called from door.
Sunset, Luna, Celestia and Chrysalis entered the room.
"Hello, I'm Judge Gavel and you must be Sunset Shimmer." The judge said, gesturing to Sunset as she and Celestia sat in front of the desk, the other two behind them.
Sunset nodded nervously, "Yes sir."
"So, Miss Solaris," He addressed Celestia, "You wish to adopt Miss Shimmer."
She nodded, "Yes your honor."
"You know this cannot be undone." He clarified.
"Yes, your honor" She repeated.
"You, Miss Shimmer, would like for Miss Solaris to be your adopted mother?"
"Yes." Sunset said, too nervous to say anything else.
The judge chuckled, "Relax, Miss Shimmer. Despite my title, I am not here to actually judge you or take you away. That was your social worker's job. I'm just here to make it legal."
Sunset breathed as he had Celestia sign the last of the papers and, with a smile, he too signed them.
"Congratulations, to both of you." The judge said, "You are now mother and daughter.
Sunset sat there, frozen in shock as she was handed a certificate while Celestia could barely hold back her tears.
Mother and daughter...Celestia is my Mom. I have a mom. Is this really happening? Sunset thought.
She finally snapped out of it and smiled and hugged Celestia. It took them both a while to stop crying but when they did, they left the room to see all of Sunset's friends anxiously clustered in the hallway.
"What are you guys doing here?" Sunset Questioned.
"We wanted to be here when you officially had a mom!" Rainbow Dash explained, "We've been hiding around the corner for an hour."
Sunset chuckled and held up her adoption certificate.
I totally should have destroyed the school sooner. Sunset thought with a smile as her friends and family hugged her.
Sunset smiled as they left the courthouse seeing Luna and Chrysalis holding hands with red faces, refusing to look at each other. She and Celestia exchanged glances, giggling at how childish the two were.
They all went home afterwards, and the Solaris/Shimmer household spent the rest of the evening playing board games, Chrys and Celestia laughing at how competitive Sunset and Luna were.
Finally, after months of waiting, drama and magical creatures, it was nice to know that now, they had some semblance of stability.
"Hey," Sunset said suddenly, "I finally finished the song I was writing."
"Really?" Chrysalis said, "then why aren't you singing it to us?"
Sunset laughed and ran upstairs and grabbed her guitar and sat back on the floor and began to play.
She sang about everything, every feeling and every milestone she had had since the formal. It took her a long time to accept it and understand that everyone has scars and every single one is permanent but we can choose to let them weigh us down or push us forward. Making everyone stronger with each step they take. Like a road map, they can lead you down the path that was always meant to be.
'Cause my past is not today!
As the song ended, Sunset felt a clarity she'd never had before. She was ready to push forward without the guilt of the past; improving for herself, not for the shame she burdened herself with.
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Hell of a ride. Looking forward to the sequel.
It was fun. Im looking forward to book 2!
also... I don't check my feed that often so, whenever its done if you could let me know that would be great!
You know, Anon-A-Miss can be done. It should be done in the form of a 'student movie' done by the CMC (Canterlot Movie Club). They wanted to do a movie on cyberbullying awareness and came up with Anon-A-Miss. They asked their sisters to help and Sunset was included.
Whaddya think?
9077724
not bad, not bad at all.
I entertained the idea of that once
9077696
Will do!
After reading the conversation between twilight and sunset it makes me feel that sunset was human but some how ended up in pony land.
As Vaguely said, this was a hell of a ride. This story had more ups and downs and twists and turns than a rollercoaster and I loved every second of it. I truly wish I could give you more than one like, because you deserve about a million of them. This was a beautiful story and it was my greatest pleasure to read it.
Now, just to wait for book 2....
Damn, this was one of the best books I’ve read. Can’t wait to see the first chapter of “Tears of Sunlight”!
9077797
ah, but remember, I always post the first 2 chapters on the same day like I did these last 2.
This was a great story. I can't wait for the sequel. This story made me laugh and it made me cry. I can't think of a better way to have ended this.
Nooooooooooooo it’s over that’s so sad. This chapter was so good by the way so happy that Celestia adopted sunset. : )
9077724
I actually like that idea! It would certainly pose a different arc for a story we all know and place it in the universe that this story has built
9077877
Yeah, it's like a PSA film rather than actually happening.
I'm sad that it's over but I enjoyed this story overall. It was a great read from start to finish and I couldn't wait for a sequel!
Well done!
