Sunset Shimmer has had enough of people turning against her, including her own friends. But then she meets a one true friend who has given peace, hope, and love. Sunset Shimmer will experience the love of God and will explore Jesus Christ's ministry.
(This story takes place after and before the ending of the Forgotten Friendship)
Sunset Shimmer has changed, thanks to the help of friendship. She had 6 friends who stayed by her side and always been her friends. Even the students from CHS have seen that she's changed. But she suffered the times they turn against her because of thoughts of her old self, including her own friends. So she couldn't take it anymore. But she then meets the way, the truth and the life...Jesus Christ. Sunset Shimmer will experience the presence of God and will journey with Jesus to find true love, peace, hope and salvation. She'll even experience the Old Testament. Will she ever receive forgiveness and the presence of God? Find out on her journey with Jesus and how Worthy is a Lamb,
Now the Memory Stone is destroyed and everyone's memory's are restored, Sunset Shimmer is back in the friendship group. She had been on a quest to find whatever erased everyones (even her friends) memories of her discovering the magic friendship, and found what was the cause of it. Now that the problem is solved, she was glad everything is back to normal.
But there was one problem left, she still felt an anxiety in her. The way her own friends treated her while "their" memories were erased. But not only that, it all brought back memories of catastrophes that happened to her...Twice!
After school and the defeat of Wallflower Blush, It was time to go home. Outside the school, every student was leaving. The Rainbooms were emerging onto Applejack's truck, but Sunset Shimmer doesn't seem to be in the mood to go with them.
"Well, that was some magical defeat we pulled off today" Applejack replied
"I couldn't agree more." Twilight giggled
They soon realized Sunset isn't in the truck with them. They saw her walking past the truck.
"Hey, Sunset, where you going?" Rainbow Dash called
"I'm going home." Sunset Shimmer answered
"But don't you wanna get on the truck? We're heading to my farm for some fizzy apple cider for celebration." Applejack said
"I'm sorry, got things to do. So, I'm just gonna take the taxi." Sunset said again in a low voice.
"Alright then, see ya tomorrow" Applejack said.
Sunset then walked away without saying goodbye. Applejack thought there might be something was wrong with her.
"Strange." Applejack thought. "Sunset usually comes with us for a celebration, she always celebrates with us.
Applejack was right, there was something wrong with Sunset Shimmer. She was still a little upset with the memory stone incident, not because of the memory stone, but because of how people treated Sunset because of their memories being erased, especially her own friends.
"Am I really suppose to be in the friendship group? Am I really their friend? Are they really sorry?" Sunset thought sadly
She called a taxi and the taxi picked her up and drove all the way back to her apartment building. When she enter her apartment, she fed her pet gecko, Ray, and sat down on her couch and pulled her phone out. She looked at all the pictures of her and her friends having fun together, having fun at slumber parties, and having fun at camp everfree.
"I may not know what the future holds, but this is not the future I want. I just want peace and hope., and everyone to stay by my side and always protect me." Sunset said as a little bit of tears formed her eyes
Later that night, she was in her bed tossing and turning. She was having a nightmare, but not just any nightmare...it was a nightmare about horrible experiences she went through the past year. About students of CHS turning against her, including her friends.
First came the Canterlot High students.
"Now that's the bad girl we'd love to hate!"
"I knew she was still trouble!"
"The real Sunset Shimmer is back!"
"Way to go!"
"Anon-A-Miss!"
"Too many secrets!"
"How could she?"
"Traitor!"
And now came her friends
"What was that?"
"Close the curtains? Unplug her ram, give us the chance to deal with the situation?"
"Yeah, well you didn't!"
"We trusted you, Sunset! We thought you were our friend!"
"How could you do this? After all we've been through together!"
"But you did! You must've just been pretending to be our friend, when all along you were after our secrets! You secret stealer!"
"No you're not! You're not the person we thought you were! You're not our friend!"
"This is it, Sunset! You're not going to take advantage of us anymore. I'm sorry, but you did this to us! Tell whatever secrets you want...but we don't have to listen!"
"Sunset Shimmer? Askin' to be in our "Best Friends" picture? Heh. Now I've heard it all."
"The only joke is whatever this is you're playing on us, acting all nice like you're our friend."
"And it's not funny!"
"Because you aren't nice."
"And we ain't friends."
"Don't hurry back, Darling!"
"I think you've helped enough."
Everthing kept repeating over and over again as it got even worst.
Sunset woke up with a scream, She was panting heavily and sweating like crazy. Tears began to form her eyes as she got of her bed and looked at every photo picture frame of her and her friends. The great times they had together, slumber parties, and victory parties.
Sunset knew the things her friends had done were over, but things she felt in her was betrayed, broken, hurt, even...abandoned.
Anger, rage, sadness, and hate started to build up into Sunset Shimmer as she whimpered hard and then let out a wild scream. She grabbed every photo frame of her with her friends and threw them on the floor, with the glass shattering.
"YOU LIARS! I HATE YOU! YOU LIED TO ME! EVERYTHING WE'VE BEEN THROUGH! I HATE YOU! I HATE CANTERLOT HIGH! I HATE THIS PLACE!" Sunset screamed as her continued to smashed every photo frame on the floor.
When there were no more frames, Sunset stopped and stood and panted heavily as her rage lowered down. She turned her head to look at the tank where Ray was in to see he was waken up by her rage. She just couldn't take it anymore, she couldn't stand people at Canterlot High turning against her, even her own friends. And the memory stone incident was the last straw.
Sunset Shimmer fell to her knees and began to sob so hardly.
"Why? Why am I here? Why am I stuck in his life? Why does this always have to happen to me? Sunset asked herself.
"I just want all the pain, the rejection, and the suffering to go away!"
She continued to sob as hugged herself and rocked back and forth. The pain she's going through was gone far enough. But what she doesn't know is that tomorrow someone will come to her and will take away her pain and suffering. And that someone is the way, the truth,...and the life!
The next day, Sunset Shimmer entered CHS, and she was in a very bad mood. Every time every student says hi to her, she just glares at them and says "Whatever!" to them. Some of the student wonder what that was all about, but some of them were concerned about her.
"Hey, Sunset Shimmer, over here!" A voice called, which happened to be Pinkie Pie.
The rest of the girls were happy to see her, but Sunset wasn't happy to see them. So, she just ignored them and walked away, which she normally never does and what the girls realized saw her do. They were suspicious and eyeing her with a concern.
"What's wrong with her?" Rainbow Dash wondered.
"Don't know, Dash, but I can tell you something is definitely wrong with that girl." Applejack Replied "She's been like this ever since yesterday."
"I also happen to notice that grumpy face she's had" Pinkie Pie pointed out.
"You think we should go talk to her and ask her?" Fluttershy asked.
"Maybe in class we can." Rarity said.
But later in class, Sunset Shimmer sat all the way to the front with the students who sat in the front. The girls sitting in their normal seats, thinking Sunset would sit with them. But they were wrong, she sat far from them, which she normally never does either. The girls whispered about what's wrong with her.
"Why is she sitting far away from us?" Twilight whispered.
"Don't know, but this isn't like her." Rainbow Dash pointed
"Something is definitely not right." Rarity said.
Then, later at lunch, Sunset sat all by herself not wanting anyone to sit with her. The girls noticed poor Sunset Shimmer sitting by herself in bad mood. She stares and munches on some of her food.
"Should we sit next to her and ask her what's wrong?" Pinkie Pie asked
"Agree." Applejack requested
They all took their food trays and walked to Sunset's table. But when they got there, she was not on her seat. They turned and noticed Sunset sitting their empty table.
Rainbow Dash sighed. "Great, she'll keep moving to every empty spot in this cafeteria, and she won't even talk to us."
"Someone has to talk to her." Fluttershy demanded.
"You think she'll talk to me?" A voice came up which happen to be Flash Sentry.
"She could use someone she can trust."
"I don't know, Flash, she's been like this all day. She sat far from us in class and she ignored us when we said hi to her." Twilight Said.
"Well, I'm just gonna try and see."
Flash walked to Sunset's empty space.
"Hey, Sunset. Mind if I sit with you?" He asked
Sunset didn't even argued, she just sighed.
"Sure, go ahead." She sighed.
Flash sat next to her and was ready to ask her the problem.
"So uuuh, you wanna talk about how today?" Flash asked in a nice way.
"Like what?" Sunset asked, moaning.
"You know, some of the topics like, science class, biology class, english class, any of those classes."
"Yeah, those classes sound fantastic."
Flash Sentry just had to ask her what's wrong.
"Sunset, are you feeling alright? The girls said you've been acting like this all day."
Sunset feel emotionless, but she just had to answer.
"I'm just not in a good mood today, okay?"
"Why?" Flash asked. "I need to know, you've been avoiding people here, you've been avoiding your friends, you wouldn't even talk to anyone in this school. Especially your own friends."
Sunset looked up. "Do you even know what I've been through?"
"What?"
"Do you even know what's happening inside me?" She asked, getting fired up.
"No, but I would if you tell me what's going on." Flash responded.
She breathed for a moment and went back to sad mode.
"Don't you have any idea what people in Canterlot High has put me through?"
"What are you talking about?"
"People around here just keep on turning there backs on me, because of the old me they though I was."
"But we know you've changed, you've shown us much of how you've become a forgiving person."
Sunset Shimmer was getting fired up again, she stood up with a glare.
"Forgiveness? You think I can just let people get away with humiliation by forgiving them so they can do it again?"
"Sunset!"
"Is this a curse I'm going through? Is all this a joke? Did the Rainbooms really meant about always being friends no matter what?"
"Sunset, stop talking!" Flash snapped
Sunset stopped and glared at him, the girls who were watching had a bad feeling that a rage was to erupt in her.
"This isn't working out very well." Rainbow Dash said cautiously
Sunset's anger started to build up as she glared closer to Flash Sentry.
"You think that I'm crazy?" She asked as she got angry.
Flash Sentry tried to explain. "What? No, No, No, I'm just saying that the way your talking is..."
"Oh, so you think I'm talking crazy!" Sunset interrupted. "I'M JUST A CRAZY GIRL WITH A CRAZY ATTITUDE!"
All the student who were eating at their tables heard the shouting and look directly at where her and Flash were sitting.
"Sunset, lower your voice down." Flash commanded
"YOU KNOW WHAT'S CRAZY AND WHO'S CRAZY? THIS EVERYONE AND THIS WHOLE SCHOOL IS CRAZY! WHAT'S WRONG YOU PEOPLE? DO YOU ALL STILL HAVE BRAINS IN YOUR HEADS? BRAINS TO MAKE YOU THINK ABOUT HOW MUCH SUFFERING I'VE BEEN THROUGH THIS WHOLE YEAR?" Sunset shouted at the students around the cafeteria.
"You think can handle the next year struggling with my life to get people to love me and stay by my side?" Sunset's rage got even worse. "YOU THINK I CAN HANDLE THE PAIN AND STRUGGLES THAT YOU GAVE ME? Sunset let out an insane laugh. "FORGET IT!" Sunset screamed as she angrily swatted her food tray onto the floor with a wild rage.
The students gasped and were shocked at what they saw, even the Rainbooms were shocked at their poor friends rage. Sunset Shimmer was panting heavily and tear filled her eyes as she looked around the cafeteria with the students staring at her.
"Forget it!" She cried as she ran out away from the table and out of the cafeteria.
People were now to shocked to continue eating, so they talked about what they just say. The Rainbooms walked to the table where Flash was trying to convince Sunset.
"Well, that didn't work out the way I thought it would." Rainbow Dash said.
"I don't know what's her problem, but it's better you girls ask yourselves." Flash suggested
The girls didn't know if he was right.
"Wait!" Pinkie Pie Paused. "I have an Idea."
"Is it one of your Party planning idea's?" Applejack asked
"Oh, it's more than a party." Pinkie said as she gathered the girls around for a plan.
Sunset ran through out the hallway and ran into a room. She slammed the door and sat down on the floor. One thing she realized was that she was in the computer lab. She got up and saw Twilight's selfie sensor on the table, she thought about the time at the beach, when she accidentally stepped on it.
"Twilight, I'm sorry, it was an accident! Here, I can help you fix it."
"I think you've help enough."
She then saw a computer, which she decided to look into. She went on the program that connected to Twilight's selfie sensor, and saw a picture of a group of her friends smiling outside the school. And what she saw at that window of the building was "her" feeling sad and left out. Sunset punched the screen with her mighty fist.
"Why?" She asked herself
Later, the school bell rang and it was school dismissal. Sunset Shimmer walked through the hall with students passing by, not daring to look anyone. As she got her locker, she opened it and put her school supplies in her bag. She then saw the pictures of her friends, every time she see's thing that had something to do with her friends the memories of the past keeps coming back. But not good and fun stuff, horrible and tragic thing that happened to her. And now they started repeating again.
"Now that's the bad girl we'd love to hate!"
"We trusted you, Sunset! We thought you were our friend!"
"Sunset Shimmer? Askin' to be in our "Best Friends" picture? Heh. Now I've heard it all."
"The real Sunset Shimmer is back!"
"You secret stealer!"
"No you're not! You're not the person we thought you were! You're not our friend!"
"Because you aren't nice."
"This is it, Sunset! You're not going to take advantage of us anymore. I'm sorry, but you did this to us! Tell whatever secrets you want...but we don't have to listen!"
"And we ain't friends."
The same things kept repeating in her head over and over. Sunset Shimmer breathed heavily as started sweating and her heart began to beat hard. She beat her chest and stood there, and finally...
"This is it, Sunset! You're not going to take advantage of us anymore. I'm sorry, but you did this to us! Tell whatever secrets you want...but we don't have to listen!"
Sunset let out a wild and ridden scream through out the hallway, echoing. The students were startled by the loud scream, they all turned to Sunset who was standing there panting heavily, almost making it look like she was about to pass out. Teachers who were in classrooms heard the scream and came out to see what it was. Sunset looked around seeing everyone looking at her with a concern, then she fell to her knees and began to sob.
"Hey, you okay?"
"Why'd you scream?"
"What's wrong, dear?"
"What was that?"
