It was a snowy Friday in Canterlot City. Snow was falling right as the final bell of the day rang, signaling that school was out for the weekend! It was the second to last Friday before Christmas break started and things couldn’t get any better.
After Sunset said goodbye to her friends, she exited the school into the snow with Twilight by her side. As they stepped out of the building they could feel the cold air hit their faces after being in the warm building for the last several hours.
“Burr, it's sure cold today,” commented Sunset as her teeth began chattering.
“Well we’ll be getting more of it soon Sunset, there’s more on the way,” said Twilight while she was adjusting her earmuffs.
“I’m not a big fan of cold myself. Mainly since I still can’t stop thinking about what happened a few weeks ago,” replied a now sad Sunset Shimmer. But it all changed when she felt an arm wrap around her shoulder in comfort.
“It’s all in the past. I know it was tough learning the truth about your family, especially when it's emotional. But look on the bright side, you have us, and the princess as a family,” replied Twilight as wrapped her hands with Sunsets.
“Thanks, Twilight. Sometimes I forget I still have those who care for me like you.” Sunset said before Twilight came in kissing her on the cheek before a blush appeared on Sunset.
Since Sunset learned the truth about her family just a month prior she’d been spending the last few weekends with Twilight’s family. They have allowed her to visit anytime she wanted since their daughter has been much happier since they started dating. Sunset also began doing weekly therapy visits to help with her anxiety following her second suicide attempt. Things have been going steadier now, and with Christmas just around the corner, things were looking good for her.
After a minute went by the couple stopped by the portal where the CHS mascot statue once stood. Many students of locals in the city still wondered why after all this time CHS still hadn’t thought of raising funds to build a new one. But there was probably a good reason why it hadn’t been done that the girls weren’t too worried about. And they still didn't know that the Equestrian magic they'd been dealing with, was coming from a crack on top of the portal itself! But hopefully, they'll find it about soon than later, before the worst eventually happens.
“So Sunset, do ponies back in Equestria celebrate Christmas, or do they celebrate something else?” Questioned Twilight.
“We do celebrate a holiday called Hearth Warming. It’s like Christmas but with a few changes in its history. I’d explain the rest but I’ve kinda gotten used to celebrating Christmas more since I came here. Would be nice to pay a visit and see how my old teacher Princess Celestia is doing with her retirement, as well as Princess Luna.”
And just as that was happening, Sunset’s backpack started vibrating signaling she was getting a message from Princess Twilight.
“Oh my, Princess Twilight is sending me a message!!!!” Sunset said excitedly as she opened up her backpack, before removing the journal and going to the page with the message appearing.
“What does it say?” Question Twilight as she adjusted her glasses.
“Let’s see,” Sunset said as she began reading the message.
Dear Sunset,
Sorry it's been a while since I last messaged you, things in Equestria have been quite busy. I am now in charge of looking after Equestria since Celestia and Luna have now retired to Silver Shoals. Speaking of which, that's the reason I’m sending you this message. Celestia is wondering if you’d like to come to visit them for a night. She’s been wanting to see how you’ve been doing since you last saw her during the Memory Stone Incident. Anyway, if you can make the short trip I’ve got the portal open just for you.
Sincerely,
Princess Twilight. Now ruler of Equestria.
“She wants you to come to visit, that sounds great Sunset!” Replied an excited Twilight.
“Well, it seems like my wish came true after all. But first, I need to drop off my stuff before leaving. Mind accompanying me to my apartment and helping me pack? If you don’t mind?” Replied Sunset.
“Of course Sunset,” Twilight said, grabbing her hand once again.
“Alright then, let’s go. It's getting colder the minute we keep standing here,” Sunset said as they started walking to her apartment.
After dropping off her school supplies and loading her bookbag for the trip back to Equestria, they were back at school a little under an hour later.
“You got everything?”
“Twilight, I’ll just be gone for the night. I’ll be back tomorrow morning.”
“I know, I was just wondering. But be safe Sunset, I love you.” Twilight said before coming up and kissing her.
“I love you too Twilight, and I will.”
After Sunset said goodbye to her girlfriend she entered the portal heading back home to Equestria.
Sunset would never get used to traveling through the portal as her body stretched while going from a human to a pony. But it's the only way she can travel back to her homeland safely, and the only method of traveling back to the dimension she originated from.
After she was shot out of the portal she landed in a pile of books, just what happened to her when she met Starlight Glimmer a few months prior. As she started to gain consciousness she saw Princess Twilight standing in front of her. She was smiling as she helped her friend out of the pile of books after being shot out of the portal like a bullet.
