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Chapter Text

    Someway, somehow, Sunset Shimmer had known long before this argument began that it held a kind of finality. The last few days had been filled with a tension that she loathed but couldn't bring herself to break - for she truly didn't see how she was in the wrong this time. Admittedly she often presented herself as permanently in the right, but that didn't mean she couldn't see the faults in her own arguments.

    This time, though. This time - the basis of her argument was her mentors own actions. Princess Celestia had chosen to show Sunset that mirror, so the fact that she now denied her the right to learn more about it so fervently made no sense to the young unicorn - why show if you weren't going to tell? 

    But then, Princess Celestia didn't often make a lot of sense to Sunset anymore. There was the pivot from encouraging her studies to encouraging her to find friends - a pivot that Sunset was unable to settle into after having thrown herself into her studies headfirst for so long, there were the endless riddles, and, almost the most irritating, the professionalism.

    They used to be so close, so close that - that - ...but now? Now there was always the distinction of Princess and Pupil. Teacher and Student. 

    It, truthfully, hurt. 

    Maybe that was the factor leading into some of their recent arguments - Celestia's refusal to admit anything had changed, and Sunset's pain in having to hide how the indifference hurt.

'I- I just can't see what there is to hide!'

'I am not hiding anything-'

'Then why won't you tell me!'

Celestia's eyes narrowed.

'-that you shouldn't be concerned with. You are not ready.'

'Not ready for what?!'

'That is not your concern.'

'Oh for the love of-'

    Sunset tried her best not to roll her eyes. She really did - though that didn't seem to be picked up by Celestia, whose eyes somehow narrowed further while her nostrils flared. Sunset almost winced, but, determined not to let her body get away from her again, stood strong against the Princess, who's mouth opened - but Sunset could tell she wasn't getting an answer. Her patience snapped, the desire to learn that had been fostered in the castle winning over any restraint she might have been able to muster.

'What are you hiding from me?!'

    Great white wings flared at the shout and instantly Sunset shrank back as the Princess took a step forward. Celestia was trying to intimidate her - force her to drop the subject. Sunset figured she might have been prepared to, but apparently she was never going to be given that choice.

'Sunset Shimmer! I see your ambition for learning has outpaced your judgement. In light of recent accusations and your actions here tonight, I have no choice.'

    Sunset blinked. Accusations? What - what accusations?

'I hereby suspend you as my pupil, pending investigation!'

'...what?! You - you can't do this! I wasn't informed - w - wha - what accusations?!'

'SILENCE! The guard will escort you to your room -'

'This isn't - you can't -'

'I can and I have, Ms. Shimmer. You will be under house arrest until..'

    Sunset reacted. A short teleport - a few hooves forward. A move rewarded by the satisfactory thump of a guard on the floor. She span to face Celestia, simultaneously bucking hard against a guards chestplate - aiming at the centre where the most padding lay, after all, she didn't want to hurt them - too badly - before locking eyes with her m- former mentor.

'Why wasn't I good enough for you?!' She hissed furiously.

    For a moment, Celestia looked wounded, but then it was past.

'Sunset -'

'No! You're making the biggest mistake of your life!' 

    Sunset stamped on the floor, drawing attention for a split second, allowing her to freely trigger her second teleport. The magic flowed softly around her, a serene calm in the storm of running emotions, and after a moment she was rolling to a stop in her room. The first thing she did was throw a magical suppression field as far as she could around her room - preventing anypony coming straight to her via teleport and buying herself a precious few extra minutes - after all, it would take a few moments before Celestia noticed the suppression field and sent the message for the guards nearby to go after her.

    She turned away from the door, and almost instantly froze under the weight of memories that threatened to swallow her. For a moment she drifted in them, each moment an eternity, before she shook herself from her stupor and pulled her saddlebags - a brown colour embroidered with her cutie mark, the ying-yang sun that shared colours with her distinctive red-yellow mane - away from where they lay by the door, their contents dumped unceremoniously as she glanced wildly for what she would need.

    She was being thrown out of the castle regardless - of that she had no doubt - so she was simply trying to beat Celestia to the gut wrenching, backstabbing, knife-to-the-heart punch that it was. Sure, she'd said house arrest - but the castle was her house - and she could hardly see Celestia wanting her around anymore. Cyan eyes traced a room highlighted by orange, stained by the dying embers of another sunset over the mountain city, a realisation settling over a shocked and weary brain.

    She wasn't wanted. Again. She just wanted to- Celestia just wanted to get rid of her!

    The large, circular window at the far end of the room was the culprit of the burning light, set on the outside of the castle to allow Sunset to sit in the window with a complete view over the city in all directions. Along one wall lay her desk, supplemented by two small bookshelves, all covered in various papers, research, books and gadgetry swiped from poorly observed laboratories. The other wall held a small array of posters, decorations, a door to a walk in wardrobe turned small kitchen for late study sessions, another door to the bathroom, another bookshelf and finally the staircase that doubled back to her lofted bedroom.

    Her heart caught in her throat once more, and she turned quickly to her desk, shuffling through her papers with mild desperation before picking out a few, alongside a pair of books on thaumaturgical theory, and stuffing them into her saddle bags. She ascended the staircase, all the while pulling objects towards her and inspecting them before they were either discarded or added to her bags. 

    Reaching her bedroom, Sunset did a cursory glance before grabbing the obvious - her bag of bits, a few gems left stray, her identity documents. Then she hesitated, and began adding a few more items of sentimental value. An old stuffed bunny plushie, a half consumed bag of poppy seeds shared between pet and owner, a photograph or two, her journ-

    Her journal.

    The object in question froze in front of her, and Sunset felt her heart hammering in her chest, threatening to break free. It could be a source of so much potential pain and trouble for her, but at the same time she couldn't bring herself to throw it away. Swallowing, it took the last space in her saddle bags, which Sunset lifted onto her, the weight causing a small grunt, before attaching the bag of bits to her saddlebags using a small clip and descending the staircase.

Brrrrp?

    Sunset blinked, then turned to the room. Waking up from a nap, settled onto a soft pillow, was her phoenix, Philomena.

'Philomena? Why are - why are you still here?'

Brrr.

'I- I have to go, Mena.'

Rrrrrrrr prr brp?

'I mean...'

    Sunset looked back at her bags, and lifted the flap before floating out her journal and one of the other books stuffed in.

Prrrrrrb?

    Sunset's voice reduced to a whisper, tears misting her eyes.

'You really want to come with me?'

Brr.

'...okay.'

    Sunset looked between the two books, quickly throwing the latter away and fitting the pillow and journal back into her bag with a packet of mixed flower seeds and petals while Philomena took to the air for the few moments it took to cross the room and settle into the folds of Sunset's mane, subtle enchantments keeping the hairs from igniting.

    A tear finally spilled from Sunset's eye as she took one final glance over her room, breathing quick and shallow, and she closed her eyes, choosing to instead focus on the soft vibrations of Mena's comforting purrs against her head.

'Thank you.'

Prrrrb brr drrrp.

    Sunset heaved a deep breath, turning to face the door as thundering hooves approached it. Subconsciously, she backed away, Philomena anxiously nestling further against her head, brain running through a list of possible destinations - the mirror she'd been shown chief among them. Then the door soon slammed open as a pair of guards stormed in alongside - 

    Sunset blinked. She hadn't expected Princess Celestia herself. Regardless, she found the source of her suppression spell and tore it apart, magic quickly rushing back into the space around her like water filling a submerged cup. She raised a hoof to her head in a mock salute, blood thundering in her ears. Her brain blanked, and she fixed her mind on the first place she could think of, magic charging.

'Sunset WAIT-'

'Goodbye, Princess.'

'NO-'

    Her hoof dropped, and in the same instant, Sunset and Philomena disappeared in a burst of cyan sparks. A few minutes later, they burst back into existence on a side alley of 5th Street, Sunset sliding forward onto the ground with a moan and black pulsing rapidly into her vision. She was gasping for breath, her whole body felt like it was on fire and her tongue was beyond dry - the consequences of a series of teleports so complex it would be nearly impossible for even the most talented trackers to follow, especially considering the path taken crossed through several wards. Magical Burnover - a unicorn prodigy's worst nightmare, and Sunset Shimmer's old friend.

    Sunset lay on her side, panting heavily as a flash of orange slid past her vision. Her brain was screaming in pain, and simultaneously begging her to get up lest she be found by somepony with nefarious intent before she could stand up for herself. Just because it was Canterlot didn't mean there was no crime - a fact Sunset recalled in great detail as she lay defenceless. Seconds dragged on like minutes, panic beginning to grip Sunset's heart as the darkness lay thick, the heat unrelenting - this was worse than normal in relation to her usual burnovers. 

    Vibrations knocked at her cheek, growing heavier as they approached. Fear gripped Sunset's heart fully, her eyes still unable to be opened, her body unable to move. She could be foalnapped, she could be killed, she could be - could be -

Here. Drink.

    Something pressed against her lips, forcing them open before water pooled into her mouth, and she swallowed. More water came, and Sunset began to cool, the pounding in her head steadily beginning to subside. Sunset wasn't sure how long it had been by the time her unfocused eyes opened, the world a haze of dark colours - but as far as she could tell she wasn't in any immediate danger. Philomena hopped into view, resting her head on Sunset's cheek, and she relaxed, a sigh escaping her lips as the water returned, held aloft in a soft blue aura.

    Minutes continued to pass, until finally, colour began to filter back into her world. Sunset shivered, closing her eyes and taking a deep, shuddering breath before reopening her eyes and struggling to lift her head.

'Hey, hey - wait, you're okay. You're safe, take it slow.'

    Sunset slumped again with another moan, trying to blink the world back into focus. She still felt vulnerable despite the reassuring words, but Philomena's presence helped greatly. Already Sunset found herself grateful for her decision to allow the Phoenix to travel with her and as though she could hear Sunset's thoughts, Mena pressed closer into her cheek with a comforting prrrrrr. When she could eventually define individual cobbles in the street, Sunset shifted to take a look at her saviour.

     Blue eyes acted as contrast to the unicorn mare's pleasant amber coat that harmonised with a bright pale gold and white mane. Partially visible on one flank was what appeared to be a firework, horn and slash of green magic. Either that, or it was a Sunflower - she wasn't quite sure.

    From behind her, a squeak sounded, and a blue-furred face peered around the mare, framed with a light pale blue and white mane. This second mare's brown eyes focused on Sunset with a kind of a wonder. Sunset had a fleeting feeling that she'd seen this filly before, perhaps at CSGU, but she wasn't confident.

'Mama? Are they gonna be okay?'

'Yes, honey. They're gonna be fine.'

    The first mare, who had turned to look at the second, turned back to Sunset before offering a hoof.

'Showcase. Showcase Lulamoon, and this,' she said, gesturing back at the other, 'is my daughter Trixie. You are?'

'Sunset Shimmer,' replied Sunset, though a healthy part of her mind tugged against giving anything about herself to the two mares - as nice as they seemed.

    Said mares shared a look, inevitable recognition passing between them - after all, who hadn't heard of Sunset - before Showcase blinked and lowered the unmet hoof with slight awkwardness, as she realised Sunset both wasn't quite able to move completely yet and that even if she could, Sunset likely wouldn't have returned the hoof bump.

    This prompted a sigh from Sunset, as though she would admit she could be a hooffull, she wasn't impolite. Well, not all the time. But rumours ruled the streets - and Sunset normally didn't come off as a shining example of Palace Society in them.

'So, uhm, Miss Shimmer, what brings you to the streets of Canterlot with a severe case of magical burnover?'

'Just, Sunset, please. And, I'd uhm, rather not say.'

    To her credit, Showcase didn't press further, simply nodding with a smile, eyes closing as she did. Trixie simply frowned and pressed up against her mother, undoubtedly having heard the horror stories from other CSGU students. Sunset pushed herself into a sitting position before taking another sip of the offered water, and Philomena moved to position herself on top of Sunset's head once more. Showcase took the opportunity to throw Sunset another question.

'Well then, Sunset, would you rather I give you a hoof back to the palace, or a place to stay?'

    Sunset groaned internally, realising Showcase was quietly reiterating her previous question within the trappings of offered assistance, which Sunset couldn't refuse without being both simultaneously rude and putting herself at risk once more. Externally, she dipped her head before replying courteously and cautiously,

'If you could point me towards a hotel, please.'

    Sunset could practically hear Trixie's eyebrows shoot up, and Showcase simply smiled with closed eyes again, infuriating Sunset to no end.

'It's okay, Sunset, you can stay with us for the night.'

'Mama-!'

'I am assuming you'd rather avoid the guard, hmm? I will not lead a young mare such as yourself to a dubious establishment where you would avoid them.'

'But, Mama-'

'Be polite, Trixie. I'm sure whatever you've heard is not true.'

    Sunset, who had unconsciously widened her eyes during the exchange, shook her head. The offer was great for her - and Showcase clearly knew it - though she'd be lying if the thinly veiled warning didn't put her slightly on edge.

'Ah, no, no. Uhm, lead the way then, Showcase?'

    Showcase nodded before getting to her hooves and gesturing for Trixie to do the same, who shot another look at Sunset before complying. Sunset herself took another deep breath before getting to her hooves, a shot of nausea crossing through her before she steadied. She took an unsteady step forward before feeling a pressure at her side, and looked up to see Showcase pressing up to support her with a concerned look in her eye.

'Thanks.'

'Yeah, don't worry about it,' Showcase paused for a moment, 'Look, sorry about Trixie. But you carry a lot -'

'Yeah, I know. I'm sorry.'

'Got nothing to apologise for.'

    Sunset nodded solemnly as they followed Trixie, and a silence settled over the group as they walked. Sunset found herself lost in her thoughts after a while. Celestia had spoken of accusations, of which Sunset had never been told about. This was a problem in and of itself - without a way of knowing what it was, she had no way to clear her name. On top of that, something had obviously gone wrong somewhere - in the castle, at least, ponies were informed what they were accused of so they could gather evidence against the case, while being placed under observation - usually by the royal guard.

