After the Battle of the Bands, Sunset Shimmer goes with Twilight back to Equestria to make an apology to Princess Celestia.
After the Battle of the Bands, Sunset Shimmer goes with Twilight back to Equestria to make an apology to Princess Celestia after all these years. Not knowing that Celestia needs to make an apology herself.
Alternate universe story that takes place after Rainbow Rocks.
My second story with a little more depth, just as I said. Featuring one of my new favorite characters: Sunset Shimmer
Sunset Shimmer was lying in her sleeping bag with the other girls at Pinkie Pie’s house. After the defeat of The Dazzlings at the “Battle of the Bands”, she and the rest of The Rainbooms decided to rest up before they take Twilight Sparkle back to her own world.
All the while, Sunset thought about everything that has transpired. She was always viewed as a menace, and a bully to everyone but the five people she can actually now call as friends. The same five she’d once separated, and tried to kill, only to welcome her with open arms in her time of need. Not only that, She had used the power of friendship, to help her friends win against The Dazzlings, and turn the other students back to normal, saving the day.
After her many hard trials of trying to fit in after the Fall Formal, things were finally looking up for her. Even some students like the Crusaders were congratulating her on her singing. After all this time, she finally felt that she had redeemed herself.
But deep inside her, she felt empty, as if there was something that was keeping her from truly being free. She pondered about this for a while until she had an epiphany. One that only made tears well up in her eyes the more she thought about it.
She had to apologize to her.
---
“Sure wish you could stay longer,” Applejack said. She and the others joined Twilight and Spike as they were set to go back to Equestria. All the while, Sunset solemnly stood there, twiddling her fingers while deep in thought.
“Me too,” replied Twilight. “But I have responsibilities In Equestria that I have to get back to. But now, I can go through the portal whenever I need to. This isn’t goodbye. It’s just goodbye ’til next time.”
As Twilight was saying her goodbyes, Sunset couldn't help but think about whether or not she could be able to go through with this idea. What if she doesn't forgive her? What if she severely punishes her for what she did? Eventually, she decided that this is something she needs to do.
“Wait Twilight,” She finally said prompting everyone to stop and look at her in surprise. “Before you go back, I just wanted to thank you for everything you did.” She took a deep, nervous breath. “And I was hoping that you could do me a favor, and… let me come with you?”
A loud “WHAT”, was let out from Sunset’s friends, which only made her flinch in response, while Twilight and Spike only stood there stunned at the sudden request. After a few seconds of silence, Rainbow Dash finally spoke. “Sunset, where exactly are you going with this,” she asked suspiciously while the other four nodded wanting to know too.
Sunset only held her arm as she explained. “Last night I’ve doing a lot of thinking, about everything that I’ve been through since I came here years ago. Went from evil, power hungry she-demon, to girl who helped save the day from mind-controlling sirens. And it’s all thanks to having friends, the same thing I’ve always shunned away for power, not knowing what it would do to me.”
She took a deep breath before continuing. “I almost feel as if I’d finally turned myself around. But there’s one more thing I need to do. I have to apologize to Princess Celestia for all the things I’ve done.”
This statement surprised everyone, especially Twilight. Not only because of how sudden it was, but it was coming from Sunset Shimmer herself. She couldn't help but feel proud of her for how much she had turned around.
“Sunset,” Rarity spoke out pointing to the mirror. “You mean their Celestia right?”
Sunset nodded.
“The same Celestia you told us that you left to come here,” Pinkie Pie asked next.
She nodded again. “I just wanted to see her one more time, so I can tell her how much I’m sorry for getting my selfish ambitions in the way. And for leaving one of the few ponies that mattered the most to me.” While she said this, tears were starting to form in her eyes as she closed them in an attempt not to show it.
Sunset was then caught off guard when she felt a pair of arms wrap around her neck. She opened her eyes to see Twilight hugging her. “After everything you’ve done, you deserve to see the princess,” Twilight said which made Sunset blush and return the hug.
