//------------------------------// // Repenting // Story: A Human, a Pony Princess, and a Mistake // by The Dimension Traveler //------------------------------// A Human, a Pony Princess, and a Mistake Chapter 13: Repenting The day was coming to a close. Day Court was finished. Celestia was looking at pictures of Twilight Sparkle as a foal like a mother with a bad case of empty nest syndrome. “Raven, where did I go wrong? She left me. Just like Sunset left me. Everyone leaves me,” Celestia moaned piteously. If most could hear their immortal goddess-princess throwing such a pity party, they’d be shocked and appalled. Raven and her ancestors had literally written books for their decedents on the Sun Princess’ many moods and how to deal with them. “Princess, Twilight hasn’t left you-” “She has! She ran off to Ponyville with Luna and now she hates me!” Celestia cried. “Princess, she doesn’t hate you. You raised her as surely as her own mother. Tell me, if one of your little ponies had been behaving how you’ve been behaving these past few weeks, what would you tell them?” Raven asked. Celestia’s ears pinned against her skull. “Have I really been that awful?” “You tell me, you’re the one who’s been acting like Twilight ran off with a bad colt you don’t approve of. Neither Twilight nor Tom deserve that,” Raven stated plainly. “I never told you about Tom,” Celestia was confused. “Who is the de facto head of S.M.I.L.E?” Raven questioned with a raised eyebrow. Raven had taken on that role since the previous head stepped down five years ago. “I need to take a census of who is in charge of what organization,” Celestia said tiredly. “You’re getting off topic, Princess. I’m fairly certain Tom and Twilight have no romantic intentions for each other. Stop treating him like he’s taking your baby girl,” Raven said firmly. “I’ve been ruling alone too long. I seem to have forgotten that I can be wrong,” Celestia sighed, “I thought things could go back to the way they were before Luna’s banishment. I willfully ignored that the way things were before was what drove Luna to the Nightmare in the first place. Now I’m repeating the same mistakes with Twilight. I’m ignoring her while telling her I know what’s best for her. Did you know I didn’t even ask if she wanted to be a princess?" “Princess?” Raven prompted. That was a little surprising to hear. “Yes, I just assumed she’d be happy to do it for me. I wonder if I wasn’t just selfishly trying to keep her near me, needing me while I taught her statecraft. Oh, she would’ve become an Alicorn regardless; she earned that of her own merits. I was the one who forced her into princesshood. Does Twilight even want to be a princess or is she merely doing it because I expect it of her?" “Princess, I think you should apologize. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Actually, it’s probably better if it isn’t fancy. Twilight will forgive you certainly. She has grown into a bright, kind young mare and she loves you. Luna will forgive you as well, in time. You are family, after all. Chrysalis will take a lot of work; you have done a great wrong to her. However, from what reports I’ve received from Agent Sweetie Drops, her love for her children is what drives her above all else. Chrysalis will not hold a grudge if it means hurting her children. That just leaves Tom and Sunset, really. I do not know enough about Tom to make a claim either way, but I did know Sunset and I have heard of her attempts to change. If you want my advice, Princess, seek forgiveness from Sunset first. It is something you both need,” Raven stated. “As always, your counsel is wise, Raven Inkwell. Please, cancel my appointments for the next several days. I have many apologies to make,” Celestia decided. “As you wish, Princess. Would you like me to accompany you?” Raven asked. “Hmm, yes, I believe you should. If my recent track record is any indication, I may need someone there to keep me from putting my hoof in my mouth,” Celestia stood up, already planning what needed to be done for her trip. “This is quite odd, Princess,” Raven observed as she looked at her new hands, “I thought this mirror was only active once every few years?” “Starswirl was a paranoid old coot. He built backdoors into many of his creations. I will say it is not strictly wise to use this particular backdoor. The reason the mirror only opens naturally when it does is to minimize bleeding between our two worlds. Forcing it open could cause more of a rift then can be easily, naturally repaired. However, for Sunset, it is worth the risk,” Celestia