Dear Sunset Shimmer,
Today marks three weeks that I've spent in the human world. Homesickness has been a problem, but with what I found out today, I doubt I'll be idle much longer. It turns out all the magic we expended at the Fall Formal and from fighting Adagio has expanded and spread across the entire city of Canterlot. Who knows what affect that will have on the human world. It might even help my horn heal faster.
Meanwhile, school's back in session at CHS. And yours truly got a gig with the science club; there so much to learn in that regard and it helps stave off homesickness. Of course, that means I can't use my pony form while I'm there. I know us saving the school wasn't exactly a secret, but the last thing I need is someone trying to experiment with my wings and magic. I can see the dissection table now.
So yeah, I'll be keeping busy for a while now. How are things on your end? How did your transition back to a quadruped go? And where are you staying now? Are my friends all right with me not being there? And what have you been up to?
Write back soon,
Twilight Sparkle
Feeling her bookbag vibrate, Sunset perked up. She was just about to reach for the book when she heard a knock on the door.
"Is that you, Proper Setting?"
"Yes, Ms. Shimmer. May I come in?"
"Please do."
In walked a burgundy-colored earth pony with a silver mane. Celestia had insisted that since Sunset had ascended, she deserved her own personal attendant like Twilight and Spike. Proper Setting had a habit of being snarky at times, but was loyal and friendly, and Sunset appreciated his help. Also, nothing surprised him. Ever.
"Good morning, Ms. Shimmer. Already hard at work, I see."
"Are you kidding? The only reason I got any sleep last night was because you confiscated my flashlight!"
"My apologies, Ms. Shimmer, but I felt you needed your beauty sleep more than you needed to study."
"Whatever. It's my first day at my new job, and I don't want to blow it. I'm still not sure if that's what I'm meant to do as a Princess."
"My suggestion? Don't over-think it. If it works, you'll know it, and if not, you'll find something else."
She smiled to herself before walking out. "Thank you, Proper."
"Anytime."
As she headed down the hallway from her room in Canterlot Castle, Sunset felt a sense of gratitude wash over her. A single day didn't go buy that she didn't give thanks for her clean slate, a chance to stand at the Princess's side once again. It hadn't been easy. Making up for her past misdeeds had taken a lot of hard work, and enduring six months worth of hatred and bile had nearly broken her more than once. But it had all been worth it to hear those three glorious words from Celestia's mouth.
I forgive you.
She'd never forget the rush of relief and renewal she'd felt on that day. And she'd decided to do her best to help others feel the same way.
"Good morning, my faithful student."
Ah yes, that was another phrase she'd thought she would never hear again.
"Hello, Princess Celestia."
Sunset had to stop herself from bowing in her mentor's presence and gave a smile instead.
"I take it, you're doing well today?"
She rubbed a hoof behind her head. "As well as one can be who's about to step completely out of her comfort zone."
"Is there something I can do to help?"
"Not really. I just....I spent so much time wanting to become a Princess. And now that I am one, I kinda don't know what I'm supposed to do next."
This brought out a sympathizing nod. "You know, Twilight said something similar when she ascended. Your adjustments might be difficult and may take a couple of attempts, but satisfaction of finding success will be well worth it."
Sunset took a breath, releasing some of the tension that had hung over her that morning.
"Where are you headed now?"
"I was thinking about how to apply myself now that I'm a Princess and decided that I wanted to try being a guidance counselor. That way, I can help other ponies avoid making the same mistake that I did."
"That's a good motivation. And I know several ponies that will certainly appreciate your guidance."
"Yeah."
With nothing else to say, Celestia turned to leave, only to be stopped by Sunset's sudden embrace.
"Oh!" came the surprised grunt. "And what's this for?"
"Thanks for not giving up on me. I know it must have been hard for you. Knowing everything I--"
A hoof against her lips cut her off in mid-sentence.
"Please don't bring yourself down by dwelling on your past. Because if you do that, you can never move forward. You attempted to atone for your sins and made me very proud when you succeeded. Now, forget those things which are behind and reach forward to that which is ahead. Can you do that for me, Sunset Shimmer?"
She's right. I don't need to think about that anymore. Even from the perspective of being grateful she forgave me. I guess I haven't let go as much as I thought.
"I'll try my best, your Momjesty."
Celestia smiled and reciprocated the hug. "That's all I need to hear. Good luck with your endeavors today."
"I appreciate that. I'll certainly need it. Oh and Princess?"
The retreating figure turned around. "Yes?"
"Thanks for being here for me."
"Contrary to my human counterpart, my door is always open." And with that, she was gone.
As Sunset continued towards her new study, she felt her saddlebags vibrate again and pulled out the journal. Seeing that Twilight was keeping herself occupied was a good sign; Sunset could easily imagine herself going stir-crazy if put in a similar bind. She made a mental note to write back later and kept walking.
"Let's see. 1014, 1015, 1016, here we go, 1017. And it looks like I'm a few minutes early."
Inside was a waiting room likely designed to relax the patients before they moved to the sessions. A fountain stood off the the side, while speakers played soothing music overhead. Instead of chairs to sit in as they waited, several small couches were scattered around the room's left side. On the right side was a gray desk with an equally grey mare sitting behind it. When she saw Sunset, she smiled and adjusted her glasses.
"Hello there. Are you Sunset Shimmer?" For such a mundane looking mare, she had a surprisingly upbeat voice.
"I am." Sunset hoped she didn't look as dumbfounded as she felt.
"The Princess told me you were coming. Let me be the first to welcome you to your office. My name is Mercy Newstart, and I guess I'm your secretary. If you need anything, just let me know."
"So if you're here, where am I supposed to be?"
Mercy gestured to a room beyond the desk. "Right through there. Your first appointment should be here in about ten minutes. Get yourself comfortable in the meantime."
"Sure thing."
Behind the next door, was a smaller room with a simple couch for the patient and a desk for her. Slightly bewildered, she sat down, still taking it all in.
Eesh. Something tells me that fighting Adagio again would be easier than this. But then again, I wouldn't be here now if I'd taken the easy way out. If you could turn yourself around, then you can help others do the same thing. Just take it slow at first.
With the time she had left, she wrote a reply to Twilight's letter and did some last-minute studying. All too soon, her intercom beeped.
"Yes Mercy?"
"Your first appointment's here? Are you ready?"
"Send her in."
The door opened slowly, betraying that the pony on the other side was even more nervous than Sunset. The mare looked first at Sunset, then at the couch she was supposed to sit on, before ending up with her eyes on the floor.
"Good morning," came an attempt at an icebreaker. "My name is Sunset Shimmer. And what can I call you?"
Shifting her eyes back to Sunset, the mare slowly shuffled over to the couch and sat down.
"Lightning Dust," came the reply. "My name is Lightning Dust."