The heart of the village was beginning to transform into a place of renewed hope and revitalization. Laughter from young fillies filled the air as they played joyfully, bringing a sense of vitality that had long been missing. Elderly ponies gathered in clusters, their eyes reflecting a lifetime of cherished memories and dreams fulfilled. Mares busied themselves with sewing as their hooves worked purposefully, while others walked along town. This village, once caught in the grip of time, had started to shake off its past resignation. A fresh sense of possibility blossomed thanks to Astral's family, igniting a collective spirit of renewal that inspired every pony.
Duke Bravestone and Ray Brightbloom strolled through the narrow streets of the town. Windy sat on her back while chewing on her morning food. They couldn't help but absorb the atmosphere around them. The air was filled with the faint sounds of hammers striking wood and the soft murmur of conversations, as a few locals diligently toiled on their small projects. Others moved about their daily routines, occasionally waving at the siblings before going about their day. Duke and Ray exchanged nods and warm smiles with the pony villagers as they walked.
As Duke turned away from the cheerful faces of the villagers, the warmth of his smile faded. This change in mood also swept over Ray and Windy, their smiles fallen by unspoken worries. It had been two long weeks since their father had embarked on a daunting journey, soaring in search of the elusive pirates that had taken the missing fillies. Duke had wanted to accompany him, to stand by his side in the face of danger and lend his strength to the mission. But his father had insisted that both he and his sister stay behind on the familiar shores of their island home. Tending to the needs of the beloved pony villagers who relied on their care.
For the past two weeks, the siblings had immersed themselves in a whirlwind of activity. Diligently tackling the daily quests set by the system. Each challenge they faced not only tested their abilities but also brought forth a sense of adventure and camaraderie as they navigated through tasks that ranged from simple to complex. With every quest they completed, they refined their skills, uncovering talents that had previously lain dormant within them.
After finishing their most challenging quest yet—rebuilding the village from the ground up, which had once been a bustling center of life—their efforts bore fruit. Duke and Ray stood atop the newly restored structures, a sense of pride swelling within them as they received their well-deserved rewards: their very own set of unique skills.
Duke acquired the 'Dash' skill, which grants him a short burst of speed and effectively removes any vertical momentum. This skill is incredibly useful for dodging incoming attacks or executing long jumps. Duke can utilize the dash twice in rapid succession before it requires a recharge. While the dash can begin recharging mid-air, it won't fully recharge until he has landed. Additionally, Duke has the opportunity to find apples in specific locations, which instantly and completely recharge the dash meter. Allowing him to cover significant distances.
Ray discovered she had received the ability of echolocation. A remarkable skill employed by creatures such as bats, dolphins, and toothed whales. The experience was both exhilarating and overwhelming; as she unleashed this newfound power, a vivid symphony of sounds and distances flooded her mind. However, the exhilaration was short-lived, as a debilitating headache quickly followed, as if her brain were protesting the intensity of the sensory overload. Despite the allure of such a potent ability, activating it felt perilous, like wielding a double-edged sword that could either illuminate her path or plunge her into discomfort. Ray resolved to reserve her skill for moments of true necessity as she recognized the delicate balance between its usefulness and its cost.
Duke and his siblings had returned to the sun-kissed beach. The ocean's gentle waves rhythmically curled and lapped at the golden shore, leaving glistening trails of foamy white. Seagulls soared and cawed from above, their sharp calls cutting through the warm ocean breeze as their silhouettes danced playfully against the brilliant blue sky. Ray sat on the soft warm sand beside Windy, their laughter mingling with the sound of the surf as they meticulously sculpted towering sandcastles adorned with glimmering shells. Duke stood with his back to them a short distance away. Absorbed in the vibrant array of items on display in the system's Shop he scrolled down through the enticing selection.