    Sunset had not been informed, and she certainly hadn't been under any increased observation, which meant either the Princess made it up on the spot or  had thrown out an accusation, seeing no need to follow it, and then used it against Sunset to place her under house arrest. Either way, Sunset could've argued the dubious legality of the call in a court, but she did not have the money for that, and also had no family to fall back on. 

    This segued neatly on to her next problem - Sunset was alone outside of the castle. She couldn't stay in Canterlot, that much was obvious, but she had no idea where to go from here. Canterlot had been her entire life, born and raised. Besides trips out with the Princess, it had been where she'd spent all her time, too.

    But the overlying thought was how much it hurt. Regardless of the method, and dubious legality of said method, that Celestia had used to make the judgement, she'd still done it. It was betrayal, simply put.

    She'd been betrayed by Princess Celestia.

    Betrayed.

    By Princess. Celestia.

    Sunset felt the anger boiling under her fur, and tried her best to push it down with a set of deep breaths, choosing to focus on Philomena's warm body on her head. Some part of her felt a strange tug at that moment, and Sunset blinked before throwing a detection spell on herself. 

    Whatever divine inspiration had pulled that out of her, she was immensely thankful for, as she instantly felt the threads of a weak tracking spell on her saddlebags. Celestia must have cast it in the few moments between her arrival and Sunset's departure.

    The tug must have been the first pass of a locator spell finding the tracker, so Sunset immediately broke the trackers connection wide open - it would alert the caster, but Sunset figured there was no point hiding it. She wasn't going to let them get her easily.

    Quickly, she recalled her knowledge on tracking spells - a two part process, it involved the tracker core, which was embedded into an object or item, and a locator, which swept in rings of increasing size from the casters location, returning a hit whenever the tracker synced with the locator, which could be then used to gradually narrow down range and direction over the space of several passes.

    Normally, they were undetectable, but Sunset had placed her own pair of tracking spells on her more valuable items - one in her own magical frequency, and one in Celestia's. While originally intended to allow Celestia to find Sunset's items over a larger range (assuming they were stolen, given that Celestia had the magic to power a locator over a much greater distance than Sunset could), Sunset had never actually told Celestia about them, and they had never been used.

    Which gave the unexpected side effect of Celestia's locator triggering Sunset's tracker - which had then notified herself as well as Celestia. Sunset smiled to herself, enjoying the small victory, before tearing open her own tracking spells in case Celestia tried at Sunset's frequency. 

    With that, she was practically traceless. Celestia did have a hit, yes, but it would only have had a weak return due to the large scale of a first pass. Celestia could probably guess that Sunset was still in Canterlot, but that was likely the extent of the information. Finally, she cast a long lasting soft diversion spell over herself and Philomena to push any attempts at a direct trace away.

    Showcase glanced at Sunset, likely having felt and seen the magic use - after all, she was pressed up to Sunset's side still, and unicorns could see magical auras, or feel them when in close proximity.

'Smiling?'

'I've been living under Celestia almost my whole life. It's strangely -'

'Freeing?'

'Yeah.'

    Showcase smiled at Sunset again, and, like the past times, her eyes closed again. Sunset decided not to question it, just shaking her head lightly before separating from the other unicorn, now confident enough in her own steps. As soon as she did, a thought occurred to her.

'Showcase?'

'Yeah?'

'Why are you helping me?'

    Showcase side-eyed Sunset for a moment, before shifting her attention back onto Trixie.

'I know what it feels like - being thrown out of your home. Having somewhere to safely ground yourself helps, believe me. I don't want you to get hurt because you didn't have time to process.'

    For a moment Sunset had no response, simply watching Showcase with wide, tired eyes.

'I- uhm.. th- thank you.'

'You're welcome,' Showcase smiled. 

    The group travelled onwards, and Sunset found a strange appreciation in the city around her that she normally didn't get. Few ponies were out, each hoofstep creating echoes on the cobbles. Some stars punched through the light screen created by tall black lampposts, magical flames casting soft glows on beautifully crafted homes - brown wood beams cutting across white concretes, bricks and marbles, each one broken up by varying patterns of plants, flowers and vines.

    This was her home. And yet, now, she had to leave.

'Hey, hey - Sunset. Stay with me. I know it hurts, but we need to get in first, 'kay?'

    Sunset shook her head, freeing herself from the thoughts before giving Showcase a soft smile. Showcase, in turn, pressed back up against Sunset before pulling her abruptly into a hug.

'You're gonna be okay, I promise.'

    Sunset returned the hug, albeit slowly. Trixie turned and looked back at the two mares, eyes widening slightly before they locked with Sunset's own. Trixie simply nodded, and Sunset felt herself smile - properly smile.

'Sunset Shimmer! We are under orders to-'

    Showcase's head snapped up instantly, and Sunset felt the anger rolling underneath the surface.

'Showcase - let's just run!'

'Yeah - yeah okay, come on!'

    The two span, sprinting for Trixie as the guards called out behind them. Wings flapped behind her, and Sunset ducked, avoiding the Pegasus, though Showcase wasn't as lucky, sliding across the ground with a groan. Sunset screeched to a halt, turning quickly before launching herself at the Pegasus grappling with Showcase.

    Philomena lept from Sunset's mane to try and distract the other Pegasus as Sunset herself slammed into the guard, knocking them clean off of Showcase before bucking them across the cobbles, the guard letting out pained sounds as their armour bruised against their side from bouncing across the stones.

    Showcase scrambled back to her hooves, grabbing Sunset in her magic and righting the amber prodigy as she ran. Sunset picked up the pace as she was set down, Philomena promptly settling onto Sunset's back. Catching up to Trixie, Sunset scooped the filly into the air, Showcase catching them to settle onto her back.

    They slid to turn at a corner, and Sunset nearly slipped, but as she caught herself something whipped past her vision, the Bola barely missing Sunset and instead wrapping around Showcase's legs, bringing her crashing to the floor once more.

'No!'

'Trixie! Run!'

    Sunset sprang over to Showcase, grabbing at the ropes with her hooves and desperately trying to pry it off of Showcase. Trixie watched with wide eyes, shock rendering her immobile as the guards approached. Showcase met Sunset's eyes.

'Keep an eye out for Trixie, okay?'

'No, no, c'mon-'

'Sunset, Go!'

'No-!'

    Showcase shoved at Sunset, pushing her away. It was enough to restore motion to Trixie, who promptly fled in the other direction. Sunset's eyes darted between Trixie, Showcase, the guards and the castle. She made another dive at Showcase, grabbing the rope of the Bola in her teeth and pulling in another desperate attempt to loosen it - until she was pushed away again by Showcase.

    They locked eyes, and Showcase simply shook her head, the pounding of hooves on cobbles getting closer by the second. Sunset dipped her head.

'Thank you.'

    Then she was up, rearing, spinning, eyes locking with a pair of royal guards running down the street, and tried to teleport out of instinct - but instead she let out a pained screech as the headache from her burnover returned. Philomena leaped from her back, pulsing in front of the guards and forcing them to back away slightly and cover their eyes, and Sunset dropped back onto all four hooves, shaking, before quickly picking a direction and sprinting as fast as she could away.

    Princess Celestia looked out at Canterlot from where she sat on the balcony, unease rippling under her fur. She had long since dipped the sun under the horizon, despite the anxiety that had pushed her in circuits around her room. Sure, she was still upset - angry, even, with her student, but she hadn't at all wanted her to leave.

'Why wasn't I good enough for you!?'

    Princess Cadance and Raven Inkwell, her adopted niece and personal aide respectively, had tried several times to little success to calm the great white Alicorn, whose mind was stuck on the look of mixed anger and betrayal on Sunset's face, the undisguised hurt in her voice, and the determination in her body as she'd teleported away from the castle.

    It had taken Celestia a few moments to notice Sunset's suppression spell, and a few more to realise what Sunset was doing - and now the guilt lay heavy on her heart. Not only that she'd unintentionally scared her student away, but that she'd also made an idiotic mistake by using the accusations as the basis for Sunset's house arrest.

    The accusation had come from Pastel Lights, the librarian in charge of the forbidden section, who claimed to have seen Sunset there studying dark magic. But he had no evidence to back up the claims, so while it had reached Celestia, she'd not even bothered notifying Sunset.

    This was the mistake. Not only did it open Celestia to possible major repercussions if it made it to the media or a court, should Sunset take that route (and if it did, Celestia would admit to the mistake instantly), but it more importantly, caused her student to panic.

    Celestia let out another groan before burying her head into her hooves once more.

'Why? Why did I do that?!'

    There was no response from the skies, no response from the streets.

    Celestia was also infuriated that Sunset had managed to find the tracking spells - though she wasn't quite sure yet how Sunset had found it, the fact remained that she had, and now besides the lengthy direct trace S.M.I.L.E was working on, there was no way to find Sunset easily.

    The Princess was shaken from her thoughts by a knock at the door. It opened promptly after to reveal Raven, who, after searching the room with her eyes, spotted the Equestrian Monarch and padded softly across the room, concern shining in her eyes.

'Your Highness-'

'Raven, please. Tell me there's news.'

    The aide hesitated.

'There is.'

'Is she -'

'I'm afraid she got away.'

    A pained sigh escaped Celestia's lips, followed by a choked sob.

'The guard detained the mare she was with, but they had to let her go to look after her filly - a CSGU Student, no less. It seems like Sunset herself was suffering from burnover.'

'She's scared.'

'I'm sorry?'

    A shiver passed through Celestia.

'I can't tell where she is. But I can - I can feel it. She's terrified. Panicked.'

    Raven watched Celestia in silence for a moment, unsure, before walking softly next to her side and pressing against the alicorn, offering a slight warmth against the cool night air. Celestia, in turn, wrapped a wing around her friend.

'I didn't want her to leave, Raven.'

'I know. We'll find her.'

    Silence wrapped them both.

'I hope so.'

    Sunset woke cuddled around Philomena, cramped onto the phoenix's pillow with a large blanket covering them both - one of Sunset's own fireproofing enchantments preventing the next Great Fire of Canterlot. 

    Yet, as much as she wanted to pretend she was still in her room in the palace, Sunset's brain was - unfortunately - already aware she wasn't. From small details such as the slightest touch of cool air against her legs to larger ones such as being cuddled on a pillow rather than her bed, and the most obvious being her own - admittedly fuzzy - memory.

Prrrrrrrb brr.

'It's okay, Mena. I'm fine.'

Brrrrrrrt?

'I - I think Showcase will be fine. Trixie, too.'

Brrr.

    Sunset sighed softly before allowing her eyes to open slowly, adjusting to the red tinted sunlight as it filtered through the thick blanket. Waking up was a slow process on the best of days - and with mildly cramped muscles Sunset was ready for such an act to take a while yet - so she stretched steadily, eliciting a satisfied moan as her muscles popped in turn.

    Her head raised, poking out of the blanket to observe the alleyway she had dragged her way into late last night. While she'd still been terrified of something happening to her, Sunset had tried her best to hide the section she'd eventually slept in, and the result was a small box fort of sorts that hid her rather well while simultaneously allowing her to peek out. Happily, her efforts seem to have been well placed and well worth the time she'd spent, even if at the time she'd been half willing to sleep standing up.

    For a few more minutes, Sunset lay motionless, until eventually she rolled onto her barrel and raised onto her hooves, where she swayed unsteadily for a few moments as a thunderclap headache came and passed - a common aftereffect of burnover. Sunset then let magic slowly gather into her horn, using the bare minimum to repack her blanket and pillow before re-equipping her saddlebags, Philomena nestling once more into her mane.

    Sunset steeled herself with a deep breath before taking the first steps out of her hiding place and into the alley. Her heart was already thumping in her chest, but she took another deep breath, re-centering and refocusing, then finally stepping out onto the street proper - eyes and ears swiveling for any signs of the guard or Trixie.

    Sunset figured that Trixie was likely at home, with Showcase - after all, the mare hadn't done anything wrong - but she still felt like she owed it to them to keep an eye out for the blue filly, just in case. Above all, though, was the need for something to eat and drink. Her last meal had been breakfast the previous morning - having skipped lunch in favour of research into her current project at the library, and dinner being, well, interrupted. With another sigh, she ducked her head, trying to blend into the crowd while keeping an eye open for some kind of food shop, and before long came across a general store not too far from a train station.

    Sunset ducked inside and let out a relieved huff at the sight of an array of food and drink, as well as a newspaper and some pieces of clothing. Moving quickly, Sunset picked out a copy of the Canterlot Star, a daisy and mayo sandwich, bottle of water and finally a bandana and cloak - just to help hide her appearance a little better. She kept her head down approaching the register, and generally tried to look anywhere else but the cashier, including when she placed the bits onto the table.

    After a few moments of inaction, whoever the cashier was slowly began to take the bits, and Sunset found her hoof tapping on the floor. She blinked before looking straight at the cashier, who was, in turn, looking at Sunset with wide eyes.

'Look, what is your -'

    Sunset's eye caught on the Star, and one of the subheadings. Then, on a picture of her and River Swirl from a recent diplomatic meeting with the River Republic.

Royal Student Missing - Citywide Search in progress.

'...Shit.'

    Sunset grabbed her things, quickly shoving them into whatever space remained in her bags, backpedaling all the while until she could turn and bolt out into the street, running for the station but making sure to throw in random turns for anypony who may be following. Pausing on a street corner, she scanned the crowds as she caught her breath and, after failing to spot any pursuers, pulled the cloak and bandana from her saddlebags, fixing the latter around her neck and the former over her back, making sure to hide her cutie mark and as much of her mane as possible. It wouldn't stand up to a search, but she hoped it would be enough to avoid notice in the street.

    Taking slow sips from her water bottle, Sunset made her way towards the station, trying her best not to jump at any and all sounds that reached her ears. The station itself was relatively simple in comparison to Canterlot Central, Sunset's usual station, but there was a kind of charm in that which she admired. Making her way inside, Sunset began examining the Departures board. A clock on the wall above the ticket station read 12:53, which meant the next train out was headed to Baltimare - ideal if she decided to go to Zebrica - but the one after caught her attention in particular: Luna Nova, then express to Seaddle.