“Glad you came Sunset. It's been a while since I’ve last seen you.”
“Thanks, Twilight. It’s great to see you again as well. But not like this. Still, you look great,” Sunset said, looking at Twilight wearing her new crown.
“Thanks, I’m still getting used to it. It's only been close to two months since I’ve taken over Celestia's duties. But I’ll get used to it. Eventually.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear that,” Sunset said before she proceeded to hug her friend, until realizing where she was.
“Say um, where are we by the way? I know you live in Canterlot now but I don’t think I’ve been to this part of the Castle before. Even when I was still Celestia's student.”
“Oh right! After I moved out of Ponyville and back to Canterlot, I decided to take the portal with me for save keeping. I’ve been permitted to use this secret library Celestia used back when she was still in charge to keep the portal hidden from everypony else. Only someone like me or you can enter it with a spell.”
“That’s interesting. Very clever of you.” Sunset said, walking aside her Princess friend as they exited the small library, and entered a hallway of the castle.
“Before you arrived, Spike got you your tickets ready for your train to Silver Shoals. The ride is close to an hour. Oh and one more thing. Guards?
"Yes, princess?"
"Has my delivery from Rarity arrived yet?”
“Yes, your majesty.” The guard shared, as he brought it over on over to her.
“Thank you, you are dismissed,” Twilight said as the guard bowed his head before leaving to attend to his duties.
“This is for you Sunset. It's a gift that Rarity made on my behalf,” Twilight said as she moved the gift toward Sunset with her magic.
“Oh Twilight, you shouldn't have? But thanks. I haven’t received a Hearth's Warming gift in years.”
“My pleasure. Now go on, open it up.”
Sunset soon did so, opening it like a filly would Heart's Warming, before seeing the gift as her eyes glowed in amazement!
It was a Hearth’s warming outfit. It was red, and white, with a green bow, and a reef hairband to go along with it. Sunset’s eyes watered in happiness as she looked at it before hugging Twilight.
“Thank you Twilight, I love it! Tell Rarity she did an incredible job.”
“You're welcome. Rarity thought it would be a nice thing to wear for the holidays when you reunite with Celestia. Now, why don’t you go change into it before your train arrives.”
“Ok Twilight thanks!!!” Sunset said as she rushed off to the nearest bathroom.
After she was changed into the outfit Sunset wandered around the castle for a bit until she saw something coming her way. It landed in a bush right next to her and seemed to have hurt itself.
“Oh my. Are you ok little one!” Sunset asked as she removed the animal from the bush with her magic.
After she freed the animal, she notice that it was an owl. She didn’t recognize it, but she figured Twilight might know something about it and who it might've belonged to.
“Hello there little one, are you lost? Where's your owner?” Sunset asked.
The owl hooted at her before it flapped its wings and landed on her back. It began cuddling into her neck as a thank you for helping it out of the bush.
“Aw thank you. It was my pleasure.”
“Sunset are you ok, what was that crash I heard?” Twilight asked as she rushed over to them.
“Relax Twilight this owl just crash-landed in this bush.”
The owl soon got up from Sunset’s back and flapped its wings before landing safely on the ground.
“Oh, Owlowiscious! There you are. I’ve been looking for you,” Twilight said as she came over to the owl.
“You know this owl?” Questioned Sunset.
“Yes, he’s a friend of mine. He’s helped me a lot over the years and happens to be my pet. But lately, I’ve been trying to find him a new owner. I can’t take care of him now that I’m ruling over Equestria. I don't want to do it, but as the new ruler of Equestria, my schedule has become very tight-packed.”
“Well, he certainly likes me a lot. Maybe you’ll be able to find a new owner eventually. Who knows, you might find one since it's the holidays. I'm sure any young Philly would like to have one as a pet.”
“I hope so. Oh my, look at the time, we need to get you to the train station!!!”
“But I don’t have my ticket yet?”
“Don’t worry Spike was behind me, so he should be here any-”
And with the sound of a screech, Spike had made his entrance.
“Sorry, I’m late Twilight. I hurt my left-wing this morning. It's hard running on two legs than hooves like you. I've become a lot faster since I’ve gotten these wings. But I’ve been taking it easy since I hurt one of them.”
“Not a problem Spike, you got Sunset’s ticket?”
“Right here, here you go Sunset.”
“Thanks, Spike, also I like your new wings. They look great.”
“I’ve had them for some time now, but thank you.”
