Happy Hearths warming, Sunset

    Sunset lowered her ears. Her chest tightened and her breath caught. How could she leave now? Her lip quivered, so she bit down on it, a bit too hard. She barely noticed as a drop of blood formed where the skin had broken.

"I love you too" choked out Sunset.

"Then please don't leave. I'll convince Rainbow somehow. Just please don't leave" whispered Twilight back. "I don't think I'll survive if you leave. You can stay here. We can be happy. I'm afraid that if you leave, you'll never come back" A tear slid from Twilights cheek, landing coldly on Sunsets hoof. She sighed deeply, trying to let out all of her emotions with the one breath. It helped, but not very much. She nuzzled her head into Twilights mane.

"Okay" she whispered. She felt the grin spread across Twilights face. The next thing she felt was Twilights lips, cool and soft against her ear.

"Aw, shucks" she heard Applejack say behind them, moving her hat to cover her face, blushing slightly. Sunset smiled and returned Twilights kiss. The two eventually broke apart and Twilight turned to walk down the hall. She turned back around when she noticed Sunset wasn't following her.

"I-I'll be right down. Would you-"

"I will dutifully stand guard over thou until thou says I mustn't, m'lady" said Twilight, bowing and ruffling her wings dramatically. Sunset just watched, confused.

"I'll stay in your room and make sure no pony comes in"

"Thanks" said Sunset, smiling and turning, walking back into the bathroom to brush her hair. When she emerged, Twilight was standing in front of the mirror, ruffling and puffing her wings, pulling out broken or discolored feathers. She saw Sunset in the reflection, and struck a pose.

"How do I...Look?" She asked, tossing her head back at the last word. Sunset and Twilight both laughed loudly at the strange...thing.

"Amazingly fab" responded Sunset, using the same deep voice Twilight had.

"Let's go. Otherwise we'll be late to Canterlot" said Twilight, turning and, once again, dramatically strutting out. Sunset giggled again and followed her, exiting slightly more traditionally than Twilight had. They went into the kitchen, grabbed a couple of snacks, and quickly made their way to the library where the others waited along with their bags. Sunset flinched slightly when she walked past Rainbow, but the eight of them made their way down to the train station without any problems. They boarded the train and made their way to the back. You see, this was no normal train. It had been modified so a royal suite was added to the back. It was very large, and took up pretty much the entire back train car. It was made specifically for Twilight. The kitchen was stocked with her favorite food, the bathroom had her favorite soaps, and replicas of Twilights cutie mark decorating the entire cart. Twilight was still getting used to this, but her friends loved it. Rainbow dash and Applejack made their way to the large velvet couch and plopped themselves down. They almost instantly started loudly fighting over the remote, making Rarity squint in their direction while she, Flutter shy, and Pinkie sat in front of the fire place playing cards, Pinkie somehow making the images in the cards move and warp, giving her the winning hoof. Sunset, Spike, and Twilight went into the bedroom, lying down on the bed and watching TV. Sunset was just gnawing on an apple when Twilight started talking.

"So" she said. "You're staying with me in Canterlot, right?"

But before Sunset could reply, Spike cut in.

"Sunset is staying with us! That's so cool! She can meet your parents and Shining armor and Cadence! We can all stay up late at night and tell ghost stories!"

"Oh, well, I'm not a huge fan of ghost stories. Sorry. But, who's Shining armor?"

"He-"

"He's her brother" said Spike. "Sorry" he added as Twilight glared at him.

"Oh! I didn't know you had a brother. Another question, why will Princess Cadence be there?"

"She and Shining Armor are married" answered Twilight before Spike got the chance.

"Oh. Didn't know that either"

"Sorry. I'll have to tell you that story some sometime."

"What about now?"

"Are you sure? It's pretty long"

"I like stories" said Sunset, placing her head on Twilights shoulder.

"Alright. Well, we were all having a picnic when spike came running up holding a letter. It said:

    'Twilight Sparkle, you are hereby invited to the wedding of Princess MI Amore Cadenza and Captain Shining armor..."

                                                                     ***

    "Then we had a big musical number" finished Twilight. Sunset laughed a little before yawning.

"That was quite a story" she said sleepily.

"Are you tired?" Asked Twilight.

"A little" responded Sunset. "I think I'm going to take a nap. Will you wake me up at least half an hour before we get there?"