    Seaddle, Olenia, was a smaller city, but lay near the border with Equestria and was extremely well connected, acting as the train transport hub between Equestrian Cities and Olenian ones, which would allow Sunset to hop back and forth whenever she needed, with the added bonus of having ways to disappear further into Olenia if needed. It was also, conveniently, far from Canterlot, and Ponies in Seaddle weren't a rare sight. It was unfortunately close to the Changeling Lands - but Sunset doubted that would cause her any problems. Most importantly, though, as a trade city, entrance to Seaddle didn't require a passport - only staying - which Sunset could happily provide once there.

    It didn't hurt that the Olenian government would likely be happy to help Sunset out in exchange for some advice - Sunset was, after all, one of the foremost experts on magic in Equus.

    With a determined nod to herself, Sunset stalked up to the ticket counter, brushing past a surprised looking mare with silver fur, fishing out the required bits as she walked before setting them onto the counter.

'Seaddle, please.'

'Of course, class?'

'Secondary business.'

'Mmhm.'

    The ticketer worked quickly, and Sunset dropped an extra few bits on the table before taking the offered ticket and disappearing back into the small crowds. A relieved exhale later, Sunset made her way to the platform before settling onto a seat near the back, trying to make herself as hard to spot as possible. She had a little over an hour to pass, so Sunset pulled one of her hurriedly packed books from her bag and opened to the bookmark, though, try as she might, her focus remained split on the book and the platform, with even her sandwich providing only a minute distraction at best.

    Time passed slowly for Sunset, with her anxiety making each second feel like an hour and she found herself struggling to take comfort even from Philomena's reassuring purrs. Deep breaths turned into shallow ones. Shallow breaths turned back to deep ones - Sunset's panic running on ebb and flow with no signs of stopping.

    For a moment Sunset wanted nothing more than to curl up in a proper bed, with Celestia nearby, to sleep, properly sleep. Just as quickly as the wish came though, she dismissed it - those days were already long gone.

    Time drifted past her, though Sunset, as hard as she tried, was once more stuck in memories. This time, unlike her room, she had no escape. Sunset remained locked in her mind. It took longer still for her to realise she was crying, and more still for her to slowly, ever so slowly calm herself down. It had taken the best part of a day, but now it truly had sunk in for Sunset Shimmer -

    She was alone.

    A breath. A choked sob - more tears.

    It was weak. She was weak - emotions gave you away, let you down, but here she was, unable to stop from crying for more than... however long it had been. Philomena pressed closer against Sunset's chest - having shifted around at some point, and Sunset unconsciously wrapped a hoof around the phoenix.

    Sunset felt Philomena's heart beating steadily against her chest, and Sunset dipped her head to nuzzle her pet.

'Remember, Sunset. In a soul bond, they take care of you just as much as you take care of them. Philomena here knows how you feel just as well as you do.'

    Sunset sniffed.

'I love you, Mena.'

Prrrr.

    A smile made its way to her face, and Sunset's breath steadied gently until their heartbeats matched, a soft warmth combined with a cool calm washing gently over her.

    The train pulled into the station soon after, and with a quick glance Sunset made her way onto the back carriage before setting her bag into a corner and letting out a relieved sigh. She made sure to look out of the window until the train began moving again, at which point she looked up to see the same mare from earlier - with the silver fur - making her way through carriages, a badge now fixed onto her chest.

    Sunset couldn't help but groan - of course, with her luck, it made perfect sense that she'd push right past a S.M.I.L.E agent. She spared another glance out the window.

'Okay, Mena, I have a plan, but you're not gonna like it.'

Brr?

    The agent had clearly seen Sunset by this point, as she was hurrying through the next carriage over with a pair of guards behind her.

'Just trust me, okay?'

Brrr rrrrt.

    A deep breath. Sunset backed up to the door, opening the carriage to reveal train tracks, an alarm set by some unicorn immediately going off.

'Sunset, wait! Listen, Celestia just wants you back at -'

'Where she can keep an eye on me? Yeah, I doubt it.'

'Sunset -'

'She put me on house arrest! She was never gonna let me stay!'

'She was!'

    Sunset turned.

'Was.'

    The mare blinked, quickly realising what she'd said.

'Wait - no - wait-!'

    Sunset stepped off of the carriage, hitting the ground running and only slightly stumbling at the sudden deceleration. She was on a bridge - one of the ones over the rivers with a waterfall on the other side, and-

'Sunset!'

    She span, eyes wide, and found herself facing one of the guards - a unicorn she'd seen occasionally around the palace. She scanned his armour before backing up to the ledge, eyes narrowing steadily all the while.

'Well, Mena, at least the bad plan was the second stage.'

Brrt?!

'Dont -'

'Armour, isn't it?' She grunted, stepping up onto the bridge's ledge, 'Well, Lieutenant Armour-'

    Sunset took a hoofstep back, and felt Philomena purr in warning. The lieutenants eyes widened.

'Come get me.'

    Sunset stepped back, feeling gravity grip her as Philomena let out a terrified screech. Her plans were derailed, she had no other choices, she was desperate; yes, but not suicidal. She locked eyes with her phoenix as she fell, and tried to make her smile as reassuring as she possibly could as she channeled her magic before sending a shockwave towards the river's surface.

    The remnants of burnover clutched at her skull and Sunset felt darkness pulling on her eyes and her head. As the world faded into black, Sunset found that she could only hope the river wouldn't hurt as much to hit as she thought it would.

Chapter Text

    Darkness choked the world, heavy clouds covering the sky and hiding the rays of the midday sun. Along with it came the torrents of rain, crashes of thunder, and the occasional bright flash of distant lightning. The rain fell upon the forest with little mercy, beating against leaves and branches that dare stand between sky and surface. Yet, as her lantern's light flickered briefly, the mare stood in the carriage doorway seemed unbothered. Lilac fur was bristled slightly against the cold, bright blue eyes were narrowed against the downpour, and her sparkly blue mane glowed ever so slightly in the darkness. Despite it all, her ears remained steady, listening to the vibrant pattering of the rain against her roof, the forest, and the floor, and she inhaled deeply, enjoying the fresh, earthy scent created from the rains.

    Radiant Hope smiled, a soft sigh escaping her lips. Maybe sometimes she missed the Crystal City, but this was so radically different to the environment of her birth that she couldn't help but enjoy it. Equally, she couldn't deny the part of her that had always found the idea of travelling across countries fascinating - and doing so to learn all the different methods of healing and healthcare was frankly a great excuse to do so. Hope shivered briefly before casting a glance over her shoulder and picking up a few items in her magic. The first of which was an old cloak with a hood that Hope pulled over herself before clipping in place with a worn but intricately carved silver clasp, then her saddlebags embroidered with her golden caduceus, which slipped onto her flanks with the intent to hold the cloak in place. Finally, she picked up a pair of goggles, holding them for a moment before sliding them on over her ears to rest just below her horn.

    Hope's ears twitched once under the hood, then she stepped out into the rain before locking her door behind her. According to Zecora - the Zebra Shaman she'd met in the Everfree Forest - she could find one of the two flowers used in a specific purge potion here in this wood. Only when raining, mind, and only on the third week of every month - because potion making couldn't bee too easy. That said, the second flower would be much harder to obtain and Hope had doubts about ever even using a purge potion in the first place. They were a violent affair, wreaking havoc on a ponies body, but were also the last resort for far too many diseases when standard treatments failed. 

    With the rain beating against her, Hope slipped into the treeline, being careful to avoid disturbing twigs and leaves as much as possible out of respect for the natural world that she'd come to learn so intimately. From the corners of her eyes, she saw shapes darting through the shadows, and after a moments hesitation she tugged the goggles over her eyes, the world suddenly brightening courtesy of an old enhanced darkvision enchantment placed upon them by her old friend, Sombra. A can of worms in and of itself, she tried to focus on the good the stallion had done and the gifts he had left behind, before... before.

    Head turning, Hope caught sight of one of the shapes, which unsurprisingly turned out to be a deer. She sat back on her haunches and raised her front hooves, trusting the soft glow of her mane was enough for them to see her movements. She then lifted a small patch from her bags, gifted to her from a different deer tribe, and held it in front of her. The deer gathered together in response, then one steadily walked out to Hope to inspect the patch - rather thoroughly, judging by how long Hope remained still. Though, inaction and nerves always seemed to make things take longer. Eventually, the deers head raised, speaking first in their own language and then ponish.

'Alt I Orden. Walk firm, traveller.'

'Thank you.'

    Hope received a solitary nod from the deer before they stalked back to their herd, which then dissipated into the trees. She let out a sigh of relief before removing her goggles, resting them back on her head, preferring to avoid the lightning that played havoc with the goggles. She settled back onto all fours and began trudging towards the river once more. This time she was undisturbed, and upon approaching the river she lifted her muzzle to smell the air, trying but ultimately failing to discern any individual scents amongst the disturbed earth. 

    The river was on the larger side, cutting across Equestria before flowing out to sea, with its source being Canterlot itself. The shoreline was largely composed of smooth flat rocks and little pebble beaches, though there were a few spots where dirt met the water. Ripples created by the thousands of raindrops scattered across the surface, which itself was flowing faster than it normally would. Slightly downstream was a small bridge, but further upstream on a bend Hope could just about make out a large log jutting a small ways into the water. While she was sure there were fish in the river, she couldn't see them, so she followed the waterline down to the bridge before crossing.

    On the other side, she began making her way upstream, again staying close to the waters edge where the flower was most likely to grow. With satisfaction, she quickly located and dug up on of the flowers before carefully placing it in her saddlebags. Then she paused. Waited. Her ears flicked, swiveling, trying to locate the sound she'd just heard. Louder this time, a pained, mournful cry echoed through the trees, and Hope felt her heartbeat increase in intensity. The call came again, sending shivers and a deep sense of unease across her body. She stepped slowly, cautiously towards the source of the sound.

    The call came again and Hope was definitely closer - though she winced at the evident undertone of both panic and fear. Whatever creature, they or their pack member was clearly hurt.

    And Hope could help.

    Her steps increased until Hope had reached a steady trot, and she broke through the treeline she'd entered to reveal the river and the log. The former was more intense at this stretch, and a flash of orange caught her eyes. A phoenix was sat upon a branch not far from her, but aside from a weaker flame than she might normally expect it seemed fine - yet as she watched the phoenix emitted the same heart-wrenching call she'd been hearing. Hope's eyes tracked down the trunk, to the log, to the -

    She couldn't breathe. Hope's heart hammered in her chest as she watched silently, a sodden amber form drifting lamely against the log, pushing against it over and over in turn with the current. Then, the form moved - a slight, miniscule twitch of the head. But it was enough to tell Hope they were alive. She sprang forward, quickly racing towards the log. The phoenix's calls intensified, yet Hope ignored them until they swooped down in front of her hissing and flaring its wings.

'Friend! Friend!' She gasped, stepping back slightly.

    The phoenix only eyed her warily.

'I promise. I can - I can help. I mean no harm - I-'

    After a short pause, the phoenix flew over to the shoreline, clearly keeping a close eye on Hope. She swallowed before inching further along the log, eventually reaching the amber form which she could now tell as a pony. Without hesitation this time, Hope shoved the goggles over her eyes before carefully using her magic to pull the pony gently with her back to shore. Slowly, she slipped the saddlebags off of the mare's flank and placed it on the rocks, then turning the mare over so that they were not resting on a leg that was clearly bent at an angle that it shouldn't be able to - Though this now hid from her the gash below the horn.

    Hope immediately pressed her ear to the mare's barrel, holding her breath while listening intently for signs of breathing and a heartbeat - both of which she found after a moment. Hope then began pressing hard on their chest, using her magic to guide any water in their respiratory system back out - which resulted in a small puddle dispersing through the pebbles.

    Taking a deep breath, Hope turned to the saddlebags, noting gratefully the sealant spell placed upon them that kept most of the interior dry, though she was forced to pause momentarily as a flash of lightning blitzed her vision. When she recovered, Hope could see a few of the papers or books were ruined, and one was glowing a violet shade. Hope dug through them until she came across a blanket that was mercifully dry. Shrugging off her own bag and cloak, Hope placed the blanket over the mare.

'Phoenix - sorry, I don't know your - uhm, can you lie on top of the blanket, please?'

    After the phoenix complied, Hope prayed her brief time at the Crystal Unicorn's School hadn't failed her as she cast a fireproofing spell over the cloak which was then placed over phoenix and mare. She then dived into her own saddlebags, pulling out some flowers which were then thrown into a small pot and ground up using her magic as she pulled out a roll of gauze. After the flowers had been ground into a paste, Hope quickly found a pair of relatively straight branches before snapping them off and smoothing them.

    Returning to the mare, Hope apologetically shifted the phoenix and blankets off to allow her closer attention. The mares back left leg was clearly badly broken and Hope swallowed before carefully aligning the bones as best she could, making sure to gently feel with her hooves to check each one was in place, then slowly breaking apart the sticks to hold the leg in place in the right angles, binding them with some of the gauze.

    She could already tell it wasn't perfect - but it was the best she could do in the moment, with limited equipment. Hope's attention now turned to the forehead gash, to which she quickly applied some of the mixture and wrapped the gauze around the mare's head, careful to avoid trapping as much of the fiery red-yellow as possible. 

    Stepping back, Hope observed the myriad of smaller cuts with a critical eye before replacing the blanket, phoenix and cloak sandwich, then finally carefully adjusting the mare onto her back with her magic. Almost immediately, Hope stumbled, unused to carrying another pony, but she steadied herself with gritted teeth and a hiss before beginning the route back to her carriage. Even unsteady as she was, Hope was careful to avoid bumping into any trees, her vision growing blurry as she fought for breath and the goggles began to fog.