A lot of the students asked what happened and what was wrong. Some of them came close to Sunset and were trying to hug her to comfort her, but she kept pushing and swatting them away. At last, Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna arrived in the site.
The students backed away revealing Sunset Shimmer sobbing on the floor.
"Sunset Shimmer, was that you who screamed?" Luna asked with a concern
But she couldn't answer her, she was too much in pain to even answer. Principal Celestia kneeled down to her and hugged her to comfort her.
"Shhh, it's okay sweetie, It's okay." She said in a soft, comforting voice.
The Rainbooms came out of nowhere and saw the Principal comforting the crying girl.
"What in tarnation happened?" Applejack said, concerned.
"We heard a scream through out the hallway." Rarity pointed out.
They saw the tears in Sunset's eyes.
"Sunset, Darling, what happened?" Rarity asked.
Still, she won't answer. All they can get from response are her sobs. So, she got up with the Principal to her office. The girls got even more worried about Sunset, she has been avoiding them all day, she didn't even talk to them, and worse all...she wasn't acting like herself lately.
Later in the principal's office, Sunset use a tissue to wipe her tears. Principal Celestia seemed worried about Sunset too, she just had to tell her everything she knew.
"Sunset." She finally spoke. "What's bothering you all day?"
"I don't know, I just...I'm just feeling stressed today." Sunset finally spoke too.
"The girls and other students and Granny Smith told me about what happened today." Celestia said as her explained. "Sunset, they told me that you've been avoiding every student in this school, you won't talk to them, you won't let anyone sit with you, and worst of all...you threw your lunch tray on the floor like a crazy psychotic girl! Um, no offense."
"None taken."
Sunset took a moment to settle things down.
"I'm sorry about what happened at the cafeteria earlier. It won't happen again." She apologized
"Sunset Shimmer, when ever something is wrong and what's bothering you, tell us, tell me, tell the teachers." The Principal said, giving her more advice.
"I...I guess so." Sunset said, saddened.
"Good. Do you feel better now?"
"I think so."
"Alright then, you may go now. But just remember what I told you." Principal Celestia dismissed the poor girl, as she walked out. Celestia sighed. "I just hope she'll be alright." She thought
Sunset Shimmer walked through the hallway and was about to leave the school. Suddenly, she was stopped by a hand that touched her shoulder, she turned around to see it was Applejack's hand that touch her.
"Hey, Sunset, listen, we just wanna say...we're sorry, for what it is that we did to you."
"And you make it up to you, WE HAVE A BIG SURPRISE FOR YOU!" Pinkie Pie cheered as she grabbed Sunset's hand.
"W-Where are you girls taking me?" Sunset asked struggling with Pinkie's hand.
"You'll see!" Rainbow Dash told her with an exciting voice.
The 6 girls lead her all the way to the Gym for a surprise they made for her.
The girls took Sunset Shimmer through the hallway to the gym door.
"What's going on here?" Sunset Asked
"Yer about to see!" Applejack announced as pulled out her phone
"Alright, Flash, she's here! Get everyone ready!" Rainbow Dash whispered on a walkie talkie
The girl prepared as they opened the gym door revealing something extreme and exciting.
"SURPRISE!" A crowd of students shouted.
Sunset was shocked and surprised at what she saw. It was a huge party with fiery colored decorations, orange balloons, lots of glitter, tables with her favorite party food, including a giant banner that said: "We are so sorry, Sunset Shimmer!"
"You...all...made all this...for me?" Sunset asked stuttering
Pinkie Pie popped up to make her even more surprised
"We sure did! We also brought Flash Sentry and his band to sing for you." She said pointing at Flash and his band on stage, waving.
"We're being loyal for you, Sunset." Twilight added "We're doing this because we love you and we want you to be happy and smile again."
Sunset couldn't believe her ears, could this be a trick or is this for real?
"How did you manage to decorate all of this so quickly?" She asked
"Our magic is the answer." Rainbow Dash grinned.
"LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!" Pinkie shouted as the whole party began and Flash's band began to play.
As the student began the party, the Rainbooms group hugged Sunset, showing how sorry they are. But there is something that is still inside of her, something that is keeping her from smiling and trusting everyone in this school...PAIN!
A little later, everyone was enjoying the party, especially the girls. But there is someone else who should be enjoying the party, and that person is Sunset Shimmer.
Trixie Lulamoon and Wallflower Blush were enjoying the party, until they noticed Sunset Shimmer is nowhere to be found.
"Hey, where's Sunset?" Trixie asked.
"I don't know, she's been in here the whole time." Wallflower replied. "Hasn't she?"
"I think we better look for her."
They looked around through the crowd and through the whole gym. And finally, they saw Sunset Shimmer stand at the edge of the gym. They looked concerned about her as they walked over to her.
"Hey, Sunset, you okay?" Trixie asked, placing her hand on her shoulder.
"I'm fine." Sunset sighed.
"You sure? You pretty much disappeared in your own party." Wallflower said, rubbing Sunset's back. "You haven't even cracked a smile."
Sunset sighed again, she didn't care if they were concerned about her. The pain in her heart has gotten worse as stepped away from the two girls.
"Honestly, I'm okay. I'm gonna go get a drink." She walked away from them. They two concerned girls decided to tell the Rainbooms about Sunset's strange behavior still flowing in her.
They walked to Twilight and Rarity who're talking each other.
"Hey, Girls, we need to talk." Trixie called.
"Sure, darling, what is it?"
"It's Sunset, she still isn't acting like herself." Wallflower Blush said.
They turned to see Sunset Shimmer sadly pouring punch into her cup.
"Your right, she hasn't even had a smile on her face. Not one." Rarity quoted. "She hasn't even been with us this whole party either."
"I have a feeling there's something she's not telling us." Twilight suggested. "There's something inside her that's keeping her from smiling."
"What do you think it is?" Rarity asked
"Don't know, but we're gonna find out."
Twilight and Rarity gathered the others and they caught up to Sunset who is still depressed.
"Hey, Sunset Shimmer!" Rainbow called.
She made a depressed look. "Yes, what is it?" She asked mumbling.
"Ya feeling okay, Sugarcube?" Applejack asked
"I'm fine, I just need to be alone right now." Sunset Shimmer answered as she was about to walk away from the 6 girls, but a Rainbow Dash's hand touched her shoulder.
"C'mon, Sunset, we made this party for you. And yet you still have a frown face?"
"And you haven't even been with any of us today." Fluttershy
"Well excuse me if I'm invisible in this party!" Sunset barked. "But you guys just don't understand how much pain that's going through me and how I'm suffering."
"We would if you just tell!" Applejack demanded
Sunset stood silent for a moment. She wanted to tell them what her pain is really telling her, but it seemed impossible because of her sadness.
"I...I just...I just can't tell you." The fiery girl turned away, but Rarity stopped her.
"Why are you still like this? We've made this whole ball "I mean party" for you so that you can be happy.
She took Sunset's hand for happy memories.
"Think of all the fun we've had as best friends forever." Rarity said softly
Which made Sunset think of the best friends forever pictures...without her! Rarity continued on.
"Think of the slumber parties we've had, the trips we've had, the teamwork, the whole week at Camp Everfree."
Sunset finally looked up to her, as she was finishing her last sentence.
"Sunset, darling, we've always been friends and we've worked together and helped each other."
Then Flash Sentry from the microphone called up.
"Thank you, thank you very much." He bowed. "Now before we continue, I just wanna say a few words to Sunset Shimmer."
Sunset was shocked to hear what he just said.
"Sunset, you are awesome, we love you, you've shown us that you've changed, you helped others, you cared for others, and you've shown us who you really are. So come on up here." Flash called her up onto the stage.
Sunset got even more nervous, she didn't want to go up on the stage in front of the crowd of students.
"Go on, girl, get on up there." Rainbow Dash pushed her
"But...But...!" Sunset tried to explain.
"There's need to be nervous, Sugarcube." Applejack said. "He's asking you to go up there because we love you, and we want you to show your love for us. Now go on up there."
Sunset did what Applejack told her, she walk over and climb up to the stage with the help of Flash. Flash brought the microphone close to her.
"Go ahead, do the honors." Flash said with a wink.
Sunset took the microphone and stood on stage in front of all the students of CHS, including her own friends, who are smiling at her. She shook a little bit and took deep breathes.
"Hello, students of CHS. She spoke nervously. "I'm glad you all made this party for me, and I'm glad you all been so kind to me." She put a fake smile.
Everyone already noticed her strange behavior, even the girls noticed. Sunset Shimmer continued.
"I hope you all are happy too. I must've had a bad day today, so uh, thank you all for being so kind to me." She continued to shake and begin to sweat. Flash noticed her shaking, which made him concerned about her.
"Hey, Sunset, You okay?" He asked.
"I'm fine, I'm just a little nervous." She answered
"Okay, then, why you tell them about how you saved everyone at the Battle of the Bands."
Flash's words brought up to what happened to her during that time...The time she blew Rainbow Dash's solo!
"The Real Sunset Shimmer is Back!"
"Yeah, well you didn't!"
Those words in Sunset's head made her pant heavily and her heart began to beat like crazy. She lost all sense of all where she was at.
"Tell what ever secrets you want, but we don't have to listen."
"Sunset, are you feeling alright?" Flash asked again, only to make Sunset Shimmer snap.
"YOU KNOW WHAT, FORGET THIS!" She cried in rage as she threw the microphone on the floor which made people gasp at her outburst.
"YOU GUYS ARE JUST BRINGING ME TO THIS BECAUSE YOU ALL GET AWAY WITH HUMILIATING ME AND TREATING ME LIKE SOMEONE THAT MAKES YOUR LIFE MISRABLE! NONE OF YOU EVEN CARE, YOU JUST WANT ME TO FEEL BETTER SO THAT YOU ALL CAN CONTINUE TO TORTURE ME!" Sunset ran off the stage and ran through the crowd. But just when she was about to head for the exit, a rainbow blur speeded and stopped at the exit door, revealing to be Rainbow Dash blocking her path.
"Hold it, Sunset!" She demanded.
"GET OUT OF MY WAY! Sunset screamed.
"No! not until we know what's going on." Rainbow Dash frowned. "What's gotten into you lately? Why would you say those stupid things? That is complete nonsense!"
"Easy for you to say, NOW MOVE!" Sunset was ready to attack the rainbow haired girl, until Applejack grabbed her by the shoulders.
"Sunset Shimmer, please tell us what's wrong with ya!" She begged
"FINE! do you have idea what you both put me through?" She finally spoke up. "This whole year I've shown you all I've changed! I've been a member of your band this whole year. Until suddenly, you all suddenly see me as the Sunset Shimmer you once seen, then you start treating me like trash and turn your backs on me!"
The student body and Rainbooms were shocked to finally hear what was really causing Sunset Shimmer's hostile behavior.
"When I knocked you out, Rainbow, Everyone in this crowd started humiliating and gossiping about me. But none of you didn't do anything, you didn't stand up for me, you just let them all humiliate me and snapped at me with your pity."
Woah, Woah, Woah!" Rainbow paused. "That was months ago, you can be..."
"I'M NOT FINISHED!" Sunset interrupted angrily. "During the holiday season, you all turned your backs on me and gossip about me, and even scream at me! Because of some stupid blog!"
Applejack tired to reason the poor girl.
"Sunset, we understand what we did to you was wrong. We shouldn't have quickly accuse you like that, we should've listened and thought about what was to come. But it's over now, just let it go already."
"I CAN'T! BECAUSE I'M NOT HOLDING THE PAST! THE PAST IS STILL HOLDING!" Sunset quoted one last catastrophe that haunted her.
"And then I come greet you both as best friends forever, but then you suddenly you acted like I'm still the girl I was once and mentioned everything I did in the past. I tried to convince you all that we were friends. But you never listen, even when I show you all proof, you still never listen."
Trixie decided to reason the angry girl too.
"Hey, didn't I help you solve that problem, didn't I?" She pointed out.
"That does not matter! I wanted it be the best beach day of my life with my best friends! But suddenly you turn it into the worst day with being friendless for hours! And you never stop and think of how much truth I was telling you. AND I HATE THE BEACH!" And finally, Sunset shouted these words. "NONE OF YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH! NONE OF YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH TO FIX ANYTHING! NONE OF YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH TO EVEN CHEER ME UP!" Then Sunset fell to her knees and began to sob harder than you can imagine.
The whole crowd were in shock, and the Rainbooms finally understood what she was feeling. Rarity decided to be part of assistant as she kneeled down and held on to Sunset’s hands.
“Darling, your in the greatest amount of pain right now. You are covered in the scars and wounds of the past. Please, we are your only best friends, we want to help you. Let us make it up to you.”
Sunset slapped her hand away.
“No, I’m done struggling in this life, I’m done with all of you!”
Applejack then interrupt her time to runaway.
“Sunset, we’ve told ya we were sorry, we threw a nice big party for you to make things up to you, and we shown loyalty to you. What more do you want from us.”
“A bit of faith and trust from you all.” Sunset answered. “So I can trust you all. Don’t the Rainbooms always trust stay by their poor friends side always believe her? And shouldn’t the Rainbooms think before they reject a girl who tries to convince them that she want’s forgiveness and friendship? And be kind to her and let her make thing up to them when she made an accident?”
“We just weren’t in the right minds when our memories were erased. Why are you even mad at us anyway?”
“You know why...Element of Lies!” The crowd and Rainbooms gasped and Applejack was stubborned.
“You think I can lie, when I tell you the truth here right now?” Applejack asked getting angered up.
“It’s true everything right now is a lie. No matter I showed you the truth, you called it a lie!” Sunset scoffed.
“Sunset, stop living in the past! We are here right now, and right is suppose be happy for you.” Applejack barked.
“Well, nothing is happy for me. Not when you reject me, gossip about me, and turn your backs on me! Not even while Twilight still has the picture of you all and I’m not in it.” That made Twilight realize it and feel guilty
“We all said we were sorry!”
Sunset growled “Well, sorry isn’t good enough. None of this good enough and none of you are good enough!” And finally...
