A Shimmering Sunset

Sunset groaned as the chariot moved though the skies above Canterlot. Ember was perched on top of one if the sides of the chariot, looking around the city as they flew over it. She glared at the air, her red and yellow mane and tail blowing in the wind. "Make some friends, she says, it's completely necessary, she says." Sunset muttered, mocking Celestia's voice.

"Calm down, Sunset." Ember said, her words only seeming to agitate Sunset more.

"It's not the sending me to the outskirts of the city that bothers me, it's the purpose! She thinks I'm gonna make friends, or whatever." Sunset argued.

"Who knows, Sunny, maybe you will make friends." Ember replied, her bright yellow eyes focusing on the grumpy unicorn.

"I highly doubt it." She said, scanning the city below as the chariot approached the ground. "I think she just doesn't want me sitting around in the castle all day reading." Sunset huffed, leaping out of the silver chariot once it touched down. Ember flapped her wings, soaring over and landing on the unicorn's back. Sunset nodded to the pegasi who pulled the chariot, who nodded in turn before taking off again, turning back towards the castle and flying off.

"Well, at least try, please, Sunset?" Ember asked nicely.

"Fine. But I won't guarantee anything." Sunset grumbled, trotting along the streets. "This part of the city apparently has all kinds of ponies, not just unicorns." She said to Ember matter-of-factly. "If you're so insistent, I may be able to at least try and get on good terms with these ponies. As much as I hate to socialize. It wouldn't hurt." Sunset stopped, glancing around...before a large dog tackled her, sending her crashing to the ground while Ember shot into the air, hovering above her with a startled squawk. Sunset's eyes grew wide, and she looked at the dog who was currently - and quite efficiently - pinning her to the ground. The dog was a husky, with bright azure eyes and a tail that was moving so fast it had become a black and white blur.

"Freeze! Oh no, I am so, so, so sorry about her! She's really hyper...." A pegasus said as she ran up. The husky turned her head, barking happily before bounding over to the mare. Sunset blinked, getting to her hooves and shaking the dog slobber that the hyper canine had covered her in while it was licking her. She then looked at the pegasus, finally getting a good look at her. The mare was a pale, blue-ish silver, with a long, wavy sky blue mane and tail. Her eyes were bright blue, and her cutie mark resembled a snowflake being blown by a breeze represented by three long spirals. "Um....I...I'm Breeze Cloud, by the way."

"Sunset Shimmer." Sunset said as her phoenix companion flew down, perching once again on her back. "And this is my phoenix friend, Ember."

"Wait a second....I've heard that name before.....aren't you Princess Celestia's student?" Breeze inquired, her voice quiet.

"Why yes, yes I am. She sent me to make friends, as if that'll help." Sunset replied, blinking at the silver pegasus. "Why?"

"Well, if...if it helps....I'll...be your friend." Breeze suggested. "Streamer said I could use some more friends, after all."

"Hmm....it couldn't hurt." Sunset said, smiling a bit. "Sure, why not? And who's Streamer?"

"A friend of mine. Almost as hyper as Freeze, here." She explained. "I think I might know where she is, if you want to meet her." The pegasus said softly.

Sunset nodded. "Alright."