    She almost collapsed under the weight at one point, slumping down onto a front leg, breath coming in gasps. She was being careful, but she was rushing, and it was taking its toll. Hope couldn't make any assertion about the state of the mare until they were in her carriage, where she had the equipment and facilities necessary for the emergency care the mare needed.

Prrrrr.

'Phoenix. Right. Sorry. You. Okay?'

Brrrr Prr.

'Right. Can't. Under. Stand. Ugh!'

    Hope shoved herself back onto all four hooves, taking a determined step forward followed by another.

'You, uh. Soul. Linked?'

Prr.

'Yeah. Don't. Under-'

    The phoenix made a clicking noise from her back, and Hope nodded slightly.

'Two. Clicks yes. One. No.'

Click click.

'You, soul?'

Click click.

    Hope let out a soft sigh of relief.

'Thank. Celestia. My job. Gets - a lit. Little, easier.'

Click click.

'Are you. Hurt?'

Click.

'Okay. Have you - food?'

Click Click.

    Immediate concerns settled, Hope settled back into the walk, into the silence. The minutes that passed felt tense, but Hope kept on even as tiredness began to pull at her, until, finally, she saw the faint light of her lantern. She heaved another deep breath as she staggered up to the door, fiddling with the keys in her magic until she could eventually unlock the door.

    On the way in, Hope tugged her sheets off of her bed before slowly laying the mare onto her bed - and Hope was finally able to tug off the goggles that now blitzed her eyesight with light. Taking a moment, Hope simply sat down, readjusting, trusting the phoenix had the sense to stay in the blanket. When eventually Hope could see again, she set some water into a bowl before setting it to heat and grabbing a few towels.

    She then retrieved a fresh roll of gauze from a cabinet, as well as a pre prepared set of the same mixture she'd used earlier. Finally, she fished out a brace - admittedly an older model, but far better for the mare's leg than the sticks. With everything collected, Hope settled in next to the bed, taking a towel in her magic with a sigh and dipping it into the warm water. Sharing a tired glance with the phoenix, Hope began carefully dabbing at each cut, then applying a little bit of the mixture and finally bandaging each wound - picking out the worst of them and leaving the rest for later.

    Hope cocked her head slightly as the mare's breathing slowed, then pushed an ear to her barrel, listening. For a few moments she heard nothing, at which point the realisation she heard nothing struck. She could feel a faint buzzing of magic and let out a gasp before quickly pushing two hooves into their chest and pressing hard, then again, and again. She quickly readjusted to open the mare's mouth slightly, pressing her own mouth to it and blowing air in, before returning to the chest. Hope repeated the action tirelessly for what felt like a lifetime, until eventually a shuddering gasp wracked their body, and they fell back into normal breathing.

    The rain crashed against the roof of the carriage, thunder rumbling in the distance with the occasional flash of lightning breaking its way into the otherwise softly lit room. Hope had no idea what the time was now, her heart was beating rapidly and despite the pang of hunger, she shook her head, lifting the brace and carefully replacing the sticks. Once she was finished, Hope let out another sigh of relief, picking up the towel once more.

'Phoenix. You might want to get yourself some food.'

Prrb brr fffp. Click.

'I think I'm gonna be here a while, don't wait for me.'

Click click.

    Hope's dreams were restless. They'd become a mess of slurred colours and odd shapes that simply refused to be deciphered, so it felt like every other night had become lying in the doorway watching the stars cross the sky - just like she was doing now. Sometimes she was joined by the phoenix, but they spent most of their time next to the amber mare that had taken Hope's bed. 

    She cast a glance back at the shape that had barely moved except for Hope's intervention, where she carefully moved the mares legs and placed pressure against them so they didn't lose strength, with the exception of the broken one. Hope didn't want to risk moving that leg as much as possible, and so had resigned herself to staying by the river she'd found the mare in where it would be easy enough for them to strengthen at their own pace. 

    As well as that, her trip into town to post letters to contacts had indeed netted her support - a more modern leg brace as well as some fresh supplies. She also had reason to believe the mare was actually Sunset Shimmer - they certainly matched the image on the newspaper - and while that gave her some mixed feelings, she had no intention of turning the mare in until they could confirm that was what they wanted.

    Hope rested her head onto her hooves, the only sounds to be heard consisting of her own breathing, the distant bubbling of the river and the wind winding through the trees. Her eyelids began to droop slightly, and she rolled onto her side, breathing gradually slowing. Orange hopped past her as well as a wave of heat, and Hope shut her eyes to avoid the sudden light.

'Mmf. Don't stay out too -' Her sentence was broken by a yawn, 'too long, phoenix.'

prrr! brr rrrrrr!

'Mmmm. Tired. I-' another yawn, 'later.'

prrrrr! Prr brr rr prrr brt!

'Wha? lemme sleep.'

brr rrr prr rrr rrrr!

'mm. Later.'

    Hope felt her consciousness beginning to slip away from her, sleep finally settling in, when there was a pinch on her side and a fresh heat against her body. Her head snapped up as she scrambled to her hooves, eyes finding the phoenix looking at her.

'Ow! Hey - what was that for!? I haven't slept properly in days and you just had to inter-'

    There was a groan from the bed, and Hope's eyes widened before she quickly turned away from the door and hustled over to Sunset. She was fidgeting on the bed, presumably still asleep, but it seemed to Hope like they were having a nightmare, which might be a sign that she would wake up soon.

    Reaching the bed, Hope placed both hooves on Sunset, holding her down while making sure to steady the broken leg in her magic.

'Hey, Sunset, if you can hear me, I need you to calm down. You're safe here. You're going to be alright.'

'Wait - no - Celestia! You - you can't!'

'Sunset, you're okay, you're safe!'

'Mena. Philomena! No, wait - wait..'

    The phoenix hopped up next to Sunset, pressing into her cheek while purring slightly. Hope looked around before grabbing one of the towels and setting water to heat up in a bowl again.

'Phoenix, I need you to try and keep her still.'

Prr.

    Using her magic, Hope quickly helped the water heat up while also grabbing a soft sedative she'd received from a contact - though she was hoping she wouldn't have to use it. After a few seconds, she lifted the now warm towel, drying it quickly in her magic, then placing it over Sunset's body, hoping the extra weight would calm her down, then used one hoof to stroke her mane while the other pressed against the top of the broken leg to try and hold it in place.

    Sunset's mutterings gradually quietened and her breathing gradually slowed. As Sunset's sleep turned peaceful once more, Hope let out a soft sigh before returning to the door and lying down again. She'd gambled on the fact that those raised around pegasi - or in this case, alicorns, benefitted from having a wing, or wing adjacent, wrapped around them. She seemed to be correct, but now her own chance at sleep was disturbed, for likely quite a while still.

    She rolled back onto her side, staring into the stars. She had to hope Sunset would wake soon - there was only so long Hope could keep her away from a hospital while in a coma with a good conscience. She was already certain she'd left it far too long and hated herself for it, but she really didn't want to take Sunset she wouldn't want to be unless it was absolutely necessary.

'So, Philomena? That's your name?'

Click click prrrr.

'I like it.'

prrrrrrrr.

    Hope lay in silence for a while, unmoving, just trying to enjoy the cool night breeze as much as she could. Her body was sore from having slept on the small single seat sofa that was squeezed into the corner of the carriage - and until she could rest on her own far more comfortable bed, Hope was being forced to gradually get used to sore muscles. Plus, what little sleep she did get, was still disturbed.

    Muttering began again from the bed, so Hope heaved herself back to her hooves and trudged slowly over to the bed before sitting down next to the mare, beginning to stroke Sunset's mane with one hoof, her head resting on the bed next to Sunset. Philomena hopped past her before settling onto Sunset's mane.

    Her own concerns could come later - her focus was on the patient first, herself second. She'd been criticised for failing to take care of herself in the past, but she considered it one of her strengths. A commitment - she couldn't bare to let anypony fall because she hadn't been there whenever they might have needed her.

    That had already happened once - and his name was Sombra.

    Sunset woke for the first time a day later - though she wasn't awake for long. She'd been more confused than anything, so Hope had only subtly offered her some food and water which had been consumed before Sunset fell asleep again. The mare doubtless had questions, but ponies were often still tired after a coma so it had hardly been surprising to Hope when she'd drifted back to sleep before really registering anything.

    Hope was now on the way back from Ponderosa, having stocked up on supplies in the town's marketplace while also sending letters of thanks to her contacts. She paused for a moment to rub at her eyes, humming to herself as a means of staying awake. Sleep last night had come late, and had continued to be restless to the point she was questioning if she'd even slept at all. She wanted to say it wasn't affecting her, that she could still perform her task with no issues, but then she'd be lying to herself.

    Though she wasn't sure she could rest properly until she was sure Sunset would be alright. With a grumble, she crossed the boundary into the forest, eyes blinking rapidly. Her carriage wasn't too far, but each step felt like an eternity as she continued onwards, ears flicking subconsciously as a dream like haze settled over her. After almost walking into a tree, Hope shook her head before beelining to her carriage and unlocking the door.

    Stumbling inside, Hope set her bags on the floor before yawning loudly and opening a cabinet, beginning to unload her shopping.

'Who are you?'

    Hope's head snapped up, and she turned to see Sunset, head raised, watching her with curious but guarded eyes.

'Oh sh- you're awake! Right, okay, you're awake. Uh, one second.'

    She hurried over to a cabinet, pulling out a stick that was sharpened on one end and covered by a fuzzy ball on the other. Returning to Sunset, she held a hoof to the mare's forehead even as they flinched away.

'Okay, so, you probably have a lot of questions, and, being honest, so do I.'

    Hope paused briefly, then prodded Sunset's flank with the sharp end.

'Ow!'

'Mmhm. First things first, you're safe here.'

'Clearly not! You prodded me with a stick!'

    Hope gave Sunset a look out of the corner of her eye which made her at least look a little ashamed.

'I found you in the river and patched up your injuries. You've been in a coma for almost a week - can you feel this?'

'Feel wha- ow!'

'Good. Your leg is broken and wil-'

'What?'

'Your leg is broken. No!'

    Sunset was attempting to sit up to look at the leg, but Hope quickly held a hoof to Sunset's head preventing her from looking. Despite the tiredness, she held her hood firmly as Sunset pushed against it.

'Trying to look may only make it worse. Your phoenix is still here, in fact they're on your head,'

Prrrr.

'And I won't take you to Canterlot unless you tell me right here right now that's what you want.'

    She received a shocked glance from Sunset, but then Hope pressed an ear to her barrel to listen to her heartbeat and breathing, which caused her to squirm slightly.

'Stay still, please. This is important.'

    Sunset eventually stilled enough for Hope to hear a steady heartbeat and breathing, even if they were slightly faster than a resting rate, but that wasn't unexpected - physical contact had a way of increasing heart rates.

'Okay. Questions?'

'How... how bad is the break?'

'I-,' Hope hesitated briefly, 'I don't know. You might come out totally fine or you might have a limp for the rest of your life. I just can't tell yet.'

'Right. I, um. Okay. Who are you?'

'Oh, right, sorry. I'm Radiant Hope and don't worry, I'm fully qualified.'

'Where are we?'

'My carriage. About an hour's walk from Ponderosa.'

'Right.'

    They settled into silence, and Hope squirmed slightly before backing away and returning to her saddlebags and continuing to unpack.

'What's going to happen to me?'

'Well, first you need to heal. Strengthen your leg,' She paused as she lifted a glass of milk into her cooling cabinet, 'then you go wherever you want to go.'

'You're not taking me to Canterlot?'

'I won't take you anywhere you don't want to be.'

    There was a slight delay before Sunset responded.

'Thank you.'

'Mmhm.'

'You died, you know. For a few seconds.'

'What?!'

'Your heart stopped. I had to, well. You know CPR, right?'

'I - yeah.'

'So, stop trying to push yourself!'

    Sunset groaned as she rested in the river, the current tugging at her fur while Philomena sat comfortably upon her head. Hope was also in the water, holding Sunset up with her hooves while trying not to sink herself.

They'd established early that Sunset couldn't swim, but Hope was determined for the mare to learn considering it was her best shot for strengthening her leg safely.

'It'd be easier if you let me use magic!'

'You don't heal with magic!'

    Sunset huffed again, turning her head away from Hope, prompting her to roll her eyes.

'Look, Sunset, I get this isn't what you're used to, but this is the only way you're gonna get better.'

'Yeah. Yeah, I know, sorry.'

    It was Hope's turn to sigh as she pushed her muzzle into Sunset's fur.

'You're doing great, honestly.'

'Mmm.'

'Okay, I'm going to let you go again. I just want you to keep your head above the water as long as possible - just kick into the water. Stop the moment your leg hurts and I'll lift you again, got it?'

'Got it.'

    Hope waited for a moment, allowing Sunset to start kicking against the water before removing her hooves from underneath. Privately, she didn't expect Sunset to learn fully - swimming was a talent not many ponies could pick up, but at least passing knowledge could both save her life and prove pivotal in the recovery of her leg.

    Diving under the surface, Hope watched as three of Sunset's legs kicked strongly, while the fourth weakly pushed against the water. Swimming closer to it, Hope made sure the brace was still in place and gleefully noted it was doing a lot better than it had when they'd first started a week or so ago, despite Sunset's complaints that it didn't help.

    Sunset's broken leg stilled and Hope quickly held her hooves out for Sunset to fall onto before surfacing, making sure she didn't sink below the surface.

'Okay, thats enough for today.'

'Ugh, thank Ce-'

    Hope gave Sunset a curious look as she cut herself short, but the mare quickly shook her head and looked to the shoreline.

'Nevermind, just - get me out of the water!'

'Okay, okay.'

    Hope steadily pulled Sunset back over to the shoreline, and when Sunset's front hooves found purchase she quickly dragged herself out before limping into the grass where she carefully lowered herself onto her side with a groan, healing leg carefully resting on a small magic shield that held it at level.

