1 - Ambition for power
11 Years before Nightmare moonrs return
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Sunset Shimmer, a driven and youthful unicorn, ambled through Canterlot Castle in search of her Teacher and Mentor, Celestia, Princess of the Sun and Raiser of the Moon. Sunset has always been perplexed as to why Celestia holds two distinct titles rather than just one, but this was not the main thought on her mind; instead, what was on her mind was the magical mirror that her teacher had shown her, depicting Sunset with two golden wings in its reflection, standing nearly equal to Celestia. This was the power and respect Sunset had always aspired to attain, but before she could recognise herself in her magnificence, Celestia forced them to leave the mirror. This was all that consumed her thoughts for days on end; she had to see the mirror again, even if only once.
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Sunsets POV:
"Ah my faithful student it is good to see you like always" Celestia informed me in a calm way.
"Princess, Happy to see you as always, Celestia seemed to have been lost in contemplation when I said, "I just had some questions about the mirror you showed me the other day," I remarked inquiringly.
"I see no issue with you asking some questions about it, but be aware I may not answer all of them as even I do not know everything about it" Celestia answered my inquiries honestly, and I was happy that she did.
"Well what does the Mirror show the person who looks into it, you told me to look in the mirror and asked me if I wanted, what I saw does that mean you couldn't see?" I asked, unsure if she was able to answer.
"Hmmm, to Answer that I could see what I wanted you to be, but no I could not see what the mirror showed you, its like how if i stood in front we would see our own viewpoint of myself, no matter how different it is" Celestia responded by saying.
"Good to know, my second question is, where is the mirror, its not in the room it used to be in, am assuming you moved it or at least I hope it was as I wouldn't know what to think if it was stolen" Though I already knew it hadn't been taken, I might as well inquire as to whether she would conceal its location or be honest.
"I cannot Answer your question fully, it hasn't been stolen but it's whereabouts are a secret, due to how dangerous it can be I only brought it out so you could see what you wanted to achieve" I had anticipated as much, Celestia said, "However, this does remind me I have someone I want you to meet." Celestia spoke enthusiastically.
"Ahh? Who is that?" I was genuinely interested in finding out whom Celestia would like to introduce me to, as some ponies might have thought I was a bit reticent or impolite. However, I'm positive that their concern was motivated by jealousy.
"You can enter now, Cadance," the second Celestia stated. I turned to face the door, but after a moment, my expression changed to one of astonishment and terror, then back to neutrality upon seeing this new pink Alicorn.
"Sunset Meet Princess Mi amore Cadenza or Princess Cadance the princess of Love, Cadance meet Sunset shimmer my faithful student, most powerful unicorn in canterlot" As Celestia introduced us, I could tell Cadance was apprehensive, but I took her hoof and shook it with mine, much to my turmoil.
I said, trying to appear as pleasant as possible considering what I had just learned. "Nice to meet you, Princess Cadance."
"Nice to meet you too, Sunset," Cadance remarked gently and softly. It was clear that she was inexperienced in interacting with ponies in public.
"Please explain how you are an alicorn, as you must possess great magical abilities to accomplish this," I complimented her, supposing she was a unicorn. At that moment, I noticed her expression change to one of perplexity.
"ah, sorry I was under the impression Celestia had already informed most the nobility and citizens, but I was actually a Pegasi before I became an Alicorn" My entire world crumbled when she said that since, after two years of studying under Celestia, I had already completed countless hunts and quests around Equestria. If a measly pegasi could become an alicorn before me, why wasn't I one yet?
I said, "Well, lovely to meet you Cadance and thank you again for answering my questions Princess, but I must take my leave of you for now, I have some reading to catch up on," before bowing and trotted out of the room towards the library. I grinned as I felt the magic pass of the restricted section, making my bag rattle. Stealing it from Celestia would have been difficult, but that stupid new alicorn had no idea what happened when we shook hooves.
I could use Celestia's distraction with Blueblood to browse the Restricted section longer, and I have just the subject. At that moment, I saw Prince Blueblood of the Platinum family turn the corner of the hallway I was walking in. He is the most hated nobel in Canterlot, but he is also one of the most cunning, able to charm his way out of a fight or confrontation.
"Prince Blueblood, it's lovely to see you as always," I said before bowing. Despite his arrogance, he was still the most noble person after Celestia and that new Alicorn.
"Ah miss Shimmer one of the few ponies who aren't a Nobel I can tolorate and speak to, it is nice to see you as well, where are you off to in such a hurry" One of the things about Blueblood was that he constantly wanted to know what other people were doing. This led to him questioning me.
"Well am off to the library to research some more magic methods for my lessons with Princess Celestia but to also Cool down from meeting that nee Alicorn" I replied.
"Ah so you've met Cadance before me, tell me is she as graceful as Auntie says she is" I replied with a nod
"Indeed she is but theirs just one thing which baffles me" I said
"Which is?" I peered directly into Blueblood's eyes.
Blueblood's expression changed to one of scorn and displeasure as I added loudly, "She was born a Pegais and a commoner from how she acted."
Before rushing out in the direction of the Throne room, Blueblood remarked, "That just won't do, time to talk some sense into my Auntie."
That went well, everything is going to plan, what could possibly go wrong?