A young burglar tries to steal some of Princess Celestia's most prized jewels and artifacts. After she is caught, however, she catches the Princess's eye.
It was just like any other night. The moon had been up for hours and the ponies rested peacefully in their beds. Celestia, on this normal night, decides to take a stroll around the quiet palace.
This seemingly routine walk changes everything for her as she finds one young unicorn thief trying to rob her.
And this thief, harnessing magical powers quite rare to normal unicorns, catches Celestia's attention.
Princess Celestia sighed a long sigh as she stared at the glowing moon that watched over the kingdom of Equestria. The imprint of her sister returned a deathly gaze, motionless and unchanging. The stars that surrounded the moon twinkled quietly as they too mourned the event that happened almost 1000 years ago.
"Even though life should seem so quick for me, it has been nothing but the slowest climb. Now the years between you and me reuniting once more are dwindling, but the years are getting longer as well."
After imagining her sister's response, Celestia drooped her head and returned to the palace from her balcony. At such a late hour, her vast palace was empty, except for a few Royal Guards who tried to stay awake. As the princess passed her bed, she realized that she was not tired in the slightest. She had to raise the sun the next morning, but centuries of moving the heavens twice a day had built considerable amounts of stamina. She didn't need an extra hour of sleep.
"Well, better get the energy out of me," she said aloud.
With that, she decided to take a stroll through the mighty palace. It was not the first time she had done this and she knew it wouldn't be the last. Once she left her room, the large halls welcomed her presence quietly. The few torches that were still lit sang their small songs of fire. The many pony statues that lined the empty halls seemed to bow at her passing. Although it seemed like this, Celestia knew it was the memories of her younger self imagining their loyal moments.
With accidental grace, she took the steps to a lower level of the palace. She wanted to sing an elegant tune, but she resisted the urge for the sake of those who were resting that night. Thus, only her hoofsteps made the slightest of sounds.
The bottom of the steps ended with a door that led to the throne room. The palace was so easy to navigate that it made life too easy for Celestia. She now wished the place was complex so that it would be hard to end up at her throne which was nothing more to her than a simple desk. It symbolized all the boring aspects of life that she constantly wished would be interrupted for something exciting.
Despite this feeling, she approached the throne. The stain glass windows, of which no new ones existed, glanced her way nonchalantly. Each one of them was hundreds of years old, depicting the valiant scenes and events of a time long passed. Their only purpose was to remind ponies and her that catastrophes and heroes do exist or, at least, existed at one time.
Her graceful hoof met the clean marble of the throne. There was nothing more to do than just inspect the symbol of her power and boredom. Some nights she would sit in it and practice on how wise she would be in the following morning. She would simulate an argument with a noble or politician. With her years in Equestria, she knew that everypony would say the same things. The modern ponies thought that they think differently from the ponies of old, but the reality was that ponies think the same in all ages, just some minor differences are created along the way. So she knew how to combat their foolish attempts at arguing with her.
However, tonight was not going to be like one of those nights. There was no urge to debate with impatient phantoms of her creation. So she turned away from the throne and headed towards the front of the palace through the large double doors at the end of the throne room's hallway.
"This quietness is killing me!" she loudly whispered. "Every night is the same. Every day too for that-"
She paused suddenly as she spied a black lump in the dark hallway. The lump was next to one of the many high columns that held up the arched ceiling above. Celestia raised a startled brow at the mysterious mass that was clearly not supposed to be there. Her hooves made a few cautious steps towards the lump.
As she approached, the moonlight from one of the windows glimmered off of the lump. This made the princess gasp as she knew instantly what the lump was.
"My poor Guard!" she exclaimed.
She rushed over to the downed Royal Guard. She knew he wasn't sleeping as they trained themselves to sleep while standing up to avoid instant detection. Her magic took hold of him and flipped him around to face her. His eyes were shut and his mouth was opened lamely. Though shocked by this find, Celestia's heart remained calm and she inspected him confidently.
"He's been knocked out," she concluded. "Looks like we have an intruder."
Finally! Some action! She caught herself with this thought and facehoofed. One of her precious Royal Guards had just been attacked and that is what she thought? She took a deep breath. One Royal Guard was down, that meant that the intruder was still here. Whatever monster that invaded her palace could still be attacking her other loyal stallions.
"Though, by the looks of it, the beast does not wish to kill my subjects," she observed. "It wants something different. My stallions are just mere obstacles."
She enveloped the downed Guard with her magic and teleported him to her room, where she knew he would be safe for the time being. Now it was time to find that monster. Her magic pulsed through her horn. The Guards all had their assigned positions. If she could teleport to the spots, she would be able to track the invader's whereabouts based on which Guards were still standing.
She teleported to a room quite close to the throne room. The Royal Guard posted there was awake and fine. With her sudden entry, he gasped and held his spear at her in fear. Upon realizing it was she, he bowed humbly in her wake.
"What brings you here, Your Highness?" He asked.
"The palace has an invader. Alarm the other Guards," She ordered calmly.
"Do you wish to be escorted to your quarters?"
She shook her head. "That would be unnecessary. This warning is for you faithful stallions, not me. I shall seek out the fiend who dare enters our home."
"As you wish! I shall warn the others at once!"
Celestia did not wait for the Royal Guard and teleported away once again. This time she went to one of the guest sections. There she found two knocked out Guards who were posted at the end of the long and thin hallway. From the positions of their bodies, they were fighting the invader but had clearly lost. Burn marks were on their armor and muzzles. Whatever the monster was, it could manipulate magic.
The princess transported these two to the other downed Guard in her quarters. The magical barriers that lined her room would protect them. She then paused, putting together the pieces of her finds. The trail of destruction was leading an odd route through the palace. The intruder did not seem to have a distinct destination. Celestia thought of an important area of the palace that the invader may have been striving for. It was not her room as the monster was going away from that.
"This path leads to the jewel room!" She gasped.
With another quick teleport, she was now close to the jewel room where she kept all the regalia she no longer used. It was a sort of treasury room to everypony else, but to her it was where she kept some of her precious heirlooms that she had gathered throughout the years. The trail of the invader was heading straight for this room, no doubt trying to steal some artifact from inside. The Guards were being put in harm's way, she must find the intruder and stop the mayhem.
She peeked around the corner of a wall. At the end of the short hallway was the vault which led to the jewel room. Since this part of the palace was rarely visited, no torches were lit and the palace was in complete darkness. Well, save for the glowing light at the end of the hallway. Celestia could see a fiery blue light in front of the vault. The intruder was obviously the one creating the light as it was blocking most of it.
The princess started to slowly walk towards the intruder. It was shrouded in a long blackish cloak and had the size of a pony. Not so fierce now. The light was coming from the thief's magic, which was being focused on burning through the vault. I guess it doesn't know that the vault is magic sealed.
Celestia stopped mere feet away from the thief, who was still diligently working on opening the vault. The princess half-wanted to sit there until the burglar noticed her, but at this rate, that may take a long time. So instead she cleared her voice loudly before speaking.
"And what, pray tell, are you doing?" she asked calmly.
The thief stopped with its magic. Like a statue, it froze on the spot. The black hood and cloak kept it hidden from the princess's view. The princess was trying to discern whether it was frightened or planning. Either way, it was taking its time.
"Well? Did you really think you were getting away with this?" Celestia persisted.
"You are supposed to be in bed, princess," a young feminine voice told her from the hood.
"Sorry. Felt like walking about."
"I'll give you the chance to leave unharmed. Go now and let me work," the girl growled.
"Ha! Come on, did you really think I'll just leave you to steal my artifacts? I could not care less about the jewels though. However, you have assaulted my loyal stallions. I will not let that go unpunished."
The thief turned around. A small glowing horn protruded the hood, giving the only light available. She was a young unicorn. Her fur was a light burnt orange and her mane was red with striking yellow beside it. Turquoise eyes were squinting meanly at the princess. It was not the face of one who would have knocked out so many Guards.
"You are quite young to be so bold," Celestia observed. "And don't think I am not aware that you are hiding something. Your horn is clearly showing that you are levitating something behind you."
The thief said nothing and levitated a large red gem to her front. She broke in! Celestia was shocked by the unicorn's efficiency. She had believed that vault impenetrable. The young unicorn grinned upon seeing Celestia's gaping mouth.
"Oh, was I not supposed to break into that vault so easily? Sorry about that, princess," the thief winked.
Suddenly, with a bright greenish flash, the thief teleported on the other side of Celestia. The princess turned quickly to see the unicorn run off with the gem. Teleportation too? With a snort, she chased after the thief through the dark halls.
"Get back here! You can't escape!" she shouted.
The thief took a turn and ran even faster. Celestia's longer legs and years of endurance kept her close to the bold unicorn. That hall leads to a dead end closet. With this in mind, she charged a light stun spell and rounded the corner. Like she had expected, the thief was trapped at the end of the small hallway.
"I apologize for this, but you did not come peacefully."
Celestia launched the spell at the girl. As the small ball of energy was hurled through the air, the thief raised a bubble shield just in time to deflect it harmlessly at a wall. Celestia stomped her hoof in frustration. She is made of tougher stuff. The thief then prepared one of her own spells and fired it. A large ball of fire was flung through the tight hall, lighting everything it touched in flames. Of course, for Celestia, this was a simple spell to deflect with her own protective bubble, but the fact that it came from such a young unicorn left her amazed.
"Well, aren't you talented," she told the thief.
"You've seen nothing yet!"
The thief teleported again, but this time Celestia took hold of her when she appeared behind her. The tight magical grip kept the burglar suspended in the air. Whew, that saved some time. The unicorn began to struggle to get free, but it was no use.
"Now what do you have to say for yourself, young lady?" Celestia asked playfully.
"Let me go!"
"C'mon, you can think of something better than that."
The princess brought the thief close to her face, which also meant the unicorn was more than a couple of feet off the ground. With the hood down and with the moonlight striking the thief's face, Celestia could inspect her better. The unicorn was no more than a teenager. Her horn, muzzle, and legs had not fully formed yet. Her cutie mark was that of a burning sun of red and yellow.
"Now, thief, as Princess of Equestria, I shall place you under arrest for breaking and entering, assaulting members of authority, stealing, and resisting arrest. Oh, it's been so long since I ever arrested anypony. I actually have to thank you for this chase tonight. It's good to keep some of the rust off."
"Go to Tartarus!"
The thief's horn glowed brightly and a pool of fire erupted beneath Celestia's hooves. The flames scorched her elegant legs and made her scream in agony. Her magic let go of the thief who began to run off again. The princess flew up in the air to escape the fire and blew out her flaming fur, leaving black patches on her legs.
The thief saw her in pain and laughed. "Sorry it had to be this way, princess!" and with a mocking salute of her hoof, she ran through a door and out of the room.
Celestia was not about to give up so easily. Her large wings allowed her to soar through the halls and towards the door. With a force of a manticore, she slammed through the door. To her surprise, the thief was already in combat again, but this time it was with the Royal Guards.
"Get her!" they shouted.
The thief summoned a wall of flames to protect her and she fired at them with magical lasers. Some of the brave stallions leaped through the tall flames and tackled her, only to be thrown off again by her magic. She's incredible. The princess paused to watch the chaos in front of her. Her stallions were being harmed, burned, and knocked out! She had to stop it now. Harnessing her magic, she created a beam of intense light to fall upon the unicorn, blinding her with the flash. The burglar shouted in pain as she started to wobble about from the stunning effect. Her flames disappeared and the Guards tackled her with the first opportunity.
"No! Get off me!"
She fired some random lasers at the ceiling, but it was no use. The Royal Guards pinned her legs down and kept her face flat in the stone floor. Every time she summoned her magic, they would simply tap her horn and interrupt the spell. Celestia sighed and approached the restrained attacker.
"Young lady, you are in big trouble," Celestia told her sternly.
The thief, still blind, gave a defeated sigh. Her vibrant mane was all ruffled and her fur even more so. A moment of silence followed afterwards as all the small fires around the palace and scorched marks retold the story of the fight that had just taken place.
The Guards lifted the thief to her hooves and dragged her away. Celestia sighed deeply once more as she watched the unicorn's life be thrown away because of her poor choices. At such an early age too. She shook her head. The light that entered from the stain glass window covered the battle scene. The princess solemnly gazed up at the window which depicted a wizard of old rebuilding a city in love and care. He was talented with magic. He knew he was gifted and he used it to help ponies. Truly admirable.
Celestia's eyes widened. The thief was also clearly magically talented. The spells she cast were all above the apprentice level and some even expert. She was so young too. Celestia had not even taught a unicorn that much at that age. They come once in a hundred years.
"I can't let her be wasted on her poor choices. She's a gifted unicorn. What ruler would I be if I let this opportunity slip by? She's a pony! Her life matters at least this much."
She was about to turn and run after the Guards, but a stinging pain urged her not too. She now remembered she was covered in burn marks and scratches. She can wait a night I guess. With that, Celestia took the first of many painful steps to her room. It was a rough night indeed, but she hoped that it was the start of something that would be worthwhile.
"Are you sure you want to see her? She's been fighting us most of the night."
"Corporal Armor, I believe that I am indeed sure."
"As you wish, Your Highness."
The Royal Guard bowed humbly before removing himself from the dungeon's entrance. Celestia then walked by him without a glance. She had been waiting all night for this. Her burns still itched and ached, and her wounds still stung, but she held her head high and marched on.
The dungeon was cool in the morning briskness. As it was located underneath the palace, not much fresh air ever entered it. The only vents were the few barred windows that overlooked the valleys far, far below. Besides that, it was a rather nice dungeon, especially when compared to the prisons of their neighboring nations. It was stifling, but clean. It was cold in the winter and hot in the summer, but well maintained. Celestia could not ask for a better prison.
"Which cell holds the impertinent thief?" she asked the young Guard who followed her.
"We placed her in one of the back ones, Your Highness," Corporal Armor answered swiftly.
"May I ask how she fared?"
"Heh, like an angry cockatrice," he said. "After all the fire and magic she threw at us, we had no choice but to cover her horn with an anti-magic device. Then she started kicking us and punching us. Got Private Whiplash with a left hook. So we had to restrain her too. Only a couple of hours ago did she relax and even slept a little."
Celestia shook her head in disappointment. Armor was laughing at his own tales, but she was contemplating too much to care. Corporal Armor was a silly Royal Guard, always making jokes and never being serious. The Princess did not mind the humor, in fact, she was glad there were some soldiers who were funny. At this time, however, she merely rolled her eyes at his antics and walked past the empty dungeon cells.
A Royal Guard at positioned in front of a cell saluted at Celestia. She noticed he possessed a black eye on the right side and some burns on his front legs. As he saluted, he almost fell over on the side that wasn't supported by his front leg. He regained quickly and obviously tried to hide his slight clumsiness, but it was too late and everypony there noticed.
"Whiplash, are you alright?" she asked him.
"Just some bruises, nothin' more, Your Highness," he replied proudly.
Celestia smiled motherly. "Good. I am here to see our new prisoner, so if you don't mind opening the door..."
"Right away!"
Private Whiplash turned swiftly and unlocked the cell door. With his pegasus wing, he slid the iron door open. The unicorn prisoner inside was snoring away on her hay bed. Her front hooves close to her chest and her belly in the air, much like a cat. As the unicorn dreamed in her slumber, her back hooves would kick the air lightly. If Celestia didn't know better, she would think the unicorn as the peaceful type, but the burglar's attitude returned quickly when she awoke from her slumber.
"Nice to see you..." the burglar hissed with a low growl. Her eyes were sharp and narrow at the Princess of the Sun.
"Good morning," Celestia sounded cheerful as she stepped inside the cell. The ceiling was far too low for her and she had to lean forward to avoid banging her horn or head. Why is everything so small for me? It was awkward to stand like that, but she managed with her usual upbeat demeanor.
The thief sat up in her stack of hay and folded her front legs. "What do you want?"
"No need to be hostile, young one," Celestia smiled. "I'm just here to get to know you. So, I'm certain you know my name, but what is yours?"
"My name is Sunset Shimmer," she said as if the name had no importance.
"A fitting name, I must say. So, Sunset, may I ask why you were trying to steal my stuff from me last night?"
"Because I wanted it. You know, that's like the reason for stealing." The amount of venom in her voice basically oozed from her words.
Celestia sighed. Here we go. "I'll tell you now, if you know what's best for you, you will treat our relationship with respect. I am not your enemy and I do not intend to hurt you in any way. So please, your honesty is valued here, not your rude remarks."
Sunset squirmed uneasily on her hay bed. Her red and yellow tail twitched nervously beside her. Celestia raised a brow at her. Is she going to speak?
"Fine," Celestia said, "if you won't answer, then I shall move on. Sunset, I can tell you have a talent for magic, especially fire-based magic. May I ask you who taught you such things?"
Sunset looked down. "No one. I taught myself pyromancy. Have done so ever since I earned my cutie mark."
"That is rather impressive. None of my students have ever achieved such finesse. You must have worked very hard."
"Yeah, I do. Anything that helps me gain an edge, I study."
"Yet you waste your magic being a lowly thief. Quite disappointing if you ask me."
Sunset rolled her eyes. "Look, I don't need to be lectured by a stuck-up princess. I was actually having a great time sleeping before you showed up."
"Maybe you should have stayed home last night and slept then," Celestia chuckled. "It would have saved you plenty of trouble."
"Yeah, real funny," Sunset hissed again. "How 'bout you just tie your wings together and jump off the palace. That'd be great."
"Hoofdini did that once. Lucky stallion actually escaped his bonds before reaching the ground," Celestia said casually. "Too bad it didn't work the second time."
Sunset buried her face in her hooves. "Why couldn't I have been arrested somewhere else..."
"Sunset, being caught is going to be the best thing that has happened to you!" The princess playfully nudged the burglar with a hoof.
Celestia smiled and lifted her head, only to receive a painful reminder of how low the ceiling was. Ouch! Her crown fell off and rang loudly on the stone floor, making all there wince at the noise. Her hooves felt the spot where her head struck the ceiling. Yup, that one is going to leave a mark.
"Serves you right," Sunset grinned.
"Yes, does serve me right for not thinking about this a thousand years ago. I should have known I would be too tall for these spaces. Gah..." she continued to rub the spot on her head. "Hehe, I see that grin. You look much better when you're smiling, young one."
This made Sunset frown once more. It was good while it lasted.
"Ah, Sunset, our first meeting has been a rough one. I had hoped we would start something new with this one. I can see you are a stubborn mare. Good, I'm quite stubborn as well, so we should get along nicely."
"Only in your dreams."
"Aw, that is what you may think, but it may actually be your dreams. You see, I have not done this before, but because of your talent and your young age, I shall make you a deal. You have two choices, either you stay in this cell until I come back tomorrow, or come with me now and spend the days upstairs where it is much nicer."
Sunset blinked in confusion. "You mean, you're letting me go?"
"Of course not," Celestia waved a dismissing hoof. "I'm giving you the chance to acquaint yourself with the palace. You have committed a crime, Sunset, and thus you still have to go through a sentence. I have already decided what the sentence shall be."
"You have?" Sunset jumped and her eyes widened.
"You have?" Corporal Armor and Whiplash asked in unison.
"Yes, Sunset Shimmer, for attempting to steal my artifacts, resisting arrest, and burning half my fur off, I shall make you my personal pupil."
"What!" The guards gasped.
"That's awful!" Sunset Shimmer panicked. "No! I won't go with you. I'll stay in here."
Celestia shrugged and winked mockingly. "Suit yourself."
The princess turned around and started to walk out the cell. Wait for it. She slowed down her pace to a snail's crawl. Each hoof going slowly up and then slowly down. Give her time to think. She wanted to giggle at her own cleverness. When she was about halfway through the door, the awaited cry was sounded.
"Wait!" Sunset yelled.
Bingo. "Oh? What is it, Sunset?" she tried to sound concerned.
"I...I am kinda hungry..." the thief began, "and...and I could, you know, get some cleaner air."
"Well, come with me, young one. We have plenty of food up there and you don't need to steal any of it."
The young unicorn got up and trotted out of the cell. Celestia let her pass. Just as planned. The two Royal Guards saluted once more and watched their princess walk on with the thief. Celestia could only look down at the young mare in silent anticipation. Food always works when trying to reform a pony.
A wild gleam appeared in the unicorn's turquoise eyes. "Haha! Tricked you once again!"
Sunset suddenly shoved Celestia (which did nothing) and began galloping down the hallway. Her shout of "freedom!" echoed on the ceiling and walls. The princess was confused, but mostly disappointed by the sudden deception. Really?
"C'mon! Teleport! C'mon!" Sunset tried to use her magic, forgetting the anti-magic device on her horn.
"I'll give you a head start!" Celestia playfully called to her.
"Aw horseapples!" the thief cursed when she realized her blunder.
"Naw, keep going!" Celestia mocked with a devious grin. "You've almost escaped us! Look! We can't even keep up with you. You're too fast!"
Sunset cursed once more before running away down the hall. Upon seeing her run, the two Royal Guards walked up to the princess. Whiplash opened his mouth, but shut it after saying nothing. Corporal Armor looked up at her expectantly, his blue eyes filled with bewilderment.
"Your Highness, should we chase her?" he asked sincerely.
"Go ahead, knock yourself out. Once you get her, bring her to the dining room," Celestia told them.
"Right away!"
The two guards started their chase and left the princess alone in the hallway. Only a smile was on her lips. I have to admire her determination. Reminds me of a certain sister of mine. She brought a hoof to her lips and started giggling. Step one was over. Now it was time for step two.
"Having her as a student? Oh, this is going to be fun for the both of us. Finally! Something to end all these mundane days. Oh, Sunset Shimmer, I have more plans for you than you know. I hope you don't disappoint."
"You can be all gloomy, but it doesn't make the food taste any better," Celestia said as she levitated a fork full of food to her mouth.
Celestia raised a brow at the young unicorn who was sitting at the dining table with her, but across it entirely. Sunset was angrily resting her cheek on a hoof that rested on the marble table. The thief's large eyes were looking at the high ceiling absently. It was clear that she did not hear Celestia's words, but dwelled in the recent past and her recent mistakes. She most likely was not blaming herself for anything that was happening to her.
"I was so close..." Sunset grunted and slowly shook her head in obvious self-disappointment.
Celestia swallowed her food before making a remark. "Close? Not at all. If you actually could escape Armor and Whiplash, you'd still have to go through all my other guards."
The thief finally looked at the princess. "Please, I could get by them like I did last night. I know how to break in here, I know how to break out."
"Then by all means, escape right now."
Sunset rolled her eyes at Celestia's mockery. "Jerk."
"Not a kind word to say to the one who has graced all this food upon you. Look, the entire table is filled with ripe apples, pastries, pears, and...and whatever those things are called!" Celestia gestured at a large round fruit.
"I'm not hungry."
"Yes, you are. I can hear your stomach from here, my dear."
With a frustrated grunt, Sunset sat up in her chair. With a harsh stare at the princess, she picked up an apple with her hoof and started munching on it, her eyes still on Celestia. The thief still had the anti-magic device on her horn, so she had to physically reach for every item of food that was on the massive dining table.
"How is it?" Celestia asked expectantly.
"It's...good."
"I'm glad to hear that. Eat until you're full. Of course, I have to watch how much I eat. I have to watch my calories," Celestia chuckled at her own humor.
The thief did not respond to this, but kept eating as if she expected the princess to attack her at any moment. Her eyes were squinted in concentration while Celestia simply smiled kindly at her. After Sunset finished one apple, she took another with deep caution.
"I understand why you don't trust me, but by the stars, I'm not going to attack you," Celestia told her. "You're more on edge than a pig when the griffons are hungry."
"Ya can drop the act, ya know," Sunset snarled. "I know you couldn't care less about me. I'm just a little toy for you to mess with. Well guess what? You aren't going to have any fun with me. I'll make sure of it."
Celestia's smile faded and was replaced with confusion. "By the Moon! Why would you think that? If you were a toy of mine, I certainly wouldn't let you eat my food. That'd be a waste of taxpayer money. No, I do care about you, my little unicorn. If I didn't, you would not be out of your dungeon; where you belong by the way. I show you grace. Please take it."
"Well I refuse your 'grace!'" the thief growled.
"Ha! You can't! I'm going to give you my grace and mercy whether you accept it or not!" That should do it.
Sunset paused. "How does that work?"
"You'll find out, little one."
"Oh!" Sunset placed her hooves on the table. "That's another thing. Never call me 'little' again. I may be younger and shorter than you, but as you know. I pack quite the punch."
"Don't worry, I understand your magical prowess. And if you are full -as you have stopped eating- then we may begin on how I am going to make you my prized pupil."
Sunset's face scrunched up at the mentioning of her being a student under the princess. She did not even try to hide her distaste in the subject. Her large eyes looked down at the food on the table and she refused to look back up.
"Well, we don't have to go straight into it," Celestia backed down. "Perhaps a tour of the palace will do you well? We can spend days simply showing you every room in this place. Maybe we could, I don't know," she lowered her voice to a mischievous whisper, "even see where some top secret stuff is hidden?" This has to get her interested.
"Yeah right..." Sunset rolled her eyes. "You're just baiting me. Guess what? I'm not like some stupid dragon that drools upon seeing gold. I don't have any attachment to those things."
Celestia was truly confused now. "What? Then why would you go into the most protected structure in all of Equestria to steal some of my precious stones?"
"Like I said, princess, I do it for sport," Sunset answered with a sly grin.
She still will not reveal her true intentions. What can she be hiding from me so stubbornly? "I see. Well, grab any food you wish to carry with you. I'll take you up to my room to start our little tour."
"Could you move any slower?"
"Patience, young one. You really did a number on my legs last night. I hope you realize how painful some burns can be."
"Yeah I know. I'm a pyromancer, aren't I? I know how burns feel."
"We're here."
The two ponies stopped before Celestia's bed chambers. The princess gleefully pushed the filly into the room with one long leg. Sunset, of course, did not approve of the action, but did not complain either. She grunted once and that was all she said.
The chambers were large and fitting for one of royalty. It had a wide balcony that looked out into Canterlot and Equestria. Massive cushions were spread out on the clean floor. Beside Celestia large round bed was a nightstand with quills and letters carelessly piled on it. It was not an organized room in the slightest, but it was not a jumbled mess either. It was clear that the maids had not come in to put everything the princess moved back in place. Sunset expected the place to be spotless, but it was dirty enough to show its daily use. It seemed a room for one who had not enough time to properly take care of it.
"Do not be afraid to look about," Celestia encouraged. "Please stay your hooves from any valuables, though."
The princess went to the balcony door and opened it with her magic. The cool morning air came in with the breeze that ruffled her and Sunset's manes. The young thief was, judging by her face, unimpressed by the chambers. She sat in the middle of the room with her hooves all on the ground and her eyebrows slightly furrowed. Celestia looked back at the thief expectantly, but Sunset did nothing but keep her stoic expression.
"The food calmed you down, hm?" she giggled. Food always works.
"Why are you really doing this, Princess Celestia?" Sunset sternly asked. "Why am I not in the dungeons or in the stocks to be humiliated? You caught me intruding and I roasted your fat flank. Last time I got caught...I was much younger, but I got punished pretty good."
"And what city was that in?"
"Canterlot. This city is my home."
"Well, Sunset, everything I've told you thus far is true," Celestia told her gently. "Please, join me on the balcony."
The thief stood up and walked out of the chambers with confidence. There's not a timid bone in her. Celestia let her pass through the doorway before following into the windy air. They both leaned their front legs on the white banister that separated them from a long drop to the city far below. At this height, there were no sounds of ponies or city life. Only the wind and the occasional bird dared to interrupt the silence.