"Sure. I'll go out there and watch TV or read" whispered Twilight. Sunset only half heard. She was out like a light in a few seconds. Twilight carefully kissed her cheek before getting up. She turned to tell Spike come out of the room with her, but he was also fast asleep, curled up into a little ball right next to Sunset. Twilight smiled to herself and left, quietly closing the door behind her. She walked out into the main living area and went straight to the kitchen space. She went rummaging through the prepackaged snacks, trying to decide between cherries or carrots. She eventually grabbed a bowl of cherries and sat at the kitchen table, magically grabbing one of her favorite books from a shelf and opening it. She only got a few pages in before Rainbow dash sat at the table, grabbing a cherry.

"So..." said Rainbow awkwardly. Twilight raised her gaze slightly, only for it to lower again, reading.

"About Sunset..." added Rainbow. This time Twilight snapped her book shut, placing it on the table and looked at Rainbow, eyes slightly squinted.

"I wanted to say I'm sorry. I talked it over with Applejack and Flutter shy, and they brought up some really good points, like how she helped you all those times, and how she saved Equestria"

"So, pretty much the same things I said,"

"Yeah, but it's different when you hear multiple ponies saying it. Anyways, I've changed my mind about her. She seems really nice and she makes you happy. If you're happy, I'm happy"

"Thanks Rainbow. That was very mature of you. I'm so glad that you talked with them and I really hope you two can become friends, but before you can do that, you have make amends"

"Okay, I will when we get there"

    The two got up and hugged quickly before splitting up. Rainbow went to sit on the couch with Apple jack again while Twilight, Rarity, and Flutter shy drank tea and talked about their schedule in Canterlot. Pinkie was in the kitchen, where she had somehow made an entire tray of chocolate cupcakes in ten minutes. She and Gummy ate them in five. Twilight glanced up at the clock, taking note of what time it was before getting up and quickly walking into the bedroom to wake up Sunset.

"Sunset, Spike, we'll be there in about thirty minutes" she said quietly, gently shaking them as she did so. Sunset cracked an eye open before sitting up and stretching. Spike groaned and just turned around, continuing his nap. Twilight giggled as Sunset started to wake up.

"What?" Asked Sunset quietly.

"I've never seen you when you're just waking up" replied Twilight with a broad smile. Sunset blushed and turned away, trying to finger comb her hair, but it didn't work. Because, you know...hooves. All she really accomplished was patting it down.

"Stop" said Twilight, pulling on Sunsets leg. "You're cute like this" added Twilight. This only made Sunset blush more, so Twilight leaned in for a quick kiss. The two mares sat on the bed, talking about how excited they were until a knock came from the door.

"Come in" they called in unison. Sunset tensed as Rainbow walked in.

"We're only about five minutes away" she said quickly before turning.

"Rainbow" said Twilight sternly. Rainbow sighed and turned back, walking towards the bed.

"I'm sorry, Sunset. I was extremely out of line. I can see that you make Twilight happy, and that she trusts you. That's good enough for me. And of you feel the need to punch me in the face to get even, go ahead"

Sunset just stared, kind of confused.

"Uh, thanks, Rainbow. I'll keep that in mind. We should probably go and wait out there until we get there" said Sunset stiffly.

"Yeah, let's go" said Twilight, prodding Spike with her magic, trying to wake him up. She eventually got him up, and the three mares and dragon exited into the main room, where Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, and Flutter shy were already waiting. The train screeched to a halt and the sound of hoof steps outside signaled many ponies walking off the train. Every pony but Twilight and Sunset walked out the door.

"Are you okay?" Asked Sunset.

"Yeah, I'm just going to wait here for a minute for most of the ponies to leave. I don't want to make a big deal"

"Oh." The two were silent for a minute before making their way outside. Twilight poked her head out before completely stepping onto the platform. She stepped towards her friends but was stopped by the sound of tiny hooves running. Twilight and Sunset turned to see a unicorn filly running towards her. She put on an awkward smile as the filly came to a stop.

"Umm, Princess Twilight?" Asked the filly with a high pitched voice. "C-could you sign this paper?"

"Sure. What's your name?"

"Platinum Plate" she said proudly, showing off her cutie mark. Twilight wasn't sure, but she thought it was gems and metal being hammered together.

"I'm going to be a jewelry maker!" She said loudly again. Twilight finished signing and looked at the filly.

"Do you like to sketch out your designs first?"

"Yeah"

"Here," said Twilight, grabbing something out of her saddle bag and handing it to the filly.

"It's a magical quill that I enchanted myself. You'll never need ink for it. Happy hearths warming eve, Platinum Plate." She said and turned. The filly squealed out a 'thank you Princess!' Before running back to her parents.

