Sunset Shimmer sat and thought about the last time she was on a train: When she was arrested outside Princess Cadence's palace, and subsequently transported to Canterlot. She recalled being shackled in crisscrossing irons, cold from the weather of the Frozen North, and encased in a magical force field by Shining Armor. Every so often, a guard would show up to check on her, making sure she didn't try to break free. If she had any outbursts, her muzzle would be bound shut by a guard's spell for fifteen minutes at a time. If she tried escaping, she would be knocked out by the guards.
Thankfully, this was different. Now that she was once again a citizen of Equestria, Sunset could appreciate the novelties of traveling on a train. She and her three companions had an entire car to themselves. Just as the train started to leave, the doors slid open, and a grayish-white pegasus with a shaggy black, but graying mane trotted into their car. Trixie and Lightning Dust looked at him confused, but Sunset Shimmer and Radiant Dawn were quick to recognize him, despite the lack of his armor.
"Star Shield?" gasped Sunset.
"Captain?!" Radiant exclaimed. "Whatever are you doing here, sir? I thought you had to watch over the royal guards today!"
"Princess Celestia has instructed me to make sure that the four of you are welcomed into Ponyville without incident." said Star Shield. "On account of Miss Shimmer and Miss Lulamoon's history with Princess Twilight Sparkle, mind you. I have had Lieutenant Flash Sentry watch over the city's guards until I return in the afternoon."
"That's nice and all, Captain Shield." said Sunset. "But like I said before: I don't need a foal-sitter!"
"I'm not foal-sitting you, ma'am." said the middle-aged pegasus. "Consider me your royal escort for the morning."
Sunset nodded.
"Well, when you put it that way...thanks." she smiled.
The captain sat next to his lieutenant. Sunset turned to take a look at Star Shield's cutie mark: True to his name, it was a silver shield with a golden five-pointed star emblazoned in the center. Suddenly, she felt a hoof tap her on the back. Sunset turned around to look into the golden eyes of Lightning Dust.
"Hey, I'd like to talk to you for a sec." said Lightning, quietly.
"Sure thing, Lightning." nodded Sunset.
"Let's go further down." said Lightning Dust, turning to point her hoof at an empty row of seats at the back of the car.
The two mares climbed off of their benches and seated themselves at the back.
"So, what'd you wanna talk about?" asked Sunset Shimmer.
Lightning Dust shifted about in an uncharacteristically nervous manner, then took a deep breath.
"Keep this is a secret, will ya?" she said to her friend.
"Sure thing." acknowledged Sunset.
"Well, you see..." Lightning looked around to make sure none of their companions were eavesdropping on their conversation. "I...think that I have...feelings for...your...brother."
"What kind of feelings?" asked Sunset, curiously.
"I mean, I think I'm...attracted to him." hesitated Lightning Dust.
"Oh, really?" Sunset Shimmer thought, sarcastically. "I had no idea!"
"Well, I guess I wouldn't blame you." she said aloud. "I mean he can be pretty lively at times."
As they conversed with each other, Radiant was talking with Trixie.
"So, where are you from?" he asked Trixie.
"I'm from Canterlot, actually." said Trixie. "My cousin--err, second cousin's the best doctor there. His name's--"
"Pressure Point?" interrupted Radiant Dawn.
"Yeah. How did you know?" asked Trixie.
"Lucky guess." shrugged Radiant.
"Do you know him at all?" asked Trixie.
"Oh, do I ever!" exclaimed Radiant. "He was a classmate of me and my sister at Celestia's academy. He's also the biggest jerk ever!"
"Why, what did he do?"
"What didn't he do?" interjected Sunset Shimmer, who was going back to original seat with Lightning Dust following behind. "He's a total creep, a snob, and an insufferable bully. He also made my brother here the laughingstock of the academy, even after he already left!"
"Well, he's always been bit of an--Wait a minute." Trixie paused, turning back to Radiant. "You left Celestia's academy? As in, you didn't even finish it?"
"Nope." said Radiant. "I messed up badly on a flight spell, and got kicked out by Princess Celestia. Something I'd like to note is that Pressure Point took the same exam as me, and passed with flying colors."
"Well, how badly did you mess up?" Trixie asked.
"My target exploded into a fireball, and set a whole bunch of stuff on fire." Radiant explained. "All because I tried too hard on casting my spell."
Trixie held back the urge to laugh, and simply nodded.
"I remember that." said Sunset. "I have to say, Red: You really scared me there. Not just the fireball, but how angry you got when Princess Celestia yelled at you. And then, when you left..."
Sunset's eyes began to water. Trixie face-hoofed, knowing that her friend was going to have another crying fit.
"I just...stopped caring..." she whimpered. "And didn't...want to make friends...or do anything but study. And then, when Princess Celestia...showed me the mirror, my pride took the best of me. I became selfish, vain, arrogant, and...I just hate myself for it. I just wish I was never born!"
Radiant got up, and approached his sister.
"Come on, little sis." he chuckled, lowering his head. "Don't cry."
"I was a terrible pony for the past few years." said Sunset. "If you saw me back then, you would've hated me like everyone else. I was a big jerk!"
