Login

A Second Chance

by Jay David

Chapter 108: The Next Step

Previous Chapter Next Chapter

Given the kinds of things that Sunset needed to get off her chest, as well as all the other explanations that Twilight would provide, it was decided amongst the group that hanging around outside the school wasn't the best place to have such a conversation. So, by unanimous decree, which naturally just meant that Pinkie Pie somehow pushed them all at once in the same direction, the seven girls and Spike soon found themselves in a small both in one of the town's most frequented hang-out spots; Sugar Cube Corner. This place, run by Mr and Mrs Cakes, was currently a hotbed of teens spending time with one another, eating their various cakes and confectionaries and just having a nice time. As for Twilight, she and Sunset found themselves with quite an enraptured audience, as Rainbow, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack and even Pinkie all stared at them intently, listening to every single word they gave. From their nature as talking ponies, to the portal to Equestria, to the great dispute between Sunset and Princess Celestia, they told it all, and with each revelation, the other girls just grew more and more silent. Eventually, after several soda's worth of talk, the two students of the princess finally ceased with their explanation, waiting for someone else to speak. it took some time, but eventually, it was Applejack who broke the silence.

"Well...that's...quite somethin."

A general nodding of agreement passed through the group with that, followed shortly by Sunset hanging her head a little. She took her soda and took a few sips from it before looking up at the other girls, her face one of uncertainty.

"Are you...okay with all of this?"

The other five looked to each other, seeing which of them would be the one to answer that question. Eventually, it was Rarity who elected to go first.

"Well, darling...I can't say that this isn't a lot to take in, but...it IS rather fascinating. I mean...magic portals, talking ponies? Not the kind of thing you hear about every day."

Rainbow nodded at that.

"Yeah...it's pretty awesome."

Sunset looked to each of them before clearing her throat in a nervous manner.

"Then...are we...good?"

Silence fell after that, during which time the five girls were deep in thought. They'd heard the entire story, from why Sunset had run away from home and why she'd been the way she's been for the last three years. And yet, both Sunset and Twilight could see the lingering resentment on their faces, even on girls like Fluttershy and Pinkie. Sunset had done bad things to them during their time here, and that kind of thing wasn't going to just wash away, even with a massive revelation like the one they'd just given them. And that was a sentiment that Applejack was more than willing to voice.

"Well...ah suppose we understand. We don't agree...but we understand."

Sunset began to break out into a smile, only to be stopped when Applejack raised a hand, stopping her from saying anything.

"But let's make one thing clear, Sunset...y'all still need ta make up fer everythin ya did, and that might take a while."

The former unicorn said nothing, nor did she get the chance to, as it was now Twilight's moment to add her voice to all of this.

"Applejack. I can't ever claim to know what Sunset put you all through. But I promise you, she's a better person than she was back then. If you give her a chance, I guarantee she can prove herself to you."

The farm girl turned to Twilight with a more serious look.

"That's real decent of y'all to say, Twi...but time will tell if she can live up to that."

Only now did Sunset speak up again, leaning forward and looking Applejack right in the eye.

"I'm not asking for you to forget everything I've done. I know I don't deserve that. But...if you're willing to let me try...it would truly mean the world to me."

Applejack fell silent, as did Sunset, and the latter watched as she turned to the rest of the group. No words passed between them, but it was nevertheless clear that this was a matter that none of them really knew how to deal with. But, one by one, each of the girls started to nod, eventually leading to Applejack letting out a deep sigh. Her expression softened, though only a little, and she extended out a hand towards Sunset. The fiery-haired girl looked at it, and at first, didn't understand. When she finally did, she broke out into a massive smile, almost to the point of shedding tears, and she eagerly accepted the offered hand. The two girls shook, and the rest of the group began to smile along with them. But nobody smiled more than Twilight in this moment. Seeing Sunset get some measure of acceptance, even if it was still just early days, was a good feeling for her, and one that caused her to let out a contented sigh. However, as she reached for her own drink, she suddenly found herself taken aback as Pinkie Pie darted forward, bringing her perpetually-smiling face right up to hers.

