Messenger

Chapters

An Unexpected Request
Parting Clouds
Epilogue: My Beloved Student

An Unexpected Request

“Ooof.”

Twilight’s boots struck the concrete a few feet from the statue in the courtyard at Canterlot High.

Yesss—stuck the landing. She beamed a giddy smile. Dash would be so proud.

Her smile broadened as she rolled her fingers and clapped both palms together as if they were hooves. She’d made a few trips back and forth since the band competition, but landing out of the portal on two points this time instead of all four was a satisfying first.

She checked the straps on her backpack. “Now, to find Sunset.” A quick scan of the courtyard found it empty and quiet. Under an overcast sky, nearly all of the leaves had fallen from the trees as the final days of autumn began to slip away.

Twilight made for the entrance and clipped up the steps. A harsh shiver rattled through her, distracting her almost to the point of forgetting the ‘hands required’ part for gaining entry. She stopped short, grabbed the handle, and made her way quickly inside.

“Oh my goodness, it’s cold,” she muttered, pausing in the foyer as the door closed behind her. She rubbed both hands furiously on her upper arms. Her mind grumbled that, while the portal’s magic at least had the foresight to attach clothing as part of its process, it seemed that sight was too narrow to account for seasonal variation. She took to surveying the crowded hallway and soon spotted a characteristic flash of red and gold rounding the corner at a hurried pace.

“Sorry I’m late, Twi,” Sunset huffed as she came to a stop. “You ready?”

Twilight wrapped Sunset in a quick hug. Pulling back, she clapped her palms together again and said, “Ooooh, I’m so looking forward to this!”

The way Sunset had described this late autumn ‘harvest festival’ was a bit different from anything she’d experienced in Equestria. It sounded similar in some ways to celebrations the earth ponies would put on around harvest time, but Sunset had made this out to be more about the camaraderie, music, and social celebration, and less about any actual harvest. After all, it was almost winter now, and it’s not like there was any degree of agriculture in the middle of the city.

The lights, the smells, the live music, the food. And the hot chocolate. If one word could describe what Twilight was anticipating, it would be ‘warmth’.

In contrast to that thought, another shiver came over her. “Sunset, would you happen to have any… extra layers?” Twilight half-raised one arm and then the other, and looked down at herself with a sheepish giggle. “The portal seems to be having a bit of a joke at my expense here.”

Sunset stifled a chuckle. “Hmm. I think I have an extra jacket in my locker.” Walking over and reaching in to the right, she fished it out. “And we can pick up something on the way to my place that you can call your own.”

“Thanks.” Twilight zipped up the brown turtle-neck jacket and crossed her arms with another shiver. “You sure, though? I don’t have any way to pay for anything right now. And thanks again for offering to cover my food, by the way.”

“It’s no problem. Really. There’s a store near here that sells clothes really cheap. It’s nice stuff, but I guess they can’t sell it at the fancy stores 'cause of small defects or something.”

“Great... thanks again. I don’t care what it looks like as long as it’s warm.”

***

“So I saw Aria and Sonata in the hallway back there,” Twilight said as they made their way toward the store. “And they looked to be doing… quite well. I think I even saw Aria give a genuine smile to some of the others.” She raised an eyebrow and shared a giggle with Sunset. “It’s warming me up a bit just thinking about it.”

“Yeah, those two really have come a long way.” Sunset turned forward again with a grin. She lowered her eyes as her expression softened. “Adagio too. I still choke up a little when I think about it sometimes.”

Twilight placed a hand on Sunset’s shoulder and met eyes with her. “You did a good thing for them.” Sunset’s smile brightened at this, and her eyes began to glisten. “And from what you’ve written, it sounds like the whole thing helped you grow quite a bit as well.” She looked forward again and returned her hands to the jacket's pockets. “I’m proud of you. Celestia is too.”

“...Yeah.”

“Oh. I didn’t see Adagio anywhere,” Twilight added. Looking back toward Sunset, she asked, “Did I just miss her, or?”

Sunset was silent for a moment, but then shook her head slightly and blinked. “Oh, she doesn’t go to the school.”

Twilight felt a tinge of worry begin to sprout.

Sunset appeared to notice her concern and quickly added, “But it’s okay, and it’s actually a good thing, heh. She’s able to pass for college-aged, so she took a job to support them—or at least give that appearance.”

Turning forward again, she clasped hands behind her back. “They actually have a crazy amount of money. Which is unsurprising I guess, given their history—and Adagio’s mindset especially. So the job is more just to keep suspicions off their living arrangement. And to give her something to put her passion toward.

“And then with Aria and Sonata, it's not like they have much to gain learning-wise, yanno. So the school thing is just for fun and socializing.”

