Something was off. I couldn’t place my hoof on it, but something was different. As I open my eyes, the first thing I noticed was the room I was in. It wasn’t the dorm in Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns at all. All this grey, and the loud booms off in the distance. I try to get up but noticed my body wasn’t responding the way it should. I took a few moments to let my body fully wake up. I knew panicking about it wouldn’t solve my current situation. With what little muzzle I had, I grabbed the blanket with my teeth and threw them off me. I was quite proud I had learnt that whilst I was in hospital.
The room was dimly lit with some sort of contraption attached a wall. I crawled off the bed and onto the cold wooden floor, then proceeded towards what I thought was the door. I was sort of glad that it was open a crack, cause for some reason my magic wasn’t working. I nudged the door open with my head, and crawled through. I went across the hall to what I thought would be the bathroom. I stretched up noticing some sort of switch on to the right of me, just inside the room. I had to blink a few times to get used to the bright, unnatural light. I saw the counter and pulled myself up with what I thought were my forelegs. I looked at the reflection staring back at me. For a few moments I didn’t know what to think. The face had a weird muzzle, a tiny nose and small mouth, covered in a peach colored coat? I took the forehoof appendage and rubbed it on her, my, face? It felt smooth, hairless. Brown locks of hair fell in front of my sights - okay, not completely hairless, I thought. I blew the hair up, and it fell back in place out of the way.
My gaze stared at the eyes for a few moments. “Interesting. Her, my, our?” I shook my head. “The eyes are very close to Ruby’s and mine.” I let out a sigh. “I wonder if this is one of the mythical ’Princess Luna’s’ dream realm concoctions.” I looked down at my unusual deformed hindquarters. “This’ll be interesting walking as a biped.” I said, as I watched the little protrusions on my rear hooves wiggle. It shot a shiver down my spine, but can’t do much about it. I wobbly walked out of the bathroom, and down the short hallway.
I let out a gasp as I looked down a rather long staircase. “Just take it one step at a-” My balance got the better of me making me tumble down the stairs, hitting the wood floor below in a matter of seconds. I laid all sprawled out on the hardwood floor for a couple of minutes in shock. “Ow...” Was all I uttered before I tried getting up. I didn’t hurt persay, it was more like a pinch. I wobbled over what I assumed was the front window, and looked out.
To my astonishment I saw lots of ponies as well as these weird hairless bipedal creatures running like something was going to strike them down. I heard the loud sound of a siren going off, and watched as the house across from me burst apart, leaving behind nothing but burning rubble. “What kind of Tartarus is this? I’ve never seen such destruction before.” I felt something grab me, then everything went dark.
I awoke to find myself in the San Palomino Desert back in my pony form, however. There’s this weird bubble barrier thing in front of me. It looked like it was night time, with rolling hills, and pieces of stones sticking out of the ground. I was sort of perplexed as to what I should do. Suddenly there was figure standing in the distance in that bubble. I thought for a moment. ‘With how this barrier is curved, I wonder if the distance of an object is skewed like seeing a bit in water. Objects may appear further away than they actually are?’ I shrugged and raised my forehoof towards the bubble. I felt a jolt which made me hop backwards. The bubble then twisted and contorted, then popped, leaving only a small pillar of light. “Who was that figure in the bubble?” I felt that same ‘something’ grab me and pull me into the darkness. I felt vertigo as I fell in this blackness.
My back hit the floor with a thud, waking me up suddenly. I took a few moments to catch my breath. Ruby looks at me from her bed. “I guess you had a one heck of a dream.” She said groggily, rubbing her eyes. She lets out a yawn. “Wake me when it’s morning.” Morning?
I look over at the clock on my desk. I squinted trying to read it before I used my horn’s glow to see the numbers. “Uh, Ruby? It’s like 10 AM.” I look to the window. “Okay, this is weird. The sun should’ve been up a couple of hours ago.” I let out a sigh watching my little sis pull the blanket over her head. I walk over to her bed and start pulling off the blanket. “Come on, rise and shine. We have a lot to do today.”