Each option is carefully scaled to enhance his current level. In the store, Duke discovered a variety of items available for purchase with his accumulated points. Among these were skills that could enhance his abilities, but he was particularly intrigued by the magic spells he recognized from the My Little Pony show. Spells such as telekinesis, bubble shield, directed shield, and a bubble of silence were among those used by Twilight Sparkle, adding an exciting element to his options. However, he found that the rest of the items were obscured and could not capture his interest further at this time. So he decided to buy the ones that weren't blacked out.
The digital panel faded away after his purchase. It reemerged moments later, the word 'Tutorial' boldly displayed at the top. A vibrant digital pony appeared, showcasing the enchanting spells he had just acquired, demonstrating their usage in a clear step-by-step manner. Duke's gaze was fixed on the screen, his mind racing to absorb the intricate details of each spell. Eager to replicate the magic and fully immerse himself in this new experience.
Duke instinctively pressed the digital panel until it vanished into thin air. He inhaled deeply, his chest rising as he closed his eyes, tilting his head back slightly to face the ceiling. A surge of energy coursed through him as he ignited his horn with a brilliant flare of magic, illuminating the space around him with a soft, ethereal glow.
Suddenly he heard some pony gasp.
Duke opened his eyes. He saw a mare unicorn standing in front of him, staring with her lips parted. She had beautiful amber eyes, a light lemon coat, a mane wrapped in a ponytail, and a tail with matching dark coral red and bright orange-red. Her cutie mark depicted four red suns. She also had a swollen belly along with a square-like muzzle similar to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.
Duke blinked in surprise as he gazed at the mysterious mare before him. There was something familiar about her, a quality that sparked a sense of recognition within him. Yet, he couldn't quite identify what it was that connected her to his past. He was so deep in thought that he didn't notice his sister approaching him by his side.
"What are you..?" The mare wondered aloud, taking a step back.
Ray noticed the apprehension in her body language and immediately stepped forward. Flashing her with a friendly smile.
"Woah, hey, hey, it's okay," Ray reassured, shaking her hoof. "We're not gonna hurt you. And to answer your question."
Ray and Duke exchange glances before looking back at the mare.
"We are what you would call, alicorns," Ray continued to explain. "We are friendly ponies. I promise."
The mare arched a brow at the siblings.
"Um, what's an alicorn?" The mysterious mare asked.
"An alicorn is a pony who has three traits from three species. As you can see I have a horn like you." Ray points a hoof at her horn then her wings. "I have wings like a pegasus and the strength of hundreds of earth ponies."
"Ohhhh, okay." The mare understood Ray's explanation.
Duke took one step close to the mare.
"Can we help you with something?" Duke asked, forming a small friendly smile.
The enigmatic mare began to ease her posture upon noticing the friendly nature of the ponies around her. She gently rested a hoof on her chest, signaling her growing comfort and trust in their presence.
"Do you know where I can find a new boat?" She asked, looking between Duke and Ray. "I was on my way back to my island until my boat suffered a hole and began to sink. I barely made it to this island with my life, and I have nowhere else to go."
Duke and Ray exchanged glances. They shifted their gaze back at the mare, and Ray smiled at her.
"Sorry, I don't think we have any," Ray replied. "But we could fly you back to your island if that'll help."
The mysterious mare beamed upon hearing that idea.
"Yes, yes, that's a great idea," she cried happily.
The system's panel digitally appears in front of Duke and Ray.
[ New Objective ]
[ Take the mare in front of you back to her home. ]
Duke briefly turned his gaze toward the ocean before looking back at the mare.
"Can you point us in the direction of where your island might be?" Duke asked.
"Yes," she replied, twisting her torso and pointing her hoof in a certain direction. "It's on the west side, far away from our position."
Duke and Ray took note of the direction indicated by the mare. They shifted their focus upward, their eyes tracing the trunks of the trees, exploring the dense foliage, and peering beyond to discover what lay ahead. The siblings exchanged glances, then nodded their heads. They redirected their gazes back at the mysterious mare.
"Okay, let's get a move on," Duke said, turning away and showing his back to the mare. "Get on my back, I'll carry you."