“Have a good time Sunset. Here’s the address where Celestia and Luna are staying. I hope you enjoy seeing them,” replied Princess Twilight.
“Thanks again Twilight. I better get going to the train station now. I’ll see you both tomorrow.”
“Safe travels Sunset. Tell Celestia and Luna I said hi,” Twilight said before hugging her friend.
“Will do Twilight, bye.”
And soon Sunset dashed off to the Canterlot train station.
After Sunset boarded her train she was on her way to Silver Shoals, to see her former teacher again for the first time in months.
For the first half-hour, she spent the journey looking out of the window of the coach she sat. That was til she noticed something that caught her eye.
The train was passing by a small town she hadn’t seen in years and she immediately recognized it. It was the hometown she grew up in. When the train stopped at the station, Sunset decided to make a quick stop and look around. She had time to spare and decided to catch the next train that arrived in the next hour. She was hoping Celestia wouldn't be upset about why she was late. But knowing her former teacher, she'd understand.
After getting off the train Sunset walked around her old hometown, which was covered with a giant blanket of snow.
“It feels so weird to be here after all these years,” Sunset said to herself.
She was able to find her old home where she grew up and spent her childhood. It had since been rebuilt after it got destroyed by the snowstorm many years ago and a new family was currently living there. While Sunset was happy to see it again she resumed looking around her hometown. She desperately wanted to look inside the house and see if anything had changed. But she ended up deciding not to. The owners would certainly find it unbelievable she once lived there, knowing that the previous family was killed when the house got destroyed by a snowstorm many years prior. She'd also be invading their privacy, so it was decided she presses on exploring.
She came across the graveyard a few minutes later and decided to see if she could find where her family was buried. She was able to find several gravestones with the names of her family on them, bringing a bit of sadness to her face. This wasn't how she wanted to reunite with her family after abandoning them. But this was the least she could do to show she still cared for them.
“I’m sorry everyone. I never came back to see you after all these years. I'm sorry you ain’t here to see me, but I’ve changed now and found another great family I’ve been cherishing with the love I've given them. Even if you're all gone, I still think about you a lot these days.”
Sunset laid some flowers in front of the gravestones of her family, before leaving the cemetery in dismay. She felt glad she stopped here after all these years and was sure her family would be happy she did this for them. She headed on back to the train station to catch her train going to Silver Shoals.
After another half hour went by, Sunset finally arrived at Silver Shoals. The moment she stepped off the train she was surprised at how wonderful it was and warm the temperature was. It was where the two sisters had decided to spend their retirement and it seemed like a good place to spend a vacation at.
After entering the small town she went straight toward the house that Celestia and Luna were living in.
After finding the house she knocked on the door before it opened up to reveal her former teacher. It felt a bit weird for a second not seeing her with her crown, which was replaced with some glasses. But she was still the same pony who she once called her teacher, feeling happy to be seeing again.
“Hello, there Sunset. It's very nice to see you again,” said the happy Celestia before bringing her former student into a hug.
“It's very nice to see you again Princess Celestia,” Sunset said, smiling at her former teacher.
“Sunset, I’m retired now. So please, just call me Celestia. You used to be my student but I’m retired now and I won’t mind you calling me that.”
“Alright, Celestia. May I come in?”
“Of course. Right, this way.”
Sunset entered the small house and found Luna sitting in a chair in the living room reading a book. As soon as Luna saw her she got up from her chair and came over toward Sunset.
“Sunset dear, it's so good to see you again. Have you been doing as we last saw you?”
“Things have been going good Luna, thanks for asking. How’s retirement been going?”
“Oh, it's been great. We're still getting used to it. But like my sister, I will eventually get used to this new life.”
“Glad to hear you both are doing well. Last saw I saw you both I was under not-so-good circumstances while dealing with the Memory crisis,” Sunset said as she sat on the couch removing her bag in the process.
“Speaking of which, how have you been doing since you stopped that girl who was responsible for it in the first place? What was her name again?”
“Wallflower Celestia, it was Wallflower,” replied Luna, who was now in the kitchen.
“Oh right. I must've forgotten after you left Sunset. Being a ruler of Equestria can take a lot out of you.”
“It's ok I understand. My friends and I have been quite busy ourselves with equestrian magic and artifacts we've found that we end up destroying or taking away from someone who found one on earth.”
“Well, it sounds like you're doing well. What about the rest of your friends?” Questioned Celestia, just as Luna joined them with three mugs of hot chocolate.