Another grin spread across Sunset's face. “And oh, that poor history teacher. I would never have guessed Aria'd be so interested in the subject. It’s funny because she gets a bit of twisted glee whenever she can contradict parts of the books with her own life experience. And then—” she giggled “—when he questions her with, ‘And how would you know?’ she usually responds with a dispassionate, ‘Internet…’ at which point he just throws his hands up in the air and moves on.”

Twilight laughed again and shook her head.

“They’re coming too, you know,” Sunset said. “To the festival. Should give you a chance to really talk with them, if you’d like. Seems like something that’d be good for all of you.”

“Yeah. I’d like that. I mean, it was nice reading what you wrote about how far they've come, but I really can't wait to have an actual talk with them.” After a few moments of thought, she added, “I guess I'm not surprised that it took Adagio the longest.”

“Same,” Sunset replied, looking down again. “It was so hard seeing her like that—so angry and walled-up still, while Sonata and Aria were starting to enjoy life again. I mean, I wasn't surprised that Sonata was the first to come around. But what did surprise me was how much courage she showed in helping Aria.”

“And then you said it was the two of them working together that finally got through to Adagio?”

“Right. Adagio said that... seeing in them, Aria especially, what they'd found—how good it feels to have someone appreciate and care about you without being... forced. It just really hit her.”

Sunset put her hands in her pockets smiled softly. “There's actually a lot of warmth inside her. I guess the layer of pride just needed to crack for it show.”

Twilight gave Sunset a playful nudge. “Sound like anyone else you know?”

Sunset laughed and put an arm around Twilight's shoulders in a quick hug. “Yeah. She and I both have been really surprised at just how much we have in common. It's really been nice.”

Twilight returned her focus to the sidewalk passing by under her feet, considering again just how much had changed since the last time she'd visited. She snuck a sideways glance at Sunset. She's come so far since last year. I'm so happy for her.

From there, the two of them quietly admired the almost-winter landscape as they walked the last few blocks to the clothing store. Upon arriving and stepping inside, Sunset moved to lead Twilight over to the section of women’s winter clothing, but Twilight stopped just inside the door and to the left where she picked up a thick hooded sweatshirt.

“Ooooh, this’ll work,” she said pleasantly. “I saw a bunch of others at the school wearing these, and they look so comfy.” She turned to Sunset and presented it, beaming, “And look, it’s purple!”

Sunset raised a finger and opened her mouth as if to protest but then relaxed and chuckled to herself. “That’s so you, Twilight. And so not Rarity.” At this, they both shared another laugh. “Function over form it is. So just a pair of pants now, and maybe some gloves and earmuffs, and we’re good to go.”

***

The night of the festival saw the seven girls gathered outside the south entrance to the city’s main park. After exchanging greetings, they walked in toward the park’s central fountain, each looking up and around in jovial awe. Strings of paper lanterns fanned out from the central area to all corners of the event space and bathed it in a warm yellow glow that blurred away the starry sky. The feeling of warmth was accented further by portable gas heating lamps standing at intervals along the park’s walkways. And finally, the smells of cooked food and sounds of live music wafting down from the north served to draw their remaining senses into the experience.

The festival space appeared to be laid out into four quadrants, with the southern half to their left and right housing local artisans selling their handmade wares. Food booths were situated to the northwest, and the live performance stage with its seating was to the northeast.

As they reached the fountain in the center, Twilight turned to Sunset. “So we’re supposed to meet those three here somewhere?”

“Adagio told me they’d be here, but we hadn’t arranged anything that specific.” Sunset lifted both arms to frame the space around her head. “Shouldn’t be too hard to spot her though.” This elicited a light laugh from Twilight as she covered her mouth.

“Ari. Ari! You gotta try this!”

“Or shouldn’t be too hard to hear Sonata.” Sunset turned toward the voice coming from the food booths and motioned for Twilight to follow her. Pausing just inside the area, they inhaled the wave of scents and then both exhaled with a shared “Mmmmm.” Twilight pointed to a splash of blue and purple up ahead.

“What is it, dor—umph.”

Aria was cut off by Sonata shoving what looked like the last bite of a meatball into her mouth. She grimaced and swatted Sonata’s hand away, but then her eyes widened for a moment while chewing. After swallowing, she narrowed them again and with a spreading grin stated, “More.”

Sonata grabbed her by the hand and led her off down the walkway, leaving the scene dominated by an orange cream-puff of hair. Sunset walked up behind Adagio and wrapped her around the shoulders in a hug. “Hey, you.”

Lifting a hand to Sunset’s forearm, Adagio replied warmly, “Hey.”

A new sort of warmth welled up in Twilight at the sight of these two—each of whom had once sought her own version of ‘world conquest’—now sharing a contented gesture of friendship with one another. Twilight wrapped her arms around herself and gave an involuntary squee of happiness.