The mare nodded her head. "Okay."
The enchanting mare gracefully settled onto Duke's back. Although her weight was noticeable, Duke adjusted admirably to support her, demonstrating his strength and stability. Ray and Windy also spread their wings in preparation.
"You guys ready?" Duke asked, glancing at his siblings.
"Yup," Ray replied, nodding her head.
"Boo-boo," Windy added.
Duke glanced up at the sky.
"Okay, let's go," Duke said.
Duke and his siblings took to the sky with a flap of their powerful wings. Lifting their bodies high into the clear blue sky above. They glided over the shimmering island, soaring effortlessly above the sparkling ocean below. The sunshine danced on the water's surface, casting glimmers that sparkled like diamonds as the afternoon emerged, a gentle continuation of the bright morning. A soothing breeze whipped past Duke's ears, brushing against his cheeks like a tender caress. His mane streamed behind them in the rush of air, elegantly billowing with the exhilarating force of their flight.
Ray surveyed her surroundings in awe. The vibrant blue water shimmered under the golden sun, with big and small islands drifting past her in a mesmerizing blur. The rugged coastline stretched in the distance, framing the lush hills that rolled gently against the sky. Pods of dolphins suddenly erupted from the waves. Their sleek bodies glistened as they leaped gracefully into the air. Punctuating the serenity of the scene from far below and diving back into the water with a splash.
Meanwhile, Windy was playfully flying in a way only a plane maneuver.
Ray turned her attention to the enigmatic mare. The mare gazed at her surroundings with a sense of wonder, her lips curling into a faint smile as she took in the view of the sea and the islands passing by. However, it wasn't just her expression that caused Ray to pause; there was something deeper that caught her attention. It was the way she smiled that caught her eye.
Ray had seen many ponies in the show that smiled. Twilight and her friends, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Princess Cadance, along with some side characters. However, there was one pony in particular that Ray recognized for having a truly special and warm smile that stood out among them all.
"Excuse me, Mrs?" Ray asked. The mysterious mare turned her gaze towards Ray. "What's your name?"
The mysterious mare smiled at Ray.
"Oh, my name is Sunset Coral," the mare named Sunset Coral introduced herself. "But my friends call me Coral for short."
Duke and Ray's eyes slightly grew large. Ray cracked a smile, keeping herself composed. Her eyes darted between Coral's swollen belly to her face.
"Oh, okay," Ray replied. "And what about your baby? Do they have a name yet?"
Coral glanced down at her belly and then looked back at Ray.
"Actually yes," Coral answered, placing a hoof on her belly and rubbing it in a circle. "When I told my husband that I was pregnant, we made a deal. If it is a boy, he wants to name it after his grandfather."
Coral gazed at her belly with a gentle smile. Her mind envisioned the joy of holding her foal in her arms. A comforting warmth enveloped her, filling her with a sense of contentment, relaxation, and optimism. She felt hopeful that her foal would grow up in a nurturing environment, surrounded by love and protection within her home.
"But if it is a girl, I want to give her a name that is unique; one that has never been given to any mare before her. Sunset Shimmer," Coral said.
Coral smiled gently as she closed her eyes and rubbed her belly, lost in her thoughts. Duke and Ray exchanged astonished glances, their eyes wide with surprise at the unexpected revelation. Duke in particular felt a deep sense of astonishment as the identity of the pony he was carrying on his back had taken him completely by surprise.
A pony related to a mare whom he favored next to Twilight Sparkle.
He was carrying the mother of Sunset Shimmer on his back.
The flight stretched on as they journeyed toward Coral's island. After their brief yet intriguing conversation with her, the atmosphere settled into a serene stillness. Clouds drifted past like soft cotton, while the sun cast a warm golden hue across the horizon. The rhythmic flap of the three alicorn's wings blended with the distant sounds of wind, creating a soothing backdrop for their thoughts as they soared through the sky. Said wind whipping past the group's ears. There was a moment when the group saw pods of whales leaping out of the water before plunging back into the water.