"Sunset, my intentions are clear and honest. I wish to make you my pupil. Not only because of your exceptional skill with magic, but also because I believe that I can help you. Do not tell me that you do not need help. After what you tried to do last night told me that you are in desperate need of money or that you are in with the wrong ponies. If it's bits you need for you family or home, I can help with that. If it's a friend you need, I'll oblige to be one."
Sunset sighed and looked out to the city. "I don't need either. I don't care what you think of me, I just want to know why."
"Well, because..." Celestia paused.
"Yeah?" Sunset said impatiently.
"You are a pony. You are one of my subjects. I feel that your well-being is my responsibility. To simply let you continue on in your erroneous path would be wrong. So I plan to help you every step of the way for you to become a respectable unicorn and a great sorceress."
The thief raised a brow at the princess. Her little frown indicated that she was not convinced by the princess's reasoning. She took a deep breath and lowered her head onto her front legs that were dangling over the banister.
"Is that it?"
What? Celestia was a bit taken aback by the question. "As of right now, yes."
"How are you going to do that?"
"Well, by making you my pupil and by enrolling you to my school."
"Your school? Is that the one for gifted unicorns?"
"Exactly that one!" Celestia beamed.
"Full of rich unicorns from noble families I bet," the unicorn spat. "None of them worked a day in their life. Princess, I don't need to go to that school. Maybe I can live with you teaching me magic, but I won't have some clean-hoof professor tell me what to do."
She's not entirely wrong about that. Celestia was unsure how to respond to the stubborn thief at first. It took two sighs and rolling of her eyes to finally reply.
"That's not your call, young one. I only hire the most trustworthy and respectable ponies to teach at my school. That's why it's the best school."
"No, it's the 'best school' because no one is stupid enough to make a school and try to take students away from the Princess of Equestria."
"Perhaps," Celestia chuckled.
"Alright, if you enroll me, we gotta make a deal," Sunset began. "I'm not going to be some errand-filly for you nor am I gonna be like some daughter you'd be proud of. I've only gotten this far in life because of me! If you're going to make me do all these things, I better have some arrangements with you too."
"Really?" Celestia smiled. "Are you in the position to make a bargain with the Princess of Equestria? Are you the master or the prisoner in this relationship? Last time I checked, you being my student is not a deal, it's a criminal sentence. As of right now, this is completely one-sided. However, you do have the choice of going back to the Old Dungeons and serving a sentence through prison time or labor."
"My sentence can't be that bad," Sunset said.
"Yes, but you also committed one of the worst crimes you can in Equestria. You assaulted me. Look! My fur is still charred from your fire. Very few ever landed a strike on me and not ended up in stone, banished, or imprisoned in Tartarus. I am going extremely easy for you. I am showing you mercy. If you are a smart pony, Miss Shimmer, I'd suggest going along with it."
"I demand a lawyer then!" Sunset jumped up.
Celestia sighed and hung her head. She went there. "You can't be serious..."
"By Equestria law, if I want a lawyer, I'll get a lawyer!"
"Well, as your judge, your trial has already passed. You have been found guilty of burglary, assault, assaulting the princess, resisting arrest, and being full of teenager angst! As your judge, I sentence you to do everything I tell you to do. Is. That. Not. Clear?"
Sunset continued jumping up and down. "That's not fair!"
The princess leaned very close to the young unicorn. "Deal with it. I know this may seem terrible now, but I assure you that I will be the best thing that has ever happened to you. Don't you want to live a life where you don't have to steal anymore? Don't you want to make friends? Don't you want to be something better than what you are now?"
Sunset leaned away from the princess and stroked her chin thoughtfully. She soon came to an answer and nodded. Her legs crossed themselves and she sat on her rear before giving a one syllable answer.
Will this paperwork ever cease? Heh. I've asked myself that same question every day for a millennium now.
Celestia sat on her throne with a massive pile of stacked papers floating in front of her. The papers contained all the usual items and petitions that were now a daily occurrence. The common ponies wanted this. The noble ponies wanted that. Ponyville wanted to contact her instead of contacting the local government there. Nothing of importance, nothing of urgency, nothing that required an ounce of care from her.
"This will take me all day," she uttered aloud, attracting the attention of one young white earth pony with a dark brown mane.
"Is everything alright, Your Highness? Can I assist you in some way?" the mare earth pony asked.
"Nothing is wrong, my dear Raven," Celestia kindly answered. "All it is is this mundane and truly boring paperwork. Every year, these requests become more selfish and more repetitive. All this valuable parchment and ink wasted on trivial matters..."
"Well, as your secretary, I am here to help with such paperwork," Raven smiled.
"Perhaps I do need help," Celestia then paused and lowered her voice. "You do know of the palace's new resident, right?"
"Of course!" the mare beamed. "The maids told me. I have not seen this thief, but she sounds like a firecracker."
"More like a cannon blast..."
"You want to have more time with her, don't you, Your Highness?"
Celestia nodded. "It's been five days since she broke in here. After that first day, I've hardly had time to see her. One party this, one invitation that, paperwork, paperwork, and then all the hearings. I don't want my work to interfere with me teaching my new pupil. So far, however, it seems that I have no choice."
"The maids say she sits in front of the vault. They say she just watches it for hours some time," Raven stated in a worried whisper.
"It's true. I've caught her standing in front of it more than once. It puts me and the guards on edge. I feel that she believes her mission of stealing my artifacts is still possible. She should realize that the vault is sealed so heavily for a reason. There are items in that vault that are locked away from pony eyes and manipulation."
"Your Highness, is it wise that you keep a criminal on palace grounds? She could hurt somepony," Raven gulped.
"My dear Raven, she's not a complete menace. She is young and reckless, but I believe it's easy to remain on neutral terms with her. She's simply misguided and we should not shy away from her because of that. Isolation does not work; relationships do."
"I understand. I know I shouldn't question your judgement, but I really want to," Raven admitted.
"Do not be afraid to question me. I understand your concern. I wish the very best for my staff."
"Um, do you need help?"
"Why yes, I do! Thank you for volunteering, my lovely Raven. Here," Celestia cast the stack of papers in front of the secretary. "Take the stamp with my signature and reject or accept as many as you can. It is the day that I should read all of them, but today shall not be that day! Take care! I need to check up on my student really, really quick."
Raven blinked in confusion as the princess ran off in a hurry, leaving her with the stack of papers that was taller than herself. As secretary to the princess, she knew this was her job, but that did not mean she looked forward to it. With a long sigh, she grabbed a red and a green stamp and prepared to press Celestia's fake signature on as many insignificant and petty petitions as possible.
"Better just reject them all so that I don't do something stupid," she said to herself. "Naw, that be boring. Here's goes nothing!"
Sunset sat in her room, absently spinning a pencil round in a circle on her small desk table. She did not have the anti-magic device on her horn, but there were two Royal Guards armed with spears guarded the doorway. They stood placidly, not being bothered by her at all. She would look at them from time to time, but they never returned her hateful glares.
So she watched the pencil spin. Sometimes fast, sometimes slow. With the slight glow from her horn, the pencil was at a constant fast rotation, only slowing down when her mind greatly wandered, which was quite often.
Her room was not like the princess's chambers in the slightest. It was comprised of two levels with all the walls acting as bookshelves that reached the high flat ceiling. She had no balcony, as it was in one of the middle floors of the palace, but one side of the room was almost one giant window separated into four tall rectangles. The desk was on the higher floor that was next to one of the elaborately decorated windows. The bed was on the lower floor, almost underneath the flight of stairs that connected the levels. It was some sort of small library that was roughly converted to a guest bedroom at some time. The white floors and odd decorative pony statues all suggested this was a public location, but in this case, it was Sunset's new mostly private study.
"Spending days here, losing time," she muttered lowly to herself. "You had to get caught, didn't you? You little imbecile! Should have planned my escape route better. Should have just ran for it!"
The pencil burst into flames, leaving a pile of ash that did not hurt the desk at all. The thief rolled her eyes and took another pencil from a jar that had several of them. Just like the last one, she started to spin it with her magic. Her cheeks sat on her hooves and she watched the pencil keep spinning.
The doors to her room opened up. The Princess of the Sun marched in proudly and looked to the two guards who flanked the entrance. After whispering something in their ears, they bowed and exited the room, leaving the two alone. Sunset did not directly look at the princess, but she felt her presence immediately. She groaned annoyingly and the spinning pencil, like the last one, burst into a flame more intense than the last one.
"Hello!" Celestia called out from the bottom of the steps. "How have you been doing this day?"
"Much better without you..."
The princess smiled. "As expected."
"So what menial task are you gonna make me do now? I've already scrubbed your stalls, swept the kitchen, and read that dumb book on historic unicorns," she droned as the princess walked up to her.
"You're not some slave," Celestia rolled her eyes. "You tried to escape last night and knocked over the flour in the kitchen, so you had to clean it up, the servants needed help with the bathroom stalls, and you did not read the book."
Sunset turned her head to the princess. "What makes you think I didn't read the book?" she demanded rudely.
"Well, because it's right over there in a pile of ash," Celestia pointed at a thick half-burned book that was tossed in a dark corner of the room. Some puffs of smoke still floated above it, showing that there were still some embers smoldering on the ruined pages. Sunset looked over at the object in question and shrugged.
"It had nothing useful," was her comment.
"Is that a reason to destroy my book?"
"Is that a reason for me to care?"
"I take it you simply like burning things up? You steal for sport. You destroy for keen enjoyment too?"
"Let's just say I like burning things."
She is not lying there. "That you do..."
"Looky, Your Royal Painess, simply locking me up in this room and making me read a bunch of books is not gonna turn me into a little angel for you to like. You want something out of me, then make me do something legit. Let's fight in the basement. Magic versus magic. That's a start right there."
Celestia sat her rear down and cocked her head. "I'm not sure that would be appropiate little-"
"What did I say about calling me 'little?'"
"Alright, young one. Do not worry, I shall set you out there. Now, one reason I've come to you is because I finally arranged a time for us to meet with the my school's counsel members to evaluate your magical prowess. If you pass, which is most probable, you shall be officially enrolled into my school. There you can meet other unicorns with magical skills and perhaps even make friends. You should look forward to it. We shall practice how you should behave in front of these important ponies tomorrow. I do not have much time with you here today, so we cannot start immediately."
"I'll show them what I'm made of," Sunset chuckled and actually smiled. "I bet you money I could beat all of the staff members with my magic."
"I would not bet against you. However, treat them with respect. Like myself, they are your elders. They have seen plenty of unicorns fail and plenty succeed."
"Celly, I don't need this school. If you want me to learn, that's fine, but I already know what they teach at your little school for gifted brats."
"Then perhaps you should teach at my school. I would not be surprised if that is your true calling."
"My true calling is being out there," Sunset gestured at the window. "I belong on the streets, not in a palace."
"Why is that? Is somepony waiting for you out there?"
Sunset then sighed and looked at the desk. Her sudden silence made the princess uneasy. Celestia waited for an answer, too afraid to break the silence and interrupt the thoughts of the thief. When it was certain she was done talking, Celestia simply shut her lips tightly and stood up.
"Well then, I hope you can find some enjoyment in the many books here. A magic user has to research before being able to perform spells, so I know that you do enjoy reading and studying, even if you dare not admit it. Take care Sunset Shimmer."
The thief turned her head to the window and remained as silent as ever. The princess waited a single moment before turning and walking out of the room. When the doors shut, Sunset released a breath she was seemingly holding in until the ruler left. Her eyes still wandered beyond the glass to the high spires and white stone structures of the city that stretched out into the far distance. That was her home, not this ancient palace where nothing happened.
"I'll be with you again, I promise," she uttered to the nothingness.
Her magic enveloped a large orange book and she levitated it to her desk. Her precise magic opened it to reveal pages full of illustrations and lengthy words. It was a perfect book, void of any mishaps, spotless, appearing unused, and unharmed from any damage. Her eyes glanced at the pages, reading the words in a ridiculous speed. The words made sense, the pictures were brilliant. It was a truly immaculate piece of informative literature teaching the ways of high level magic. Even though her mind was elsewhere, she read the words with a quickness and she still retained their messages.
"I've read this one before," she muttered.
That did not stop her from reading on or inspecting each page like it foretold an ancient prophecy. The words were read aloud in her head by a sweet and kind voice not all to different from hers. Each syllable was pronounced like it was crucial part of a heroic story of knights and dragons. The pictures, still dull in their portrayal, seemed to move with the ecstasy of the imaginary narrator. A narrator that was long lost to its listener. A narrator only in mind that could never take corporeal shape again.
And upon these perfect pages a tear drop landed and left a ruining wet mark on the book forever.
Sunset sighed loudly at the princess's words. The both of them were at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. The princess had been excited all the past three days for this. She wanted to show her new "pupil" to the professors. They had been there all morning, looking at the lecture halls, the cafeteria, and other rooms of little importance. Sunset took the small tour in relative silence, simply nodding or humming acknowledgements to the princess. Her eyes were more drawn to the unnecessarily large amount of Royal Guards in the school. As she no longer had the magic-inhibiting device on her horn, she strongly believed all these stallions in armor were meant for her.
She had also met some of the students there. The little fillies and colts looked up at her like she was some hero. They would compliment her mane, her coat, or her cutie mark. It was like they had never seen a pony of her age before. She wouldn't blame the foals for that since she herself did not see anypony her age. It was a massive age gap between the little ponies and the old mares and stallions that ran the place.
"So what do I do?" Sunset asked Celestia.
"It's simple, just go in front of them and perform your magic. I'm counting on you to awe them like you awed me."
"And if I burn the whole place down?"
"That's fine. Just make sure no ponies get burned," Celestia chuckled.
The young unicorn sighed once more and walked down a flight a steps to the bottom of the lecture hall they were in. Two stoic stallions and a mare watched her take every step. She faltered slightly under their gaze, but pressed on until she reached the bottom and turned to face them in her abundant amounts of confidence.
Celestia walked down as well, but sat in one of the rows behind the silent adults. She playfully waved a hoof at Sunset from her spot like a mother would to her little sports player. Her little smile was intoxicating, and Sunset almost smiled just from it, but it was clear she took control of her jaw muscles before something so horrible happened.
"And you are?" one fierce stallion demanded from the unicorn.
"Sunset Shimmer, sir," she said.
The princess had went over with her the polite techniques she would use during this tedious process. The words "sir" and "ma'am" were to be spoken at the end of her words every time. It was a boring and excruciating process to break Sunset's habits of insulting ponies or using rude tones of voice. She was also forced to practice hours about how she would hold her face. She had usually kept it in a frown when ponies she despised were around her. Celestia thought she had won this battle of demeanor, but it was clear Sunset took nothing to heart as she frowned at the stallions and mare and her words were in a tone that would make most burly stallions back away in fear.
"And you wish to enroll yourself into this school?" the mare asked.
"That is correct, ma'am," Sunset lied.
Celestia face-hoofed at Sunset's rude answers. I should have known this would happen. This finally brought a smile, however devious, from the young unicorn. So she stuck her snout high and prepared to answer more useless questions.
"You are above the maximum age limit for enrolling into this school," a stallion said, "however, since you have been selected by Princess Celestia, you shall bypass this rule. Now, because you have already earned your cutie mark, what is you specialty, magic-wise?"
"Burning things," Sunset said more cheerfully, "roasting things, melting things, exploding things, and uhh...did I mention burning things?"
"Uh-huh," was the answer.
"I love playing with fire. That's kinda my specialty. Oh! I can't forget that I am also great with burglar magic. I can break into things, steal things-"
"She's joking!" Celestia interrupted with a nervous smile. "What a joker, am I right?"
The mare and stallions started to chat among themselves. While they were distracted, Celestia levitated the unicorn into the air and brought her to the top of the stairs where they conversed in whispers.
"What are you doing?" Celestia demanded.
"You mean they don't know what I am?" Sunset shot a question back.
"Well, of course not! If they did, they wouldn't accept you. To me, you're a guilty thief, to everypony else, you're an innocent unicorn trying to learn and grow in magic. Try to keep it that way!"
"Are you doing something illegal?"
"No! Well, technically, no. Your conviction is not public nor was it ever actually ratified. So, in a sense, you are innocent. However, you are a criminal and thus a threat to other students. It's illegal to bring ones with criminal records here. So yes, it's illegal, but it's not because you are innocent until proven guilty."
"So it is illegal that you hold me prisoner! I knew it!"
"Yes, but I am Princess of Equestria and you shall deal with it. Also, if word gets out that you are, indeed, a criminal, then I'll just change the laws. You can't get out of this, so at least go along with it. It'll save you a longer sentence and ponies will actually befriend you without judgment. Now, go back down there be a good little unicorn. It will help you. I don't like threatening you as I'm doing all of this to help you. If anything of this was just meant for me, I would have discarded you the first day because you are a pain in my flank! Now go out there and be somepony you're not so that later you can be the pony you want to be."
Sunset looked at the floor with reluctance. "Alright."
The unicorn walked quickly back down the steps to where she was before. The mares and stallions of the school raised their curious brows at her. It was a nervous exchange of glances between all of them. Once Celestia took her seat once more, one of the stallions spoke up.
"So you are a thief?"
"No, I'm just joking. Never stolen a thing in my life," Sunset lied surprisingly well. "I'm a pyromancer. Found out my skill with fire when I was...cooking with my mom a few years back."
"We would like a demonstration," the mare said and made a sound by hitting her floating clipboard with her pencil.
One of the Royal Guards walked in with a small tree in a pot. It was an ugly tree with few leafs and an oddly mangled appearance. After placing this monstrosity of a plant, the Royal Guard bowed and walked away back to his original post.
"Let me guess, you guys want me to cook this baby?" Sunset said while a grin formed on her face.
"No, we want you to burn it. It is a dying tree and we want you to take care of it," a stallion said. "Originally, you were supposed to change the properties of its bark. Since you are older than most students, we thought a tougher test would be suitable."
"I'll change the properties, alright!"
Sunset stomped a hoof and her horn glowed green. She stared at the tree with a wicked smile while she charged up. Suddenly, the tree burst into a raging inferno and intense flames soared from the pot all the way to the high ceiling. It was like an upside down waterfall, but with fire instead. After it was clear the tree was no longer in existence, the unicorn continued to sprout fire into the air. The noise of all the power was almost deafening and when she finally stopped, the quietness that followed was quite unnerving. Not only was the tree gone, but the pot was obliterated as well. All that was left was ash and black stains on both the floor and the ceiling.
Sunset happily clapped her hooves and looked to the school's staff. Every one of them had their jaws open and complete fear in their eyes. They probably would have been writing on their clipboards, but they had dropped them on the floor and were not making any moves to pick them up. After this long silence, Celestia started to clap her hooves.
"Well done, Sunset! Well done!" she said. I better keep a fire extinguisher near her at all times.
With shaking jaws, the mare and stallions slowly turned their heads to the happy princess. Their eyes were uneasy and their voices cracked at several intervals, but they nodded at the young unicorn.
"That was impressive..." one stallion whimpered.
"Excellent, I dare say," the mare swallowed.
"Encore?" the second stallion said with uncertainty.
"'Encore?'" Sunset repeated. "Gladly!"
The unicorn looked about for another small potted tree. There was one in the upper corner of the lecture hall and she summoned it to her side in a bright green flash. With a crazed look in her eye, she conjured another inferno over this healthy and perfectly fine sapling. Steam poured out from the bark and even the wet green leaves were burned up in mere seconds. However, she did not have the fire as intense as before as when she was finished, the pot remained there as black clay.
Celestia buried her face into her hooves. Scratch that, I'll need more than a pitiful fire extinguisher.
The unicorn clapped her hoofs excitedly and smiled at the still gaping staff members. Nopony else showed her enthusiasm. The princess was still in her hooves, muttering something completely incoherent. Sunset watched them all with excited eyes, but her excitement started to fade as they started to jot down something on their clipboards.
"I think we've seen enough," one stallion said before quickly leaving the lecture hall. The other staff members followed him quickly.
"What do you mean she's not allowed in?" Celestia growled.
Celestia stood before the staff members in a secluded part of a hallway. The three of them were still shaken by the fiery display of magic from the young unicorn. They quivered under Celestia's raised eyebrow, but were slightly brave enough to speak against her foul expression.
"I know it may be stupid to deny your request," one of the stallions gulped, "but she is simply too dangerous to allow her here."
"What makes you think she'll use magic on the students?"
"What makes you think she won't?" the mare shot back with concern.
Good point. Celestia looked up at the ceiling and sighed. "You know, this is my school, it's rather hard to deny my request."
The mare shook her head. "Yes, but Your Highness, we heavily advise that you back off. We don't know anything about her and she is older than most students, and her magic is mainly offensive and pyromancy is a dangerous area of unicorn magic. You know as well as we do that fire-based magic is often emotionally controlled instead of precise calculations. To create fire like she does, she has a lot of anger and for all we know, she could be unstable. We are thinking of this school's safety. Your Highness, you should think of it too."
"I see," Celestia nodded in defeat. "I shall not let her in. Perhaps one day, I'll ready her for this. I was going to use this school as an area for her to make friends. As far as I know, she has no friends and perhaps never had any. I'm glad you came to this conclusion. You think for the students, that's already more selflessness shown than me all day. Thank you all. Carry on."
What a waste. Celestia sighed and leaned on the wall. She watched the staff leave without any care. No help from my own school. I shall have to make her my full-time pupil. She'll have no other place to study or learn. Coming to this conclusion, she sighed once more and started to make her way down the hall, opposite the direction the staff left. She did not feel sad, but she felt disappointed and a bit aggravated.
"Oh, don't be so mad, Tia, baby!" she said to herself. "You got this! What trouble can one pyromaniac unicorn be to you? Huh? Yeah, that's right, she won't be. You have to give her books, lots of books. Make her learn, make her grow, make her...less violent too. She and you shall become the best of friends! You count your royal flank on it! Go on and make me proud!" she ended her talk with a hoof to the air.
The hoof soon came back down. "Oh, who am I kidding?" she sighed. "Well, better kid myself and believe I have some hope of turning her into somepony respectable than to be completely hopeless, right? Oh, I can do this! Sister, please help me. I can't do this alone."
The quiet night in the palace was a usual one. The statues were still where they stood; the maids and servants all rested in their quarters, the stained glass windows were all present. The halls echoed with only the passing wind that was outside. It was peaceful, it was quiet, and it was boring. Just like every night.
However, one loud, obnoxious noise terrorized the silence. Bang Bang! Bang Bang! A pattern of rhythmic slams upon a hard door. Each set of slams seemed louder and more annoying than the last. Not only were the slams louder, but the pace of them quickened. Bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang! It was endless, ruthless and all around excruciating for the Princess of Equestria, who was hiding under her pillows from the evil sounds.
"Your Highness! Please wake up!" came a masculine voice from outside her chambers.
"Go away!" Celestia yelled back. "Do not disturb me when I sleep! It's three in the morning! You can wait until dawn."
"Are you sure, Your Highness? This is rather important," the stallion asked.
"Private Speed, if that's you, you are trotting on ground you shouldn't. I apologize for my sudden rudeness, but I really, really, really like sleep. So please-"
"It's about your new pupil," Speed interrupted.
"Oh fine!"
Celestia magically removed her blankets, and with the grace of a sloth, got up from her large bed. She slowly made her way to her chamber door and her magic gripped the doorknob. She almost fell back asleep right then, but shook herself enough to stay awake. With a yawn, she opened the door.
There, before her, were three Royal Guards and Sunset Shimmer, who was standing between all of them. She had an anti-magic device on her horn and her front legs were shackled. An innocent smile was on her face as she looked up at the tall princess. Celestia did not return the odd smile and simply looked at her with stoic eyes. She fought off a yawn before addressing her Royal Guards.
"She's been out?" she asked sleepily.
"We found her in the gardens, Your Highness," Speed said. "She was trying to escape."
"And because of that, they put me in chains," Sunset said. "What an overreaction, right?"
"Well, she did attack us. Whiplash lost an eyebrow," Speed explained quickly.
"Just go put her in the dungeons and call it a night, boys," Celestia said through a yawn.
"Right away, Your Highness!" the three soldiers said in unison with a salute.
Two Guards each took one of her shackled legs and began to drag the unicorn away down the long hallway. Celestia watched them go with half-opened eyes. Suddenly, a jolt of energy went through her, making her gasp audibly. What am I doing? In her sudden state, she called out to her stallions.
"Wait! Do not leave! Bring her back here. She shall stay with me tonight."
"Are you sure?" Speed asked.
"Absolutely sure! Now bring her back."
The Royal Guards shrugged and dragged Sunset back through the hall until they were in front of the princess. The unicorn was cursing under her breath all the way. Upon stopping, she tried to cross her front legs, but the chains prevented her from doing so. The Royal Gaurds bowed and Celestia dismissed them with a wave of her hoof.
"Come inside, young one," Celestia beckoned.
"I rather stay in the dungeons..." the unicorn muttered.
Celestia rolled her eyes and levitated the unicorn to put her inside the chambers. Once this was done, she shut the door, leaving them both in darkness. The princess walked over to her bad and laid down in it, having her head and front legs at the end of the mattress instead of by the headrest. She rested her head on her outstretched legs and lazily watched the unicorn.
Celestia's horn glowed slightly and a ball of light sprouted from nowhere. It was not a bright light, but it had the effects of a small hearth fire on the room. She took the ball and threw it up in the air where it stayed glowing.
"I didn't want to light the candles. I thought you would praise the tiny flames," she chuckled.
"You forgot to take these off," Sunset spoke and rattled her shackles.
"Should I? You seem to enjoy having them on," was the reply.
"Your guards were just spooked, that's all. I didn't do anything wrong. I didn't even leave the palace's premise."
"How unusual for one who wishes to not be here," the princess commented sleepily. "If I had known any better, I would say that you are lying."
"Lying? Why would I lie?"
"No idea, which makes me concerned," it was hard to tell her sarcasm. "Here you are, lying to me not once, but twice. Sunset, what's in your tail?"
"There's nothing in my tail."
"Three lies and I guess counting."
Celestia took hold of Sunset's tail with her magic. The thief's natural curls were undone by the magic, spreading each hair out. As she did so, a small clang echoed in the chambers as a large red gem fell out and hit the cold floor. The thief, upon seeing that she was caught fully, lowered her head and refused to look at her new teacher.
"My guards are incompetent these days," Celestia muttered as she took the gem. "Not only did they allow you to break into the vault again, but they forgot to search you after. My stallions lack discipline. Perhaps it is time for a new Captain?"
She then looked at the solemn thief. "Sunset, why are you so interested in this gem? This is the second time you've stolen it."
"I like the color."
"You are one curious pony," Celestia shook her head. "One interesting specimen that I can't comprehend right now."
"That's because you're a princess."
"I would not be surprised."
Celestia inspected the red gem in the faint light. "My little pony, I asked you this in your cell the first day and I'll ask again. Why do you steal?"
"Because it's fun."
"If that was the case, I would believe you would have stopped stealing by now. The aspect of being arrested and placed in shackles would overwhelm your petty enjoyment of robbery. No, ponies do bad things because they are desperate. You are a desperate pony, am I correct?"
"Not at all."
"Where do you live?"
"Canterlot."
"How many places have you broken into?"
"Twenty-three."
"How many were successful?"
"Twenty-two."
"Do you have family?"
"No."
"Were they taken from you?"
"No."
"Did you run away?"
"No."
Do you have friends?"
"Yes."
"By the Sun! Who?"
"Mrs. Who Cares and Mr. I Don't Give a Flying Feather. Oh! I forgot Sir Go To Tartarus."
Celestia made a dry laugh. "Anypony else?" she said playfully.
"Guess there's also Princess Fat Flank."
"And I'm honored to be your friend!"
Sunset stifled a laugh and tried to remain her mean self. The princess caught the little chuckle and smiled knowingly. I'll get to her someday. Celestia leaned a bit farther off her bed, her long neck making her muzzle almost reach the unicorn. Of course, the unicorn backed a step away because of this.