“YOU KNOW WHAT?” Sunset Barked “YOU ALL ARE NOTHING A BUNCH OF IDIOTS WHO DON’T HAVE TRUST! AND YOU APPLEJACK ARE NOTHING BUT A USELESS COWGIRL WHO HAS THE ELEMENT OF LIES! AND LIKE YOU SAID, WE ARE NOT FRIENDS!”
Applejack lost it and punched Sunset across the face and Sunset fell onto a table. The student crowd and the girls gasped.
“Applejack!” Rarity scolded
Applejack realized what she just did as she looked at her hand. Applejack ran to Sunset Shimmer.
“Sunset, I’m so sorry! Let me help you up, Sugarcube!” She pleaded, giving her a hand.
Sunset looked up at Applejack with a scary look. She has lost it too as well. She raised up and punched Applejack across the face and grabbed her and threw her to the floor. She landed on the cowgirl and began beating her like a savage. The crowd and Rainbooms watched in horror.
Rainbow Dash knew she couldn’t just stand there and let their friend being beat up by their own friend.
“HEY, STOP IT! SUNSET, STOP!” She shouted as she struggled grabbing Sunset. Then Sunset punched her in the stomach hard with a wild rage and then continue beating up Applejack. Rainbow Dash groaned in pain as she curled up into a ball, holding her stomach. Some of the student were to scared to even help, but some of them tried to break up the fight. But Sunset was too out of control.
Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna witnessed the fight they’re seeing, ran through the student crowd to break it up.
“SUNSET SHIMMER! THAT’S ENOUGH!” Shouted as she grabbed Sunset Shimmer. Sunset was kicking and throbbing in Celestia’s arms until she finally stopped. Celestia let go her and Sunset stood there. She panted heavily and looked around the students who were shocked in horror at what she just did. She then looked at the girls who were horrified and looked down at Applejack, who’s nose is bleeding and Rainbow Dash, who is lying on the floor in pain. She looked at her hands, which she used to hurt them. More tears formed her eyes again. Everything in her head kept repeating as she sobbed with a rage.
“NOOOOOOO!” She cried as she finally ran out of the gym.
The principal wanted to run after her, but her sister stopped her. “Let’s just leave her alone right now, or else thing will get worse. “ The principles help the hurt and bruised girls up.
“Are you two alright?” Celestia asked
“My nose is bleeding!” Applejack cried
“And my stomach hurts so bad!” Rainbow Dash groaned
The rest of the girls followed them to the nurse’s office. Wallflower Blush was terrified at what just happened, she even felt guilt in her soul.
“What have I done?” She thought. “This is all my fault, I use the memory stone on everyone, including the Rainbooms. And now look what I've done to her.” She covered her face with her hands.
Poor Sunset feels no peace in her life and no hope for her. But she will later meet someone who will give her peace, hope, and salvation.
Sunset Shimmer ran as fast as she could through the street, then she trip on the a rock and fell on the stoney sidewalk. She didn’t bother getting up, she just lied there crying like if she was homeless.
“Why? Why does it always have to be me? I just want all the pain to go away. All I want is peace, but I never get it ever.” Sunset sobbed.
The disasters from the past continued to scramble in her mind, then a creepy voice cam into her head.
“The pain won’t go away! Not unless you get revenge and hurt those who hurt you!” The voice said “If you don’t, people will keep turning against you and will always betray you. Don’t you understand? Your living in a world full of hate, hurt, pain, and suffering! You must do something about it and get your way so you can live a perfect life! Go back to that school and hurt everyone, they’ll have to pay the price! HURT THEM! HURT THEM!”
“Hey, you okay?” Asked a voice above her.
Sunset Shimmer looked up to see a girl with a cross necklace around her neck.
“Who are you?” Sunset asked.
“I’m Faithful Rose.” The girl answered. “And you are?”
“Sunset Shimmer.”
Faithful Rose gave her hand up with a kind heart.
“What were you doing lying on the sidewalk? You know they’re very hard and stone full.”
“I...I...” Sunset struggled to answer that question. “I’m just having a bad day.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Why don’t you go home and talk to your parents about it.”
That got to Sunset, she doesn’t have parents to live with. Not even one.
“I...I...I live alone.” She explained.
“You don’t live with your parents?” Faith Rose asked
“No.”
“What happened to them?”
“They’re fine, I’m just not with them right now.” Sunset answers sadly.
“Well then, you can stay with me and my family.” Faith Rose offered
“I appreciate the offer, but...” Sunset tried to speak as she was interrupted
“Before you reject it, my family back home are a christian family. Maybe we can help you with whatever happened on your bad day today.”
“Really?”
“Really, Really!” Faith Rose grinned
“Okay then, I can give it a try.” Sunset said
“But first, I need to go to the Christian Book Store to buy a prayer journal. Would you like to come with?”
“Sure, I guess so.”
The two girls head to a brown car where Faith’s mother was waiting.
“Hey, Mom.” Faith Rose said as they got in the car.
“Who is this?” Her Mom asked
“I like you to meet Sunset Shimmer, I found her lying on the ground, crying.”
“Oh my, are you okay?” Faith’s Mother asked Sunset.
“I’m just having a bad day, but Faith Rose thought I'd be fine to take to your house.” She answered.
“Why you are most certainly welcome in our house.”
“Thanks.”
“But first, we gotta stop at the Christian Bookstore to buy my daughter a prayer journal.” The mother pointed out. “Would you care to come in with us?”
“Sure, I guest.” Sunset answered
So they drove all the way through the street and at last they arrived at the Christian Bookstore. As they entered into the store, Sunset Shimmer looked around to see what the store’s topic is.
“Okay, Sunset, me and my mom are gonna go find a prayer journal. Why don’t you go ahead and look around.” Faith Rose said as she when with her Mom.
Sunset walked around the store and looked at all the touching and loving Sculpture Figurines, Tabletop Plaque, and books.
One of the ornaments said:” Jesus loves you.” another one said: “"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
“If only that were true.” Sunset thought
She then went to the bookshelves, and there she saw a book about depression. So she took it out of the bookshelf, found a reading table, and sat down and opened the book. She read a page that said: “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
She then saw a big brown book that said, Holy Bible. So she closed the book she was reading, and grabbed the other book and opened the it. There were so many words on that book, but when she turned to a page, it had a verse that said: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
“How can I trust something that I don’t know?” Sunset thought.
The Faith Rose then came back.
“There you are. I just got my prayer journal. You like this store?”
Uh, it’s touching around here. But there are some things I just don’t understand.” Sunset answered
“You’ll understand it all once we head home.” Faith said. “Now come on.”
They went to the cashier and payed for the prayer journal. Sunset Shimmer wondered about what all these verses and messages in the store meant. Will and all this help her with her problem.
Later, finally got to Faith’s apartment building. They all entered the apartment, greeting the family.
“Honey, we’re home!” Faith’s mom called
“It’s about time. And who’s this with you all.” Faith’s father asked
“Oh, this is Sunset Shimmer. Faith Found her crying, so we decided to let her stay with us.” Faith’s mom answered
“Well, with kindness, everyone is always welcome in our household.”
“Yeah, Kindness.” Sunset said sadly, reminding her about Fluttershy, the element of Kindness.”
“Come on, Sunset, I’ll introduce you to my siblings.” Faith Rose carried Sunset to show her the sibling of the family.
They see a boy playing a video game, a girl playing with her dolls and a guy Sunset’s and Faith’s age texting on his phone.
“Sunset, I like you to meet Fig Rose, Lilac Rose, and Ben Rose.” Faith Rose pointed
“What’s up.”
“Hi.”
“What’s goin on?”
“Guy’s, I like you to meet my new friend, Sunset Shimmer.” Faith Rose introduced
“Um, Hi.” Sunset waved nervously.
“Stranger in the house, huh?” Fig Rose teased.
“Fig, show some respect.” Faith scolded
“Are you in Faith’s school?” Lilac asked
“Um, No. I’m actually from Canterlot High.” Sunset answered
“That school’s a little less legit, my school is more legit.” Ben said
That brought to Sunset’s attention about what happened to her at CHS.
“Well, good, because I’m having a tough time in Canterlot High.” Sunset said scratching the back of her head
“How?” Faith Rose asked.
Just as Sunset was about to answer, Faiths parents called through out the kitchen.
“Dinners ready!”
“I’ll tell you about it later.” She said, as the both of them walked to the kitchen.
On the table was Meatloaf, Mash potatoes and Green Beans. They sat down to eat, but before they did that.
“Remember, we pray before we eat.”
The family bowed their heads and put their hands together. But Sunset just watched.
“Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this meal, we thank you for always blessing us, May this food restore our strength, giving new energy to tired limbs, new thoughts to weary minds. Amen.”
They began to dig in their food. Sunset was confused a bit and she didn’t understand why they do prayers.
“Part me for asking, but why do you all do a prayer before you eat?” She asked.
“Because we always give thanks to the Lord everyday and thanking him everyday is the most grateful thing we do everyday.” Faith Mother answered as they continued their food.
The whole family was eating, but Sunset Shimmer was just tossing her food with her fork. Faith Rose looked up and noticed she hasn’t touched her food and a sad look on her face.
“Sunset, you haven’t touched your food.” She replied
“I’m not hungry.” Sunset moaned.
The family knew something was wrong.
“Are you feeling okay, sweetie?” The mother asked
“I’m fine. I’m just not in the mood for food fight now.”
“Well, why don’t you tell us what’s going on?” Faith’s Dad asked.
Sunset sighed and decided she just let it all out maybe she can find hope by new people she just met.
“Well, It’s just...I use to be a bad person at school, until 6 girls changed me. But even when I changed, the past comes back and people suddenly accuse me turn away from me, even my own friends who changed me! Like one time, I knocked them out in front of the stage because I was scared. People were booing and gossiping about me. But my friends didn’t do anything, they just let them humiliate me. And during the holiday season, I was accused of some blog called Anon-a-Miss. My own friends turned their backs on me and people gossip about me. And finally it was beach day, It was suppose to be in a best friends picture with my best friends. But they suddenly forget about me and turn away from me, even everyone in Canterlot High turn away from me.”
Then she finally mentioned about what happened today.
“Now today, I was depressed and angry with everyone, even my friends. I couldn't talk to anyone, all I wanted was to be left alone. Then they threw a party for me to cheer me up, but I didn’t accept their apology party because my past will never be forgotten and nothing is good enough for me. When my friends tried to convince me, I got into a fight and started beating up my country friend.”
The family gasped at the comment Sunset said.
“That’s must’ve been a horrible experience for you.” Ben said
“It was! I feel now is forgotten, betrayed, left out, broken, abandoned, beaten to a pulp.”
Sunset covered her hands as she was ready to sob. Faith Rose’s mother rubbed her back in comfort.
“Oh sweetie, I understand how you feel. but you can’t hold on to your feelings and take out your anger on your friends.” She tried reasoning.
“Yeah, there is a better way to find peace, other than through violence.” Faith pointed
“Let me tell you something, but I don’t know if it will make you feel better.” Faith Rose’s mom started to say this. “God loves you more than ever, and he has a plan for you. You may feel abandoned, but he’s the only one who never abandon’s you, he made you who you are meant to be. And he is always with you and he always comforts you and will never let you go.”
Sunset wanted to believe that, but it’s too difficult for her to believe.
“How do you know?” Sunset asked “How do you know that you god will never do the same time everyone else has done to me?”
“Why done I show you something after dinner?” Faith Rose said “Maybe it can help you.”
After dinner, Faith made Sunset sit on the couch to listen to some pastor’s speech about depression.
They listened on to his speech about how depression can destroy your soul and how God can cure that depression.
“His words sound so powerful.” Sunset commented.
“Yep, and there you go. God will cure your depression if you just let him.” Faith Rose said and continued reasoning her with more of God talk. “You see, God send his son, Jesus Christ down to earth to save us that kind of stuff, especially sin. Jesus had to die on that cross to take it all away from you. But he rose from the dead and now he is forever in our hearts. If you let Christ into your life, he can change it forever.”
Sunset thought about it and said “Maybe I just need time to think this through.”
Faith Rose agreed. “God will buy us time.”
Later that night, Sunset used Faith’s sleeping bag for her to sleep in. She also use one of her pillows she never used. Faith was putting on something on her CD player to help them relax when they fall asleep.
“This will help us relax when we fall asleep.” Faith yawned
Sunset Shimmer was fast asleep as the relaxing bible story audio went on. She was relaxed and calm in her sleep, until...
“Sunset Shimmer.”
Sunset opened her eyes in shock as she heard that mysterious echoing voice.
“Sunset Shimmer.” The voice called again
“Who’s there?” Sunset called.
She looked around, and there was no one but Faith Rose sleeping on her bed.
“Sunset Shimmer.”
Suddenly, a shine of light of appeared in front of her, revealing to be a shining figure with the brightest white robe and his face not shown because of the light blocking it.
Who...who are you?” Sunset asked, with shocked expression.
“I am Jesus, the one who Faith Rose told you about.” The figure answered.
Sunset couldn’t believe what she’s hearing, or seeing. She’s actually seeing the God who Faith Rose said would help her, the God who gives peace, hope, and salvation.
“What do you want from me?” Sunset asked, feeling confused.
“Do you doubt me? You not believe who I am.” Jesus asked
“No! I never said that! I said I just needed time to think things through before I let you even help me.” Sunset responded.
“The enemy is blocking you from excepting me as your savior.” Jesus said.
Sunset was confused.
“The enemy?”
“I can feel the pain your going through, Sunset. I can feel the suffering in your heart.” Jesus said with comforting voice.
“Yeah well, nothing is every gonna get better. Everything will just keep coming back and things will get worse.” Sunset mumbled, crossing her arms.
“Not if you believe.” Jesus replied
“Believe what?” Sunset asked.
Jesus reached out his hand for Sunset Shimmer to take.
“Take my hand, Sunset Shimmer, and I will show you the way.” Jesus offered.
Sunset was confused, but she slowly reached out her hand reaching to Jesus’ hand. And finally as she took his hand, everything went black, and Sunset got scared.
“What’s going on? Who turned out the light?” Sunset asked, feeling scared.
Then Jesus’ voice spoke out.
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters"
Sunset got even more confused, but she was about see what is to come.
“Then God said, ‘Let there be light”
Suddenly, a great big light shined out of nowhere.
