Sunset squirmed in her bed; tossing and turning. She felt the warmth of the morning sun bask her with its brilliance, yet she didn’t want to wake. Her eyes still felt heavy, and she was having a particularly lovely dream. Unfortunately, like all good things, it had to came to an end.

The door to her room creaked open, and a familiar face walked in. A short, yet stubby dragon made his way into the room, hopping up onto the bed, and poking at Sunset’s side. “Hey, Sunset! It’s time to get up, Twilight sent me to get you out of bed.”

Sunset made a tossing motion, a bit of annoyance in her facial features. “Uh, Equestria to Sunset, time to wake up.” When this didn’t work, Spike resorted to drastic measures. He grabbed the blanket that laid over Sunset, and ripped it off, exposing her to the elements. Next he started to jump up and down on the bed shouting, “Sunset, it’s morning! Time to get up!”

When he was stopped by Sunset’s magic paralyzing him mid jump, he refrained from shouting. “Alright Spike, I’m up, I’m up.” She groggily got out of bed, and set spike down on the floor. “Besides, I can’t keep this day waiting too long, now can I?”

“Yeah, Twilight told me all about. I got to take care of the castle while she’s gone.” He held a fist to his chest, and gave a proud “Hmph.”  

“I’m she she’ll appreciate it, Spike.” Sunset giggled a little, before making her way towards the door, Spike shortly behind her. As she opened it, she made her way down the halls of the castle, Spike guiding her as she didn’t know which way lead where.

It was a pretty pleasant trip, Sunset might add. She got to see the brilliance of the castle, and have a friendly conversation with Spike. Mostly catching up with each other, and Spike going on about comics and the like. While in the human world, Sunset had actually grown to like that media, so her and Spike hit it off in that category.

After they made it into one of the many libraries - come to find out, this was Twilight’s favorite - Sunset spoke to her friend. “Good morning, Twilight. Sleep well?

Twilight brought herself to look at Sunset; she was completely engrossed in a book about dragon culture. The subject didn’t have much substance, do to the lack of exploration into dragon culture, but Twilight found it interesting nonetheless. “As a matter a fact, I did sleep well. How about you, Sunset?”

Sunset cringed just a bit, remembering her not so pleasant dream. “It could have… been better.” Sunset walked up to Twilight, sitting beside her to take a look at what she was reading.

“Sorry to hear…” Twilight replied feeling sympathy for her dear friend. “Hey! If it makes you feel any better, I have some nice pot of coffee over there.” She pointed her hoof towards another table, a coffee pot containing the dark nectar lied waiting for consumption.

“Oh, you have no idea.” Sunset instantly brightened when she heard about the coffee. “That drink is a lifesaver.”  Sunset poured herself a cup, adding some hazelnut creamer, and two packets of sugar. She then walked back to sit beside Twilight again. “Thanks, Twilight.”

“No problem, anything for a friend.” Twilight then giggled as she saw Sunsets face light up with satisfaction after taking her first sip. “Like it?”

Sunset simply replied with a euphoric, “Mmmhmm.”

“So.” Twilight began. “Our ride to Canterlot takes off in about an hour. If it’s not to much to ask, but we kinda need to make our way to the station. Don’t worry, though, you can bring the coffee with you. I’ll just put the cup in my saddlebags when you’re done.”

“Thanks Twilight, and it’s no problem. “Sunset replied after taking another sip. They then got up, their bags on their shoulders. Twilight taking the liberties to supply a bag for her, filled with typical travel supplies.

The walk through town was relaxing, the morning sun beaming down filled the already chipper town with more warmth. They made pleasantries with a couple ponies along the way, Sunset perplexed by the similarities to them, and the students of Canterlot High. Shrugging her shoulders, and simply saying to herself mentally that they were just the pony counterparts, she moved on.

They made their way up to the train station, boarding the train, and finding a place to sit. Finding a cozy corner near the back of the train, they let their hooves rest. When the conductor pony came by, they showed him their tickets, and he punched it. Validating their passage to their destination.