“Uh… Sunset,” Fluttershy called out as she tapped Sunset’s shoulder. This made her break the embrace and turn to see the others standing awkwardly, which only made Twilight and Sunset blush in sheer embarrassment. Fluttershy continued. “I don’t mean to be rude, but are we going to see you again after you talk to the princess?”
This was something Sunset forgot to take in account for. Will she be able to come back? Or will she be forced to stay in Equestria for her crimes? She gave this some thought, “I honestly don’t know, but since the portal is always open, I will at least try to come back.”
“Now don’t you worry there sugarcube,” Applejack exclaimed. “We can tell how much this means to ya, so you should take your time with this.”
Rainbow chimed in. “Yeah Sunset, you go in there, and we’ll be here waiting for ya.” The others nodded in agreement.
“Thanks guys,” Sunset said with a warm smile. “It really means a lot to me.”
After a nice group hug with their human friends, Twilight, Spike, and Sunset all went through the portal to Equestria. The rest left behind, each decided to give them a few hours, and come back later in the day, so they can hopefully see their friend again.
In the Friendship Castle, the five friends have been waiting anxiously for Twilight’s return. They've been working tirelessly to clean up, and put in all the new furniture donated by the residents of Ponyville, and the books from the Royal Canterlot Library. When that was all done, they waited in front of the portal while she was gone. Even though they knew their friend would come back, they all couldn't shake away the worried feelings of Twilight dealing with these powerful sounding Sirens.
“You guys think she’s all right in there,” Fluttershy asked.
“Now don’t you worry darling,” Rarity assured her. “Twilight has dealt with many ruffians more powerful than those Sirens.
Applejack nodded. “That’s right Rarity. Besides, if she and her friends were able to deal with that Sunset varmint back then, she can handle those monsters just as well. We just need to wait a while is all.”
Almost as if on cue, the portal flashed a bright purple, which made the friends shield their eyes. When the light died down they saw Twilight and Spike appear standing a little dazed from their return.
Everypony shouted “TWILIGHT”, as they all rushed to welcome back their friends in an open hug. Rarity herself pulled in Spike for a welcoming embrace of her own.
“It’s good to see our Princess of Friendship back in one piece,” Applejack said as she broke the hug.
“Yeah, so how’d it go Twi,” Rainbow Dash asked curiously. “How did you kick those evil Siren’s sorry flanks? We got to know.”
“Well,” Twilight replied. “Before I get to that part, I have someone… I mean somepony else I need to wait for.”
Before the others could ask what she was talking about, another bright flash emitted from the portal. When it was over they all turned to see a dazed Sunset Shimmer, back in her original pony form.
She struggled to stand up on all fours, which resulted in her falling flat on her face. Being a human for so long made her pony body feel so alien to her. Lucky for her Twilight came to assist her before she could trip a second time.
“HEY! Your that thief that stole Twilight’s crown,” Rainbow Dash yelled out, glaring at the now scared orange Unicorn.
Sunset tried to muster up some sort of defensive reply until Twilight spoke up. “Don’t worry girls, she’s alright with us.”
Rainbow took a second to look at Sunset with a analyzing glance, then looked at the others who seemed to agree with Twilight’s statement. She gave a shrug calming down, “If Twilight says shes on our side now, I guess she’s cool with me too.”
“You okay sunset,” Twilight asked before she turned to see a confused Sunset staring at the ponies before her. “Uh...Sunset?”
“Rainbow Dash, is that actually you?”
Twilight and the rest were caught off guard by the weird question. She giggled a little when she realized the problem. “Don’t worry, they’re not the same ones,” she explained.
“Well this is a rather interesting development.”
Everypony turned their heads to the source of the voice. It was none other than the white Alicorn step into the room.
“Princess Celestia,” Twilight exclaimed in surprise. “What are you doing here?”
The Princess only levitated a large book off her back and showed it to Twilight. It had a picture of her cutie mark engraved on it.