“and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day”
As they moved on, Sunset saw waters form.
“Then God said, ‘Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.’ Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day”
After that, Sunset felt dirt on her feet.
“Then God said, ‘Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good”
Sunset learned about the Big Bang theory back at Canterlot High, but was this the real reason the earth was created? Was it God who really created this world.
“Then God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”
Sunset felt grass grow on her feet. Then she saw trees, bushes, shrubs, flowers and fruits grow around.
“And it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. So the evening and the morning were the third day”
They then move on to outer space. How can Sunset even breathe in space?
“Then God said, ‘Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on. the earth.”
Then she saw the sun, the moon, and the stars appear.
“And it was so. Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. So the evening and the morning were the fourth day”
Then they went back to the earth to observe what was to come next.
“Then God said, ‘Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.”
She saw different kinds of birds in the sky fly by. Then as she experienced under the ocean, she saw many different kinds of sea animals swimming in their distance.
“So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.”
“You created...all of this?” Sunset asked. But story continued on.
“And God blessed them, saying, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.’ So the evening and the morning were the fifth day”
And finally they return to land to discover the next creation they were hoping to be.
“Then God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind”
Then came the greatest land animals. Some that walk, some that stomp, some that gallop, and some that creep. But there was one more thing Sunset has to see, the one thing she needs to see created...a human being.
“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
Then she saw God come down to earth and began to start his last job. God took dirt sculpted it into a man, who he called, Adam. When he was done, the final step he did was breathe his life into Adam, and then...he came to life.
Sunset was shocked to see that that’s where humans came from, dirt.
The Lord showed Sunset Shimmer all the works that Adam has requested him to do, name the foods on the trees and bushes, the trees, including the animals.
And then later, God told Adam to take a long rest and Adam did what he was told. At last Adam fell into a deep sleep, and during that, God took one of Adams ribs and closed up the flesh. God then crafted the rib into the most beautiful thing he has created after man...a Woman!
Adam woke up the next morning, and saw the woman that God made for him. Adam made the woman, Eve.
“Wow! So I guess man and woman are what God wanted.” Sunset said in relief
“Yes, but all this beauty and perfectness will not stay for long.” The Lord replied “Let me take you to a place that was created before earth.”
They went all the way up to the sky to a place that was created before the earth...Heaven! At last, they arrived at a place with a golden city with a long rainbow. Sunset looked surprised in shock.
“Oh...My...Goodness! It’s so beautiful!” Sunset drooled.
“Yes it is, but there’s a war now between good and evil.” The Lord reasoned.
They traveled all the way to the area where the battle between angels and fallen angels. Sunset was horrified at all the violence happening in heaven. Then, angel named, Michael was clashing swords with the angel who was once God’s chosen one and who once had wisdom...Lucifer!
When Lucifer was finally defeated, it was time for his exile. The lord said these words to him.
“Your heart is lifted up because of your beauty, you have corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your brightness, I cast you into the ground!”
And with that, Lucifer fell as long as it took until he finally reached the ground. He then fell into a fiery pit which burned him and rotted his beauty. Suddenly he came out of the fiery pit, except he was like an angel, he was an ugly, creepy looking creature with a dark robe...Satan.
Sunset looked horrified at what she saw, which brought back the memory of herself as a she-demon.
They blank back to the Garden of Eden which God created.
“Wait a minute, why did God exile that angel from heaven?” Sunset asked “Why did he turn into something ugly?”
“Because darkness grew in his heart.” The Lord answered. “Because of his beauty and brightness, he thought he could be like God. But’s it’s not over yet.”
She see’s Satan walking through the garden, scoffing with greed.
“All this, wasted for man. All this, splendid for his kind! ” He grunted
Then he turned to the human beings God created, Adam and Eve.
“There are his own creations, those beings use for his glory.” Then an idea came to him. “But what if...what if I can show the almighty that man is not worthy of his doing? What if I can get his own creations to turn against him? just as he turned against me!” An evil smirk came unto his face. “Then, God will see man is not worthy of all creation and he will regret that he made these vial beings!”
He then see these two trees God said to eat from and to not eat from, the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of god and evil.
“What if I can show man the difference between good and evil?” Satan smiled. He then found a serpent and decided to possess it for it’s own kind. So, he enter it and creeped up on the tree of the knowledge of god and evil.
Eve was close to the two trees, when suddenly...
“Eve”
Eve was startled.
“Who’s there?”
The voice called again.
“Eve”
Eve then walked to the tree which the Lord commanded them to not eat from. She then saw the serpent, She was shocked to see it talk.
“Did God really say, You must not eat from any tree in the garden?” The Serpent asked
“We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden.” Eve answered “Except for the tree in the middle of the garden. God warned us not to touch or eat from it, and if we do...we will die.”
The Serpent laughed with a hiss. “Did God really say that? You most certainly will not die. God doesn’t want you to eat from it, because he know that if you eat from it, your eyes will open...and you will be like him! Knowing good and evil.”
Eve’s faith in God quickly fated, she picked a fruit from the tree. Sunset was shocked to see the woman who is about disobey God. So she quickly ran to her.
“NO! DON’T DO IT! DON’T EAT IT!” Sunset cried out.
Too late, Eve took a bit out of the fruit. Sunset then sees a vision all the horrible and awful things people do in her time. The whole reason dramatic things happen in the world was because God’s first creations disobeyed him.
Then Adam came to Eve. Eve showed Adam the fruit.
“The serpent was right all along, the fruit is the best one in the world!”
He gave it to Adam, his faith fated away too. Then he ate it. Sunset saw another vision of all the disastrous things that people do in her time.
Adam and Eve realized what they did. They also realized they were naked, so the used leaves us clothes. The a bright light shined from the sky.
“Adam, Eve, where are you?” God called
‘We’re here.” Adam answered “And I hid from you because I was naked.”
“Who told you you were naked? Have you eaten from of the tree which I commanded you not to eat from?” God asked.
“You woman with me, she gave me the fruit and I ate it.”
God turned to Eve.
“Woman, what is this that you have done?”
“The serpent deceived me, and I ate it.”
Then God turned to the serpent
“Serpent! Because you have done this, Cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers, he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
So God cursed to Serpent and the Serpent turned into a snake without any legs, just crawling on his belly.
Then God turned to Adam and Eve.
“I gave you both a wonderful place to live, but you didn’t use it to follow my command.”
God turned to Eve.
“Eve, because you listened to the serpent, you will give birth, but it will be very painful. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”
The God turned to Adam.
“Adam, because you listened to Eve, You will have to work hard in the field. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken, for dust you are and to dust you will return.”
God made animal skin clothes for Adam and Eve to wear. So God forced them out of the garden and put an angel with a flaming sword to guard the entrance to keep them from returning. Adam and Eve wept as they took one last look at the entrance of the garden...and walked away.
Sunset Shimmer now witnessed everything that happened. She now understand the cause of sins in the world.
“So, bad things happen in this world, because the first people in this world ate a forbidden fruit?” She asked
“Not just that, it was the very first sin that made this world live in vain.” The Lord answered
“So, what happened to Adam and Eve?”
“Adam and Eve lived in the fields. And yet Eve gave birth to a son who they named: Cain. Then two years later, Eve gave birth to another son who they named: Abel.”
Sunset looked at the whole story bubble.
“The two brothers grew up with different jobs. Abel was a shepherd, and Cain was a farmer. The day came for them to give an offering to the Lord, and they had their own offerings. Abel had a lamb, and Cain had his crops. Then the Lord accepted Abel’s offering, but not Cain’s. Anger and Jealousy and Hatred grew into Cain’s heart, the Lord told him that is he will be accepted by him if he did what was right, But if he does wrong, sin will destroy him. But his anger was to strong for him to listen, Then one day, Cain brought Abel to a field and was secretly planning to kill him. and So he did.”
That part of the story brought a flashback of when Sunset beaten up Applejack at the party back at CHS. Sunset realized she had the same anger as Cain, but a different category.
“Cain hide his brothers body and hoped no one would even realize what happened. The God spoke to Cain, he lied about the murder, but the Lord knew exactly what he had done, so he cursed Cain that he was no longer able to farm the land. Cain is punished as a "fugitive and wanderer".”
“So I had the same anger as Cain did, right.” Sunset asked.
“Indeed you have, but different category.” The Lord answered.
The Lord then show Sunset a biblical timeline of people who trust and follow him.
“As time went by, people have sinned and their hearts have been in vain. But their were some people who loved me trusted me and followed me. Like Noah, Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Samson, Samuel, David, Elijah, Daniel, and many more people.”
Then the Lord showed her the all the people of the past who fought for him praised him and followed.
“And finally after all these years, the time has finally come for a savior to walk on earth. A savior who will show sinners and sickness’s the way, the truth, and the life. A savior who will preform many miracles and will heal the sick, raise the dead, and heal the blind. A savior who is...the son of god!”
Then out nowhere Sunset found herself in an ancient town with people wearing robes and other garments, riding on there chariots, carrying jars of food or water. One other thing Sunset noticed was that she was wearing the same clothes as the other people were.”
“What’s going on? Where am I? And why am I dressed like this.” Sunset asked herself.
She looked around and thought that she can get some answers from any of the people in this mysterious town.
“Hm, maybe I should ask some for answers.” She thought as she wandered off to find answers. But what she doesn’t know is that is she is about to meet some who is about to give birth to a savior.
Sunset Shimmer walked all the way through the town looking for someone to give her answers.
“Hello, does anyone know where I am?” She tried asking the people.
Until she saw a woman carrying a jar full of water, she was having a tough time carrying it, so Sunset decided to help her.
“Excuse me, ma’m. You want me to help you?” Sunset asked offering her a hand.
“Sure! Your such a kind girl.” The woman answered, accepting the offer.
Sunset helped carry her jar all the way to her house.
“Thank you, I really appreciate the help.” The woman thanked.
“No problem, So what city am I is this that I’m in anyway.” Sunset asked
“Where you are? Why, your in Nazareth. How can you not know where you are?” The woman answer and asked.
“I don’t know It’s just..I’m not from here. I’m from...Oh, you wouldn’t understand.” Sunset replied
“I would if you tell.”
“I’m just from some place where I get cursed.”
“What do you mean?” She asked
“It’s a long story, but I’ll talked about it later. Sunset mumbled “So anyway, what’s your name?”
“I’m Mary, daughter of Joachim.” She answered
“I’m Sunset Shimmer.”
“Daughter of...” Mary wait for answer.
“I’m alone.” Sunset said sadly.
“You poor thing must have no place to live, you can stay in my place.” Mary offered
“Thanks, all I needed was comfort and support.” Sunset thanked
“Now, wait right here. I’ll head to the pantry to get some spices so you can help me cook dinner.”
Mary went into her pantry to grab some spices. As she searched on her shelf, she felt something strange.
“Mary” A voice called
Mary was confused.
“Who’s there?”
“Mary”
A sparkling light appeared in front of her, and an angel appeared to her with garments whit as snow.
“Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.” The angel said
Mary was speechless, she wondered what kind of message this is.
“Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
Mary was confused, she is still a virgin and only engaged with someone she loved.
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.”
“I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
Mary ran out of the pantry to tell Sunset Shimmer about what just happened.
“Sunset Shimmer! Sunset Shimmer!” Mary called. “You’ll never believe what just happened!”’
“What is it?”
“An angel appeared fight in front of me, in front of my eyes! His name was Gabriel, and he told me that the messiah will soon be born!”
“Messiah?” Sunset asked in confusion.
“You don’t know? The scriptures say that the a savior would soon be born to save us from suffering.” Mary reasoned.
Sunset thought about what she said, and she thought that, that kind of savior would help her with her problem.
“He also told me that my cousin, Elizabeth will give birth to a son too. And yet she is in her old age.”
“How can a female give birth on her old age?” Sunset asked.
“I don’t know, but it is God’s way for whenever they are ready to give birth.” Mary said. “Oh we must visit Elizabeth, she will be thrilled to hear this kind of news.”
So they rushed all the way to Mary’s cousin’s house. At last they arrived, Mary knocked on the door and a man opened the door.
“Hello?”
“Hello, I’m Mary, Elizabeth’s cousin.”
“Ah, Yes. I’ve heard about you, your cousin’s on her bed. She’s about give birth soon.” The man allowed the two in, as Mary saw her cousin sitting on her bed, praying.
“Elizabeth!”
“Mary!”
Mary ran to hug her cousin, Elizabeth.
“It’s so delightful to see you, my cousin.” Elizabeth said. “And who is this girl with you?”
“Oh, this is Sunset Shimmer. She help me with my Arons. Sunset Shimmer, I like you to meet my old cousin, Elizabeth.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” Sunset greeted.
“Oh Mary, I’m going to have a baby.”
“I know, an angel came to me and told me.”
“An angel? It was angel that cam to Zechariah in the temple.” Elizabeth said. “But Mary, why would an angel come to tell you? And why did my child leap into my womb when you approached?”
“Because I’m to bear a child too.” Mary answered. “The child growing in my womb is the son of god.”
“The Messiah!” Elizabeth gasped. “Oh Mary, how God trust’s us! That such great souls as these should come from our bodies. To be nursed at our breasts, and to be taught their first baby words.”
“But how can you give birth?” Sunset asked “I mean, you like fifty years old.”
“God always gives us a gift, even though it takes us many years. He will always promise us children.” Elizabeth answered. “Do you remember the story about Abraham?”
“Uh, no.”
“Let me tell you about it.”
The Lord came to Abraham and told him that his wife, Sarah, was to bear a child at her old age. But Sarah laughed as she heard the news, because Abraham was one hundred and she was ninety. But the Lord’s proisme was kept, Sarah finally gave birth to a son, and they named him, Issac, which means laughter.
Years later, when he was grown, God told Abraham to offer Issac as a sacrifice. Abraham was confused, but he still trusted God. So him and Isaac when up to the mountains of Moriah. They built an altar made from stones and and branch. He didn’t tell Isaac that he was the sacrifice, so he tided him up and laid him on the altar and told him to sleep. And just as he raised his knife, a voice called saying, “Do not lay a hand on the boy, Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” So they sacrificed a ram instead.