The world around them felt desolate and vast as if they were the sole occupants of a boundless sky. They soared past an array of islands—some quaint and lush, others rugged and barren—each a fleeting whisper against the horizon. Since their departure, silence enveloped them like a heavy cloak; no words passed between the four companions. The only sounds breaking the stillness were the rhythmic flaps of their powerful wings and the gentle caress of a breeze that danced through the air, weaving around them like a soft melody.
As the group soared through the sky, Duke found himself lost in a whirlwind of thoughts. He couldn't shake the surreal reality of carrying Sunset Shimmer's mother on his back. It was a concept that had danced at the edges of his imagination for so long, a character shrouded in mystery, never depicted in the show or comics he read. Yet, here she was—vibrant and real—nestled comfortably against him, her gentle hum weaving a soothing melody that filled the air. The contrast of her presence was striking; he marveled at the idea that this mare, so pivotal to Sunset's life, was actually right there, harmonizing with the rhythm of the flight.
Duke blinked. He paused for a moment as he flew, a significant realization beginning to take shape. If Sunset's mother was present and thriving, it raised questions about Coral's absence in her daughter's life. This situation prompted him to consider what could have occurred to lead to this unexpected circumstance. He deduced that maybe someone was after Coral's life and as a last effort to keep her daughter safe, she left her on Princess Celestia's doorstep. Then disappeared off the globe.
Never to be seen again.
At least that was the only thought occupying Duke's mind as he tried to piece together the mystery. Why had Coral disappeared from every corner of Sunset's childhood? It was a question that lingered like an unanswered riddle. Duke could think of no other reason for her absence, and it frustrated him. Whatever the case might be, he and his sister will learn more when they spend a bit more time with her.
"There!" Coral announced, pointing ahead.
Duke and his sisters followed her line of sight. The island loomed larger in the distance as they approached, its lush green jungle springing to life like a vibrant tapestry woven by nature's hand. The thick foliage cloaked the shoreline, shrouding the very edge of the land from view. The island's rugged profile became clear as they drew nearer. Its craggy cliffs rise sharply from the deep blue ocean, stark against the sky.
At the northern tip, Duke and his sisters gazed in wonder at the towering hills that soared over two thousand feet above the crashing waves below. The cliffs jutted out, stubborn and unyielding, while the sound of the surf echoed like a distant drumbeat. Wisps of fog clung to the summits, lending an air of mystery to the landscape. Shrouding the peaks in an ethereal veil.
Huh, I didn't think we would find Isla Nublar's twin here, Duke thought.
"Fly toward the north end, there you'll find a cliff you can land on," Coral instructed, pointing her hoof.
Duke and his sisters began their ascent towards the northern tip of the island. Ray focused intently, trying to pierce the dense fog that enveloped them. As they climbed over the hills, they started their descent and were immediately enveloped once again in thick mist. The ponies struggled to see anything in front of them. Gradually, Ray began to make out the faint outlines of green pine branches reaching through the fog. At last, their hooves met the firm ground of the earth.
The alicorn trio neatly folded their wings against their sides. Coral dismounted carefully from Duke's back, standing beside him. Duke and Ray took a moment to survey their surroundings and noticed a narrow path winding down the hill. The air felt chilly and damp, but as they progressed lower, the mist around them gradually lifted, revealing more of the landscape. The island extended to the south, largely blanketed in lush tropical forest.
"Wow, this island is beautiful," Ray murmured, looking around in awe.
Coral glanced at Ray with a smile.
"This island has many names. But me and the ponies back in my village know it by one that overshadowed all of them." Coral shifted her gaze towards the island's south. "Paradise."
Duke glanced at Coral.
"So you know where the village is?" Duke asked.
Coral glanced back at him and nodded.
"Yes, follow me," Coral replied.