“That’s the book that had the message Sunset wrote to me about the Sirens,” Twilight said.
Celestia nodded. “Yes Twilight. The same used to write letters to my former student.” Somepony must have accidentally misplaced it on the donation cart I sent to you.” She sighed softly as she stating approaching Twilight. “I initially came here to return it back to the library, but it looks like I've stumbled upon a very welcomed surprise.”
Celestia then turn towards the orange mare, who was now sitting on her flank, lost for words She stopped in front of her then smile, “Welcome back Sunset Shimmer.”
Sunset could only gaze fearfully at the sun Alicorn as she stood right in front of her. Celestia towered her in size making her feel insignificant. Her appearance was also so sudden. Sunset never thought about what she would say to her, which resulted in her just sitting there dumbfounded.
“P...p...Princess, she finally spatted. “I...s...s…”
Celestia along with the other mares and one dragon cocked an eyebrow as Sunset continued to babble constantly like a foal. Twilight decided that she had enough, and levitated Sunset and dragged her with her as she went to another room.
“Just give us a second please,” she said before she shut the door.
---
Sunset and Twilight were both in an extra room that was more or less a guest room since it only had a little furniture. It took a moment for Sunset to snap back into reality, and wonder where she was now, until Twilight cleared it up for her.
“You’re in one of the guest rooms,” Twilight explained. “Celestia is still in the main room.”
“Oh..I see,” Sunset said as she sighed deeply. “I’m so sorry Twilight.”
“Are you that afraid of Celestia?”
Sunset nodded.
“I guess seeing her after all these years would do that to you huh?”
Sunset glared at Twilight annoyingly. “Gee, you think so?”
“Sorry,” Twilight said, her cheeks blushing like a tomato. “Look, I got an idea. You stay here and think about what you want to say to Celestia, while I go talk to her. Knowing her she’ll want to know about our little adventure in the human world.”
Sunset gave a small smile to her purple friend. “Thank you, just promise me you’ll tell her everything that happened. She deserves to know.”
“Will do,” the Alicorn said as she left and shut the door behind her.
---
Over thirty minutes had passed since Twilight left to talk to her friends and Celestia about their time in the Human world. Sunset still couldn't figure out what to say, but did manage to calm herself down. She decided to pass the time by remembering how to use her pony body. She moved around a little, walking and trotting around the extra room. She was even able to use some of the magic she managed to remember during her absence, including levitation and even teleportation. She could faintly hear everything Twilight was saying on the other side of the room. She told them the whole story not leaving out any details, and putting more emphasis on Sunset’s actions.
‘Typical Twilight,’ Sunset thought to herself.
As Twilight was talking, she could periodically hear gasps and other surprised sounds coming from the five friends, stopping her every once in a while to ask a question or two. The only pony who didn't react vocally was Celestia. It was like she wasn't there at all, or was in deep thought and was ignoring Twilight.
After a while, she heard hoofsteps coming towards her, each one sounding like a loud metal clang. She then heard a small click as the door slowly opened, revealing the royal highness.
Shutting and locking the door behind her, Celestia walked to the center of the room where she gently sat down. She then tapped the floor three times, as if she was calling Sunset over to her. Sunset slowly but surely complied then sat right next to Celestia. The next few seconds was filled with an awkward silence, until Celestia broke it, “Hello again Sunset.”
“Hi… Princess,”Sunset replied back quietly.
Silence was back for another few seconds.
“I must say,” Celestia started. “I’m quite surprised that those Sirens from so long ago were sent there of all places, and were causing trouble. And I’m even more surprised that you with the help of your friends, managed to suppress them, saving that world.”
“Yeah,” Sunset silently said with tears filling her eyes. “I’m just as surprised as you are”
Celestia put a hoof around her former student in a calming manner. “I’m happy to see that you've come such a long way. Because of your actions, I couldn't be anymore proud of you.”