She pulls her hind legs up to her barrel wrapping her forehooves around them. “It’s still dark out. Can’t we just wait till sunrise?” She said trying to pout.
My horn glows a bit brighter as I pull her to the edge of the bed. “Let me help you with your crutches this time. I don’t want you to struggle with them today.” I grabbed the crutches with my magic, and started strapping them to Ruby’s forehooves before I heard her yelp. “Oh, sorry, I pulled them too tight didn’t I.”
She nodded her head, as I loosened them so she could tighten them herself. “Thank you for helping, but I need to do this on my own.” She started adjusting the brace on the crutches to a more comfortable position, then tightened them snugly. “So, what are we going to do today?”
I blinked a couple of times as a beam of light from the now rising sun hit my eyes. “Well I thought we’d hit Joe’s Doughnut Shop for a bite to eat, then get some food for the week. After that-”
Ruby stood up on the floor. And nuzzled my chest. “Always the one with the plan, huh sis. How about this, you let me do the shopping, and you can go see the palace. I know you’ve been wanting to go for the past few weeks.”
I look at her sapphire eyes. “Ruby, are you sure you’ll be okay shopping on your own?” I guess you could say, I’ve been a bit overprotective of my sister, but I guess this was her way of trying to do things on her own. I can respect that. I let out a sigh, and helped her strap on her saddle bags. “Okay, we’ll split off after breakfast.” I said rolling up the list, pulled out a small bag of bits from my desk drawer, and placing them in her saddle bags. “Now let’s get ready to go. Can’t have our manes all messy when we’re going out in public.”
Her ears lowered as she made her way to the bathroom, me following behind. “I really should do something for you big sis.” Her eye twitched as I started brushing out the knots in her mane. “Maybe a new brush?” I let out a sigh as I had to, once again, untangle her mane in my mouth. “Or may-be an appointment to get our manes under control.”
I simply nodded my head, still having her mane in my mouth. I thought to myself, looking at our mirrored reflections, ‘It wouldn’t be a bad idea to get our manes and tails done.’ After a few minutes later, her mane became more manageable to brush out. “What about both?”
Her ears perked right up. “Yeah, yeah! We could get it done tomorrow? Your midterm is on Tuesday, right?”
I slowly nodded my head. The relaxation right before my examination would help me to focus. “Okay, now you’re all ready to go, it’s my turn.” I started brushing my mane quickly, not really caring for perfection today.
A few minutes passed, the both of us started heading out of the dorm room. Ruby stuck close to me as we made our way towards the main entrance. I passed by where I had my meeting with Princess Celestia the previous day, her words echoing in my head once more. We continued out of the school, I waved to Shining Armor and Cadence as we passed by. “Ruby, you’ve got to keep your head high. We’re in the most beautiful in Equestria.” I gave her a smile as we continued our way towards the market square.
“Says the pony why only has a few scars from the fire. I’m nothing but a complete wreck.” She lets out a sigh. “I’m always depending on you for help and-”
I stop mid-step placing my forehoof to her muzzle. “We’re family. It doesn’t matter one bit whether you need help or not. I’ll always be there when you need me.” Her ears perked up as we continued on.
We eventually made it to Joe’s Doughnut Shop, and entered. Joe was serving a Royal Guard and couldn’t help but overhear their conversation.
“The Princess’s pupil went into the Princess’s private study without asking permission. That Sunset thinks she can go anywhere she wants because she’s the Princess’s protege.” The guard huffed as he sipped at his hot beverage.
“I hear you. Though, I’ve never really seen her with anypony other than the Princess. Doesn’t she have any friends?” Joe said in response, grabbing a jelly doughnut for the Guard.
“Who knows. She spends so much of her time outside her studies in the Starswirl the Bearded wing of the Library. Anyways, thanks Joe for filling my order quick.” The Guard’s horn glows, levitating the paper bag and his drink, and heads towards us. We part ways letting the Guard exit the shop.