"Well, you're not a jerk now, Sunny." assured Radiant. "Even if you were, you're still my sister. I don't care if you're good, evil, or...something else. I still love you for who you are. Nothing can change that."
"Are you sure?" asked Sunset.
"I'm your brother." said Radiant Dawn. "It's my job to look out for you, even if you didn't want me to. We've both messed up in the past, but things are already looking up for both of us."
"I guess they are." smiled Sunset, whose eyes were drying. "Thanks, Red."
Radiant patted Sunset on the back. Lightning Dust approached the two siblings.
"I sure don't think you're a jerk, Sunset." said Lightning. "In fact, you're probably the nicest pony I've ever met in a long time. Even when I was a jerk to you and Trixie, you still made sure that I recovered from that accident that could've cost me my life. Even when an entire city hated me for my recklessness, you still stuck your neck out for me. You're not just my hero, Sunset Shimmer. You're my best friend ever."
Lightning Dust unfolded her wing, the same one that Sunset and Trixie tended to back on the farm, and used it to pat Sunset Shimmer on the back. Trixie scoffed.
"Wow, are friendships normally this corny?" she thought.
Then she remembered her adventures in Fillydelphia with Sunset Shimmer. She shrugged, then decided to join Sunset, Radiant, and Lightning Dust in the middle of the car.
"You know, Sunset." she said. "I don't think I properly thanked you for saving me from that armored creature. So that's I'm going to do: Thank you, Sunset Shimmer, for saving my life. Also, for helping me see my sensitive side."
She turned to look at Lightning Dust, and winked.
"So if you're a jerk, Sunset, then you're doing a pretty poor job at it." she smiled. "You've inspired me quite a bit. Thank you again."
"Thanks, Trixie." said Sunset. "That means a lot coming from you."
Trixie humbly bowed her head, and went back to her seat. Then Star Shield went up to them, and cleared his throat.
"You see, Miss Shimmer?" he said to Sunset. "That is the power of respect."
"Yeah, and it sure feels good, sir." said Sunset Shimmer.
Suddenly, the train began to slow down. The five ponies quickly got into their seats so they wouldn't be knocked over by the momentum. They were now at the train station of Ponyville. Star Shield and Radiant Dawn got off first, and stood on either side of the door for Sunset Shimmer and her friends to climb out safely. When all five of them were on the platform, they suddenly heard a loud whistle, but not from the train.
"Well, look who finally showed up." said a familiar voice.
The five turned towards the station to see Twilight Sparkle and her friends standing side-by-side, all facing them.
"Welcome to Ponyville!" smiled Twilight. "Princess Celestia told the six of us to expect you, Sunset Shimmer."
"So, she's the mare that stole your crown, Twilight?" questioned Rainbow Dash, who was now hovering in front of Sunset, when she noticed--
"And look who she brought with her: The Loud and Obnoxious Trixie, and my 'buddy' from the Wonderbolts Academy, Lightning Dust. I guess trying to enslave all of Ponyville and putting everypony at the academy in danger wasn't enough for you two."
"Hey, listen up." Lightning Dust leaped up to hover in front of Rainbow. "I already told Twilight that I was sorry about what I did with the Wonderbolts. So just cool it, will ya? Geez!"
"And I'm not even into pulling off magic shows anymore." said Trixie. "My showboating days are over, and I've been trying to turn a new leaf with what I have left."
"Those two speak the truth, Miss Rainbow Dash." said Star Shield, who approached the hotheaded, rainbow-maned pegasus.
"And what about her?" Rainbow pointed a hoof at Sunset Shimmer. "Don't you know what she did last month? She could've put all of Equestria in danger!"
"Rainbow--" Twilight began.
"I'm trying to help you out here, Twi." Rainbow interrupted, dropping down so that she was looking Sunset Shimmer straight in the eyes. "Look, Sunspot, or whatever your name is. I don't care who you are, or how you came back to Equestria, but let me just say that nopony messes with my friends and gets away with it! If you make one false move around here, I swear to Celestia I'll--"
"Miss Dash, I admire your loyalty to Princess Twilight Sparkle, but your current behavior is irrational." said Star Shield. "I must request that you back down, before you start a riot."
Compelled to obey, Rainbow cautiously broke eye-contact with Sunset Shimmer, and turned to face the grayish-white aging pegasus.
"Um, who are you again?" she asked. "You seem kind of familiar. Aren't you one of the Wonderbolts?"
"No. " said the older pegasus. "But my nephew, Soarin', is one of them. I trust you may have met him?"
"Yeah." said Rainbow Dash. "I saved his life once, and even got a picture with him at Shining Armor and Princess Cadence's wedding."
"And saved his apple pie at the Grand Galloping Gala, I do recall." added the middle-aged winged stallion.
Rainbow nodded her head.
"So, what's your name?" asked Rainbow Dash.
"That's Captain Star Shield." said Twilight Sparkle, who went up to Rainbow's side. "My brother told me about him. He used to be captain of the Canterlot Royal Guard."