    Hope herself stayed in the water a little longer, just resting in the soft current that drifted pleasingly through her fur. She was genuinely pleased with Sunset's progress - it had only been about two weeks since Sunset awoke and three since Hope had found her, but she'd already made great strides in recovery and Hope was, frankly, hopeful the leg would heal without issue.

'How long are we staying here, anyway?'

    Hope dived under the water briefly before surfacing nearer to the shore, shaking her mane out and then using magic to squeeze as she began climbing out to Sunset.

'Well, you could probably go whenever you want, though I would recommend staying near water to strengthen your leg.'

    Sunset grunted and glanced over to Hope, who didn't fail to notice the mare's eyes tracing over her.

'I could. I guess. But you're good at this, and...'

'And?'

'I trust you,' Sunset sighed, 'against my better judgement.'

    Hope snickered slightly.

'Well, your better judgement is wrong. I'm very trustworthy.'

'And you prove that by poking me with a stick everyday.'

'Obviously.'

    Sunset rolled her eyes then rested her head once more.

'So where are you headed?'

'Well, for the potion I'm making I still need a Starfrost Rose.'

'They only grow in the north right?'

'Far north. I was thinking of going through Stalliongrad.'

'What?! Are you crazy?'

    Hope sighed as Sunset stared at her incredulously - head having snapped up when Stalliongrad had been mentioned.

'Look, I've been there before. It's not the nightmare Equestrian media says it is.'

'Are you sure?'

'Yes, I'm sure. You don't have to come.'

    Sunset visibly tensed at that, but she quickly took a breath.

'No, no. I'll - I'll come.'

'Okay. I might need your help to reshuffle the carriage.'

'Oh! I can do that.'

    Hope smiled at Sunset's apparent enthusiasm, though she felt a twinge of concern at how Sunset seemed so opposed to being left alone. She didn't know what had happened to Sunset, and she didn't want to pry. She genuinely liked Sunset - especially after they had gotten through her grumpiness and general rudeness throughout the first week.

Sometimes it still showed through - little bits of snappiness that Hope was getting better at ignoring.

    But in all honesty? The growing attachment only made her more concerned about more than just Sunset's physical health.

Chapter Text

    Sunset breathed a soft sigh as she collapsed onto her barrel, eyelids dropping as she observed the lights of the town - distant over the space of three fields. She felt, for lack of a better term, exhausted - she'd been on her hooves since sun-up, starting in the river and then helping Hope rearrange the carriage - which had left her with a heavy headache - and then she'd tried to push herself by pulling the carriage for a while, though Hope had shut her down the moment she'd stumbled even slightly, despite her protests that she was fine. 

    That wasn't to say the fruits of her labour had been worthless - there was now a decent bit more space in the carriage, with the shelf above the door cleared and made up to now house a makeshift bed for Hope while Sunset remained in the actual bed. They'd also managed to fit a little table into a corner which had then been bombarded by pillows to make for a more comfortable sitting place, plus a blanket for Sunset to lie on whenever she needed.

    Perhaps what annoyed Sunset the most, however, was how little it was comparative to what she used to do, in Canterlot. Admittedly, her leg was broken, and the few weeks she'd spent immobile had taken a clear toll on her fitness. Despite that, she couldn't help but think about how everything she'd done today would have been light work before, in Canterlot. Though, equally, there was the obvious catch.

    This wasn't Canterlot.

    With a sigh she rolled onto her side, opening her eyes slightly to watch the darkening sky, distant clouds freshly released from Cloudsdale forming a black wall in an otherwise navy sky. Occasionally, over the fields, fireflies would burst into existence before blinking back out, though they were all outmatched by the fiery trails carved into the dark by Philomena - the firebird enjoying a rare chance to fly without concern due to the area being one of the last holdouts for the species.

    Not that they were critically endangered, or anything, but they were hardly common. But, not all that relevant, really. Sunset sighed again as she watched the distant lights of the town, Winterhome, nerves fluttering in her belly - which was perhaps the most notable change since she'd left Canterlot. Despite the scenery, despite the serenity, she was undeniably on edge. She'd narrowed down the cause to being alone, which was helpful, but didn't ultimately answer why.

    All she knew at this point was that whenever Hope went into town, Sunset kept feeling nervous that Hope might not return for whatever reason, though she knew, rationally, that Hope had no reason not to return, after all her carriage was behind Sunset, but that didn't stop the fidgeting and rogue thoughts that maybe - just maybe - somepony had attacked the lilac mare for some unknown, stupid reason. And telling herself she was being ridiculous wasn't helping, much to her own distaste, which in turn led her to rationalise - or at least attempt to.

    If she couldn't convince herself it was wrong, maybe she could accept it as normal. A side effect of having an actual, true frien- no, no. Not a friend. Sunset Shimmer didn't get to do friends, Canterlot had rubbed that in her face quite clearly. So what? An acquaintance? A companion? Something, definitely, something that Sunset could be attached to that wasn't a friend, wasn't something that posed a threat to her.

    Her rambling thoughts - the maddening spiral - were suitably interrupted by a warm pressure against her chest, and Sunset blinked her way back into the moment, eyes drifting downward to meet the concerned gaze of Philomena staring back at her.

Prr?

    Sunset smiled, shifting slightly to tuck Philomena closer against her chest with one hoof, a maneuver rewarded by a slight purr and a soft warble. The silence about them was thick, in its own way, but Sunset felt her heart rate begin to calm once more - and with a relieved nod she registered the shape detaching itself from the shadows of the town - a shape that at this time of night was almost certainly the returning figure of Radiant Hope. 

    She watched Hope's progress along the path for a while before struggling to her hooves with the intent of making her way to her bed - pausing an extra second to allow Philomena the time to hop her way into Sunset's mane. The only issue she found, as she faced the carriage, was the undeniable sense that something was off. Her eyes scanned the treeline, the carriage, watching, searching for something out of place, trying to find the sign that tipped her off.

'Who's there?'

    Nothing - but that was perhaps expected.

'Show yourself damnit! I won't ask -'

'You are sharp, I'll give you that.'

    Sunset felt herself physically flinch at the strength of the voice - a gravelly, coarse thing that eked experience - and all at once found herself shifting into an, albeit unsettled, ready position, eyes darting across every angle she could conceivably cover, with no doubt in her mind Philomena was doing the same.

'I'd expect nothing else from the prized student of the.. Princess.'

    Sunset felt her ears flattening - the word Princess spoken with the softest distaste she was surprised she'd picked up on it - but now her heart was hammering at full speed, mind working on overdrive.

'Relax, if I wanted you dead, I would have done it already.'

'Then what do you want!?'

    There - a shadow of movement across the dark - and immediately Sunset threw a flare above the shape. Drawing the night back like a curtain, the flare's light steadily revealed the voice, though it took the shape of a large bluish ibex who stood easily a full head taller than Sunset, a scar worn like a badge of honour across a face that seemed like it had lived millennia. At the very least, their horns were curved - a slight comfort to Sunset - and their body language was relaxed, though their coat still displayed a strong set of muscles. Finally, they sported a white mane, tail and a goatee, with a scarf wrapped around their neck  alongside a red - she could only compare it to a collar - with two bells upon it.

    Sunset took a step back - out of instinct - but forced herself to relax, even if only slightly. Enough to show willingness to negotiate. The Ibex offered no movement, and as Sunset's magic flare begin to fade overhead the two continued to just watch each other, equally unmoving. The light faded out. Sunset felt her breathing pace up, but she held herself in place even as the soft crunch of hoofsteps on grass could be heard over the cicadas and the slight crackle of Philomena's flame.

    She threw another flare - though this time she couldn't help but gasp as she found the ibex stood directly in front of her, yellow eyes bearing down on her. Again, neither moved, and Sunset felt herself swallow in nervousness before she could steel herself.

'I can help you.'

'I don't want your help.'

'Hmm,' they chuckled, 'You haven't even heard my offer.'

    Sunset cast a glance back at the path, seeing Hope's silhouette still making steady progress along the path, then shot a side eye back at the ibex, who hadn't moved.

'Okay, fine. What do you want?'

    The Ibex grinned as the second flare fizzled out and Sunset felt a chill across her spine, her eyes adjusting to the dark and remaining fixed on the shadowed shape that denoted the ibex.

'I need your help to retrieve a... personal belonging of mine, and then possibly more afterwards.'

'Why can't you get it yourself?'

'I am not quite strong enough yet. But your contribution would be well remembered.'

'Right..'

'In exchange,' the figure continued, 'I can get you Canterlot.'

'You mean get me back into Canterlot?'

'No.'

    Sunset's eyes widened, and she fell back - her leg crunching slightly and causing her to yelp out in pain - as the ibex shoved their face forward, eyes gleaming dangerously with anticipation.

'I can get you Canterlot.'

'I- I- uhm-'

'I don't expect a response immediately. This is a lot to think about.'

'Wh - what are you?!'

'I am... hmm. Czar. Call me Czar.'

    The Ibex sighed before sitting back.

'You have great potential, Shimmer, and I would just hate to see it... wasted.'

'Okay.. Czar. What if I don't want Canterlot?'

'You will. Someday. I can wait.'

'But if I don't?'

    Czar shrugged.

'I'm sure I could find something you want.'

'Say I help you. What am I looking for?'

'There were several items stolen from me, though I only ask you to retrieve one of... personal value. It is an old bell, and I heard it was taken north.'

'That's... where I'm going.'

'I know,' Czar grinned again, sending the same shiver across Sunset, 'I'm trying to remain very considerate of your circumstances.'

    Sunset blinked slowly, raising a hoof to her chin in thought. She could admit she wasn't entirely confident by what Czar meant in regards to Canterlot - and the implication she was seeing made her uneasy, at best. Despite that, she could hardly fault the value of a favour with an Ibex, no matter how powerful or seemingly small.

    Czar stood again, pulling a sketch and passing it to Sunset without saying a word. The sketch showed a large bell of a design that clearly fit with the pair upon the ibex's collar, carved with runes and lines. Sunset couldn't help but frown, an odd sense of familiarity responding in her, but she shrugged it off before putting the sketch back down.

'If I find it, then what?'

'I, or an associate of mine, will come to retrieve it.'

'How will you know I've found it?'

'The bell is very valuable to me. I have a tracker placed upon it.'

'Right, of course,' Sunset muttered, 'I'll... discuss it. With my companion.'

    Czar dipped his head before turning away from Sunset, moving back towards the treeline behind the carriage.

'That's all I ask. I'll be in touch.'

    The Ibex disappeared behind the carriage and almost immediately Sunset let out a relieved breath she didn't know she'd been holding. Her throat felt dry and her heart was still beating rapidly against her chest - a deep sense of foreboding and almost helplessness pressing down around her. Even in her weakened state, Sunset was well aware she was something of a prodigy with magic. Czar had seemed equally aware, but what really stuck with her was how unbothered he'd seemed.

    Which either hinted at stupidity or power beyond a scale Sunset couldn't touch - neither of which made her comfortable for making a deal with. She groaned before looking back at the sketch, the uncertainty and odd recognition tugging at her again.

'What do you think, Mena?'

Hrrrrrr.

'No, I don't like it either. But I can't deny a favour from somepony like that would be..'

Prr.

'Yeah.'

    Sunset sat in silence for a few extra moments, taking as much comfort as she could from Philomena's warmth and the strengthening stars.

'Fuck!'

    Sunset sprang back onto her hooves, back into the pacing pattern she'd held a few hours earlier. Philomena purred slightly on Sunset's head, drawing a sigh from her before she thrust her head towards the sky, drawing in a deep breath and the distant scents of the town.

'Everything okay?'

'Just peachy, Hope, just perfect.'

    She turned her gaze to the lilac mare - her mane softly glowing as usual in the dark sky. Hope had a concerned expression on her face, and the saddlebags on her back were clearly fully loaded. Regardless, Sunset could feel some of the tension and nervousness that had built beginning to fade away.

'I'm.. sorry. Just. Stressed.'

'It's okay, just, tell me what happened.'

    Sunset lifted the saddlebags from Hope, the other mare grunting great fully before padding over to drop onto her barrel next to Sunset on the hillside, who then slowly lowered herself as well. Almost immediately Hope shuffled slightly to press against Sunset, sharing a little bit of warmth between the two and allowing her to check Sunset's leg gently.

'There was an Ibex. Called Czar.'

'Here? At the carriage?' Hope glanced up in alarm - her magic's cooling effect on Sunset's leg faltering slightly.

'No, no - they're gone now, don't worry.'

    Hope cast a look between Sunset and the carriage before slowly returning her attention to Sunset's leg.

'They wanted my help to retrieve something of theirs from up north. A bell.'

'And in return?'

'They offered me Canterlot.'

'What? That's - what?'

'I know.'

'Sunset! Shouldn't we - I don't know, tell someone?'

    Sunset snorted.

'Tell who? They wouldn't take you seriously and I'd be turning myself in just to warn them.'

'But they're threatening Canter-'

'Canterlot's well protected. They still have the Princess,' she scoffed slightly, 'they'll be okay. But me? I could still use a favour from somepony like that.'

    They settled back into silence for a few minutes, Hope's focus placed entirely on Sunset's leg.

'I don't like it.'

'Neither do I,' sighed Sunset, 'but as long as I'm careful about this I don't see anything wrong. If it gets dodgy, I'll drop it.'

'We'll be careful. I'm not letting my friend throw themselves at something stupid on their own.'

'I- Hope... we're not. Friends. I don't do friends.'

    It was Hope's turn to scoff.

'Well then what am I supposed to call you? Because I'm fairly certain we're friends.'

'No, no - friends always want something.'

'Sunset...'

'Friends don't - they -'

'Sunset.'

    Hope grabbed Sunset with a hoof, shaking her from the anger that had been starting to build.

'Those weren't friends.'

'But-'

"No. They were vile and manipulative - and exactly what I'd expect from the upper class - but they were not friends. Not real friends.'

    Sunset remained silent.

'Look, Sunset, you were hurt. An, and that's okay. Because you can learn from it. I can help you learn from it. And then they can't take advantage of you again.'

