Sunset never left Equestria and meets young Twilight.
THIS IS A RE-WRITE OF MY OTHER STORY UNDER THE SAME TITLE
Instead of fleeing to the human realm, Sunset decides to talk to Celestia, thus causing her to stay in Equestria. As she continues her studies, Celestia gets a new student.
The young purple prodigy, Twilight Sparkle!
Celestia tasks her with something she is not too keen about: taking care of Twilight. All Sunset wants to do is study magic with Celestia, so why does she have to do something so annoying? However, Sunset will soon learn that life isn't just all about magic and learning.
Rated "Teen" because of themes, language, and a bit of violence. Sex tag because of raunchy/steamy innuendos. Violence tag because of light descriptions of violence and injuries.
In front of a grand double door, an amber unicorn paced back and forth. The two guards stationed there watched her as she went back and forth, over and over again.
“It’s nothing to be nervous about,” Sunset mumbled. “All I’m doing is asking Celestia for a little favor, it’s not like I’m asking her to destroy a country or something.”
“Miss Shimmer, you don’t have to be so nervous,” one of the guards said, trying to comfort her.
Stopping her pacing, she snapped at him. “I’m not nervous!”
The guard nodded slowly. “Uh huh…”
“You may enter,” Celestia called from behind the doors. Sunset bit her lip as the guards slowly opened the doors, revealing the throne room. The large stained glass windows glittered beautifully. The concrete pillars were etched with intricate designs and wonderful purple banners hung above them.
Walking down the red carpet that lined the middle, Sunset approached the elevated grand golden throne. Seated upon it was Equstria’s ruler and her mentor, Princess Celestia. Her mane flowed elegantly, a small smile on her face.
“Good afternoon Sunset,” Celestia greeted warmly.
Sunset bowed. “Princess.”
“How many times must I remind you that when it’s just the two of us, there is no need for such formalities,” Celestia said, giggling slightly.
Sunset arose, rubbing the back of her neck. “Sorry, force of habit.”
“What is it that you wanted to talk about?” Celestia asked.
“I know this’ll sound a little outrageous, knowing that you like everything being taught thoroughly, but just hear me out.” Sunset paused.
Celestia nodded. “I’m willing to hear out anything you have to say, Sunset.”
Taking in a deep breath, Sunset blurted out. “I’m sick of learning the same things for days on end. I’ve already learned all the material but we keep going over it, and it’s getting boring. I just wish we could maybe go a bit faster and do something new for once!”
The room went silent, the two ponies staring at one another. Celestia still had a small smile on her face while Sunset frowned.
After a few moments, Celestia cleared her throat. “If you’re up for the challenge, I wouldn’t mind accelerating the course.”
Hearing this, Sunset’s eyes lit up. “Do you really mean it?”
“Why would I lie to you?” Celestia chuckled. “But Sunset, this is a big commitment, and I want to make sure you’re ready for it .”
Sunset smirked. “I couldn't be anymore ready.”
“That’s wonderful to hear,” Celestia said. “Though if you start falling behind, either in school or your lessons, then we’ll have to slow it back down. Understood?”
Sunset nodded. “Crystal clear.”
“And I have one more condition.”
“Let’s hear it,” Sunset enthusiastically said.
Clearing her throat once more, Celestia’s smile grew slightly wider. “Sunset, I would like you to take care of my protégé.”
“Seriously?” Sunset groaned.
Celestia nodded. “I am very serious.”
“How old are they?” Sunset asked with a sigh.
“She’s three years younger than you, but don’t let her age fool you. She has a talent for magic, just like you, and is quite the bookworm.”
“So you’re basically asking me to babysit her,” Sunset stated with a frown.
Celestia stared blankly at her. “It seems you’re not too keen on doing it. If you’re not up to it, that’s okay. We’ll just have to stay at the pace-”
“I’ll do it,” Sunset quickly interrupted, gritting her teeth. “Though it’ll be a bit annoying,” she finished underneath her breath.
“Splendid,” Celestia clapped her forehooves together, smiling. “Is that all you wanted to talk about?”
“Yup,” Sunset curtly replied.