explained, “I imagine Luna or Twilight could think up a way to improve the mirror and let it be active always, but such things have never been my specialty.” “You’re also not currently on speaking terms with either of them,” Raven pointed out. “Something I hope to rectify quickly,” Celestia said sadly. “Not too quickly. These things take their own time,” Raven reminded. “You are right. Now, if Tom and Twilight’s recounting of this school is correct, their school day should be just about finished,” Sure enough, the school bell rang a moment later, freeing a teenaged mass of humanity from the shackles of the learning institution. Celestia scanned the crowd, soon spotting shock of red and yellow hair. Unable to control herself, Celestia cut through the crowd. They parted like dirt before the plow. There was Sunset, surrounded by this world’s versions of the Elements sans Twilight. “Principal Celestia?” Sunset asked, not sure why her principal was looking at her like she hadn’t seen her before. Celestia moved forward and wrapped Sunset in a hug. “Oh, Sunset Shimmer,” Celestia murmured to a very confused former Unicorn. Raven decided to take pity on the girl. “Greetings, Sunset, it has been awhile,” Raven greeted. “Raven Inkwell?” Sunset’s confusion persisted for a moment more before her eyes bugged out, “Princess?! How?! But the mirror!” “Perhaps we should move this to a more private venue?” Raven suggested. “You can use my place!” Rarity offered without missing a beat. Celestia reluctantly pulled away from her former student. “Thank you for your generous offer, I accept.” “Think nothing of it, er, Princess,” Rarity giggled nervously. So it was that Rarity led everyone to her boutique and corralled the rest of her friends away to give Sunset, Raven, and Celestia some privacy. “Well, I, uh, I can safely say I was not expecting to see you when I woke up this morning!” Sunset offered a winning smile to try and offset the fact that her heart was beating at 100 miles a minute. Celestia took a moment to think of what she wanted to say. “I have recently been made aware of my own failings very acutely. In an attempt to hold on to those closest to me, I have driven them away. It took an outside perspective to help me see that my actions were not befitting the Pony I wish to be,” Celestia finally said. “Princess…” Sunset wasn’t sure how to respond to that. “I find it needful to make amends to those I have wronged and I fear I have wronged you more seriously than most, Sunset,” Celestia admitted, “I had to offer you an apology face to face.” “No! I’m the one who should be apologizing! I was rude, cruel, basically an unholy terror in every way imaginable!” Sunset protested. “No, you were a product of the lackluster upbringing I gave you. That you have learned to overcome it speaks more highly of you than you seem to believe. When I adopted you all those years ago, I agreed to be your teacher and maternal figure. I was only an acceptable teacher to you and an utter failure as a mother. Instead of giving you the time you deserved, I was always too busy with some duty or another.” Celestia sounded disgusted with herself. “Our only interactions were as teacher and student and even then, instead of nurturing your natural curiosity, explaining to you the reasons why certain things were restricted or banned, I simply said ‘because I said so’ or lied to your face. Is it any wonder why you became secretive, angry, distrustful, and the rest? Even when you were a filly, you gave your trust so rarely. You gave it to me and I abused it so thoroughly that I wouldn’t have been surprised if you never trusted again as long as you lived,” Tears were starting to roll down both Celestia’s and Sunset’s faces, “Do you remember the only time you called me ‘mom’?” “Of course I remember. You were dealing with some nobles and I came into the room and asked you if you’d play with me. Your look of embarrassment said it all,” Sunset answered. “Oh Stars, did you think I was embarrassed of you? No, I was embarrassed because I had been talking with foreign dignitaries about sensitive subjects. I was afraid you had overheard us and they would rake me over the coals for my lack of security. I could never be embarrassed of you, Sunset, even when you were at your worst,” Celestia let out a weak laugh, “This only proves my point. What kind of mother would I have to be for my daughter to think I was embarrassed of her? I failed you, Sunset, as a teacher, as a princess, as a friend, and as a mother.” Sunset tried to tame her emotions, but it was a