"That was nice of you" said Sunset.

"What? I gave her a quill. Not a huge deal"

"You don't know how much influence you have. You probably just changed that filly's life"

"Yeah, well, let's just head to my parents’ house. They'll be wondering where we are."

                                                                    ***

    Sunset, Twilight, and Spike walked through the front door of Twilights parents’ house. Well, Spike rode through the door of Twilights parents’ front door.

"Mom? Dad?" Yelled Twilight, setting her things down on their kitchen counter.

"Twilight?" Came a voice from upstairs. Sunset wasn't sure, but she thought she recognized the voice.

"Cadence?"

So, she did recognize the voice. The pink alicorn poked her head around the corner that lead to the stair case.

"Cadence!" Said Twilight happily. The two princess's ran to each other and began to do a dance and song.

                                                      'Sunshine, sunshine!

                                                      Lady bugs awake!

                                                      Clap your hooves and

                                                      do a little shake!"

Sang the mares before giggling and hugging tightly.

"Oh! Sunset, this is-"

"Princess Cadence" said Sunset before bowing slightly.

"How are you, Sunset?" Asked Cadence.

"Fine. I forgot how much I missed this place. How about you?"

"I'm doing well, thanks"

"Wait, you two already know each other?" Asked Twilight, confused.

"Yeah, we met when I first came through the portal" explained Sunset.

"Oh. Sorry I couldn't be there, I got an emergency call from Applejack. Some bats were eating the crops, and they needed help. Took hours to get rid of those things"

"Oh, it's fine" said Sunset. Twilight lowered her gaze for a moment.

"So, Cadence, where are my parents?" Asked Twilight.

"Oh, they had to run out to the store. Shining went with them." Replied Cadence.

"Why didn't you go with them?"

"Well, let me show you." Said Cadence before turning and walking quietly up the stairs. They stopped outside of one of the guest rooms.

"Okay, wait here" said Cadence before opening the door and sliding inside.

"Okay, come in" she called after a moment. Twilight was the first to enter, and stopped in her tracks. Sunset tried to peer over the shoulder of the taller mare, and her mouth fell open. Cadence was sitting across the room in a rocking chair, a small foal nestled in her hooves.

"Cadence!" Gasped Twilight. "W-why didn't you tell me?"

"It's a Hearths Warming surprise!" Whispered Cadence back.

"So, she's a unicorn?" Asked Sunset. "That makes se-"

Sunset stopped abruptly as the foal twisted in her sleep, revealing a tiny pair of wings.

"Oh..." finished Sunset.

"H-how is that even possible?" Asked Twilight, shocked.

"Well, when we presented her to the Crystal ponies, they were so happy. We were just next to the Crystal heart, and it started to spin very quickly. It started to glow, and then stopped suddenly. A large orb of light came out of it and into my little princess here. Then, she had wings! After talking with Celestia and Luna, we figured out that the Crystal Heart needed somewhere to store its excess magic. She was the closest, and all of the happiness and love that had been put into it went into her, making her an alicorn."

"Wow. So she's now princess... umm..." tried Twilight, but realized she didn't know the foals name.

"Venus. Venus MI Amore Armor" said Cadence, slowly rocking the foal as she started to wake up. Venus opened her large eyes and giggled. Her eyes were a deep blue and glimmered like a gem.

"Oh, Cadence, she's beautiful! Congratulations." Said Twilight, stepping forward and hugging Cadence. She then craned her neck down and kissed Venus on the nose, making her giggle again.

"Would you like to hold her?" Cadence asked, looking at Twilight.

"A-are you sure?" Asked Twilight hesitantly.

"Yes Twilight. I trust you" giggled Cadence, handing her Venus. Twilight took her carefully in her hooves, holding her tightly.

"Loosen up a bit. See? You don't want to hurt her. And you have to cradle her head. Oh! Don't hold her that loosely! She might wriggle and fall. And- perfect" said Cadence. "Ooh, and she loves this" she added, stretching one wing and gently tickling Venus's belly with the feathers. Venus shrieked and laughed, wiggling before taking her mother’s wing in her tiny hooves and stuffing it in her mouth. Cadence gasped and quickly pulled it out before laughing along with Twilight and Sunset.

"What about you, Sunset? Would you like to hold her?" Asked Cadence, brushing away a stray tear.

"Oh, no. I really don't think that's a great idea. I'm not good with kids." Sunset said quickly.

