//------------------------------// // Prologue // Story: Foreign Correspondence // by Stormie-squall //------------------------------// The day Twilight Sparkle left Canterlot High to go back to Equestria again was a sad one. Although everyone present knew that Twilight could come and go as she pleased, she was a princess and had duties first and foremost to her own world. Sunset felt like she got the tightest hug. She knew that she gave the most heartfelt one, although the winner for tightest went out to Pinkie. Twilight was still recovering from that one when Sunset wrapped her arms around her. “Promise me you’ll write?” she sniffled into Twilight’s shoulder. “I promise. And you’ll do the same?” Twilight replied, and pulled away slightly so that she could talk properly. “Yep,” said Sunset with a nod, her eyes still watery. “I haven’t used that journal that much since I was Celestia’s student.” “It’s kinda weird, isn’t it? Last time I left, you were in a crater crying. No crater this time, though.” Twilight gently wiped away a tear. “And it’s daytime this time,” said Pinkie, poking her head in between the two before slowly retracting it. “Yes, well, I didn’t turn into a demon this time,” said Sunset, feeling just a tiny bit better. “I grew ears and a tail. Just like you and your friends.” “Friendship is magic,” said Twilight with a smile, and let go of her. “Don’t I know it,” Sunset said with a grin. Twilight only smiled at her fondly before moving on to be embraced by Fluttershy. But Sunset wasn’t left standing alone for long. “Pinkie,” she managed to gasp out, “I’m not leaving.” “I know, but you looked like you could use a hug,” the pink girl replied, smiling cheerily. “Yeah,” said Sunset. “I did. I don’t know how you do it, Pinkie, it’s like you just know when someone’s unhappy.” “Well, yeah,” scoffed Pinkie. “I can always sorta feel when someone’s sad, but it’s always strongest when it’s one of my friends. Just the other day I had to run over to Fluttershy’s with a batch of cupcakes because her kittens were adopted.” Sunset smiled. She was glad to have her friends, and glad that Twilight had given them to her so freely. “Well, I guess that’s everyone,” said Twilight, standing in front of the portal. “I’ll close off this portal when I get home, both to keep it safe and because I’m gonna need that book that’s powering it. I’ll send a message via Sunset when I get some free time to visit. Bye, everyone!” A chorus of goodbyes and waving followed Twilight as she stepped into the portal. Pinkie Pie withdrew a handkerchief from somewhere on her person, handed it to Sunset, then produced another one for herself as she began to bawl loudly. Sunset’s shoulders slumped as the last of Twilight disappeared, shortly followed by the portal back home becoming concrete once again, rather than a mirror-like surface. A gentle hand landed on Sunset’s shoulder, and Fluttershy’s floral scent swirled around her. “It’s okay, Sunset,” she cooed gently. “You’ll be fine here with us. And I’m sure that Twilight will write to you tonight.” “I want to go home,” said Sunset. Luckily, only Fluttershy heard. She quietly led Sunset away from the group, ending up in a quiet corner of the school. “That’s right, you’re not from this world originally, are you?” asked Fluttershy. Sunset shook her head and angrily wiped away tears. “I was banished here a long time ago, just like those sirens,” she said. “Only it was Celestia who banished me. She was like a mother to me, you know?” “Oh, I understand perfectly,” said Fluttershy, nodding. “But why did she banish you? Was it because you were…?” She trailed off, but Sunset knew what she meant. “Yes,” she sighed. “I was… evil, I guess you could say. I still don’t know what it was, but Luna was jealous of her sister and that jealousy turned her evil. I didn’t look into it, because by the time I realised what was wrong, I’d been banished.” “Maybe it was magic,” Fluttershy suggested. “Equestrian magic is quite strange and wonderful, after all.” “I’ll have to ask Twilight,” Sunset decided. “Maybe she’ll have some answers, or maybe she even has some theories.” “I’m sure she does,” Fluttershy nodded. She thought for a moment, opened her mouth to say something, but then closed it. “I guess we should head back to our friends now. I’m sure they’re worried about where we’ve got to,” said Sunset. She wiped her eyes and made to walk away, but Fluttershy redirected her towards one of the bathrooms. “Wash your face first,” she said quietly. “I always do when I’ve been crying.” “I know,” said Sunset. “I’m sorry I was so horrible to you back then.” “It’s okay,” said Fluttershy. “I’ve already forgiven you. That’s what friends do, after all.” And, although they were just words, Sunset did feel better. *** Her book vibrated and lit up with a glow later that night when she was in her bedroom reading. Dropping her book in her excitement, Sunset grabbed the tome from her backpack and opened it to the new page. Dear Sunset Shimmer, I am writing to let you know that I got home okay. The portal is now closed (obviously, considering I’m writing in its power source right now), and Equestria is just like it was when I left. Celestia congratulated me on vanquishing the sirens, and she seemed especially proud when I mentioned your part in it. She also mentioned something else. Now, I know that it’s late (I have a clock showing the time of your world in my study) but I’m just too excited to wait! Celestia suggested that you become my student, just like we were Celestia’s students back when we were fillies! How exciting is that?! Wow, I’m using exclamation points like an excited schoolfilly! Anyway, write back when you can! I hope I didn’t wake you. Your (hopefully potential teacher) friend, Princess Twilight. Sunset giggled when she read of Twilight’s excitement, but then the full message sunk in. She looked up and thought about it, chewing on her lower lip. Was she ready to be a student again? Would Twilight be a good teacher? Would Celestia forgive her for replacing her? Although, she had replaced her in the first place… That last thought, and the flare of unwelcome anger that it brought, decided it for Sunset. She picked up a pen and opened the book to a clean page. Dear Princess Twilight, Yes, I would love to be your student. You can teach me about friendship and fill me in on the happenings in Equestria while I tell you about what’s been happening here. I’m looking forward to sharing my lessons and experiences with you. Your faithful student, Sunset Shimmer. She gave a little squeal of delight, then lay back on her bed with the book clutched to her chest. Sleep probably wouldn’t come easy, but at least it was for a good reason.