losing battle. Soon, she was crying in earnest and jumped at Celestia to hug her. “I’ll only forgive you if you forgive me for being such a brat and running away,” Sunset whispered. “There is nothing to forgive.” And both broke down completely. Neither noticed Raven slip from the room. “Are you sure you won’t come back to Equestria with us, Sunset?” Celestia asked. “Yeah, I’ve kinda started building a life here and I want to see it through,” It was later that evening. After the two mares had cried out, they had just spent some time catching up and talking about recent events in both their lives, “Besides, I still have that book you gave me so we can keep in touch.” “You still have that old thing?” Celestia was surprised. She had been sure Sunset had disposed of it after not answering her messages. “Yeah…I, uh, read everything you wrote. I was just too stubborn to reply. Sorry about that,” Sunset apologized. “It’s fine, Sunset. I’m just glad I will have a way to contact you until I can convince Twilight or Luna to make the portal permanent,” Celestia had absolute confidence in her sister’s and former student’s abilities. “Well, don’t let me keep you. You have others you need to apologize to, ones that actually deserve it,” Sunset remarked. “Don’t say that, Sunset,” Celestia pleaded, “You very richly deserve my apologies.” “Let’s just agree we both had our heads up our plots, OK?” Sunset asked. “That still sounds like you are being overly generous to myself, but I will agree nonetheless,” Sunset just rolled her eyes. “Just do it before you develop a martyr complex,” She snarked. “I will do my best to keep that from happening,” Raven assured Sunset. “Oh, yeah, before you leave…sorry you had to deal with me being a brat so much, Raven,” Sunset said remorsefully. “It is already forgotten,” Raven said simply, “I believe that concludes our immediate business. Shall we be going, Princess?” Celestia snapped up Sunset in one last quick hug. “Now we can go,” Celestia turned towards the portal. “Bye Raven, bye…Mom…” Celestia would cherish that moment for the rest of her life. Celestia knocked on the door of Golden Oaks Library with Raven behind her. The door opened promptly, reveling Tom and Twilight. Tom let out a put upon sigh. “Come in,” He ordered. Once both mares were inside, he conjured up the body double for Twilight, “So, what do you want?” Celestia hated the impassive look she was getting from Twilight. “I came to apologize, to both of you. I-” “You’re forgiven,” Celestia was completely wrong footed. “I- but- what?” She hadn’t expected that. “I was only upset for a day or two after we left Canterlot. I do want to know why you were so appallingly rude, but I suspect you were going to explain yourself anyway. Now I’m only put out with you on Luna’s and Chrysalis’ behalf,” Tom explained, “Also my granddad taught me to never hold a grudge, so I don’t.” “I…Twilight?” Celestia was almost afraid of what she would say. Twilight’s expression melted into a melancholy look. “Celestia, I was never mad at you about the Changelings. Immensely disappointed, yes, but not mad. I will admit that whole circus you put on while we were staying with my parents did make me angry. I forgive you too, but I still want to know your motivations,” Twilight said softly. It was at the same time better than Celestia had feared and worse than she could have imagined. Hearing Twilight say she was disappointed in her was fantastically painful. “I was afraid Tom was taking you away from me, Twilight,” Celestia decided brutal honesty was called for. Twilight was confused. “Taking me away? Taking me where? I’m still right here!” Twilight was frustrated, but Tom understood. His eyes shot skyward as if asking for strength. “What on earth gave you that impression? If, and this is a very big if, I were to go after any of the Elements, it’d be Fluttershy. Beyond that it’d probably be Sunset if I absolutely had to pick. “Fluttershy and Sunset?” Celestia couldn’t think of two more opposed personalities. “I am a man of conflicting taste,” Tom readily admitted. Twilight was slowly catching on. “Wait, are you saying you thought Tom and I were in a relationship? Celestia, I’m asexual and not interested in romance besides!” Twilight protested. “No you’re not,” Tom disagreed. “Yes I am, I think I know me better than you do,” Twilight deadpanned. “You talk in your sleep,” Twilight’s illusory jaw snapped shut with an audible click, “I don’t know how that works when we’re sharing the same brain, but it does.” “You say nothing,” Twilight growled in her most