“You may take your leave then”
Making her way towards the double doors, a question popped up into Sunset’s mind.
Sunset snuggled comfortably in her bed, sinking her head into the soft mattress. Her blanket slowly rose and fell, her steady breath the only noise in the room.
Her room was large but empty. A bed, desk, nightstand and bookshelf were all the furniture she had. Scrolls and quills were scattered on her desk and floor alongside stacks of books; her nightstand had a few picture frames that were face down. Even in all the mess, the unicorn slept soundly.
A few quiet taps from the door echoed throughout the room.
“Sunset, it’s time for school.”
Groaning, Sunset rolled over. “Ten more minutes mom…” she mumbled before drifting back into wondrous slumber.
Stifling a giggle, the door flung open. Sunlight illuminated parts of the room, a tall shadow cast in the doorway.
“How could you still be sleeping on such a lovely morning?” Celestia hummed, walking into the room. Closing the door behind her, Celestia stood over to the now awakened Sunset. “Why good morning Sunset.”
“Mornin’,” Sunset grumbled, rubbing her eyes and yawning. “Now, to what do I owe the pleasure?”
“As I said earlier, it’s time for you to head to school,” Celestia said with a smile.
Sunset snorted. “Very funny Celestia. I’m going back to sleep,” she said as she threw a blanket over herself. However, just before she landed, a yellow magical aura surrounded her, lifting her into the air.
“I don’t think so,” Celestia frowned. “You’re already nearing the limit of missed days, and the school year barely started.”
Sunset struggled and struggled, but wasn’t able to escape Celestia’s magic and eventually gave up. Seeing that she calmed down, Celestia placed her down gently back on the bed with a grin.
“I just don’t understand why I have to go to school when I already know everything they teach!” Sunset huffed.
“There are reasons for everything, Sunset,” Celestia winked. “You just have to find them.”
Sunset deadpanned. “I don’t want to hear your abstract mumbo-jumbo right now.”
“Have a wonderful day at school,” Celestia simply replied before exiting the room and leaving Sunset alone.
“Have a wonderful day at school,” Sunset mocked quietly.
“I heard that,” Celestia chirped.
“I hate her sometimes.”
After getting cleaned up, Sunset started her journey to Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. The only thing she enjoyed about school was the walk there, mainly because of the scenery along the way. A variety of flowers and greenery surrounded the path to school, all well kept by the city.
Unfortunately, Sunset shortly arrived in front of the deserted gates of Celestia’s school. The two guards stationed in front of the school greeted Sunset as she walked through.
The hallways of the school were just like the front gates, empty. However, their muffled chatter could be heard throughout the hallways. Students were already seated in their respective classes, ready to start their day of learning.
Entering her classroom, she was greeted with silence and stares.
“How wonderful of you to join us, Sunset,” Crystal Clear sarcastically remarked, clearly unamused.
Sunset scoffed. “Trust me, I don’t want to be here.”
“Just take your seat,” Crystal Clear sighed before returning to her lecture.
Taking her seat, Sunset got comfortable. Laying her head down and closing her eyes, she was ready to catch some z’s.
“You’re not supposed to be sleeping in class,” a small voice said.
“Uh huh…” Sunset grumbled.
Just a few seconds later, she felt a slight nudge. Opening her eyes, she saw a very young, purple filly. She was just mere inches away from her face, obviously the culprit of the nudge.
“You’re going to get in trouble if the teacher sees you sleeping.”
Sitting up, Sunset cocked an eyebrow at the filly. “Who are you?”
“My name is Twilight Sparkle.”
“And why exactly do you care if I get in trouble?”
“It’s not that I care, but rather I was just informing you that there is a possibility of you getting in trouble,” Twilight said. “Also, you’re missing out on learning material if you sleep in class, thus causing you to fall behind and fail.”
Rolling her eyes, Sunset snorted. “Thank you for your insight, but I already know everything we’re learning right now. Now stop bothering me and let me sleep.” Laying her head back down, she faced away from Twilight.
“I highly doubt you know everything, but I will let you do as you please,” Twilight said with a frown.