We both approach the counter, and examine the various pastries. Joe looks at the both of us for a few moments then speaks up.
“Well if it isn’t the Blaze sisters. It’s been a while since I last saw you in here. What can I get the both of you?”
“Good morning Joe.” I said, eyeing the apple turnovers. “Could I get a couple of your apple turnovers, and a cup of green tea.” I turn to Ruby, then nudged her a bit. “Okay sis, your turn.”
Her ears lower. “Um, could I get a maple cream doughnut and an apple juice?” Her voice was unusually quiet for some reason.
Joe smiled at my sister. “You don’t have to be shy, little one.” He starts filling our order. “I remember another pony being like you a few years ago.” He lets out a sigh. “She was the most shy pony I had ever known - talented, but shy.”
“Uh Joe, This pony wouldn’t happen to be an orange unicorn with a golden and red mane and tail would it?” I asked.
Joe set the pastries onto our tray, then turned to fix our drinks. “If you mean Sunset Shimmer, you’d be right. I guess she’s still finding it hard to make any friends.”
Ruby looks at me. “Sounds like another one I know.” I shushed her.
“So, what do ya fillies have to do today? From the looks of it, it seems like you have a full day planned.” Joe said as he sets down our drinks on the tray.
“Ruby’s doing this week’s groceries, whilst I visit the Palace.” Joe raised an eyebrow. “What. She insisted on doing the shopping.” Ruby nodded her head before hobbling to a nearby booth.
“Are you sure it’s a good idea?” He asked. “You could do what the other students do and just order your food to come to your dorm room.”
Ruby looked at Joe as I brought over our breakfast. “Joe, I want to do this. I don’t want to always depend on my big sis for everything. And the docs say the more I am moving the faster I’ll recover.” She grabbed her drink with both hooves and takes a sip.
I look down at my food. “Ruby, if at any time you feel too tired and need a rest. Come back here. We’ve got all day to get everything on the list, so take it slow.” I took a bite of my turnover. It reminded me of what mom used to bake when we were foals. The sweet aroma of fresh apples, the delicate balance of the cinnamon ginger and honey, and the near perfect flaky crust - it was almost a shame to have a sprinkle of sugar on the top. I took a few moments to finish the first turnover, then looked to the owner of the shop. “Joe, could I ask a favor from you?”
Joe raised an eyebrow, then gave a smile. “Sure kid. What would you like?”
I took a sip of my tea, looking at Ruby, before answering. “Could she borrow your cooler? That way she doesn’t have to carry everything in one go.” It was probably bold of me to ask, but it would allow her to not carry so much, and that way she’s not pushing herself too much. I waited for Joe’s reply.
He took a few minutes to think about it, making me fear the worse. Why would anypony help a cripple and a late bloomer? “Well, I’d have to see how much space I have back there. As long as it won’t take up too much room, it should be okay. You just have to come get it before I close up shop.”
I beamed with satisfaction, however, Ruby only gave a smirk. Her eye twitched for a few seconds, then she blinked a couple of times. I hadn’t really noticed her doing that. I started having second thoughts, but then she looked at me.
“Sis, don’t worry. How my horn is healing, it sort of gives mini headaches. I’ll be fine.” She started on her maple cream doughnut, watching as she makes a mess of it trying to eat the pastry with her hooves. I levitated a napkin up and wiped her muzzle. “Do you have to do that, now? Couldn’t you have waited until I was done?” She gave me a pouty face, which made me giggle a bit. I think she wanted to lick the cream off her muzzle, but I beat her to it.
Joe brought over a cup of coffee, and sat down at our table. “So, how is everypony enjoying their breakfast?” He took a sip, then gagged. “Could you pass me the sugar?” I levitated the sugar container over to him. “I see, you’re quick to use your magic. But how do you think your sister feels when you do that?”
I let out a sigh. It was a fair statement. I had taken my magic for granted, where my sister couldn’t even get her horn to glow without it sparking. “I know. She would feel pretty useless. It’s probably why some ponies don’t like to interact with her because of that.” I started on my last turnover. “So she’s different, does that really matter?”