"Kids?" Asked Twilight and Cadence at the same time. "What does being good with baby goat have to do with this?" Asked Cadence.

"Foals, I meant foals"

"Oh. Well, I haven't been able to find a pony Venus doesn't like. See, she wants you to hold her!" Said Cadence, gesturing to Venus, who was holding out her hooves, straining to get to Sunset.

"O-okay, I guess" she said, reaching and grabbing Venus, who giggled again and started pulling on Sunsets ears.

"I told you she'd like you" said Cadence as Venus yawned. She then latched onto Sunset's chest.

"Aah! What's she doing?" She half-shouted.

"Oh dear, looks like she's hungry" giggled Cadence, gingerly grabbing Venus and carrying her over to what sunset vaguely recognized as a nursing mat.

'Right, ponies' she thought.

"We should go" said Twilight, turning and gently nudging Sunset towards the door.

"Thanks, we'll be right down" said Cadence as Twilight closed the door. The pair walked down the stairs.

"Wow" said Sunset. "Another Princess. That's...amazing. I actually had a question for you, Twilight"

"Yes?"

"Well, what would've happened if some pony else had been closer to the crystal heart when it let go of its magic. Like, what if your brother had been closer? Would he have become an alicorn too?"

"Well, that's a good question. I don't think Shining would've become an alicorn. Venus, already having the genetics of an alicorn, didn't need as much of a boost to transcend" explained Twilight. She continued after seeing Sunsets confused expression. "So, think of it like this. Take Shining and Venus. If we were to make them into a bar graph showing how much magic they needed to become an alicorn, Shining would need alot more magic than Venus to transcend. It's hard to explain, but I hope that helped."

"Yeah, a little. It's just really confusing"

"Yeah, tell me about it. Are you hungry? We have plenty of food"

"Oh, sure. Can I just have some apples?"

"Sure. Are you sure you don’t want anything else? I have to make a sandwich for Cadence anyways."

"No, I'm fine. Thanks though."

"Yeah."

The two sat in silence for a few minutes before the door slammed open.

"Hurry up, Mom! We have to get home before Twilight gets- here." Said Shining Armor, galloping through the door, stopping suddenly when he saw Twilight.

"Oh, hi honey!" Said Twilights mom, walking through the door a second later. "Sorry we're late. You didn't wait long, did you?"

"No, we just got here a little while ago" responded Twilight.

"Have you seen Cadence?" Asked Shining, glancing towards the stairs. Twilight squinted at her brother.

"Yes, we did" she said slowly. "She's upstairs now."

"So, you know?" He asked. Twilight nodded.

"Know what?" Asked Twilights mom curiously.

"No-" started Shining, but got cut off by their father. He was magically levitating many heavy bags.

"Thanks for the help, Shining" he panted, setting all but one bag down on their kitchen counter. The other one he carried into the living room. From there, he pulled out a couple of large bundles of logs, untying one and set to work arranging them in the fire place. Twilight and her mom started organizing and putting away all of their groceries. Twilights mom was walking back across the living room from putting things in their pantry when she shreiked.

"Who is on our couch!?" She yelled as Sunset sat up.

"Oh! Mom, this is Sunset Shimmer, the one I told you about" said Twilight.

"Oh, oh dear, I almost had a heart attack" she said, clutching her chest.

"I'm so sorry, ma'am! I just fell asleep. Are you okay?" Asked Sunset, walking over to Twilights mother, helping her to sit down.

"Oh no, dear. You just startled me. And I've placed a ban on the word 'ma'am' in this house. Now please, call me Twilight Velvet" said Velvet.

"Okay. I'm sorry ma- Twilight velvet" said Sunset sheepishly. Twilight’s father trotted up behind her and spoke, causing Sunset to jump.

"And I'm Nightlight. Or, from what I've heard from Shining and Cadence, soon enough you'll be calling me 'dad'" he said with a chuckle.

"Dad!" Yelled Twilight from the kitchen.

"Sorry, sorry" he called back, turning and walking to the fireplace again. Sunset blushed deeply.

"So, what were you two talking about?" Asked Velvet, turning back to Shining and Twilight.

"It's a surprise, mom" said Shining, rolling his eyes.

"What's this? You're keeping secrets from your own mother? I-I guess we just aren't as close as we used to be. I'm so sorry! I just miss my little baby boy!" Cried Velvet, bursting into tears.

"O-okay!" Said Shining, wincing. "I'll go talk to Cadence!" He said, running up the stairs.