"I find it incredible how stubborn and unnecessarily secretive you are," she stated. "Heh, it's rather amusing."
"I find it incredible how nosy you are," Sunset said back. "It's rather annoying."
"C'mon little one, have a more positive outlook. I'll take it that there's not many ponies out there who care for you or give you the slightest hint of love. I ask you such questions, not to interrogate, but to learn more about you. From your one syllable responses, I say you do have a family, but you don't have friends. You also do not steal for pure enjoyment. There is something more there that you are not telling me. I don't appreciate your secrecy, but I will not press the issue further."
"Then will you take these things off?" she showed the shackles once more.
"If you promise you will stay the rest of the night here with me."
"...Fine."
Celestia's magic wrapped itself around the shackles, unlocking iron chains and removing them from her small legs. She levitated them across the room to a desk and gently laid them there. She turned her attention back to the thief, who was rubbing her aching legs. With a motherly smile, she addressed the unicorn.
"Have you ever seen a phoenix, young one?"
"They're wild creatures, of course not," Sunset answered rudely.
"Then you are in for a treat. I know this hour is extremely late, but I would like you to meet my long time friend."
"You have a phoenix pet, don't you?"
"Yup! And she comes at the sound of a bell!"
Celestia picked up a large silver bell with her magic and rung it twice. Oh! What fun! After ringing, she patiently waited for a response. No sound came from either of them. Sunset was breathing expectantly, waiting for the phoenix to arrive. Celestia had more restrained anticipation. Still, no majestic bird came from anywhere.
"Well, she sometimes comes at the bell..." Celestia groaned. That dumb bird brain.
"Wow," Sunset mocked with a tone must would cringe at, "the Princess of Equestria, so fantastically regal and fat on cake, yet she still can't even control her pet bird."
Celestia giggled at the insult. "Bravo. You are already taking after me."
"A jerk trains a jerk I guess..."
"And we'll be the biggest jerks of all!" Celestia finished. "You know Sunset, you are just what I needed in my life. Nopony has ever insulted me like that before. Nopony. They all bow and praise me like I'm somehow more superior than they are. You sit right there, bold enough to even look into my eyes, and insult me. You are either brave and stubborn or you are simply foolish."
"I'm not foolish, I just don't fear you."
"Are you sure not fearing me is not foolish?" Celestia questioned.
"What should I fear from you?"
"With logic, you should fear a lot from me. I am a ruler, you are a prisoner. I make the rules, you have to suffer from them. In this relationship, I'm the master, you are the servant. However, this relationship shall not stay that way. If you understand my teachings and learn to cope with my morals, we shall become equals in due time. Your freedom is very much in reach. The only pony in this entire world who is keeping you from earning your freedom is you. I know that anything I'll throw at you will not be too much for you. From my age and wisdom, I can see things in ponies. With your eyes and that frown of yours, I know that you know suffering very well. You are tough, determined, and extremely ambitious, but you do not know how to utilize your strengths. With my help, I can make you into something you may not even believe you can be."
Sunset cocked her head with a smug smile. "Really? Sounds more like you're gonna turn me into a weapon or a slave to you. I think I'll pass on the offer. You may have some interest in my well-being, but I doubt it. You're still upset and stuff because I didn't get into your crummy school for gifted horn-heads. I don't need that stuff. I don't need you either."
Celestia sighed. "Then what do you need?"
"Some sleep."
"Then by all means, hop into my bed. There's room for both of us."
"Ew! I rather sleep on the floor."
Well then. The princess said nothing and removed herself from the large bed. Without looking at the thief once, she took a cushion and laid herself down on the floor. She had to adjust the cushion more than once before she was comfortable to rest her head. When she had finished, she gestured with a hoof at the empty bed.
"It is yours."
"Um...You didn't have to do that..." Sunset hesitated.
"I insist, young one. Take the bed. It is already warm."
Celestia watched the thief stay still. Her eyes would guiltily look at the empty bed and then back at the floor. It was clear she was having unsure thoughts about taking the royal bed. Then surprisingly, she took a couple steps back and then curled up with a small cushion on the floor. This made the princess blink once in sudden confusion, but the mild shock was over and she turned away.
"I guess I won't raise the sun at the normal time in the morning," the princess yawned.
"That'd be nice," Sunset responded from across the room.
"Sweet dreams, young one."
"I wish..."
The floor was terribly uncomfortable, especially compared to her lovely bed. Celestia fought through the backache and remained there with her small cushion. The little ball of light she created faded out of existence, leaving them in complete darkness. A slight smile crept on her muzzle.
There's a bit of hope there. She rather herself suffer than take any graceful gift. She's a stubborn child, but perhaps there is more decency in her than I had believed before. I know Blueblood would have taken the bed without a thought. That arrogant nephew. Her ears perked a little as she started to hear Sunset's cute little snoring. It was faint and one had to focus to hear it. She had already fallen asleep despite the place she slept. This brought a small, but powerful realization to the princess. She's used to sleeping on cold floors. I wonder how many times she's done it...
For the rest of the night, not a pony slept in the royal bed. The two ponies in the room preferred to sleep on the cold and unforgiving floor. One pony was a prisoner, a thief needing guidance in her young life. The other was a monarch that had been ruling for over a thousand years, faded in her glory and in desperate need of living once again. The lowest thief with the ultimate ruler on the same hard plane of reality.
Watching both of them was a red bird with sharp yellow eyes and embers floating off her gigantic fiery wings. She cocked her head to the side to see in through the window. The majestic creature wanted to call out to her mistress, but no sound came from her hooked beak. Finding no attention from the sleeping ponies, she spread her wings and flew out into the night sky, leaving small wisps of flames behind her.
Celestia walked about Sunset's room with dozens of books and tomes flying through the air at intense speeds. The young thief sat at her desk unamused but still engaged with what was happening. She did not say anything to the princess and simply watched with vague interest.
The morning light shined on the Princess of the Sun as she read each passing tome's title. The books after inspection would go into two piles: one next to Sunset's desk and the other in a far off corner. The one further away was a much larger pile and growing much more rapid than the one by the thief. However, both piles were of considerable size.
"You'll read this. You can skip that. This'll be a good read. I like this one. I...Oh my, how did this get in here?" Celestia's cheeks went red and she put a pink and black book in the further pile.
"Heh, now I'm curious what that book was," Sunset chuckled.
"Only when you're older," Celestia replied quickly. And maybe not even then.
"You're seriously having me read all these books?" Sunset gestured at the pile next to her, which was at least three taller than her.
"You have plenty of free time."
"You mean no free time, right?"
Celestia looked away from the line of books floating around her. "Well, I must keep you doing something. Idle hooves are Discord's playground, as they say. If I just let you wander about with nothing to do, you may do something ill advised. Keeping your eyes in a book will keep your hooves from stealing something or hurting somepony."
"Hurt? I've only bruised a couple of lazy guards..."
"That's not the tale my maid told me this morning. Her whole tail was burned off."
"She...got in the way," Sunset rolled her eyes.
"And that's why you still have the anti-magic device on your horn. When you actually become responsible, maybe I'll let you go about without it."
Sunset raised a brow. "I'm responsible."
Celestia started to giggle uncontrollably. "Oh! That's a good one. I'm glad you have a sense of humor."
"I'm being serious, jerk," Sunset snarled.
"That makes it even more hilarious."
"Ugh! You don't know anything about me. What am I to you, some experiment? You say that I'm a pony, well then treat me like one. You belittle me! You treat me like I'm an inferior. Just last night you slept on the floor for me, now you do this? Did the last thousand years turn you into a slim-ridden hypocrite? If I didn't have my sick magic, you would have thrown me straight into prison without a thought! You even tried playing games with me before I burned your self-righteous flank! I'm not some stupid burglar! I didn't choose to be one, you know! It's not my fault I gotta go out there and make money! It's not my fault that I wasn't born wealthy! It's not my fault I'm not an alicorn princess that can get everything she wants because she looks pretty! You sit in this palace and believe the world likes you. You think your nation is a perfect utopia because you have a crown on your head. Have you ever been hurt? Have you ever suffered? I doubt it! You don't know how it is to lose someone. Because of you, life sucks out there in the city! Canterlot's my home and I never left it once. It's not a forgiving place. If you think that I'm some dumb thief that thinks she can steal whatever she wants, I'm not! I'm nothing but a consequence of this city's poor management!"
Sunset stopped her shrieking and started to breath loudly, her red face was only now starting to go back to its normal color. Celestia was not even looking at the thief. She was actually looking down at her hoof like there was a spot on it that needed removing. After a little moment, she finally looked up at the unicorn.
"Are you done?" she asked with complete disinterest.
"I can't believe you..." Sunset muttered with hatred.
"I heard every word you said. I'll dissect it all later. Right now is not the time to get emotional breakdowns. While you went on your little tantrum, I sorted out all the books. That pile next to you shall be the beginning of your training. There's much more in those books than mere magic lessons, so read carefully and destroy nothing. If you had been enrolled in the school, we would not need all this, but this is the route we must take."
Celestia turned around but stopped to look back over her shoulder. "One more thing, never ever say that I haven't suffered." With that, she shook her head and left the room, leaving a still steaming Sunset Shimmer staring at the closed door.
"Sunset, hold yourself better than that. It helps your posture and well, your back."
"Just take this thing off me!" Sunset growled.
"Alright, here we go," Celestia smiled.
The two were in the basement of the palace. The basement was a large, mainly unfinished part of stone and debris. It was deep in the mountain that the city of Canterlot rested on. It was dull and severely neglected, but it served the perfect purpose for what the two ponies were doing.
Celestia placed her hooves (which were lacking her regalia) on the anti-magic device. Carefully, she undid the small straps and unlocked it with a key she was levitating. The enchanted crystal within the device that created havoc for unicorn concentration was promptly removed from the leather straps and the device was removed completely.
Without a moment's breath, Sunset instantly charged up a fire spell and shot it at Celestia. The princess nonchalantly raised a shield over her and deflected the flames with graceful ease. Sunset kept the flames circling the bubble shield but then relaxed, letting the fire fade quickly in the air.
"So predictable," Celestia said when she lowered her shield. "Did you really think I wasn't expecting that?"
"I knew you were expecting it, I was hoping you weren't."
"Well, too bad. You'll actually hit me some time," Celestia giggled. "So, what do you think of this place?"
Sunset looked about without a frown. "It's kinda dull."
"Perfect place, no?"
"For what? I feel like this is a place where serial killers leave their bodies to decorate or something."
Celestia sat down and gestured at the vastness of the basement. "Actually, this used to be a crystal mine. You see, greedy unicorns found out that this mountain housed millions of crystals and gems. It was the jackpot of jackpots. It's one of the reasons Canterlot was made on the side of this mountain. Each gleaming crystal was so valuable that a whole city could thrive here despite the terrible trade routes and the isolation from the valleys below. Anyway, unicorns dug and dug deeper into the mountain. They ran the caves dry within a century. So now there are hundreds of caves like this one, abandoned and empty. About forty years ago, I decided to attach this mine to the palace and restore it somewhat. I thought it would be a shelter for an attack by a dragon or something. We never got around to using it."
"That doesn't explain why we're here though..."
"Do you think you can burn or break anything here?"
"Heck no. It's just rock and concrete."
"Precisely. I dissected your rant from this morning and decided that you have plenty of built-up anger within you,"
"Ya don't say?" Sunset said sarcastically.
"I do say!" Celestia chuckled. "Thus, this basement or mine shall be where you can let it all out. There's no guards here. No maids, or snoopy servants to hear us or judge us. You can be you. I can be me. You may not know this, but I wear a mask of seriousness and composure when I am in public. You know my playful side and my sarcastic one too. Now, I know you where a mask too. A mask of false bravado and a sort of tough persona. You can be the actual Sunset here. I'll allow you to come here whenever you want. You can mediate, you can sleep, and you can dream here. This is your palace."
"If it's my palace, why are you here?" Sunset was still displeased.
"At least have some gratitude. Why I am here is because of your anger. I can be rude at times. In my age, it's sometimes a problem. Here, you can burn nothing. So, you can attack me here and let off...hehe...steam. We can even practice combat magic here. Now, this will also benefit me, because I don't trust you. I expect you to burn my flank when I'm not looking. If I get burned, it shall be my fault for not being on my guard. Now, if you attack me anywhere but here, you will be punished still. How are those rules?"
"I think I'm liking where this is going..."
Wow, a positive thought, how quaint. "Good. Now we-"
While Celestia talked, Sunset charged another spell and fired it at the princess. Like the first, Celestia raised a bubble shield to deflect the laser that ricocheted and blew a stone to small bits. Smoke was floating from the thief's horn and she smiled with satisfaction.
"You can do better than that," Celestia taunted. "Fire away."
Sunset listened and fired again. The princess casually deflected that spell as well and the one that followed soon after. The young unicorn fired again and again, sometimes flames, sometimes lasers, sometimes other offensive spells. Even as she grew tired, she kept launching the spells. She began to pant and cast one last fireball before lowering her head with fatigue.
"Feel better?" Celestia asked.
"Yeah...Yeah I do..." she panted.
"I'm glad. This will also help take the energy out of you. Perhaps you'll study better when all your anger and energy are out of you. Since we've gone over everything to go over, I welcome you to your part of the palace."
"Can I name it?"
"Of course."
"The Cave."
Celestia frowned. "That's not very imaginative."
Sunset stroked her chin. "Well fine. The...cave? The big cave...The large cave....The rock cave, stone cave..."
"'The Cave' is just fine," Celestia interrupted.
"It's not just any kind of cave, but it's my cave, I like that," the thief nodded.
"I see. I give you one thing and you think you're a queen."
"Thank you," she replied with a sincere tone.
"What?" Celestia blinked. "Do you actually mean that?"
"Yes. I like it. It's pretty empty, but it's quiet and not full of royal stuff. I can see me coming here often."
"Well then, you're indeed welcome, young one. I hope it serves you well. If everything goes as planned, you'll be in this palace for quite a while and you'll probably need this place."
Sunset's eyes turned to pinpricks at Celestia's words. "I can't stay here for a long time! I gotta get out of here!"
What now? "Sunset?"
The thief gasped and ran for the exit of the basement. Not bothering to stop her, Celestia sighed. The guards will stop her. With the unicorn gone and about to get apprehended once more, the princess sat down on the cold stone in the deep quietness of the former mine. She still is keeping secrets. I'll pry them from her soon enough. If she wants to be any happier, she'll have to tell them to me.
"She's beyond some selfish need to leave, there's something else out there. By the Stars, she's acting like Luna did all those years ago. Every time I asked, she would leave, every time I pry, she would curse me. Dear Sister, I was a fool in my handling of your despair, now I must handle hers. She needs something you did not have. She needs friends."
"Raven, what are these complaints for? Some of them are death threats."
"Your Highness, I have no idea what you're talking about..."
"I see."
"Really, I have no idea where they came from or why."
Celestia shook her head knowingly at the secretary from her throne. The little white mare was trying to keep an innocent smile, but it was faltering with every second. Now we have fourteen more official holidays, all of them completely pointless. What in Tartarus is Family Appreciation Day?
"I see."
"Seriously, I don't."
"I see."
Celestia pressed her disappointed scowl at the secretary. The brown haired mare gulped under the royal stare. Some drops of sweat ran down her white fur and she rubbed the back of her neck nervously. No longer being able to look at the accusing face, her eyes dropped.
"So, what made you think you could accept some of these ridiculous petitions?" Celestia asked.
"It wasn't me, it was Fate."
Was not expecting that answer. "Pray tell, enlighten me on Fate's dastardly interference."
Raven cleared her throat. "Well, you see, I threw all the papers about randomly, closed my eyes, and swung the signature stamps about. Whatever I rejected, I was fated to reject. Whatever was accepted was by chance."
The princess chuckled a dry laugh. "Hah! That's not how Fate operates, my dear. I know that you at least had your eyes open, otherwise not all the signatures would be perfectly on the spot where the signature is written. That and if you threw them up randomly, wouldn't some land upside down?"
"They were fated to land right side up."
"Well then, I guess you're also fated to get fired today."
Raven gasped. "What? But...but Your Highness!"
"I'm just kidding. Gotcha," Celestia winked. "I actually find all this humorous and I'm glad you brought some well-needed drama into pony politics once more. Lunch menu replacements for schools, a pro-cow law passed, and removing of spring break from secondary education are fascinating laws to pass. Not only will it trouble the earth pony farmers, but also the rich unicorns and some lazy pegasi. Just another day in Equestria."
"So, you aren't angry with me?"
"By all means, I would pat you on the head and give you a cookie, but alas, the last cookie was eaten last night, so you only get a pat on the head."
Celestia reached out and gently patted the bewildered mare on the head. The secretary took the reward with a bemused expression, but said nothing. When the princess was done, Raven gathered some papers and went over to her desk to start her work. The princess giggled once more, but was interrupted by the young mare who entered the throne room. She had a multi-colored mane tied up in a ponytail and a smile that was awfully contagious.
"Auntie Celestia!" the young pink mare called as she trotted over.
Why did my little princess have to come back now? The princess beamed. "Ah, isn't it my lovely niece, Cadance! What brings you here this morning?"
"Oh, nothing really," Cadance smiled back. "I'm back from my visit to Cloudsdale. It's a fantastic city."
"Indeed. I'm glad you're back," Celestia said as she stood up from the throne. "How long has it been? Three weeks?"
"Yes," Cadance answered and they gave each other a loving hug.
The pink alicorn then sat down on the floor and Celestia followed suit. Cadance was about to say something, but was interrupted by a "psst" from the Princess of Equestria. She leaned in closer to Celestia, who giggled once more before saying anything.
"A lot has changed since you left. Come, I'll show you."
"A new student? But I thought I was your student?" Cadance pouted.
"Oh? You never were," Celestia laughed. "How could I teach you anything? You ascending to alicornhood was impressive, and you did so as a pegasus. Not only that, but you saved your village. What could I teach you? No, I can only be some sort of role model instead."
"Alright...so who is this new pupil? I never heard of you taking one on by yourself like this. You even put me into your school for a year. Auntie Celestia, this is strange behavior from you."
"Yes it is. However, I'm doing something I consider extremely important and as of right now, my top priority. You see, she failed to be accepted by my school for some valid and yet trivial reasons. I have to teach her full-time. Ah, here we are. This is her room."
Celestia opened the door and they both entered Sunset's study. The two guards that flanked the door were still there and without Celestia's orders, left without a word upon their entering. Cadance raised a brow at this, but said nothing. Instead, she sniffed the air and gagged.
"Smells like something really old is burning," she stated.
Celestia nodded. "Get used to it. There's always a smoldering book somewhere in here."
"But why?"
"You have to ask her that."
"Who? The place looks empty."
Celestia looked about, looking for her student. She wasn't at the desk nor anywhere on the upper level. Could she be in the Cave? She then walked over to Sunset's bed under the stairs. She removed the bed curtain that blocked any light from reaching the bed to see Sunset sleeping there with an open book on her face. Little innocent snores left the book and her back legs kicked the air sleepily.
"Daw," Cadance smiled, "she's cute. She's a little angel, Auntie."
"Yeah, an angel from Hell," Celestia grunted.
Celestia reached out and poked Sunset's flank to stir her. All it accomplished was making Sunset turned to the side. She poked again, but the student would not wake. Finally, Celestia levitated the book up from her face and promptly dropped it on her.
"Gah!" Sunset yelped as the book smacked her muzzle.
"Wake up, young one," the princess said casually.
"I was up! I was studying real hard," the student moaned.
Celestia ignored the student. "Come on, there is one I would like you to meet."
Sunset rubbed her eyes and looked right at Cadance. Her eyes widened and she gasped loudly. She pressed herself against the back wall and pointed a crazy hoof at the pink mare.
"She's an alicorn! Aw shoot! I'm seeing double."
"I'm Princess Cadance," Cadance waved.
"'Princess?'" Sunset spat with disgust. "So there are two of you..."
"She's the Princess of Love," Celestia explained. "When she first arrived here, she was even younger than you. She earned alicornhood by defeating a love-stealing witch that was threatening her village."
"Earned?" Sunset blinked. "Um, I ain't getting this. Can I go back to slee-I-mean-studying?"
"No, I want you two to become well-acquainted at least. I can't be the only pony you talk to, so here's your chance to make a friend."
Like usual, Sunset was quick to protest, but was silenced by a raise hoof from Celestia. Seeing that she had stopped the incoming complaint, Celestia huffed in satisfaction and promptly left the two alone in the study. Sunset couldn't believe it and growled all the way until Celestia was out of the room.
"That's just brilliant!" she grunted.
"Heh-he! Auntie Celestia can be a funny one," Cadance giggled. "So, Sunset Shimmer, what brings-"
Sunset jabbed the pink mare with a hoof. "I don't know who you are, but don't you ever think I'm going to be like you. I can tell what ya are. You're a flank-kisser, a doormat. Some little princess pet of Celly."
Cadance's smile turned to a frown. "Well, that's rude. You think I'm a namby-pampy pony princess, huh?"
"Yes."
Cadance returned the favor by sticking her larger hoof into Sunset's chest. Her face darkened and her eyes focused on the student. "Well guess what, I'm not a namby-pampy pony princess, I'm the namby-pampy pony princess. I earned everything I got and I was not born or even raised in a palace. My cutie mark may be a heart, but that doesn't mean everything I do has love or kindness behind it. So you listen here, bub, I won't hesitate to sock you if you treat me or my aunt like how you're talking right now. You may be so tough and mean, but I can put you in your place. I'll beat you with love and happiness."
Sunset was almost completely on the floor while under Cadance's intimidating stare. She gulped loudly and held her front legs up defensively. With a slight shake of her head, she whispered.
"I'm sorry!"
Upon hearing the apology, Cadance instantly brightened. "Oh, it's nothing! I accept, hehe!"
"You're scaring me..."
"Well, I didn't mean to. You see, Auntie Celestia works very hard and is always stressed and I just don't want you to be another burden she has to bear. I mean, I thought you were going to be a nice pony, but now I see that you're kind of a jerk," her voice lowered. "I don't take kindly to jerks."
"I'm not a jerk. She just has me here as a prisoner, not a student."
Cadance raised a intrigued brow."Prisoner? Naw, Auntie will never do that."
"What? You're kidding, right?"
Cadance kept the brow raised. "You're serious?"
"Yes, hasn't she told you what I am? No? Well, fine. I'm a burglar. I steal things. I broke into here and well, she caught me. Due to her crazed fascination with toying with me, she's kept me here instead of locking me up. So if I seem like a jerk, it's because of that."
"You're a criminal? My aunt is teaching a...a criminal?"
"Yup."
"You don't look like a thief."
Sunset rolled her eyes. "Really? What, you expect me to be wearing a black catsuit with goggles or something? Let me tell you, I'm a very good thief. You want it, I can get it."
"Yet you got caught."
The thief sighed. "Well, one screw up goes a long way. Hey, enough about me. I think I need to hear about you. I mean, you're an alicorn and all. Did you go through what I'm going through?"
"No. Celestia never took me as her student. She never really ever took a personal pupil. I only like to think I was her student, but I never really was officially. Like she says, she couldn't teach me anything more after I became an alicorn."
"How did you become one?"
"By saving my village and-"
"Yeah, I get that, but what magic made you get wings?"
Cadance pointed at her long horn. "Actually, I got a horn."
"Whatever."
"Auntie Celestia granted me alicornhood."
Sunset paused in all body movements. Her eyes were wide and not moving in the slightest. Her breathing became long and quiet breaths. After finally blinking, she cocked her head to the side. Her mouth went up on down in silence , but she finally made sounds after these bizarre movements.
"Celestia can create alicorns?"
"Why yes."
"And you got it for saving a village?"
"Among other things, but yes."
"You are my hope," the student uttered absently.
Cadance raised a brow. "Excuse me?"
"Did I say that aloud?" Sunset laughed nervously. "Sorry, sometimes I say dumb things. I...I think I need to get to my studies. It's time for me to uhh, take them seriously. Yup. It was...uh...nice speaking with ya."
Cadance simply stood there, still confused by Sunset's sudden change of behavior. The student watched her with slightly crazed eyes as if they she severely lacked sleep. Her hoofs started to slid backwards, making her scoot towards her bed.
"Um," she croaked, "thanks. Don't ask why, just thank you."
Cadance's eyes narrowed. "Sunset? Are you okay?"
"I'm perfect, now please leave. I need to return to my studies. So please, like, go," was Sunset's reply, complete with a little gesture of her hoof.
"Are you all there?"
"More than you know. Now go."
"Alright then..." Cadance said suspiciously.
Sunset watched with impatient anticipation until Cadance left her room. As soon as the door shut, she let out a relieved sigh. She soon started to madly look about, a sly chuckle leaving her throat. The extreme and sudden exuberance she was feeling was making her jump about insanely.
"It's possible! It's possible!" she cried to the empty room.
She ran up the stairs and looked out to the city. "It's possible! It's possible, Dayshine!"
She calmed down slightly and pressed a hoof on the glass. Her reflection showed her now anxious and worried expression. She pressed her face closer to the glass, thus getting closer to her reflection.
"I need to earn it. Celestia is no longer my enemy, but a friend. A tool for me to use. I must get it right though. I need to act like her little pet until she gives me what I want. I can waste a bit more time here if it means I get what I came here for. Oh! This is going to be good! I'll practice, I'll study, I'll be the best student that royal flank will ever have! Why steal something to emulate when I can be the real deal?"
She tapped the glass, making her hoof and her reflection's hoof touch each other. Her anxious expression turned into a devious smile that darkened half of her face. Her eyes turned to Canterlot's high spires and white structures. She pressed her muzzle on the window and continued to laugh at her own scheming. Her whole sudden excitement made her clap her hooves and giggle madly.
"Just you wait, Celestia. A new Sunset Shimmer is coming out to play. I pray that you will be ready."
"No, Your Highness. I have not seen Sunset Shimmer anywhere all day."
"You lost her?"
"I apologize, but she was obviously gone before my shift."
"Corporal Armor, I'm disappointed."
The Royal Guard was about to cry upon hearing those heartbreaking words from the Princess of Equestria. He shook in his armor, making loud rattling noises that only further flustered the princess. Celestia narrowed her eyes on him, but soon sighed and looked away.
"Fine. I believe I know where she is. You stay here and act like she's in her room. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Your Highness!" he saluted awkwardly.
He's such an odd stallion. I doubt he'll ever marry. Celestia rolled her eyes and left him there, still saluting in all his oddness. With a slightly faster pace than she would normally walk, she went over to the Cave's entrance. It was at the end of a long hallway that lacked any decoration and any signs of use. Not even that maids attended to this isolated part of the palace as cobwebs and dust covered the walls like grey paintings. At the end of this dull and mundane hall was the thick door that led into the Cave.
She slowly opened it, checking the corners with caution before opening it all the way to enter. There were definite signs of recent activity. Some books were scattered on the floor, showing that Sunset had been somewhat busy. Her hoofs tried to lightly touch the floor as it was easy for small sounds to echo in the Cave.
"Sunset?" she asked the air. "Sunset Shimmer, are you down here?"
"Yes! Your Highness, I'm over here!"
"'Your Highness?'" Celestia said in genuine surprise. This can't be good.
Sunset Shimmer came from running from one part of the basement and slid to a stop before her. She had an odd smile on her face and she was panting slightly. The princess held her mouth agape as she looked about the partly tired student.
"What have you been up to?" Celestia asked suspiciously.
"Just anything you want me to," was the response. "I came here to study and practice on my techniques. You may smell some things burning, that's because I brought some straw dummies down here. It was only after I burned them that I remembered this place lacked a....a place for the smoke to go."
"This is very odd of you. Not the burning part, but you're smiling."
She cheerfully replied. "I've just decided to start being your student. You know, start taking this stuff seriously."