Joe poured a considerable amount of sugar into his drink, then begins to stir. “Canterlot can sometimes be cruel to those who aren’t like everypony else. There are some, myself included, who don’t mind. We’re all ponies, for Celestia’s sake.” He sips at his drink, letting out a sigh of satisfaction. “Now, I think it’s high time the two of you go and get on with your day, despite me liking your company. There are very few who like to chat up a storm.” He gave the both of us a smile.
Ruby was licking her forehooves clean, as I finished up my tea. “One of these days, we’ve gotta return the generosity you gave us.” I said. Joe was like an uncle to us, always there to listen over a cup of tea, and gave pretty decent advice. I still remember when he came to visit us in hospital, bringing us some of his pastries, and talking to us about what went on in his shop. He’d often would tell jokes when we were having a hard time. He was one of the few Canterlot residents that didn’t mind us. We could be ourselves, and open without being put down.
Joe shook his head. “That won’t be necessary. Just coming to talk to me is enough.”
I looked at the clock on the wall. He was right. It was time for the both of us to get going, it was almost noon, and there was a lot to do. We said our goodbyes, and left the shop. I stood there for a few moments as I watched Ruby wobble towards the core of the market. After seeing her enter the vegetable shop, I decided to make my way towards the Palace.
My walk to the palace was alright, only getting the odd pony calling me a late bloomer. Even the elite aren’t okay with me, how great. I continued onward to the main gate. I was stopped by two Royal Guards holding spears in their wings.
“Hult. State your business here.” The rather gruff looking guard said.
“My name is Sapphire Blaze. I attend Princess Celestia’s School, and I came to take a tour around the palace. It’s sort of my first time here.”
The slender mare Guard chuckled, and lowered her spear. “The Princess had a feeling you might show up here at some point today.” She looks to the other guard. “Stand down. She’s a guest of the Princess, let her through.”
“Uh, thanks?” I said, not really meaning it to be a question. The guards parted ways and I trotted into the main courtyard.
Boy was I impressed with the way outside the palace looked. How well maintained the trees were. I lifted my head up and took a whiff of sweet scents of the nearby garden. I continued on my way towards the hedge maze. When I was in the “Histories of Canterlot Royalty” class, I was fascinated on the origins of the Statues that lined around the entrance to the maze. I passed by the statue of the draconequus, Discord, the spirit of disharmony and chaos. It felt like it was looking at me, despite it being just a marble statue. One statue was clad in ancient armor holding a flag in its forehoof - the plaque said it was the statue of victory. The way the mouth look, it was more like it was trying to yell rather than cheering. Right in front of the maze entrance was a statue of three earth fillies with a foreboding look to them. This didn’t really scream friendship as its plaque said. It looked like they were in mid-cast, or rather trying to cast a spell.
I sat down on a nearby bench facing the back steps of the palace. I saw Moondancer and Sunset converse, I guess they were on tour here as well? I overheard a bit of their conversation.
“Will you be my friend, Moondancer?” Sunset asked. “I don’t see why you couldn’t become friends with the Princess’s favorite student.” Her voice sounded sincere, though, still boasting, just a bit. “I can get you books or spells you can’t get anywhere else.”
“No thank you. It’s a great offer and all.” I could imagine Moondancer pushing up her glasses with her hoof as she said that.
“Why not?” Sunset sounded devastated, her ears lowering.
“I don’t have the time with midterms coming up, to worry about having friends.” She turned around to leave.
“You don’t have friends either.” Those words cut through me like a knife through butter. I remember how I acted the day before it immediately I felt regret. I watch as Sunset disappeared into the halls of the palace, and Moondancer running off towards the main gate.
I just sat there for a while, not exactly sure of what I should do. I ultimately decided to take my “tour” inside. I made my way to the back entrance, and entered. The long hallway was elegant, with the gold embroidered red carpet lining the center of the hall, and pillars of smooth marble, and beautiful stained glass adorned most of the windows. I walked down the hall, not knowing where I was going. I passed by that seemed like the palace throne room. From what I saw through the cracked open door, it looked like Sunset and Celestia were having a strong conversation.