This caught their attention, and they both turned toward her. Adagio wore an expensive-looking white jacket, accented with a scarf and hair tie of her characteristic purple. Absent were all the spikes from their prior encounters. She shook her head and lowered her eyes with a grin.

“Yes, yes. I know what you must be thinking,” she said with a sigh. “And honestly, you’d be right. This last month or so really has been good for me.”

With eyes still lowered, her grin faded slightly. “Of course, the path to get here led through the absolute lowest point in my entire life…”

Sunset rubbed a hand on Adagio’s back for a moment, causing her shoulders to relax with a long exhale.

“But it made me stronger. And this feeling now… It really was worth it. It’s still not easy, but with their help—” she returned Sunset’s gesture “—hers especially—it’s getting better day by day.”

Releasing the embrace, Adagio took on an analytical expression, tinged with a remnant of her old Machiavellian grin. She looked Twilight up and down for a few moments before settling on her eyes.

“So. Twilight Sparkle,” she said. “We meet at last.”

Twilight raised an uncomfortable eyebrow at the unexpected tone but relaxed when Adagio poked her lightly on the upper arm and laughed.

Twilight offered a smile in return. “I’m happy for you. I really am. Sunset’s been telling me about everything you had to go through, but also about the better place you seem to be in now.”

She looked down and continued softly, “After the band finale, and thinking about it for a while, I was worried about the way things ended there on the stage—we all were. None of us wanted to believe there was nothing we could do to help you, but it really did seem that way at the time. We—”

“Sunset! Dear, you must come and see this.” Rarity strolled up from the artisan area with Fluttershy in tow. “I’ve found just the perfect piece to accent your couture for this winter season.”

Laughing as Rarity motioned sternly for her to follow, Sunset turned and asked, “Well, shall we?”

Adagio looked hesitantly over at Twilight for a moment but then back to Sunset and smiled. “Sure.”

“You coming, Twilight?” Sunset asked.

“Well… actually.” Twilight raised a finger and hunched her shoulders with a sheepish grin.

“Oh, right, your cocoa. Hmm. There should be some at one of these booths—here’s a ten. We’ll be right back, but feel free to have a look around. We’ll see you over by the stage in a few, if nothing else.” She leaned in and whispered, “Sorry, but…” and nudged her head toward Rarity.

“Heh, I understand. I’ll see you over there.”

“Third booth on the left!” Pinkie yelled to Twilight from the second tier of the fountain as Rarity led her entourage away. And while there was no way Pinkie could have overheard their conversation, Twilight knew from experience to simply take her word for it.

“We’ll save a seat for ya,” Applejack called, before she and Dash walked off toward the stage area with Pinkie skipping behind.

When they had all left, Twilight looked around briefly and again took in the joy of the surrounding atmosphere as it infused its warmth into each of her senses. A bit of laughter drew her attention to another pathway coming out of the food area. She looked over to see Aria and Sonata waving at Applejack's group as the latter motioned for them to join and follow.

She smiled to herself with another contented hmm, and then continued on toward Pinkie’s appointed booth. After paying the vendor and returning to the park’s center with her cup of happiness between both hands, Twilight noticed Adagio sitting alone on the encircling edge of the fountain.

Adagio met Twilight’s gaze and motioned for her to sit down as well. “I’d like a few minutes to talk with you, if you don’t mind.”

Twilight flashed an excited smile and said, “Of course. There’s so much I’d like to talk to you about. I know we probably don’t have a lot of time, but—”

“Actually,” Adagio interrupted, “It’s… about Sunset. I’m sure we’ll have time for that later as well, but I feel a certain sense of urgency with this.”

Twilight’s curiosity and concern now piqued, she quickly nodded with an “Mm-hm.”

Adagio stared at the space in front of her and spoke calmly. “Sunset Shimmer. Over my many years of… influencing people, I’ve encountered very few who possess the resilience of character and strength of will that she does. Yet, as I’ve gotten to know her over this last month, I have seen her hurting.”

She softened a bit and met eyes with Twilight. “I have a lot of experience reading people, Twilight—which should come as no surprise. And I can tell you that what she’s carrying inside her is a hurt that runs deeper than she wants anyone to see.”

Twilight lowered her eyes with a frown and sighed. “It’s Celestia, isn’t it…”

“Yes.” Adagio looked forward again. “Her name has come up more than once in our talks. And each time, Sunset grows more withdrawn, and it takes me longer to bring her back up. I can see that she’s holding it all in and that it’s eating her up inside. She’s come so far, and has helped us do the same, but still…”

Adagio let out a long breath and lowered her eyes. “Sunset knows Celestia is proud of her now, but something’s still missing. I suspect it’s a need to actually hear it from her—that she really is proud of Sunset and has forgiven her. And until she can get that, I fear it’s going to continue to haunt her.”