"Do you want something?" Celestia's tone was still slightly accusing.
"No..."
"Sunset, I was not born yesterday. You want something and you want it badly enough to try and trick me here and now. A pony does not change so quickly in one night. Even after I offered you my bed, the morning after you went on a rant about how I mistreated you. Now you are here, acting as a completely different pony and you expect me to buy your act?"
"Oh come on, I mean it this time. I was just mad on that day, that's all. I mean, you gave me this place and I love it. Your niece is nice and we talked and-"
"That's not what she said to me. From Cadance, it sounded like you simply wanted her to leave."
"Well, I had to study and-"
"She also said you acted strangely after she mentioned how she became an alicorn."
"Just a coinciden-"
"Sunset, you may be a good thief, but you are a poor liar. Well, you may trick somepony with your sudden change of attitude, but I am not one of them. After a thousand years of ruling, I know very well when I am being lied to."
The student only answered with a disapproving frown. Her brows were angrily furrowed and her legs trembled with hate. She first looked Celestia right in the eyes, but her stare dropped shamefully to the floor. A muttered curse let her throat and she uttered nothing more.
"What made you do this?" Celestia asked and placed a hoof on the student's shoulder.
"I don't know, win your favor? Somethin' like that," she spat.
"Sunset, what I'm looking for in you is not you acting like somepony you're not."
"That's not what ya told me at the school."
"That's because it was necessary for you to behave better to be enrolled. With me, I know you. I can tell when you are acting out of character to gain something. Now, if you do want to change, then go for it. Ignore what I say here. By studying and trying to be better, you will become better. I don't make you study so much because I want you to learn knowledge, but because it keeps you from doing other things, like hurting or stealing. Of course, any pupil of mine shall excel at magic. You already do though, so I won't stress that much during your time here. I am preparing you for a lot."
Sunset kept her gaze away from the princess. "Will you make me into an alicorn?"
"Here comes the truth," Celestia chuckled to herself. "Ah, my dear, I will not simply grant you alicornhood. Cadance was an exception for many reasons, one of them being her purity of heart. It was clear she was destined for something magnificent. She may be pink and full of sunshine, but she is as tough and determined as ponies come. I have no basis to give you wings or power. You will have to earn that."
Hopefully she takes this well. Hm, why would she wish for something so specific and so suddenly? Upon hearing her own last words, Celestia started to regret the straightforwardness. Her eyes looked upon the frowning student dotingly, but it was clear that Sunset was not feeling any mutual sympathy.
"I...I see," she stammered. "I'll take your word for it. I can't be trusted, woop-de-doo!"
"Sunset, don't take it personally. If you really do care about earning such responsibility, I may consider it if you truly excel and even surprise me. I will not promise you anything, but I can offer you my time and effort to help you."
"Yeah...sure," she uttered.
Finally. "Then shall we begin?"
"Now, not all magic you shall learn will be combat-based. I simply like starting with it because I know you'll be interested. So, the first magic lessons shall be on pyromnacy."
"But I know everything about that. C'mon, Celly, I'm pretty good with fire."
"No, you're good at burning things. There is a difference."
Celesia's horn glowed and a flame sprouted from the air. Sunset looked at the tranquil flame with mild interest. The fire was a thing orange with wisps of red and yellow. It danced in the air for a little bit before suddenly growing. Celestia's magic manipulated the flame so that it started to swirl about the air like a snake that could fly with ease. It whirled and flew about the Cave. It would even maneuver between Celestia's legs as if it was alive. After doing its tricks, it "sat" on the ground between both of them, seemingly looking at Sunset with flame-made eyes.
"The manipulation of fire requires more than emotion," Celestia explained. "It requires a sort of connection with the flames. You see, Sunset, I remember you stating that you knew how burns felt because you are a pyromancer, well that's because you allow the fire to burn you due to your carelessness. Handling fire is a risky business and absolutely needs your utmost attention, not your pure feelings."
Sunset looked unconvinced. "How do you know so much about fire?"
"How do you think I move the sun?" Celestia asked back.
"Oh..."
"Now Sunset, pyromancy is not simply about attacking or burning up every object you come across, it's about focusing both your mind and emotions on a single task that requires a tremendous amount of mental energy. As you probably know, teleporting is a precise calculation in your head and if you mess up the calculation, you'll end up in a different location."
"You know Celly, if I didn't know this stuff, I wouldn't have been able to cast spells that I do. I know all this already."
"Really? Then create a raw flame and make it dance between your legs without burning any hair in your fur coat," Celestia deadpanned.
"Fine!"
Sunset's magic flared and a flame much like Celestia's appeared. She also made it swirl through the air and likewise made it act like a sort of snake. However, when it met her legs, a fierce yelp flew from her mouth as the flame singed her pale fur, making her jump in the air. Upon receiving the pain, the flame faded away into the air while Celestia's fire still remained "sitting" in its spot.
That's what I thought. "Fire doesn't like you, it seems."
"Why should I care? Fire is something not alive. It's combustion!" Sunset growled as she looked upon her burned leg.
"It's not about the fire itself, it's about you," Celestia summoned a bottle of burn ointment and gave it to her student who promptly took it and applied it to her wound with a muttered curse.
"Now ya speaking nonsense, Celly," Sunset said.
Celestia patiently continued. "It's a hard subject to explain, even if you read it in a book. This is most likely the main reason they denied you from entering my school. If you can't control your mind and your thoughts, you can't control the fire. Magically controlling a flame with hateful thoughts and raw emotion is the same as pouring a flammable liquid upon a bonfire. It will become a more intense fire. My flame can be sustained peacefully there because I only feed it peaceful and calm thoughts. Yes, I could run it on malevolent feelings, but then it would not stay put where I placed it. Instead, it would try to spread its destructive nature to anything and everything. Pyromancy reveals a lot about the pony who wields it. With how you control fire in such a damaging manner, I can tell that your mean thoughts are sincere."
"So what, you're telling me to stop being...angry?" Sunset asked in disappointment.
"That's precisely what I'm telling you, the princess chuckled in mild amusement. "That's another reason I gave you the Cave, so that you can meditate and expend your anger out on me so that when you leave here, your magic will not go awry."
"I guess... I mean, how are ya gonna get me to be less angry? I don't think you can just shake me up and poof! it all goes away," Sunset shrugged.
"But with good friends and companions, it can be done," Celestia noted. "You've already taken the first step by not totally disregarding my proposals. I think another good step will be to learn how to contain yourself from a violent outburst. Best way to train that is to do some more pyromancy. So please, create another flame."
Sunset sighed and her magic made another floating flame. She held it there without much interest and awaited further orders from the princess.
"Ahem, how are you doing, Sunset?" Celestia asked motherly.
"Huh? What kind of question is that?" the student responded.
"Keep the flame going. Ahem, how was your morning?"
"Good I guess..."
"I'm glad."
"What's the point of this?" the student frowned, making the flame glow brighter.
Do not be impatient with her. "Stay calm, please. This is an exercise. Let us have a quiet conversation and sustain our flames."
"Oh..." Sunset nodded. "I'm not suppose to get angry or sour am I?"
"Nope," Celestia shook her head slowly.
"Well then, I guess my day's been going swell. I did get to snatch some muffins from the kitchen, right under the chef's snout," Sunset boasted.
"Good to see you're still using your talents," Celestia giggled. "Oh, did you hear what Raven did?"
"Your secretary? Nah, nothing."
"Well, I told her to accept of reject a whole bunch of petitions. I mean, I could have done it myself, but I didn't. Well, anyway, she accepted some of the most bizarre of petitions. We have fourteen new holidays to celebrate, including 'Drunk Day' and 'Hearth's Warming Eve Eve Eve Eve's Eve.' Not only that, but now sodas are banned in some cities. The things ponies would demand of me are hilarious."
"Drunk Day?" Sunset chuckled. "I'll participate."
"You're underaged."
"Well, you can change the law for one night, can't you Princess of Equestria?"
"Hehe, I could, but that would be awful. Imagine a whole bunch of drunk teenagers..."
"Sounds like every Friday night."
"Huh?" Celestia raised a brow, making her flame jerk to the left, which reminded her of their exercise. She decided to change the subject. "Did you know that I used to be the biggest party mare in Equestria? When I had been established as Equestria's ruler, I did not take it as seriously as I should have. Well, I was still mature and all, but the power that had been bestowed on me was so sudden and intoxicating that I went along with the feasts and banquets. You may not know this, but ponies back then were absolutely insane when they partied. It's only now that the noble ponies come to make such mundane parties like the Grand Galloping Gala."
"Sounds like fun," Sunset nodded. "It's hard to imagine you getting down on the dance floor."
"I was never a great dancer," Celestia laughed.
"Not with those four left hooves," Sunset remarked mockingly.
"Have you ever gone dancing?"
Sunset hesitated at the question, making her flame move about. "I uhh...not really. I've never been anywhere formal, if that's what you're asking."
"But you've gone to parties, right?"
"I was never invited to them, but yeah. I've been in clubs and stuff, but I've only gone there to steal something or another. This one club owner had beaten up this kid for some reason and that kid wanted me to make him pay up. So I stole his bits and gave them to the kid."
"Ponies come to you for aid?"
"Only some," she said, making the flame move more and more to each side. "When I say that I'm good at stealing, I mean it. Any magic vault, safe, or fortress I can break in."
"It is remarkable. I believe you since you got into my magic vault twice. You're still a young mare; who in Equestria taught you how to be such a skilled burglar?"
Sunset's flame faded a little and she lowered her eyes. "A pegasus stallion named Wing Beat."
"Interesting. May I meet this fellow?"
"Pshaw! Heck no! He's not the kinda guy to keep tabs on. It's been like a year since I last saw him."
"Do you know anything about him?" Celestia said calmly.
"Nothing really. He's a Royal Guard vet. I think he served in Cloudsdale. That's all I know really," she uttered as her flame continued to dwindle.
"And yet he taught you such skills?" Celestia probed. "Was there a reason for him teaching you?"
With that last question, the flame died out completely, indicating that Sunset lost focus and gave in to some driving nervousness. The student gulped and continued to look down at the floor. This made the princess sigh and her fire was snuffed out as well.
"You do not need to answer that until you are ready. The last thing I should do is to pry information from you. However, I will advise that it may help you if you reveal it all to me. It will help us both go forward."
"Some other time," Sunset barely muttered.
"Do you want to continue?"
"Naw, I'll stay down here. You can go do princess-y things," she told the ruler.
"See you later then," Celestia smiled and turned to leave.
The princess walked through the entrance and shut the large door behind her. She could hear Sunset speak to herself on the other side, but did not try to listen in. Instead, she summoned a notepad and a pencil along with it. Wing Beat, eh? That is certainly a name I must remember. If he was a Royal Guard, there must be documents on him and his time in the military. What do they say today? I should "dig" up some information. With a smile, she wrote the name down and dismissed the writing materials in a flash.
"Luna, dear sister, I would say today is successful. I've learned more about this mysterious pony. I hope you're watching, because I shall not make the same mistakes that I did with you."
Sunset flattered herself as she looked in the large mirror in front of her. She had summoned this mirror with her magic and now she was using it to see the two fire wings she had on her back. Their intense heat did not bother her. The little pain she felt was nothing compared to the potential alicorn she perceived in the mirror.
"Celestia doesn't want me to be an alicorn? That's just fine. I can still dream, baby," she chuckled at nothing.
The Cave was allowing her to get away with this behavior. She dared not make such wings when the guards watched her in her study. So she would spend evenings or nights down there just to make flames like these and admire what she could be. She could not do this all the time as Celestia would take plenty of her day away from her, but tonight, she could relish in the fact that her dream was still rather possible.
"Just wait until I get myself a pair of wings," she continued. "I wouldn't need to steal anymore, that's for sure. Ponies'll give me stuff. I mean seriously, if Cadance became an alicorn, what's holding me back?" she rolled her eyes. "Yeah, the only one who can grant me wings, that's who. The jerk being a jerk as usual. Sunny, babe, ya not gonna force her to do it. Well, perhaps we can appeal to her?"
"Sunset? Are you in here?" Celestia called from the other side of the closed door.
"Yeah!" Sunset answered and her wings instantly disappeared with a slight swooshing noise.
The door to the Cave then promptly opened and the Princess of the Sun walked in with her usual greeting smile. Sunset tried to answer the nice smile with one of her own, but it wasn't entirely convincing. The princess didn't seem to mind it and sat down in front of her, not looking at her but the mirror.
"Why did you bring a mirror down here?" she asked.
"Um, to uhh...make this more homely?" Sunset shrugged.
That's odd. "Well, I'm glad you have been taking a liking to the Cave. Since you've been working hard this past week, I decided we would do something different today."
"Like what?"
"Well, I've noticed you are always thinking about Canterlot. I think it's time you and I take a stroll through the city, visit some shops, and have a nice day in general."
"Um, alright?"
"And since you are with me, you can purchase whatever you want. I'll pay for it."
"Why are ya doing this?"
"Because I've reflected on the past days and I'm not sure if I'm going the right route with you," Celestia rested a hoof on her student's shoulder. "You may not realize this, but my mind is always on you these days. Sometimes I think I'm doing you a favor, other times I think I hurt you. In my constant trying to emulate the style of a mother, I seem to lose what I actually am to you: a teacher, a friend. You are not my daughter. You are not my prisoner. You are my friend. Perhaps as friends, we should do friend stuff?"
"I see. Will I have an anti-magic device on me?" the student asked worriedly.
"No. I will be watching you though. If you decide to break the law, I will bring you back here. As a friend, I will not let my friend think she can get away with everything. But Sunset, you should realize you can have a great time without breaking the law, so I am not too concerned about it."
"Alright then. I'll uh, get ready then."
"Good! Once you are prepared, meet me at the palace entrance."
Canterlot was nothing like the Grand Royal Palace. The architecture was the same, but the ponies who inhabited it were not. As the teacher and her student distanced themselves from the palace, the nobles and the stuck-up ponies became less and less frequent, being replaced by hardworking citizens. These citizens did not hold themselves up as being important, but instead used their humbleness to be a general mass of good and friendly ponies. The fancy cups of imported tea were replaced by cups of home-brewed coffee and the lavish fashion stores were replaced by simple boutiques. It was a change of worlds, but one both the student and the teacher appreciated.
"I can't remember the last time I had coffee," Sunset said when the both of them sat in front of a coffee and pastry shop.
"Well, my servants can prepare it if you like," Celestia told her before taking a sip. "I've never been a prominent coffee consumer, but some nights simply require it."
The owner of the shop, a middle-aged mare with a brown curly mane, came up to their table with a bright smile that the locals knew her for. She bowed to the princess before addressing them both.
"Your Highness, can I get somethin' else for you?" she asked nicely.
"I am good, thank you," Celestia smiled back.
"And how 'bout ya?" the mare asked Sunset.
"I think I'll take another chocolate muffin," she said.
"You're a pretty lucky girl to hang out with the princess," the mare said proudly. "How did you gain such an opportunity?"
Sunset first looked at Celestia who gave her an approving nod. Upon seeing the gesture, she breathed once before replying to the mare in complete confidence. "Got it because of my magic. Ponies tell me that I'm pretty good. She thinks so too," she made a nod at the princess.
"Wow!" the mare gasped. "Then ya take this opportunity, girl. Ya quite talented and boy, would it be bad if ya talent went to waste. Her Highness should know exactly what to do with your magic."
"Hehe, yeah," Sunset said with an ounce of sarcasm that the mare did not pick up.
The mare went to get the muffin, leaving the two at the table. Celestia sipped her coffee once more. Sunset twirled her little mug around on the table with her magic. A disapproving frown was on her face.
"She was partly right, you know," Celestia broke the silence.
"About what? Ya being right?" Sunset huffed.
"No, that your talent should not go to waste. You see, I don't really know what to do with you. Upon capturing you, I had so many dreams about you becoming a wizard that could rival Starswirl the Bearded."
"Guess I'm not good enough for that?"
"No, you are. It's just that your true talent lies elsewhere. I must figure out a place for you."
"How about you leave that to me. I think I know where I belong," Sunset folded her legs.
Celestia let out a sigh. I knew that'd be the answer. "Perhaps. Maybe I've been too controlling as of late and should allow more freedom. However, I will still teach you and help you improve your magic so that when the time comes, you'll be ready."
"Ready for what?"
"I wish I knew."
Sunset ate her muffin along the way. After walking down and up some streets, they came across a dress shop. At first, the student was hesitant to enter such a place, uttering her displeasure in a few muttered and incoherent complaints. The princess tried to listen to the protests, but since Sunset never said "no" she thought it was not a big deal. So, they still entered the boutique.
"Have you ever been into one these?" the princess asked. "Well, have you been in them legally?"
"Yeah, when I was little, didn't get anything though," Sunset answered with a shrug.
Celestia and she were looking at a large white dress. The princess made a intrigued sound before continuing. "So, your parents brought you into one?"
"Yeah."
"Ah, so where are they now?"
"Beats me. Your guess is as good as mine," the student responded without much care.
Don't probe, Sunbutt. Relax and have a good time without giving her reason to be mad. Celestia simply nodded in vague understanding. Her eyes wandered about for something to distance them from speaking about possibly horrible memories. This came in the shape of a fashionable mare who was gaping at her. Celestia took notice and smiled.
"You must be the owner of this boutique," Celestia said as she walked over to the mare.
"Indeed I am!" she returned with pure excitement. "I am so honored that you stumbled into my shop!"
"Oh, it isn't hard to stumble anywhere, madame," Celestia giggled. "Some are much better at it than myself."
"Huh?" she raised a brow before putting on a false smile. "Oh! Yes, yes. Um, is there anything you are looking for today? No offense, Your Highness, but I'm not sure I have any in your size."
"Oh my!" Celestia gasped with a smile. "Did I gain too much weight?"
"Well, uhh...no! Of course not! There is nopony more fit than you," the owner gulped.
"That's a pack of lies," Sunset muttered.
"Well then, I understand. My height is rather rare among Equestrians," Celestia chuckled. "You wouldn't mind measuring me, would you?"
The mare rubbed the back of her neck, slightly ruining her well-kept black mane. "Of course not! I can measure you right away."
"Oh, don't worry about me at the moment, I think you should make a dress for my companion," Celestia pushed Sunset in front of her.
"Huh?" Sunset reacted.
The mare nodded. "But of course!" she then took Sunset's hoof. "Come over this way, I may actually have some dresses in your size already."
The mare led Sunset towards the back of the shop. She looked back at the now giggling princess with utter contempt. It was more than obvious she did not approve of what Celestia was seemingly planning. However, she went along without a verbal complaint until she and the mare were in the back surrounded by fabrics and dresses of every color and every shape.
"Um, I don't really need a dress. I..." Sunset stammered, "um, don't need one."
"Let her do her work, Sunset. I think she can give you a wonderful dress."
Sunset lifted a leg for the mare to measure. "But for what? I mean, I don't do parties."
"Well, the Grand Galloping Gala is coming up in a couple months. It doesn't hurt to prepare early," Celestia told her.
"That sounds way too fancy for me," the student grunted as the mare measured her back.
Celestia shrugged in slight agreement. "Well, you mustn't knock it until you try it, my dear," she then sighed. "You are actually correct. The Grand Galloping Gala is a terribly boring get-together of nobles and ponies blind to their own arrogance. It's not a place for me nor you, so that's why I'm inviting you. I'll finally have a pony that talks to me instead of bowing or groveling to gain my favor."
The mare, who was clearly listening in, looked up at the princess with worried fright. "Oh? Well, Your Highness, I did not know! I would have believed you loved that other ponies loved you."
"It's not love, my good lady, it's something else entirely. The Gala becomes this mess of boring talking and absolutely no dancing or fun. With Sunset and Cadance, you two will suffice in making the night not so dull."
Sunset cocked her head. "You're forcing me to go, aren't you?"
Celestia rolled her eyes. "Well, I'm not forcing you, but I beg you to attend. Whether you use this new dress for it or not, a young mare always needs an outfit to stand out from time to time. I will be grateful if you do attend. We'll have a wonderful night and maybe even get away from the nobles to have a time in the Canterlot nightlife."
The mare finished measuring the student and rolls of fabric flew around the room. Celestia took a step out of the room because of all the new clutter that floated about. The fashionista was now speaking with Sunset, who responded with nods of vague interest. The princess turned and sat in the main room where the dresses lined the walls. She did not need to hear Sunset nor the mare to understand the business they conducted. All that mattered was that her student asked for the perfect dress.
A few more minutes passed and Sunset emerged from the back room. She did not seem overly thrilled about anything, but Celestia knew that was going to be her response to everything. So instead of asking her about the dress, she simply went straight to the point.
"When shall your dress be ready?" she asked.
"Two weeks," Sunset answered.
"Excellent. There is still plenty of day left, let's go. Don't worry about the mare, all the money shall come from me."
"So Sunset, did you enjoy the day?"
They walked up the steps to the Grand Royal Palace. The Princess of the Sun had already moved the sun to a location more fitting to the evening and was ready to complete its solar route and bring upon the moon and her gracious darkness. The student looked away from the princess at first, but then nodded.'
"Yeah, I did. Especially all the places we stopped to eat."
Celestia chuckled. "So did I. We did not get to him today, but a good friend of mine named Donut Joe opened a new shop on the east side of the city. Perhaps we should visit him?"
"Sounds great," Sunset said. "What does he make?"
Celestia blinked. "Donuts maybe, but I'm not fully sure," she said sarcastically.
Sunset covered her face. "Oh yeah. I should have guessed that..."
They entered the palace and the Royal Guards shut the great door behind them, leaving them a much darker world lit by torches and the fading light that barely went through the stained windows. Around them, floated bags and baskets, carrying items that had been purchased. Celestia held most of the bags, as she bought much more than the student.
"So, what was the best item you bought?"
Sunset sat down in the hallway and levitated one bag to her hooves. "Easy, it's the jacket." She took out a small black leather jacket. She had bought it from one of the larger clothes stores in Canterlot. It was just her size and she easily slipped it on right then and there.
"It certainly fits you," Celestia smiled.
"Yeah, I may not wear it much now since it's kinda hot these days, but when it cools, I'll definitely give it a try," Sunset said and then paused. "If I'll still be here by then."
"That depends on how well you develop," Celestia told her and kept walking despite her being still. "I'll grant you more freedom as we go along. You still do not have my full trust, but you can still earn it. Come along, it is time to retire. The moon shall be up soon and you and I both have a tough week ahead of us. We shall need rest."
Good. Today went well. Perhaps I have been going about all this the wrong way? Sunset wishes to be an alicorn, but I cannot give in to such wishes. I solely have such power to grant alicornhood, I must use it with utmost precaution. Not only will she abuse such power, as she still abuses the talent she hosts, but what about those who hear of this? I give a thief wings, then others shall demand for wings or horns or both. No, Sunset must remain a unicorn for anything to go well. I cannot break her, I cannot punish her, but I can become a friend to her. There's troubles behind those eyes of hers and I need to find them, for both her and my sake. For Sunset is not a thief by choice, well, if she speaks the truth in that, so there is a reason she has fallen into this life of distrust and crime. It starts with the family and this Wing Beat fellow. It must. That and her mission of stealing my precious artifact. She wishes to use it, but she clearly does not know how otherwise she would not be a prisoner in my palace...
"Well, Celestia certainly doesn't know how to improve security..."
Sunset pressed her ear on the vault. Her magic was working all the bolts and gears in the vault's thick door. She had already done this several times before, she it was almost a routine to unlock what was meant to be unlockable. With the skills she had, she bypassed the magical codes that protected the vault. It required careful calculations and any mess up would mean she would have to start the long process all over again.
She held her breath. The process was almost complete. Silently, she unlocked the last magical locks and one of the vault's compartments that was behind the door opened to reveal that large red gem she was so infatuated with. She practically drooled upon seeing it once more. Her magic wrapped around it and she removed it from the odd shaped container that the princess always put it in. After removing it, she hid it in the curl of her mane and casually shut the vault's compartment and left the room it was in silently.
She had to pass some Royal Guards to reach her study. The two guards were quite familiar to her by now since they had been watching her for over three straight weeks. She smiled at the, they waved their armored hooves at her, and she peacefully entered her study. Since it was now nighttime, the princess did not let them watch her sleep and had to stay outside. Sunset shut the door behind her and was left in the darkness that was her study.
The only faint light that was present was from the stained windows that had the moon shine through them. It was not much at all and only allowed her to see the outlines of furniture and books. Knowing the place by heart, she moved through the room easily, but was stopped when she heard a breath be breathed by her desk. It was the quietest of quiet sounds, but it was enough to let her know that she was not alone. She held her breath and looked up at her desk to see an outline of a pony sitting there. Two misshapen wings were on the body and the frame was that of a thick stallion. The chipped left ear showed who the stallion was.
"Haven't seen you in a while," she said cautiously.
"Hmph, then ya don't look hard enough. I've watched ya the whole week," a gruff and inconsiderate voice replied from the figure.
Sunset took some steps closer to the steps that led up to her desk. "Why are you here?" she asked with the same amount of caution.
"Nothing really, just seeing why ya wasting so much time in this lousy place."
"As you probably know, I was caught."
"Serves ya right for being such a stupid girl," he grumbled.
Sunset reached his level and took the gem out of her mane. "Ha! Well, I got what I wanted and this time, I won't lose it. Eat your words, Beats, I did the impossible."
"Huh, if that's impossible, then why do we even have the word? I could have gotten that in an hour and left without a stir. Ya lucky ya had more than one try, ya moron."
Sunset sat down and rolled her eyes. "Well, you haven't changed."
The stallion's shadowy face grinned, showing some yellow teeth. "Neither have ya. Well, mostly. I see that the princess has gotten to ya. The Sunset I trained would have stayed in the dungeon before doing anything a royal fool tells her to."
"Well, Wing Beat, she didn't let me stay in the dungeon. She wants me to be her student."
He shook his head in annoyance. "I know, lass. I told ya I've been watching ya, haven't I? Do you have ears or are ya too much of an idiot to use them?"
Sunset sighed. "Doesn't matter. I got the gem. So, if Celestia does not grant me wings any time soon, I'll just use this and escape!"
Wing Beat took the gem from her magic and looked down at it with an annoyed expression. He then looked at her expectantly, to which she answered with a confused shrug. This only aggravated him more. His stare sent daggers to her even though she could barely see his face.
"Idiot. This gem is useless," he told her bluntly.
Sunset's eyes widened. "What? That's the gem! I took it from this odd amulet thing and-"
He threw the gem at her, hitting her on the head, but it was not a hard enough throw to hurt her. "Exactly! This gem is useless without the rest. You brought the arrows, but you forgot the bloody bow! It's called the 'Alicorn Amulet' for a reason. If this red gem did the work, then why are ya still here? Ya could've blasted yaself out weeks ago. Nah, ya really are a dull unicorn lass. I thought I trained ya to be smart, not a halfwit."
Sunset crossed her legs. "But the books said that the gem was enchanted, not that black metal thing that holds it."
"Sunset," Wing Beat lowered his voice. "The gem needs a catalyst to work. That's why it is placed in the amulet. Neither can work without the other. It's a caution thing when the old unicorns made such instruments."
"Then I'll just get the amulet," she turned to leave.
Wing Beat grumbled. "Not so quick, lass. There's two guards out there, jus' waiting for ya to leave. Ya missed your chance. Ya either smoke their rotten hides or wait 'til next night."
"How about you just knock them out for me, hm?"
Wing Beat chuckled. "Nice try, but I'm done helping ya for tonight. It's ya sister that's at stake, not mine."
Sunset frowned. "How is she?" She asked in a calmer tone.
"Still holding up. Still losing fur left and right. The usual, ya know?" he casually shrugged.
