> Sunset's Reprieve > by Cheerilyra > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Going Home > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1: Going Home Canterlot High’s Battle of the Bands was a huge success. Not only did the school raise a lot of money for future school activities, but the Dazzlings were defeated by Twilight and her friends with the help of Sunset Shimmer. The students were released from the spell that the Dazzlings put upon them, and the three of them were expelled from Canterlot high. Twilight stayed in this parallel world for the next couple of days in order to spend time with her friends and make sure everything returned to normal at the school. Tonight was the last night that she would be staying in this world; she would be going back to Equestria tomorrow. The seven of them were staying over at Rarity’s place for one last celebration before twilight went home. “Thank you for letting us all spend the night Rarity. I will miss all of you girls once I am gone.” Twilight said smiling, thinking how nice they have been to her this past week. “Not at all darling, you helped get rid of the Dazzlings from the school, it’s the least I could do.” Rarity exclaimed as the other 6 nodded in agreement. The seven of them ordered pizza for the night, as they wanted to cherish the moments they had left with their friend. “It was because of Sunset Shimmer that we were able to defeat them, I only helped.” Twilight said. All of them began to smile at Sunset, and she began to blush. “Oh you guys it was nothing, I just couldn’t stand there and watch you get hurt. I was just tired of everyone thinking I was still evil, so I decided to prove I was not by helping,” Sunset stammered as she took another slice of pizza. The seven of them had fun all night, playing games like truth or dare and telling stories about both of their worlds. Sunset didn’t say much while they were telling stories and only laughed when the others laughed in order to seem like she was having fun. I don’t have any stories; all of my good ones are from when I was back in Equestria. The only stories I have here are ones where I hurt people. She thought to herself, a couple of tears flowing out of her eyes. The group slowly began to die down as people were going to sleep after a long day of partying. “Well I think I’m going to hit the hay, see you tomorrow you two,” Applejack yawned as she left the room. Now it was only Twilight and Sunset left in the room, and the two sat awkwardly staring at each other. “Twilight… I-I have a question for you, a-and I really want you to think about it before you give me an answer.” Sunset stammered, preparing herself to ask one of the most difficult questions she had ever asked. “What is it Sunset? Are you okay, did you get hurt during the battle, did the pizza make you feel sick, did Pinkie hug you too hard!?” Twilight exclaimed, nervous about the possibility that her new friend was injured. “Nonono, it’s nothing like that,” Sunset chuckled nervously, but quickly replaced that chuckle with a serious face. “While we were telling stories, I realized that my only good stories are those from Equestria, and everyone besides our friends hate me here. I was wondering… now that I am not a raging she-demon and I partially understand what it means to be a friend… c-can I go home with you to Equestria?” Sunset stuttered, bursting into tears after asking the question. Twilight rushed to comfort her friend, hugging her she pondered the question she was asked. “I cannot make that call, Celestia was the one who banished you here, and only she can allow you back. I can however go back and try and convince her to let you back. If she agrees, I can contact you through your journal and tell you if you can come back.” Twilight said carefully, trying not to hurt her friend’s feelings. “Really…? You would do that for me, after all I have done in this world?” Sunset sobbed onto twilight’s shoulder. “Of course, I consider you a friend now and friends help each other and don’t leave them behind,” Twilight said, releasing her hug on Sunset and smiling at her. “Thank you Twilight, you don’t know how much this means to me, I won’t let you down. We should both get some sleep, big day tomorrow.” Sunset replied, wiping the tears from her face. The two got into their sleeping bags and drifted off to sleep, both worrying what events would unfold the next day. --Next Day— The next morning was a busy one, Twilight wanted to get back to Equestria before noon in order to talk to Celestia about Sunset. After a quick breakfast made by Applejack and Pinkie Pie, and a quick shower they were all out the door and headed to the school. The seven friends spent the last couple hours playing soccer and eating a cake that Pinkie baked for all of them. The seven gathered around the portal, hugging Twilight one last time before she left. “Hopefully this isn’t the last time I see you guys, and Sunset I will talk to the Princess as soon as I get back but it may take a while to get to Canterlot.” Twilight mentioned while walking towards the portal. Everyone began to cry as their friend left their world, not knowing how long it would be before they saw her again. -Back in Equestria- Twilight stumbled out of the portal, and was surprised to