“Friendship is not easy, Sunset.” Celestia said as she walked up to her subject, her dawn colored mane and tail waving in the unseen breeze.
“But why? You want me to fail again?” Sunset steps back a few steps.
“I don’t think anypony would be incapable of being friends.” The princess raises her forehoof and strokes her subject’s mane.
“But what am I doing wrong?” She asked her teacher.
‘I could think of a couple things that you could change.’ I thought to myself as I continued listening in.
“I’m acting nice, I try to be friendly, and nothing works.” She continued, backing away once more.
“You’re telling me you can figure out the fundamentals of magic, but simple friendship is too hard for you?” Celestia steps in closer once again placing her hoof onto Sunset’s shoulder. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”
Now I’m getting deja vu. Didn’t she say something similar to me just yesterday? Am, I that much similar to Sunset that the Princess would say almost the same exact thing? No, that can’t be right. Sunset is a boastful unicorn, and I’m, just a late bloomer. Wait, could that be the reason, we’re both late bloomers, me in the literal sense, and her, as in social standings?
Sunset lowers her head, sniffling. “Is, is this an order?” she looks up to the regal Princess.
“Yes, and until you figure it out, I don’t want you in the library.” Celestia’s words echoed in my mind once again. I sort of felt sad for Sunset. Being barred from someplace you feel most comfortable in, just doesn’t seem fair.
I noticed a couple of guards coming towards the door, Sunset following behind, her head still lowered. I quickly continued on my way, as to not look suspicious. ‘Wait, they have a library here? Oh, that’s right, the Starswirl the Bearded wing of the Canterlot Library is somewhere in the palace. It would make sense to have it where it’s under guard supervision.’ I thought to myself as I continued wandering the elegant hallways of the palace. I walked through the grand banquet hall, found the royal kitchen, and stumbled into the Starswirl the Bearded wing.
“There are no words to describe how I’m feeling right now.” I was amazed at how many different books there were. I spent much of the afternoon reading everything I could get my hooves on. It was early evening when I noticed I wasn’t alone. Somepony was reading something out loud.
“This is amazing. That mirror in the Princess’s study, according to Starswirl’s notes is a passage to another world, that’s entirely different than our own. ‘On the third night of the full moon the door closes upon its zenith until the moon turns thirty times.’ Hmm, it only opens once every thirty moons and only for three days.” The voice sounded like Sunset’s, but wasn’t she banned from coming here?
The sounds of hooves started to get louder, and somepony, or ponies were approaching. I hid myself in a dark corner of the library wing, but now had a pretty good view of what transpired. Sunset was too involved in reading a scroll to see the three who approached.
“WHAT, are you doing here?” The regal voice rang out.
Sunset wide-eyed, looking towards the Princess and her Guard escort. “Pr-incess Celestia?”
“I thought I made it clear that you were not allowed in here, and you have disobeyed me.” Celestia’s voice was more stern than normal.
She lets out a sigh. “I told you I couldn’t make friends.” She stood up, trying to plead her case, as if she was on trial.
“You didn’t even try.” Celestia snapped at her student.
“Try what? I-I-I tried everything you told me.” Once again trying to plead her case.
“Did you?” Celestis stepping forward.
Sunset’s horn begins to glow in a green light. “You’re a hypocrite! You don’t even have friends!” Her voice echoes as she teleports away. The sheer wind of Sunset’s teleportation rips apart the scroll she was reading.
The look on the Princess’s face was devastating. I slumped down, knocking a few books off the shelf. I didn’t really care, I just sat there watching the two guards come towards me horns glowing. How close was I from doing that myself? The guards coxed me to stand up and come into the dimming light. Celestia looked towards the wide window of the library wing, her horn glowing, magically making the large hourglass flip over before waving her guards off. Celestia started to walk towards the door, something was telling me to follow.