Class continued on and it all seemed like a daze to Sunset. Before she knew it, the lunch bell rang, waking her up from her nap. The halls were suddenly filled with chatter as the students made their way towards the cafeteria. Just as Sunset was about to leave the classroom, she overheard the teacher.
“Twilight, remember to see me after school,” Crystal Clear said, narrowing her eyes at the filly.
“Yes ma’am,” she replied in a quiet, dejected tone.
Sunset stood outside the door, waiting for Twilight to walk out. A few moments later, she slowly walked out with a downcast head.
Sunset slightly chuckled. “Yikes, what did you do?”
Twilight stopped in her tracks, looking up at Sunset. Her eyes were glossy and her lips were slightly quivering. Sniffling, she wiped her eyes.
“N-Nothing…”
Sunset rolled her eyes. “It’s obviously not nothing if you’re about to bawl your eyes out.”
Twilight frowned, sniffling again. “Why do you care?”
“To be honest, I don’t care,” Sunset said. “It’s just that when somepony’s crying at school, it’s interesting and I like interesting things, so…”
“You sound evil.”
“I get that a lot,” Sunset shrugged. “So why are you crying?”
Twilight paused hesitantly. Sniffling once more, she hung her head. “Ms. Clear caught me reading a bad book…”
“That book being?” Sunset ushered, slightly more interested.
“Archaic Casting: Dark Magic Edition,” Twilight mumbled.
“What was that?”
“Archaic Casting: Dark Magic Edition,” Twilight repeated, slightly louder.
Sunset’s eye twitched slightly, frowning. “A little louder, please.”
“I was reading Archaic Casting: Dark Magic Edition!”
Sunset’s face lit slightly up. “That’s… actually kind of cool. Did you understand any of it?”
“I understood all of it,” Twilight weakly smiled. “The content wasn’t that difficult, I just had trouble understanding why anypony would want to raise the dead.”
“I couldn’t tell you,” Sunset chuckled. “And just so you know, I think it’s cool you can understand something like this at your age. You remind me of, well, myself.”
“Thanks,” Twilight’s smile grew. “What’s your name? I never got it.”
“Well you better remember it,” Sunset smirked, sticking out her hoof. “I’m Sunset Shimmer, Celestia’s personal student, nice to meet you.”
Shaking her hoof, Twilight smiled sheepishly. “I’m Twilight Sparkle, Celestia’s protege. Though I think you know that already.”
Sunset stood there, still shaking the filly’s hoof, registering what she just said. After a few moments, it finally clicked. Eyes slightly widened, Sunset stared at Twilight.
“Wait, you’re the pony Celestia was talking about?”
Twilight tilted her head slightly. “Uh, I think so?”
“So you’re the twerp I have to look after?” Sunset smirked, examining Twilight closely. “I think we’ll get along just fine then.”
“I am not a twerp!” Twilight pouted. “And what do you mean take care of me? That’s why my parents and brother do.”
“Long story short, Celestia wants me to babysit you.”
“Babysit me? I don’t need a babysitter, I’m a grown pony!” Twilight huffed.
“Uh huh…”
“I see you two met each other already,” a regal voice said. Twilight and Sunset look towards the source of the voice. Walking towards them was none other than Princess Celestia. Students were staring at her with love and admiration.
“Celestia, what are you doing here?” Sunset asked as she got closer.
“This is my school, Sunset,” Celestia chuckled. “Do I need a reason to be here?”
Sunset shrugged. “Fair point.”
“Your Highness,” Twilight said before bowing.
“Twilight, no need for the formalities right now,” Celestia said, causing Twilight to rise.
Sunset nodded. “You still didn’t answer my question though.”
“I guess I did have a reason for my visit today. I came here to introduce you two to one another, but I’m glad to see you two are already acquainted.”
“Sunset and I were just talking about raising the dead!” Twilight grinned.
“Oh, were you now? Celestia slyly smiled at Sunset. “That sounds quite interesting, do tell me more.”
“Twilight was caught reading Archaic Casting: Dark Magic Edition in class and I guess that kind of just sparked the conversation,” Sunset summarized.
Celestia shook her head, smiling. “Twilight, your thirst for knowledge knows no bounds.”