Twilight closed her eyes and nodded once. “I think you’re right. Actually, I know you are.”

Adagio looked back at Twilight intently. “So that’s why I wanted to talk with you. Sunset has done so much for me—and for Aria and Sonata as well. She cares about my happiness, and I can’t tell you how good that feels. What I can tell you, though, is that it’s made me to care about seeing her happy as well.”

She lowered her eyes and gave a single laugh. “I suppose that’s what this ‘friendship’ stuff is all about, huh?”

Twilight looked at Adagio and smiled softly. Yes. Yes it is.

Adagio met eyes with Twilight again and continued, “So if there is anything you can do to help… even if it’s just getting a message to Celestia about what I’ve told you. Just something—anything—that might help Sunset bring some closure to what she's feeling. I know it would mean the world to her.”

“Well, there is a way. I’m sure she told you about how she communicates with me?”

“Yes, the book.”

“I’ll talk with Celestia and return my copy of the book to her for a while. I'm sure she has regrets of her own, so I hope that hearing what you’ve told me will help her take that first step and reach out to Sunset.

“This is a wonderful thing you’re doing, Adagio. It sounds like Sunset's shared with you things that she hasn’t even told me.” She placed a hand on Adagio’s upper arm. “I hope you realize how significant that is; your friendship must really mean a lot to her. I’m happy for you.”

“Yes, and she’s played no small part in that, so please, whatever you can do.”

“I will. You have my word.” Twilight looked over toward the music area. “We should be getting back. They’re probably wondering where we are.”

Adagio nodded. “Thanks for listening.”

When they had made their way over to the live performance area, Twilight began to look around for any familiar head of hair she could find, and immediately spotted Rainbow Dash standing by the others who were already seated. She appeared to have been waiting for them attentively, and waved them over.

“Took you guys long enough, geez,” she teased.

“Yeah, we took a minute to talk. It was nice.” Twilight smiled at Adagio and then back at Dash. “Sorry we’re late, though. Thanks for waiting.”

“No one left behind,” Rainbow replied with a mock salute and then stepped over the bench to take her seat between Pinkie and Applejack.

Adagio walked up behind Sunset and put a hand on her shoulder. She, along with Aria and Sonata, scooted to the left to make room for the two of them to sit. Taking the spot next to Sunset, Adagio leaned over and wrapped her in a hug.

“What’s this for?” Sunset asked with a laugh.

“Oh, nothing in particular.” She sat up again and shared a sideways smile with Twilight.

Twilight closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

I hope Celestia understands. I’m sure she will. They both need this.

A few more minutes passed, and the stage lights came on. The din of the crowd lowered to a hush, and following a brief introduction for the band, the warm tones of live folk music began to fill the cool night air.

Parting Clouds

Twilight’s hooves echoed along a side hallway of the palace in Canterlot. Today’s the day, she assured herself with a glance back at her saddlebag.

She’d returned through the mirror two nights ago but had put off approaching Celestia until their weekly garden walk, knowing she would need to broach this topic with care. Was Celestia suppressing grief over their past just as Sunset was? If not, wouldn’t she have already written to Sunset or at least shown some intent to reach out to her?

Twilight squinted as she walked into the sunlight at the end of the hallway. She looked back down the hall in surprise as her attention returned to her surroundings. I’m here already?

She gulped and stepped forward onto the grass, and with a few more strides found herself standing alongside Celestia.

“Good morning, Twilight,” Celestia said lovingly. She wrapped Twilight in her wing for a moment before turning back to look out at the sun rising over the flowered landscape.

“Good morning, Princess.”

As they took to walking, Celestia began, “So. How was the celebration? I presume all of your friends are well?”

“They are indeed.” Twilight smiled up at her. “Including our newest friends.”

“That warms my heart to hear.” Celestia nodded gracefully and then looked out across the landscape again. “Very few prove to be beyond saving. Nearly all living creatures have that spark of hope somewhere within them. With some, it’s simply buried deeper than others. Some are born that way, and others—”

“—cloud themselves with their pride and misguided ambition...” Twilight finished for her.

Celestia came to a stop and looked down to the side away from Twilight.

Twilight turned back to face her. “She misses you, you know.”

“I know…” Celestia’s voice quavered. She took in a long, deep breath and let it out again before sitting down on the grass.

Twilight walked back to sit down next to her. Celestia turned to face forward again but lowered her head and closed her eyes.

