The carriage stopped at the school for Celestia and her two students. This carriage is larger than the one she normally uses. It has two doors and has a roof just in case it rains. There is at least twice as many royal guards pulling it because of its size. After they boarded the carriage it was quickly pulled into the sky by the pegasus group with their magic.

“I can’t believe it, we are going to the castle Sunset. I have read all the books about it and looked at the pictures. Did you know my brother works there, he just finished his studies at Canterlot Academy and has started training with the royal guards.” Twilight said as she bounced in her seat, Spike is sleeping beside her.

“I do not have any family, but I do want to see the castle,” Sunset said in a monotone voice, looking out the side of the carriage.

Princess Celestia looked at Sunset and sighed like she wanted to say something but changed her mind. She looked forward, as the towers on the top of the castle come into view. “Welcome to Canterlot Castle or the Royal Castle as some ponies say. For me, it is home.” Celestia said which caused Sunset and Twilight to look ahead.

Twilight and Sunset look in awe as the castle looks much larger as they get closer. The carriage dropped in altitude as it approached, then landed with a thump as the magic released and gravity took hold. Once the carriage rolled to a stop a royal guard opened the door. A group of guards bow as the Celestia’s stood up from her seat and exited the carriage. Sunset and Twilight quickly get up to follow her.

Spike is left in the care of one of the guards who is not sure what to do with him. The dragon bit the guard’s tail holding on tight. “Ouch!” He yelled and started to drag the dragon from behind trying to pull free.

“Spike play nice, I will be back soon,” Twilight said as the large doors closed behind her.

Sunset looked around at the luxurious furnishings, red carpets, stained glass windows and plants and flower baskets along the walls. There was so much to take in all at once.

“Twilight Sparkle!” One of the royal guards called out and walk forward. He was a unicorn just like Twilight, but white, wearing purple and gold armor. The guard removed his helmet showing his blue mane which has strips similar to Twilight’s.

“Big Brother!” Twilight yelled and galloped up quickly, rearing up to give him a big hug with her hooves.

“How is my favorite sister doing?” He nuzzles back and then stood to attention quickly when he saw Celestia watching with a big grin.

“Your majesty, It so good of you to allow my sister to come here.” Shining Armor bowed his head.

“Always a pleasure Shining and also Twilight did not come alone, this is Sunset Shimmer.” Celestia said and moved to the side. Sunset was looking at a statue and then looked at Shining with her big blue eyes.

Shining was at a loss for words since he has never since such colors before. Twilight poked him with a hoof which snapped him out of it.

“A pleasure to meet you, if you have any questions I would be happy to answer.” He said and put his helmet back on.

“Shining can you take your sister on a tour, I will show Sunset around myself,” Celestia said with a smile.

“Very well princess. Come on Twilight, I am sure you want to see the royal library.” Shining said turning around and then headed down the hallway.

“Right behind you brother. I heard that there are many rare books here not found any other place in Equestria.” Twilight said as she pranced following him.

Sunset followed Celestia as she talked about the different rooms and what each one was used for. She found a lot of rooms were redundant but a few caught her interest.

“This room up ahead is where most of the important events and objects in Equestria are displayed. It is usually open to the public with guided tours.” Celestia explained as they entered a large room.

This room has more stained glass and showed different events in Equestria history. There was one showing Celestia and her sister Luna using the elements to defeat Discord. Then another one showing Luna on the moon and Celestia looking up out of reach.

Celestia sighed and touched the glass with her hoof. “Sister I missed you.” She said and didn’t have to explain it to Sunset since she had already been told the story of Nightmare Moon.

Sunset looked with interest and watched the princess of the sun look at each image remembering. What would it be like to live for thousands of years? She thought.

“I hope one day to see my sister again, But I am glad I was able to find you,” Celestia said which causes Sunset to look at her.

“I mean you are a great student, there are not many like you who can get into my class,” She cleared her throat correcting herself and looked up at the large black curtain. “Come over here Sunset this is one I have not looked at this one in a while.” She used her magic to remove it.

What was behind the curtain was stained glass image of the crystal kingdom and King Sombra. Below it was Celestia and her Royal Guards marching into battle. Sunset Shimmer was speechless wonder why Celestia was showing her this.

“Sunset everyone in Equestria looks up to me thinking I that I am always right. The truth is I am not, I have made mistakes like any other pony in my lifetime and many have suffered for it. King Sombra was defeated yes, but he took the Crystal Kingdom with him.” She said as if a heavy weight fell on her shoulders.

Celestia turned to another curtain and removed it. It was a very large mirror held in place by a large purple horse shoe frame encrusted with purple gems.

“This is all that remains of the Crystal Kingdom, it was giving to me and my sister a very long time ago. My best guess is that it is a portal, but it does not work.” Celestia said and gently knocks on the solid glass with her front hoof.

Sunset looked at the mirror with interest. A portal to where? She thinks and then noticed another stained glass on the other wall covered by a curtain.

“What about this one?” She asked walking up to it but Celestia blocked her and shook her head.

“Someday I will show you this one, but for now, let’s move on, there is still much to see.” Celestia said and lead Sunset out of the room as she kept looking back curiously.

One unicorn guard with green eyes follows them from a distance and looks up at the curtain, rubbing her chin with a smirk and adjusts her helmet.

After seeing more of the castle, Celestia and Sunset stopped for tea and cake in one of the balconies facing the waterfall.

“So Sunset are you enjoying the tour of my castle?” Celestia asked as she sips on some green tea.

“Yes but I find it is a bit too big for me, I have always lived in small places,” Sunset answered as she takes a bite from her floating piece of cake.

“Oh really want to tell me about it? ” Celestia asked hoping to learn more about her.

