Twilight Sparkle stood by the statue outside Canterlot High School, she leaned against it, human arms crossed in front of her. She was somber, remembering the last time she was here. The moon shone brightly above, casting eerie shadows over the grass.
"You know, Princess Celestia has forgiven you, you don't have to stay here."
"I can't go back, Twilight." Sunset Shimmer responded. Staring Twilight in the eye, a hint of sadness showing.
"Why not? The portal is open for another 2 hours."
"I...I have my reasons. I just can't go back."
"Does this have to do with Celestia?"
"Maybe." Sunset Shimmer looked away, rubbing her shoulder anxiously.
"Did she hurt you?"
"Yes. She did."
"Me too." Twilight said, walking over to comfort her. "She's yelled at me, threatened me, even hit me before. One time I interrupted her while she was having a meeting. She punished me by hitting me. I was mad, scared even, but I realized something."
"What?"
"She's flawed. She's just like us. When she gets mad she reacts inappropriately."
"She's abusive."
"Maybe, or maybe she was just angry, and my interruption caused her anger to boil over."
"Did she tell you that?"
"Huh?"
"Did she tell you that you were to blame?"
"Well, I, um..."
"I thought so." Shimmer said, turning away back toward the rebuilt High school. "She's manipulative, uncaring, demented even. Celestia's a monster."
"You know what, she is. She is all those things, and much more. She's sometimes pure evil, but you know what? We all are."
"Keep telling yourself that, I'm not going back to that."
"Suite yourself. Goodbye, Sunset Shimmer." Twilight stepped through the portal and into the crystal palace. She sighed and made her way to her temporary room. She had a lot to think about.