“Then why, Princess? Why have you not spoken to her yet? I know you’re so proud of her, and how far she’s come. And I’m sure she knows it too, but I think that if—”

“I failed her, Twilight.” Celestia's voice began to crack. “Second only to Luna, my lack of foresight in Sunset’s growth is my greatest regret.”

Choking up further, she went on, “When I look back now, I can’t help but regard my time spent teaching her as a failed attempt at the things I did right by you. And that was so unfair to her... She deserved so much more.” She hung her head as her voice finally cracked. “I’m so sorry, Sunset.”

Twilight frowned to herself. She leaned against Celestia and closed her eyes. I wasn’t expecting this. I’m sorry as well, Princess.

As she nuzzled her former mentor, Twilight's memories drifted back to their early years together, illuminated by her sense of wonder with all of its joy and bright hope for the future. After all, the Princess had chosen her, of all unicorns! Celestia had always been so proud of her, and had given her so much love and devoted attention.

But... Twilight wasn't the first. No. She imagined a young Sunset Shimmer in her place, experiencing all of that same hope and happiness—that same loving encouragement. Twilight's heart ached as she recalled the Sunset she had met on her first trip through the mirror—the Sunset who had taken her Element and sought to overthrow Celestia in a fit of vindictive ambition.

Twilight looked up with a sigh. Just how much had you two shared? And what could have happened to cause so much hurt?

Celestia sniffed loudly and dried her eyes with a wingtip. Raising her head again, she stated, “Everything I’ve heard from you tells me that she’s finally in a better place now. And I don’t want to interfere with that and bring all of her old memories back to the surface.

“I love her so much, Twilight. I just want her to be happy.”

After a long pause, Twilight simply said, “Hmm.”

When Celestia glanced over at her, Twilight quietly added, “For all our wisdom, it seems oftentimes the troubles closest to our hearts are ones we find hardest to unravel. And I’ve learned that... this is one place where the perspective of a close friend can really help.”

Celestia closed her eyes and nodded slowly.

“I think those memories you’re worried about need to come to the surface. And yes, it may be painful for her, like it was for you here. But after a very unexpected conversation I had while I was there this time, I can tell you that it’s something that needs to happen if she’s going to heal.”

She paused for a moment. “It was Adagio, of all people, who brought this up to me.”

This elicited a raised eyebrow from Celestia.

“I know.” Twilight smiled and looked down at the grass in front of her. “Sunset has done a tremendous thing in showing those three a new way of life. I had almost no part in it, other than responding with advice from time to time. I think she’s finally learned that most important lesson. And then from there, she found a way to share it with three others who were in an even darker place.

“But from what Adagio tells me, despite her strength and effort to hide it, Sunset has been slipping back into a dark place of her own lately.” Twilight looked back up at Celestia. “Because of the regret she feels for the things she did all those years ago.”

Celestia lowered her head and closed her eyes, breathing in and out quietly.

“Sunset doesn’t blame you for anything, you know.”

Celestia turned back toward Twilight and looked at her with teary eyes.

“She blames herself. It seems both of you blame yourselves for everything that’s happened. Which is all the more reason why you have to reach out to her.”

Celestia sighed heavily, but then after a quiet moment, raised her head and steadied herself with a nod.

“Thank you, Twilight. I believe you’re right. It is finally time.”

Twilight’s horn began to glow. The magic journal lifted out of her saddlebag and toward Celestia. “You should have this for a while. It is still yours as far as I’m concerned.”

“That won’t be necessary.” A bright yellow glow overtook the pink, and the book settled itself back into Twilight’s bag. “I have a favor to ask of you, Twilight. I will write to Sunset, but I feel a more personal touch is appropriate. Would you please deliver a letter for me?”

***

Twilight exhaled and unshouldered the emotional weight of the day as she settled into the pillow at her writing desk. She looked around the room for a moment before glancing warmly at the small white envelope resting on the desk. A contented sigh followed as the light from the candle danced across Celestia’s emblazoned seal.

A pink glow emerged from a pouch on her saddlebag, and the enchanted book lifted out into the air. In a seamless motion, its cover opened while it floated over and rested down onto the desk. As the pages flitted by to the first blank passage, Twilight’s glow spread to the nearby quill, and it rose from its inkwell, drifted to the page, and set to writing.

I know I’m writing back rather soon, but I have some good news to share, and would like to do so face to face. The others don’t need to know I’m coming this time. I don’t intend to stay long, and if Pinkie finds out I’m there, well… you know. And the sooner the better. Perhaps late one evening this week, we could go out for tea?

Twilight replaced the quill, closed the book, and looked around her private study again. She had converted this room of the castle to be reminiscent of her old bedroom from the Ponyville library. The smooth, hard crystal of the castle walls felt so cold when her friends were gone to their homes in the evenings or were out performing their day-to-day activities. And so this room was a place of warmth for Twilight to retreat to during those times, or when she needed to recharge after a trying day.