threatening the voice. The result was actually quite adorable. “My lips are sealed. I will never divulge what you want to do to-” Twilight drowned him out with a yell. “As fascinating as this is, I do believe you are all getting off topic,” Raven interrupted. “You’re absolutely right. Celestia, you don’t have to worry about losing Twilight unless you literally start burning libraries,” Tom stated. “Hey!” Twilight protested the jab. “As you can see, she’s in compete denial about anything romantic and I don’t suspect that’ll change any time soon,” He continued as if Twilight hadn’t spoken. “Romance is nothing but trouble,” Twilight said sourly. “Whatever you say, Sparkle,” Tom said airily, “Celestia, next time you wanna pull out a shotgun, check to make sure your kid is actually dating first. It’ll save on bullets and heartache.” “You are right. I acted on a foolish notion based on paranoia,” Celestia accepted the chastisement, “I was so afraid of losing someone close to me I wound up pushing them away myself.” “As long as you understand, I’ve already accepted your apology. Now, I do believe Luna and Chrysalis should be at Luna’s new place at this hour. I have no idea how receptive they’ll be to an apology, but you should try.” Tom said. “I had already intended to do so. If you would lead the way?” Celestia requested. “So what was that shouting match in town about? You two were speaking some language I didn’t recognize,” Twilight asked. “It was a dead language from before Discord’s reign. We often use it when discussing matters we want to be sure absolutely no one can overhear. I…I basically ordered her to come home with me. It devolved from there,” Tom, Twilight, and even Raven were giving her unimpressed looks. “Wasn’t it treating her like a lesser princess that played a big part in the Nightmare? I’m surprised Luna left it at shouting. She would’ve been completely justified in bucking you to the sun,” Tom remarked. “I know. I thought I could play the responsible older sister card,” Celestia sighed, “In all my years, that has worked only three times. Yet I keep playing it like a fool.” “One of the definitions of insanity is trying the same thing over and over and expecting different results,” Twilight said mildly, but Celestia cringed as though she had screamed. Mercifully, they arrived at Luna’s new house. Celestia knocked on the door and Chrysalis answered. “If you’re here to tell Luna to go back to Canterlot, you can turn right back around,” Chrysalis ordered. “I’m not. I’m here to apologize to both of you,” Celestia answered. “Lulu, your sister has finally flipped her lid! She’s saying she’s sorry!” Chrysalis called into the house. Luna appeared at the door shortly after. “Sister, if this is some kind of trick…” Luna trailed off menacingly. “No trick. Raven helped point out I was being a terrible Pony, so I’m sorry,” Celestia said simply. Chrysalis and Luna shared a look, communicating silently. “I am tempted to ask for twelve labors to prove your penance, but I shall forego that. I will not lie to you and say we forgive you this day. We shall forgive you, in time. For now, the pain is still too fresh,” Luna finally said. “I understand and that is enough,” Celestia was sad, but unsurprised. She had known getting Luna and Chrysalis to forgive her in the immediate future was a long shot. “If that is all, Sister?” Luna asked. “Yes, that is all,” And Luna closed the door. It was late in the night and Luna’s moon was high in the sky. Celestia was catching up on the notices she had missed over the last couple days. “Your tea, Princess,” Raven placed a cup of chamomile tea on Celestia’s table. Celestia’s gazed flicked to it. “I was feeling something more akin to deerjeeling tea,” Celestia confessed. “No black teas before bed. You know how you are. And you will be going to bed shortly. We arrived back a day sooner than expected. There will be time in the morning to play catch up,” Raven instructed, already plucking scattered papers with her magic and straightening them out. “I suppose you are right. Raven, what would I ever do without you?” Celestia wondered. “The thought is so horrifying that it bears not thinking about,” Raven replied in a perfectly serious voice. Celestia chuckled. “That is true enough. Without you, I wouldn’t have been able to repair the bridges I have and both my sister and Chrysalis would probably not even consider forgiving me for decades, if not centuries!” Celestia moved herself onto her bed, “Thank you, Raven.” “I only live to serve,” Raven Inkwell said, then turned out the lights.