Sunset sighed and lets the rest of her cake plop down back into the plate. “There is not much to say, I was an orphan and grew up in a foster home until I was old enough to go on my own. Never looked back since.” She answered and looked at a bird flying by only to land in a nest on the edge of the waterfall.

Celestia was having a hard time keeping her composure and cleared her throat. “That is so sad, everypony should have a family to go home to, especially when times are rough. Sunset I would like you to come back to the castle, anytime you want to talk, like a family.” She said with some difficulty and looked at the waterfall.

“I will think about it,” Sunset answered also feeling weird and looked at Celestia trying to understand what she meant, looking at her eyes.

A royal guard with white fur and green eyes approached which surprised Celestia and Sunset. “Sorry for the intrusion but an urgent matter has come up.” The guard explained and whispered in Celestia’s ear which caused her to look concerned.

“Sunset I need to take care of something but I won’t be long. Guard can you show my student more of the castle until I return.” She said and stood up on all fours and opening her wings. Celestia jumped from the balcony and flew to the west.

Sunset looked in awe watching her fly with such grace. I wish I had wings. She thinks and quickly finished the cake and tea. Then got up to look at the guard who has a creepy smile.

The guard quickly leads Sunset down a flight of stairs to a lower level in the castle. The area is only lit by lamps since there are no windows.

"Excuse me where are we going, is this part of the tour?” Sunset asked the guard, quickly following her.

"To the vault, this is the one place that Celestia did not want you to see." The guard said in a usual tone.

Sunset was confused and followed the guard until they reached a large wood door reinforced with metal and a large lock with no visible keyhole.

She looked at the door and then to the guard who removed her helmet revealing her glowing green eyes, as her fur turned back and the horn looked crooked.

"Just who are you?" Sunset asked feeling scared as she back up until her rear pressed against cold stone wall.

"Do not be scared child, I am here to help you reach your full potential. Celestia fears your power and that is why she has been holding you back. In this vault, you will find the means to become even stronger." The guard said as she flicks a forked tongue.

"No, your wrong I don't need you help. I trust in Celestia to help me become stronger." Sunset yelled back as her voice echoed against the stone walls.

"Trust, don’t make me laugh, I know what Celestia has been hiding from you all these years. She is afraid to tell you the truth." The guard grinned evilly looking at Sunset confused face which is showing anger now.

"Tell me!, what is Celestia hiding?" Demanded Sunset moving forward her horn glowing red which caused the guard with green eyes to step back but still grinning.

"And spoil the surprize, no, but I will tell you this. Celestia knew your father very well and still allowed him to die in battle. With all her power she could not save him leaving you all alone." The guard laughed and in a flash of green light changed into a mouse, which ran into a hole in the wall leaving Sunset alone.

Celestia flew back quickly to the castle wonder why she was sent to the west side when there was no danger. Arriving back she had a bad feeling and quickly started looking for Sunset. It took some time but she found her in the history room looking up at the stained glass that was once hidden from her. Sunset used her magic to burn the curtain away leaving only had small pieces still smoking on the floor.

"Sunset what happened what are you doing?" Celestia looked up at the glass which depicts Tirek and Chrysalis battling the royal guards in a forest. But there is no image of Celestia taking part in this battle only a small castle in the background. Just a legion of royal guards with one in the middle who had a red fur and blue eyes.

"Celestia why did you allow my father to die?" Sunset asked, turning around to look her in the face.

"Who told you this Sunset?" Celestia asked her taken back by this.

"Why should I tell you, you haven't been truthful with me. What else are you not telling me?" Sunset demanded which causes Celestia to back up not sure how to respond.

"I can’t it is to keep you safe, your father died to protect you." Celestia managed to say.

"Why did you not protect him!?" Sunset yells as she approaches Celestia with anger.

Royal guards approach from the left and the right. Twilight is next to Shining watching Sunset from a distance, she is not sure what is going on.

"I can not answer that Sunset but if you please calm down we can go back to the school," Celestia said pleading.

"No I think I have learned all that I need to know,” Sunset said and looked to her rival. “Hey Twilight here is something I can do and you can’t." She says sounding smug as her horn glowed and she disappeared in a flash of magic.

Celestia sat down against the wall with a blank expression. "Filia." She mutters sadly and looked at the castle in the stained glass as some guards approach to help.

One of the guards in the back row grinned as she licked her lips with a forked tongue and glowing green eyes. “It has begun.” She said with a chuckle.

"Six months later, I teleported back into the castle, broke into the vault and that is where I found the chest. It had one large green gem.” Sunset says talking to her book as Twilight silently listened.

“And the mirror?” Twilight said sounding angry.

“Like I said before, I panicked when the guards came after me. The mirror started glowing so I ran for it and the rest you know.” Sunset feeling a bit sick to her stomach.

“That’s not everything is it, how did the Dazzlings get the gem from you?” Twilight’s voice asked from the book.

“I think Adagio found them in the park when I was distracted,” She said not having a better explanation.

“So you came back to steal my crown after that,” Twilight said sounding tired again.

“Umm yea, that was later on,” Sunset said as she lays on her bed with the book next to her.

“As the humans say, water under the bridge right?” Twilight said looking at her book and yawned in bed.

“No matter what I will fix this Twilight and then we all laugh about it some day.” Sunset looked at the clock, it was almost midnight.

“I would like that, good night Sunset.” Twilight said and closed her book and blew out the candle.

“Good night princess.” Sunset closed her book and turned off the light in her room.

Author's Notes:

I could have dragged the chapter on longer by adding more interactions and details in the castle but the story has to keep on moving ahead. All these flashbacks were slowing it down so I hope this chapter helps clear up some questions.

As always any suggesting are appreciated.

If I find any more errors I will try to clean them up best I can.

Thanks for reading.