see all of her friends waiting there to meet her. “Twilight, you got back here quickly, was there no problem in the other world?” Rarity questioned, a puzzled look upon her face seeing her friend standing there.” “What do you mean, I was gone for a week. It took a lot longer than I expected to resolve the conflict over in the other world.” Twilight replied trying to figure out what happened. “You were gone for only a couple of minutes; we were just about to leave.” Fluttershy said quietly, smiling at her friend because she was back. Twilight examined the mirror, the machine surrounding it, and her notes that she took in making the device. “It must be because this is a weaker link to the other world, time must run slower here than in the other world. Well I’m still glad to be back either way, but I have to get to Canterlot at once. But first Spike, take a letter to the Princess.” Twilight said confidently. Dear Princess Celestia, I request a meeting with you today in order to talk about my encounter in the parallel universe and also to talk about some issue that needs to be resolved. I hope that you have time to meet with me; the issue is of upmost importance. Hope you are having a nice day. Your Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle Spike breathed his fire and the letter was sent out the window. Twilight’s five friends gathered around her, confused about what just happened. “Darling I don’t understand, what is so dire that you need to talk to the Princess today?” Rarity asked. Spike breathed out a letter back from the Princess, informing Twilight that she was free to discuss such matters. “No time to explain, I will tell you all on the train. That is, if you are coming with me.” Twilight said. Twilight began trotting out the door, and the others began to follow. They got to the train station and boarded the next train to Canterlot. Once aboard the train, Twilight explained the situation with Sunset Shimmer and her experience in the other world. “Wow! I can’t believe that all happened, but I’m glad to see that you beat the Dazzlings in the end! Do you really think the Princess will allow Sunset Shimmer back after all the problems she caused for Celestia?” Applejack exclaimed. Twilight noticed that all of her friends were in awe after hearing the adventurous story she had just told. “I believe she will, since Sunset was only banished because of the hatred in her heart. Now that her hatred is gone and has been replaced with a simple understanding of friendship, I should be able to convince the Princess that she has changed and to let her back into Equestria.” She replied confidently. The train arrived at Canterlot and the seven made their way up to the castle, it was only a short while until they arrived at the guard checkpoint in front of the castle. Twilight told the guards their purpose for being here and to let them through. The guards began to use their magic to search the seven, and the group yelled out in protest. “Hey! What’s the meaning with these searches, I gave you the reason why we are here and you have confirmed our identification. There is no need to search us, it feels wrong when you scan us like we are being violated in a way!” Twilight exclaimed as the scanning spell swept over her. “You get off of my sister and her friends, they had no reason to be searched.” The pony who said that came into view, it was Shining Armor and he did not like what he saw. “Sorry Cap, but we’ve got strict orders from the Princess to search anyone who is trying to get into the castle, this does not exclude your sister and her friends.” A guard grunted. “Well you’re done now, they are all clean so let them pass,” he replied, scowling at the officer that was talking to him. The group passed through the check point and began walking up the stairs to the castle. “Shining what are you doing in Canterlot and why are the guards searching everyone who goes into the castle?” Twilight questioned. The group stopped and Shining turned around. “There has been a serious threat made towards Princess Celestia, and anyone that is going into the castle is being searched for the Princess’s safety. I have been called back here from the Crystal Empire in order to protect her whenever she leaves the castle. Why are you here to see the Princess?” He replied. “We are here in order to have a meeting with the Princess about the experiences I had while in the parallel world.” She replied and began to tell her brother about the experiences she had. “I am also here to talk to Celestia about allowing Sunset Shimmer to return to Equestria,” Twilight responded, noticing the shocked expression that her brother made. “Why the HELL would you ever want that bastard to come back to Equestria, do you know how much pain she caused the Princess before and after she was banished? Celestia was in her room for DAYS, crying that she had to banish her student. Luna had to take up all her sisters work, Equestria was without a proper ruler, and no political issues got resolved during that time. If she were to come back to Equestria we have NO idea how Celestia would react.” Shining raged. “She’s changed Shining, she is not evil anymore and is actually my friend in the other world. She has the right to argue her case and come back to Equestria!” She