Sunset took the gem, hid it in a book, and then placed the book on a shelf. "Can't believe Celestia is holding me up like this. I have to act like her little student until I get what I want. It's possible to become an alicorn without the amulet, but I gotta make up lost time. I know she doesn't have much longer. I shouldn't have waited this long to do something."
"Heh, sounds like ya actually care for her," he laughed a dry laugh. "If I didn't know better, I'd say ya actually did care for the lil' darling."
"I do care for her!" Sunset hissed. "I would have never come into this palace if I didn't."
"Keep tellin' yaself that, lass. I know the true reasons, but hey, I'm not one to give a feather 'bout it. Ya came to me, ya wanted me to train ya, so anythin' that happens is mainly ya own fault. Ya catch my drift?" he ended with a serious cock of his head.
"Yeah, yeah. If you keep this up, you old geezer, I'll whoop you when I have the amulet. You think you're the only one that has suffered in this world. Well, you didn't have an upbringing like mine."
"Kid, how many times do I have to tell ya? I've been through Tartarus. Look at my scars, look at my blind eye. I'm a fool and a weak one at that. If I made it through Tartarus, there ain't no reason anyone else can't make it. Ponies who don't make it are complainers, talkers that don't do nothing. I took ya in because ya was a doer! Doers are rare. Never seen a kid so willing to get the job done. Now go get that job done and forget anypony that stands in ya way. Other ponies are only bumpy obstacles, they aren't stone walls. Just walk over them for the Sun's sake."
"I can't just do that," Sunset turned away from him. "Not only will I probably get caught by Celestia, but I do think some of these ponies...like me. They have no reason to like me, but I just think they do. Some of me wants to stay here, but I know I can't. I have to help Dayshine. I have to have alicorn powers and save her!"
A sly chuckle left Wing Beat's crooked mouth. "Oh really? If ya want her saved, why don't ya just ask Celestia to do it?"
"Because she's-" Sunset stopped.
She had turned around to see Wing Beat, but halted. There was no figure there anymore and she was alone in the study once more. Wing Beat was gone without a trace. She looked about to make sure he wasn't simply hiding, but she only confirmed that he had left. A single blue feather was left in his stead. One of the top windows was hanging open, showing where he had escaped.
Her eyes narrowed. "I hate it when he does that."
She looked back at the book she had hidden the gem in. Nopony would ever find it there among all the other books. Well, somepony would, she thought. It had to be kept in the most secret of places. Someplace where even Celestia would not find it. Then she would, when opportunity allowed it, take the other part of the amulet. Then she shall become a master of sorcery. She would be able to use magic that even the most prestigious unicorns could not handle. It was an enticing thought.
"Oh, they'll regret when I get such powers. They'll fall before me. I shall not only rule over them, but I'll prove that Equestria does not belong to the royal bloods!" she then paused. "Oh, and there's my sister too. Can't forget that." She yawned. "Well, looks like my world domination's gonna be delayed. I'll need to keep acting as her little student and then, then I'll strike. I'll show Celestia that I'm not some toy, I'll save Dayshine, and then I'll even kick Wing Beat's hide for good measure. Yeah, that sounds pretty good. First, however, is sleep."
"Excellent. I contacted one of the captains in Cloudsdale and he recognized the name."
The secretary rushed over to the princess, carrying a folder on her back. She took the folder in her mouth and was about to give it to Celestia, but the princess took hold of it with her magic and lifted it. Raven was taken by surprise and held onto the folder with her mouth, which meant she too was floating in the air. The princess then gave it a good shake that knocked her off before opening it.
The folder contained some documents and a picture of a gruff blue stallion with piercing green eyes and matching green hair. It was the sort of stare that would haunt a pony. Beside the picture were some details about the stallion.
"Sergeant Wing Beat," Celestia read aloud. "8th Cloudsdale Regiment. Pegasus. Born in Cloudsdale. Hm, he served for twelve years and retired at the age of thirty-six."
"He was also a part of a Cloudsdale special forces unit in the later part of his service," Raven told her with enthusiasm. "He was deployed on several missions.
Celestia raised a brow. "There has hardly been any conflict between the nations these years, what missions would be deployed on?"
"Well, do you remember the Black Claws?"
Celestia put a hood to her chin. "That was a small group of radical griffons. They were a bit before your time, Raven. Are you suggesting he was deployed to face these griffons?"
She nervously nodded. "Yes."
"Hm, then he did a good job, because that group never took off. They were just some young griffons with a pipe dream and a victim complex."
"Well...I'm not sure his missions did go well. You see, he is the only survivor of his special forces units. The others...were killed in battle with these griffons."
"Are there documents on this?"
"Yes, one paper at the bottom has it."
Celestia shuffled through the stack to find a bunch of notes written in fine print. "It says he was captured by them and held for three months," she gasped. "Raven, are there any more pictures of this stallion, like one of him after this mission? The picture I have, he seems too young."
She reached into another folder and withdrew a small picture. It was almost identical as the previous one. The stare was the same, the angle, and the distant frown. The only difference were the large scar across his face, his now blind left eye, and his ear had most of it torn off. His thick neck also had scares on it and his mane was nothing but patches on his head. Half his muzzle was gone and almost completely deformed. If it wasn't for that stare and the colors, they would be different ponies entirely.
"I see..." Celestia nodded.
This stallion is the one who trained Sunset to be a thief? He had to have integrity at one point to be enlisted in the Royal Guard. It seems that integrity has been lost in his older age. He went through much more than any Royal Guard I know at the moment. This mission had to have changed his life and his viewpoints. He must also be the reason Sunset has been trying to steal the Alicorn Amulet. Royal Guards are told that such artifacts exist during their training. I reasoned she had read about it in a book, but this was much more plausible. She knows what she is stealing, which means she plans to use it. Why? Well, it's obvious, she wants to be an alicorn. Why get wings when you can take a shortcut? Hm, but would she know of the effects of the amulet? Would she know that it corrupts the user the more she uses it? Perhaps. Good thing that she has only been stealing the gem and not the rest, but that may not last. I need to take the amulet and secure it myself. The vault is growing weak and the guards are useless.
"Raven, please continue digging up as much as you can on him," Celestia uttered absently.
"Right away! Do you need anything else, You Highness?"
"Yes, about ten gallons of coffee. I'll need it...
"Good day, my student," Celestia said to Sunset upon entering the study.
Sunset was sitting at her desk and nonchalantly waved at the princess. "Hey."
She seems pleasant today. Celestia sat down in the middle of the room with a wide smile on her bright face. Sunset simply looked at her with disinterest, but neither looked away. Celestia's hoof slid along the ground in front of her and finally spoke.
"So, how has your week been? It's been six months since you first came here. I've been so proud of your progress. Wasn't it just last week you finally made a flame not hurt you?"
"Yeah," was the dry answer.
"And you've been getting better about not stealing, am I correct?" Celestia kept her bright smile.
"Heh," Sunset chuckled. "I actually took some gum from Shining Armor, does that count?"
"He chews too much of that, so no," Celestia giggled in return. "Did you know that Cadance is actually interested in him?"
"Wow, she doesn't shoot too high then," Sunset remarked.
"I know," Celestia agreed with a nod. "That reminds me, what are you shooting for?"
She's going to pause and then back off. However, Celestia's prediction was flawed, as Sunset rolled her eyes and shrugged. With a yawn, the student hopped off her chair and walked over to the railing.
"Not sure. I mean, I used to be the striving to be the best thief ever, but now, that seems lame to me. After these weeks, I'm kinda in the routine of just doing the studies and all."
Celestia, surprised, ruffled her wings a little. "Well then, you have been doing well in your studies and you still surprise me with you magical capabilities. I think it's time to move onto something else."
Sunset pumped a hoof in the air. "Yes! Oh, I've been waiting. Are we gonna go fight monsters? Go around the world? Go and-"
Celestia interrupted her. "Sorry to ruin your excitement, but I have a final test before we can do anything. It's fairly simple."
Sunset gave an exasperated sigh. "Fine....What is it?"
"Have you stolen the red gem to the Alicorn Amulet?" was the question that left the princess's lips.
"Is...that the test?" Sunset hesitated.
Celestia gave an affirmative nod. "Yes, it is."
"Well, Celly, I know you looked in the vault and saw the empty amulet. There'd be no other reason why you'd ask me that question if you didn't already know the answer. You know that I lie to you. You expect me to saw 'no,' but I'm gonna say 'yes.' I stole the gem," she ended with a haughty boast.
"You've learned," Celestia shook her head. "I'm glad that you are done lying when evidence is against you, but I am disappointed. You had been doing so well and now, you still haven't given up this mad pursuit of the artifact. Sunset, this isn't something to sell for money. This isn't something you play with. The amulet is not going to satisfy whatever hunger is within you. I ask you kindly, please return the gem."
"You know, there's this great question out there," Sunset leaned on the railing with a hoof under her chin. "And that question is why should I? Why should I obey you? We are friends, equals like you say, right? I am not your slave, I refuse to give you the gem. Deal with it."
"This isn't like me telling you to put the cookie back in the cookie jar, this is much more serious," Celestia sounded flustered.
"It's not here," Sunset said finally with a nonchalant shrug of her shoulders.
The princess blinked in annoyance. "Then where is it?"
Sunset stifled a giggle. "Go find it."
Celestia sighed and looked at the floor. "After all this, this is how you treat me? I was actually starting to think I could help you. I don't know why you care so much about something you do not need. There's so much more in the vault that you could take, but you want to take something that will surely destroy you. I put it in there to keep it away from ponies. I wouldn't mind if you stole my gold or my jewelry, I don't need that. If you only wanted money, I could help with your greed, but it's not greed. You don't want money, do you?"
"No, not really."
"Then why do you need the Alicorn Amulet? You are highly skilled in magic already, what do you think you lack?"
"I want it because I made a promise, Celly. I've wasted so much time being under you and all that I almost forgot my promise. I want that Alicorn Amulet, I need it. Sorry, but I'll get it whether you like it or not."
Celestia snorted loudly. "Sunset, please do not threaten me."
Sunset removed her hooves from the railing and started to walk down the small flight of steps. Her horn was glowing slightly, and her eyes were glowing with the same color. From each hoofprint rose a solemn column of smoke. Her stomps were hostile and her snarl would send a twitch down a lesser pony's spine. Celestia stood up and held her place.
"Have you ever suffered?" Sunset growled.
"Yes."
"Have you ever been hopeless?"
"Yes."
"Have you ever failed?"
Celestia kept a stern look. "Too many times to count."
A devious smile formed on the student's lips. "Am I a failure?" It was a more hopeful question than the words may suggest. It was the sort of mocking question that was solely meant to get a rise from the other pony.
"You are still young. You can stop being a failure if you tried," Celestia huffed. "Right now, I think you enjoy being a failure."
"I do, because it means you lost," Sunset giggled. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
"What did I do to you that makes you hate me?" Celestia gestured at herself. "I gave you a palace, I helped your magic, I gave you food and friends. What did I not give you?"
Sunset's horned glowed. "Freedom!"
Sunset launched a storm of fire from her horn. Celestia lifted a magical shield to block the flames, making them dance around her and burn up anything nearby. Gout after gout of fire was thrown at the princess. The flames were so intense that she could still feel their hotness from within the bubble shield.
The sound of the flames were deafening. Now even Sunset's ferocious roar could be heard over the raging fires. Celestia hesitated before she hardened the shield and then pushed it forward. The magical shield flew deeper into the flames, knocking the source across the floor. The fires died instantly, allowing Celestia to see the study once more. Sunset was there, already back on her hooves. Smoke rising off from her fur. Half the study was up in raging flames, books upon books being roasted and their pages ruined beyond repair.
"Sunset! Stop this now! I beg you!" Celestia yelled.
"I'm not your puppet!" Sunset screamed before being engulfed in flames and disappearing when the flames were gone.
Where did she go? Celestia looked about. One bookshelf toppled over, making sparks fly into the smoke-filled air. The princess's eyes dashed about, seeing anywhere the thief could be. Finally, her ears picked up a disturbance behind her. She instantly turned around to see Sunset with dancing flames all around her, not harming her in the slightest.
"You have made me more powerful, I'll give ya that," the thief said.
"Think about what you are doing!" Celestia shouted.
"I am!" Sunset roared like the fires. "I've been thinking, I've been here way too long. You never gave me wings, so I'll get them myself! You never cared for me, no one does! To you, I am a pawn, to rest of them, I am your pawn."
Celestia took a step back. "Sunset, I apologize if I ever harmed you. I thought I could bring you up from the ashes, make you into something beautiful. You are wasted talent."
"'Wasted?'" Sunset laughed hysterically. "I don't think so. I've been doing what I've always wanted. I'm putting my talent to use. It'll be my talent that lets me beat you."
Sunset sent the dancing flames at Celestia. The princess took a deep breath stopped the flames in their tracks. Like vile snakes, the flames were between their masters who were battling for control over them. The "eyes" of the dancing flames went from side to side. Slowly, however, they started to turn towards the thief. Sunset looked shocked as Celestia slowly turned her own flames against her.
"You are still no match for an alicorn," Celestia muttered.
The "heads" of the flames faced the previous owner. Sunset could now feel the heat of the fires against her fur. She scrambled backwards to avoid the flames, but they quickly followed her until she had her back against the wall with each dancing flame staring at her.
"Surrender," Celestia said simply.
"Yeah, are you really going to hurt me?" Sunset mocked. "Nah, you won't! I know. You didn't go after those griffins who tore up your own stallions! Yeah, I know about that. You've probably even forgotten the names of the guards who gave their live for your fat flank! Ponies shouldn't adore you! They should hate you! By Tartarus, I'll be a better ruler than you."
"How dare you! I greatly appreciate the stallions who fight for me. They don't only fight for me, but for Equestria as well. I know about Wing Beat. He was honorable, but I can only guess he filled your head with lies so that you will despise me."
"He didn't lie! After he was tortured, you never visited him! You never rewarded his sacrifices! So yeah, I wonder why he has a grudge," she ended sarcastically.
The doors of the study flew open. A stream of Royal Guards and Princess Cadance flooded the burning study. The unicorns instantly went to work to clear out the flames and save anything they could. The rest went straight to Celestia, who still held the thief down with the flying flames.
"I'll take her to the dungeons myself," Celestia told the guards.
"Wha...What happened?" Cadance gasped.
"I'll tell you later, right now, just...just help the guards," the princess muttered.
I wish I never had to do this. Celestia took the shackles and the anti-magic device from the guards and promptly put them on the thief. Without even giving Sunset the dignity to walk, Celestia lifted her up in her magic and carried her out of the study and to the dungeons below. Cadance and the guards stayed in the room to clean up what they could.
Outside the study's window was the phoenix perched on a branch. Her eyes a bit droopy in despair. Embers flickered off her wings as she sat there, looking at the devastation in the room. She did not feel well and she wanted to see her friend. With a low cry, she took off and flew away into the darkening sky.
"Wow, I'm so surprised! It's like I hid it or something!"
She did not learn that sarcasm from me, right? Celestia rubbed her temples in frustration. Usually in a bubbly mood, Celestia had still not recovered from the five days prior. Sunset had not complained once after being placed in the dungeon. Instead, she would keep repeating the words "time is running out," and "I made a promise" both in her sleep and when she was fully awake. Otherwise, she was hardly any different.
Sunset held a mocking smile in the darkness of her cell. Celestia had yet to raise the sun and in the early morning shadows, Sunset's deviousness shined through much like a star. The princess could only stand in front of the cell with a stern, disappointed stare. The thief, as it was clear she was no longer the student, did not falter under such a look.
"Well, until we find the gem, you are to stay in here," Celestia coldly said through the equally cold bars.
"I could've guessed that," the thief rolled her eyes.
"Well then, if you know everything already, I'll just leave you down here. I have a country to run."
"See ya!" Sunset waved at her while she walked away.
It was Celestia's turn to roll her eyes. With a sigh, she walked steadily down the row of dungeon cells towards the exit. Each step was heavy and with a firm, distasteful stomp. Way to go, you big ugly loser! try to accomplish something for once in your life, will you? With a very horse-like snort, she passed the few saluting guards who held their positions firmly despite their leader's obvious disgruntlement
Once she passed them, her head hung low and her wavy hair flowed across the cold floor like water. She made sure she was far away from her stallions to act freely as her emotions demanded. Her hoof smacked the floor, making a ringing sound of her golden shoes and cursed just softly enough for her words to not echo throughout the hall.
"You fool!" she growled at herself. "You horrid, wretched buffoon! You've been ruling for generations, and you still forget all that you've learned. The easiest pony to deceive is yourself, Celestia. Why? Why! Why is this so hard for me, the ruler of a nation, the harbinger of the sun! How many times will I commit the same Sun-forshaken mistakes before I learn? How many!"
She turned into another hallway that was rarely traversed by ponies of the palace. Here, she fully collapsed, letting her unrestrained tears fall upon the now smooth marble floor. Being out of the dungeons, she was alone.
"I could not save my sister, I could not save Sunset," she leaned against the wall. "Perhaps I shall not be the one to help Sunset. Perhaps that is the job of another pony. How can I try so hard and still fail? It's Luna all over again. Perhaps that is the problem. It is the same problem as Luna. I did not show my dear sister my love. I did not caress her when she cried, but instead remained stern with her. Sunset is troubled, I know this," her crying slowed. "Maybe I just need to try harder and be kinder. A pony's life is worth every second."
"Princess Celestia!"
"Huh?"
"Princess Celestia!"
The princess composed herself and magically wiped away the tears. A set of speeding legs was quickly galloping down the hall towards her. The high shrill voice indicated that the caller was a young mare. Celestia readied the arrival by taking a deep breath, magically fixing her make-up and putting on a warm smile.
"Princess Celestia!"
"I am here, young one," Celestia replied to the caller with a motherly voice.
A gray mare in a maid's uniform scurried into sight and continued to run towards the princess. Her breathing was loud and it was clear she was not used to cardio. When she finally reached the princess, she tiredly bowed and flopped right on the marble floor in exhaustion.
"I...I need...I have a message..." she panted.
"Yes?" Celestia said expectantly.
"A visi...A visitor at the entrance..."
"Yes?"
"She...Well, Private Speed told me that..."
"Come on, you can say it."
"There's a youn' mare at the front sayin' she's Sunset's sister!" the maid finished before rolling over in complete exhaustion.
Celestia was frozen for a moment but finally blinked. "...What? Sunset Shimmer has a....sister?"
The maid was too tired to respond and simply gestured at the direction she came from. Could this be my chance? Could this be the moment I've been waiting for? As the message began to sink into Celestia, a fantastic grin spread across her face. She lifted the tired mare up into the air with her magic and brought her in for an enthusiastic hug. The hug made the mare gasp for air.
"Thank you! Thank you for this message, my dear servant! You may have just saved the day! You'll be rewarded with incalculable amounts of cake and pastries! Thank you! Thank you!"
"Yes, Your Highness..." the maid moaned.
Without a moment to lose, Celestia put the maid back on the ground and ran away in utmost haste. The maid was dizzied by the princess's accidental roughness in handling her little pony form. Her eyes rolled around uncontrollably and stars flew about her head.
"Ohh...Why do I even work here?" she grumbled. "Should've quit when she stopped paying with bits and instead with blasted cookies..."
"Where is she? Where is Sunset's sister?" Celestia panted when she arrived at the palace entrance.
"Right here, Your Highness," Private Speed said as he escorted a filly to the princess.
The earth filly was beige with dark green eyes and a light brown mane with faded tan highlights. She was skinny and her legs seemed no more than four toothpicks. There was not an ounce of confidence in her as she looked at everything but another pony. With an audible gulp, she stood in front of the princess.
"Yes, little one?" Celestia asked warmly. "What brings you here?"
"I...I was wondering if you had heard of somepony named Sunset Shimmer?" she asked quietly and shyly. "She's my big sister."
"Why have you come to me for that? Is she missing?" Celestia asked and leaned closer to hear the filly's response.
"Well, yes. Um, she's uh...been gone for over half a year now," the filly said.
"And you think she's here?"
"...Yes."
"Why?"
The filly started to breath faster and continued to stare at nothing but the stone floor. Her fur became glossy in the torchlight (as it was an hour before sunrise) due to the sweat that was now flowing down the sides of her weak body. Her longish mane covered her right eye from the princess. Her breathing was loud and she swallowed again before saying anything.
"Because she was here to do something..."
"Interesting. May I ask you what that 'something' was?"
"She came to steal an artifact from you."
This is becoming interesting indeed. "How does your sister look? What's her cutie mark?"
"She is a darker coat color than me, has red and yellow mane, and uhh...a split sun as a cutie mark."
"And she has not returned from her mission?"
"No. I'm scared she was caught by you. You don't have her in the dungeons, do you? My...My sister is a reckless one. She gets in trouble and breaks the law. I want you to know that I don't help her steal things. I don't really help her. At all," the last two words revealed a stronger presence from the filly.
The filly was trembling now. Her teeth hit each other as her lip quivered mightily. She was obviously chilled by the morning's coolness. The princess could only feel pity for the small and young creature before her. How do I deal with this? She cleared her throat and laid a hoof on the girl's thin shoulder.
"What is your name, young one?" she asked motherly.
"Dayshine."
"Well, Dayshine, I...I do have your sister imprisoned, but she is well-fed and is safe here. I'm sorry if this upsets you, but she has broken the law and needs to pay for her crime. I hope you understand."
The filly sniffled and a tear fell down her crooked cheek. "I know," the words were angry rather than sad. "I kinda knew this would happen one day. She gets in so much trouble. Um, Princess Celestia, has she ever mentioned me?"
"She has not, young one. This is my first learning that she even has a sister."
"Should have known," the words came out with a bitter taste. "That's just like her. Conniving sister of mine."
"Dayshine, my dear, do you need anything? I can't let you speak to prisoners, but I could grant you some food and my guards could escort you home. Do your parents know about what their daughter has been up to?"
"She's told you nothing, has she?" Dayshine looked up in disgust. "I mean, I'm hungry, but I don't need an escort back home."
"Well then, my guards will fetch you some fruit and bread," Celestia gestured, making the guards around her leave. "Now, Dayshine, what has driven your sister to do this?"
"If I knew that I would tell you. She says she does it for fun, but I know that isn't true. My only guess is that she has pretty strong motive that doesn't involve me. Just be careful..."
"Do not worry, I shall take great care of her. Be safe, young one."
"Naw, you be safe, Your Highness," was the odd, chilling reply. "You probably think my sister is trash already, but you don't even know."
Celestia was taken aback by the sudden change of tone from the filly. Dayshine then coughed into her leg a horrid and nasty cough. Her coughing made her ribs be visible through her fur. She then mouthed the word "demon" before looking at the Princess with her droopy and completely downtrodden eyes. It was the sort of stare that would only bring dread to the one under it, and Celestia was no exception.
"What was that?" Celestia barely uttered.
"Cagh! Agh!" the filly coughed horribly. "Oh! don't look at me like that," she snarled disrespectfully at her. "Whatever comes from Sunset's mouth, don't listen to it. Don't listen! I know my sister and I know she's not on my side. If you want, I'll come back when you need me. Otherwise, I need to get back home. Thanks, uh...thanks for capturing my sister."
"You're welcome?" Celestia said with severe uncertainty.
Luckily, the guards returned with a sack of food and gave it to the filly, who greedily took it as it was something to save her very life. She then bowed at the princess before turning around and walked down the steps that led up to the palace gates. The filly arrived with such a shy demeanor and yet left with a completely careless attitude.
What have I gotten myself into? Celestia breathed through her nostrils. No, waiting for Sunset to come out will not be an option. I must pry her past from her, even if it takes up every ounce of my energy. I can't wait any longer. Wing Beat? The Alicorn Amulet? Dayshine? This is all becoming too strange, even for me. I must reach the bottom of this!
Private Speed saluted the princess before clearing his throat. "Your Highness, do you think she was speaking the truth?"
"Dayshine?"
He nodded. "Yes."
"I can't say for sure, but with how much knowledge she already has, I would assume she is speaking the truth. Go and keep track of her."
"On it!" Private Speed instantly went off in the general direction of the filly.
Celestia looked at the dull moon. "Well, Sister, let's see where this goes."
Celestia entered the dungeons without any fake calmness. Upon arriving, she hastily dismissed the guards shooed them away. The thief was on her hay bed looking at the princess in bewilderment.
"Back already?," she said confusedly.
"Yeah, yeah," Celestia said and opend the cell door to enter. "Sunset, I'll get right to the point. I still know nothing about you other than your name and your companion, Wing Beat. It's time for you to tell me what is up with your life."
"What makes ya think I'll just tell you?"
"I'm not in the mood, Sunset. You must tell me now or you will regret it."
"Really? I'm so scared!" she jeered.
Celestia slammed the cell door behind her and her eyes glowed in anger. "Dayshine! Does that name mean anything to you?"
"No," Sunset shrugged. "Is it supposed to?"
"Do you have a sister?"
The thief huffed stubbornly. "No."
"Do you have a sister?" Celestia repeated harshly. I still can't believe this girl. "Do not lie to me!"
"I don't have a sister," Sunset rolled her eyes.
"Are you so stubborn that you'll lie like this? I can't believe it! What in Tartarus is going through your skull? Sunset, you shall answer truthfully and you shall answer with the minuscule amount of dignity that is to your name. Do you have a sister?"
"Yes," Sunset growled. "So what?"
Celestia could barely contain herself. She had to take a moment and two deep breaths before continuing. She held a hoof up to keep Sunset silent and cleared her throat with restrained fury.
"What is your sister's name?" she demanded.
"Dayshine."
"Why haven't you told me about her?" Celestia demanded even louder.
"Because who cares?"
"Well, for your information, she came by before sunrise. She seemed very worried about you."
Sunset gasped. "What? She came here?"
"Yes."
"Huh, didn't think she could walk that far..." Sunset absently said.
"Sunset Shimmer, it is time you've told me everything about your life before I caught you. Everything. I won't let you escape the truth this time. You won't be silent, you won't pout at me. You tell me, here and now! Why is your sister so frail? Why did Wing Beat teach you? Who are your parents? Why are you trying to steal the Alicorn Artifact? Why do you want to become an alicorn?"
"I...I..." Sunset gulped. "I guess..."
"Tell me!"
"Alright! Look, I didn't start out as a thief. Just a Canterlot filly with a lousy mother and a lazy father. Yeah, and Dayshine too. She's younger than me by four years. I don't really know where to start, alright? I...I'll tell you from the beginning of all this I guess. Let me tell you, what I say is the absolute truth."
From as I far as I remember, I was a smart kid. Mom had always been one to tell me to get an education, but she never helped with it. I did all my work, day and night. It was before I found out how awesome I was with fire, so I did very simple spells and you know, elementary-level stuff. I did know that I was a better magic-user than any unicorns I knew. My mom was an earth pony, so she couldn't help with my magic, but my father was a unicorn and he actually taught me my first spells.
But enough of that, my real early years were pretty relaxed. It was when Dayshine entered my life that, well, things didn't go well. My only real guess was Dad didn't want a second child, and certainly not one like her. From birth she wasn't right. It was something with her body and how it operated, straight from birth it was messed up. Dad didn't want to pay for a doctor and didn't want to keep Dayshine in the hospital.
Then it just sorta happened. He and her argued and he left. She went with him like a week after. I remember waking up in a house alone and my little sister was in her crib. Never seen Mom or Dad since and I never searched for them. They left me. I didn't need to give them any time of my mind. So in short, I had to raise my little sister.
Dayshine got better as she grew older and we lived in out little abandoned house for some time. Apparently, ponies thought my parents still lived in it and never gave it a second look. We lived pretty poor, I did little jobs for other ponies and they gave me some bits, but very little amounts because I was so young. I really hated that. Dayshine always wanted candy too, so I had to keep telling her no. She was too weak to work herself, so she just remained at home.