Twilight closed her eyes, and for a few minutes, she simply enjoyed the silence as the dancing light flickered through her eyelids. It wasn’t long before the expected sound came from the book on her desk. Opening it again, she found Sunset’s reply.

Well, the sun has already gone down here, and I could make some time right now. I don’t think this furniture company will mind if I finish updating their website design tomorrow rather than tonight. Does that work for you? I’d just need about thirty minutes to change clothes and get to the statue. I’ll bring your stuff as well. And no, Twilight, it’s never too soon to write—or to visit.

Lifting the quill again, Twilight penned a quick response.

I’ll see you there then. And thank you. She tried her best to doodle a happy face at the end of the message and closed the book.

Twilight returned her attention to the white envelope on her desk and levitated it with a smile. She turned it end over end in the candlelight for a moment and then carefully slid it into her bag.

***

“I didn’t even know this cafe was over here until just recently,” Sunset said. “It’s a bit of a drive, but they have a bigger selection of teas than any place over by the school.” She and Twilight were nearing the end of a twenty-minute cab ride toward the outskirts of the city, and Sunset was looking out her window at the moonlit trees.

“And since it’s way out here on the other side of the foothills, there’s less chance one of the others might spot us.” Sunset turned back toward Twilight. “I was a bit surprised you wanted to keep this from them. But I guess it makes sense if you’re busy and need to get back.”

“I’m glad you understand. Thanks. And if I hadn’t just been here a few days ago, it’d be different, of course. I really enjoyed seeing everyone again. And oh, my goodness, what an amazing night that was.”

“I know, right? And Rarity even bought me that handmade scarf she wanted to show me.” Sunset laughed. “Turns out it was Fluttershy’s dad’s booth. And while we were there, Fluttershy whispered something to him and then grabbed another scarf, a hat, and a pair of gloves. Then on our way to the stage, she handed them to this older fellow on a bench who looked like he was probably homeless. It was so sweet… I almost cried at the way he smiled back at her. She has such a good heart.”

Twilight laughed softly as well, choking up a little at the story.

“It was just an all-around wonderful evening,” Sunset continued. “And I haven’t seen Adagio that happy in a while either. She was just about glowing through the band concert and afterward.”

She lowered her eyes with a soft smile, and after a moment added, “The more those three are around the girls, the more they’re beginning to understand, I think. Same way it was for me.”

Twilight smiled as well, placing a hand over one of Sunset's. She looked down at her backpack and then closed her eyes. Soon.

“It was Adagio who told me about this cafe, actually. We made the trip up here a few weeks ago.”

Sunset focused her eyes on the seat-back in front of her. “It was a bit strange though. She was all excited at first, but that seemed to fade when we got there and the only place to sit was this one booth in the corner. After that, she said she wasn’t very hungry and just ate a piece of pie and didn’t say much until we left. I could tell something was bothering her. But she didn’t want to talk about it, and I didn’t push too hard.”

She looked back up out the window. “Anyway, here we are.”

The bell hanging above them jingled when they walked into the cafe, with the cab’s engine revving away as the door closed behind them.

Browsing over the tea rack, Sunset commented on and selected a brand of jasmine which she hadn’t seen before. And Twilight’s attention was drawn to a chamomile that had a particularly scenic mountain meadow on its label. Sunset paid the cashier, and they retrieved their hot water and found a seat by the window. Twilight sighed thankfully at the number of empty booths, and set her bag down on the floor between her feet.

Sunset sat quietly looking down at her cup as the water took on the rich, dark tone of the tea leaves.

“Thanks for dropping what you were doing to meet me, Sunset.”

“No prob. Like I wrote in my message, it’s never too soon to visit.”

Sunset looked out the window for a few moments and then laughed quietly. “Here we are, two Equestrian prodigies, sitting together at a table in some cafe with our magic left far behind. Who would have ever thought something like this existed. For all it lacks, this world does have some amazing things we’d never have dreamed of back home.”

After a pause, she looked down at her tea and smiled with a “Hmmph.”

“Hm?”

“Back home.” Sunset lifted her cup and took a long sip. “I don’t know why I just said that.”

“Oh,” Twilight replied. “I think I see where you’re going.”

“Right. I really do consider this my home now. My friends are here, yourself excepted. And I’ve finally found some peace over this last year and have worked into a comfortable life. Do I sometimes miss Equestria? Yeah, I suppose. My magic? Yes, very. But this place has a certain magic of its own that I’ve come to enjoy as well.”

“I’m happy to hear that. Though I’m mostly just happy to hear that you’re happy.” Twilight met Sunset’s eyes and added, “She is too, you know.”