"Gets him every time" said Velvet, a sneaky grin on her face. Sunset and Twilight both giggled. "He can't stand to see me-" started Velvet, but stopped suddenly and placed her face in her hooves, shuddering, when they heard hoof steps coming down the stairs.

"Okay!" Said Shining loudly from the foot of the stairs. "Mom! Dad! Get over here!"

Velvet and Nightlight trotted to the stairs. They could see Cadence behind him and that she was carrying something in her magic, but they couldn't see what.

"Okay" said Shining again. "3, 2, 1-" On one, Shining stepped away to reveal what Cadence was carrying. It was, of course, Venus. Velvet opened her mouth only for a strange guttural noise to come out. She stepped cautiously towards Cadence and held out her hooves.

"M-may I?" She asked, voice quivering. In response, Cadence smiled and placed Venus in her hooves. Velvet held still for a moment before hugging Venus tightly to her chest.

"Oh! We are going to have so much fun! And I'm going to spoil you rotten!" She said, twisting her back back and forth.

"Mom! Make sure she can breathe!" Said Shining, coughing lightly when his father clapped him hard on the back.

"Thank you so much, Cadence! We weren't sure if we were going to get any grandkids out of this one" said Nightlight. "Now we need to get Sunset and Twilight to, ‘tie the knot’”

"Hey!" Yelled Twilight from the kitchen.

"Sorry honey!" Called Nightlight back. "I was just joking!"

"So, what's her name?" Asked Velvet, still hugging Venus tightly.

"Venus MI Amore Armor" said Cadence.

"Venus. Little baby Venus" said Velvet, rubbing Venus's belly. Venus screeched and giggled, wings spreading. Velvet and Nightlight gasped loudly.

"Sh-she's an alicorn?" Whispered Velvet.

"Yes" said Cadence quietly. "Princess Venus"

"Oh Celestia! Three princess's in the family!" Said Nightlight loudly.

"And a captain of the royal guard!" Reminded their mother, glaring sideways at Nightlight.

"Well, congratulations you two! Sorry to cut this short, but we have a tight schedule. Let's go eat lunch, then we have to get to the castle early for the Hearths warming eve pageant" she said, leading the group back to the kitchen.

                                                                 ***

    "Hi girls!" Said Twilight, running forward to greet her friends. They were back stage, putting on their costumes and doing last-minute run throughs.

"Why aren't you in costume?" Said Rarity, practically shrieking.

"Rarity, I just got here" said Twilight. "I'll go get dressed now. And besides, all I wear is a cloak."

"Yes, yes, but we have to conceal your wings!"

"Done" said Twilight, stepping out from behind a curtain and angling her cloak so that every pony could see her back was un-winged.

"Wow, Twi! Very convincing'" said Applejack.

"Thanks! I just cast an invisibility spell on them" said Twilight back.

"Five minutes!" Called a stallion from the side.

"Where is my crown!?" Screamed Rarity, running around from box to box, searching inside each one quickly before sprinting to the next.

"Umm, Rarity, is this it?" Asked Flutter shy timidly.

"Yes!" Gasped Rarity, grabbing it and placing it gently on her head. "Thank you so much, dear!"

"Flutter shy!" Yelled Rainbow dash. "Where's your helmet?"

"Oh, um, it's right here" she said, holding it up.

"Well, put it on! Three minutes!"

"Oh, okay! I'm sorry"

"Oh my gosh I'm so excited! Like, I'm nervous too, but still excited! I'm so nervousited!" Said Pinkie, hopping across the stage.

"Err, Pinkie, ya know that's not a real word, right?" asked Applejack.

"Of course I do Applejack!" Said Pinkie, somehow appearing under her hat, causing AJ to fall over.

"Gosh darn it Pinkie! You get back here!" Said Applejack, watching as Pinkie walked up an imaginary staircase.

"Places, places!" Called the same stallion as before. All of the extras ran off stage as the different pieces of the background were rolled into place. The entire auditorium went quiet as they heard Spike take his place in front of the curtain.

                                                                ***

    'Oh no' thought Sunset. She had followed her ticket to her seat, only to look up and see a flowing, multicolored mane. She closed her eyes and winced, hoping that Celestia wouldn't turn around. Sunset picked up her program, trying to make as little noise as possible. A purple pony walked across the stage. Twilight looked out across the crowd and located Sunset. She lifted a hoof and blew a kiss in her direction. Sunset blushed and gave a small smile, only for it to fall suddenly when Celestia began to turn. Sunset panicked and quickly stood, turning to trot down the aisle.