“Sorry…” Twilight hung her head.
“It’s alright Twilight,” Celestia tilted Twilight’s head up by the chin. “Knowledge is power after all.”
“Okay!” Twilight lit up at Celestia’s encouragement.
“And speaking of knowledge, I just know you’re both ready for your lessons.”
Sunset’s brows slightly furrowed. “Wait, we’re having joint lessons? You never told me anything about that!”
“Surprise,” Celestia simply said. “I believe Twilight will be able to keep up with our lessons, so I don’t see any reason for me to separate them.”
“Let’s see if she can,” Sunset grumbled, turning her back on the two and making her way towards the cafeteria.
The rest of the day went by as usual. Sunset slept through the majority of the day, occasionally being bugged by Twilight because of that. The two walked back to the castle together to attend their joint-lessons, which Sunset was not too happy about.
Arriving at the largest garden of the Canterlot Castle, the two spotted Celestia in the middle of a grassy field.
“You two are early,” Celestia greeted them with a warm smile.
Sunset grinned back. “I wouldn’t miss this for anything.”
“Me too!” Twilight nodded quickly.
“I’m overjoyed to hear that,” Celestia said. “We’ll start today with magic control and regulation. Now can one of you explain what that is?”
Sunset rolled her eyes. “Pfft, easy. Magic control is the ability to control the physical form of magic such as redirecting a magic bolt while magic regulation is the ability to move the magic freely throughout your body. Basically, one is external and one is internal.”
“Very good Sunset,” Celestia nodded contently. “Anything to add on, Twilight?”
Twilight rubbed her chin. “I think magic regulation is much harder to master but is necessary to become a great mage.”
“It’s not just necessary to become a great mage, it’s essential to use magic,” Celestia explained. “Without being able to regulate your magical power, you won’t be able to use it at all; and if your regulation is poor, then the spell could possibly backfire, injuring yourself or the ponies around you.”
“I’m guessing that’s what we’re doing then?” Sunset asked.
Celestia nodded. “We’ll be practicing magic regulation for the majority, if not this whole lesson. I’ll explain and demonstrate it first, then you two can have a go at it.”
The two students walked a few steps back, giving Celestia some space.
“The first thing you want to do is imagine the magic that is already inside of you. Imagine it coursing through your body, from top to bottom,” Celestia said, motioning to her hooves and then to her horn. “You want your magic to flow through your body naturally and smoothly. Think of it as a river flowing to and from the ocean.”
“Once you’re able to recognize the magic inside of you, you’re ready to move onto the next step,” Celestia continued, her horn suddenly glowing yellow. “You want to redirect some of your magic, though not forcefully, to your horn.”
“It’s easier to do all this when you’re calm and collected. If you’re panicking, then your spell is more likely to fizzle out.”
Twilight and Sunset watched as Celestia’s horn grew brighter and brighter.
“Then when you have enough magic for whatever spell you’re using, you can release as you please,” Celestia said as she shot several small beams into the air, her horn slowly dimming. “Whether you want to release it little by little or all at once is up to you.”
The two were still looking up at the beams which were soaring upwards.
Celestia smiled at the display. “Who wants to go first?
“Me!” Sunset raised her hoof, beating the now pouting Twilight by mere milliseconds.
“I’m glad you’re both so enthusiastic,” Celestia chuckled. “Alright Sunset, you’re up first. Just remember to be patient and calm.”
Spacing herself from the two, Sunset firmly planted herself into the grass. Closing her eyes and slowing her breaths, she stood there silently, imaging the magic deep inside of her. Just a few moments later, a small smile appeared on her face as her horn began to slowly brighten.
“Very good Sunset. Slowly and carefully direct all the magic you want to use to your horn,” Celestia instructed.
Sunset took another deep breath, focusing on just her horn. Her mind was clear, devoid of any thought. All she was focused on was her magic and her horn. Droplets of sweat formed on Sunset’s forehead as her horn grew brighter. Soon enough Sunset’s horn glowed brighter and brighter, the beautiful red illuminating the field.