“They’ve been well. Rainbow Dash has been getting addicted to using our powers and even caused our powers to go haywire because of it. But besides her everyone else is doing fine. I’m also now in a relationship with Twilight’s counterpart,” Sunset said before taking a sip of her hot chocolate while trying to block a blush appearing on her face.
“That sounds wonderful Sunset. We figured you’d find someone eventually,” Celestia commented before she took a sip of her hot beverage.
“Yeah. We like each other a lot, have so much in common, and have been so much happier since we started dating. But as much as I love my new life on the other side of the portal, I still wonder what might happen if I run into my human counterpart," said a now worried Sunset.
“Well my little Sun, if you and your friends can help others with friendship, stop equestrian magic on the loose in that world, and be normal high school students at the same time, you'll probably have it all planned out.”
“That brings up another question I've thought of. If I stay there, I’ll still be the same age I am in Equestria. Sure I may look like a teenager when I go through the portal, but I still have the DNA of a pony. And if I'm correct I'm technically an adult now. Which just makes me wonder what I should do about this issue I'm having. I love Twilight very much even though I am older than her and the rest of my friends. Just spending all this time as a teenager, I kinda want to be young again. I want to redo my life after all the trouble I caused when I was still your student.”
“Well, you're in luck Sunset. We got something that might be able to help you,” shared Luna, as she got up from her chair.
“What do you mean?”
“We figured a situation like this would happen, so we made you something we worked very hard on that we know will work,” shared Celestia.
Luna rejoined a good minute later with a gift carried by her magic.
“This is our Hearth’s Warming gift from the both of us, Sunset. It may be small but you’ll see what it is once you open it.”
Sunset soon opened the small present revealing two small potion bottles.
“Potions? I don't get it?”
“Those are not just any kind of potions. When you drink this one it’ll give you the DNA of a human. You won’t have your pony DNA anymore once you've consumed its contents. We tested it already, so you’ll be just fine Sunset. The second one will change your age so you'll be the correct age you are as a teenager on the other side of the portal. We figured that if you did stay there, this should be done so there wouldn't be any problems when it comes to your age," replied Celestia.
Sunset wasn’t sure what to say. This gift was just what she needed. While she did start to wonder if she'd still be capable of returning to Equestria or not, she decided not to worry about it for the time being. And just before she knew she started to tear up before hugging her former teacher in happiness.
“Oh thank you so much, Celestia. How can I ever repay you for this?”
“You don’t need to my little pony. What matters is that you have those who care for you now. That's what makes me very happy for you,” replied the happy Celestia.
Luna soon smiled seeing how happy her sister was and that they helped out someone they truly cared for.
The next morning Sunset waited for her train to arrive with the two retired princesses by her side.
Just as they were finishing a conversation Sunset’s train arrived.
“Well, I better get going. Thank you very much for the gift. I’ll make sure to do what I need to when I get home.”
“We're glad to hear that Sunset," replied Luna.
“Come visit again sometime. Maybe your next one will be longer. You can bring Twilight too if you are interested. The human one, not our Twilight. We'd still like to meet her. She sounds like a wonderful girl,’ said Celestia before a smile appeared on her face.
“I’ll make sure to when I can.”
Sunset gave them both hugs before boarding her train back to Canterlot. As the train departed the station, she waved from her window to them just as the train moved out of the station, before the moment was soon over.
After Sunset arrived back at Canterlot she was greeted by Twilight and Spike again after deboarding her train.
“So Sunset, how was it?” Asked Princess Twilight.
“It was great seeing them again. They even got me a Hearth's Warming gift.”
“What did they give you?” Questioned Spike.
“These potions. This one will give human DNA, while this one will change my age to be the same one I'd be as a teenager on the other side of the portal. Since I am a teenager in that world and an adult in this one.”
“And how old would you be once you take it?”
“Likely Seventeen. Anyway, I better get changed before heading back home. I love this outfit so much, but I know it won't go over with me when I crossover. I was wearing my winter clothes when I went through yesterday and this outfit is meant to fit a pony, not a human.”
“Actually Sunset, I did something about that way ahead of you. I figured this would happen, so I asked Rarity to put a spell on it. So when you crossover it’ll change to the size you as a human.”
“You did that just for me? Oh, thank you Twilight! This is probably the best Hearth’s Warming I’ve had in a long time!”
“You are very welcome Sunset. What are friends for?”
After arriving back at the castle, they all ran into Owlowiscious again.
“Well hello there Owlowiscious, nice to see you again,” replied Princess Twilight.
After Owlowiscious saw Sunset again, he flew towards her before somehow managing to get into her bag.