Sunset felt a huge pang of guilt hit her chest like a strong punch. Even after what she had done all those years ago, Celestia is proud of her. More tears began to lazily stroll down her cheeks. “Princess,” she calmly said. “I’m so, so, sorry. I’m sorry for leaving you five years ago.
“I’m sorry for disobeying you, for letting my pathetic greediness get the better of me, for attempting to take over Equestria with that brainwashed teenage army. And I’m especially sorry for what I did to Twilight.” After she finished apologizing, she looked up to the white Alicorn with tear-filled eyes, “Can you ever forgive me?”
Celestia was surprised by this show of utter sadness, but smiled warmly at her former student. She wiped the tears off of the crying mare with her hoof, “Oh Sunset, there’s no need to apologize. In fact, I should be the one saying sorry.”
“Wait a minute,” Sunset asked still wiping away a few tears. “What do you mean you should be saying sorry?”
“Because you were not the only one who let ambitions blind them.”
Sunset was shocked when she heard this. What did she meant by this? Sunset was the one who let her desire to become a powerful ruler of Equestria get the better of her. It was her own fault, right?
“You see,” Celestia started which broke Sunset’s train of thought. “After I banished Luna when she became Nightmare Moon, I wanted nothing more than to bring my sister back. I've learned shortly afterward that since I was disconnected to the Elements of Harmony, finding somepony to take control of the Element of Magic and later on finding the wielders of the other elements was the only way I could bring her back.
“After many centuries of failed attempts of finding the perfect candidate, I slowly grew depressed, losing all hope of saving my sister in the process. That is, until I found you Sunset. If I had treated and taught you like I did to Twilight, things would have been extremely different.”
Sunset thought about this for a moment, “I guess I would've been the one with a dragon assistant, five friends from Ponyville, and the Element of Magic. Without having to steal the third part.”
Celestia nodded, “It is a possibility, but I didn't taught you like Twilight.” Celestia lowered her head in a somber motion, “I knew how much you wanted to become powerful, your arrogance, and your annoyance towards the idea of making friends. Yet I was so focus on my desire to free my sister, that I failed to help you, thinking that you would grow out of those traits eventually. It wasn't until I was too late that I saw the mistake I made.”
Sunset was astonished at the revelations Celestia was telling her. She always blamed herself for what she had done. Now it was Celestia telling her that she, of all ponies was the one to blame. She suddenly heard soft sobs coming from the Alicorn.
“It’s okay Celestia,” Sunset said comforting her former mentor. “I may have been the one who left you, but you've gained another student. One who freed Princess Luna, and would never make the same mistake I made.”
“I know Sunset. It’s just… it’s just that…” Her sobs turned into loud crying, until she broke down and fell to the floor in a sad heap. “I’m so sorry Sunset! I could’ve saved, but I failed, and I almost lost somepony I've loved with all my heart. Just like my sister.”
Sunset could only look as the Princess continued to cry. It’s the first time she have ever seen her like this, and this picture along with Celestia blaming herself for Sunset’s downfall made her world spin. She wanted it all to stop.
Picking her next words very carefully as she laid down right next to Celestia, “Please Celestia, stop crying and listen to me,” she gently said. Celestia slowly obeyed. “I know we both made a huge mistake in the past. One that will always follow us no matter what we do to try and forget about it. But just because they can’t be forgotten, does not mean they can tell us who we are.”
Celestia wiped a few stray tears, “What do you mean by this?”
“After Twilight defeated me I was greeted by Twilight’s human friends. I’ve gave them nothing but trouble, but they were willing to forgive me and forget about my past misdeeds. It’s because of them that I learned what friendship really is all about. But that’s beside the point.
“What I’m trying to say is that I’ve learned that no matter what we did in the past, we can’t let it define who we are or what we do. But if we don’t, we live a life where the past haunts us in the future.” Sunset nuzzled her head right next to the Princess, “You just need to learn to forgive yourself, just like me and Princess Luna has already forgave you.”