Opening her eyes, her focus wavered slightly, causing the sparks to grow more sporadic. Sunset grunted as she fought for control of her horn. Minutes passed and the sparks slowly died down, Sunset sighing in relief.
“Well done,” Celestia nodded in approval. “Now release it as you please.”
Sunset nodded back, already knowing what she wanted to do. With a quick cast, she blasted a laser upwards, illuminating the sky with a red light and creating a breathtaking light show. Shooting out the rest of the laser, her horn fizzled out. Panting, she fell backwards onto the grass.
“That was so cool!” Twilight chirped, standing over Sunset. “You’re amazing!”
Sunset smirked, her eyes closed. “Heh, I know.”
“Indeed, you truly were amazing,” Celestia praised. “You were able to regain your composure beautifully.”
Sitting up, Sunset looked up to Celestia, rubbing the back of her neck. “That was way harder than I expected.”
“It’ll only get harder from here,” Celestia warned. “Are you still sure you want to speed things up?”
Sunset rolled her eyes. “Of course I am.”
“Glad to hear it,” Celestia smiled. “Now Twilight, it’s your turn.”
“O-Okay!” Twilight stuttered, spacing herself from the two.
Setting up in a similar fashion to Sunset, Twilight closed her eyes. In just a few seconds, Twilight’s horn was already glowing pink. It grew brighter by the second with very few sparks flying out, even when she opened her eyes.
“Beautifully done,” Celestia said. “How do you feel, Twilight?”
“I’m fine,” Twilight replied.
Sunset sat there, mouth slightly open. “Wha…”
Celestia’s eyebrows furrowed slightly as the minutes ticked by. A huge pink ball of magic sat on top of Twilight’s horn. She had yet to release the magic she was building up, and it didn’t seem like she’d be done soon. Sunset, on the other hoof, was biting her lip as she watched the filly.
“I think that’s enough, Twilight,” Celestia finally said. “I think it’s best to release it all at once here.”
“Okay,” Twilight said, aiming her horn up into the sky. Blasting a pink ball of magic into the sky, it became smaller and smaller till you couldn’t see it.
“I think it fizzled out,” Sunset smirked at Twilight. “That means I’m the winn-”
A deafening explosion followed by a blinding light sent shockwaves throughout the garden. A gust flew past them, almost lifting them into the air. Celestia quickly put a barrier to prevent the two from flying away. Unfortunately, their surroundings weren’t as fortunate as them. Trees and bushes were uprooted, leaves and branches flying everywhere. Patches of grass and dirt were launched far away alongside some rocks.
Soon enough, it died down. Releasing the barrier, Celestia sighed and looked down at Twilight. She was sheepishly smiling up at her, a nervous sweat drop on her forehead.
Twilight bit her lip. “You’re not mad, are you?”
“No, Twilight, I am not mad,” Celestia sighed. “Just a bit surprised.”
Shaking herself out of her daze, Sunset stared at Twilight with wide eyes. “What the hay was that?!” she shouted.
Celestia frowned. “Sunset, there’s no need to yell. You’re scaring her.”
“Celestia, she basically blew apart the courtyard and that’s all you have to say?” Sunset continued to yell. “Like how is that even remotely possible? She’s just a kid!” she finished, pointing at Twilight.
“Sunset,” Celestia’s frown deepened. “Just because she’s a child does not make her any less capable of things like this. You for one should know that.”
Sniffling, Twilight cowered deeper behind Celestia. Hugging Celestia’s hind leg tightly, teary-eyed, she looked at Sunset.
Sunset was at a loss of words as she looked back at the filly. All kinds of emotions were jumbled up inside of her after what she just witnessed. She just couldn’t understand it at all. Letting out a frustrated shout, she stomped out of the garden towards her room.
“D-Did I make her angry?” Twilight stuttered.
Celestia shook her head, sighing deeply. “There’s no need to worry about her Twilight, it’s not your fault. She’s just having a hard time processing some things.”
“Did she not understand the lesson?” Twilight asked, slightly tilting her head.
“That’s not it,” Celestia weakly laughed, running her hoof through Twilight’s mane. “I’m sorry to say this but I think we’ll have to wrap up our lessons for today.”