Sunset lowered her eyes again with a slight frown, closing them as she took another long sip.

Twilight took a slow breath and went on. “And like I said before, she really is proud of you for everything you’ve done here, and for who you’ve become.”

Sunset’s expression deepened, and she turned to look at her reflection in the window. After a few quiet moments, she said softly, “You may have thought about this before, or maybe not. But I often wonder how differently things might have turned out... if I’d taken to heart what she was trying to teach me all those years ago. All that stuff about friendship. Don’t get me wrong. Like I said, I’m happy here now—these last few months more than ever.”

She again met Twilight's gaze. “But I miss her, Twilight. I’m so sorry that I hurt her, and for everything I’ve done. Would you tell her that for me?” She folded her arms and lowered her eyes. “There’s just so much I regret.”

“That’s sort of why I’m here, actually.”

Sunset looked up at her quizzically.

“I may be the one who ended up with the wings. But believe me... there's a place for you in her heart that no one else will ever be able to fill. Not even me. I can’t imagine what you two shared, but I do know that she loves you so much, Sunset. She’s never stopped loving you.”

Twilight could see the pained look on Sunset's face—struggling to hold back tears as she fixated on the mug in front of her. And it broke her heart to see her like this. But this needs to come out, and that’s why I’m here.

“I have something for you.”

She reached under the table into her backpack. Feeling the small envelope, she retrieved it and sat up again. “I know she’s hurting just as much as you are. So I hope this can be the first step to both of you finding some peace.”

Twilight placed the envelope on the table and slid it very gently toward Sunset.

When her eyes settled on the envelope’s seal, Sunset leaned back slowly against the seat and covered her mouth with both hands. Her shoulders began to shake softly. Tears streaked down her face.

She leaned forward again, taking a long, deep breath in and out. “After all this time…” She let out a long muffled cry into one hand as her other traced a gentle circle around the emblazoned sun.

“Not here, though,” Twilight said. “Take it home with you and find a quiet place. I’m sure you’re going to want to be alone.”

Sunset nodded through her tears. “Yeah. And, Twilight… Thank you.”

“It wasn’t me, actually,” Twilight said softly. “I mean, sure, I helped with the back-and-forth, but… would you believe Adagio was the one who asked if I’d talk with Celestia? She could see just how much you were hurting, even with you staying so strong to hide it.”

Sunset looked back at Twilight with wide eyes and whispered, “You mean…” She choked out a single laugh and blinked twice, sending a few more tears down each of her cheeks. “She did this?”

“Mm-hm,” Twilight placed a hand over Sunset’s.

“Oh, my.” With her free hand, Sunset held the letter close to her chest and closed her eyes again with another soft laugh.

“She really has come a long way. I saw it in you all those months ago, and then again in her at the festival. She really seemed to care about seeing you happy, and it just warmed my heart. So I knew I had to help.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Maybe there’s nothing else that needs to be said. Not right now at least. Do you think they’d give us some to-go cups for these?”

“I’m sure they would. And Twilight… I think I’d like to head to Adagio’s house instead of back to my own.” Sunset again held the letter to her chest. “It’s closer, and I just really need to see her right now. I’m sure they’ll let me have a quiet room there to read this.”

“I understand. And I’m sure the cab can take me the rest of the way back to the school.”

“Mm-hm. I’ll give them the address of an apartment just down the road from there. No weird questions that way. Thank you again, Twilight. So much. I don’t know what you said to Celestia, but thank you.”

***

As the cab pulled up to the Dazzlings’ address, Sunset exhaled in relief. “There’s a light on inside, thank goodness.” She turned to Twilight and held her in a long hug. “I’ll write back to you soon. I’m sure I’ll want to know your thoughts on things.” With a laugh, she tightened her embrace before letting go. “And, because even if you won’t admit it, I’m sure you’re curious to know what’s in here.”

“Well, yes. You got me,” Twilight chuckled. “But that really is between you and her. If you’d like to talk about it, sure. But don’t feel that you need to. And if you do want to write to Celestia, just ask and I’ll leave the book with her for a while.”

Sunset smiled and sighed. “I know I’ve said this so much already, but thank you again.” With a quick smile, she added, “Until next time.” She stepped out of the cab and made her way to the front door of the house.

As the cab began to pull away, Twilight looked out the back window and saw Sunset—envelope still in hand—pull Adagio into a tight hug as she opened the door. She turned to face forward again and dried her eyes with a sleeve as the warmth in her heart overflowed into a single joyous laugh.

Epilogue: My Beloved Student

Sunset closed the cab door behind her and walked briskly up to the house. She raised a hand to knock, but then hesitated for a moment with a long, deep breath. Steeling herself, she nodded with determination and rapped on the door.