“Who who who who,” replied Owlowiscious.
“What’s that? You want to go with Sunset?” Questioned Princess Twilight.
Owlowiscious nodded as he started flapping his wings again, before coming out to cuddle Sunset’s face. This brought a huge smile to Sunset before she brought him into a hug.
“So, are you fine I take care of him Twilight?”
“Of course. If he’s fine with it, then it's fine with me. I can tell he likes you a lot.”
“Well then Owlowiscious, we better get going. So I'd hang on if I were you.”
Before we know it, they entered the hidden library and activated the portal. Sunset looked back at her dear friend who helped her back at the Fall Formal, back when she was in desperate need of help. It was all thanks to Princess Twilight, that Sunset’s life has become better than ever.
“Well, I guess it's time for me to go now,” replied Sunset.
“Yeah. Goodbyes aren’t my thing, but there’s always next time.”
Sunset smiled back before Owlowiscious flew over to say goodbye to Twilight. This would likely be the last time he'd see her unless Sunset brought him with her when she makes her next visit back to Equestria.
“I’ll miss you Owlowiscious. Take care of yourself, you too Sunset.”
Owlowiscious hooted back before flying back to Sunset.
“Until we meet again Sunset. If you ever want to come back for another visit, I’ll make sure to open the portal for you. Even if the place on the other side of the mirror is your home now, Equestria will always be your second one.”
“Thank you Twilight. Good luck with ruling over Equestria.”
“Thanks, Sunset. And tell the others and the other me I said hi.”
“I’ll make sure to. Ready Owlowiscious?” She asked the owl, to which he hooted in reply.
Sunset then looked back to Twilight and Spike as she waved at them before she and Owlowiscious entered the portal, heading back home.
On the other side of the portal, Twilight was waiting for her girlfriend's arrival. She was still in her pajamas this time of the morning, as she had rushed out of her home to arrive on time for Sunset's return. She still made sure to put on a coat and some warm socks to not catch a cold. The weather was supposed to get worse the further into the month they got, but Twilight knew she didn't have to worry about it.
Soon the portal activated and walked came Sunset in her Hearth’s Warming outfit, which had now changed to her size as a teenager. While Owlowiscious sat on her right shoulder.
“Sunset!”
Twilight soon came over and hugged her girlfriend while a few tears managed to escape her.
“Good to see you again Twilight. I missed you.”
“I did too, even if it was just for one night.”
Twilight then noticed Sunset's Hearth's Warming outfit before spotting Owlowiscious on her shoulder.
“You look great Sunset. And who’s your little friend?”
“This is Owlowiscious, Twilight. Your counterpart’s pet owl. And now he's mine. Owlowiscious, say hello to my girlfriend Twilight Sparkle.”
Owlowiscious hooted a hello at Twilight before he flapped his wings and landed in her arms hugging her.
“Oh thank you very much. So how was your visit?”
“It was great. I felt happy to see Celestia and Luna again under better circumstances, even if they’re retired now. Oh, which reminds me. I was given these as a gift,” Sunset said, revealing the potions from within her bag.
“Potions? What do they do?”
“These potions will both give me Human DNA and will change my age to how old I am here as a teenager. All I need to do is add a piece of hair from someone, put it in the potions, and drink away.”
“That sounds great Sunset. And since you need one, take one of mine.”
Twilight pulled out two strings of her hair and gave them to Sunset before she added them to the potions. After letting them settle in for a good thirty seconds, she drank each one of them straight away. She wasn’t sure if they were any side effects but figured the potions will take time to change her DNA before she can find out if it worked on her.
“So you ready to go home?”
“Yes, Twilight. But instead, let’s head on over to your place. I can see you still in your pajamas under your coat,” Sunset said looking at her girlfriend who began blushing.
“I wanted to be here on time alright. I didn't have time to get dressed,” Twilight replied as her blush began to fade away.
“Not a problem at all. So, you ready to go?”
“Yeah, my parents are waiting for me.”
“Good, I'm starving, I haven’t had breakfast yet. I didn't have time 'cause I had a train to catch.”
“I'm sure they won't mind letting you join in on breakfast with us, huh Sunset?”
“Yes, indeed Twilight, yes indeed.”
Sunset and Twilight looked into each other's eyes with glee once more before they went into a kiss. Their first one in almost twenty-four hours.
After the kiss was over they joined hands before they started their walk to Twilight’s house.
Sunset wondered how Twilight’s family would react that she has a pet Owl now but like Celestia said she’ll know what to do.