“And Isaac lived and married a woman named Rebecca, who gave birth to two twin boys, Jacob and Esau. But that’s another story.” Elizabeth finished.
“That must’ve been something unpersonal that God would do.” Sunset answered
“Tell no one about this.” Mary ordered Elizabeth
“I will tell Zechariah. But no one every heard information about our child from him.”
“Why not?”
“He doubted when the angel came to him, so he was stroked dumb, and he will stay that way until our son is born.” Elizabeth explained. “Our son is to be named, John.”
“And mine will be...Jesus.” Mary said.
“Jesus! Deliver! He will come to deliver us.” Elizabeth rejoiced as the two cousins hugged in joy and Sunset giggled as she saw the two cousins rejoice.
Days after, Elizabeth’s baby was finally born. She held him in her hands as he squirmed. The people who are Elizabeth’s family came to see the baby boy.
“Oh, look at him. He looks just like his father.”
“Hello little Zechariah.”
“Actually, he is name shall be called, John.” Elizabeth corrected
“But not one of your relatives is called by this name.” One of people said.
They decided to ask Zechariah who cannot speak, what should he name his child.
“Zechariah, what will you call your child?”
He took a tablet and wrote his son’s name.
“His name is John.”
They people were shocked, Zechariah finally spoke.
“I can speak! I can speak! Praise be to the Lord!”
Zechariah looked at the baby, picked him up and gave thanks to God, saying these word.
“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us—to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” And the child grew and became strong in spirit and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.”
“Is it okay is I hold him, please?” Sunset Shimmer asked
“You are most welcome to.” Elizabeth said as Zechariah gave John to her for her to hold.
Sunset looked at John in his cute little eyes, she softly rocked him and looked at him with sparkling eyes.
“Mary, when is your baby gonna be born?” She asked
“I don’t know but it will be happening soon.” Mary answered. “Oh, what am I going to tell Joseph?”
“Who’s Joseph?”
“The man that I’ve been betrothed days ago. I don’t how he will feel when he hears this kind of news.”
“Oh, Mary, I’m sure he’ll just rejoice that the Messiah will be born.” Elizabeth said.
“But I’m not married to him yet. and what if he doesn’t believe me if I tell him?” Mary asked, sounding worried.
“You still love him, there’s no need to be afraid. Have faith, Gabriel gave you the message, you’ll know exactly what to do.”
Soon, things will be right, she will be married to the man he loves and will give birth to the one who is the savior of the world, and who is the perfect gift ever.
After the birth of a baby boy, John, Mary and Sunset Shimmer went to a workshop which belong to a man who she was engaged.
“Are you sure about this, Mary?” Sunset asked
“I’m sure of it. I don't know how he will react, but we will have to give it a try.” Mary said
They walked in the workshop, seeing a man building a wooden screen. That is the man to who Mary was engaged.
“Joseph!” She called.
“Mary! I didn’t hear you coming.” The man said
“I’m sorry if I’m interrupting your work.”
“Oh no, I’m just finish working on the screen for the synagog. And who are you?”
“I’m Sunset Shimmer.”
“Sunset Shimmer, I like you to meet Joseph,”
“It’s pleasure meeting you.” Joseph smiled
“Oh, Joseph, you know how much I love you more than ever.”
“Of course, Mary, you know how much I love. And no matter what happens, you’ll always stay in my heart.”
Mary wasn’t even afraid to tell Joseph that she was pregnant.
“Joseph, there’s something you must know. I don’t know you will believe me or not, but...”
“Mary, you know you can tell me anything.” Joseph said. “Like I said, no matter what happens you’ll always stay in my heart.”
Mary took a deep breath.
“Joseph...I’m to bear a child.” Mary spoke.
Joseph was shocked to hear this kind of news. He was planning a wedding for her and him, but since Mary is already pregnant he didn’t know what to say.
“I...I...what do you mean?” He asked.
“An angel came to me and told me I am to give to the messiah.”
Joseph was speechless, all he can think of was the impossibility of Mary’s pregnancy.
“The...Messiah? are you sure?” He asked.
“Of course I’m sure.” Mary said
“What about me?”
“Um..I can’t be sure of it. But he did say his name.”
“Mary...this all too much to take in right now.” Joseph said. “I just need time to think things through.”
He stepped into his workshop, looking worried.
“You think he’s upset?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“I don’t know. I think he’s just too shocked right now.” Mary answered.
Later that night, Joseph was fast asleep, until he suddenly had a dream of an angel visiting.
“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” The angel told him.
Joseph then woke up and realized that Mary was telling the truth. She really was giving birth to a savior.
The next day, Sunset was helping Mary get water from a well.
“Has Joseph ever talked to you yet?” Sunset asked
“No, he hasn’t said a word to me since yesterday.” Mary answered
They heard Joseph rushing towards them.
“Mary! Mary!” Joseph called. “You were right. An angel came to me in a dream, he told me everything.”
Mary and Joseph stood to each other. Could their love ever end for doubting?
“Mary, forgive me if I ever doubted you. You still love me don’t you? I want to be with you forever, I want to help you and protect you. Please, forgive me.”
Mary hugged Joseph.
“Oh, Joseph, you maybe stubborn or hard-headed as you work. But I could never stop loving you.” Mary said.
“I can’t believe God’s allowing us to be husband and wife.”
“And he will bless us and our child.”
“And I will treat him as my own son and will teach him to be a carpenter when he grows old.”
Both of them hugged.
“So, what are you both gonna do now?” Sunset asked.
“Gather your things, we have a long journey ahead of us.” Joseph answered.
“Where are we going?” Mary asked.
“To Bethlehem.”
They packed their stuff, settled it on a donkey. Because Mary was pregnant, she sat on the its back while Joseph carries to with rope. Sunset Shimmer came along with them.
It took about five days and 65 miles for them to get there. Finally at the south, they were almost there.
“Hey, Mary, I need to ask you something.” Sunset said. “What is this messiah that you and Joesph been talking about?”
“Well, you see it’s...” Mary was cut off when she felt a little pain in her stomach.
“Mary, what’s wrong?” Joseph asked, sounding worried.
“Joseph, how much longer do we have to travel? I think maybe the baby...”
“Don’t worry, my beloved. We are almost there. Look!” Joseph pointed the a town meters away, Bethlehem.
Later, they look all over the crowded area, finding someplace to stay and where Mary can give birth.
“Excuse me, where can I find an inn?” Joesph asked a citizen.
The citizen pointed out to an inn close by a well. As they arrived, the inn was completely filled up.
“Excuse me, I needed a room to stay in.” Joseph begged
“I’m sorry, but we are completely filled up.” The inn keeper said.
“Please, my wife is about to give birth any time soon. There must be something you can do for us.”
The inn keeper sighed. “Well, I may not have room for you couple. But I do have a stable for you all. Would you mind a stable?”
“I guess it’s worth a try.” Joseph said
The inn keeper lead them to his stable, which happens to be a cave that had hay, cows, sheep, horses, and donkey’s.
“Is this all you have?”
“There are many travelers on the road. My inn is completely full, this is the best I have.” The inn keeper said.
“This shall do.”
Sunset helped Mary off the donkey and led her to find something as a bed. She laid down on the pile of hay, while Sunset laid down the stuff carried on the donkey.
“Thank you, thank you so much.” Joseph thanked the inn keeper.
“Now let me go get my wife. She’ll know exactly what to do.” The inn keeper went to get his wife.
“Mary, I’m sorry. This is the best I can do.”
“No need to apologize, this is perfect.” Mary said.
“Mary, I need to ask this.” Sunset said. “What is this “Messiah”?
“Oh, Sunset, the Messiah is the savior that prophets have prophesied in the scriptures. They say he is the true living king and will come to bring peace and hop to this world.” Mary explained.
“Will he ever solve my problems?” Sunset asked.
“Maybe. What problems do you have?”
“Well, back where the place I live, I use to be a horrible person. Until these girls who became my friends changed me and help me learn the true path of friendship.” A few tears ran through Sunset’s eyes. “But until a few times they turned against me, even everyone I know turned against me because of old me. They used me. They used me as a punishment of something I didn’t deserve. They never cared about me, they were never my friends, Nobody wanted me.”
“Oh, Sunset Shimmer, I’m sure what your saying isn’t true.” Mary comforted. “You know you don’t deserve cruelty or pain.”
“No, but they do. They deserve pain for everything they’ve done to me.”
“Sunset, please don’t your hate enter your heart. Like in the story of Cain and Abel.”
“Where is she? What are you thinking putting a woman in our stable with this condition?” A voice of a woman called out, who happens to be the inn keepers wife. She went over to help, Mary.
“Now, darling, you must not be so sensitive.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Sunset asked.
“In fact, yes. Go draw some water from the well and get some fruit for her to ease her pain.” The woman ordered.
Sunset did as she’s ordered and went out of the stable to the well.
“What do you think it will be? A boy or a girl?”
“It’s a boy.”
“Oh, confident aren’t we.”
“His name will be Jesus.”
“We’ll do our best to help you.”
Meanwhile outside the stable, Sunset was pulling the rope of the bucket of water to get the bucket out of the well.
“Want me to help you.” The inn keeper asked.
“Sure.”
They both pulled the top together. At last they got the bucket out.
“Now, I got a basket of fruit with me. I overheard my wife saying the woman needs fruit.”
As Sunset scooped some water out of the bucket, she noticed a bright light at the other side of a hill close to the town. She didn’t know where it was coming from, it didn’t even look like a fire light either.
Meanwhile, on that hill close to Bethlehem, reveals what the Shining light really was. It was an angel appearing in front of shepherds.
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” The angel said
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.”
The shepherds were shocked and filled with joy hear this kind of news.
“A Savior...finally born.”
“A child...in a manger.”
“We must hurry and find the child.”
They rushed to find the manger where the child is in.
Meanwhile, back at the manger, Sunset was shocked to see a crowd of angels from 2 miles.
“I must be hallucinating.” Sunset thought. “Were those real angels?”
“Oh my dear, get inside. The child has been born.” The inn keeper called.
Sunset and The inn keeper hurried into the cave to see Mary holding her new born child, wrapped in linen clothes.
“Glad you could make it. Come see the child.” The inn keepers Wife said.
Sunset looked closely at the newborn baby.
“He looks beautiful.” Sunset said
“He is, he will bring joy and hope to this world.” Mary said.
The whole group looked at the baby as if he was bright shining star. Suddenly, they heard someone coming in the manger. They were afraid like if might be roman guards were here to arrest them, but it turns out it was just shepherds. The same shepherds that were visited by the angel.
“It’s okay, there’s no need to be afraid. We came to see the child.” One of the shepherds said.
“But how did you know?” Joseph asked.
“An angel appeared to us and told that the child, the “messiah” would be here.”
“It’s okay, Joseph, let them come in.” Mary said.
They entered to see the baby that Mary was holding. They kneeled down, adored the child and worshipped him.
“It is true, we are now truly in the presence of the king of kings.”
“Joy and Hope has finally come.”
“Everyone must rejoice for this wonderful news.”
“What’s his name?” One the shepherds asked.
“Jesus, his name is Jesus.” Mary answered.
Later, they went out onto the streets of Bethlehem to shout out the good new to all the people.
“Rejoice! For the savior has been born!”
“People of Bethlehem, rejoice! He has come!”
“The Messiah has been born, lying in a manger!”
The people of town rejoiced and celebrated, but some would not listen.
Meanwhile in the manger, Sunset Shimmer looked at the baby and felt something that she never felt before.
“Mary, is it okay if I hold him?” She asked.
“You most currently can, Sunset.” Mary granted as she gave Jesus to Sunset to hold.
She held him tight in her arms and close to her chest. Sunset looked at him with wonder in her eyes.
“Hello, Jesus.” Sunset whispered to him.
Then little baby Jesus slowly started smiling at her with a look of love and happiness. Sunset’s eyes began to sparkle as she felt what she felt when she looked at Jesus. She felt Joy, Hope, Grace, and even Salvation. Sunset began to rock him back and forth as if he were her child to hold.
“You like me don’t you.”
“He doesn’t like you, he “loves” you.” A voice then said.
“Who said that?”
“Sunset Shimmer, you are holding, Jesus. Jesus is powerful like a Lion. But made himself venerable as a baby. He come into the world to take on our hurt, sorrow, pain, and fear so that you won’t have to. He is Emmanuel, which means God with us. You are drawn to Jesus.”
Sunset wanted to believe all those words, but there something else she must know.
“Like in the book of John, chapter 1, verse 14. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
As Sunset held Jesus, she noticed that she was surrounded on an unfamiliar hill. She looked around and then saw a man hanged on a wooden cross. Nails were driven into his hand and feet, he was all bruised, bleeding and beaten. Twiggy batches use as a crown was around his head and sign was on the top of him. The unfamiliar man looked at Sunset as blood started flowing towards her.
“I did this all...for you.” the man weakly said.
Tears started streaming Sunset’s eyes, watching a man that beaten being hanged like that on wood.
“Sunset Shimmer!”
Sunset vision stopped and back into reality in the manger.
“I must have Jesus now, he needs his rest.” Mary said.
“Sure, thanks for letting me hold him.” Sunset said.
“Your welcome.”
Sunset gave Jesus back to Mary.
“It’s time to move on the next adventure, Sunset Shimmer.” The voice said as everything went black.
“Where to now?” Sunset asked.
“There something else in the story you should know.”
There showed the presence of three wise men.
“Three Magi saw a bright star which leads to Jerusalem. They heard about the scriptures of the Messiah and had a feeling that the star was the sign of the coming of the king. So the Magi head to Jerusalem to receive answers fro King Herod and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
The voice continued on.
“When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 'In Bethlehem in Judea,' they replied, 'for this is what the prophet has written: "'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'" Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, 'Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
“After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.”
“Why didn’t they return to him?” Sunset asked.
“You are about to find out.” The voice said as he continued on.
“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. 'Get up,' he said, 'take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
“So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'Out of Egypt I called my son.”
“When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under.”
“Why would give that kind of order to kill children?” Sunset asked, frightened.
“He was evil, he didn’t want anyone to rule over him.” The voice answered. “But after a few years, Herod died. “After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, 'Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead.”