Then it was found out that we were living without parents. When adults started to come to our door trying to take us away, I was scared. This was when I got my cutie mark. I had been studying every night and learning new spells all by myself. Dayshine was a good reader, so she could actually read the magical textbooks that Dad had left. Some of my odd jobs required me to make a fire of some sort like sparks. Those were the jobs I actually liked. I liked operating stoves and such. Sometimes, I just liked watching flames dance over a bonfire. It remained me of my hair color, so I did my hair in a way to look like fire. Well, anyway, when the adults came for us, I fought them back with fire. I remember burning some guy in a uniform. He had the goofiest scream ever. His fur burned and his skin bubbled. Dayshine said it was horrible, I said it was fantastic.
I couldn't hold the house for long and they sent more ponies after us. They always said they wanted to help us, but I knew they wanted to throw us into an orphanage. So, Dayshine and I escaped and I burned our house down. I burned our house down for two things: I wanted the ponies to think we died, and I wanted Dayshine to understand that we couldn't live there anymore. Both things worked. Some Canterlot newspaper saying about two orphans killing themselves or something.
So after that, we lived on the streets. We had this little place near one of the streams that we called "home." This was when I started to steal things. I hated trying to get bits from ponies who didn't care, I rather just take it from them. It was much easier than I thought. Of course, I was caught sometimes, but with my age, I was mostly yelled at or smacked on the flank when a pony caught me with their wallet.
It wasn't enough though. I needed to be better. I needed to get more bits for my sister and I. By this time, Dayshine was getting worse and she coughed up blood and stuff. The cold streets and such were not doing her any good. I was losing lots of time caring for her instead of getting more money. I had to steal food, water, blankets, and basically anything that could help her.
This lasted a long, long time. I didn't really have calendars, even though I did steal one from a shopkeeper, so I'm not sure how many years went by like this. I guess it was probably three. Every day, Dayshine grew more sick and her legs became smaller. I had no idea what to do, none of my magic could help. I needed medicine. So I spent some weeks stealing as many meds as possible. I would pick them form people's homes, I would take them out of grocery bags, anything. I guess some of these helped her, but I'm still not sure.
One day when I was trying to snatch some candy for Dayshine, I saw him. Yeah, I saw Wing Beat in a plaza. He was on a bench by a fountain, looking like some menace. He had scars, chewed off ears, burns, scratches, you name it. I had never seen a pony like him. I mean, I had seen the ugly beggars around town, but nopony like that. He was wearing a brown cloak that covered most of his features. I just watched him as I was fascinated by this pegasus. He was just sitting there, but I knew he had some significance to my life.
Well, he was also pick pocketing ponies with his wings. He used his feathers and would simply snatch them like it was nothing. I used my magic to get wallets, he didn't even need that. I was shocked by it. If anypony was going to help me, it was this guy. So I stayed awhile and watched him from a distance. He stayed there for like an hour or so. He got up and walked down a street and I followed him the best I could.
I could get through the Canterlot crowds pretty easy and I followed him until he stopped in a little park. I think it was in the south side of town, by the entrance gates. Well, when he stopped there, he instantly turned around and stared right at me with his eye while his other eye just stared blankly in space. I remember that creeping the Tartarus out of me.
"What ya eyein' me for, lass?" he blurted.
I knew he wasn't from Canterlot. His accent and his manners were unlike any that I knew. His words froze me. He asked again in the exact way as before. I was scared and I simply stood there, shaking.
"I...I..." I remember stammering.
"C'mon, kid, ya been following me since the plaza. Ya gots a reason for that," he said when he stood over me. I was in a complete shadow from him as his head was between me and the sun.
"You're a thief," I uttered.
"My my, you have eyes. I'm real proud of ya, squirt," he said sarcastically. "Now beat it."
"But I-"
"I said beat it, lass. I'm not some pony ya chat with. Get lost before ya regret it."
He started to walk away. My heart raced and I knew not to let him just leave. I ran over to him and tugged his brown cloak, which I regretted because it was the filthiest thing I ever did put in my mouth.
"Don't be like that, kid," he sighed.
"But sir! I saw you steal so well. I want to steal like that!" I said.
"Don't waste ya life so quickly. Ya got better things to do, kid. Scramble to ya parents or something."
He pushed me away, but I held my ground. "I have a sister and she isn't well. I need the money, I need to be a better thief. Teach me to break in, loot, and all those neat tricks I hear that professional thieves do!"
"I ain't a professional," he snorted.
"Please? My sister and I don't have parents. Haven't for years. Can you help me?"
He sighed again and raised a brow. "What makes ya think ya can be a good thief?"
"I'm been doing it most my life now. Here!"
There was another pony in the park. Like most ponies in Canterlot, she wore a dress and all. It didn't take long, but I used my magic to just take her purse, remove the money, and return it without her even noticing. I then showed him the bits I had stolen.
"Seems like ya don't need me..." he chuckled.
"Well, I can do that, but I can't crack a vault or anything. I get good bits from what I do, but I need more. I want to be able to get loads in just one attempt."
"Why do ya need this?"
"Because I want to be bett...I mean, I want to for my sister. She needs stuff."
"Fine. Lass, I teach ya the good stuff, but I'll tell ya now. Whatever happens to you because of my teachings ain't my fault. If ya ever get caught and ya life ruined, don't blame me. Blame yourself. Is this clear?"
"Yes."
After that, my life changed once more. Wing Beat taught me everything he knew. He was amazed by my talent in magic. Less than a month into my training he told me that I could be the best thief there ever was. All he wanted me to do was to try and try harder. He'd smack me every time I complained. He would shut me up if I protested his orders. "Even thieves need discipline" he said to me countless times. It was his Royal Guard training that made him so strict. He often made me do guard drills to increase my stamina. Good thieves, he said, were thieves that nopony knew, because they never were caught.
I was caught though. It wasn't on a mission to steal or anything, but I was once caught by a Royal Guard when I tried to steal from a kid my age. He was a dumb rich colt. The type of colt that everypony just wanted to smack. Well, he also was a quick one and saw that I was taking his bits from his little jacket. He fought me, but he was a squirt and I beat him down pretty quick. However, a Royal Guard arrested me when he saw us brawl on the sidewalk. I was still just a filly, but that was the first time I had been in hoofcuffs.
He made me spend the night in a cell at one of the guard stations. He found out that I was a homeless filly and tried to ship me to an orphanage like they always do. Little did they know how I was magic wise. By then, I could teleport. I teleported out of my cell and I well, roasted him. Not like a real roast, I mean, I never wanted to kill anypony, but I think I came close with him. He screamed and burned like any other pony, but my pyromancy was getting more powerful each day, so I surprised even myself. Dayshine never saw what I did to him and I'm still grateful for that.
Wing Beat and I started doing break-ins and even stole from stores. We never held anypony up or threatened their lives. Wing Beat was above that. He said he cherished life more than the average pony, as he was one of the few to see it be ended in brutal fashion. He told me about how he acquired every scar on his body. I remember Dayshine being horrified by them, but she soon got used to it and would listen to his tales as intently as me.
In the Canterlot underworld, some had noticed what I had been up to. I was shocked when a thug asked me to steal something from a rival gang. He said it was important. He offered lots of money and I did it. All I had to do was sneak into this gang's headquarters and sneak back out with some business note. They never told me what it was, but the bits said it all for me.
This was a big part in my learning process because I had to crack a magic vault. Wing Beat spent weeks and weeks telling me about magic vaults. I had to listen long hours to his ramblings.
"Here's the thing about vaults and magic," he told me, "there's two things ya can do. Ya can reinforce the steel with magic to make it stronger or you can magically seal it. There's a difference. If ya reinforce a vault, ya are trying to be it unbreakable, not uncrackable. However, there's always, always magic that is powerful to break something. Ya can never truly make something unbreakable. When ya magically seal it, ya are trying to repel magic from it. It's much harder to open because magical forces, not steel, are keeping it shut. Any unicorn can unlock a vault by using magic to undo all the locks, but they can't if it's magically sealed. However, these things can still be opened. Everything has a key. This time, ya have to use a magic key.
"To crack a magically sealed vault is simple, ya have to be listening. Magic vaults have keys which come in the form of specific magical energies. Any magic that doesn't follow these exact energies is repelled by the magical force. So ya have to replicate those energies to get by the magical force and unlock the vault. The question is: how ya do it? Well, it's more simple than ya think. It's like picking a lock. Ponies have the ability to sense certain magics, be it shadow, pegasus, or earth pony magics. Unicorns are the best at this sensing. So, Sunny, all ya need to do is listen to the magical waves. It takes trial and error. It's hard to explain it to ya, but once ya feel it, you'll know."
What he said was completely true. He made me read some stuff on magical energies, so I got some knowledge before going straight into it all. I needed it, as that vault was hard to crack. He made me practice sensing magics before I went out there and that helped too. I had to really focus my mind to sense what magics were being repelled and which were not. It was like a really obscure puzzle. I got passed the magic repellant though and I opened it to steal a little box. Like I said, I still don't know what it was about.
That made me grow a bit famous with the thieves of Canterlot. They saw me as a prodigy. Wing Beat was the only one who kept me humble. He made me work harder and more often too. I was getting hired for jobs and getting more bits. Dayshine and I no longer needed a home as Wing Beat allowed us to stay in his apartment. I was now able to get medicines for Dayshine. Hmph, she started to get even worse in those days. Whatever we did for her just didn't seem to help. We thought of just putting her in a hospital, but Dayshine told us no. She insisted that she was fine. I mean, we all knew she couldn't really be fixed anyway.
Well, she couldn't be fixed by normal means. Alchemy wasn't helping, simple remedies weren't either. Her body was wrong and it needed to be adjusted. When she kept getting worse, hat was when Wing Beat told me about how powerful magic could be. I, of course, didn't have enough power to perform crazy healing magic, but there was a way for me to get that power. He told me about the Alicorn Amulet. An amulet that lets a unicorn have the powers of an alicorn. If I could get that, he said, then I could probably heal Dayshine myself.
So, that was how I learned about the Alicorn Amulet. I knew this thing was going to be my savior. Wing Beat started to tell me how the Royal Guards worked, how the palace was guarded, and where the amulet was located. He knew all this because he was, as all the others, told about these things when he was soldier.
He wasn't all for it as he had his doubts in me at first. I wondered why he wouldn't do it and he told me it was because he didn't care to go get it. He told me to save my sister and that he wasn't helping in anything but training. He found it amusing how much I wanted to save Dayshine. Never really understood that. He was just a jerk I guess.
Some time went by and I did more jobs. Heh, I even broke into the palace and escaped with a ring from one of the lower parts of the place. This showed Wing Beat that I could get inside and out without alarming anypony. I was also an expert at teleporting, but I couldn't use that much since it made a loud noise.
Dayshine told me not to hurry, but that was because she kept insisting that I would not get myself into trouble. Well, like the good sister I am, I ignored her. I planned and planned how I was going to make the biggest heist in my life. Any mistake would mean something extreme. I wasn't getting in some store or even a bank; this was the Grand Royal Palace. I either was going to steal the amulet or spend my whole life in a dungeon. It was all or nothing.
I thought the risk was worth it. I was tired of living in the jungles of Canterlot. I was tired of being a simple thief. I was tired of having a sister that could barely get about. The Alicorn Amulet was going to let me have a life I wanted. I wanted true freedom, I wanted a healthy sister, and I wanted Wing Beat to see me as an equal. So I kept planning and working at it. It was what I did.
I'm sure you know the rest. Dayshine chased after me, telling me not to go. I didn't listen. Got my good cloak, my magic, and my brains. I was good. Getting to the vault that you kept all your goods like the amulet and those other things. Yeah, I saw just about everything. You actually found me when I was locking the vault up again; making it look like nopony had messed with it.
I know what you hide in there. Jewels, gems, all those things. Also, I could not forget this, I remember the mirror. I remember thinking why such a thing was locked in a magic vault, away from ponies. Another thing I found interesting was how clean it was. Something stuck in a vault, but with no dust at all? Yeah, it was special.
So by the light of my horn, I inspected myself in the mirror. That was when I saw it. I saw myself with wings. Big, pretty, glorious wings. It was like an omen or something. I knew there was something with this mirror. I knew there was a reason why ponies weren't allowed to look at it. Not only did it show me as an alicorn, but it also had something beyond that. Celly, I could feel the magic swarm off it like, like a fog.
I inspected the mirror for a long time. It's one of the reasons you found me out. I was supposed to be in the palace for only thirty minutes at most, but I was there for about an hour. The mirror told me that I was going to be an alicorn. I was going to be something glorious and heroic. I thought it meant the Alicorn Amulet, so that made me really happy. Well, that idea went on until I saw Cadance. I stepped out of the vault, shut it, and then you found me. Been here ever since.
"That's my story," Sunset finished with a casual shrug.
"Shorter than I expected..." Celestia huffed.
"Fine, I'll write my own autobiography then," Sunset rolled her eyes.
"So you wanted this amulet to save your sister?"
"Precisely."
"It will work because it grants you alicorn powers."
"Yeah."
"Then why don't you just ask me?"
"I don't trust you with my sister. I rather do it myself."
Celestia leaned back with a sigh. "I'm sorry to tell you this, but your plan is flawed right from the beginning. Magic is a complicated matter, as you should know. You can't throw magic at somepony and expect them to recover without side effects. Sunset, we have hospitals full of sick ponies. They're all across Equestria. If magic could heal such sickened ponies, would we have earth ponies in the hospitals? Would we have hospitals at all? If an alicorn could heal even the most ill of ponies, would I be here, selfishly restraining myself from saving every life? Now, it's not impossible to heal Dayshine, but it is extremely probable to make it worse. With magic and something as uncontrollable as the Alicorn Amulet, I would not be surprised if you flat out kill her."
Sunset's lips quivered. "You're just telling me that to scare me."
"That's part of it. That, however, doesn't mean that my words are false. Magic and healing have been studied together for centuries. By Tartarus, even Starswirl the Bearded tried to start a hospital using unicorn magic. I tried as well. Early on in my reign, I started a hospital where I would try to heal every sick and wounded pony. Now, I could heal the wounds, but I struggled to fix any organ problems. Most of the time, I was so gentle, my magic would do nothing. The few times I went stronger with my magic, the patient did not recover, but grew worse. From then on, such magical healing was frowned upon by society. Like the witch doctor healers, it became a taboo. We threw away the healing practices and went into science instead. Soon, the earth pony with his hooves was a better doctor than the unicorn with his magic."
Sunset was looking at the ground. "Well, then what do I do?"
"Easy, you will stay in here and think about what you've done. I'll speak with Dayshine, see what she wants to do," Celestia instructed.
"Have fun," was the sarcastic remark.
"This is where Dayshine lives?"
"Yes, Your Highness!" Private Speed answered with unneeded loudness.
"It's not as bad as I thought it would be," Celestia remarked absently.
"No, Your Highness!"
"Perhaps I simply walk in..."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
"Private, I do not need your affirmatives on everything."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
"Report back to the palace," Celestia said with a roll of her eyes.
"Yes, Your Highness!" Speed saluted and then flew away.
Finally. Celestia fluffed her wings a bit before walking towards the small house. It was an old house, clearly been there for a century or more, and it was in a poorer side of the city. It was close to the mountain that Canterlot was on, and because of this, the sun was blocked from shining down on it.
The princess went straight up to the door. The windows were boarded in; the bushes in front were wild and untrimmed. The door was two colors, blue and gold, as if somepony tried to add a new coat, but lazily gave up without finishing the job. It was a heavy thick door, as was the custom of older Canterlot homes.
Hopefully I don't scare her. She knocked on the door with her large hoof. To her surprise, this actually opened the door partly, making a horrid noise. Well then. She sighed and opened the door the rest of the way and simply entered. The inside was much better than the outside. It was clean and well-furnished. Shelves of thick books were on the walls, a jeweled chandelier hung from the ceiling, forcing the princess to keep her head low, and the floor was spotless of grim or dirt. The walls were all painted with a reddish-orange color.
"Hello?" Celestia asked the house.
She went deeper in. A flight of steps went up a narrow path to the second floor. To the left of these stairs was another short hallway that led to what was obviously a kitchen. The kitchen appeared to be the largest room in the home. On the wall in this short hallway was a case of what appeared to be Royal Guard ranks, clean and polished behind the glass. Celestia looked at these for a second.
"Thank you for your service, Sergeant Wing Beat. It was my fault to not honor you. Well, I will not make the mistake again with future guards."
A thud upstairs pricked her ears. She slowly backpedaled to the bottom of the stairs. Wing Beat may be in here. I must be vigilant. With her horn glowing, she went up the tight steps. The upstairs had no light, as no doubt all the windows were boarded. With the light she created, she entered this small square room that appeared to be a living room of some sorts. It had two couches and nothing more. To her left was a shut door and to her immediate right was another shut door. She held for breath for a moment and heard a hoofstep in the room on her right. Readying herself, she took hold of the door handle and swung it open.
"Gahhhh!"
By the light of her magic, she saw the gleam of a sword's blade. Wing Beat! With reaction alone, she took hold of the sword bearer in her magic and threw him into the room's opposite wall. The sword fell out of the mouth, making a clang on the floor. The next sound was a moan of pain, but it sounded like a filly's groan.
"Dayshine!" Celestia gasped and rushed over to her. "I thought you were Wing Beat! I'm so sorry."
Dayshine rubbed her head with a hoof. "And I thought you were a gangster."
"Gangster? You defend this place from gangsters?" Celestia blinked.
"Done it twice."
"Oh..."
"Gah, ah!" Dayshine coughed blood on the floor and then wiped the rest from her lips. "Guh...that didn't feel good. What...How did you find me?"
"I had one of my stallions follow you after you left," Celestia lifted the filly up and put her on the bed that was in the dark room.
"Should've known," she grunted. "Well, I guess you talked with Sunset?"
"I did. She told me that she was getting the amulet to save you," Celestia explained.
"Yeah right," Dayshine crossed her legs. "I told you not to believe her. Wing Beat has been more kind to me than her."
"I find that hard to believe."
"Well, it's true. Sunset has always wanted to get rid of me. When we were on our own before Wing Beat, she didn't carry me everywhere, I followed and hoped to not be left behind. I'd bet she's never liked me. I'm just a burden."
"Oh Dayshine, you don't have to be so harsh on yourself. I can get you to a hospital and we can help with your disease."
Dayshine frowned even harder. "I'm fine. Besides, if my sister won't help me, why would a bunch of strangers?"
"That's what doctors do. Dayshine," Celestia said motherly, "it's their job."
"And why should I trust you? You did mean things to Wing Beat. He told me all about it. Wing Beat doesn't lie either."
"Yes, I did wrong with Wing Beat. I regret it. If I see him, I'll apologize. However, this is about you, Dayshine. You are not fine, not in the slightest. Wing Beat and Sunset have kept you from getting the care you need."
"Hmph," the filly interrupted. "You're the Princess of Equestria, if I'm so messed up, why don't you just fix me?"
"It doesn't work like that," Celestia explained. "My magic can't heal you rightly."
"Some princess you are."
"Alright, there is a possibility that I can heal you, but I absolutely do not want to risk hurting you more. Listen, my child, you've had a hard life thus far, I only want to end that burden. Your sister may not care for you like she states, but I do. You don't need to be shut in this house all the time and act like you don't exist. I advise you to come with me."
"A lot of ponies have told me similar stuff," Dayshine sighed, "and none of them told the truth. Everypony spouts out things and I know not to believe them. Sunset is always going to say she loves me, but she doesn't. The orphanage ponies tell me that they would help me, but they only wanted to lock me and Sunset up. Wing Beat says he'll stop stealing one day, but he never has stopped. Now you say that you'll help me. I have no reason to believe you. There are no good ponies."
"Dayshine, that's ridiculous, of course there are good ponies. You simply haven't met a good pony."
Dayshine looked right into Celestia's eyes with a sorrowful gaze. "No, I haven't."
Celestia was hurt and her face faltered. "Oh, don't be like that. I'm not the best. I've made too many mistakes, but I'm trying, Dayshine. I'm trying every day to be the best that I can. I lost my sister long, long ago, and I'm trying to keep you from losing your sister. She's stubborn, she's arrogant, but I know I can reunite you two and save your relationship. She's the only family you have. Please come with me."
Dayshine simply shook her head. "No, I won't come with you. I'll stay here and be with Wing Beat. He's the closest thing I've had to a father in my entire lifetime. Sunset doesn't love me. I tried to get her to like me for a long time. She rather have her power and glory. Look at me. All I've done is take up room and their time. I...can't you see? Sunset left to get the amulet for her own gain. I think she knew all along that alicorn magic could not help me. She just told me and Wing Beat that so that we would help her. Well, he would help her. Sunset has never cared for me. The only reason I'm still alive is because of Wing Beat's care."
"If that is your choice, I'll oblige to it," Celestia wanted to curse, but restrained herself. "Take care. Until next time, Dayshine."
"Maybe..." was the quiet response.
Celestia reluctantly left the child in the room and promptly left the boarded house. She was not even sure what she was thinking at that moment. Half of her wanted to snatch the child away, the other wanted to oblige with the ill filly. Both options seemed right, and they both seemed wrong.
She stopped and looked at the dark place. It was no place for anypony of a right mind to live in, and that seemed utterly true. Dayshine, Sunset, and Wing Beat all were out of their minds in some way. Are they victims or are they consequences of their own choices? Sunset and Wing Beat appeared to have sided with being the victim. Sunset's constant rants rung through the princess's ears. Wing Beat's deformed face flashed in her eyes. Whatever they are, I surely have some blame to be had.
"I'll give you one chance, Sunset. One last chance. That's all I have left in me..."
Sunset looked up at the cloudy night sky. There was not much outside her barred window. It was too dark to see the valley far below and it was too dark to even see anything of worth. It was just blackness. She didn't move away from the window, but remained fixed on looking at the nothingness.
"So close...So close..." she said absently, "I made a promise."
With nothing else to do, she turned away from the window and took a step to the hay bed. She had no blanket and the night was cold. With no one to speak to, she lay down and tried to sleep. It was cold and she curled up to keep herself warm. Her teeth started to chatter and sleep seemed farther away than ever.
"Psst! Kid, wake up."
"Huh?" Sunset sat up instantly, looking about the cell. "Hello?" she asked the darkness. Surprisingly, the darkness responded in a rather rude manner.
"I'm over here, ya halfwit!"
Sunset looked to the window to see Wing Beat hanging on the bars from the outside. His frown was there as usual and his eyes glared at her. The thief looked at the thief without much care. She got up and walked over to the bar with a slight curiosity.
"What are you doing here?" she asked him.
"Listen, kid, I know ya been having it rough the last days, but I was at home and I saw Celestia there. She was speakin' with Dayshine."
"Really?" Sunset said sarcastically. "I didn't know that! It was like Celestia didn't tell me she was going to do that or something."
"Oh?" Wing Beat snarled. "Fine. Well, whatever sob story ya told the princess has been contradicted by the little lass."
"I knew she would do that!" Sunset rolled her eyes. "Never cares about her older sister. I would have had all this under control if she didn't run off. Of all the days she has to guts to leave the house, she leaves at the worst time."
Wing Beat shuffled his wings and he clutched the bars. "Ya don't care about her either, lass. I've never seen sisters hate each other 'til I met ya two."
"I don't hate her!" Sunset snapped. "She's my little sister, you idiot! I made a promise to her and I still plan on keeping it!"
"What promise is that?"
"I promised her, long before I met you, that I was going to be her savior. I was going to be the one to make her normal. I was going to be the one to keep her life running! We both know she doesn't have much time. She's either gonna die in a hospital bed or she's gonna die in your blasted house. I'm the only one who can prevent either from happening."
"Some of me has a hard time believing that," Wing Beat snorted. "I have a feeling ya gonna be in this cell for a while, maybe for years. Ya promise is over, lass. I have to take her to the hospital."
"Beats, they'll arrest you," she shook her head. "Ya can't go in public like that. You know that."
"I know that, lass. I know. I've had a good run and I tried to take care of her..."
"Keep it up! Just a few days longer! I'll be out of here with the amulet and I'll teleport right over there. They aren't going to cure her, Wing Beat. All they'll do is extend her a few days longer and then she'll die and nothing would be achieved. I made a promise, and I shall fulfill it!"
"Why do you care? Is that pride I hear? Or is it that you really don't care about her and only want the power of the amulet?" Wing Beat poked his muzzle through the bars. "I'll give ya one day! One day only! If she dies in my bed, her death will be on you. Ya understand me, lass?"
"Yeah, I do. Now get outta here, ya jerk."
"See you in Tartarus," he spat.
"Yeah, you too. I'll bring lunch with me."
With a gust of wind, he flew off from the bars and into the deep darkness. Sunset watched him leave before popping her hooves. With a deep breath, she composed herself, only to have her calmness be utterly replaced with a fiery anger. She was going to win. She was going to have her way no matter what.
She picked up a piece of broken stone that was in the corner of her cell and began banging it on the cell door's iron bars. The loud clangs echoed through the quiet dungeon hallway. Ding! Ding! The noise was loud enough to make her ears sting every time she struck the iron.
"What's that noise?" a stallion yelled from down the hall.
She kept beating the iron.
"Eh! Will ya stop it!" the stallion walked over in his guard armor, his face illuminated by the torch in his hoof.
She ignored him standing there and continued to smack the stone against the bars.
"I said stop it!"
He reached to grab her. Sunset instantly threw the stone at him, hitting him squarely in the muzzle and grabbed his extended leg and pulled him towards her. He dropped the torch, which lit his short tail on fire. He started to curse and scream to snuff it out, but he stopped when Sunset took hold of him by the neck and pinned him against the cell door. With furious anger, she kept slamming in the iron until he fell into unconsciousness.
With haste, she reached into his plated armor and found the keys to her cell. She took the keys and unlocked her door, kicking it right open. While outside her cell, she searched the guard for anything that could help her with her anti-magic device. Nothing was found. She then looked at the torch.
She stuck her horn in the flames of the torch. The fire was relaxing and soothing to her. As the fires went around her horn, her cutie marks began to glow vibrantly. With determination, she forced herself to concentrate and fight back the device. The flames grew larger and the intensity was damaging the device.
"C'mon! C'mon!"
Finally! The device snapped off and fell on the floor. All the magic came back to Sunset instantly, and the flames of the torch reached to the ceiling. With a deep breath, she picked up the torch with her magic. She love having the fire with her, but she stopped before running down the hall to freedom.
"I must get the gem. I doubt I can fight my way. Can't be seen, not once. Then goodnight, dear flame."
With her magic, the torch's light was extinguished as if a heavy wind blew it out. She dropped the useless torch and in the darkness, she ran towards the stairs that would lead her to the palace.
With only taking out any guards she had to, Sunset made her way quietly through the palace. With every step, she kept to the shadows of the halls. It was just like how she crept about when she first entered to steal the artifact, but now her destination was different. She had plan for this. When she acquired the gem, she could put anywhere she wanted.
So she went through the long halls, the tight corridors, and the many flights of stairs to reach her destination. This location was none other than a bathroom. A secluded bathroom on the east side of the palace, far away from Celestia's chambers. This part of the palace had little in it except for the sleeping quarters for some servants. Few guards ever patrolled around this part since so little happened in it. It was the perfect place to hide a gem to a powerful artifact.
She entered the small bathroom and walked right to the toilet. With a hoof, she felt the wall above the toilet. She stopped when she felt a bump in the mostly smooth stone. Her magic gripped this little bump and twisted it, making it break off from the rest of the wall. She then pulled it out to reveal a long tube that had been placed in the wall. She shook the tube and the red gem fell out and she caught it before it fell into the toilet.
"Much better than hiding it in a book," she chuckled to herself.