    Hope swallowed, then looked out towards the town.

'I heard the stories about you, you know. But you're not that mare. And you deserve better.'

    Sunset was speechless. She found herself staring at Hope, the moon's light mixing with Hope's own, and the slight orange tint of Philomena's flame. She stared for a few moments more, until an unfamiliar warmth crept into her cheeks and she forced herself to look away, a faint fluttering in her belly.

'I - I don't feel well. I think I'm gonna go to sleep.'

    Hope nodded, stretching out on the grass with a yawn.

'Thas, uh, good idea. Let me know if you feel any worse tomorrow morning.'

    Sunset wordlessly made her way to the carriage, pausing to tie up and brush her mane before tucking herself into the bed, squeezing her eyes shut and trying to breathe slowly, Philomena tucking herself into the covers next to her. The carriage was silent for a few more moments until Hope entered and then spent a few minutes unpacking her saddlebags.

    Then, unexpectedly, Hope turned to Sunset, approaching her bedside and holding a hoof to her forehead. Sunset felt her breathing speed up, but eventually the other mare sighed before leaving and scrambling into her own shelf bed - a slight, soft, cute snort a few minutes later indicating she had fallen asleep. Sunset allowed her eyes to open, finding the soft glow of Hope's mane above the door.

    She pulled her blanket tighter around herself, watching the faint rise and fall of Hope's mane as she breathed until, eventually, she drifted into her own dreams.

    Sunset blinked open her eyes, the sun's rays breaking through the curtain at an angle creating small pools of sunlight on the floor - which, perhaps unsurprisingly, was occupied by Philomena, the firebird curled comfortably upon a blanket that Hope must have placed down. Said lilac mare was nowhere to be seen, though her shelf bed was ruffled and had clearly been occupied until somewhat recently. Sunset waited for nothing in particular a few extra moments, then stretched - stopping and biting back a yelp when her leg protested, forcing her to slow down.

    After a yawn and a few extra moments, Sunset carefully made her way out of the bed and over to the small kitchen area, quickly identifying a bowl of oats that Hope had set aside to serve as Sunset's breakfast. Again, though she couldn't place why, Sunset just found herself standing with no real goal - the bowl now grasped in her magic but her mind still clouded with sleep, confusion and curiosity. Finding a spoon, Sunset began to eat as she made both beds with her magic, then walked over to the door, opening it to see Hope messing around with a selection of plants on one of the foldable tables usually stored in the carriage.

'Morning.'

'Morning Sunset! You feeling any better?'

'Yeah, I think so.'

'Great.'

    Hope's attention turned back to the table, her tongue sticking out in concentration as she picked the yellow petals off of a bright, multicoloured flower - which were then thrown into a small pot alongside a small collection of berries, roots and other flowers.

'Whatcha making?'

'Honestly?' Hope sighed, 'I have no idea.'

    Sunset chuckled lightly, casting her gaze back to the skyline - the clouds that had just been visible last night now covering vast swathes of sky in patchwork, the sun shining through wherever it could and leaving visible shadows upon the fields. The river could just about be heard in the distance, and Sunset basked in the warmth for a moment before she frowned.

'How did you sleep last night?'

    Hope did a double take, looking up in surprise at Sunset.

'What?'

'You said - at some point - you were having trouble sleeping.'

'No..? Not while you've been awake.'

'Oh.'

    Sunset scuffed at the earth for a moment.

'But, how did you sleep?'

    Hope sighed, putting down the flower she was holding in her magic and turning to Sunset.

'Not... great. But it's fine! Honestly, I-'

'Hope. Please. Take a day off. Get some sleep.'

'But- what if you need me?'

'I'll wake you up.'

'If somepony comes-'

'I'll wake you up, Hope, please. You need to rest.'

    For a few moments more Hope looked like she wanted to protest, but she lowered her head with a sigh and turned back to the carriage. Sunset ushered her inside and to her bed, the actual bed, rather than the shelf. Hope gave Sunset another frown, but climbed in regardless, allowing Sunset to rearrange the sheets over her.

'Just, try, for a while, okay?'

'Fine, bu-,' Hope yawned, 'but I want you to wake me if anything happens.'

'You have my word.'

    Hope nodded again, and Sunset made her way back outside the carriage, Philomena joining her on the way past having woken up upon Hope's re-entry. Sunset returned to her breakfast, taking a moment to enjoy the soft breeze that blew through her mane. But equally, she was thinking, about the events of the previous night. Hope wanted to be her friend - and she could deal with that - even if she was a bit nervous about how it might go.

    It was with an uncomfortable fidget she turned her eye towards the distant spires of Canterlot - or where they would be if they were closer to the Equestrian capital. If Hope was right about her apparent 'friends' in Canterlot - that they'd all been using her - that effectively meant she'd been set up for failure from the beginning. Sunset would never have been able to find friendship - true friendship - when all of her 'friends' were just looking for a hoof up.

    Which in turn added another tally to the theory Celestia had just wanted rid of her - she couldn't reasonably believe Celestia wouldn't have known that ponies would try to take advantage of Sunset, who having been so previously laser focused on studies wouldn't have known the social intricacies - at least three 'friendships' had effectively collapsed due to some party offending the other accidentally, and others had gotten some kind of attention from being seen with Sunset in the castle and had run with it.

    With a slight growl, Sunset shook her attention away from the skyline and towards the woods, and the river inside it, an idea forming in her head. She cast a look back at the carriage, quickly peeking her head inside to check Hope was asleep, which she confirmed by the steady rise and fall of the lilac mare's chest, one hoof firmly gripping the covers around her neck. Sunset smiled before making sure the door was shut firmly, then began carefully making her way into the treeline. After a while, the sounds of the river grew louder and eventually Sunset found herself at the waters edge, front hooves just in the water, back hooves firmly on the soft grass.

Prrr?

'No, it's probably not a good idea. But I need to do it, right?'

Brrr. Rrp prt.

'You worry too much,' she paused, exhaling deeply with a determined look forming on her face, 'besides, I have you!'

...prr.

    Rolling her eyes, Sunset took a few more steps into the river, glad the current was gentle along this stretch but already unnerved by the cool lapping at her belly fur. She squeezed her eyes shut, taking another step into the water, taking a deep breath, then steadily raising her back legs so they floated in the water. After another deep breath, she lifted up her front legs, kicking into the river and tracking her position based off of where Philomena was sat near the waters edge - making sure to stop and reposition whenever she drifted too far in either direction.

    Oddly enough, Sunset had found herself taking comfort in the activity more and more as the habit built. Plus she could hardly deny the effect it had on her leg, as even she could tell she was comfortably putting more weight on it than she had initially, even if the swimming was exhausting. Exhausting, but calming. Getting used to the water had taken a while, but now the feel of the current against her fur was pleasant - assuming, at least, it wasn't freezing cold.

    Her eyes opened again, checking her position relative to Philomena and stopping her efforts to allow the current to bring her back in line. Once level, Sunset stuck out her hooves once more, catching on the riverbed and halting her progress. Her legs already felt sore and tired, so she pulled herself to the bank, pulling herself out and shaking off before casting a brief drying spell over herself - keeping it quick to avoid the headaches that had plagued her magic use recently, courtesy of her dive off of the bridge. For a minute, Sunset simply sat down next to the river - enjoying the locale while allowing herself a moments recovery, though she could feel her nervousness starting to tug at her again.

    Standing and turning back towards the carriage, Sunset registered that the sounds of the forest had dimmed rather suddenly - almost immediately prompting her to whistle just slightly, catching Philomena's attention and pulling the firebird back to her side. By then, the silence was complete - an eerie emptiness caught in the branches of the forest, drowning the leaves in stillness.

'Come on, let's get out of here.'

Prrr.

    Sunset crept back along the edge of the path, staying just off to reduce her visibility while keeping her head on a swivel - trying her best to keep any semblance of stealth that she could. Philomena was even wrapped almost entirely in her mane. Sunset could feel every step pressed against the ground, ears flicking at each slight crunch of leaves brought by her hooves. She kept her breath shallow, avoiding any exhale that might be just too loud to alert whatever had swallowed the woods.

    The scream split the silence in two. Sunset's ears swivelled immediately, tracking down the source even as the wingbeats of what felt like every bird thrashed against the forest, a burst of sudden wind bursting through the trees at the same time. She spared herself one moment to breathe, but then she was moving, racing for the sound. As concerned as she was with staying hidden, as concerned as she was about her leg, about everything - she was still, in her mind, Princess Celestia's student. And rightful heir to the throne of the sun.

    Which meant she could help.

    Breaking into the small clearing, Sunset was quick to identify a few key factors - first was the large eagle like creature - wisps of shadow dancing around it with eyes flaming indigo and scarlet. Likely a Roc - but still undeniably tampered with by something. Second was the amber form hanging limply from it's mouth, and third was the - blue - blue light blue - gold, white - pale -

'No, oh sweet Celestia - NO!'

    Sunset launched herself forward, throwing a fire lance straight at the roc, which seared into the creatures side prompting a screech as it span to face Sunset - Showcase's body falling to the ground with a hard thump. Pulling up short, Sunset and Philomena split in different directions, the firebird diving at the creature's head with a screech and flashing fire, while Sunset dodged the wing that was aimed to send her into a tree. Coming out of the roll, Sunset threw up a shield around Philomena as the Roc snapped for her, then took the opportunity to sling a wave of magic that hardened into a blade like edge at the creature's neck, but it was intercepted promptly by the creature's wing - a  spurt of blood and drifting feathers the reward of the attack.

    The birds head snapped between targets, then jumped into the air to throw waves of wind at Sunset and Trixie - forcing the former to throw a barrier over the latter. Trixie may have been a CSGU student, but she hadn't taken the entrance exam for Upper School yet - where most of the real magic was learnt - being just a few months away from doing so. Which meant Sunset was the only one casting magic - a fact she became painfully aware of as the wind slammed into her side, carrying her off of her hooves and scraping across the ground, crying out in pain as her leg clicked uncomfortably.

'Trixie! Get out of here!'

'I-'

'Get out of the clearing!'

    Sunset heaved herself back onto her hooves as Trixie backpedalled into the treeline, and she cast a glance up to see Philomena circling for an opening. She pushed off, darting right and then left, throwing the roc slightly off balance and allowing Mena to dive at the birds head again. Sunset slipped under one of the flailing wings, throwing another spell at its talons that hardened into ice as they landed - though the roc quickly tore itself free, forcing Sunset to jump away again, launching simple but undeniably effective fireballs at the bird, who caught one on a wing but two more impacted its side, creating small explosions upon impact.

    The bird, throwing itself into the air once more, raised its wings, and Sunset's eyes widened as the shadows floating around it coalesced at its chest before a wave of dark energy shot straight at her - throwing up a shield in response Sunset immediately felt the power behind it, gritting her teeth as her hooves dug into the earth under the pressure. Another screech and dive from Philomena, accompanied by a fireball gave Sunset an opening to dive away from the shield, which promptly disintegrated without her focus behind it, the dark magic tearing swathes of earth away wherever it touched. 

    Dropping low, Sunset dashed quickly, catching rocks thrown up from the dirt in her magic before launching them into the sky for Philomena to catch - the phoenix's fireballs all based around a rock first. Stretching back to height on the far side of the clearing, Sunset turned to see Philomena begining to launch repeated fireballs at the roc, which was twisting desperately to keep both the firebird and the pony in sight at once. Her headache was beginning to tear at the edge of her vision, so Sunset took a deep breath before stepping back once, a fire lance forming by her side. 

'Mena!'

    Sunset didn't need to look to see the firebird had noticed what she was doing - Philomena promptly swooped low in front of the roc before swooping straight up into the sky - the birds head moving to follow and as such leaving Sunset out of its vision. Taking the chance, Sunset immediately ran forward before pushing herself into the air - letting out a scream as pain shot through her leg - and then buried the fire lance deep into the birds chest.

    There was a strangled cry, a stumble, and Sunset dropped to the ground, rolling onto her side with a grimace - but the roc gurgled again before taking two steps forward - then collapsing. Sunset let out a relieved breath, allowing the fire lance to dissipate from the now dead rocs chest. The shadows that had surrounded the bird softly slunk back into the treeline - but before Sunset could think about chasing, her attention was rapidly brought back to the other pony still in the clearing.

'Mama!'

    It was Princess Celestia's opinion that there was only one state that was really worse than death for those at home. Missing. Missing meant there was hope, and hope meant each day, each minute, each second, at least some part of her was desperately feeling the absence of Sunset. Her student had become such an integral part of her routine even on the days they fought that there was something simply fundamentally wrong about her schedule - and nothing Raven could do to fix it. That wasn't to say they'd never been apart before, whether it be Sunset's unsanctioned study trips, the, albeit rare, sanctioned study trips, or some summit or diplomatic meeting that Celestia had to attend alone.

    Just never this long. Never weeks. Never almost a month. With each passing day the hope dwindled, but it never extinguished - as there was never anything definitive. Near Ponderosa the guard has found things that suggested both - that Sunset had died, and that Sunset had lived. Equally, Celestia had been distraught for a few days - a little known fact about Alicorns was that the magical signature of other ponies steadily imprinted over time, allowing them to occasionally detect magic in the right conditions. Another little known fact was the small burst of magic released by unicorns upon their death. Celestia had felt that burst from Sunset - even though she couldn't place a location to it - but the issue was that more signs pointing to Sunset's survival had continued to appear afterwards.

    And so she hoped, but despaired what the result might ultimately be at the same time. It was beyond draining - especially considering the entire situation was ultimately her fault. To tell the truth, she could hardly remember what thought process she'd clung to in the moment, but in hindsight all she could guess was that she'd wanted Sunset's attention - full attention - not being interrupted. Something shocking, or getting Sunset to stay in her room was the normal way she got around Sunset's interruptions, like a mother sending a filly to the naughty corner.

    Which was something in and of itself.