"Sunset?" She heard a voice say behind her. Sunset turned reluctantly. Celestia stood staring at Sunset. Sunset paled and clenched her jaw.

"Sunset" repeated Celestia, this time moving closer.

"Please, not now" whispered Sunset. Celestia stopped before smiling gently and turning back to her seat. Sunset breathed out deeply before walking back to her own seat. A few minutes passed before the lights dimmed and the crowd grew quiet. Sunset had gotten a seat in the second row, so she could easily see when Spike walked to the center of the stage and began to speak.

                                                               ***

    The play had just finished, and Sunset was standing in the bathroom. 'Oh no' she thought. 'No no no no no!' She had lost a contact down the drain of the sink, and couldn't see out of one of her eyes. She heard an impatient knocking on the doors and sighed. She trotted to the door and opened it, sliding out around another mare, who practically ran through the doors. Sunset stood in the large room full of ponies, pressing up against the walls. She saw Twilight across the room and slowly made her way over to her.

"Sunset!" Said Twilight loudly, wings flaring out. She leaped forward and wrapped her hooves around Sunsets neck, planting a large kiss on her cheek. Many ponies around the room ran towards them, finally being able to locate Twilight after seeing her wings.

"Let's go" said Twilights quietly, trotting quickly to a couple of large glass doors and stepping outside. "In here" she said quickly, jumping into a large bush. Just as their bush stopped rattling, a mob of ponies came spilling out of the door, most of them holding cameras and voice recorders. A symphony of "where'd she go?", "she probably flew away", "who was that pony she was was with?" And "this would've made such a great story!" Droned on around them.

    Twilight and Sunset huddled in the bush, their breath pluming out around them. They stayed that way for a few minutes before the mob dissipated and left. Sunset gestured for Twilight to stay before carefully getting out of the bush and wandering around, searching for any ponies who might've hidden. She wandered back over to the bush and peered inside. Her mouth dropped open when she saw that Twilight wasn't inside. She leaned forward to look deeper into the bush and saw a slip of paper. She picked it up and opened it, reading:

                                         'Sunsets are orange,

                                         Nights are blue,

                                         I'm really bad at this,

                                         and I love you!'

Sunset had just finished reading and looked up to see Twilight. The two held eye contact for a painfully long and awkward moment before Sunset finally spoke.

"You really are bad at that" she said, causing Twilight to giggle.

"I wanted to show you this" said Twilight, turning and walking away. Sunset followed behind her and gasped. The two had turned a corner and walked into a garden. In the middle was a small pond with doves floating around lazily. The pond was surrounded by tall hedges. Bright, twinkling lights were strung around them. Twilight led Sunset onto a small white gazebo and the two sat.

"It's c-cold" stuttered Sunset, shivering lightly. Twilight lit her horn and a pink bubble appeared around them before dissipating.

"Heat bubble" commented Sunset, gazing up.

"Feeling better?" Asked Twilight with concern.

"Much" replied Sunset, leaning into Twilight, who stretched her wing out and around Sunsets shoulders. The pair sat quietly for a few minutes.

"What're you thinking about?" Asked Twilight quietly.

"How much I missed you back at Canterlot high" replied Sunset, equally as quiet. Twilight gave sunset a quick kiss on her ear. "I-I don't want to leave in six days" she added.

"You don't have to" whispered Twilight. "You could stay here, with me. And I could open the portal if you ever want to go and visit your friends. We could live together in the castle"

Sunset didn't say anything, but Twilight could tell she was suppressing a smile.

"I-I don't know what to say" she said after a moment.

"I don't want to force you to leave Canterlot high, so I want you to really think about this. If you don't want to stay here, you don't have to" answered Twilight.

"Thank you, Twilight. I'll let you know soon. I love you" said Sunset dreamily, nuzzling into Twilights chest.

"Are you tired?" Asked Twilight.

"A little. Sorry, I'm just so warm and comfortable and happy" she whispered back.

"Well, let's get you home" said Twilight, standing and picking up Sunset in her hooves. Sunset jumped and blushed.

"What are you-" she gasped, but was cut off by a sudden gust of wind as Twilight took flight, the cold making Sunset nuzzle into Twilights embrace. All the reporters out looking for Princess Twilight that night would've seen was a silhouette against the moon.

                                                           ***

    "Where'd you all go?" Asked Shining Armor, walking down stairs the next morning.