argued. The two continued to bicker as the group made their way up to the throne room where the meeting would take place. As they entered the throne room Twilight saw the Princess signing important legal documents. She walked towards her mentor, wanting to embrace her like she would her mother. However, the guards rushed in front of the Princess, impeding Twilight’s process. The Princess looked up to see her student trying to get through the guards. “Guards, I don’t believe there is a reason to protect me from my student, I believe she is not trying to take my life through a hug,” Celestia chuckled as the guards let Twilight through. She embraced her student; she thinks of how long it was since her last visit. She had missed Twilight; Twilight had always treated her like a normal pony and a friend, instead of royalty. “Twilight, my faithful student, how was your trip to the other world?” Twilight began to tell her story to the Princess, describing her journey in great detail. Twilight noticed that whenever she mentioned Sunset’s name the Princess would wince like she was in great pain or remembering a horrible memory. Twilight finished her story and the Princess gave a weak smile. “Well it seems like you had a good time, I’m proud of you for saving the other world,” the Princess replied. “Princess, I do have another have another thing to talk to you about if you don’t mind. It’s about Sunset Shimmer; she wants to make a request to you,” Twilight said, keeping in mind that her past student was a sensitive subject to her. The look on Celestia’s face grew grim, a tear dripped onto the ground as she said, “Guards and Twilight’s friends, please leave me and Twilight alone for a while, we have a lot to discuss.” “But Princess, we have orders to protect you from both you and your sister, we cannot leave your sight at…” A guard started saying before interrupted by the Princess. “You can guard me from outside of the room, but until I say it’s okay to come back in, do not disturb me,” The Princess replied venomously. Everyone in the room began to leave until it was only Twilight and Celestia. “Twilight tell me, what do you know about Sunset Shimmer besides your experiences with her in the other world?” Celestia questioned. “Well from what you told me before I first entered the portal and from what Shining Armor told me, she used to be your student and for some reason turned evil because she wasn’t happy at the pace she was gaining new skills and was not told about certain things,” Twilight replied carefully, making sure not to upset Celestia. “While all of that is true, there are some things that I have told nopony besides my sister about my ex-student. Sunset Shimmer was an amazing student, she was an amazing a learner and an extraordinary user of magic just like you. However, at the time I was teaching her, I didn’t realize that she needed more of a social life; she spent all of her time learning and no time making friends. Eventually she wanted to learn about restricted magic, and when I told her that she wasn’t prepared to study it she became erratic. She would never talk to me, and when we did talk, she would yell at me and my sister about how we mistreated her. Eventually we found out that she broke into a restricted part of the library and began learning dark magic. I eventually had no choice but to banish her; it was one of the saddest moments in my life. So you see why I can’t let her back, I don’t know if I can handle banishing her again if she makes the same mistakes.” Celestia sobbed. Twilight embraced her mentor until her sobbing subsided; she waited for her mentor to compose herself. “I understand that she has hurt you in the past, but she has changed Princess. She helped save the parallel world; she has become friends with the alternate versions of my friends here, and she has been a lot nicer to the people in that world. I think under the right guidance she should be able to come back to Equestria.” Twilight exclaimed, trying to argue for Sunset’s case. “If this is true what you’re telling me Twilight I have no problem allowing Sunset to come back to Equestria. However, I do not believe that I am the one to guide her, I would get too emotional while being with her that long. If she were to come back she would have to have someone else guide her.” Celestia replied. “What if I was the one to guide her, I could teach her the true meaning of friendship just like you taught me?” Twilight questioned, hoping that the Princess would agree to her plan. “If you are really serious about taking up this mentorship I will allow Sunset to return, however I want to observe her for a few days before I let you take her. I want to make sure what you are saying about her is legitimate. I hope she is really reformed, I would love to be able to be friends with her once again.” Celestia replied, giving a reassuring smile to her student as they both began to proceed out of the throne room. “I will have the portal transported up to the castle; you and your friends are allowed to stay in the castle while I complete my survey on Sunset Shimmer.” The seven went to Donut Joes donut shop to eat and wait for the mirror to be moved to the castle. After three hours of waiting, the group received a letter stating that the mirror