Celestia gave a sniff before she spoke, “You forgive me?”
Sunset nodded still nuzzling, “Of course I do. I love you, nothing will ever change it, and I'll never leave you again.”
Celestia wiped away another stray tear as she began to give Sunset a loving winghug. “Thank you my little Sunset. You are forgiven as well, and I love you too.”
They both laid there enjoying each other's loving embrace for what seemed like hours. Both had a huge burden to get off their chests. Now that it’s gone, they can both enjoy each other just like old times. On the other side of the door, a young purple Alicorn couldn't help but be happy for the now sleeping teacher and student.
“Whoa, are you serious,” shouted the surprised Sunset. “You did an actual Sonic Rainboom!?”
“You should’ve seen it,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed ecstatically. “I flew in as fast as I could to save Rarity and the Wonderbolts. Then all of a sudden, BOOM! Next thing I knew, I was blasting off at the speed of sound, then I caught them both all at the same time. It was so awesome!”
“Huh, I guess that’s where my world’s Rainbow Dash got the band name from.”
“Oh come on,” Rainbow said competitively. “You tell her to come over here, and I’ll show her what real 'Rainbooms' look like.”
“I’ll… keep that in mind.”
After her talk with Celestia, Sunset Shimmer was in the middle of Pinkie Pie’s “Beaten the Evil Bad Guys” party that she likes to throw after every adventure she and her friends go on. However this time, it was also a “New Best Friend” party, where Sunset was the guest of honor. She spent her time talking to her semi-new friends, talking about the many crazy adventures they've been on, and overall having a great time.
Twilight sat next to a table, enjoying the party as well. She smiled as bit into her slice of the cake that was, at some point, brought in by Pinkie, and watched her friends all having fun together.
“You've done a great thing Twilight Sparkle.”
Twilight turned to see Celestia sitting next to her. She was a little teary-eyed due to the talk that was only a few minutes ago, but still had a calm, happy demeanor. “Because of you, my Sunset has finally found the true power of friendship. Thank you.”
“Your welcome Princess,” Twilight started. “I’m just glad that you two finally buried the hatchet.” She looked towards the girls who were now talking about the Grand Galloping Gala. She heard a lot of laughs, no doubt it was about the total anarchy that took place back then. Then she turned back to Celestia with a frown. “I’m sorry about what happened back then. It must’ve been so painful losing her.”
Celestia gave a small smile. “It’s quite alright Twilight, it’s all in the past. What matters now is that Sunset is finally happy with those she can now call friends. Now I am at peace.”
While Celestia watched as Sunset enjoyed her friends, Twilight was thinking about the talk between Sunset and Celestia. She couldn't even imagine how tough it had been for the both of them to lose the ponies they love for selfish reasons. But to see them both forgive each other like that made her feel so much better. To her, one of the most important aspects of friendship is forgiveness. Many things can break the bonds of friendship, some can do it permanently. But if former friends are willing to show how sorry they are, and forgive each other for what they have done, a terrible fight, can be a pointless dispute. A horrible argument, can turn into a silly debate. And a huge mistake, can become a small stain in the fabric of the past. Some actions can be seen as unforgivable, but sometimes a simple apology can go a long way.
“Maybe being the Princess of Friendship won’t be so hard after all.”
---
“Can’t believe I missed out on so much since I left,” Sunset said as she drank the rest of her punch. “I mean Discord coming back was one thing, but an entire royal wedding being invaded by changelings is just unbelievable. Thanks for the stories guys.”
“It was our pleasure sugarcube,” Applejack said as the others nodded in agreement.
“I do hope that even though you’re going back to the human world, you’ll still find the time to come visit all of us,” Celestia said in a cheerful tone. “No matter what, your home is still here in Equestria.”
Sunset smiled as she levitated Celestia’s book. “Well I do have a way of contacting Twilight now. And the portal can be opened anytime now. Right Twilight?”
