//------------------------------// // Chapter 18 // Story: Memory Lost and Found // by BoredAuthor817 //------------------------------// Sunset laid sprawled out upon the floor. She had tried the bed and her study pillow pile, but the cold crystalline castle floor was what she found to be most comfortable. Princess Celestia sat on some pillows not far from her former student, contently sipping away at a cup of tea. An amused smile sat upon her lips as she listened to Sunset lament her recent plight. “Sounds like you've had quite the day.” Sunset let out a groan. “I have officially sworn off apples.” Celestia took a sip. “Of course you have.” “I'm serious!” “Of course you are.” Another sip. “Just like how you were serious about never eating eggs.” Sunset painfully raised a hoof in opposition. “That was different. I had no idea what they were!” “Indeed,” the solar princess chuckled, remembering their little biology lesson so long ago, “you thought they were the excrement of birds.” “Well, what else comes out that end?” Celestia had to set her cup down to prevent from spilling on herself from laughter. “So, aside from learning the value of a bushel of apples, what else have you learned?” “How to make a bathroom pristine.” “A valuable skill, but I was referring more to the realm of friendship.” “Not a whole lot, so far. I've started on the reading list Princess Twilight gave me. In all, we seem to be focusing more on the study of teamwork.” Celestia nodded. “I know that's a difficult subject for you.” Inwardly, she sighed, 'It was for Twilight, as well.' She picked up her cup again and resumed with her tea. A gentle silence filled over the room. For the moment, both mentor and student were content just to be each others' company. "I've missed you" Sunset said, gently hugging her stuffed creatures. "I was happy when my trunk arrived. I got the letter you put in it. I read it every night. Why have you not written more?" "I'm sorry, Sunset. I've been very busy." "I know" Sunset said sadly, "You're always busy." Celestia set her cup aside. "Well, I'm not busy now." Sunset let out a smile. Still, a singular thought hung on her mind. She hugged her stuffed phoenix and griffin tighter, pondering how to present her query. “Princess Celestia?” “Yes, Sunset Shimmer?” “When can I come home?” Celestia was thankful she was out of Sunset's line of vision. That way, the little pony couldn't see the pain in her eyes. “It's not that I don't like it here, per se” Sunset continued with a sigh, “Twilight and Starlight, despite their shortfalls, have been good to me. It's just...” “You miss home” Celestia finished softly. Sunset responded in a sad nod. “I don't know why. I've never felt this way before.” She released a slight snort. “Usually, you have to issue a royal decree for me to come home.” “Quite so” she sipped her tea amusedly, “I have several drafted and on hoof for just the occasion. Though, I am sensing you're experiencing a little more than a bout of homesickness.” Sunset let out a long sigh. She turned to look out the open doors to the balcony and the land lit by the moon beyond it. She hadn't seen the moon but only once since she'd been here. It didn't pass by her window. “I just can't put my hoof on it...” Once again the room fell silent. "Princess Celestia?" "Yes?" Once again, Sunset squeezed her stuffed creatures. "Is there something I should know?" Princess Celestia pursed her lips, trying to decide best how to explain things to her student. Her thoughts were cut short by a sharp knock on the door. The two looked at each other in wonder as to who it may be. “Come in.” Sunset called out. The bedroom door opened slightly to admit Princess Twilight and, with her, a small box. “Sorry to interrupt,” she said, “but I wanted to give these to Sunset before I forgot.” She placed the box next to Sunset, who peered into it with great curiosity. Opening it up, she found some candies, a small folding knife, notebooks and pencils, as well as a sketchbook and art pencils. Sunset recognized some of the items as the ones she had pulled from her pockets while she was in that strange world. But, she could have sworn there was more. Grateful for what she had received, she sought not to press it. However, she was missing one very important, valuable possession. “Where's my journal?” “Well, um...” Twilight looked to Celestia for guidance “I've instructed Twilight not to give you your journal.” Sunset looked betrayed. “What? Why? I've always had my journal!” “Since Princess Celestia has put me as your teacher” Twilight explained, casting a scowl at Celestia when Sunset wasn't looking, “We saw no need for