    Celestia sighed, stepping onto her balcony before resting her head on the railing, eyes drifting up to the moon and the shape imprinted upon it - the shape of Nightmare Moon, or rather Princess Luna. It wasn't hard for her to see now, that she was scared of the attachment she'd felt to Sunset. Specifically after they'd begun fighting - for it only reminded of her greatest mistake at that time. Yet, by being scared of and this mitigating that attachment, it had only backfired in her face and now she missed Sunset and Luna even more than she'd thought possible.

'Princess?'

'Balcony, Raven.'

    After a few moments, Raven Inkwell stepped onto the balcony alongside Celestia, the Princess having raised her head and adopted a more appropriate sitting position in front of her aide.

'I have a new incident report for you -'

'Incident reports go to the guard, Raven.'

'No, no, I know. I just thought you might want to read this one first.'

    With a sigh, Celestia took the page in her magic, eyes skimming over the first few lines before doing a double take and rereading in greater detail.

'Where? Where did this happen?'

'Winterhome, your highness.'

    Celestia reflexively spread her wings, ready to take to the skies.

'Princess - you'll never make it before she's moved on. It's clear she doesn't want to be found.'

    The princess paused, halfway into a jump into the sky before sighing and slumping back down.

'I suppose you're right.'

'I wish I wasn't.'

'I know, Raven.'

    Raven said nothing more, backing out of the balcony and towards Celestia's door, leaving the Princess with the incident report. Filed by a citizen of Winterhome who claimed to have seen one Sunset Shimmer intervene in a Roc attack on two unnamed ponies in the woods outside of the town. The arriving guard had found only the scars upon the land and the body of the roc.

    Which meant Sunset was alive. And didn't want to return. 

    The princess took a deep breath, pushing a bubble around herself with her magic, and then... screaming. Screaming until it dissolved into crying, and the bubble dropped. Of all the things that Princess Celestia knew, that she was flawed was high among them. She'd failed at many a thing many a time, but now while she'd failed as a teacher - she was plainly, painfully aware she'd done worse as a mother to her only daughter. 

    She turned back towards her room, now seeing the ghosts of Sunset littered in every corner, in every page, in every moment.

'Princess? I'm tired. Can I sleep here ton-,' Filly Sunset was interrupted by a yawn, 'tonight? 'sa long way to my room.'

'Of course, My Little Sun.'

    The princess rearranged the covers on the bed, lowering a wing to help the adorable amber filly climb onto it.

'You can sleep here whenever, for however long you'd like.'

'Promise?'

'I promise.'

Chapter Text

    Silence reigned heavy over the pair as they trudged on through the forest - early morning dew still clinging to the cobwebs in the trees and the aftertaste of a colder night on the air. Saying either of them preferred the silence to conversation would have been wrong, but in the week and a half since Showcase's death at the talons of the Roc, Sunset's interactions with Trixie had been reduced to quiet comfort and understanding - even as the young mare threw accusations back at her that Sunset couldn't find the heart to protest. It was, to say the least, strange for her - Sunset considered herself emotionally strong, or steadfast, even, yet the passing of a mare she didn't even know that well had broken her - not only her, but Hope too - even if the lilac mare tried to play normalcy, Sunset could see the tiredness etched into her. And so Sunset had found herself as a kind of anchor for the other two, as she'd accepted Showcase was dead, and she'd accepted it was her fault, which only left helping the others recover.

    She cast her eyes back to Trixie, who was trailing steadily after Sunset in a rare occasion where she left Showcase's - her - carriage. It was hard not to feel the pity swelling in her heart, but she knew that Trixie was almost as likely as her to dislike the feeling of it. Instead, Sunset just turned back forward with a frustrated grunt, letting her horn build power slightly before slinging a small string of fire in front of ger, before pulling back on it, slowing the flame to a stop and allowing her to  bounce it over the air in front of her, casting patterns with her eyes that the flame then followed.

'How do..  how do you do that?'

    Sunset blinked - her focus on her own thoughts shattered and this dispelling the flame, then looked back over her shoulder at Trixie, the young mare's purple eyes watching her curiously.

'I- uhm, Princess Celestia taught me, when I was younger.'

    Silence.

'I- It. Well, it was to help me control my emotions. A type of meditation, I guess.'

    Sunset felt a slight heat coming to her cheeks as Trixie giggled slightly.

'You? Emotions? What?'

    Another momentary pause for the realisation to click with Sunset.

'Hey!'

    Trixie laughed for a moment, so Sunset just rolled her eyes and kept walking, though inwardly she was happy to see the young mare laughing.

'O- okay, but like, do you think you could teach me? It seems cool.'

'I, I could try?'

    Trixie nodded, and so Sunset swallowed slightly before turning around to face her, sitting down as she did so.

'Well, this is the way mo- the Princess, heh, taught me, but it might not work for you.'

'That's okay.'

'Uhm, right. Okay, start with a deep breath.'

    Sunset watched as Trixie then sat down herself before closing her eyes and taking a deep breath.

'Keep going with it. Focus on your breathing, then steadily let the magic build on your horn.'

'Mmhm.'

    Sunset watched for a moment with a critical eye, but she could see Trixie wasn't... doing it right - though Sunset couldn't truthfully say why or how.

'No, wait. Let's try it again. My way.'

'Are you sure?'

'Yeah. Okay. Do you know what magic type you use most?'

'No?'

    Sunset nodded, eyes narrowing, and she stood up before walking in a circle around Trixie, the younger mare watching her the entire time.

'I want you to focus on the moon. You can't see it, but you know it's there, right?'

'Yeah?'

'Focus on it. Picture where it would be in the sky. Picture the stars around it.'

    Trixie nodded, her eyes closed and nose scrunched slightly in concentration, and Sunset noted in satisfaction that the magic surrounding Trixie already seemed to increase in strength.

'Okay, when you feel like it's strong enough, I want you to push your magic forward while letting it slowly fizzle out. Then when it feels like it's about to disappear, let it go, and focus on it as it goes.'

    Trixie's horn formed a blue aura around it, which grew in strength before it steadily began fizzling up her horn and then finally shot away from her as a blue flame, which Trixie then controlled back by flicking her head, much the same as Sunset had done earlier.

'Awesome.'

    Sunset felt another smile on her face, but this one was wider - pride. She was proud.

'We uh, could try something a little stronger, if you'd like?'

    Trixie perked up, letting her flame die to fix an eager gaze on Sunset.

'Could we?!'

'Sure, let's try.. let's try a lance. This one's quite difficult so don't worry if you don't get it.'

'Right.'

'I'm going to teach you a baseplate - if you can hold this then you can try and mess around with it until you have one you're more comfortable with.'

'I get to make my own lance?!'

    Trixie jumped up, eyes sparkling as she looked at Sunset, drawing another smile and a small chuckle from the amber mare. She then formed her own lance, the magic taking the shape of a long, red, staff like object with cross style spear heads at either side - almost reminiscent of a staff with two large broadhead points - which sparked with fire. Trixie frowned slightly.

'That's different to the other one you used.'

'I, uhm, may have been a bit too emotional to form it properly.'

'Oh.'

'Anyway!'

    Sunset shook her head then dispelled her staff, forming another more basic one - very reminiscent of a normal spear but made of pure, smoothe magical energy coloured cyan after Sunset's magic.

'So, I want you to begin channeling your magic again, but try to keep the moon in your focus even as you visualise the staff.'

'Why the moon?'

'I.. have a theory. Trust me.'

    Trixie nodded.

'Start it out like a levitation - hold the magic in place in the air and then steadily condense it together. You should start to feel the pressure building as it groups, right?'

'Yeah.'

'Now imagine the staff, shape the magic into what you see, then bring it all together.'

    Sunset watched as Trixie thought for a moment before squeezing her eyes tightly shut, the magic in the air quickly combining into a spear like shape which, while not as cleanly made as Sunset's, was still better than most first time casters could make - prompting her to blink in surprise.

'That's... really good! You're good at this magic stuff, yknow.'

    Sunset almost missed Trixie's look - but when she noticed, the young mare was simply glowing - she had a large smile and a sparkle in her eyes, and Sunset felt another smile on her own face and a warm glow of pride in her chest.

'Okay, so now to form your own. Don't think about what would be cool, or unique or whatever, just do what feels right.'

'What? How does that make any sense?'

'That's basically what I thought. But just keep your focus, on the moon, the magic, and yourself, and you'll get it.'

'Okay, if you say so.'

'I do.'

    Trixie rolled her eyes as Sunset gave a smug grin, but she dispelled the spear before pooling her magic again - but this was different. Sunset's grin grew as she took a few steps back, Philomena now purring in interest from the branch she'd settled on to. The magic was flowing freely to Trixie, small motes of blue falling into existence around her. It formed steadily into three smaller, separate staffs, as well as near the young mare's flanks. Steadily, Trixie floated gently upward, light coalescing around her flanks, the spears forming further to consist of pulsing blue magic with broadhead tips not dissimilar to Sunset's own, with simple points on the opposite ends - from a glance built for aerodynamics.

    The magic burst as the spell completed, Trixie dropping to the ground with three spears floating around her, eyes watching in wonder as they moved smoothly through the air like a hot knife through butter.

'So cool.'

    Sunset only chucked.

'What?'

'You got something else out of that.'

'What do you-'

    Trixie's eyes widened suddenly and she twisted her head around to look at her flank, the spears dissipating into the air. Where there was previously nothing, Sunset could now see a cyan blue crescent moon with three spears crossing over it - Sunset's lessons hinting to her already at Trixie's possible skillset, but most of all she could still feel the warmth in her chest and grin on her face as Trixie let out a squeak and started bouncing around in circles.

    Sunset just watched for a few minutes, then eventually let out a little chuckle that drew Trixie's attention, a small blush appearing on her cheeks that dispelled as Sunset waved a hoof at her as if to say, don't worry about it. 

'Anyway, come on. We still have to get to the river.'

'Right, yeah.'

    The walk only took a few minutes longer, and before long Sunset had settled into the water. She smiled again as she swam - really she was just treading water, floating in place, but the smile on her face had barely dimmed as she watched Trixie, the young mare flicking between looking at her new cutie mark and forming her lances seemingly every thirty seconds. In the past she might have found it annoying, but now she could hardly fault her excitement.

    A rustling in the bushes heralded Hope's arrival, the lilac mare still blinking sleep from her eyes as she followed Philomena - and almost immediately Sunset felt a worry lifting from her shoulders. At first Hope just nodded at Sunset and Trixie, settling in by the riverbank - but then her eyes caught on Trixie, and she did a double take.

'Wait - wha - when did this happened?!'

'Just this morning,' Sunset replied.

'I- Trixie! Congratulations!'

    For a moment Trixie shied away under the praise, but then puffed her chest out with a smile on her face. 

'Look! Sunset taught me!'

'Really? What did-'

    Hope's jaw dropped as Trixie formed her lances.

'Whoah.'

'Right?!'

    Hope gave Sunset a glare from the corner of her eyes.

'You said Sunset taught you that?'

'Yep! It's so cool right?!'

'Yeah,' Hope said, raising one hoof to her eyes before pointing it at Sunset, 'Really cool.'

    Sunset chuckled awkwardly, ears pinning back under Hope's glare - though eventually, Hope relented, rolling her eyes and using her magic to splash some water into Sunset's face - in turn drawing a surprised squeak from the amber mare as she slipped backwards onto her flank, earning a small giggle from Trixie. Hope shook her head before slipping into the water with Sunset, pressing up against her and allowing her to relax slightly. Sunset hummed at the touch, eyes closing for a moment as she took in her surroundings. Her feelings. Her thoughts.

    Sunlight was dappled through the trees, warming patches of her coat, and the stream running under her was cool but not cold. She could hear birds and a slight rustle of leaves in the wind over the waters bubbling. Hope's presence, pressed against her - which was no longer uncomfortable or unwelcome to her, she noted. She felt warm - a mix of pride and happiness and something else; fierce and warm and glowy and beautiful - combined with the slight flutter that she'd begun associating with Hope. She was still a little worried they'd stayed near Winterhome for too long, but to be honest she wouldn't have had the heart to move them on even if she'd wanted to. Though now they were all in higher spirits - at the very least - all smiling. 

'So, uhm, Trixie.'

'Yeah?'

'Can I ask? Why were you and Showcase out this way, anyway?'

'Oh. I-'

    For a minute Trixie paused, scuffing her hoof into the earth even as Hope and Sunset both assured her she didn't have to answer, until-

'Well, we, uhm, after they released her, in, in Canterlot, she, uh, she said she wanted me to meet my father.'

'Your father?'

'I- I never met him. He lives in Las Pegasus because he didn't want to travel like mom did,' Trixie frowned, 'but I'm not sure I want to.'

    Sunset and Hope shared a glance.

'We were going to, follow the uhm, river until we were near the coast. But then this, this goat thing? Told mom you were nearby, and she.. wanted to check on you. Then,' Trixie paused - swallowing a sob that threatened to break free, which prompted Sunset to haul herself out of the river, moving closer to comfort Trixie, 'Then he led us straight to the roc.'

    All at once Sunset felt a fire light inside her, her mind immediately jumping to Czar. She felt a growl rising in her throat, but suppressed it - the rational part of her brain shrieking in protest at the idea of facing down a creature that outmatched her in most all regards.

'When I see that goat I'm going to drive a lance straight through his fucking heart,' she whispered.

'Sunny, calm down,' Hope sighed, 'As much as I would love that, we just can't. Not now.'

    Sunset frowned both at Hope's annoyingly correct assertion and the nickname, but elected to let it slide as she turned her head towards the treeline, Hope slinking back out of the water to rest a hoof across Sunset's back.

'Trixie?' began Hope, before shifting her attention from Sunset to the young blue mare, 'What do you want to do now?'

'I- I don't know.' Trixie frowned.

    Hope sighed again before moving to lie down next to Trixie.

'Well, when you make up your mind, me and Sunset can help you. Right Sunset?'

'Huh? Oh, yeah, sure thing.'