“Message me anytime, and we’ll arrange something,” Twilight responded with a giggle. “Hopefully this time the world won’t be in danger.”
Sunset’s smile faltered a bit as she walked up to Celestia. “There is just one more I wanted to ask you before I leave. It’s been bothering for quite a while.”
“What is it Sunset,” Celestia asked.
“The magic of Friendship was able to transformed Twilight and the others and give them those pony ears and tails, but that’s because they were all connected to the elements. So since I transformed and got those ears and tail too, am i connected to the elements now?”
Everypony in the room was caught off guard by the question she had asked, Celestia especially. It was one even she hadn’t thought about. “I’m not sure Sunset. But going by what happened, it would appear so,” Twilight said with uncertainty.
“But how is that even possible? I mean, not that I’m complaining, but I’m not even an element bearer.”
“The Elements of Harmony are very mysterious, even I don’t know the full extent of their power. Although, I think I know why you're connected,” Celestia said as she wrapped her hoof around Sunset. “Like I said, you were the perfect candidate to wield the Element of Magic. When you stepped up to help your friends in the fight with the Sirens, you must’ve tapped into it and used it to defeat them. It seems that when you finally saw the true power of Friendship, and used it in your friends time of need, the spark finally ignited. Making you connected to them. Of course it’s just a theory.”
Sunset Shimmer suddenly hugged her former mentor with a loving smile. “Theory or not, thank you for telling me this.”
Celestia returned the favor “You are welcome.”
After her final farewells, Sunset walked towards the mirror, and slowly disappeared into the portal. A moment later, Sunset was gone. Celestia gave one last nod to herself, before she left for Canterlot.
“Take good care of yourself, my little Sunset.”
---
Sunset was on the ground when she lazily opened her eyes to see where she was. She looked at her arm to see that she was a human once more.
“Need a hand sugarcube.”
Sunset looked up to see her five friends, with Applejack extending her hand to help Sunset up. She accepted the offer, carefully getting up and wiping the dust off her clothes. She took a glance back to the portal to see that the portal has been closed off. At least for now.
“Is everything alright darling,” said Rarity with a solemn look on her face.
“Yeah,” said Sunset. “Everything is fine.”
“What happened,” asked Fluttershy worriedly. “If you don’t mind me asking.”
Sunset, not wanting to focus on the details, briefly explained what happened. When she was done, each of her friends had a sympathetic look on their faces.
“Sounded like you've been through a lot,” Rainbow said.
“Yeah, it does doesn't it?”
Sunset was then caught off guard when Pinkie Pie jumped out and gave her a friendly squeeze that lifted her almost a foot in the air. “Don’t worry Sunny,” exclaimed Pinkie. “It’ doesn't matter, as long as you’re happy, we’re happy too.” She noticed Sunset was struggling to breath, so she lowered her to the ground and broke the hug along while giving a sheepish smile.
Rainbow slumped an arm around Sunset. “Pinkie’s right. And no matter what, we’ll still be your friend.”
Sunset’s cheeks glowed red as she looked up to her friends who were all giving heart-warming smiles. “Thanks guys. It really means a lot to me.”
“Anytime.” Rainbow let go then headed down the Street. “Now enough of this mushy stuff. The new ‘Daring Do and the Kingdom of the Crystal Heart’ movie is out, and we still got time to get to the movies if we hurry. So let’s go already.”
The others followed Rainbow, who was now jogging eagerly to the movies. “By the way,” Applejack said as she was walking next to Sunset. She went into her backpack and took out a book that had Sunset’s cutie mark on it.
“Ya left it in Pinkie’s room. Thought you might want to keep holdin’ on to it. Now come on let’s hurry before Rainbow start getting all riled up.”
Sunset Shimmer took a moment to look at her book, then at the portal. She then placed the book on her side. “Thank you Twilight and Celestia, I’ll see you guys later,” she said as she ran to join up with her friends.