you to have your journal.” “You did this?” The elder alicorn's head dropped in genuine shame. “I'm sorry, Sunset. It's only momentary and, in the meantime, it's in a safe place.” She shied away from Twilight's disapproving glares. As much as Sunset hated the notion of being without her journal, she relented. After all, if Princess Celestia insisted it was for the best of her education, she could accept it—for the time being. She sat solemnly inspecting the items of the box, unaware of the silent shouting going on above her. With one last frown towards Celestia behind Sunset's back, Twilight left the room, and the mentor and student in peace. Once again, silence reigned in the small room. As the hour grew later, Sunset turned to Celestia. “Will you be spending the night?” “I was planning on it.” “Were you planning on spending it with me?” “If you want me to.” Sunset solemnly nodded. “I'd like that.” She pulled together a pile of pillows and blankets in her magic and set them down on the floor next to her. She basked in her mentor's approval as she settled down in the makeshift bed. Sunset shuffled slightly, pressing her smaller body into that of the elder pony. "Sunset Shimmer?" "Yes, Princess Celestia?" The princess took in a deep breath. "You know I love you, right?" Sunset thought the question strange, but nodded. "And you know that everything I do for you is because of that love, right?" Again, a nod. "And that I only want to do what is best for you?" Another nod. "Are you going somewhere with this, princess?" Celestia let out a long breath. She wrapped a leg around her student, pulling her into a hug. Sunset responded by pressing herself closer into her mentor's heart. "I just wanted you to know" Celestia said, nuzzling the top of Sunset's head, "that, no matter what, I love you. And everything I have done is because I only wanted to do what was best for you." "Princess Celestia, you're scaring me!" "Don't be" She gently kissed Sunset, "My little pony, you have nothing to be afraid of." The two laid together, enjoying each other's closeness. As the cool night breeze wafted in, Sunset found a source of warmth in the solar princess. Still, she felt unsettled within. The latest interaction with Princess Twilight, and, now, these strange questions from her mentor stirred it further, causing her to squirm slightly. “Princess?” “Yes?” “Why can't I have my journal? I don't like being without it.” “Why is that?” “I enjoy writing in it. I like telling you about my day.” “Well,” Celestia smiled and gently nuzzled her student, “you don't need your journal right now, as I am here.” Her face lit up as a thought entered her mind, “Why don't you do it now? I'd like to hear to tell about it.” “Um...” Sunset's hooves tapped together, “where should I start?” “How about when when you got up?” “Really?” Sunset frowned. Not a particular part of the day she wanted to recall. “Well, for starters, I was up long before you were. Not my idea, mind you. Princess Twilight has no sense of time. As smart as she may supposedly be, 'early' is clearly not a word she understands. The moon was still shining when I was roused from my warm bed. “The walk to the Apples' farm in the early hours was quite nice. So, I guess it wasn't all that bad. But don't you dare tell Princess Twilight that. As far as she knows, I was miserable. “But, when we got there, it as straight to work. Once Twilight handed me into their clutches, I was whisked away to the barn. “The chickens were first. Don't be fooled by those little balls of feathers. Those things are little devils! And guard their nests with poised talons. Personally, I'd rather fight a roc than a chicken! Well, at least I could blast a roc without having somepony yell at me. “The cow was next.” she let out a shiver, “I feel dirty just thinking about it. Celestia only knows how the cow felt.” She paused briefly, realizing the context she had used her teacher's name. “Oh... uh...” “It's okay.” Celestia chuckled, “I'm well-aware of how my name has come to be used. Though, can't say I wholly approve. But, I can understand how it has come about. Go on, continue.” “Well, nothing much else to say about that. Only that my hooves felt that they needed a thorough washing once I was done. “Is it wrong to say that I felt like I was violating a cow?” With Celestia silent on the subject, Sunset continued. “Anyway, last before breakfast were the pigs. The euphemisms are right in every sense. I now have a new respect for waiters and servers. With that in mind, I don't think I could ever eat in a restaurant the same way again.” “Well,” the teacher nodded, approvingly, “that certainly