“Princess?” I asked, now concerned for what just transpired, and her majesty’s well being.
“Sapphire. I appreciate what you want to say, but I need to be alone. You are free to leave. I’m sure your sister is waiting for you.” Celestia’s voice had a certain sadness.
I nodded my head and started to head out of the palace, being escorted by one of her guards. I guess she didn’t want me to lose my way. ‘You’re a hypocrite! You don’t even have friends!’ Sunset’s last words echoed in my head as I left the palace grounds. I made my way to the market, my ears lowered.
I spotted Joe and Ruby waiting for me in front of his shop. I could tell sis was very successful in her shopping, two barrels, and her saddlebags bursting full of stuff. Joe offered to help us, but I insisted that I could handle everything. I switch saddlebags with Ruby so she could walk a bit easier, and carried the barrels, one on my back, whilst levitating the other with my magic.
Our walk back to the dorms was quiet. I needed some time to think. Today was rather eventful, to be quite frank, too eventful. I was having a hard time processing what I witnessed, and going over what I could’ve done to prevent all this from happening. We finally made it to the dorm room. I pushed down on the door handle and pushed the door open. It took us a good hour or so to put everything away, by then the moon had started to rise.
Ruby spoke as she took off her crutches. “Is everything alright? When I saw you, it looked like you had been kicked in the face.”
“Just there was a lot going on in the palace today. Some good, some bad.” Trying to hold back my emotions as best as I could.
“Sounds more bad than good.” She gets off her bed, and wobbles towards me, without her crutches. I put a smirk on my face, but then I was once again taken over by grief.
“Do you think I’m a bad pony?” I looked at her with my ears down.
“Of course not. Why would you think that, Sapphire?” She tried to give me a hug.
“It’s just. Had I not been a jerk to Sunset yesterday...” My voice got quiet.
“Did something happen to her?” She sat on my bed. “You witnessed something, didn’t you.”
I didn’t really want to tell her anything about what transpired, I just sat at my desk deep in thought. Not really sure how long I sat there, but by the time my tiredness started taking over, Ruby was sound asleep. I tucked her into her own bed, then hit the hay myself. Maybe everything will be better in the morning.
The next day was alright, despite the sun not rising. Ruby and I had a relaxing time at the local spa getting our manes and tails tamed, and styled, ate out for supper, which was a nice treat for my sis. It was mostly in celebration for walking a full day without her crutches. I still couldn’t shake this feeling something had happened.
For three days in a row the sun hadn’t risen once. My midterm was fairly straightforward. But I barely passed, I had lost all motivation in my studies. The empty seat beside me, used to be occupied by Sunset, but she didn’t show up for any of her classes.
I had become fed up with school, and decided to pay the Princess a visit. I made my way to the Palace, wanting to tell her royal highness a piece of my mind. The closer I got to the front steps, the calmer my mind got. The guards didn’t look all happy, in fact they looked how I felt two nights before.
The nice mare guard who I talked to a few days back, escorted me to Celestia’s chambers door. “I think it would be good for her to have one of her students come visit her for a change. Ever since Sunset left-” My ears perked at that.
“She Left? Where did she go?!” My voice carried through the oak door into the Princess’s room. “Tell me!”
The guard shook her head. “I was off duty at the time, but from what I heard, she attacked a couple guards on patrol, went into the Princess’s private study, and disappeared.”
The door began to glow in a golden light, and slowly opened. “Sapphire,” The calm voice of Celestia came from the dimly lit room. “Please come inside. I know you must have questions for me.”
I walked in. Celestia was sitting on a cushion in front of her fireplace. She gestured for me to sit beside her. I didn’t say anything for a few minutes. I wanted to yell and scream, but something told me this wasn’t the time nor the place. Here the princess was sitting there, her mane and tail were a mess, and she didn’t dawn any of her regal wears. I guess my instincts took over as I started to groom the Princess like I did with my sister, starting with Celestia’s tail. I stopped for a moment to speak. “Princess? Was I really that similar to Sunset, you feared I’d be just like her?” I went back to undoing the tangles in her tail with my mouth.