Coral started forward as Duke and Ray followed her. Windy flapped her wings once, lifting her body up, and landed on Ray's back. The group descended a dirt path that was flanked by towering trees and dense foliage. The trees towered a hundred feet high, their branches reaching towards the sky. Thick undergrowth created a wall of vegetation that swallowed the faint sunlight, casting a green hue over everything in its path.
The group proceeded at a leisurely pace. Their steps cautious as they felt the soft, decomposing forest floor sink beneath her hooves. As the ponies continued their journey, they eventually stumbled upon a stream with muddy banks. Ray turned to her right to gaze over the undergrowth, past the trees, observing a trio of butterflies lingering in the space beyond. The air was heavy with the scent of mold and mildew, as well as the decay of plants.
Duke focused on the path ahead and noticed the edge of the forest just a short distance past a cluster of trees. As they stepped into a clearing, they arrived at an impressive set of double doors, beautifully adorned with intricate carvings of a totem pony. Duke observed a group of stallion guards stationed outside the main gate, adding a sense of significance to the entrance.
Other guards stared down at the ponies on guard towers. They were positioned in pairs, spears held close to their bodies. Their mane and tail were identically curly, and had the same coloration as Sunset Shimmer. The only difference was their eyes and cutie marks.
"You guys let me do the talking," Coral whispered, turning away and approaching the guards.
Coral looked up at the tower guard sitting inside. The guards narrowed their gaze at her.
"Coral, where have you been?" Guard 1 asked, tapping his spear to the dirt floor. Coral frowned as she stopped in front of them.
"I was hiding. I was almost caught by pirates but I managed to escape," Coral replied. "I tried to make my way back here but my boat was broken so I couldn't sail any further."
The second guard shifted his gaze towards Duke and Ray who stood behind Coral.
"And who are they?" Guard 2 questioned, pointing his spear at the siblings.
"We have guests, I wish to welcome them to our village," Coral announced, glancing back over at Ray and Duke.
The guards exchanged glances before looking back at Coral.
"Are you sure that's wise, Coral?" Guard 1 asked.
"You know how apprehensive our ponies are with outsiders," Guard 2 added.
Coral smiled warmly at the guards.
"Well, I can assure you two that although they look different from us. They are friendly," Coral said, glancing at the alicorn trio over her shoulder. "I would not have gotten here, if not for them."
The two guards once again exchange knowing glances. They shifted their focus back at the mare, then nodded their heads. The first guard glanced up at the third guard on the tower.
"Open the gate!" Guard 1 called out.
The giant double door gates slowly swung open. Said doors spread wide enough for the ponies to enter. Duke surveyed the interior of the massive village, taking note of the huts scattered in front of him. He can make out several ponies seated around various fires and hear them laughing together.
Many ponies were scattered throughout the village. Some were engaged in their various activities. Some were tending to fires, cooking pots hung over the flames, preparing meals while others were simply relaxing by the fire or conversing quietly amongst themselves. Some were playing games or dancing; but most simply sat peacefully, watching the flickering flames.
Duke and Ray were intrigued to discover that all the pony villagers shared similar coloring features with Sunset Shimmer. However, much like the guards at the entrance, the main distinction among them was the varied styles of their manes and tails. As well as the unique cutie marks displayed on their flanks. This resemblance reminded the siblings of the Na'vi people from the movie Avatar, as they all exhibited bright blue skin and striking yellow eyes. The visual harmony among the villagers created a fascinating and cohesive atmosphere.
"Coral!"
Duke and Ray snapped their gaze towards the shout. Sprinting towards them was a stallion with a protruding chest, and an exceptionally large horn. Had an amber coat, dark red and yellow mane and tail with a dread-like style. His dark chocolate eyes were sharp and bore a scar over one eye. A red and orange flaming cutie mark plastered on his flank with a shield in the middle.
"Blaze," Coral returned, galloping two steps towards him.
The pony couple shared a warm embrace. Duke and Ray watched from a distance as Coral and Blaze began to converse with each other. The two siblings were unable to comprehend what they were seeing. Meanwhile, Windy was trying to catch a butterfly with her hooves.