had arrived, so the group rushed back to the castle. The mirror was placed into the same location when Twilight first went through it. Twilight then wrote into Sunset’s journal saying she could come through the portal; the machine around the portal was then activated. The group began to wait for Sunset to come through the portal; it had been about thirty minutes until Pinkie Pie spoke. “Come on! How long is it going to take for her to get here, I’m soooooooo bored.” The group ignored Pinkie’s comment and continued to wait. Suddenly Sunset Shimmer stumbled through the portal and fell to the ground, not used to walking on four legs. After being helped up by Twilight, Sunset began to stare at each member of the group. I have not seen a pony from Equestia in many years; I have missed this world, Sunset thought. “Twilight… thank you so much for talking to Celestia about letting me back,” Sunset exclaimed as she hugged Twilight. The two separated as Sunset noticed Celestia stepped forward. “No problem Sunset, as I mentioned to you before it was mainly the Princess’s decision to let you back. I only recounted the experiences you have had and how you have changed since you were banished.” The two turned to Celestia to see what she had to say in the matter. “Sunset Shimmer, from now on you are welcomed back into Equestria. However, if I notice that you have not changed in your behavior since I last saw you or you break any Equestrian law while I am observing you, you will go back through the mirror and never return. I will be watching your behavior for the next week, do you understand? I hope for your sake that what my student has been telling me is the truth.” Celestia said, glaring at her ex-student and remembering all the painful memories. Sunset walked up to her past teacher and began to sob as she hugged her. “I am so sorry! I feel horrible for the awful things I have said to you and your sister,” she stuttered, hoping that the Princess would forgive her for her past actions. Celestia stood there; she did not return the embrace that her past student was giving her. “Please get off of me; I haven’t forgiven you for what you have done to my sister and I. If it were not for Twilight persuading me to give you a chance, you wouldn’t even be here. I don’t think we will ever be friends after what you have done, but I am willing to give you a chance to prove yourself to me.” She responded harshly, choosing not to return eye contact with Sunset. Sunset released her embrace from her past mentor and continued to sob. Twilight ran up to comfort her friend. Twilight understood why Celestia was being harsh towards Sunset, but she still felt sorry for her friend. “All of you will stay in the castle for the next week while I make my observations; all of you are allowed to travel around Canterlot only. You will also be able to view the Summer Sun Celebration from the special guest’s area at the end of this week. Please try not to get into too much trouble all of you, once the week end I will make my decision on whether Sunset Shimmer can stay in Equestria.” Celestia replied, looking at Pinkie Pie when saying the last statement. The girls walked to the guest rooms and began to split off into groups, as there were only four guest rooms in the castle. Fluttershy went with Rainbow Dash, and Rarity went with Applejack. “Well I guess I will go with Sunset then, because I have known her the longest.” Twilight commented. The three went into their respected rooms and prepared to sleep. Twilight and Sunset got into their bed and laid there for the longest while until Sunset broke the silence. “Twilight, thank you for all that you have done for me today, I will never forget what happened here today. If there is anything you ever need, I will try my best to help you.” Sunset said, embracing her friend and remembering all of the nice gestures she did for her. Twilight blushed as she returned the hug and replied “No problem, you would have done the same for me if the scenario was switched.” Two began to drift off to sleep, both thinking that they had feelings for each other. > Observations > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 2: Judgment Sunset was woken abruptly as she was kicked out of bed; she stumbled as she tried to get up from the floor. “Hey what was that for!” Sunset yelled, massaging her flank. Twilight yawned, rubbing her bloodshot eyes, the alicorn look as if she did not receive much sleep that night. “Sorry, I was having the worst nightmare.” Twilight grumbled as she got out of bed and began heading towards the bathroom. “You want to talk about it; maybe I could help in some way?” Sunset questioned, worried about her friend. “Maybe later, all I want now is a nice warm shower and a nice breakfast; I really hope they have some daisy sandwiches.” Twilight replied, her mouthwatering from the thought of all the delicious foods she would have while at the castle. She missed the times she had while studying at the castle, the endless variety of food and the library’s expansive collection of books were mesmerizing. “I will see if I can get some food to be brought up here, I would like to talk to you about what I have missed during my exile.” Sunset giggled, seeing twilight’s dazed expression while thinking about