"And now, I am captain of Princess Luna's Night Guard." said Star Shield. "And this strong young stallion beside me is my lieutenant, Radiant Dawn."
"Oh...him." said Twilight, nervously remembering the tall reddish-orange stallion.
"But what would two members of the Night Guard being doing here in Ponyville, when it's the middle of the day?" asked Rainbow Dash.
"In case somepony may choose to harass the student of Princess Luna." said Captain Star Shield. "Such as what was happening just a minute ago."
Twilight Sparkle's friends all gasped in surprise.
"Hold on there a sec, pardner." said Applejack. "Y'all mean that Sunset Shimmer over here's like Princess Luna's own personal Twilight Sparkle?"
"In a way, yes." nodded Sunset. "I am her student, if that's what your country mumbo-jumbo's trying to spit out. And I have to say I'm already starting to like having her as my mentor instead of Princess Celestia."
"I never thought she even took students!" said Rarity. "From what I've heard, only Princess Celestia does that!"
"Well, there's a first time for everything, beauty queen." Sunset Shimmer said to Rarity.
"Wow, that practically makes you and Twilight cousins!" said Pinkie Pie, who was running her mouth off at an excited rate. "I mean, you used to be Princess Celestia's student, too, so it's like you two were sisters before, but when you left, it's like you got kicked out of the family. But when you came back and became Princess Luna's student, it's like you were welcomed back into the family, except you got adopted and raised by your aunt, and then--wait a minute, what would that make Shining Armor and Red Dawn? If Red's Sunset's brother, and Shiny's Twilight's brother, then maybe--uh--uhh--i don't know, maybe--"
Pinkie finally stopped when she went cross-eyed from her overly-complicated analogy. All the ponies around her looked at the pink earth pony as though she had grown a second tail.
"Hang on, everypony." she panted, rubbing some sweat off her face. "I need to get some water. I'm parched."
Suddenly, she pulled a unicycle out of thin air, and climbed onto it. She pedaled away with her back hooves, disappearing around the corner of the station while whistling a tune. Sunset Shimmer and Radiant Dawn's jaws dropped simultaneously.
"How did she--" Radiant muttered.
"Do that?" finished Sunset.
"Oh, that's just Pinkie Pie for ya." said Twilight, shrugging. "You get used to it after a while."
"All of a sudden, I'm pining for another of Discord's ludicrous games." mumbled Star Shield, sarcastically.
"So, where are we going to be staying?" asked Trixie. "The Great and Powerful Trixie had better not be expected to slumber in the dirt!"
"You and Sunset can bunk in with me and Spike at the library." said Twilight. "I hope you guys don't mind sharing a bed. I've only got two."
"It's okay, Twilight." said Trixie. "We're just visiting until the evening. There shall be no need for a slumber party."
"But still, I think that you should come check my place out." said Twilight. "I'm sure there's a lot of interesting things you could learn from the books here. Ever since I became a princess, I've been getting all sorts of weird and mysterious artifacts from all over Equestria. I think that I could use some help archiving them all. And who better to help me with them than a couple of skilled unicorns like you two?"
Sunset and Trixie exchanged surprised looks.
"You need our help?" they both said at the same time.
"Sure thing." said Twilight. "You both have some experience with dealing with dangerous magical objects, and I can say that from personal experience."
Sunset and Trixie both nodded their heads nervously.
"And it would be great to have an opportunity to work with instead of against you, Sunset." said Twilight. "Let's see what you're capable of doing now that you've switched mentors. I bet Luna's taught you all kinds of neat spells."
"Actually, I've not gotten that far with Princess Luna's teachings." said Sunset. "I'm kind of a newbie, since I just finished my first mission for her a couple of days ago."
"Right." said Twilight. "But you used to be Princess Celestia's top student, just like me. Even if you're still tired out from your mission, maybe you could still be a consultant or supervisor for me and Trixie as we catalog everything."
"You'd honestly trust me with something like that?" asked Sunset.
"Why not?" asked Twilight. "After all, what are the chances that I'd find somepony else as bright as you to offer me free advice on dangerous magical artifacts? I mean, Princess Celestia won't be around all the time to help me out. You're probably the closest thing I have to a field advisor right now. So what do you say? Wanna help me out?"
Flattered, Sunset smiled and nodded.
"Okay, Twilight." she said. "I'll play your game. Just don't think you'll be able to walk all over me, just because you're a princess. If I get something wrong, don't expect me to grovel for your forgiveness. And don't treat me like I'm your assistant, either. It's 'partner', 'counterpart', or 'colleague'. Got it?"
"You've got yourself a deal." acknowledged Twilight. "Okay then, partner. Let's go."
Twilight Sparkle, Trixie, and Sunset Shimmer went on to the Golden Oaks Library, Twilight's friends went to talk with Star Shield, and Radiant Dawn and Lightning Dust were left alone.
"I guess it's just you and me, big guy." said Lightning.
"It sure looks like it." muttered Radiant in agreement.
"Wanna go get something to eat?" asked Lightning. "Your sister's probably going be busy all morning with whatever Twilight has at the library."
"Sure." said Radiant. "Name the place; I'm buying."