“Sunset?” Twilight tried to get her friends attention.

Sunset was staring out the window as the train began to move, not paying the slightest attention to her traveling buddy. After a couple more tries, Twilight managed to get her attention, and she turned to her. “Yes, Twilight.”

“Are you feeling okay, Sunset? I mean, about this; you seem a little nervous.”  Twilight gave a look of concern for her friend, waiting on edge for a reply.

“Yeah.... though, my stomach feels like it’s about to explode, along with my heart.” Sunset cast her head downward.

Twilight gave a frown, feeling sad for Sunset. She then scooted closer to her, giving her a hug, and a nuzzle for support. “You know, you’re very brave for doing this. If I was in your position, I’m pretty sure I’d feel the same way.”

As they departed from their embrace, Sunset replied to Twilight. “Thanks, Twilight. That means a lot to me. I know it’s not easy, but… this needs to be done. I need to put this past of mine to rest, and I need to repent what I’ve done to the one I betrayed. The one who I cared deeply for, yet still found it in myself to shove away.” Sunset looked out the window again.

Twilight didn’t quite know how to respond to that. She just simply put a wing over Sunset, and gave her a hug of sympathy and support.  Looking to the roof of the train-cabin that they currently occupied; contemplation of deep thought crossing her features.

As Sunset starred out to the land of Equestria, she found it in herself to smile. Thinking to herself. “Equestria, you’re so beautiful.” She looked towards the mountains of Canterlot, and the lofty fields that separated them from each other. “So magical, yet so simple all at the same time. I truly do miss seeing you every time I wake up in the morning."

Sunset slumped back in her seat, Twilight removing her wing from around her as she entered a new plain of concentration. A plain which only she seemed to be able to reach. Still, Sunset took little notice of this. Her reminiscing on the times she traveled across this land, flooded her mind like the dam just broke to pieces  Scattering its watery remains across the mindscape of Sunset Shimmer.

Sunset entered another wave of thought “Maybe, if things go right with my meeting with Celestia, I could visit here more often. I could never leave my friends at Canterlot High, that’s for sure, but I don’t think they’d mind much if I were to spend some weekends here from time to time. In fact, I think that’s exactly what I’ll do.” She closed her eyes, sighing in slight relief.

After a few moments with her eyes closed, she began to doze off just a bit, her fellow passenger unaware do to her current preoccupations.

Twilight, after letting go of her train of thought, looked towards her friend in hope to start up another conversation. This time, a less gloomy one. However, she was met with the light snores from Sunset, her mouth slightly open. “Even after she drank coffee this morning, she still found it in herself to find some rest! Wow, she must be really caught up in all this. Poor, Sunset.”

Twilight then let herself lean back, resting comfortably on the trains seat. “Seeing her like that, has actually made me kind of sleepy, too. I guess napping our way to Canterlot shouldn’t be that bad, right. Eh, oh well. It does seem relaxing.”

Twilight shut her eyes, leaning on her friend next to her. The look they gave off from sleeping on each other was so adorable, it could have killed a lesser pony.

*  *  *  *

The day was running it’s course; the evening sun waning on the edge of the horizon. As the train started to come to a screeching halt, Sunset began to open her weary eyes. As she opened them, she was greeted by the sight of the city of, Canterlot. A place she once called home.

Looking to her side, she saw her already awake friend grabbing their saddle bags from the train's compartments up above. “Hey, Twilight… How long was I out?” Sunset said sluggishly, wiping at her eyes.

“I’d say about three hours, maybe a little less.” Twilight levitated Sunsets traveling gear, as she made her way down the hall. “Well, we should be on our way.”

Sunset smiled, this was the day she was going to repent her sins to the one she so mercilessly abandoned. “Yeah, I’ll be there in just a sec.” Standing up on her hooves, stretching for just a moment. She made her way beside her friend, exiting the train while giving the conductor their goodbyes.