food. Sunset waited till twilight closed the door to the bathroom before exiting the room. She had realized that she had not been in the castle for a long time; she had no idea where to find the kitchens. Sunset began to wander; finding many interesting places along the way, some she did not even know existed. After observing the gardens, the library, and the royal baths she found what she assumed to be Luna’s room. She peered in, examining the layout of the room and its contents. Books lined the shelves, many about stars and other celestial objects, stellar charts, and to her surprise a projector that displayed stars along the walls and roof of the room. Sunset closed the door and turned to walk away, walking straight into Princess Luna. “Snooping I see, looks like you haven’t changed at all Sunset. It is a shame that I will need to report this to Celestia, I really hoped you had changed.” Luna said, shaking her head disapprovingly. “No please, do not tell Celestia, I was just trying to find the kitchens I swear” Sunset pleaded, continuing to beg for Luna not to mention what had happened. Luna burst into laughter, falling to the ground in a fit of giggles. Sunset stared at the princess in shock, wondering what had just happened. After Luna’s laughter subsided, she gained her composure to talk to sunset. “I know you were just wondering, and personally I wouldn’t care if you looked into my room. The castle is free for you to use, as long as you don’t go into any of the restricted parts of the castle. I was just trying to see how you would react, and let me tell you it was hilarious. Let me take you to the kitchens, we can talk on the way.” Luna said smiling. The two set off to the kitchens, Luna began to ramble about the night she had just had, talking about boring paperwork and the dreams she had witnessed. “Twilight told me that she had a nightmare last night, can you tell me what it was about?” Sunset questioned, hoping to get some insight in order to help her friend. “I do not talk about specific ponies dreams; I keep the names confidential in order to protect the ponies that have them from unwanted conversations. All I can say about Twilight’s nightmare is that she cares a lot about the people close to her, especially you for some reason. Anything else about the dream twilight has to tell you herself.” Luna replied, hoping that Sunset would understand the privacy of other ponies. The two had reached the kitchens, and Sunset began to find some foods that she thought both Twilight and she would enjoy. After getting a platter of daisy sandwiches, flapjacks, hay fries, and a pitcher of orange juice she rejoined Luna outside of the kitchen doors. “Well I think it’s time for me to get some sleep, have a good day Sunset.” Luna said and began to walk back to her quarters. “Wait! Can I ask you one more question? Why are you being so friendly to me after what I did to you and your sister in the past?” Sunset asked, pondering the kindness she had been shown by the princess. “I do not hold grudges as bad as my sister does, if twilight believes that you are reformed then so do I. I was just like you once, when I was reformed many other still were scared or did not trust me. I do not want you to experience the same troubles that I had experienced.” Luna replied and started off towards her quarters. Once back at her room, Sunset set up the breakfast to eat out on the balcony and went to get her shower. Once finished she came out of the bathroom to see twilight sitting out on the balcony ready to eat. The two began to shovel in the food spread out for them, realizing how hungry the two were since they had not eaten since yesterday’s lunch on earth. “So what are your plans today?” Sunset asked, hoping she could tag along on at least one of twilight’s activities. “Well this morning I am planning on helping Celestia with some royal duties so she can observe you. Then in the afternoon me and the girls are planning are going out for dinner and a drink or two. You can come if you like after you’re done with the princess.” Twilight replied, hoping that she would agree to tag along with her friends and her. “That sounds great! I cannot wait to hang out with you girls some more. I wonder what Celestia is going to make me do?” The two continued to eat, enjoying the company of one another. The two heard a knock and turned to watch as Princess Celestia walked into the room. “I see you two found the benefits of the fully stocked kitchen, glad to see you two are enjoying yourselves.” Celestia said, smiling at the two ponies. “Celestia, how are you? Would you care to join and eat with us?” Twilight exclaimed, happy to see her mentor. “No thanks Twilight, I already ate and I am doing just fine. I just came here to tell Sunset to meet me in the gardens in about an hour, we have a lot to do and discuss. Twilight you will be taking care of any of the civil disputes that are on the docket today.” Celestia responded. “Ok, that sounds good!” The two said in unison as Celestia began to walk out of the room. The two continued to enjoy the company of each other, watching the bustling streets of Canterlot, all the types of ponies doing their daily shopping. It was a beautiful day, the sun was out and only a couple of clouds filled the sky. “Well