"Um...can I help you, Pinkie?"

The pink-haired girl nodded enthusiastically.

"You've done plenty to help us, Twilight! You gave us a new friend and fixed up our old friendships!"

Twilight let out a brief and nervous laugh at that.

"Well...I'm just happy to help."

Rarity then let out a brief giggle.

"Nonsense, darling! You're welcome to come back and visit any time you like!"

Turning, the young fashionista looked to Spike, who had been quietly sitting in Fluttershy's lap during their time here. She then smiled at him and reached forward, scratching behind his ear a little.

"And your adorable companion here is welcome too."

Being a dog, Spike naturally enjoyed the scratch Rarity was giving him, much to Twilight's amusement. But, in an instant, he shook himself out of that and backed away a little.

"Um, thanks, Rarity, but I'm afraid this dragon is taken."

Although amused at the reaction, Rarity then found herself intrigued by the former drake's words.

"Ooh! How romantic! A little love back home? Tell me, who's the lucky girl?"

Spike opened his mouth to reply, only to gain a sudden realisation as to who it was he was talking to, which inevitably led to him nervously scratching the back of his head before turning to Twilight with an almost pleading look in his eyes.

"Erm...hey, Mom? Isn't it about time we headed back?"

Chuckling at her son's reaction, Twilight eventually just nodded to him before turning to the other girls.

"I'm afraid he's right. It's been good meeting you all...but I think it's time for me and Spike to head on back."

The other girls then looked to Twilight as a thought then came to mind for her.

"Oh...and if you happen to see a girl who looks just like me...please be nice."

Although somewhat confused at those words, the group nevertheless nodded. However, there was still their disappointment at her leaving, though the other girls still nodded to her, each giving their own look of farewell as Twilight rose from her table, with Spike close behind her. However, she had barely reach a foot away from the table before, to her surprise, Sunset grabbed a hold of her arm and pulled her back, bringing her into an embrace. Twilight was somewhat surprised at this, but soon broke out into a smile and returned the hug. No words came from the formerly-exiled ex-unicorn, but her message was nevertheless clear; thank you. It was a heart-warming sight, and when they parted, the two girls smiled at one another before Twilight turned around and began to make her way out of the bakery, with all of the girls watching her go. As she and Spike walked down the street, Twilight let out a sigh, thankful that something had gone right for her today. It took a short while, about ten minutes or so, but eventually, the two of them finally reached their destination; the horse statue in front of Canterlot high School. Spike walked up to it and hesitantly placed a paw up to the portal's surface. Sure enough, it still passed through, meaning that Twilight's spell had indeed taken effect. The thing was open forever now, and that was a great relief to both of them. And so, Spike turned to her with a smile on his face.

"Well...let's head on home, Mom."

But, he was soon stopped when Twilight leaned forward and placed a hand atop his head, gaining his attention.

"Spike...I need you to go ahead without me."

Immediately, the small dog spun around, looking to her with great concern.

"What? What do you mean?!"

A look of determination passed Twilight face as she replied to him.

"There's still something in this world I need to do. I'll be gone for about a day at most. So...I need you to go back and tell Princess Celestia that she needs to post a few guards outside the mirror there for when I get back."

Needless to say, Spike looked somewhat worried at that.

"Wha...guards? What for?"

Twilight let out a sigh.

"Because we may be about to have guests."

Spike raised an eyebrow, showing clear confusion.

"What kind of guests?"

Looking up, Twilight stared off into the distance, looking as far as the horizon would let her see.

"...Musical ones."

Next Chapter: A Deal for the Dazzlings Estimated time remaining: 3 Hours, 44 Minutes
Return to Story Description

Login

Facebook
Login with
Facebook:
FiMFetch