is something positive to take away.” “Perhaps... At any rate, after breakfast, I was completely abandoned to the whims of the family and it was straight to the fields. I was first set to help Big Mac plow and sow the field. He plowed and I followed behind spreading the seed. “Of course, being the most helpful pony that I am, I suggested using a spell to do the whole process in one fell swoop. That, however, was quickly shut down. Apparently, these ponies aren't all that interested in efficiency. Well, I suppose some ponies are more brawn than brain—” “Sunset!” “What?” Sunset frowned, “It's a fact. Earth ponies are, physically, the strongest of the tribes. And they're proud of it, too!” Celestia let out a relenting sigh. “Okay, I'll give you that. Just... mind your phrasing.” Sunset rolled her eyes. “At any rate, they seemed more interested in torturing themselves and getting less things done than using magic and getting more things done. Whatever... “The field took up half the afternoon. With that done, everyone met up in the orchard. This part I actually enjoyed. Who knew beating up trees could be fruitful and fun? “Okay, okay, not really beating up trees. But, bucking is a good way to let out some pent up anger.” Celestia tilted her head. “You have pent up anger?” “I'm here, aren't I?” Sunset replied, bluntly. Celesia frowned. “We've discussed this...” “Quite. So, as I was saying, kicking a tree can be quite therapeutic. The only problem is, if not done right, can lead to injury.” “Hence, your current predicament.” Sunset let out a sigh. “Yeah...” “Well, sounds like you've certainly had quite the day.” “Not one I'm itching to relive—ever.” Celestia let out a light chuckle. “In that case, how about you try to get some rest. From what you've told me, you've more than deserved it.” She took Sunset's blanket and draped it over the pony. Sunset stretched and let out a yawn. “Maybe you're right. One thing I do know is I'm gonna sleep well tonight.” “That's the reward of a good day's work.” Sunset let out a mumble as sleep slowly overtook her. “...and aching muscles is the curse...” Celestia smiled as she watched over the sleeping pony. Though fully grown, she still saw Sunset as the small foal who bounded her way into her private quarters. Celestia couldn't remember the last time she had gotten such a scare. How Sunset had managed to get past the palace guards and staff was anyone's guess. Still, it amused Celestia that it had happened. And, after the long day she had experienced, she could have used a little laughter. She smiled as she remembered the Captain of the Guard's expression when she alerted him that they had been “infiltrated”. Who knew that a little filly—who had gotten lost chasing after a ladybug—would become so dear to her? She gave Sunset a gentle nuzzle. Normally, she wouldn't have had given a thought to such a disruptive little tyke and merely have her seen home. But, after observing the detection spell she had used to repeatedly locate the same ladybug—much less, follow it all over Canterlot—Celestia quickly felt this foal was special. Moreover, once she found out about about Sunset's living situation, Celestia knew she had to rescue her. Not just Sunset, but all the other fillies and colts who resided in on the of the most deplorable orphanages in Equestria. Because of Sunset, many desperate foals found loving homes. However, and not for her lack of trying, a family couldn't be found for Sunset. At the same time, Celestia couldn't bear to part with the filly. Thus, against all council, Celestia took it upon herself to raise the child. Though she never once regretted her decision, Celestia often wondered if she was doing the right thing. She wondered if she was wrong in trying to do it alone. Maybe, she underestimated what it would take to juggle being a parent, teacher, and ruler. So many times, when she felt she had failed, she wondered if things would have been better had she had somepony else to help her. Such thoughts only pushed Celestia into a darker place. Luna would have been the perfect aunt. But, Luna wasn't there—nor had she been for nearly a thousand years. Through the absence of her sister, Celestia learned that's why she couldn't lose Sunset. Yet, Sunset still left, and Celestia was left alone, again. She let out a sigh as she gently stroked Sunset's mane. Her heart ached for her student. Sunset had always showed such courage. Even when small, she possessed the strength to do what too few dared. Celestia cursed herself that, right now, she couldn't do the same. She bit back the tears from her eyes. "I'm sorry, my little sun. I am so very sorry."