I’m stuffed, thank you for setting up this wonderful meal sunset, I hope we can do this again sometime.” Twilight said, smiling at her friend for the nice gesture that she had performed. “I would like that as well; I guess we should get started with our tasks. I hope that Celestia warms up to me today, she was really harsh yesterday and I don’t think I can take another outburst again.” Sunset replied, nervous about the events that may take place today. “Yeah she was kind of harsh on you, she is usually more compassionate. Don’t worry; she will become nicer towards you once she sees how much you have changed.” Twilight responded, trying to comfort her friend and give her support on what may lie ahead of her. The two walked out of the room, hugged, and went off in their separate directions. Sunset found the garden with ease with the knowledge of this morning’s trip. She saw the princess standing next to a large tree and walked over to her. “Good morning princess, I hope you had a good morning so far.” Sunset said, trying to start a conversation that would not cause the princess to get angry with her. “My day has been great so far, it’s relaxing to know that I will be able to relax for the day knowing that Twilight is taking care of my duties for today. Today I thought we would go shopping, you don’t have any clothes or other supplies. Then I thought we could get some dinner and maybe a trip to the spa if you want.” Celestia said, hoping that her ex-student would agree with the events she had planned today. Sunset was shocked to hear the princess say this, she thought that Celestia would just observe her everyday life, not being nice to her and spending quality time with her. “That sounds great! Twilight and the girls are going out tonight for dinner and a drink or two, maybe we can join them? What should we do first?” “Well since you will be attending the summer sun celebration soirée after the raising of the sun, you are going to need to have some formal clothes; I think Rarity would gladly make you something.” The two set off to Rarity’s room, hoping to find the fashionista there. They were in luck; Rarity had just finished getting her shower. “Hello Rarity, are you busy?” Celestia asked. “Not at all princess, please do come in. What do you require or want to talk about?” Rarity replied. “Well as you know, there will be a party of sorts after the raising of the sun. I know that all of the rest of you girls have dresses for the event, however sunset is lacking in the wardrobe department. Is there any way you can create one of your masterpieces for her before the party?” Celestia asked. Rarity looked at sunset, pondering the fact if she deserved a dress from her. After all of the pain she had caused to the princesses. “I guess I can squeeze one dress into my busy schedule, she will have to pay for the materials though. I will forgo the charges for the time it would take me to make the dress.” Rarity sighed, she was not sure if sunset even deserved that much off one of her dresses, but she was a friend of twilight’s so she at least deserves something. “Thank you Rarity, hopefully I still have some bits in the bank after being gone for this long. If I do I will make sure to pay you at dinner tonight. Do you need to take my measurements before we leave?” “Of course darling, let me see if I can go find measuring tape in the closet. After that I will take a trip down to Canterlot and get the supplies I will need to make the outfit.” Rarity replied, walking into the back room, leaving the princess and Sunset alone to talk. “So what has happened since I was gone?” Sunset asked. “Oh you know, Discord trying to take over Equestria, the changlings invading Canterlot, and Tirek trying to steal every pony’s power.” Celestia said nonchalantly. “So pretty much what happens every decade.” Sunset replied. The two laughed, Equestria always has some random threat occurring. Rarity came back into the room and began taking Sunset’s measurements. Once finished the three said their goodbyes and then the two began walking to the bank. Apparently being exiled for 10 years make your money accumulate a fair amount of interest. Afterward the two made their way to the spa, Celestia and Sunset talked more about what had happened in the past and gossiped. “Can you tell me more about twilight, what are her hobbies, what was it like mentoring her, does she like anyone special?” Sunset questioned, slightly regretting the last part of her question. Celestia maniacally giggled, leaning close to sunset. “Oh why does it matter if she likes anyone, you interested? I’ll be sure to tell her about it” “What! No no no, I just meant what friends she had besides the friends I have already met.” Sunset stammered, blushing at the response of the princess. “Oh ok, well besides the ones you have already met I don’t really know many other friends that twilight spends time with. I haven’t had much of a chance to spend quality time with twilight, something that I should change. Also last time I checked twilight wasn’t dating anyone.” They finished out there spa time in awkward silence, sometime exchanging in small talk to pass the time. It was about five in the afternoon when they left the spa, so they went to the restaurant that Twilight told them to meet.