"Oh my god," Ray breathed softly.
Duke nodded in agreement.
"I know right," Duke added. "First we meet Sunset's mother—now her father? In the flesh? This is something fans would've dreamed to see."
Duke and Ray blinked. The system's panel materializes in front of them.
[ Objective Complete ]
[ Wait for further more daily quests. ]
Duke and Ray saw the pony couple approaching them. Blaze approaches Duke with a narrowed gaze, causing the young alicorn stallion to tense up. The latter extends his hoof to Duke while slightly softening his expression.
"I was told you were the one who carried my wife all the way here during your flight," Blaze remarked, inclining his head slightly in acknowledgment. "I thank you for bringing her to safety."
Duke took the husband's hoof in his and gave it a good shake.
"Uh, no problem sir. We were just doing the right thing," Duke replied respectfully.
Blaze pulled his hoof back to his side.
"And that you have," Blaze said.
The four ponies paused. Their ears perked at the sound of a low growl. Curious, they turned to discover that the noise was coming from Windy's stomach. Windy looked down at her belly with a hint of concern, placing her hooves on it as she felt it beginning to growl again. Coral approached Windy and giggled.
"Looks like some pony's hungry," Coral observed, smiling at Windy.
Duke and Ray glanced down at their bellies when they heard their own belly emanating a low growl.
"She's not the only one," Duke remarked, lifting his head in acknowledgment.
Coral glanced at Duke. "Well, why don't you three come to our hut? I can cook something good for you there."
Duke parted his mouth to say something. But then Ray stepped up to his side, and threw her arm around his shoulder.
"We would love that," Ray said.
Blaze nodded his head.
"Very well, follow us. We'll lead the way," Blaze said.
Blaze and Coral rolled their bodies around and walked forward. When the pony couple were far enough away, Duke shifted his stern gaze towards Ray. Ray pulled her arm off of her brother and placed her hoof back to her side.
"Oh, don't give me that look. It'll be fine," Ray said, nudging him.
Duke briefly glanced at the entrance behind them before looking back at his sister.
"And what about dad, huh?" Duke asked. "What if he comes back and we're not there?"
"Then we'll leave as soon as we are done eating," Ray replied. "And if dad is waiting for us back at the island, we'll tell him where we went. I mean, come on. You can't tell me you're not the least bit curious to learn about Sunset's parents, right?"
Duke turned away from his sister. Indeed, deep down, Ray was right. He had often been curious about the lore surrounding Sunset Shimmer's parents. Recognizing this moment as a valuable opportunity, he felt inspired to delve deeper into their story and learn more about their significance.
"Oh what the hell, we're already here anyway," Duke said, shrugging his shoulders. Ray beamed at her brother's response.
"Alright!" Ray cried in joy. "Now come on, we don't wanna keep them waiting!"
Ray galloped after the pony couple with a joyous laugh.
Duke sighed and trailed after his sister at a leisurely pace.
A/N: Hope you all enjoyed the sixth chapter, my little shimmerings. As I have stated from the last chapter, the set up for Duke and Ray's arc has begun. Now I know what you all are thinking, but let me establish something first. The 'Sunset' in the mother's belly is not OUR Sunset - but Sunset's ancestor. The alicorn family is one-thousand years into the future, so it'll be a long while until we reach that time until our main girl is born. I'm not gonna lie, I was having a tricky time on what name I wanted to give to Sunset's mother before giving her own form of an appearance. But then I remember Twilight Sparkle's mother sharing her first name, and thought that since their first names were identical—why not?
I'll be taking my time on trying to create a history with Coral and her people, as well as why she wasn't around in Sunset's life. So enjoy her presence with the siblings while it last. (If God wills), I'll be sure to get back into publishing more chapters for this story as soon as I return. With all of that said I'll be going now. I hope you all have a wonderful day or night wherever you are!
See you all in the next chapter, my little shimmerings!