Is Tears of Sunlight the sequel to Scars of our Past?
9077922
Yeah but i have not written it yet. Well. The first 2 chapters of the rough draft is done
This was honestly one of the best story's I ever read and I can't wait for more! 😄
I roll my eyes at the stupid human Sunset is dead trope.
but over all like this story.
I honestly don't know how to feel about that this is over. Yay, this story's got an ending and a sequel? Boo, there's no more for the time being?
Anyway, it was a great time following this story, can't wait for more. Out of curiosity, will the sequel be coming out at the same rate?
9077998
That's not the only reason for a lack of records, even if it is the morbid reason the characters in the story hit on. (Plus: it's not that hard to find death records without even trying.)
I prefer to believe that the reason there's no easily accessible records of human Sunset is either that human Sunset is living off the grid in the human world or that human Sunset is in Equestria. If Sunset belongs in the human world, and she seems to, it makes a degree of sense for her counterpart to belong in Equestria.
It's really easy to integrate it into the general story as told. A pony appears from another world who looks and sounds exactly like Sunset Shimmer and even shares her name. After finding out that the pony has nothing to return to, Princess Celestia sets that pony up with a life in Equestria. canonical Sunset Shimmer was never told about Otherset Shimmer because it wasn't her business.
Celestia then thinks it might be rewarding to introduce canonical Sunset to the mirror, since out of all the ponies in Equestria, it was Sunset's duplicate who walked out of it. Plot happens.
At some point I'm going to write that story, by the way.
(The second thing that I went into detail about, I mean. I already have off the grid human Sunset in Just the two of me I simply need to get back to it. Unfortunately life seems intent on refusing to give me the necessary free time.)
And this is why Luna is best princess. Even when she's not.
9077686
Fair enough. I still intend to read it/them, for the quality of the writing if nothing else. I truly enjoyed this story, and eagerly await more. Thank you for making these.
Thank you so much for including this line! It sums up everything about the growth of the characters and what a person past should mean to them, especially the negative parts.
Now...
This is a really weak introduction to an important conversation, and it never feels good to have the subconscous announce itself. Maybe having it introduce itself as a scar like the ones on her back?
Either way, a wonderful conclusion to a wonderful story!
Rollllll credits..... literally
I hate how this is over. I’m excited for the sequel and hoping it’ll be just as long and as good as this one or better.
Also will you have any other one-shot stories you may write in between the time or at least any ideas. And do you have any suggestions on other EQG stories, mostly involving Sunset or the Dazzlings?
You can PM me the answers if you’d like.
Well it’s been fun if I don’t hear about you for a while thank you and good luck.
Awww, I love it.
It was a great story.
Thought it also makes me feel sad. I dunno, you are the author so whenever theres a sequel or not is up to you, but given that in this canon Sunset was adopted, what will happen during the memory stone incident? Did Wallflower erase the memory of the principal and vice principal? What about Chrys? Man I often get ideas out of endings.
Love it, imagine I give you a hug and a kiss in the lips, except, no forget the kiss, that's just wrong.
Seriously, love the story, nice job mate.
9078101
Yeah pretty much. Originally, Scars was supposed to be posted on Mondays, Special holidays and my team's birthdays. I actually switched to twice a week to get it ready in time for the Watty Awards on Wattpad.
I haven's decided weather to go back to my former post schedule or keep this one. The only real change there might be is the day I post. I like statring a new story on new years.
Ever sence you said Sunset was wrighting a song i like alot of people i asome know that it was going to be past is not today and man am i glad i was right i just think it might have been alittle beter if you had some how incotperated the muice video in some how to me that would had alot more feals to it
9078204
Yeah I get that free time issue. I only got Scars written so fast because I didn't do anything but write until 1 or 2 AM. I got accustomed to going on little sleep.
It's a really good idea too! You will have to let me know when you decide to post it! (Don't worry not going to steal it. I have other plans)
9078216
Yes, yes she is.
9078295
and thank you for reading it! You were one of my first readers and have been awesome, through and through.
9078335
haha, yeah I was really proud of that line and it was even more satisfying coming out of Rainbow Dash
As the the 'Subconscious' thing, I actually agree with you. I will eventually go through and edit some mistakes I missed and lines that need to be rephrased. I think introducing herself as a scar is a good idea plus, it goes along really well with what the story is about. Thanks!
9078535
Haha, yeah, and then the post credit scene like marvel movies.
Yeah sure, I'll shoot you a PM when I'm finished with me Notifications.
