Book one of "Who We Become".
Sunset always knew that she was destined for greatness, but she never dreamed of how great she could become. Not until she had seen it - the mirror had shown her as an alicorn. Ignoring Celestia's warnings, Sunset goes l...
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The throne room in Canterlot Castle had seen many things throughout the ages. It had been damaged in attacks made against the city, and it had been repaired in the aftermath. It had been decorated for formal events and meetings with foreign representatives, which at times had gone perfectly, and at others had been disastrous. It had been a daily meeting room for ponies to bring forth their concerns to their princess, their voices echoing throughout the room until it was hard to tell who was speaking.
This was not one of those days. The room was mostly dark, with much of the light being moonlight filtering in through the large stained glass windows. A few candles had also been brought into the room so that it could be lit through the night without the need for the large chandelier.
It was also very quiet. The only sounds echoing through the room were hoofsteps as its only occupant paced around. She would occasionally sigh or mutter to herself, but those sounds were too quiet to carry. Once she returned to her seat, the room would be completely silent once more, but for now, she was stretching her legs.
But even if the room around her was quiet, the thoughts that danced through Celestia's mind could not have been louder. The sound of her hooves on the marble floor didn't register over the memory of the day before.
The sound of the door opening did, but not enough to fully pull her from her thoughts. It wasn't until a stallion spoke that Celestia turned away from the floor.
"I beg your pardon for the intrusion, Your Highness."
Celestia stared at him for a moment while blinking a few times. Stout Shield, the Captain of the Celestial Guard, was bowing before her. Celestia's voice sounded dazed when she answered. "Stout Shield? Is everything okay?"
The pegasus rose from his bow. "Everything is peaceful within the city, Princess."
Celestia turned away, but her voice returned to normal as she managed to shake herself free from the trappings of her mind. "Good. I was concerned; it is not often I see you awake during the night."
Stout Shield took a moment to answer, and there was hesitation in his voice. "It's morning, Princess. Your subjects are wondering why the sun has not risen."
"Morning?" Celestia's head popped back up and she looked absent-mindedly towards a window. "Yes, of course. It is time for me to raise the sun."
Stout Shield moved to one side of the walkway so that she could pass. Celestia wondered if that movement was as automatic as her turning to the window had been. She didn't immediately leave the room. "Err, what time is it now, exactly?"
"Nine o'clock, Princess."
Celestia winced. She'd missed sunrise by hours. Her little ponies had to be in a panic because of her; just another mistake to add to the list. "Thank you, Stout Shield."
Although she knew she should leave, Celestia turned her attention elsewhere first. Near the throne, there was a large mirror. Celestia stared at it while trying to make up her mind.