Glancing down at the envelope in her hands, she discovered her foot tapping nervously on the ground.

The door’s handle rattled briefly before a sliver of light opened into Adagio in her nightshirt and sweatpants.

Sunset leapt at her and pulled her into a tight hug. She took another deep breath and exhaled, “Oh my goodness, thank you!”

Adagio stiffened for a moment, but then raised her arms and warmly returned the embrace. When they pulled back, she met Sunset’s eyes and asked, “What’s this for?”

Sunset lifted both of her upturned palms and presented the envelope resting between them.

“Huh. If that’s what I think it is, then I suppose she pulled it off.”

Sunset nodded with a teary smile. “Yeah.”

Adagio gently stroked her shoulder. “Come in.”

Once inside, Sunset saw Aria and Sonata standing next to each other waving around a set of wireless game controllers.

Aria flashed a quick sideways grin. “Hey.”

Sonata, though, turned to wave excitedly, controller still in hand. When she looked back to the television screen, she let out an “Eep!” before motioning furiously to steer whatever she was piloting back on course.

Adagio gestured toward Sunset to follow her. “Let’s find a quiet room so we can talk.” She led Sunset down the hall and into her bedroom where they both sat down on the foot of the bed.

“Have you read it yet?”

“I haven’t,” Sunset replied, staring down at the letter between her hands. “When Twilight told me what you’d done, I just had to rush over and see you.” Looking back up to Adagio, she felt tears again swelling in her eyes.

Adagio rubbed a hand across her back. “I’ll give you some privacy then—if you’d like to read it here. And you’re welcome to stay for a while. I'm sure those two will be up for a few hours anyway.”

“I’ll take you up on that.” Sunset laughed softly. She laid the envelope down on the bed and leaned into Adagio, holding her close with another hug. “I still can’t believe how wonderful this is. I really can't tell you how grateful I am. So just… Thank you, Adagio.”

Adagio tightened her hug for a moment before letting go and brushing a hand down Sunset's arm with a quiet nod. She stood up and walked out the door, closing it slowly behind her.

Sunset took off her boots and pulled both knees up close to her chest. Gently and reverently, she broke the seal on the envelope and pulled out the letter inside. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath before finally unfolding it.

My dearest Sunset Shimmer,

Before I write further, please know that I love you so very much. I always have, and I always will.

I am deeply sorry for my silence over this past year. It was in part because I thought it best that I not interfere with your newfound growth. But in larger part, it was due to the regret I feel for my lack of vision during our later years together.

I know you blame yourself for everything that has happened. But this is not a burden which rests solely on your shoulders.

I myself had grown irresponsible as our time together drew on. I had come to hold you too close to my own heart, perhaps to fill a void within or for some other motive which still eludes me. But for that reason, I found myself in denial regarding the depth of the darkness which had begun to cloud your spirit, and I did not do as much as I should have to help you overcome it.

Were it not for my misplaced attachment, perhaps things might have turned out differently for both of us. You deserved so much more. And I am sorry that failed you in this regard.

From what Twilight has told me, I understand now that we both harbor regrets for the things that have happened. And this, I feel, is the most important step toward moving forward. Your actions and growth over this past year speak to a bright and happy future, and it is my hope that this letter will find you the closure you need to continue on and embrace it.

Regarding your three newest friends, I presume you have come to realize that you share a unique bond with them which none of the others could understand. So I pray you continue to treasure this and nurture it.

Lastly, I am certain that if you hold true to your inner flame of hope, and the passion it ignites inside you, great things will continue to follow you wherever you go.

I love you, Sunset. Please know that from this day on, you may always turn to me in times of need, or to simply share whatever joys might come into your life.

I am here for you always.

Drawing an overdue breath in and out, Sunset let her hand holding the letter fall to the bed. She looked up at the ceiling for a moment and closed her eyes. Was she laughing or crying? It was a relieving bit of both, she decided.

And as her tears fell, the years of pent-up anguish began to drain out with them. A long, dark chapter of her life had finally come to a close, and she was eager now for the next to begin. She spent several more minutes in quiet thought as the weight on her shoulders turned to dust and drifted off in the wind.

Drying her eyes, Sunset stood and made her way toward the bedroom window. She leaned against the frame and crossed her arms with a relaxed sigh. In the starlit sky above the eastern hills, a sliver of crescent hung on the emerging new moon.

Sunset again closed her eyes and smiled to herself—knowing that in a few hours she could, for the first time, watch this world's sunrise from a place of genuine happiness, and without a heavy heart.

But that was for later. She glanced down again at the letter in her hands, and then toward the bedroom door as her smile grew brighter. Her friends were waiting for her down the hall.