9078693
Haha thanks. After the Legend of Everfree, I till no longer be TRYING to follow cannon so there is a chance the memory stone incident won't even happen in the next volume just for the fact that is won't work with my cannon. I even have to change some events in the Legend of Everfree because, with Sunset being adopted, it won't quite make sense. I may do a book of -non-scars-cannon book that has all of the 'what if?'s if I kept events like Anon and the Memory Stone.
9078952
Yeah I see what you mean but I like how I left it. The song was pretty much the theme song to this entire story.
9079007
The song dose fit as the theme and i wasnt saying your ending was bad i just ceape seeing sunset singing it when she finaly got to that point. Over all thow it was a wonderful story and a nice brack from all the storys that deal with anos-a-miss.sone if those nake ne wany to run to sunset and give her a big hug as well as give her si call frirbds a good old tung lashing.
looking forward to the next book
Don't think this part is needed for the rest of the sentence.
I have several issues with this paragraph. First of all, it just doesn't flow correctly. Sunset is sitting on the roof of the school and then immediately outside of the courtroom? Talk about sudden jump. Secondly, is there more to this paragraph at the end? You don't have any punctuation after "day" so it is hard to know if you're done or not.
9080667
9080738
....yeah im not sure why i put that there. I think i meant to get rid of that first part but i never fully deleted it.
9080738
I have no excuse for the lack of punctuation at the end but i did actually have line breaks but they dont seem to have tranfered for before and after Sunset's dream. I will deffinetly have to fix that at some point.
9079000
The idea of having a series of non-canon one-shots like Anon-a-Miss is wonderful in my opinion.
However, I personally think Wallflower Blush and the Memory Stone will cut so much deeper than the Anon-a-Miss incident, especially in Scars canon. Anon-a-Miss made Sunset lose her friends, but the Memory Stone made her lose everything. Having her friends treat her like the Alpha Bitch she used to be is one thing, but I imagine being turned away by her adopted mother would hurt on a whole nother level.
9118891
Then my high school was shit cause the other kids were horrible (I was bullied constantly). This one kid decided it would be funny to throw a football at my head. He got in no crap for it what so ever and I sat in the nurses office for an hour and my best friend came and dragged me to the hospital. The only difference between me and sunset in this situation is that I didnt insist the guy not get in trouble. My old principal was an idiot.
9118891
Then my high school was shit cause the other kids were horrible (I was bullied constantly). This one kid decided it would be funny to throw a football at my head. He got in no crap for it what so ever and I sat in the nurses office for an hour and my best friend came and dragged me to the hospital. The only difference between me and sunset in this situation is that I didnt insist the guy not get in trouble. My old principal was an idiot.
9133846
damn your high school sounded like my shit hole of a junior high lol. i just kept to myself so no one ever really new me so i was never intentionally hurt or bullied by anyone but myself and at home problems (which i still have)
9143637
That seriously sucks, I'm sorry. I was in a k-12 school so this went on from the time I moved there in grade 5 to when I moved to a different city to a different school half way through the first semester of grade 10. Then I met better people like Matt who became my still bff bevause of a reference to pinkie pie (it what her exaggerated bury the key thing)
9144337
Nah it's good. glad you meet some good friends though.
This was a really great story! You're not the first to rewrite what happened and might have happened after the Fall Formal but this was one of the really good ones. I loved how you could see Sunset grow emotionally and what kind of an artist you made her out to be. The part when she got bullied really got to me since I was (and still am) bullied since kindergarten. I'm not going to lie. I cried A LOT and I was genuinly hoping that nothing severe had happened to Sunny.
This was amazing! Thanks
Hey, I loved this story and this is probably the third maybe forth time I've read it, and I know I'll read it again soon, but what's this about a sequel? If there is one could you put the link up cause I've not seen one?
9472804
There will be one, I am working on it. It will be up on this account when I post it!
Without a doubt this is my 2nd favorite Sunset redemption story, will continue to reread every so often till the sequel.
P.S. Any chance on the sirens getting redemption in the sequel? I always liked that angle.
This was a very good and nicely done story, I'm glad to see that you did not go with the anonymous route at Christmas. But also curious as to how you would have done it while still keeping to the flavor or the story. I love what you did with chrysalis in here as well and how twilight reacted to just seeing her, though I wish you could have expanded on it and letting human chrysalis know her counterpart is a love stealing, shape changing insectoid with a penchant for the mellowdramatic