The breeze that blowed through the busy city of Canterlot only added to the goosebumps that the two mares felt. The city always seemed to bring out some child like curiosity and adventure to any who entered. For those who lived there, it never seemed to fade away. Looking around, seeing all the different shades of ponies and shops, it really brought Sunset back. It’s like her homesickness was fading bit by bit, slowing starting to disappear. Replacing itself with that same glee she had the very first time she visited the city - the very first time she was able to call herself, “The Princess's Faithful Student.”

“It’s good to be back.” Sunset said impulsively, unaware of the noise that came from her mouth.

“Yeah, I do miss this place from time to time.” Twilight took a deep breath, and turned to her friend. “I grew up here in Canterlot, in fact, my parents still live here to this day.”

Shaking her head a bit, realizing that she just spoke aloud her thoughts, Sunset turned to Twilight. “I’d like to meet them someday.”

“I’m sure you’ll like them, and vice versa. They’re definitely the best parents a mare could ask for.” Twilight sighed at the pleasant memories she had of both her parents

“I bet they are.” Sunset started. “Unfortunately, the memory train can wait. Right now, we kinda need to get to the Castle. I’m sure the princess is just eager to see me, after all, you did send a letter to her.” Sunset finished her statement half-sarcastically.

“Oh, don’t worry, Sunset. I’m sure things will turn out okay.” Twilight put her hoof on Sunset’s shoulder, reassuring her of her resolve.

“Thanks, Twilight. I needed that boost.”

After Twilight put her hoof back on the ground with the rest of her limbs, they began their trot to Canterlot Castle. Looking at the scenery along the way.

It was when they approached the front door to the castle, that the guards saluted the Princess of Friendship. Opening the door for her, and her special guest. They said their thanks, and made their way inside.

Sunset looked around the place, taking in the sight as if it was the first time she'd been there. “It’s… larger than I remember it being.”

“Yeah, kinda glad my castle isn’t this big, I still have trouble navigating it sometimes.” Twilight added, looking around the same as Sunset.

“I’d bet.” Sunset shook her head, before looking back at her friend. “Are you sure it’s okay to just, waltz on in. Isn’t she, like, busy or something? I know she used to throw day courts.”

Twilight waved her hoof passively. “There’s no need to worry about that. Day court usually ends earlier than this, and if my memory serves correctly. This time of day she usually returns to her chambers to do some paperwork.”

“If you say so.” Sunset carried on, trusting in her friends answer to her previous question.

They walked down the halls of the castle, Sunset gloomily thinking of all the worse scenarios that could come out of this meeting. She shivered from the tension that almost seemed to divide her in two, shaking her head to and fro every couple of moments. It kinda frightened Twilight a little, but she just dismissed it as nervousness

Reaching the doors to the throne room, Sunset let out the biggest sigh she had yet. “Well… here we are. The promised land, the time that I’ve been anticipating, and just maybe the death of me.”.

“Don’t say such things, Sunset. Celestia would never think the thought, she’s smarter and much wiser than that.” Twilight gave Sunset a stern look. To her relief, it had some effect.

“I suppose, still doesn’t make my heart throb any less.” Sunset channeled the magical energy in her horn. Grabbing hold of the doors before her. “Still, I can't delay this any longer.”

The doors to the throne room slowly opened, bit by bit, more of the light that shone through got through the crack Sunset was making. After what seemed like an eternity to the mare, the doors were fully opened, the guards that were on the other side parting for the guests to enter. As they entered the room, albeit at a snail's pace, due to Sunset’s uncertainty. Celestia looked down from her throne, taking notice of, Twilight.

“Twilight, what seems to be the special occasion?” Celestia asked her former faithful student, before noticing the mare that followed right next to her. “Oh.” Celestia cringed up a bit, not quite ready to have a chat with her yet. “It’s you… Sunset Shimmer.”

