A Shimmering Sunset

Well, I suppose this is where my story *really** starts. Prepare yourself, this may get a bit confusing.....*

"Grr....I can't find anything.....any luck, Ember?" Sunset asked, looking at the phoenix. Ember landed on her perch, which was made of silver and covered in intricate designs matching the unicorn's cutie mark. Sunset was much bigger now, as was her avian companion. Sunset was now a full-grown mare, and Ember was a stunningly beautiful phoenix, with red and orange plumage that showed off just how graceful the bird really was. "Maybe I should just tell Celestia about the legend we found and have this be over already, considering all of the spellbooks and legends seem to be a bust." She growled a bit, setting down the books she was holding in her cyan magic.

A knock resounded on the door, and almost on instinct Sunset's horn glowed, the door swinging open whilst covered in a cyan glow. "Hello, Sunset." Celestia greeted as she walked into the room, her mane flowing as if blown by a nonexistant breeze. "I could hear you muttering from halfway across the castle. Is something bothering you?" The princess asked, seeming genuinely worried.

"It's....it's nothing. I just found some weird prophecy in a book and wanted to do some research, but all I can find are dumb legends and books about friendship." She hissed, practically spitting out the last word.

"Sunset......I believe you're putting friendship off as less than it really is." Celestia said, shaking her head a bit.

"But it's ridiculous!" Sunset snapped, whirling on her mentor and making Ember chirp in surprise, her fiery feathers ruffling.

"Sunset Shimmer." Celestia warned, her tone becoming serious and making Sunset internally wince. "I do believe it's time for you to make some friends of your own." The white alicorn said, eyes scanning the startled unicorn.

"And why in the wide world of Equestria would I do that? With all respect, Princess, I don't believe friendship to be necessary. I'm more interested in finding out about this legend." Sunset countered, narrowing her eyes.

Celestia folded her wings, shaking her head. "Sunset, friends are more than necessary, you need to learn that. In fact, I have a new mission for you." She announced.

Sunset blinked, ears pricking again. "What is it? Will it help with the return of the alicorn from the legend?" She insisted, driving away from the earlier conversation.

"I've been a bit busy preparing for the solar eclipse in a few days." Celestia began. After a nod from Sunset, the princess continued. "I am sending you to another part of Canterlot to make sure everything goes smoothly, and be sure to make friends." She said, emphasizing the last couple words.

Sunset blinked again. "Seriously?!" She snapped. "That's it!? You're sending me away from the castle to 'make friends' or whatever? Son of a...."

"Sunset Shimmer." Celestia cut her off. "This is more important than you think it is." She finished, and Sunset's ears flattened as she muttered, going off to pack her things.