"We left early" responded Twilight, spreading butter on her pancakes.

"Why?" He pressed.

"We were being annoyed by reporters, so we left early" snapped Twilight back, successfully shutting up Shining.

"Happy Hearths Warming!" Said their parents as they walked down the stairs.

"Happy Hearths Warming. I made pancakes" said Twilight. The next two to emerge were Cadence and Venus. They walked down the stairs, Venus wearing a large hat that had a model of the fire of friendship flickering inside. They repeated the cycle of "Hearths Warming" and "pancakes" before Sunset stumbled down the stairs.

"Are you feeling okay, dear?" Asked Velvet, looking up in equal concern to Twilight.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Who made pancakes?" She asked, sneezing.

"Did you get sick last night?" Asked Twilight. "I'm sorry, we shouldn't have stayed in that bush for so long"

The rest of the family shared a few confused glances.

"We were trying to avoid reporters" explained Sunset. "And no, I'm not sick. I think it's just my allergies acting up" she added after remembering Twilights question. She took a seat near Twilight, but as soon as she sat down, Venus broke out of her mother’s grip and ran across the table to Sunset. Venus reached up and started playing with Sunset's vibrant hair, giggling.

"So she must like you’re...hair" said Shining, pulling out the last word. Sunset noticed that they were all staring at her... no, not her, her hair.

"WH-what is it!?" Gasped Sunset, trying to see what happened.

"Calm down" said Twilight, creating a mirror with her magic and giving it to Sunset. She angled the mirror so that she could see her hair. She gasped and almost dropped the mirror. The roots of her hair were glowing. The subtle light was slowly spreading out across more of her hair. She looked around in a panic, and her gaze fell upon the filly in her lap. Venus was holding her hair, sparks flying from her horn. Sunset carefully picked up Venus and pried her hair away. Instantly, the glowing stopped.

"What did she just do?" Asked Sunset, looking around the table.

"I'm not sure, but it looked like something Luna showed me once. I-I think she was doing a

Magic transfer" said Twilight in disbelief.

"What?" Gasped Cadence. "No, she's just a month old!"

"Well, at this age she doesn't have any control over her magic. But that still doesn't explain how she could've done that much magic" explained Twilight. The room went quiet.

"Or maybe she just wanted something shiny to play with" said Nightlight around a mouthful of pancakes.

"Yeah, probably"

                                                               ***

    "Okay, Sunset. This one is for you" said Twilight, holding out a box.

"Twilight, I told you not to get me anything!" Scolded Sunset, but still grabbing the large box in her magic. She squinted at Twilight as she opened it. The large box was entirely empty, aside from a smaller black box. She picked up the small box and opened it. Inside was an elegant arrangement of curved metal attached to a ring with a small ruby in the middle. It was all attached to a long, silver chain.

"Oh, it's beautiful Twilight! Thank you so much" said Sunset, hugging Twilight. "Here, I got you this" she added, levitating over a large basket. Twilight started pulling things out, one by one. She hugged the fluffy towels and sniffed at the candles. She practically jumped with joy when she unwrapped the magazines and flicked through all of the titles. The last thing was the book. She picked it up and unwrapped it, simply staring dumbfounded at it. Then, very slowly, a huge grin spread across her face.

"Thank you, thank you, and thank you!" She said loudly, launching herself at Sunset.

"Well, you really know our Twilight" said Nightlight, looking in confusion at the title of the book.

"Trust me dad, its perfect" assured Twilight.

"Oh, I also brought this" said Sunset, reaching behind her and pulling out a box. She floated it over to Velvet and Nightlight, who opened it together. They pulled out a large stained glass bowl. It was a light blue with a silver flower pattern all around it.

"It was just a little thank you gift for letting me stay here"

"Oh Sunset, you didn't have to get us anything! You're always welcome in the Sparke household. Thank you so much" said Velvet, reaching forward to give Sunset a light hug. The family finished exchanging presents before getting ready to leave for the castle once again. They arrived at the public dinner, but didn't eat much. A few hours later, the Sparkle family was escorted into the private dining chambers. They ate a real dinner with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. All went well until the end of the dinner. The family was getting ready to leave when Celestia whispered something to Twilight, who nodded.

"Hey mom, Sunset and I have to stay a bit later, but we'll be home soon" explained Twilight.

"Okay dear. We'll see you then. Love you!" Replied Velvet before slipping out the door. Sunset came back from the bathroom only to see Princess Celestia waiting for her.