Sunset hid behind Twilight, just a bit, obscuring some of her figure. “H-Hello… Celestia. It’s, uh… Been a while, hasn’t it.” Sunset closed her eyes, her heart beating a million miles per second.

“Yes, quite a long while indeed.” Celestia closed her eyes, preparing herself for what she was about to do next. The solar monarch descended from her throne, making her way towards her former students. Making sure to keep a face that didn’t show her true emotions. When she was in speaking range, she told the guards. “You two, wouldn't mind if I asked you to escort us to my personal chambers. I need to have a long, and important talk with our guests her.” She turned to Sunset. “Especially you, Sunset Shimmer.”

Sunset squeaked, thinking to herself. “This isn’t going well at all, she’s going to banish me, or punish me severely. I just know it.”

Twilight taking notice of Celestia and the guards leaving the throne room, she nudged Sunset to get her attention. “Come on, we have to follow her.” Sunset just shivered in fright, her legs moving on their own command.

“So this is it. This is how Sunset Shimmer leaves existence. Maybe I shouldn't have come here, after all?” Sunset followed Celestia and the two guards, alongside Twilight. Her head cast down, just like her spirit.

It was like she was walking to her grave, The River Styx waiting eagerly to devour her soul. Casting her to the deepest pits of Tartarus, a place which Celestia probably thinks she deserves. Sunset shuddered, all the thoughts of what was gonna happen to her just wouldn’t leave her worrying mind. It was like reliving the worst Nightmares she’d ever had.

As Sunset looked up to see where they were at present, she was greeted with the front of Celestia’s chambers. The golden sun insignia - one that matched her cutie mark - emblazoned on the doors, like the representation of the holy divine.

“Well, here we are.” Sunset said quietly to herself, too quietly for anypony else to hear.

As the guards opened the doors, Celestia thanking them for their service. She turned to both Sunset and Twilight. “I hope you don’t mind, Twilight, but I would like to talk to Sunset alone. Can you go take her stuff to a guest room, please. I’ll make sure the staff keep you company while we’re busy.”

Sunset Shimmer gulped.

“It’s no problem, Celestia. I’ll make sure everything is in order.” Twilight smiled at her former teacher, and fellow princess, before making her depart.

As she left, Celestia turned to Sunset. “Come in, please. We’ve got a lot to catch up on.”

“Y-Yes, princess.” Sunset Spurted out, before making her way into the chambers.

Celestia took a seat on the floor, the cushions that lay there giving her a comfortable resting spot. She pointed to a pair of cushions parallel to her. “Come, have a seat over there. I promise, they’re quite comfy.”

Sunset nodded her head hesitantly, making her way towards the cushions. As she got there, she plopped down on them, her legs no longer being able to carry her weight.

“Would you like a cup of tea?” Asked Celestia, currently in the middle of making herself something to drink.

"N-No thank you, Princess." Sunset spurted out.

Blending the herbs around flawlessly, Celestia said. “Suit yourself.” After she finished making herself a cup of warm, herbal tea, she spoke again. “How have you been?”

This question startled Sunset, fully expecting to start this conversation with a scolding. “I’m, uh. Doing okay, I guess, but why did you ask me that question? Aren’t you gonna lay into me with anger, or talk about my punishment or something?”

Celestia took another sip of her tea. “I simply wanted to know how you were doing, I don’t want to get into any drama at the beginning of conversations. It always sours the rest of the pleasantries.”

“I-I see. Well, how have you been, princess.” Sunset asked her like she was trying to defuse a bomb. Unsure where this conversation was going to end up, sweat leaking down from her brow.  

“I’ve been better, relations with neighboring kingdoms are getting a little heated. For some reason the griffins are starting to put embargos on some of their trading allies; I’m sure I can handle the situation, but it’s probably not going to be pretty, to say the least.”

Celestia then tilted her head to the side, “So, how is your other world? I heard many stories from Twilight about her adventures over there.”