“So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: 'He will be called a Nazarene.”
Then suddenly, Sunset found herself in the same town that she appeared in.
“Great, now what?” She asked herself. “Guess I’m gonna have to search for more directions again.”
She as she wandered off to find Mary’s house. But she isn’t aware of who’s she’s about to meet.
Sunset Shimmer walked through the streets of Nazareth. She wanted to find the house Mary lived in. She then turned to see a man with long brown hair and short beard building something out of wood.
“Excuse me, Sir. Do you know a woman named Mary?” She asked.
The man turned to Sunset with a smile.
“Are you talking about my mother?” The man asked.
“Maybe. When exactly were you given birth?”
“30 years ago in a manger.”
Sunset thought about what he just said. Could that man be the baby she held in her arms? But Sunset decided to keep it cool and not say anything about it.
“So, what are you working on?” She asked.
“I’m building a table, it’s worth selling for in the workshop.” The man said. “Would you like to help?”
“Well...I don’t see why not.”
Sunset came over and looked at the tool stack.
“What tools should I use?”
“Why don’t you take that mallet. I can teach you how to pierce the wood with that chisel.” The man said.
Sunset picked up the mallet and the chisel.
“Wait I didn't get your name.” Sunset said
“It’s Jesus.”
Sunset froze there, she realized that was transferred to 30 years later after the baby’s birth that she experienced. But she snapped out of it.
“Oh um...I’m Sunset Shimmer.”
They worked together with the pieces of wood. They glued together all of them and formed it into a table.
“This table should be successful.” Jesus said as he placed a jar full of water on complete table to test it’s weight.
“Jesus!” Called the voice of a woman who entered the work area.
“I fixed supper, are you hungry?” She asked.
“Yes, I am.”
“And who is this girl you?”
“This is Sunset Shimmer, Mother.” Jesus said. “She appeared and I offered for her to help me out with this table.”
“Um...Hello.” Sunset nervously said.
“There’s no need to be nervous, dear.” The woman said. “You are most welcome to help my son with his hard carpeting work. I’m Mary by the way.”
She looked at the table.
“This is a tall table. It should be worth for a rich man to buy this thing.”
“The rich person would prefer to eat sitting up instead of sitting down.” Jesus laughed
Mary did the same thing Jesus did, test out the weight of the table.
“This will never catch on.” She said. “Now, take of that dirty apron before you come inside. And wash your hands.”
Jesus took off his apron and let his mother pour water onto his hands.
Inside the house, Mary fixed up some stew with bread loafs. He served the bowls and plates to Jesus and Sunset.
“Thanks. I needed to eat anyway.” Sunset said.
“Why, you're welcome.” Mary said. “Anyway Jesus, you’ve been working by helping the people with building the new synagogue. What did you say?”
“Well, I said I had other work.” Jesus said.
“Your father’s work?”
“Yes.”
“You’ve said that before once a long time ago.” Mary said.
“You still remember don’t you?” Jesus asked.
“I remember everything.”
“Who exactly was your father?” Sunset asked.
“His name was Joseph, he was carpenter before my son. He trained him into carpeting for years until he died in some illness.”
“Whoa, I’m sorry.”
“Thanks for your support.”
“But he was my earthly father.” Jesus told Sunset. “My real father is my Heavenly Father.”
“Okay, but kind of work does he want you to do?” Sunset asked again.
“I’m hear to preach his word. Some people may see me as a prophet, but they will soon see me as what I’m meant to be.”
“All these things about you saying words of those prophecies remind of that time all those years ago.” Mary said as she began her story with a flashback.
“You, Me, and your father traveled all the way down to Jerusalem for the passover. And then the crowds were back. After the celebration we left the city for home. But then we realized you weren’t with us, I started to get really worried. We searched all over Jerusalem for three days and nights. At last, we arrived at the temple and there you were. With teachers of the synagogue.
“Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I were very worried.”
“We were you searching for me? Shouldn’t you know I’ve been doing my father’s business?”
As the flashback ended, Mary said this...
“Those words you’ve said always wondered me. So, I stayed awake for so many night wondering what your future be like.”
“When did this happen again?” Sunset asked.
“When Jesus was twelve years old.” Mary answered. “Jesus, when will you be leaving?”
“At first light.” Jesus answered. “First I must go see my cousin, John, to be baptized by him. He has prepared many for the day of regeneration.”
“Will you ever come back to see me?”
“Of course, Mother. You know I would never leave you, But you must stay strong. Things will come upon me that will not be easy for you.”
Mary began to feel great pain in her soul.
“The angel Gabriel told me that I would experience great sorrow. And now this day has finally come.” Mary said, feeling sad.
“Mother, you will experience pain, but you will see it become joy.” Jesus said.
“Let’s not talk about that right now and just finish supper. I’ve said enough about sorrow.”
Sunset felt bad for Mary and wondered what Jesus would do tomorrow that would make her that sorrowful. Later that night, Sunset was tucked into bed.
“Thanks for letting me stay in your home tonight, Mary.” She yawned.
“Your are certainly welcome to stay anytime, Sunset Shimmer.” Mary said. “Now you must get some rest now. It will another bright day tomorrow ”
“Okay, good night,”
Sunset fell asleep. Mary then turned to his Son, Jesus, who was fast asleep too. She felt even more sorrow because of the feeling that will be leaving in the morning.
The next morning, Jesus was packed and was ready to leave this hometown.
“I guess this is time to say goodbye for now.” Mary said.
“Stay strong, Mother, this is the task my father has given me.” Jesus comforted.
“Wait! Can I come with you?” Sunset asked.
“I’m sorry, Sunset, this is my son’s journey too...”
“No, Mother, it’s okay. She is welcome to join me.”
Sunset cheered quietly. Jesus gave his mother a hug and know that one day he will see her again.
“I will miss you my son.” Mary said, tears forming her eyes.
“We will see each other again, Mother. I promise.”
Then Jesus and Sunset began to walk the trail, leaving Mary feeling sorrow with tears in her eyes.
“I have extreme hopes that I would see my son’s face again one day.” She thought as she cried as she watch her son leave.
And the person who Sunset is about to meet, would help her experience enough salvation for her to understand.
Sunset Shimmer and Jesus walk through out the trail to the Jordan river. Sunset wondered about Jesus and what his mission is about saving people from pain.
“Hey, Jesus. Can I ask you something?” She asked.
“Of course.” Jesus replied.
“Are you some prophet that’s gonna spread love around this world or something?”
“I won’t be just a prophet, I will be a deliver. A deliver to turn suffering into peace.”
“What does that mean?”
“It’s means I have come on earth to restore everything my father once demanded.”
They were getting close to the Jordan river.
“So, you have a cousin, right?” Sunset asked another question.
“Yes, he was born days before I was. And was given a gift to bring a message to people throughout the countries.” Jesus said.
“Something tells me that this whole “salvation” thing is gonna get weirder than ever.”
“Don’t worry, you will understand soon. You’ll see.”
Meanwhile, at the Jordan river, their was a man clothed with camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist. He was leading people into the river to be plunged which is baptism. And his name is John.
"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
People came close to the water to be baptized. As John dipped a few people in, some pharisee’s who are religious leaders of the temple of mount.
“Do it your way, Prophet. But we follow the laws of Moses and we keep it to our kind.” One of them said.
Then John turned to them and scolded them.
“You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” He pointed. “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
The Pharisees were confused.
“Tell us, are you the Christ? The Messiah?”
"I am not the Messiah." John answered.
““Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” They asked
““I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie."
The he turned around to see the man coming towards him, who is non other then, Jesus.
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
Jesus stepped right into the water, leaving Sunset Shimmer to wait on the edge.
“I have come to be baptized by you.” Jesus said.
John didn’t understand.
“You come to me, Jesus? No, I’m the one who should be baptized by you.” He said
“It is the right thing to do what God always requires. Yet, it is God’s will that must be carried on, not ours.”
John took Jesus aside and dipped him into the water and right back up. Suddenly, a shining light from the sky flashed out with a dove flying by. Then a voice called out...
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Everyone was shocked to hear that voice coming from the sky, especially Sunset Shimmer. After his baptism, Jesus and John had a walk together on the trial. Sunset caught up to them, she wanted to know if John knew answers of her problems and depression.
“Hey, Jesus! Is it okay if I talk to John for a minute?” She asked.
“Of course, I have a lot of thinking to do.” Jesus replied.
Sunset and John went aside and walked a little through the trail.
“So, your Jesus’ little friend, aren’t you?” John asked.
“Well, I’m taking time to know him.” Sunset answered. “So, um...when you were dipping those people in the water, what were you doing it for?”
“Baptism is an act of obedience symbolizing faith. I’ve been sent on this journey to preach the words of the coming of salvation.”
“Is salvation even bigger than what other people tired to help with?” Sunset asked, thinking about her problems.
“It could be, but with God nothing is impossible.” John answered.
“I have problems of my own.”
“And what are they?”
“I was once a horrible person, but I’ve changed. And people have given me a second chance, I even had friends. But three times because of the past, they keep turning against me. And this was the final straw.” Sunset replied.
“I see, I completely understand how tough that can be. But the Lord has brought the Lamb to bring comfort in this world.” John advised.
“Is that who Jesus is? Is he what he keeps saying who he is yesterday and all morning?”
“Oh, the messiah is not just a prophet. He is the son of god.”
“John!” Jesus called.
“I must have a word with Jesus.” John ran up to him to encounter him one last time.
“It’s time I start my journey alone.” Jesus said.
“How long it going to take you?” John asked.
“40 Days. This may not be an easy task, but it’s my fathers will that I must experience enough courage for what’s to come.”
“You will provide for others soon. Just know it.”
Jesus and John hugged each other goodbye.
“So long, Cousin.” John said. “You will bring hope to the people who will attend you.”
“They will.” Jesus said. “And they will follow my teachings.”
The two cousins waved goodbye to each other. Sunset followed Jesus through the trail. When they reach the edge which leads to the Judaean Desert, they stopped.
“So, Jesus, where are we going?” Sunset asked.
“Sunset Shimmer, where I am going...you can not come with me.” Jesus replied.
“What? Why?”
“Because this is a journey I must take alone. I must go into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. And you cannot stand into this in the desert. I must continue my father’s doing.”
“You mean God, right?”
“Yes.”
“Will I ever see you again” Sunset wondered.
“We will see each other again. I promise you.” Jesus said.
Jesus looked at her one last time and turned around and began his journey to the wilderness. Sunset stood there and watched Jesus disappear in the mist. Sunset walked through the plains and found a rock to sit on as she sat on it.
“You better promise it. I want to know you.” Sunset said to herself. “I want you to help you, I want you...to be my friend.
Sunset Shimmer sat on that boulder for minutes and all she thought about was Jesus.
“Sunset Shimmer!” A voice called out, which happen to be the Lord.
“It’s time we move on to another journey.”
“Where to now?” Sunset asked
“You’ll see.”
Everything turned black and the boulder that Sunset sat on vanished and made her land on her behind. Then she found herself in a town with the sighting of a sea.
“Where am I now?” She asked herself as she got up and walked throughout the street.
She’d been trying to ask somebody to help her and lead her to directions. Suddenly, she bump into a weird looking guy.
“Hey, watch where your going, girl!” he shouted at her.
“Okay, I’m sorry. Relax.” Sunset said, trying to calm him down.
“Say, do you happen to have any shekels so I can pay enough grain for myself?”
The man started to act vicious and that made Sunset scared.
“Um...I don’t know what your talking about.”
“Well then...I guess we’ll have to take this...THE HARD WAY!” The man shouted as he pushed Sunset onto the ground.
“I’ll ask you again, do...you... have any shekels?”
“No, I don’t. Please just leave me alone.”
Then he pulled out a knife.
“Guess I will have to check you and be sure.”
Sunset was scared and and whimpered as she stepped back.
“HEY!” A voice called as a man punched him right him the face, causing him to collapse to the ground.
“Who gave you the right to harass this girl?”
“Oh, I’ll show what rights I have...AS I BEGIN TO PUMBLE YOU!” The creepy guy charged at the man who save Sunset Shimmer’s life. Suddenly, a hand grabbed his arm and strangled hands behind his back. It was none other than a roman soldier.
“What’s going on here?” The soldier asked.
“This man purposely was attacking this young woman here.” The man answered.
“Is that so?”
“I was only finding enough shekels for myself.” The smuggler said.
“Not if your harassing someone. Your coming with me.”
The soldier took the smuggler with him as he placed his hands behind the back.
“JUST WAIT UNTIL YOU SEE, I CAN BE UNMERCIFUL IF YOU DON’T PAY ME BACK.”
The man helped Sunset up from the ground.
“Are you alright?” He asked
“Yes, Thank you so much.” Sunset replied.
“You know, you should be careful when it comes to smugglers. They can be really aggressive and anxious.”
“That explains a lot.”
“You should go home now.”
“I...I don’t have a home.”
“Oh, you must be homeless then.” The man said
Sunset only nodded.
“Well then, you can stay with me. Me and my brother are running a fishing business. Would you like to join?”
“That’s really nice of you, but I don’t know how to fish.” Sunset said.
“I can teach you how. Me and my brother did it when we were young.” He said.
“Well, I guess it’s worth a shot.”
“I’m John, by the way.”
“Sunset Shimmer.”
They shook hands and headed towards the dock. There, they saw a sailboat with a man who is John’s brother sorting up his nets.
“Simon!” John called.
“Well, it’s about time you showed up.” John’s brother scoffed. “And who is this girl with you.
“Oh, Simon, this is Sunset Shimmer. A smuggler was attacking her, so I had to act quick.”
“Well, as much as your quick acting has brought attention of help, you can help with this net and get ready for the fish task.”
“Sunset, I like you to meet my brother, Simon.”
Sunset waved at him. John helped Simon with the nets to bring unto the boat.
“Simon, you’ll never believe who we saw yesterday.” John replied.
“Who?” Simon asked.
“The Messiah. John told us to follow him, and we did what he instructed. We talked to him and his words were something none other prophet would ever say.”
“Come on, John, your focusing on a prophet other than focusing on the business of fishing? We are fishermen and we must focus on the job we’ve been eggier to do.”