“Okay,” Twilight nodded slowly. “Are you going to talk to Sunset?”
Celestia nodded, smiling down at Twilight. “Let’s go find your brother first though.”
Standing in front of Sunset’s door, Celestia let out a long sigh. The halls were dim and empty, just as they usually are late into the night. Raising her hoof, she gently knocked on the door a few times.
At first, there was no answer. There was just silence.
“Sunset, I know you’re awake,” Celestia called out. “I saw your light from underneath the door just shut off.”
Sunset let out a loud groan, the light flickering back on. Celestia would occasionally hear a thud or paper crumple, but nothing from Sunset herself.
Celestia let out yet another sigh. “Sunset, I know you’re upset and you don’t want to talk to me right now, but that won’t solve anything. Please open the door, I’m willing to hear out anything you have to say.”
“I won’t open this door and I won’t talk to you!” Sunset yelled back.
“But you just did,” Celestia said to herself, slightly smiling. Clearing her throat, she lit up her horn. “If you aren’t willing to let me in, then I will have to get in by force.”
Celestia’s magic enveloped the doorknob, easily able to turn it even though it was locked. However, when she tried to push the door open, it wouldn’t budge.
“No you don’t!” Sunset growled, pressing herself against the door.
“Sunset, if you just tell me why you’re upset we could figure-”
“Oh you want to know why I’m upset?!” Sunset screamed, pushing harder against the door. “It’s because of everything! First, I have to share my class time with somepony I barely even know. Then when I do, she just shows me up. Do you have any idea how that made me feel?”
“Not only that, but you didn’t even scold Twilight or anything! If I were to do something like that, I know I would have gotten an earful from you. How is that fair Celestia? I thought you were the fair and benevolent ruler of Equestria! Then you have the nerve to ask why I’m mad?!”
Letting out a frustrated scream, Sunset quieted down, just her huffing filling in the silence. Celestia felt the resistance from Sunset lighten up a bit, allowing her to open the door. The room was a mess, scrolls and books scattered all over the place. Looking behind the door, she found Sunset, who was glaring up at her. Weakly smiling at Sunset, Celestia walked in and closed the door behind her. Sitting in front of Sunset, she simply looked at her.
“So what? Are you here to tell me that I’m being immature and that I should grow up?” Sunset huffed, crossing her forehooves.
“You know, you remind me of a pony I was very close with,” Celestia said somberly, looking out the window towards the moon and stars.
“Oh yeah?” Sunset narrowed her eyes at Celestia. “And who would that be?”
“You remind me of…” Celestia paused. “You remind me of my sister.”
Nodding, Celestia sighed. “Yes, my little sister Luna. Not many ponies know I have one, because it is something we’ve hid from the public for centuries.”
“Why would you do something like that?” Sunset asked. Suddenly, an idea popped up in her head. Gasping, she looked at Celestia with wide eyes. “Did you kill her?”
Celestia weakly smiled at her student’s idea. “In a way, yes.”
“Seriously?!”
“I’ll just explain so there’s no misunderstandings,” Celestia said. Suddenly, she wore a solemn look, staring Sunset in the eyes. “But before I tell you, I need you to promise me that you won’t tell anypony about what you hear tonight.”
Sunset nodded quickly. “I promise.”
“Good,” Celestia said. "Long ago, Luna and I ruled over Equestria together. I would rule the day, raising the sun, while she would rule the night, raising the moon. It was peaceful for the most part, and Equestria flourished under the two of us.”
“As the years went by, my sister became more and more distant. At the time, I just thought she was going through a phase, so I simply brushed it off.” Celestia said, a pained expression creeping onto her face. “Little did I know that it was something way more than that. It is something I regret overlooking to this day.”
Audibly gulping, Sunset sat up straighter.
“While ponies praised and worshiped me, they did not show any adoration towards my little sister. While ponies relished and played out during the day, they would shun and sleep through Luna’s beautiful night. Being cast in my shadow caused her resentment and jealousy towards me, which slowly built up over time.”