She looked at me, and let out a long sigh. “Twice now, I’ve let somepony who needed me, down.” She sniffled. “You reminded me so much of my sister when she was no bigger than you are.”
“You thad a thithter?” I said still having Celestia’s tail in my mouth.
She nodded. “Once, long ago. She always had such beautiful nights, and watched over everypony whilst they slept. But because I was praised and loved by ponies during the day, not many loved my dear sister’s hard work at night. I was blinded with praise, and didn’t see her jealousy was pushing us apart.” She looked towards the moon now filling the window. “Eventually her jealousy consumed her, and she became Nightmare Moon. I tried all I could to bring my sister back to her senses, but,” she let out a long sigh. “in the end, I had to banish her to the moon.”
I took a few moments to think of a response. Levitating over a brush, I started to smooth out her now untangled tail. “And here you’ve been all alone all this time, bringing both the day and night. Every night seeing the reminder of what you did. It’s like me seeing Ruby’s scarred legs and her cracked horn. It’s a daily reminder that had I been the one to teleport us out instead of mamma and pops, everypony would’ve been okay.” I continued brushing Celestia’s tail. “We can’t change the past, only look ahead for a better tomorrow.” I started to groom her mane.
Celestia looked back to the fireplace. “But then I was a fool, once again. Sunset Shimmer needed help, but I pushed her away. I thought if she could make friends on her own, it would fill her with a joy books and studying could not.” A tear rolled down her cheek as she looked to the mirror by her bed. “As you saw in the library, hurtful words were said by both of us. After raising the moon, I realized my mistake, and tried to apologize, but it was too late. I found her room empty. I heard some of my guards yell out in pain, and I rushed to their aid. The door to my study was wide open, and the guards I had placed were on the ground in pain. The mirror was the only thing that wasn’t covered up, making me fear the worse.” She looked at me still unknotting her messy mane with my mouth. “Sunset left Equestria. Whether it was for good, or not. I had the palace guard move the mirror here in hopes that one day she might return and I can ask her for forgiveness.”
I let go of the piece of mane I was unraveling. “I wasn’t good to her either, if I’m all honest. It was the anniversary of the fire, and I wasn’t nice to her at all. She was trying to help me and my sister out, by offering stuff, but I let my emotions get the better of me. I slammed the door in her face.” My ears lowered. “If I hadn’t been so short with her, maybe she’d-” Celestia nuzzled me.
“I don’t think anypony could’ve seen this coming. We all make mistakes, Sapphire. It’s how we grow.” She let me get back to grooming her. “Your teachers have told me you haven’t been doing your assignments. It’s been hard on you as well to face things without somepony around.”
I nodded my head, as I started brushing her mane. “I know this is bold of me to say this, but,” I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and anticipated for the worse. “Would you look after Ruby? Let her stay at the school to study, and continue her recovery.”
Celestia had a puzzled look on her face when I finally opened my eyes. “What do you mean by that? Are you not going to continue your studies?”
“Yes, but not here. Right now, I need time to be away from here, and collect my thoughts. It’s just Canterlot brings back a lot of negative memories.” I lowered my head.
“Alright. I will grant you this request, on one condition.” I set down the brush, and watched her get off the cushion. “You let me know where your travels take you, and visit the both of us once in a while.” I didn’t know what to think. What was Celestia planning? “I think I have an idea on where you should start your journey.” I looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “Tomorrow I will have a ticket sent to your dorm, for the express train to Ponyville. Once there, speak to the mayor, and they’ll line up a place for you. You can request your things to be brought to you, if you so wish.”
I was speechless, confused, and had more questions than my tired mind could ask. We said our good nights, and I made my way back to the school dorms. By the time I got to the room, Ruby was already asleep. A plate of carrots, sliced peaches and an apple sat on my desk with a note. It was nice of her to make me a small snack, knowing I didn’t eat that much all day. I smiled as I read her note, ate, then headed off to bed.