“But we spent days and nights and haven’t caught a single fish, not even one.” One of the fishermen said.
“Well, we are not giving up. Later we’ll be sailing down the reef and...”
Simon stopped speaking when he noticed a man walking towards them, and he was none other than...Jesus.
“Who are you?”
“Simon, this the man we’ve been telling you about.” John said. “This Jesus, Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah.”
Sunset realized the man she was seeing was Jesus. Jesus promised they would see each other again and that promise was kept.
“Master, this is my brother, Simon.” John introduced
Jesus looked at Simon.
“Your name is Simon, son of John, but you will be called...Peter. Which means stone.” Jesus said.
Peter was confused.
“May I board onto your boat?”
“Um, sure. I don’t see why not.”
Jesus then noticed Sunset Shimmer standing next to them.
“Sunset Shimmer.”
“Jesus?”
“It is wonderful to see you again, I told you we would see each other again.”
“You too, I had a feeling the promise would fade away.”
As you all know, Jesus was being followed by a group of people who were anxious to hear him out.
“Wait, Jesus, don’t go. We want you to tell us the way.
“Please, speak to us, Jesus.”
Jesus sat down on the boat and began to speak.
“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
Sunset surprised to hear Jesus tell a story with words that had descriptions.
When Jesus had finished, he turned to Peter.
“Now go out where it is deeper and cast your nets.” He said.
“We worked hard all last night and caught nothing.” Peter replied. “But if you say so, we will do as you ask.”
They rowed all the way down to the deep reef and threw their nets into the water.
“This is a complete wast of time, we could be here for hours.” Peter complained
Suddenly, they felt something rock their boat back and forth.
“What’s going on?”
They looked down at the water, they had a feeling they know what it is.
“James, John, give me a hand here!”
They pulled up their nets as hard as they could, at last they rose to the surface revealing to be a massive group of fish.
“Fish! We finally caught a boat load of fish!”
“After days and nights, we finally caught nothing but fish!”
They all celebrated for their catch. Later at shore, they stored the fish in their baskets to feed the people. Peter noticed Jesus staring at him.
“Leave me, I’m such a sinful man. I’m not worthy of you.” He said
Then, Jesus laid his hands on Peter’s shoulders.
“Don’t be afraid, Simon. From today, I’m going to make you a fisher of men.”
John and James joined along. They were ready to give up on their nets and follow Jesus every where he goes.
“So, master, I heard you know this girl who I just saved.” John said, pointing to Sunset Shimmer who is helping with serving the fish to the people.
“I do know her, and can tell she wants more from me.” Jesus said.
Jesus then walked to Sunset, who then noticed.
“How is selling the fish?”
“Uh, it’s kind of okay.” Sunset said.
“And why do you want to help?”
“Um, because it’s the right thing to do.”
Then Jesus said. “Sunset Shimmer, when I first saw you I knew what was in your heart. You have forgiveness and kindness in you. But there is something in your flesh that is causing unforgiveness and anger. You want to learn more about salvation and comfort? Then follow me and I will show you.”
That got to Sunset. Does Jesus even know about her problems back at CHS? Did he even know she was. But Sunset decided to do as he instructed. The rest of the disciples began to follow Jesus.
“How does he even know what my hearts telling? Does he even know who I am?” She thought, while walking with him.
“Can’t believe we are giving up on our nets.” Peter said.
“I know, what does it even mean to fish for men.” James asked.
“I’m not sure, but we’ll understand soon enough.” John replied.
They began their journey to become followers of the chosen. And Sunset Shimmer began her new journey as well. She is now ready to understand love, the truth, forgiveness, and salvation.
Jesus and his new disciples and Sunset Shimmer walked through a rocky valley, while other people were following them.
“Why are so many people following us?” Sunset asked.
“Many of them want to hear the master’s teachings and believe he is the chosen.” John answered.
“I wonder what else he has in store for people to hear.” Peter wondered.
On a steep hill, people who were following Jesus sat down to hear him speak. Sunset sat as well, kind of following the words that Jesus said in his story “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”.
Then Jesus began to speak. “They are blessed who realize their spiritual poverty, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. They are blessed who grieve, for God will comfort them. They are blessed who are humble, for the whole earth will be theirs. They are blessed who hunger and thirst after justice, for they will be satisfied. They are blessed who show mercy to others, for God will show mercy to them.They are blessed whose thoughts are pure, for they will see God. They are blessed who work for peace, for they will be called God’s children. They are blessed who are persecuted for doing good, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. People will insult you and hurt you. They will lie and say all kinds of evil things about you because you follow me. But when they do, you will be blessed. Rejoice and be glad, because you have a great reward waiting for you in heaven. People did the same evil things to the prophets who lived before you.”
While Sunset was listening to his teachings, she thought about all he is saying word by word. She felt like those are of love and caring for each other.
Jesus then spoke these words that relate to Sunset’s situation.
You have heard that it was said to our people long ago, ‘You must not murder anyone. Anyone who murders another will be judged.’ But I tell you, if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be judged. If you say bad things to a brother or sister, you will be judged by the council. And if you call someone a fool, you will be in danger of the fire of hell.”
That made Sunset worried. She had a feeling all those words were judgmental. But Jesus continued speaking.
“So when you offer your gift to God at the altar, and you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there at the altar. Go and make peace with that person, and then come and offer your gift. If your enemy is taking you to court, become friends quickly, before you go to court. Otherwise, your enemy might turn you over to the judge, and the judge might give you to a guard to put you in jail. I tell you the truth, you will not leave there until you have paid everything you owe.”
After Jesus was finished teaching, him and his new disciples were sitting on the rocks talking. Sunset Shimmer walked towards to where Jesus was sitting. She wanted to talk him about what he just taught about to the people.
“Um, Jesus, can we talk?” She asked.
“Of course. Why don’t we walk around that trial over there?” Jesus said, pointing to the trail on the edge.
They both walked together on the path.
“Now what do you want to talk about?” Jesus asked.
“Well, you know those words you taught those people back at the valley?” Sunset asked. “Did those words have any meaning?
“My words are of love, forgiveness, to love your neighbor, to love your enemies, repentance, and the entrance of the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus said.
“When you said something about being judged your angry with someone, what did you mean by that?” Sunset asked.
“It’s an opinion of sin, Sunset Shimmer.” Jesus answered. “Say if your siblings broke something that belongs to you, and you lash out your anger in front of them. Then your living in sin.”
Sunset was afraid to tell Jesus about what she did at CHS. But since he said those words in correction, she believe now was the right time.
“Jesus, I don’t know if you should know this but...I did something horrible.” She replied.
“And what is that?” Jesus asked.
“Someone did something nice for me to make up what they did to me. But nothing was enough for me, not even when they change want to cheer me up.”
Jesus knew what was in Sunset’s heart. He knew her heart was filled with depression and anger, then Sunset continued.
“It's just that, no matter what I do, I always end up being cast aside. No matter how hard I try, I’m always thrown into a case. One day, they threw a nice big party for me to make up for what did to me. But it wasn’t enough for me, because everything keeps coming back. I’ve shown everyone that I’ve changed but once awhile everyone and even my own friends suddenly turn away from me. And so I...I...I hurt one of them with my own hands. Two of them actually. ”
“I understand.” Jesus replied. “Everyone in this world has battle within their souls, but when you see me you will see that there’s an even bigger battle to fight.”
“How can I?” Sunset asked. “
“Sunset Shimmer, there is nothing that I never knew. I known you before you were born, and the every hairs on your head are numbered.
Sunset was confused.
“How did you even know me?”
“Thus says the Lord who created you.” Jesus said. “And he who formed you. For I have redeemed you, I have called you by name. And you...are mine.”
Sunset felt something new in her heart, the words that came out of Jesus’ mouth touched her soul and she felt like he’s a loving person who would never leave her side...ever!
“Jesus!” A voice from a man called out. “It has come to my attention that you and your new followers have been invited to a wedding at Cana in Galilee.”
“Tell the proposed couple that we will be most welcome to join them.” Jesus ordered.
Then as the messenger left, Jesus turned to Sunset.
“Well, Sunset? Do you still want to follow me?” He asked with a loving look.
Sunset didn’t want to say no, because she wanted to discover more hope and love for her.
“Yes, I do.” She answered.
Jesus and Sunset Shimmer joined the disciples as they moved on.
“So, we’ve been invited to a wedding. Where is it at.” John asked.
“In Cana in Galilee.” James answered
“You know, when me and my wife got married, our wedding wasn’t much. But it was a huge grateful sense of humor” Peter laughed.
The disciples laughed as they moved along to head to the Wedding that they were invited to.
Later that night, the wedding festival began. There was dancing, playing music, singing, and especially people having fun. And of course grown ups were enjoying wine.
“So then, we had walk down the hill to grab the lamb. And and then my wife tried to catch the little lamb and then as it speeded off...she tripped and feel into a mud puddle!” A man joked as the rest laughed.
Sunset Shimmer on the other hand was astonished at the excitement going on in the wedding. She knew she was not the only young girl at this wedding.
“Sunset Shimmer?”
She turned around and saw that it was actually, Faithful Rose wearing a purple linen clothes.
“Faithful Rose? What are you doing here?” She asked.
“Me and my family were invited to the wedding and my father accepted the invitation.” Faithful Rose answered. “I can’t believe you’re actually here.”
“Well, the last thing I remember was that you brought me to your home and you and your family was telling how much God loved me and that he can fix my problems.”
“Well, I hope our conversation helped you.”
“So, where is your family?” Sunset asked.
“My father’s serving the wine, My mother’s talking with some women, and my siblings should be somewhere.” Faithful Rose said.
Then they turned to see Faithful’s father arguing with a wine bearer.
“Hm, I wonder what they’re arguing about.” She said.
It turned out they were arguing about the wine because...they ran out of it.
“What you mean we’ve run out of wine? Are you sure?” Faithful’s father asked.
“We weren’t prepared for that many people.” The wine server said.
“What’s wrong, father?” Faithful asked.
“Not now, Faithful. We have a big problem here.”
“What’s wrong, my friend.” A familiar woman asked.
“Mary, there’s no more wine. We bought out the entire town and there’s not another skin of the wine within a days journey.”
“I’ll go talk to my son.”
Mary went over to Jesus.
“Son, the stewards ran out of wine and there’s none left.” She said.
“Mother, what does your concern have to do with me? My time has not yet come.” Jesus said
“Please, Jesus. This is my friends daughter’s beautiful day and why should it be ruined?”
Jesus sighed. “Gather the servants by the well.” He ordered.
Later, at the well, the wine servants waited by the well. Mary came to them.
“Whatever he asks, do as he says.” She ordered.
Then Jesus arrived to the site and was ready for what was to come.
“Fill those jars with water.” He ordered.
“How does water replace wine? This kind of drink wouldn’t glorify the brides day.”
The men did as Jesus ordered. Sunset and Faithful were watching as well. The men drew water out of the well and poured it into the big jars.
“Draw some out and give it to the master of this banquet.” Jesus said.
They scooped some out and poured it into a cup. They were afraid they might get in trouble because they’ll be serving water at the wedding. But they continued to do what Jesus said.
“I just hope he knows what he is doing.” One of the men said.
He went to the master of the wedding and gave the golden cup to him. He took a sip of the drink, and that left the cup bearers worried.
“Everyone serves the good wine first. They bring out the second-rate wine only when the guests are drinking freely. You kept the good wine until now.” The master said.
The cup bearers were confused, they ran over the jars that they filled with water and saw that it had become wine. They were all in shock.
“Impossible!”
“I don’t believe it, it’s wine. But how?”
“It’s true, he really is a man of god.
Sunset Shimmer and Faithful Rose saw the whole thing and were in shock.
“I can’t believe it. It started out as water and suddenly it’s wine.” Faithful said.
“How is that even possible?” Sunset wondered. “There’s no way it can just morph into something that’s impossible.”
While that, the people in the wedding rejoiced and continued to enjoy the party. Sunset was still confused of how the water became wine.
“I don’t understand, how did Jesus know how to turn water into something an adult drink.”
She then looked at Jesus and believed that there was something marvelous about him. She walked out of the entrance of the wedding and sat down on a bench. She felt something suspicious about Jesus, she knew she was in an experience of equestrian magic. But she felt like it was something different, she thought it was magic from some other source.
“Sunset Shimmer, why are you out here? Your missing out on the wedding.” Jesus came out seeing Sunset sitting.
“Oh, um, I was just thinking.” She answered. “It’s just...what I just saw in there, was all of that your doing?”
“Yes.” Jesus said as he sat next to Sunset. “It was meant for a sign.”
“A sign?”
“People who have empty souls should see the things that are to come.”
“Well, your magic just shocked and I don’t know if...”
“That wasn’t magic. Magic is the form of supernatural and spells that were formed by man. The thing I did in there was called...a miracle.”
Was Sunset actually wrong? Was the amazing thing that Jesus did in that wedding called a miracle?
“Jesus, all these things you teach, all those stories you tell, and all these things you. You look like your the perfect man there is on earth.” Sunset said.
“I am.” Jesus said. “In my life, I may experience pain and crying. But the only thing what never sprouted my life was sin. I have never sinned, not even once.”
“Can you even resist any temptation that’s even stronger?”
“Yes I can. But remember, there will always be new things to discover along this journey.”
“There’s more?”
Jesus nodded.
“Now let’s head back inside. Our closet friends must be wondering where we are.”
“You’ve said it.” Sunset smirked.
They both got up and went back inside for the wedding. Sunset Shimmer’s journey with Jesus is starting to get overwhelming. But she will witness more miracles that Jesus will perform the next coming events. And some of them will be understanding and voluble.
The next day, people were following Jesus because they wanted to learn more about salvation and worship him. Sunset Shimmer and Faithful Rose followed as well, they want to understand Jesus more.
Just then, a man with messed up clothes and bandages around his body walked up. He was a leper (A person with a disease of rashes). Everyone who saw him were frightened that they might get the disease from him, so they backed away.
“Back away, he’s a leper! You might catch the disease.”
But all the leper wanted was help. He heard about Jesus and thought he could help him. So he walked over to him, collapsed and sobbed.
“Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” He said.
Then Jesus helped him up, and then he smiled at him.
“I am willing.” He said. “Be cleansed.”
Suddenly, the man’s skin began to lighten up and the lumps and rashes on his skin started vanishing. People who had just witnessed the miracle were shocked and felt the power of God.
Sunset Shimmer was amazed at what Jesus could also do, heal people.
The man wept in joy and hugged Jesus tightly.
“Thank you, Thank you!” He sobbed.
“Go...tell no one what you have seen.” Jesus ordered. “But show yourself to the priests and make an offering for your cleansing. Just as Moses commanded.”
The man who once had leprosy ran back home to show himself to everyone.
Later, at Peter’s house, everyone was gathered in the whole room listen to Jesus.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
While Jesus was talking, a sudden crumble cam from the roof. It was a bunch of men were breaking a hole on the roof with a paralyzed friend with them.
“My roof! Look what you’ve done to my roof.” Peter exclaimed.
"Forgive us, We didn't have enough room to put our friend in."
Then came down a paralyzed man in his bed, he was afraid until he saw Jesus with a forgiving smile. As the man lied there, Jesus kneeled before him and looked at him with a forgiving heart.
“Take courage son, your sins are forgiven.” Jesus said.
People were confused and Pharisees were offended.
“How can he speak such blasphemy, who can forgive sins but God alone?” One of the pharisees said.
Jesus stood up and said “Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier to say? Your sins are forgiven or to say Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”
Then Jesus looked at the paralyzed man.
“I say to you, get up, take your mat and go home.”
The man began to feel his feet move, he also felt his whole body move. He started to get up and stand on his feet.
“I...I...I’ve been healed. I’VE BEEN HEALED!” The man jumped in joy and everyone else rejoiced.
But the Pharisees were too stubborn to notice that it was god’s will. Sunset Shimmer and Faithful Rose were shocked to see Jesus heal a paralyzed man. But the confused them the most was that Jesus forgave an innocent poor man.
"What just happened?" Sunset Shimmer wondered
"I don't know, but I do get the feeling this man is a man of god." Faithful Rose replied
Later, Jesus was walking by the table of a tax collector named Matthew. Jesus saw Matthew sitting there collecting unpaid taxes from people.
"Matthew the tax collector. Who collects unpaid taxes for the romans." Peter said in disgust.
"What would romans need taxes for?" Sunset Shimmer asked.
"To pay soldiers to keep cities clean." Andrew answered. "No doubts for the likes of him."
Jesus went over to Matthew.
"Greetings, Matthew." Jesus greeted.
"I've seen you heal that man earlier. Those words you said about forgiveness sounded like they were of God." Matthew responded. "I believe you are the Christ, the son of the living god."
"Then come and follow me, Matthew." Jesus said.
"Me? Follow You?"
"Come."
Matthew stood up and left his table and started to follow Jesus.
"He even tells tax collectors to follow him?" Peter whispered.
"Don't you remember back at the lake, Peter?" John asked. "Jesus said we would be fishers...of men. So that's what we're doing."
Later at Matthews house, there was a dinner party where people were honoring Jesus. Sunset Shimmer and Faithful Rose joined along.
"You know, the way Jesus treated people is like he treats them as if they never sinned before." Sunset Shimmer said.
"You know, God treats us with love like he always does with all people." Faithful said. "If Jesus can give love to people, then I believe he is the Messiah."
Then a knock came from the door, Matthew answered the door and saw that it was the Pharisees. They were not pleased at what they saw.
"Oh, greeting. Would you like come join us?" Matthew offered.
"We would never, it would go against our laws." One of them said. "Why does your master eat with sinners and tax collectors?"
"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." Jesus answered. "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
The Pharisees were offended.
Later, as everyone started leaving the house. Sunset Shimmer caught up to Jesus and spoke to him.
"Jesus, can I talk to you?" She asked.
"Of course."
"Why do you keep treating people like they never did anything wrong in their whole lives?"
"Sunset, I did not come in to this world to condemn it, but to save them through me." He answered.
"And why did you treat me as if never sinned too? I was once horrible person and I'm still one today. I'm worth nothing to you."
"My father loves as I love you, and he forgives you as I for give you. Think not for a moment that before I came into this world that I was no already aware of your sins. It is not just for this reason alone that I've come."
Jesus smiled.
"Just keep following me and I will show you." He said.
Sunset decided to give it a try.
The next day was a sabbath day, everyone was in the synagogue when I a man with a twisted hand came to Jesus.
"Lord, please heal me." He begged.
The Pharisees saw this and decided to trick Jesus into breaking the Jewish law.
"Tell us, Rabbi. Does the law allow us to heal on the sabbath?" One of them asked.
Jesus answered. "If one of your sheep falls into a pit on the sabbath, wouldn't you lift it out? A person who is more valuable than a sheep. Yes, the law allows us to do good on the sabbath.
Then Jesus touched the mans hand and said. "Stretch out your hand."
The man stretched out his hand and it was healed.
"My hand. MY HAND! It's healed and good as new."
Everyone rejoiced at the miracle Jesus performed. Sunset Shimmer smiled at the good thing Jesus did, but she was also scared at what Pharisees think.
"We must find another for him to break our law." The Pharisee said.
"Agree, but it's going to take some time to figure out the occasion."
Sunset Shimmer and Faithful Rose were talking about what Jesus has been doing these past few days, while the crowd were scrambling to see Jesus.
"Out of all these miracles Jesus had done, this is really starting to sound strange." Sunset said.
"But it also sounds beautiful too." Faithful replied.
"Strange and beautiful at the same time."
As the crowd was struggling to see Jesus, a man named Jarius who was a ruler in the synagogue was passing by the people to reach Jesus. As he finally did, he fell to his knees.
"Master, I am one the elders from the synagogue." He spoke. "My daughter is lying her bed with a great illness. I believe she is about to die. I beg of you, come and lay your hands on her so she may live."
Jesus placed his hand on his shoulder.
"Take me to her." He said.
Jarius lead Jesus to his house, the disciples and Sunset and Faithful followed along.
"I wonder what Jesus has planned." Faithful said.
Just then, A woman went right past them, this woman had twelve years of hemorrhages, and no one was able cure her. But she thought that if she touched Jesus she will be well again.
She got closer and closer and finally she touched his cloak and felt well again.
Jesus stopped and turned around.
"Who touched me?" He asked.
"Master, it's the crowd who is pressing against you." Peter said.
"I know, but someone touched me. For I felt my power leave me."
Then the woman who touched him came forward to him.
"It was me, Lord. I have been bleeding for twelve years, I just wanted to touch you so I could be well again."
She fell to her knees and began to sob.
Jesus helped her up and smiled.
"Your faith has made you well, go in peace."
"Master, we must hurry." Jarius reminded him.
As they finally got to Jarius' house, they saw people weeping.
"Master, it's too late. Your daughter is dead. Why bother Jesus now?"
Jarius cried.
"Don't afraid." Jesus said. "Just have faith and she will be healed."
Jesus entered into Jarius' house and saw people crying.
"Why all the weeping? The child is not dead, she is asleep."
Most of them were offended by what Jesus just said. Some of them laughed.
"You expect us to believe that?"
"The child is dead; you could you say such foolishness?"
"This isn't going very well." Sunset Shimmer said.
Jesus told everyone to leave, except for Jarius, his wife, Peter, James, John, Sunset Shimmer, and Faithful Rose. Jesus see's the child lying on her bed and took her by the hand.
"Little girl, it's time to get up."
Then...the girl opened her eyes.
Everyone was shocked and surprised to see that the girl is alive again. Jarius and his wife hugged their awaken child.
"Give her something to eat." Jesus ordered.
Later that night, the disciples were in Peter's house eating together and laughing together.
"That one time when we were fishing, those other men on boats challenged us for competition to see who gets the most fish." Peter laughed.
"And did we?" John asked.
"More less."
"And do you remember what your wife told you?" Andrew asked him.
"She always worries when it comes to fighting and dramatic events." He said.
"You know, it was joyful that Jesus healed your mother-in-law today." Matthew replied.
"Yes, and without him my wife and my family would be in sorrowful grief right now."
There was a knock on the door. It opened it reveal Sunset Shimmer.
"Hi, is Jesus here?" She asked.
"Oh no, he's out doing something." John said. "But he'll be back. Want to join us, Sunset?"
"Sure."
She sat down with the rest of the disciples.
"Do your parents know your here?" Andrew asked.
"Uh...my parents? I... moved away years and I haven't seen them since." Sunset answered.
"Oh, you seem like you've had a tough road for years."
"Yep, all these years I've had struggles."
"We've all had struggles in our young years. Especially, today."
Sunset began telling her full story.
"When I was so young, I was becoming a student of a new mentor. For years, I've been doing things I'm capable of, understanding the knowledge of friendship. But I haven't been able to use it and all I did was let everyone down and reject loyalty."
The disciples had a feeling that this story was going to lead to a destruction of her life. And Sunset Shimmer knew that if she told them that she came from a place called Equestria and was formally a pony they would find it hard to believe.
"So, then one day, my mentor gave me a direct order not to do something and I did it anyway. And I called her a hypocrite for not giving me the right answers. I went to some other place to fit in and see if I could do something more. But all I did was drive everyone apart and I keep winning many things."
At last, she came to the most depressing and upsetting part ever.
"Then, these six girls gave a chance, and they became the greatest friends I could ever imagine. We had plenty of fun time together and I've always been loyal to them. But, three times they been selfish to me. Like, after they made me their friend they didn't even think about adding me to their music group, they accused me of something I'm not, and worst of all...they had forgotten who I was and didn't even look at me the same way."
"I had no idea you had so much dramatic experiences." John said, feeling bad for her.
"I'm sure they felt guilty for all those things they did to you." Peter replied.
"They did, and they tried to make it up to me by throwing a party for me. But nothing can take back what they did to me. And at the end, I took my anger out on them and hurt them." Sunset began to burst into tears.
The disciples were shocked.
"It feels like everywhere I go I'm always being cursed."
"No one is being cursed, it's just how you feel." Andrew said.
"NO! NOTHING'S GONNA FREE FROM THIS NIGHTMARE! NOTHING! I DON'T HAVE ANYONE TO CURE ME!" Sunset cried as she stormed out of the house.
The disciples were shocked, they had never seen a girl through this much pain before.
Sunset ran through the path, sobbing. She stopped and panted.
"Nothing's gonna change my life. Not one thing." She sobbed.
Little did she know that she was near was near where Jesus was with one of the religious leaders, Nicodemus. She heard his voice speak.
"I tell you the truth, unless a person is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God." He spoke
"How is it possible for an adult to be born?" Nicodemus asked. "It’s impossible to enter the mother’s womb for a second time and be born, isn’t it?"
"I assure you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, it’s not possible to enter God’s kingdom. Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit."
The wind began to blow.
"Don’t be surprised that I said to you, ‘You must be born anew.’" Jesus said. "God’s Spirit blows wherever it wishes. You hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. It’s the same with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
"How are these things possible?” Nicodemus wondered.
"You are a teacher of Israel and you don’t know these things? I assure you that we speak about what we know and testify about what we have seen, but you don’t receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has gone up to heaven except the one who came down from heaven, the Human One Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so must the Human One be lifted up so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won’t perish but will have eternal life. God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him isn’t judged; whoever doesn’t believe in him is already judged, because they don’t believe in the name of God’s only Son."
Sunset was listening to the conversation behind a wall.
“This is the basis for judgment: The light came into the world, and people loved darkness more than the light, for their actions are evil. All who do wicked things hate the light and don’t come to the light for fear that their actions will be exposed to the light. Whoever does the truth comes to the light so that it can be seen that their actions were done in God.”
When the conversation was over, Nicodemus walked right in the direction where Sunset was watching him.
"Oh, hello there." He spoke.
"Hi." Sunset responded.
"Were you just listening to our conversation?"
"I...um...I was just...walking by."
"Oh, it's okay. I understand you love to hear the rabbi's, don't you?"
"Um...yeah."
"Well then, to be honest...I love the rabbi's words as well."
"Why?" Sunset asked. "Your one of those leaders who rebel against him."
"Because, I paid attention to the scriptures every closely." Nicodemus said. "Many years ago, a prophet named Isaiah told a prophecy about the coming of the messiah and what he will do to free us. And one of those scriptures says this..."
Nicodemus opened up a little scroll that he borrowed from the library of the temple.
"For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground. He hath no form nor comeliness, and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him. He is despised and rejected of men, a Man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. And we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all."
When he was finished, Sunset wondered the meaning of the verses he just read.
"What does that mean?" She asked.
"That I don't know, but we will have to wait until Isaiah's prophecies' come true." Nicodemus answered.
Then Jesus came.
"Thank you, Rabbi." Nicodemus spoke. "Your words have made me felt like the spirit of God touch me."
"The spirit of God did touch you, Nicodemus." Jesus replied. "And soon you will understand that God has plan for redemption in a certain way."
As Nicodemus left, Jesus looked at Sunset Shimmer.
"I see you were listening to my words." He said.
"I didn't mean to spy on you guys." Sunset tried to explain. "I was just curious because I thought about the words you say to people and..."
"It's okay, I understand. You have chosen a better part and that shouldn't be bad."
"But with all these you've been doing and that's been happening I'm still confused."
"Just keep following me and you will understand."
Sunset followed Jesus back to Peter's house.
The next day, Jesus was telling more to Sunset Shimmer, Faithful Rose, and the disciples. Then disciples of John the Baptist came to them.
"Excuse us, John the Baptizer sent us here to us ask you this...are you the messiah that we've been expecting or should we keep looking for someone else." One of the men asked.
"Go back to John and tell him what you have seen." Jesus instructed. "The blind see, the lame walk, the leapers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the good news is being preached to the poor. And tell him, God blesses those who do not turn away because of me."
The men obeyed Jesus and went back wherever they were before.
"I wonder where the baptizer is now." Faithful Rose said.
"He's probably doing more work when comes to this baptism." Sunset answered.
"Come, there's more to discover along the journey." Jesus said to them.
Sunset Shimmer may have learned Jesus' words last night, but there's still more things she must know.
