Special Talent: Relationship Advice (not just romantic)
Species: Unicorn
Brief Backstory (under the cut)
(Sunset Shimmer’s alternate dimension is set in University in this au bc high school is uncomfortable as fuck)
Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer were a bitter, short-lived fling. While Starlight... definitely wanted to redeem herself she wasn’t suited for a close relationship at the time. (Was routinely dishonest about her emotions, would sometimes disappear for days without any heads up) and neither was Sunset (would reminisce on her friends in the mirror dimension, sometimes would get moody and snap at small things) and when Starlight became pregnant... She carried Cupid to term then ditched her on Sunset. (She was going to do it regardless of how the kid turned out)
Sunset Shimmer couldn’t exactly... handle having a pretty high powered & high needs foal on her own. She turned to Twilight (and consequently Rainbow Dash) for help and they ended up pseudo adopting Cupid at 3 years old. After Sunset managed to get herself in order, she resumed the role of a primary caregiver to her kid.
Cupid was born without her front legs. She has prosthetics for when she needs to grab objects (she has no telekinetic magic abilities). Having no front legs/telekinesis can be difficult at times, but Cupid doesn’t mind walking on her hind legs/using her prosthetics. And she was surrounded by creatures that did the bare minimum of respect in regards to her disability as a kid. No bullies in sight.
Sunset is pretty close with Cupid, and they bond over their shared interest in magical theory, and appreciation for art. Starlight is extremely low contact, due to her actions and strained relationship with Sunset.
Cupid bonds with Twilight over magical theory and emotional detection (Twilight has some knowledge due to being a student of friendship). Cupid bonds with Rainbow Dash over their shared appreciation of adventure narratives.
(It’s common for unicorns with no/partial front legs to have limited/no telekinetic ability. This is due to the front hooves being one of the centre of magics left over from the “protohorse”. All other magic comes directly from the brain, but basic object manipulation came from the hooves.)
Notes: Webber P.O.T.O and Leroux mash-up with a little bit of modern flare. Mostly to make writing and translation between Mun and Muse easier. No Christine. Giry mentioned with Daroga interaction.
The labyrinth underneath the Paris Opera House was lighted with candles for lighting. A crystal beauty of a chandelier hung from above, mostly for effect then looks. The man who lived in the labyrinth hardly ever ventured outside to really understand the world around him. Anything outside of him was hardly atonable. Rarely touched. The few people he did interact with were hardly ever looked at as friend but more of camaraderie and distractions. Friendship was not an emotion that Erik exploded often. While the water gently swayed and rustled about on the rocks. A lengthy man with his own compass was busy at work.
Erik hadn’t really been taking care of himself the past couple of days. The work on his Opera was draining and even his fingers were starting to give up on themselves at times. The pressures on his joints were starting to become an issue once again. Evidently, his friend the Daroga had started to worry about his own mental state as well. Anxiously taping his fingers on the old dusty organ. Erik growled in disgust at himself. Finally feeling the frustrations over the past few days he got up slowly and angrily threw the music parchment on the floor. Without haste, he slowly turned around and found himself looking directly at the Daroga. “Well, that didn’t help I see.” He simply stated.
Erik grunted and clenched his teeth. “I don’t recall summoning you here.” “I hardly need to be summoned to help a friend in need.” Annoyed Erik went back to his piano bench. “ We are hardly friends Daroga you and me.” Daroga laughed darkly.
“Very well. Even though I’m the one you always turn to whenever you get yourself in trouble. Or perhaps poor old Madam Giry.” Erik really didn’t like where this was going. “So did you just come here to dissect my character traits once again?” Erik asked drily. “Hardly. I don’t have the time too. For pity sakes Erik. You’re a mess. Wash up and do something.” “
I didn’t ask for your opinion.
“Perhaps not but it’s not a bad idea though, is it?” Daroga bowed gentle and began to leave.
Even though the companion from India could be a pain. Erik knew he meant well. Most of the time anyway. Erik let out a sigh. Maybe he should consider doing something else that day. A brief walk outside might not be a horrible idea, after all.
It's just a headcanon but I’ve always thought The Boss knew Ocelot was her son due to this scene. And I feel like after the torture scene she explained everything to him.