Sunset lightened up just a little bit. “Oh, it’s actually pretty great. Technology is far ahead of Equestria’s, and I have the five greatest friends you could ask for. School is a bit annoying, though.”

“That’s good to hear, friendship is what I wanted for you most, after all.” Celestia took the rest of her drink down. “I’m glad to see you finally fulfilled that gap in your life.”

“Yeah… Celestia, about when I was your student.” When she noticed that the princess didn’t stop her, she continued. “I wasn’t the greatest to you. I disobeyed your orders, I purposely used my title to get what I wanted. I even tried to push you away, so I could become better than you. Because to me, it wasn’t about learning, it was about power - it was about how much I could control, and how much I could take.”

Sunset took a deep breath. “Celestia, I’ve changed. I’ve learned from those mistakes, and I learned what truly matters in life, at least to me, that is. It is because of that, that I wanted to come to you to apologize, personally. Celestia, I’m so deeply sorry for what I’ve done.

Celestia moved closer to Sunset, wrapping a wing around her former student. This got a gasp out of her, and a light giggle from Celestia. “You’re forgiven, Sunset.”

Sunset looked up to the princess, eyes full of disbelief. “Are you kidding, after all I’ve done to hurt you, you’re just going to forgive me, just like that!”

“Yes, Sunset. You’ve seemed to have learned from your mistakes, and grown because of it. All I’ve ever wanted for you, was for you to be happy. To live a life with friends, and grow old being wiser because of it.”

Celestia signed. “When I was younger, I was much like you. Not paying attention to others, and using my inherent gifts to get want I wanted. I would walk over other ponies, thinking myself superior.” Celestia paused then continued. “When I hurt someone I cared for deeply, that’s when I learned from my mistakes, and grew because of it. Much like yourself, Sunset.”

Sunset was still stunned with disbelief, she had no idea just how much the princess had been through. It started with one tear, and then another. Soon there was a torrent of tears running down Sunset’s face like a waterfall. “Oh, Princess Celestia.”

Sunset jumped into Celestia’s embrace, soaking up her warmth like a towel designed for heat. Holding her so tightly, it started to restrict some of the princess’s breathing.

Celestia let out just a few tears of her own. “There, there Sunset. It’s okay, no need to cry so much over me. You’re just fine, and everything is over now.”

“I know, princess… It’s just - just so surreal. I thought I’d never see you again.” Sunset continued to rub herself as closely as she could to Celestia.

“So did I, Sunset. So did I.” Celestia then looked at the clock on the wall, seeing that it was late evening. Remembering what the two of them usually did during late evenings, the princess asked Sunset. “So, Sunset. How would you like a cup of hot chocolate.”

Sunset’s eyes shot open, remembering all the fond memories of savoring the confectionate drinks goodness. “I’d love that, Princess. I’d love that a lot.”

Smiling, The princess departed from their embrace, and began to make them a couple cups of hot coco. Spending the night chatting about their interests, and other things they missed while they were apart. Enjoying the time, like it was the last time they would ever see each other.

*  *  *  *

Twilight waved goodbye to her friend, as she approached the mirror portal. “Goodbye Sunset, I’m so glad that you’ve come to visit, and that you and Celestia made up.”

“Yeah, I’m glad too, Twilight. You take care of yourself, I’ll be visiting soon.” Sunset waved her last goodbye before exiting into the mirror portal.

“I’ll be waiting, Sunset. I’ll be waiting.” Twilight turned to her adopted brother, and said to him. “So, how about we reorganize the library, it’s been at least a week since the last time we’ve done that.

Spike just groaned in disagreement. “Of course that’s the first thing you'd asked, why I’m I not surprised.”

Twilight just gave him a stern glare, but then stopped to let out a short giggle. “I promise, there’ll be a reward for you hard work.”

Spike raised his eyebrow. “Oh, yeah. Like what?”

“Like maybe I’d give you some lapiz lazuli to snack on, I know how much you like those.” Twilight stuck out her tongue.

“Deal!”