Without a noise, she left the bathroom. "Now I need to get the rest of the amulet," she said. "Hm, I doubt it's still in the vault. Celly isn't that stupid. If I was an arrogant princess, where would I keep it? Yup, I'd keep it in my bedroom. Can't trust anypony else, right? Yup, it has to be in her chambers."
She put the gem in her tail and braided her hair so that it would keep it in there. With that, she started to trot through the empty halls towards the stairs that would lead her towards Celestia's chambers. She then stopped halfway up them. A sudden realization hit her and she sat down to think.
"This'll probably be the last time I am here," she said. "I shouldn't leave anything I may need. Hm, there can't be anything, can there? Oh! My jacket. That's such a nice jacket too. My study ain't too far from here. I could teleport to it."
Her horn glowed and she popped from the stairs to the desk of her study. She arrived there with a smile, until she looked about the room. It was utterly ruined. The bookshelves were thrown down and charred. Books lay in piles of black ash. It was as if a catastrophe struck the poor study and left it in devastation. Her smile was gone as she saw the destruction.
"I was a gift to you..." the room seemed to say.
"My knowledge was your freedom..." the books uttered quietly.
"We protected you..." the statues cried.
"I watched your sister..." the stained glass window muttered.
In the middle of this ruined study was a phoenix. The majestic bird sat there on a crumbling statue, looking right at the thief. Her eyes were full of sorrow and her fiery wings were almost limp at her tall sides. Her presence slightly illuminated the room, showing the destruction an even more horrid detail.
"What ya want?" Sunset asked the bird.
She said nothing and pointed her beak at what was in her claws. It was the jacket, completely unharmed in the fires that once raged through the entire room. It was if the bird was telling her something by showing a jacket that was bought with Celestia's own money. After pointing at the jacket, her eyes went back to Sunset.
The thief began to walk down the burnt stairs to the phoenix. As she grew closer, the bird did not remove her eyes once. The pupil-less orange eyes that were in the bird's angled head watched the young mare with an emotion that Sunset could not tell. Was it sorrow? Was it anger? Was it disgust? For all she knew, it was all of these.
She took the jacket in her magic and tried to pull it from the phoenix, but the bird held it tightly. She pulled again, but she did not want the bird to attack her, so she stopped. The phoenix leaned towards her, her large head was almost as big as Sunset's. The seemingly soulless eyes stared at her from only an inch away. A terrifying warmness came from the bird. It was like fire, but it did not sooth Sunset at all.
The bird then stretched her leg out with the jacket and dropped it on the soot-ridden floor right in front of the thief's hooves. She kept staring right at Sunset, not blinking once. The thief stared back, but she could only stare in fright of the intimidating creature.
"Re....mem...ber..." the bird whispered.
"Huh?" Sunset gasped. She was not certain if the bird actually spoke, or even made a sound at all.
The bird slowly moved back to her upright position. Her eyes looked up at the moonlight that came in through the giant windows. Sunset watched the phoenix for a moment before putting the jacket on. She gulped and tried to make her way out of the study with dignity, but her hooves shook terribly with each step. A chasm formed in her stomach and it ached awfully.
Before opening the door, she looked back at the phoenix. She was still there, motionless in her wonder of the night sky. Steaming tears were slowly falling down the small cheeks of the bird. When the tears hit the floor, one could hear a faint sizzling. Sunset couldn't handle watching the bird, and with a quivering lip, opened the door and left the study once and for all.
Celestia leaned on the balcony outside her chambers. The moon had recently escaped the coverage of the gray clouds to reveal Equestria once again in its moonlight. Unlike most nights, when Celestia would speak with the moon, tonight, she cast her eyes downward towards the Canterlot and refused to see the giant orb in the sky.
"It's happening again, Sister. A thousand years have not made me wiser. All the ages have done is let me forget any lessons I've learned."
Her eyes wandered around the east side of Canterlot. She, of course, could not see Wing Beat's home from that view, but she felt she could. She felt she could pinpoint the tiny dot in her perspective and say that that was the house that held the ill child. How many Dayshines were out in my grand city?
A knocking sounded from her chamber door. Her thoughts retreated back to the present and she turned around. With caution, she approached the door. Her brow raised, she took hold of the door with her magic and opened it only slightly.
"Yes?" she asked.
"Your Highness!" Corporal Armor said frantically. "Sunset's escaped!"
"Does not surprise me," Celestia said lowly, not a strain of emotion from her words.
"We believe she is in her study. Some of the servants said they heard talking in there."
"Then go get her."
Armor pestered her still. "Your Highness, you should have seen what she did to Private Jack in the dungeon. She is dangerous and we believe you're the only one that can talk sense into her."
"Shining Armor, I've tried to talk sense into her for all this time. I was about to give her one last chance in the morning. I'm not sure if I could even give her that chance. Every waking moment depletes any hope I have for her. She is your task now. She is not Sunset Shimmer, but a faceless criminal. Treat her as such. I wash my hooves clean of this issue."
"Your Highness-"
"I've given my orders. Carry them out."
Celestia shut the door with a heavy sigh. She did not even look at Shining Armor's shocked face before shutting him off from her. The interaction did not make her feel any better. Actually, she felt worse from her rude treatment of one of her stallions. A stallion who enlisted himself knowing full well he could die like Wing Beat's teammates. I am their leader, what am I if I do not show my appreciation?
She then opened the door and walked out. Shining Armor was down the hall, speaking with other Royal Guards. With a slight briskness to her step, she went down the hall. The corporal looked at her with a raised brow.
"Corporal, I want to apologize for my treatment of you," she said softly.
"Do not worry, Your Highness," he bowed. "I understand why you're upset."
"Good. I'm glad-" she stopped.
"What is it?" Shining asked.
"Did you hear that?" Celestia whispered.
The corporal looked around and then scratched his head. "Um, no."
The princess looked back and realized the door to her chambers was still open. My bedroom! The amulet! In a mad panic, she sprinted towards her room, making the guards jump in fright. When she reached her chambers, the door slammed shut in front of her.
"Sunset! Sunset Shimmer!" she cried.
She tried to open it with her magic, but it stayed put. She's boarding it with her magic. Celestia took a step back, her horn ignited into a bright light and she aimed her head at the door.
"Step back, guards!" she told the running group of stallions.
A great beam flew from her horn and blasted the door to pieces. With no hesitation, she leaped inside, ready to defend herself. However, no attack was on its way. The room was filled with flying papers, making a vortex that shrouded almost half of the room. She kept her horn lit and approached the paper vortex.
"Sunset?" she said cautiously.
"You're not good at hiding things, princess," was the response from within the vortex.
"Sunset, please don't do this."
"I made a promise..."
The whirlwind died and all the pages flew across the room. Sunset stood where the vortex once was, her leather jacket on and the Alicorn Amulet hanging on her chest. Red wisps of magic floated from the sides of her eyes. No devious smile was on her lips, only a solemn frown that accompanied her hateful eyes.
"Take that thing off, right now!" Celestia demanded without confidence.
"I can't do that, Celly," she returned. "I made a promise, I'm keeping it. I'm also tired of you and the Equestria you stand for. All you do is stay up in this palace and act like you're ruling. You don't care about ponies down there, like me and Dayshine. You've been ruling a thousand years and I doubt you have anything to do with our progress."
"I am not perfect, Sunset. I know this too well. Please, this is not the answer. You cannot save your sister with the amulet. I told you this. You are denying reality. Take it off and we can act like civilized ponies once more. There's no need for violence."
Flames danced around Sunset's hooves. "You're lying to me. I can cure her. You can too. You just refuse to. That's the kind of pony you are, princess."
The guards finally charged in the chambers, but were promptly thrown out by Sunset's magic. The doorway was then shut with a wall of red fire. Sunset and Celestia were now alone.
Sunset paced around the room. "All you've done is lie to me. Where is all your humor now? Huh? Where are your wisecracks and giggles? All you did was mock me, but now your mouth is shut since I'm now more powerful than you."
Celestia held her ground. "My former student, I can only advise you to end this quest. You do not have your sister's intentions at heart. You want power, you want authority. You never came here to get help, you came here to help yourself. You lied to your sister, you never cared for her. I'm sure even Wing Beat knows of your constant deceptions."
"You know nothing! All you do is make assumptions that fit your agenda! I love my sister. The world has not favor her and I. We've been outcasts, orphans, rejected kids on the streets. I did not steal because I wanted, but because I had to. Yeah, it was fun, but I didn't want my whole life to be that way. I need something more than that, for both of us. We are gonna have adventures together once she is healed. She'll be a new pony when I'm done curing her."
"You could have placed her in the hospital! You could have helped her!"
"And what will that do? Celestia, I've thought long and hard about what I'm about to do. They aren't gonna heal her, only keep her alive a few days longer. I am going to be her hero! I am going to be the sister she always thought I was! You don't understand what it's like being an older sister!"
"Sunset, stop!"
"They all look to somepony like you like you're a hero, but why not me? You have all the power, why not me? I'm shunned by ponies! I am thrown out into the streets and forgotten by my own parents! You get a palace! You get immortality! Why can't I get that? Why are you exalted when other ponies fall? They shun my night!"
Celestia blinked in shock upon hearing the last words. Sunset stepped forward, her horn glowing red with the amulet's magic. The princess's heart started racing as she began to hear a familiar voice cry from the thief.
"I am forgotten! Thrown away like trash! They enjoy you! Ponies from all over Equestria pay money just to see you! But I have to live in the shadows! I am forgotten while you are praised. You had every opportunity to fix this, my sister, but you didn't! You never fix anything, only make it worse. I sicken at your silliness, I cry at your lack of care, and I won't stand for it any longer."
"Luna please!" Celestia cried. "I don't want to do this, not again. Please..."
"You cry now because of your mistakes, Tia!" Luna pinned Celestia to the wall, a vile snarl upon the little sister's lips. "You cry now because you only now realize how poorly you've treated me. What kind of sister are you? Because of you and those awful ponies, the moon shall stay up in that forsaken sky for eternity. Because of you, I have to show the world why I am relevant in their pitiful lives."
"Do not do this again to me, dear Sister," Celestia uttered. "Do not lie to yourself. You are relevant. You are loved. Lower the moon, it is your duty."
"Do not force me to stand idly by while they all bask in your precious light! No, you've had your chance, Sister. Only one princess shall rule this land from here on, and that princess will be me!"
Luna jumped back from Celestia and her horn glowed with magic. Red flames sprouted from the air and whirled about the throne room of the Castle of the Two Sisters. The moon decorated drapes and the ceiling's windows watched the two sisters battle for the eternity of the world. Or did they? All the flames from the little sister were only deflected by the elder. Celestia kept backing away from the attacks. She grunted as each powerful hit struck her bubble shield, making cracking sounds much like the shattering of glass.
"Sister! Cease!" Celestia yelled.
"Enough talk!" Luna growled. "You had your chance, Celestia! You took your opportunities to help me and threw them away! You are nothing but a failure, and I, your consequence!"
Magic took hold of Celestia and she was thrown into a wall, making dust and bits of stone fly from it. Still now she did not retaliate against her assailant. She was thrown against another wall, cracking the ancient stone with the force alone. Luna took a breath before slamming her sister straight into the floor.
"Have you given up so easily, Tia?" she mocked.
Flames danced around the beat down. Blood fell from Celestia's lips and she struggled to even get to her feet. Her knees buckled, her voice kept echoing one distraught phrase after the other. It was a pitiful sight. So much so, that Luna herself pounced on her sister and pinned her down. The fires in her eyes, the red magic that surrounded her. Her small muzzle was close to Celestia's and her voice was filled with anger.
"Fight me!" Sunset screamed. "I've waited so long for this! To put you down, to free myself! Fight me!"
"Luna?" Celestia asked the young mare.
The chambers of the princess were now burning everywhere. Her bed, her books, just about anything of value was engulfed in a raging inferno caused by the thief. Sunset was on top of her, red tendrils coming from her eyes and the Alicorn Amulet glowing bright in its pleasure of being used so improperly. Celestia looked at her former student with regret and regret only.
"Who are you talking about?" Sunset demanded with a slight scoff.
"Sunset, it does not have to be this way. I am not your enemy..."
"Maybe."
Sunset jumped back and blasted a bolt at the princess. It struck Celestia and she tumbled across the floor and over burning bed. It was an agonizing hit and she barely stood from it.
"Maybe you aren't my enemy," Sunset said, "but I know you aren't my friend."
Sunset took Celestia in her magic grasp and threw her forcibly out onto the balcony. The cold wind swept around Celestia's damaged mane and the moon watched in silence. The princess pathetically pulled herself up on the balcony and looked at the thief with sorrowful eyes. No resistance was found in her being at all.
"I'm sorry, Sunset," Celestia spoke. "I never realized I hurt you this much. I've only tried to help you. I would be lying to say otherwise. I will never beg you to believe me, but I think you do already. You are in denial. You don't want to know what is true and what is logical. All that has happened to you has placed walls that cloud your judgment. I am not your enemy, Sunset. The enemy is yourself and I've only tried to save you from what you may become."
"Oh? So it's like you know everything, huh?" Sunset rolled her eyes.
"I don't know everything, but I certainly know more than you, young one. I am a failure; you are my consequence. You have taught your lesson to me, now I ask you to leave. Go. Save your sister if you can. When I spoke with her, I knew I was already too late."
Sunset scoffed. "No, you simply don't have the guts to help her. That's why I never asked you to do anything. I know you can't do it."
"Neither can you," Celestia then pointed at the city. "Go! Prove me right! Ponies who have walked your path do not end with happiness. I have seen it all too many times. You will be miserable. You will believe you are lost. You will be hopeless. You will have no friends."
"I'll tell you otherwise when I prove to all that even a pony like me can achieve greatness," Sunset stuffed a hoof into Celestia's bloodstained fur.
"I'd like to hear it," Celestia snarled.
"Next time, Celly, put up a fight."
Sunset was then surrounded by red flames and disappeared. The wall of fire that blocked the guards from entering was now lifted. The guards were caught standing there with buckets of water and other useless devices for extinguishing flames. Corporal Armor was the first to react and rushed over the burning room to Celestia.
"Your Highness! We must get you to a hospital. You're wounded!" he cried.
"I've been through worse, Shining..." Celestia pushed him away. "Sunset has the Alicorn Amulet; I shall do my best to keep her in check. The night is not over, far from it."
"Your Highness, please do not do anything you'll regret!" Armor begged.
The princess placed a hoof on his shoulder. "I already have, Corporal. I already have. It is time for me to give her that one chance."
Celestia kept the guards at a distance and spread her wide white wings. Her sides ached, some parts bled, and she was bruised all over, but she kept her solemn expression. With one hoof, she lifted herself onto the railing. Letting herself fall off, she glided down and away from the balcony, leaving the Royal Guards watching in bewilderment.
"Your Highness! Think about this!"
"Stop!"
"Come back!"
Their cries were not heard by the princess who flew across the skyline of Canterlot. Her wings took over farther and farther away from the palace. Whatever happens, even if is just as I predict, I shall not be ready for it. Her eyes looked up at the moon. The imprint of an alicorn that branded the surface of the moon for a thousand years stared back at her. The time was different, but the wounds were the same. It's too soon to feel this again. A thousand years too soon.
"I shall never let this happen again. Maybe it is not Sunset who needs a friend. Perhaps, it is I..."
Sunset was formed from the flames before they disappeared in the night air. In front of her was Wing Beat's home, silent and boarded up like usual. It purposely appeared abandoned and completely deserted. With the amulet on her chest, she proudly opened the door and walked inside.
"Oh, Dayshine will be so surprised!" she loudly whispered upon entering.
The inside was just as dark as the outside. No light was present unless it weaved through the boarded windows. The moon was still bright overhead, so the little beams of moonlight did more than enough to make the inside visible for walking. It had been a long time since Sunset had entered this place, so she took her time looking about and seeing if anything changed. Not to her surprise, it all seemed exactly the same as she left it.
She then carefully tiptoed up the steps towards Dayshine's room. She knew all the places to step to not make a creaking noise on the wooden boards. She was stifling a giggle. Her promise was almost fulfilled and she had her amulet. One chapter in her life was complete and a new one was just starting.
"Dayshine!" she knocked on the room door. "Ya big sis is back!"
"Ya can come in," Wing Beat answered.
"What are you doing in here?" Sunset asked and opened the door.
Wing Beat was sitting at the foot of the bed, his present scowl looked right at the thief. Sunset instantly lost her confidence when she saw his face. He did not take note of the amulet, his face remained as stone cold as usual. Her eyes than went to the head of the bed where Dayshine was lying down, quiet and not moving. Her head was facing straight up to the ceiling and her eyes were closed. Susnet took another hesitant step inside the room.
"She gave up. She was coughing up Tartarus when I got back," Wing Beat spoke without emotion. "I told her I was gonna get her to help, but she said no. She said she was ready and that she would be helping you by going away. I told her that you was gonna help her, to save her. She said ya was lying. She believed what Celestia told her and she thought ya was jus' saying stuff like that to keep some hope in her. Then she went."
"She didn't think I could do it?" Sunset asked, stunned.
"Yup. Guess she rather go and not see her sister forget her once again. Maybe that amulet could have saved her, but ya can't bring back the dead."
Instead of going to her sister's side, Sunset sat right in the middle of the room. Her eyes sort of hung right over Dayshine's body but never directly looked at her. Her jaw hung slightly agape and she only breathed through her mouth. The most animated part of her were the red wisps of magic from her eyes, growing slightly larger each passing moment. There was no blinking, there was no speaking. Finally Wing Beat shifted his weight and cocked his deformed head.
"Ya not crying, lass," he remarked plainly.
"What was she thinking?" Sunset could only say. "What was she thinking?"
"Not sure," he shrugged.
"Oh shut it, you old geezer," Sunset snapped. "I just....I'm shocked, that's all. How long has she been dead?"
"About fifteen minutes," he replied.
Sunset's whole body twitched at this. "Damn! I...I could have saved her if I didn't go get this stupid jacket!" she screamed. "Wasted my time! Wasted so much! The one thing I was about to get right, I still screwed up."
"She could be saved if ya allowed me to take her to get care!" he yelled.
"Shut it! If she was fine and going about when Celestia went here, then she would have died anyway. The hospitals don't have the gear and stuff to help this sort of stuff, only magic! I am now the most powerful unicorn in Equestria! I could have saved her, now this amulet is worthless to me! Right now, I don't really feel like making a name for myself.
"Well, her death is on your hooves. I said that when ya was imprisoned and I'll still say that."
"When will you take any blame? Huh?" Sunset yelled, her horn glowing. "All you do is push blame on others. No wonder Celestia never honored your dumb flank! Ya probably cried to those idiot griffins! They thought it was funny when they poked you with a spoon. That's why you survived, isn't it? Ya gave them the information they wanted when they flicked you on you side, huh? I'm guessing it was your buds' faults for getting caught too? You were the head of the squad and they are still the ones at fault, am I right? Ya jus' sit about and pass on blame to society or the princess. Even now, when you should share just as much blame as me for Dayshine's death, you still pass it on. Give me a break!"
"How dare you!" he shout back. "You have no idea what I went through."
"Well, whatever did happen, it's no excuse for this! Wing Beat, we did this! We did all this! How...How can I go about like this? I got my own little sister killed due to my own negligence!" her lips quivered and tears started to fall out. "Celestia was right about me! I'm just a waste of magical talent. Why should I live and she die?"
"I hear the princess!" Wing Beat jumped. "Maybe ya should ask her yourself."
"Ya not leaving this!" Sunset yelled at him.
"Why not? Sunset, this is a terrible day, we need to just move on."
"Maybe...but I'll be the one to send you off!"
"What?"
Sunset suddenly grabbed his whole body in her enhanced magic and threw him through a boarded window and out of the home. She didn't wait to hear him hit the ground outside and teleported to the front of the house. Celestia was there also, keeping some feet away from the entrance and remaining cautious while Sunset was there. The two looked at each other with no real emotion. Sunset had no desire to speak and so Celestia was the first to break the silence.
"Sunset, she has passed, hasn't she?" the princess asked solemnly.
"Yeah..." was the quiet response.
"I'm sorry. I felt this was going to happen. However, I still do not have any planned words for it. All I can say is that your quest is over, my dear Sunset, and it's time to look to a new promise."
"Naw, I don't really care about that," the thief swallowed. "I messed up. I...I'm just a waste."
"Be a waste no longer, child."
"I'm not sure if I can..."
Celestia took a step forward. "Nonsense! You can be whatever you dream to be. You simply need to try. That amulet is slowly corrupting you, my dear, and you are the only one that can remove it. Do not believe whatever you are thinking is true. The Alicorn Amulet clouds pony minds and replace them with worthless ambitions and irrational beliefs. Please take it off before you come to any conclusion."
Sunset looked down at the amulet. Its red glow helped illuminate the darkness around them. She was considering Celestia's words. Her eye twitched once again and one hoof slid itself over the glowing magical artifact. The red wisps from her eyes grew a little longer and she started to slowly shake her head from side to side. The princess took another step towards the young mare, making the latter step back with caution. She continued to shake her head.
"I worked so hard for this," she said finally.
"It was not worth the effort, Sunset."
"It could still be!" she grew louder.
"No, it never will be."
Sunset gulped. "I...I can fix this. I can start again. You know, right? I jus' need to move on. I...I need to forget what's happened. I've lost everything. I don't deserve any second chance!" her breathing became shallow. "I'm finished! Why, why did this happen? I'm such an idiot! An idiot! An idiot!"
"Sunset, please calm down."
"Start again! Forget everything! No, don't start! Just end and be done!"
Sunset turned around in sudden anger. Her horn glowed bright with red magic and an aura swept over the small house. Her horn glowed brighter and brighter until suddenly, the house caught on crimson fire. The flames stretched towards the sky as the intense fire engulfed the whole house instantly. Celestia's eyes widened as she watched the house burn down with frightening quickness. Pops and roars came from the red flames and nothing was to be salvaged from the ruined home.
"Sunset! Why did you do that?" the princess demanded.
"Forget it all!" she screamed.
"You are distraught! Please listen and calm down. We can get through this, my student. We can make it through this together," Celestia reassured her and placed her delicate hoof on the other's shoulder.
"Get away!" Sunset jumped away and fired a massive ball of flames at the princess, who quickly redirected it with a quick shield spell.
Sunset fired again and again. Celestia teleported away from the attacks as the enhanced magic was too hard on her shields. Sunset grabbed Celestia in her magical grip and threw her into a nearby structure. The princess bounced right back up from the attack and retaliated by taking Sunset and slamming her right into the ground.
"Get some sense, Sunset! I'm giving you this chance to see logic! I won't hesitate to beat the logic into you."
No reply came from the thief. Instead, with tears coming from her eyes, she teleported away and out of sight. Celestia paused and looked about. Where did she go? She looked up at the roofs, she looked in front, and she looked in back. Besides the still burning home, it was like Sunset was never there. With heart fell when she realized Sunset had fled the skirmish.
"Sunset!" she called out desperately. "Sunset! "Sunset Shimmer!"
"I'm finished!"
Sunset stumbled over a step and fell down into a dark alley. The cuts on her nose and leg stung, making her visibly wince. The alley, with its tall buildings flanking either side, blocked all moonlight, making it almost too dark to see. The little lanterns that were neglected in these parts of Canterlot, flickered pathetically, giving only light to the stands they stood on. Sunset got up and ran farther and farther from her troubles.
"What have I done?"
She fell again and this time remained sitting in a small puddle on the cracked cobblestone. Her eyes were drawn to the glow of the amulet. That disgusting, useless amulet. She took it with her hooves and ripped it off her chest. She lost her breath for one quick moment as the wisps of red magic faded away and she now felt fully awake for the first time.
"Piece of garbage," she snarled at it. "You caused this! You caused this! If I didn't think you were worth the effort, I would have stayed with Dayshine! A waste of my time!"
She threw it down in anger. It clanged loudly as it hit the stone ground. It no longer glowed, but instead simply sat there in its pitiful state, completely harmless without a master to wield its power. The thief threw her head back and cursed at the sky. The words from her lips were not even loud enough to create echoes off the looming black walls.
"Was it my fault?" she asked herself. "Do I really deserve this? Maybe. Yeah. Just think, ya idiot, you can make this work. It's time to start over, make a new life."
With not much to look at, she kept her eyes towards the sky. Her heart still raced with the action from moments ago. "Celestia helped cause all this. She did. She probably holds herself blameless. All she does is lie. I don't lie as much as she does."
She lowered her head and placed a bloodied hoof to her chin. "Yeah, she did hold me prisoner. She did try to make me make friends. She had every opportunity to make me an alicorn and what did she do? Reject it of course. There's got to be something for me to do. I've fallen so many times and gotten back up, why should I stay down now? This piece of garbage amulet is useless. Maybe I can get something for it."
She forced herself up and picked it up in her magic. Her eyes went up and down the alley. When she gained her bearings, she started to walk down the stairs to the lower levels of the alley. The lack of good lanterns and the blocked moonlight made her use her magic to see her path.
"Wing Beat knows a guy who takes artifacts. He should be right down here..." she said.
She stopped in front of a store with a peculiar sign. Knowing this was the place, she opened the door and walked in. Only a couple candles lit the inside, leaving the dark parts shrouded in both shadows and mystery. Skulls and other odd items were placed on the edges of the small lit circles. The little bell that rung when she opened the door alerted the still awake owner.
"Who's there?" he asked deviously.
"Sunset Shimmer, you know, Wing Beat's girl," she answered.
"Aw yes!" he revealed himself from a back room. He wore a small hat and a braided mane. His one-sided smile said nothing but bad news. He slithered around some objects and reached the counter of the store. His slimy hooves propped themselves on the old wood and his eyes twinkled at her with cleverness.
"Long time, no see, my darling," he chuckled. "What brings you here?"
"This," she spoke as she placed the amulet in front of him.
"What?" he gasped. "This...this is the Alicorn Amulet! How did you get it?"
"You don't want to know."
"Hmph! I was ready for a story, my darling," he huffed. "Well then, strictly business tonight, hmm? How much are you asking for it?"
"Hundred bits," she shrugged.
"You drive a hard bargain-wait what?" he blinked. "Sunset, my darling, you have a priceless artifact in your hooves. You can't just give it away at a hundred bits. What has Wing Beat taught you?"
"I really don't care what Wing Beat taught me!" she snarled. "Now take it and give me my money or I'll send you to Tartarus and just take it!"
"Alright! Alright!" he took a bag of bits and tossed it to her. "Take it!"
"Thanks," she smiled. "Feel sorry for the pony who buys it."
She then simply walked out of the store with her new bits. No longer having to worry about the artifact, she sighed in relief. That thing was no longer going to hurt her and she was glad about that. With the jingle of the bits, she made her way down the alley once more.
"Maybe my life isn't a complete failure," she wondered. "I still got my ambition, right? Maybe I've been doing all this the wrong way. Maybe I don't need Wing Beat, maybe Dayshine dying is opening a new door for me. By the stars, I sound horrible saying that. Well, that doesn't mean it's not true," she looked down at her jacket. "Gotta move on, right? There's gotta be something for me in life, right? Some dream I haven't dreamed about?"
She stopped and looked towards the palace. From one small opening in the line of buildings, she could only see the highest spires of the princess' home. It was then that it hit her. Her eyes widened as she remembered. Her breath was taken away in a short gasp.
"The mirror!" she loudly whispered. "Celestia has hid that thing for a reason. Maybe that's where I belong, wherever the mirror takes me. I could start again. I could forget all this and move on. I can't live with Celestia, I can't live with any remembrance of this terrible night. I should go to the mirror and go where it tells me to! Maybe I can still become an alicorn, but not through Celestia!"
She then felt her jacket once more. "Well...maybe I do need something to remember my mistakes by..."