“Then one fateful morning, Luna refused to lower the moon. The bitterness in her heart was too much, and the Luna I knew was gone. Instead, Nightmare Moon replaced her and vowed to shroud Equestria in eternal night.” Celestia let out a shaky sigh, looking back out the window towards just the moon. “I knew something had to be done, so I used the Elements of Harmony to banish her to the moon, trapping her there for a thousand years.”
“From that day forward, I bore the responsibility for both the sun and the moon, ruling over Equestria without my dear little sister.”
A few moments of silence passed before Sunset spoke up. “Are you saying that I’ll end up like your sister?”
“Although it's an incredibly slim possibility, it could happen,” Celestia answered truthfully. “If you continue to harbor your feeling of inferiority and envy, then this may just be the path you’re walking.”
“So am I not allowed to have emotions like that?” Sunset frowned, dryly laughing. “Because it’s kind of hard not to when a filly three years younger is better than me.”
Celestia shook her head. “That’s not what I’m saying, my dear student. Everypony is allowed to feel like that as it is a part of life. What I’m saying is that you should not allow these feelings to cloud your mind. You mustn't dwell on them, but rather keep moving forward and progressing.”
Sunset sighed. “But how could I not dwell on them? Twilight was way better than I was today and you know it.”
“She was definitely better than you today.”
Sunset’s frown deepened, crossing her forehooves. “No need to rub it in.”
“The keyword there was ‘today’,” Celestia said, placing her hoof on Sunset’s shoulder. “She may be better than you at something today, but that doesn’t mean that it will always be that way.”
Sunset nodded slowly.
“Think about it like this,” Celestia continued. “If you continue to believe that you are inferior to Twilight, it will most likely stay that way. The only way for you to grow is to get out of that mindset. Whether you sink or swim is up to you, Sunset.”
The room went silent. Sunset took in those words, a smile slowly forming on her face
“You know what, you’re right!” Sunset jumped up onto all four. “Twilight’s just somepony I have to catch up to. No, scratch that. She’s a pony that I have to overtake. No matter how much of a genius she is, she is still a pony.”
Celestia smiled. “That’s the spirit, Sunset.”
“But I’m still mad that you took Twilight’s side!” Sunset pointed at her. “Why didn’t you yell at her or something?”
“Firstly, I would never yell at anypony, especially a child,” Celestia said. “Secondly, I deeply apologize that I did not scold her in any way. I know it will sound like an excuse to you, but I just didn’t want to deter Twilight from learning magic because of one mistake she made."
Sunset rubbed her chin. “I guess that does make sense.”
“Understand that I did it for Twilight’s sake. I, however, did not think about how it would affect you.” Celestia bowed before Sunset. “For that, I am truly sorry.”
Seeing Celestia bow before her, Sunset sighed. “You don’t have to bow.”
Celestia rose, looking down at her student.
“Plus, I understand where you’re coming from,” Sunset chuckled. “I wouldn’t want Twilight to give up learning magic just because of one slip up. She is pretty good at it after all.”
Celestia smirked. “Better than you, that’s for sure,” she playfully jabbed.
Sunset glared at Celestia for a moment, the two of them smiling at one another. Suddenly, their laughter filled the quiet hallway.
The next day came and Sunset decided to get to school earlier than usual. Arriving at the gates before they even opened, she spotted Twilight, who was also waiting there. Seated on a bench nearby, she was nose deep in a book. The filly didn’t even notice Sunset approach her.
“Hey twerp,” Sunset said, causing Twilight to jump up slightly.
Twilight looked up from her book, meeting Sunset’s eyes. Quickly averting her gaze, her eyes darted all over the place, looking for an escape route. Twilight’s breaths quickened, a drop of sweat forming on her forehead.
Sunset rolled her eyes. “Calm down Twilight, I’m not going to yell at you again.”
“R-Really?” Twilight asked, closing her book.
“Yes, really,” Sunset chuckled. “I actually came to apologize for that. So… I’m sorry that I blew my top off and yelled at you yesterday.”
Twilight nodded, slightly wobbling as she stood up. “I-It’s okay.”
“So what do you say,” Sunset smiled, sticking out one of her forehooves. “Friends?”
Twilight’s face slightly lit up, shaking her hoof. “Friends!”