"Sunset" she said gently.

"Princess" replied Sunset shakily, staring at her hooves.

"I've missed you" said Celestia. "And I'm sorry"

Sunset looked up, confused.

"I made you believe that you had to become extremely powerful to make me proud. I can see why you wanted to gain that power quickly. You wanted me to see you as more than just my student. You wanted me to see you as my daugh-"

"Stop!" Said Sunset loudly. "J-just stop" she said, tears beginning to fall. Twilight put a wing around her and pulled her in tightly. Sunset took a deep breath before speaking again. "I looked up to you. I saw you as my mother. Do you remember that fight we got in? Just before I left?" She said accusingly. Celestia looked down in shame.

"I'm sorry" she said, her voice thick with emotion. "I shouldn't have said those things"

"Well, however you feel about it, it felt worse for me. Imagine your teacher, your mentor, your mother, telling you that you'd never amount to anything. That you bring her shame. That's why I left" said Sunset, crying. Twilight looked at Celestia in disbelief.

"Did you really say those things?" She whispered.

"Yes. And I don't have any explanation. I lost control. You don't ever have to forgive me, but at least know I'm sorry, and that I've never stopped thinking about it"

"Let's go" said Sunset, pushing Twilight towards the door. Twilight opened her mouth to say something, but stopped when she looked into Sunset's eyes. She gulped and nodded, turning to Celestia.

"Thank you for dinner" she said formally before opening the door and slipping out behind Sunset. Celestia sat, not moving. Her hooves were cold. She heard and sensed Luna walking out from behind a pillar.

"That could've gone better" she said quietly. When Celestia didn't say anything, she continued talking.

"Tia, she just needs more time" she said, trying to comfort Celestia.

"It's been four years, Luna. I can't stand her being angry with me."

"Well, I could do some investigations. If you want, I can look into her dreams"

"Would you?"

"Of course, Tia. Now, you must go sleep"

                                                             ***

    "Sunset, what happened between you two?" Asked Twilight, concern in her voice.

"I was just like you were. I was Celestias student, and showing a lot of promise. Then the fight came....

                                                                     ***

    Celestia was pacing around Sunsets room. Sunset sat on the edge of her bed, eyebrows furrowed.

"Sunset, for the last time! I'm not going to let you take the test! It's too dangerous and many ponies have been seriously injured. Even if you pass, you'll still be in danger!"

"But Celestia, I want to serve you! Why won't you let me join the royal guard?"

"Because it's dangerous!"

"But I'm strong! And I want to make you proud"

"Like this!?" Roared Celestia. "By getting yourself KILLED!? Well, you can't make me proud! And you aren't powerful! You never were and you never will be! You'll never amount to anything more than a joke! I don't want you" she finished. Sunset sat, petrified, ears completely down, eyes wide with tears falling out. Her face crumpled and she started sobbing. Celestia realized what she had said, and started to move forward to apologize. When she touched Sunset, Sunset jumped and flinched away.

"Don't touch me!" She screamed. She jumped off of the bed and ran out the door. Celestia followed, and started to panic as she started to recognize the route. Sunset crashed into the mirror chamber and tore past the guards. The last thing Celestia saw before she jumped through the portal was a mixture of betrayal and a deep sadness in Sunsets eyes. Then she was gone.

                                                                     ***

"Oh, Sunset, I'm so sorry!" Said Twilight, holding her close.

"It's fine. I'm tired." She said in a strained voice.

"Okay" whispered Twilight, leading her to the bed. The two climbed in, and Sunset finally let go. She cried herself out into Twilights chest before the two fell asleep. The next morning, they boarded a train back to pony Ville. When they got there, Sunset went to go shower. When she got out, Twilight was talking to a light blue mare.

"Trixie, please. I'm not interested! I'm in a relationship" said Twilight in an annoyed voice.

"Who is this pony? The Great and Powerful Trixie demands you tell her!" Said the blue mare, Trixie.

"Excuse me?" Asked Sunset quietly. Trixie glared at her.

"So, this is the mare? Come on, Twilight. I'm so much better than her! Look at what I've done! Compared to me, she'll never amount to anything more than a jo-" sneered Trixie but got cut off when she was surrounded by a magic bubble. Sunset picked her up and carried her to the door. She set her down outside the door, turned, and bucked the bubble as hard as she could. Sunset turned quickly and saw the beautiful sight of Trixie flying away. Sunset walked inside.

"Well," began Twilight. "She did always want to be a star"