Celestia sipped her tea. There was only one bandage remaining on her from the battle she had with Sunset in her own chambers. The bandage was placed on the left front shoulder, right under where her regalia would cover. She had been asked a hundred times or more about how she acquired such injuries. She had to make up stories to explain it to everypony who dared ask. It was the only benefit to having scars. Celestia had no little imagination and ponies were the most gullible species in all the land. Her tales ranged from manticores to dragons, from timberwolves to hydras. Not a single story ever came close to the actual events that a young unicorn damaged her so much.
"What are you looking at?" she playfully asked the phoenix that was perched on her desk.
The bird did not respond verbally, but only with a slight cock of her head. She's been acting so strangely. I hope I haven't done anything to hurt her feelings. The princess raised one confused brow, but only sipped her morning tea once again. The phoenix remained in its complacent state and not at all like her bubbly self.
"I guess I can understand what you're feeling," Celestia told the bird. "It's been odd not having any craziness here. It has already fallen back into the boring state it was before Sunset arrived. Do you miss her?"
There was no response from the bird.
"I see," Celestia nodded. "I miss her as well. However, I understand that if she will ever get help in this world, it shall not be at my hooves. There's one that can save her, I know there is. I can feel it. I feel it so strongly that I know it will never be me."
She put down her tea and stood up from her desk. With a quick stretch of her legs, she walked over to her balcony to gaze out towards the grand city of Canterlot. It was a lovely, peaceful morning. The pegasi had done their rain runs the past two days, so it was now only sunny and clear.
"Come, Philomena," she told the phoenix gently. "Let us enjoy the day as it should be."
The majestic bird swiftly glided from her perch to the railing of the balcony. Celestia smiled at her before returning her gaze to the vast city. From her view atop the Grand Royal Palace, not a single blemish was on the white city. What soul would be troubled in a city of wonders? In a city that has seen so much glory? Celestia knew the answer all too well. She had been wishing to forget the name, but it was always on her mind.
"Philomena, I think it's time to finally reflect on all this," she said quietly. "I have given it a week to come to a conclusion. Never in my life have I been so troubled. Never since Sister Dearest left you and I. I thought I learned a lesson worth a thousand lifetimes. It all seemed so simple. I just needed to care more. I needed to be more loving. They were lessons a child would come up with. Many tried to convince me that it wasn't my fault. None succeeded of course. I wanted to be the sole reason of my own failure. 'I can't fix society, but I can fix myself.' So I did. I fixed myself. Or...at least I believed that I did. A thousand years later and it repeats in startlingly similar fashion. In my age, I have forgot that which is most important to me. I let myself be blinded by my own desire to be the most loving pony that has ever existed. You know very well how many ponies I have helped. I've kept a nation running on the top of the world for a thousand years! My experience, my success, it all should point to me being the greatest, right? Well, perhaps, but I never believed it. I thought I fixed myself and I thought I remained humble. I did neither.
"Perhaps I never understood love. I don't mean romantically, as you know I've never had a relationship. What I mean is that I have never learned to be a sister or a mother. I've taken concepts like politeness, etiquette, and regal authority as being loving or caring. They are good in their own right, but they are not the full power of love. I can teach, but I cannot be motherly. Maybe I've never actually tried to be motherly. Sunset needed a mother, a foundation for her to fall back on. I tried to treat her like a sister. I tried to be that role-model for her even though she never thought me as one. I only tried to convince her that I was the better pony by moral standards and that she could be more like me. I stumbled over my own ideologies trying to be perfect in her eyes while also telling her that I was not perfect. My hooves were never coordinating as one. I was giving and taking at the same time. If I gave only, it would have fared better. If I took only, it would have fared better.
"I must learn from this. I have to learn from this. A thousand years of ruling have taken a toll on my whole body. I am not as strong as I once was, both mentally and physically. It's about time I surround myself with respectable ponies and guide them to be their own rulers of this nation. I have wished so desperately to give up my throne and crown, but none worthy have appeared. Cadance is the only candidate I can think of. However, this could be my fault. A good leader makes leaders and I have only made a few. Philomena, I should not give up on this quest. I have failed with Sunset and her memory is my burden to carry, but I will not fail again in this! I need to step up as a leader once again and guide the ponies to be better than me. There's a pony out there, I know there is, who can rival me without breaking a sweat. There's a pony out there who can be a great leader. There have been many like this pony, but I have left them untouched and thus they never aspired to their greatest potential. Perhaps the pony to be the greatest of all time has come and gone, and I missed my opportunity to recognize them.
"Do not think that I am blowing Sunset off as a simple mistake. I have helped stir chaos into her life and that makes my gut ache. However, I do have hope for her. I know what she desires and I shall not stand in her way any longer. She is on her own now and all the choices in front of her rely solely on her shoulders. I could apologize for weeks at her hooves, but it would be a waste of my breath. She does not deserve me and I do not deserve her. I can only hope that she will find happiness in her future endeavors. Maybe she'll find friends and perhaps all this will be a like a Spring shower. Here one day and gone the next. Oh, I hope so. I hope with my whole heart. Sunset is not done yet. She has a life to live and I fully believe that she will find greatness."
A knocking came at the chamber's door. Celestia looked behind her to see Cadance there in the doorway, looking worried. The Princess of Love gestured at the other princess to come forward. Celestia took some gentle steps before Cadance started.
"Sunset is here! She's back!" Cadance gulped.
"Ah," Celestia smiled. "Right on time. Please, no need to worry yourself, Cadance. There is no threat here."
"But...But..."
"I said there's no threat," Celestia laughed. "Please have some tea. This batch is rather delightful."
Celestia walked passed the younger princess and happily walked down the steps. Cadance stayed bewildered by Celestia's relaxed behavior, but said nothing to her. Her worried expression turned to a bemused scowl and she huffed indignantly.
"Well then!" she then looked over at the kettle of tea. "Guess some tea will do good. Hey, Philomena, pour me a cup."
"Why is it opened?" Sunset asked as she stood right in front of the opened vault.
Celestia rounded the corner. "Because I was expecting you."
"Gah!" Sunset screeched and turned around. "I knew it was too easy! This is a trap, isn't it?"
With the young mare's horn lit and readied to fire, Celestia stood in place. "Not at all, my dear. I remembered that you spoke so fondly of the mirror. That piece of glass has a way of captivating ponies who see it. I thought it would be something you'd return for."
"And you're gonna stop me? Have you learned nothing?" Sunset snarled.
"I've learned enough to not oppose you," Celestia smiled. "Please, head on inside. You shall find no resistance in me or the guards. I've ordered them to not approach you."
Sunset raised a brow in complete confusion. "Huh? What is this?"
"Let me show you," Celestia chuckled sweetly.
The Princess of the Sun simply walked passed the young mare and into the vault. Sunset, with nothing else to do, followed her. The vault was fully lit, so unlike most of the time, everything inside could be seen. Celestia passed the odd artifacts that were hidden from the outside world. She did not even give them a glance. The thief was hesitant to follow so closely, but did not want to wander either.
"You were right about the mirror," Celestia said while she walked. "It's a very special mirror. It's mystical in every sense of the word and I have no idea what its purpose was or is for."
"So you just hid it in here?" Sunset asked.
"Well, yes. I used to believe it harmless, but it started to affect the ponies who looked into it. Your story about seeing yourself as an alicorn are not unlike what others or even myself have experienced. Some say it can predict the future, some say it shows one's true desire."
"What did you see?"
"My sister and I enjoying a day at the beach," she playfully rolled her eyes. "It's all quite silly if you ask me."
Sunset and the princess sat right in front of the odd mirror. There was no reflection and neither could see themselves in the glass. This made Sunset uneasy, as it was not behaving as a mirror should. There was nothing on the other side, like the glass was only a stone wall. It appeared like it was a bit coarse in the touch, but from another angle, it looked perfectly smooth as it ought to be. Sunset glanced up to see if Celestia was confused as well.
The princess was instead looking down at her. "Neither of those beliefs are true, my dear. The mirror is a portal. The stone you see in the glass is actually in another world, connected, yet separated from our own. The mirror wants us to go through it. It wants us to go beyond our own understanding. I've never trusted it, that's why I've never walked through it. I've stuck a hoof through it once or twice. It tickles."
"That sounds pretty good," Sunset nodded. "A place where I can start fresh, right?"
Celestia sighed. "I do not advise it, but you will not find resistance in me today. You and I have had enough troubles to be fighting again. I do not know what is beyond the glass, but perhaps it will help you. It may destroy you too. I would love it if you stayed. I can see us...making it passed our differences and finally forming a friendship."
"I can't," Sunset simply said. "I just can't. You caused a lot of this. I'm friendless and right now hopeless. I don't need Equestria or the ponies in it. I need to start in a place where I can be who I want to be."
Celestia looked away. "I'm truly sorry for how all this fell into place."
"That's what I thought you'd say. Sorry Celestia, but the only one who's gonna help me is myself. You can go on being the perfect ruler and all," she smiled. "Heck, maybe I'll become something great in this world. I'll do whatever it takes to get to the top. I'll be the best I can be. Yeah," she nodded with confidence. "This'll be true freedom for me. Only got my toughness and ambition. My ambitions will give true freedom."
"I hope you mean well with that ideology," Celestia still looked away.
"We'll see. Maybe I'll come back just to show you how well I've done."
Celestia forced a giggle. "Hopefully it doesn't involve magical artifacts."
"Eh, maybe."
Sunset took a step to the mirror and put her hoof on the glass. Like touching the surface of water, a ripple went through the glass in complete silence. She was taken aback by this reaction from the mirror and gulped. Her hoof was still in it and she did not make a move.
"Please make sure you want to do this," Celestia warned her.
"I think I do. No, I know I do. I have nothing here and everything there. I belong there."
She placed her whole leg in the mirror.
Celestia turned around and let her eyes be fixed on the ground. "Make some friends, alright?"
"Pfft, who needs them?" Sunset chuckled with a warm smile before throwing herself through the mirror and leaving Equestria.
"Oh, why?" Celestia sighed as sudden guilt flooded through her conscience. "No, this was her decision, not yours. Maybe we'll see her again, right?" she shook her head. "I hope so. I hope letting her go was the best decision of my life for her sake. Her life in Equestria is done. I shall leave it at this."
It's over. The princess had no strength to look back at the mirror. Sunset was gone and that was not going to change. With a soothing breath, she stood up on all fours and determinedly walked out of the vault. Before she left, she magically snuffed out any lights and left the guarded room in darkness. Without much thought, she locked the vault with the enchantments she had placed on the door. If she does come back, she'll have to knock.
"Is she gone?" Cadance, who was sitting in the hallway, asked with worry.
"Yes, she is gone. She's off on a new adventure. It will do her well," Celestia answered with a smile.
"Auntie, you don't have to keep that mirror in there. I mean, if Sunset does come back, what if she is twice as angry? What if you are the last pony she ever wants to see? I think you should get rid of it," the young princess suggested.
"Oh? Where would I stash such an item?"
"Well, maybe when I get my own place, I'll put it there. I bet I could calm her down or dissuade her from violence before you do."
Celestia put a hoof to her chin. "Perhaps. However, you getting a place of your own?" she giggled loudly. "Like that will ever happen! You are young and should not worry of such things, my dear. Come along, we a new task at hoof."
The princess perked up and boldly strode by the young mare. Cadance was perplexed by Celestia's sudden change of expression. She galloped to the old princess's side, her face still in bewilderment. She had to take twice as many steps to keep up with Celestia, and all the while, her mind tried to propose a question.
"New task? What new task?" Cadance questioned.
"I'm not sure yet myself!" Celestia chuckled. "However, I have this feeling, a strong feeling, that this is only the beginning! Sunset will do her part, we shall do ours! Come along, Cadance!"
Celestia hurried her steps. Cadance blinked for a moment and found herself far behind the other. "Wait!" she shouted.
A sparkle was in Celestia's eyes. "My dear, it is time to act! The nation of Equestria has been dormant for too long. You, Sunset, and future ponies have sparked something in me that has been just as quiet as our homeland. Cadance, I am sick of being a failure. I am sick of my hooves fighting each other. It is time that my hooves coordinate together, that I thrust myself to fulfill a single goal! Luna comes back within the decade and when she arrives, whether she is Nightmare Moon or my beloved sister, we must be ready. If I keep up my inconsistency of teaching, then we shall not be prepared."
Cadance shrugged. "Sorry, Auntie, but I don't understand."
Celestia leaned close to her niece. "We must make leaders. Ponies that can do what I wish to do, but do it better than myself. We need to make a pony into a leader that can help ponies like Sunset and others. Perhaps this pony will be the one to save her from herself. I have hope for Sunset, but that hope does not rely in her alone, but her finding somepony who can guide her out of this mess far better than I ever could."
"But Aunt Tia, how are we going to find such a pony?" Cadance asked.
The question struck her as odd, but odd because of how much a logical question it was. Where would I find such a pony? Perhaps Fate will decide that. No, must keep focused! She looked towards the floor for a moment and then stared right at her niece. What is going to happen is more important than me. I have a will, I have a determination that will not be extinguished. This is for not only me, but Sunset. Remember. Remember.
Celestia remained calm through her stammering. "I...I don't know. I...I just know that we will. Are you with me in this?"
The Princess of Love nodded slowly. "Absolutely."
Celestia smiled broadly. "That's what I needed to hear. Let us bring this pony up so that he or she can raise Sunset Shimmer from the ashes! To raise her like a phoenix!"
"Yes! It's been forever! I had to go with this jerk to the parties and all that. I've waited so long and now he finally has the guts to ask me out!"
Celestia placed a hoof to her mouth to stifle a giggle. The two princesses were walking outside the Grand Royal Palace's walls, enjoying the lovely day in the vast gardens that surrounded the royal abode. The Princess of Love was holding a parasol in her right wing, a habit she still retained from being a pegasus. Celestia was welcoming the sun's rays instead, being fully uncovered and letting the bright light reflect off her white coat.
"You do know he's trying for Captain of the Royal Guard, don't you, Auntie?" Cadance asked from underneath the parasol.
"He spoke to me about it, yes. I am skeptical about it, but I do believe he contains the leadership to be placed in such a position. I would give him five years at least. He's still too young and inexperienced."
"Yes, that's true," Cadance nodded. "I saw Twilight again the other day. Still cute as ever."
"Aaaannnd?" Celestia sang the question expectantly with a broad smile.
Cadance rolled her eyes. "Aaannnd she's getting better with her magic. I saw her do origami like it was nothing and that was when she was half-awake."
The Princess of the Sun seemed satisfied. "Intriguing."
Could she be the one? Celestia looked in front of her in absent thought. Ever since Cadance first reported her skill, I have had the feeling she is the one. Oh, let my feelings be true. The sound of their hooves stepping on the cobblestone path was lost in her mind. Maybe I should start them young? The two made their way a little longer before Cadance woke her from her thoughts.
"Celestia? No, she is not the one..." Cadance rolled her eyes.
"What?"
Cadance continued. "I know what you're thinking. Every colt or filly that comes your way, you instantly think they are going to be your next pupil. I think you're starting to become impatient. Twilight is not going to be your pupil; she'll be just like all the others."
Celestia snorted in disapproval. "Well, how do you know? Hm? She could be. I will not skip her just because you don't believe in her."
"Oh, yeah. Because it went so well with Sunburst, didn't it? I think you traumatized that colt."
The Princess of the Sun stopped. "He...did not fare as well as I hoped. I just thought that somepony who earned his cutie mark at such an age would surely be a prodigy in the making. My school still did him wonders and you know it. You did not socialize with him at all, either. I thought you were going to aid me in this?"
"I am, but it's just...Auntie, you're not good at this. It's been over a year since Sunset left us and we have no idea what's going on in her new world. Every colt and filly that we think is going to be as powerful as Sunset or at least, more brave than Sunset, have not worked out. I don't think this plan is going to work."
Celestia sat down on the cobblestone and considered the young mare's words. She did not appreciate the words, but she saw the truth behind them. Her lower jaw moved side to side in thought. Cadance looked back at her with an expectant expression, as if wanting Celestia to prove her words wrong.
"I see," Celestia finally nodded. "However, we need this pony. We must be ready for this pony. You and I will need to use all our resources to bring this pony up. We must keep up our examples of leadership and be ready to teach and train."
Cadance remained unconvinced. "Celestia, these unicorns you have picked have done some good magic, but that won't make them like you. Magic will not make them a leader."
Celestia nodded at this as well. "Yes, I know that. This pony will need determination, ambition, and friendship."
"Sunset didn't have that third one..." Cadance remarked.
"No, and we should consider it the most important. Iron sharpens iron, Cadance. You and I are not going to be the sword; we are going to be the grindstone. Well, you can be the grindstone, I'll be the forge."
Cadance blinked in confusion. "Huh?"
Celestia waved a dismissing hoof. "Never mind."
Celestia stood up with a sigh and continued through the garden. "So," she started. "Where is Twilight at the moment?"
"Well, she's actually taking the entrance exam for your school as we speak. She's been studying for basically all her life for this moment."
"It would be unfortunate if she failed. After you first reported her magical talents, I set all this up so well."
"Yeah, and she will fail, trust me. You're a jerk for making Twilight hatch the dragon egg. Not even the professors could do that, I bet."
"After Sunburst, I thought I would make absolutely certain the student has what it takes before throwing myself in," Celestia stated.
"It's a bit harsh."
"Well, what else would I do with the dragon egg?" Celestua questioned. "I mean, really! Find an egg dumped on the side of the mountain and I simply could not let it sit there and die. If Twilight does hatch this dragon, she'll have a lifelong friend instantly! It's brilliant."
"No it's no-"
Cadance was cut off by a loud ringing sound that soared through the air with a thundering slash. Her wing dropped her parasol, which promptly flew off in a weak blast of wind that took both princesses by surprise. Both of them looked up at the sky to see a blast of rainbows fly through the sky with tremendous speed. It was a terrifying yet marvelous spectacle.
"What in Equestria is that!" Cadance yelped.
"Actually, it's a-" Celestia was about to answer.
Another report was heard, but this time, the booming sound came from one of the palace towers. Stone and pieces of rooftop fell to the streets below as a massive purple dragon broke its head free from the white structure. The giant dragon did not roar, but remained completely complacent as it stood there with its limps crumbling the sides of the tower.
"That's the tower that Twilight is taking her exam!" Cadance screamed. "That's the dragon she hatched! By the stars! Twilight is dead!"
"Calm yourself!" Celestia stuffed her hoof into Cadance's gaping mouth. "Don't you see? Twilight passed my test! Haha! You doubted her, you little pessimist. She passed!"
Cadance moved the hoof away. "Auntie, don't you see that we have a giant dragon in our capital? He could start destroying things any second!"
"I know! Isn't it beautiful?" Celestia was about to tear. "Such devastation to end the mundane lifestyle. Twilight's the one, she has to be. The rainbow, this, both are no coincidence!"
"Aren't you going to do something?"
"What?" Celestia blinked. "Oh! You're right; I should fix what's happening over there. I'll do it in a second. Listen, Cadance, remember that you are going to help me in this..."
"By Tartarus no!" Cadance protested. "If Twilight can do that, she's a monster in the making. You're on your own."
"You're going to foalsit her."
"No, I'm not!"
"Yes, you are. You promised me."
"Fine!" Cadance lowered her head in defeat. "I better get my own castle and nation for this!"
Celestia laughed and spread her wings to fly. Let's do this. With little salute, she soared into the sky and flapped her large wings. The dragon was now yawning, even though it was larger than the palace itself; it obviously still retained the mind of a newborn. There was nothing that could hide her enthusiasm at seeing a unicorn succeed. In her mind, Twilight was undoubtedly the one to follow her. The rainbow that now had faded was a sign to confirm this. A leader for this nation was in the making, and it started here.
"Twilight Sparkle, personal pupil of Princess Celestia," Celestia said with bliss. "And perhaps, Sunset's savior."
~After Friendship Games~
Sunset sat on the cobblestone sidewalk in front of a large white building. Her eyes were watery, but she was not crying. Her unicorn magic was holding up a small bouquet of pink flowers. In her state, she did not know what to do with the flowers, so they remained floating by her side. Her eyes wandered around the building, seeing every corner, every golden line, and its modern doors that collided with the more traditional structures that surrounded it. It was clear this building was new and its contemporary architectural style made it unique from the rest.
She wanted to say something, but nothing would come up. The warm sun shined on her, but she didn't mind it. She liked the warmness. It comforted her like the small flames used to. No matter how interesting the building seemed, her eyes would always return to the small white sign in front of it. It was a square sign with blue letters that said "DAYSHINE ORPHANAGE" with boldness like no other.
"Can I help you?" a voice asked from behind her.
"Oh?" Sunset turned to see a middle-aged mare smiling at her. "Oh, um, no not really."
"Are you a relative to one of the children?" she asked with a Manehatten accent. "We usually would like an appointment to be made, but no matter."
"What?" Sunset raised a brow. "Naw, I'm not a relative to any of the orphans. You see, I used to live around here and I haven't been here in a long time, so this orphanage wasn't here when I left. I like how it looks. Looks good."
The mare came closer. "Ah yes, this orphanage is quite new, yeah. Used to be an ugly old house here. It burned to the ground in some wild accident I hear."
"Yeah, that's what I've heard too," Sunset rubbed the back of her neck.
"Well, have a nice day," the mare smiled. "I need to get inside."
The mare walked away and entered the oddly shaped doors. Sunset now returned to her former state of simply inspecting the place. She realized her actions could be taken as creepy, but she did not care. Part of her wanted to scream out and cry. She kept that side contained though, and sat there in silence.
"When Twilight told me you were visiting Canterlot, I knew you would come here first," a familiar voice said.
Sunset's heart leaped from her chest and she jumped to her feet. Celestia was flying towards her and landed majestically on the grassy lawn. Just like Sunset, it was clear she was holding back her emotion. Her face would twitch some and she held a bright, motherly smile to her former student.
"I told Twilight not to tell you," Sunset said. "Guess she didn't hear that part."
"You were not going to visit me?" Celestia raised an amused brow.
"I am not ready," Sunset backed away. "You don't know how much I took advantage of you when you let me free. I made more and more mistakes than you can imagine. I've hurt people, ponies, and I lost myself completely. I-"
Celestia silenced her with a lifted hoof. "Please, keep that to yourself. None of that is important anymore. You are a new pony, that's what matters. Twilight has told me about how you changed. It is truly wondrous. I lost faith in you, and when you stole Twilight's crown, I was devastated to know that you were no different than when you left. However, she did as I hoped she would. Twilight, as I once intended, but forgot, saved you from yourself. It is all in the past and our discussions of it should not be so heavy. Let us instead talk about other things," she said as she gestured at the orphanage. "It was Cadance's idea, I must say."
"Why an orphanage?" Sunset asked.
"You opened my eyes to see that my city is not as healthy as it appears. The fact that you and Dayshine existed as street orphans in my grand capital haunted me. How many like you were there? One is too many. So, we made this orphanage to be a shelter for ponies like you. I help run it myself, and my sister Luna has chipped in as well. We try to give these unfortunate children education, love, and healthcare as it also operates as children's hospital."
"That last bit really hurts me," Sunset sighed.
"I knew the irony would, but I believe it would be what Dayshine would want."
"Did you bury her?" Sunset began to falter. "The ashes, at least?"
"Yes. I have her ashes in an urn in my chambers. You may take it with you if you wish."
Sunset composed herself with a nod and a deep breath. "Thanks..." she uttered. With much effort, she walked over to the front of the building and placed the pink flowers on the stone. It was this final action that made her collapse into tears. She covered her face with her front legs and began to cry a quiet sobbing. Celestia rushed over to her and let her wings wrap around the mare.
"Let it out, don't be ashamed," the princess said motherly.
"She's my sister," Sunset cried. "She's my sister and I gave her up!"
"Shh, shh," Celestia soothed. "The past is unchangeable, no matter how hard we believe otherwise. There's nothing more you can do but forgive yourself."
"I know...I know..."
"Do...erm, would you like to retrieve her ashes?" Celestia offered.
"Yeah..." was the pathetic answer.
"Then let us go. Your sister is watching us, Sunset, and she is proud that you are new. Trust me, she is.
"Yeah, I guess," she wiped the tears away. "I guess we can go..."
"Nothing has really changed," Sunset remarked as they walked through the palace.
Celestia looked around with the former student. "Nothing has changed extremely, but some things are changed. You may not have noticed, but the throne room has several new windows. Twilight and her friends have made these past few years exciting. Equestria has been invaded by changelings, terrorized by a giant centaur, and the Spirit of Chaos has been doing his thing as well."
"Sounds like I've missed some fun," Sunset tried to joke.
"Indeed."
They finally reached Celestia's chambers. It was also not much different than how Sunset remembered. The bed was still there, the desk, the books. She was surprised by this and sat down right in the doorway.
"I burned all this..." she muttered.
"Some ponies are quite fantastic at restoring rooms from disasters," Celestia explained. "The books have been replaced. They were original copies, but now new modern versions have taken their places. The bed was also replaced. They apparently mass produce that kind of bed, so it was not hard to find. The hardest part was cleaning up all the burn marks."
Celestia went by Sunset and towards the far wall. There, on a shelf, was a golden urn. With her yellow magic, she picked it off the shelf gently. The urn was decorated and a carving of Sunset's cutie mark on its front. The princess looked at this before giving it to Sunset, who took it with her own magic.
"Since Dayshine did not possess a cutie mark, I marked it with yours," Celestia said.
"Thanks," Sunset took a deep breath. "I recently got a place back in the human world, so I know just where to put my sister," she took another breath. "Celestia, what happened to Wing Beat? Is he still alive?"
"No he is not. He passed away almost nine months ago. Soon after you left, he turned himself in and wanted to be charged for the murdering of Dayshine. We tried to convince him that he did not kill her, but he refused to accept any of our reasons. He was imprisoned for all his counts of theft and robbery. However, he never complained about his lot. I spoke with him almost biweekly about his life and mine. He accepted my apology for not honoring his sacrifice and he apologized for any hurt he gave me. During his imprisonment, he became a wise stallion. Shining Armor and Whiplash were told stories and manners of military conduct from him. I can say that he learned from his own mistakes and died with peace in his heart. We buried him in the hills under Cloudsdale."
Sunset nodded her head in understanding. "So everything's gone full circle I guess. Wow, I never thought it would. After Twilight saved me, after I finally saw what I was doing wrong, I never thought I could recover. I felt like I was trying to free myself from all this weight and insecurity and, and...I only trapped myself. I pushed everything that was to help me away. Everything. Everything."
Celestia drew close to the unicorn. "I understand. I understand very well. I had my doubts I would ever see you again. I had doubts that I could do anything right again after you. However, our doubts have been crushed. We have both moved on, learned from our pasts. Take care of your sister, for she is proud of the mare you've become. Wing Beat is also proud, I know it. However, know that I am proud of you. The obstacles you have overcame are nothing to forget and you have done something only a couple of ponies have ever done. You changed me. You changed how I perceive the world in my old years. You've done it, my little Sunset. You've have resurrected from the ashes as a new pony, a new human with friends and mentors to help guide you to success."
The two embraced and held each other tightly. Tears ran from their eyes as they relished in their new found lives. At this moment, neither was there a princess nor a thief present. The two were something far beyond any labels or titles they earned in their respected lives. They were friends who were now closer together through the trials they faced. Too long was the wait, but with the end, there was nothing sweeter. For hours they could sit in this position, for every minute was worth it. Every moment was leading to this. Nothing could be sweeter. I'm so proud of you, my friend.
From the balcony was the phoenix, watching in her usual way. Unlike all the other times she had seen Sunset, this time she was smiling as well she could. Her master was pleased and everything was well. With a few more moments, she watched them. No worry was found, no sadness was present. She spread her fiery wings out and with a call, flew off from the balcony to fly over the city.