'Sunset!'

    Sunset snapped her attention from Czar back to Hope and Trixie before shaking her head.

'I mean, of course we'll help. Make sure you're in safe hooves. I could -,' Sunset cringed, 'I guess I could even try and get you into the palace?'

'...thanks, but I don't want to go back to Canterlot yet.'

'Hey, maybe you could stay with us!'

    For a moment Hope seemed like she wanted to protest, but then seemed to think better of it, simply returning to the slight frown she'd held before. Trixie, however, dispelled the fire she'd been bouncing to look over at Sunset.

'You think so?'

'I mean, I don't see why not. Hope?'

'I- yeah, you could. We're going pretty far though, and might not be back here for months or even years.'

    Trixie frowned again, muzzle scrunching as she thought.

'I guess I'll... think about it?'

'Smart mare.' 

    Sunset took the opportunity to stretch, feeling the sunlight on her fur once more as her muscles popped and the last drops of water clinging to her slid off, drawing a content whine from her.

'Right, come on. I want something to drink.'

'I.. oh. Yeah - breakfast.'

    Trixie paused for a moment with a slight frown, eyes flicking between the retreating form of Sunset as Hope shook herself - a light dusting of pink now visible on her cheeks.

'Oh.'

    Sunset continued her wide circle, body low to the ground, grin on her face. Across from her, Trixie had a look of complete concentration and determination, eyes fixed on Sunset as though she might disappear if she looked away. Which, in all fairness, Sunset had already done. After their impromptu session by the river, Trixie had practically begged Sunset to teach her more, and Sunset, for reasons beyond her, had continued to agree, though Hope had limited them to less dangerous spells.

'Come on old mare, do something!'

    Sunset chuckled at Trixie's whisper, promptly sitting back on her hind legs and closing one eye as she raised a hoof.

'Back in my day, we respected our elders!'

'Come on Sunset, you're not fooling anypony.'

'Maybe not,' Sunset snorted, 'but I'm not that much older than you.'

'You're like, ancient!'

    Sunset laughed before diving forward, planting her front hooves into the earth before bouncing back again and quickly releasing a weak stun spell - specifically tailored to be strong enough to knock Trixie over but no more. Trixie avoided it easily, rolling her eyes.

'Seriously, is that all-'

    Sunset teleported forward, raising a hoof and quickly bumping it against Trixie's nose before teleporting away again.

'Boop!'

'Hey!'

    Hope's laugh sounded like a windchime - and Sunset couldn't help herself but looks over at their spectator - though she quickly snapped her attention back to Trixie in time to get a shield in the way of the stun orb.

'Okay, targets!'

    Trixie whirled around, spears forming as Sunset cast several small targets made out of wood into the air. She raised herself up, eyes tracking the first target before launching her first spear forward, the broadhead point biting into the wood and throwing the target back, then immediately flicked her eyes to the second before repeating her strike and turning her attention to the third target - though this time her spear clipped the edge, sending the target to the floor as Sunset lost her grip on it and sending Trixie's spear at an angle into a nearby tree.

    Trixie frowned, but tugged her spears out of the wood with her magic.

'Hey, you almost got them all!'

'I guess.'

    Sunset sighed before padding over, sitting down.

'You can't always be perfect at everything, Trixie.'

'What, you speaking from experience?'

'As a matter of fact, yes.'

'Oh.'

    Sunset gave her a soft smile.

'It"s nothing major. Now come on, Hope's cake should be almost done.'

    Hope nodded quickly, offering Sunset a smile as Trixie caught up to her, the two then trotting briskly back towards the carriages, leaving Sunset alone for a moment.

    After a couple more days at Winterhome, the group had eventually moved on, though they had finally strayed away from the river to make the journey shorter if Trixie decided to continue to Las Pegasus. Pulling the Lulamoon carriage with them did have the added bonus of a bit more space, even if only temporarily, but Sunset could feel the strain on her leg even as she insisted to Hope she was fine. If she was being honest, part of her was disappointed she wasn't found at Winterhome, because it hinted that maybe the Princess had stopped looking.

'You can't always be perfect at everything,' she breathed, eyes closing even as the first tugs of nervousness at being alone pulled at her.

'Hm. But you could be.'

    Her eyes snapped open, body dropping back into her ready stance as her head whipped around the clearing, her heart rate spiking in her chest all at once.

'You!' she hissed.

'Me,' confirmed Czar's voice.

'I should kill you where you stand for what you did to Showcase!'

'Oh, dear Sunset.'

    Sunset whirled to meet the voice, then let out a yelp of surprise and stumbled back as she came face to face with Czar, a smug smile on the ibex's muzzle.

'We both know how that would end.'

    Sunset formed her lance regardless, a growl rising in her throat.

'Or maybe I should make a demonstration out of your companions?'

    Her growl promptly died in her throat.

'What?'

'Remember, Sunset. I'm asking politely for your help.'

    The ibex strode forward purposefully, Sunset's lance inching away from him until it was hovering over her shoulder, then lowered his muzzle to Sunset's ear, voice dropping to a whisper as her ears pinned back and she leaned away.

'I could always just force you to help me.'

'I- I- n, no-'

'All I need to do is just, ah, change your perspective a little.'

'Wh- no-!'

    The beam impacted Czar's shoulder, causing Sunset to flinch away and drawing a grunt from the ibex before his head swiveled to fix on Hope, who stood at the edge of the clearing with steel in narrowed eyes.

'Leave her alone!'

'Tch. You.'

'I said-'

'No, I heard you, Ms Hope.'

    The ibex dipped his head, a gleam in his eye.

'I can only... hope.. our next meeting will be more. Hm. Amicable.'

    Czar flicked his head around, disappearing into a whirl of blue smoke as one of his horns sliced across Sunset's cheek, drawing a short scream from her as she unbalanced and fell to her side.

'Sunset!'

    Sunset could feel her breathing was growing faster still and she felt her eyes unfocusing as tears began to form. Her brain was stuck in panic mode especially as blood began to pool on her cheek until it was all she could do to keep gasping for air. A lilac shape entered her vision, sitting down in front of her even as she flinched away, and after a moment she felt a coolness on her cheek that she responded to by kicking out - though she didn't catch anything the cool quickly dissipated. The lilac was still for a moment - then pointed a shape at her before again at itself. Sunset's unfocused eyes eventually settled on the steady rise and fall of their chest, until they once more repeated the pointing action. She felt herself nodding, her breaths attempting to deepen even as she gasped and coughed. Each breath feeling like a monument, each rapid thought and scare of what Czar could do rushing through her - until eventually her breathing began to deepen. Slowly, gradually - it felt like hours.

'Sunset?'

'Mmf.'

'Hey, it's okay. I've got you.'

    Sunset nodded, her whole body shaking, until eventually she stilled.

'Can I touch you?'

    Sunset blinked up at Hope, eyes widening slightly before she nodded, and Hope reached forward to begin stroking Sunset's mane, and the coolness returned to Sunset's cheek, which she could now tell was Hope's magic, and she sighed slightly, allowing her eyes to close even as unease pricked at her skin as a result. Neither of them made to move, both their heartbeats steadying together.

'Are you okay?'

'No. Not really.'

'That's fine, Sunset. Can you stand up?'

    She shifted slightly, sitting up before shakily pressing herself up onto all four hooves, but Hope was at her side, steadying her still. Sunset gave her a vague smile before taking a deep breath and refocusing, standing on her own.

'Come on, let's get back to the carriages.'

    They walked in silence - Hope offering her shoulder to Sunset but not pressing about what Czar had said to her - which she appreciated, as Sunset wasn't sure she could have told Hope anyway. The walk wasn't too long, but Sunset still couldn't shake off the nerves even with Hope at her side - and her mind wouldn't stop echoing Czar's threats. When they got within eyesight of the carriages, Hope held out a hoof to stop Sunset before sitting down.

'What do you want to do?'

'I- I don't know,' She frowned, 'I don't think Czar would let us go now anyway.'

    Hope only nodded.

'Okay. So what about Trixie?'

    Sunset bit her lip. On the one hoof, it was clear staying with thwm would be exceedingly dangerous for Trixie, but at the same time Sunset couldn't say for certain Czar would let her go either - and if his threats meant what she thought, there was no saying Czar wouldn't just turn her against them.

'I think it's still her choice. But,' she dipped her head with a sigh, 'If she wants to meet her father, we have to take her there.'

'Okay. I'm with you.'

    Sunset gave Hope a grateful look, the lilac mare smiling gently back at her, and Sunset felt a warmth in her chest again before she shook her head and stood once more to see Trixie emerging from her carriage. Trixie looked around briefly with a frown before she spotted the pair, eyes lighting up before widening at the state of Sunset's mane - which was covered in dirt and clumped up - as well as her cheek, and promptly bounded over.

'What happened to you?!'

'We saw Czar,' Hope admitted.

    Trixie's eyes hardened immediately, a growl sounding from her throat.

'Did you kill him?'

'No,' Sunset rasped, 'He got away. We'll get him though.'

'We'd better.'

    Trixie then shook her head before pulling at one of Sunset's legs.

'Come on, we have a tub somewhere you can use for a bath.'

'I'll go grab some things from my carriage, if you can start cleaning her up, Trixie.'

'I can clean myself up-!'

    Hope pressed a hoof to Sunset's lips, eyes lidded.

'Shut up and accept it, Sunny.'

    The hoof did not move until Sunset nodded mutely. Neither mare noticed Trixie facehoof, but then she grabbed Sunset's leg again and began trying to drag her forward.

'Come on ya big loaf! What have you been eating?!'

    Despite herself, Sunset chuckled.

'Same as you, Trix.'

'Well, then I'm just naturally better, huh?'

    Sunset laughed lightly, and Trixie smiled in victory as she lifted a pony-sized bath shaped barrel from inside the Lulamoon carriage, quickly filling it with water from the rain collectors stored on top of each carriage before motioning for Sunset to get in. She obliged, settling into the water with a sigh as Trixie stuck her tongue out, magic dancing over the water as it heated - another spell Sunset had taught her during their travelling. Hope re-emerged soon after, a small bundle of supplies wrapped in a bag which she held carefully in her magic. She trotted over with a serious look on her face, and as she sat down she placed the bundle on the floor before reaching for Sunset's face and angling her head so she could better see the cut.

'Well, it doesn't look to serious. But I think it'll leave a nice scar. Your leg okay?'

    Sunset blinked for a moment, before raising her leg experimentally and feeling no spike of pain, so she nodded.

'Good. I think you've escaped the limp.'

    She turned her attention to Trixie.

'Do you want to try patching her cheek up? While I clean her mane? I'll guide you, of course.'

'Oh, uhm. Sure. If you're comfortable with that.'

    Hope smiled gently at Trixie, and Sunset nodded steadily. A smile emerged on Trixie's face, and she released the heating spell before trading places with Hope, allowing the lilac mare to begin dipping soap and a cloth into the water before reaching to Sunset's mane to drag a brush through it.

'Okay, first off, you're gonna want to grab the cloth and dip it into the water so you can clean the cut.'

'Right.'

    Trixie quickly followed Hope's instructions, though Sunset flinched a little as the cut stung from the water.

'Okay, then grab the little bowl with the leaves in and grind them up with your hoof.'

'What plants are they?'

'That's Mint and Echinacea - they help with infection.'

'Echi what now?'

    Hope giggled slightly.

'Just call it Etchy. That's what I do.'

'Right. Then what?'

'When they've been grinded into a paste, use the cloth again to spread it over Sunset's cut.'

    Trixie nodded, and Sunset relaxed into the feeling of Hope's brush tugging through her mane with a sigh, which was soon followed by Hope's cloth running over her mane, leaving soapy bubbles behind. Before too long, Trixie's cloth was spreading the paste carefully over the cut.

'Done!'

'Great. Now grab one of those bandages and take the little paper cover off of the back.'

'Mmhm.'

'Then you can put that over the cut, and it should stick to Sunset's fur. Just make sure the white pad bit is over the majority of the cut.'

    From the corner of her eye, Sunset could see Trixie's tongue stick out again as she concentrated, carefully lining it up before sticking the bandage onto Sunset.

'Done!'

'Great! Amazing job Trixie. Can you put the leftover stuff back in my carriage? Then clean your hooves and get some of the cake to eat.'

'Okay!'

    Trixie picked up the remaining things before padding off to Hope's carriage, head held high.

'I hope she stays.'

'Sorry?'

    Sunset blinked in surprise before shaking her head slightly, earning her a glare from Hope which she met with a sheepish smile.

'I just said I hope she decides to stay with us.'

'She looks up to you, you know.'

'I- I'm not a great role model.'

'I think it's more like a sisterly thing than a role model - but i'd say you're a pretty good one, anyway.'

'Really?'

    Hope nodded carefully as she finished running the soap through Sunset's mane, dipping the cloth into the water to clean it before bringing it back to the fiery red-yellow, washing the soap off in rhythmic strokes.

'Just - don't be stupid about it. She's not the only one who cares about you, yknow.'

    Sunset felt her cheeks warm slightly - not from the water, and looked away, noting slightly that Hope had looked away as well, a slight pink tinge to her own cheeks.

'Sunset? Do you think I could braid your mane?'

'I - don't... normally braid it.'

    Hope pouted slightly.

'But I think it'd look pretty!'

'Ugh, fine,' Sunset replied, rolling her eyes.

'Yes!'

'Huh? What happened?'

    Hope and Sunset both looked back to the carriage to see Trixie stood in the doorway with a slice of cake in her magic.

'Sunset's letting me braid her mane!'

'I-!'

    She was interrupted by a loud gasp from Trixie, who quickly floated her cake back inside before shooting off into the treeline - followed soon after by a freshly awoken Philomena who warbled soflty into the air.

'I'll get flowers!'

'Hey! I- ugh! Don't go too far!'

'I won't!'

    Hope giggled freely, still running the cloth through Sunset's mane. 

'Trust me, it'll look good.'

    Sunset huffed, but said nothing.