Author's Note
This is my first MLP fanfic. Please be gentle. And hope you all enjoy it!
Chapter 1
"Welcome home, my dear, Sunset Shimmer."
Princess Celestia's voice was just as soft and sweet as the first rays of dawn, just as the younger pony had remembered. The unmistakable warmth delicately laced in the words of the mare who once was Sunset Shimmer's mentor now stirred the air of the cold castle storeroom, in which a lone mirror sat. A pang of guilt plucked at the filly's heartstrings. Her ears drooped, no sooner had her brain registered the warm welcome that had been offered, like a precious gift; one which Sunset hardly felt worthy of.
'How could I ever have left? I was so selfish. How could she welcome me back, with all that I did?' A thousand questions ran through Sunset Shimmer's mind, a million miles per minute. Nostrils flared as she drew a deep breath into her lungs, attempting to focus on the pain of her teeth biting sharply into her bottom lip, rather than the overwhelming ache in her heart. Ears drooped as she trained her gaze on the floor; pristine tiles the same color of Celestia's perfectly groomed coat. 'Of course. What need would there be for any other color, when no other gave the impression of cleanliness, and perfection, than white, just like the color of only the most beloved, relected ruler in all of Equestrisa?' Sunset Shimmer reasoned.
'So then, what color would that make me?'
Forced to release the breath she hadn't been aware that she was holding, the fiery-haired mare cautiously tested the mechanics of her muzzle. Her tounge twisted behind her closed lips; mind reaching into memory banks unused over time, to recall how words once felt on her lips, when she had been a pony. Human tonges were shorter, their faces rounder, and Sunset had, admittedly, grown accustomed of being one of them for many years. For far too long. Re-adjusting to having horse parts again would be a new experience, in spite of being born as one, having learned how to properly function- trotting and talking as a pony.
Mouth opened, tongue writhing experimentally, as she tried to form the words that had always come naturally through a muzzle, many, many moons ago. ' Y-you..." squeezed out of a tight throat, her voice cracked. Fighting back the hot tears that were blurring the edges of her vision, the yellow mare swallowed and tried again. "You...waited for me?" Brow creased in consusion, she lifted her gaze ever so slightly, peering past the curtain of her own mane that cascaded over the one side of her face that was turned toward her former mentor. It felt somewhat comforting, how it served almost like a veil or sheild placed between her and the powerful, white, Alicorn Princess, who could easily lock her in a dungeon for her past deeds. Treason, theft of a royal artifact used to establish peace throughout the nation, and attempt to murder one of Equestria's royals, Princess Twilight Sparkle, were just a few on a long list of sins Sunset had committed. She couldn't bear to look Princess Celestia in the eye, even after Twilight had assured Sunset that she had. And from the warmth in the Princess' s voice, it was evident that Celestia had, indeed
'But still...' Sunset Shimmer doubted.
Celestia observed the troubled young mare in absolute silence, allowing her to collect her thoughts and her words She could only imagine what her dear former student experienced beyond the mirror, for so long a time. She wished to discuss with Sunset the many things that she experienced; what she came to learn and-if posible, teach others about, during her stay in the world that was not their own. But there would be plenty of time for such things a at a later date. What the pony before her needed most, now, was commendation for returning to her home, likely knowing that she might be met with consequence for deeds long gone unpunished. What she needed was undstanding and forgiveness from a kind heart willing to leave the past in its place, and start anew with the young mare. Celestia had centuries of experience under her polished gold crown. How could she hope to lead and protect her little ponies, if she coldly held their crimes against them, or turned somepony away in a time of need? That wasn't her policy!
"Of course, dearest Sunset." she replied, as if there was no other answer to be given. "I never doubted that you would someday return." gingerly, she lifted her hindquarters off of the plush, velvet pillow that she had been seated on for hours. Pins and needles ran along her ivory colored legs, and her rump was left numb from extended sitting in front of the mirror. A long, multi-colored tail swished in mild annoyance, behind her. Careful steps carried her closer to the turquoise-eyed equine, so that she towered over Sunset Shimer. "I waited every day for you." She continued, voice dropping to just above a whisper. "How could I not?" tenderly, she brought up her forehoof, sweeping aside the spiraling curtain of flaming, red hair aside, to cup Sunset's cheek, and lift her watery gaze to meet her own. "I missed you so much." The Princess cooed, as butterflies danced in her stomach, and her hopeful heart leapt at the long-awaited reunion she dreamed of, with her long-lost former protégé.
Tears left wet trails down her cheeks as they were spilled, unguarded, and left tiny puddles on the floor. Celestia couldn't bear to lose any more of the ponies who she had loved. She had to banish her beloved sister, Luna, who had ghen become Nightmare Moon, for one-thousand years. She had to sacrifice a romantic relationship with an alternate world's handsome and kind King Sombra, for the sake of restoring balance to their two worlds. So, too had she lost a former student, in part to her own actions, but for no longer, for Sunset Shimmer had finally returned!
Eyes squeezed shut as tears fled from turquoise orbs. The yellow mare's body shuddered, racked with sobs at the warm touch of Celestia's hoof. How could one tiny gesture be all the answer that she needed? She allowed herself into an embrace, and pressed her face into the tall Alicorn's fur at her shoulder. Celestia smelled like a meadow, fragrant and calming.
"Ahem."
A guard standing some distance behind the Princess interrupted the moment with the clearing of his throat, and before the yellow unicorn could allow Celestia to take the entirety of weight from off her chest, shedding all her grievances and apologies in the form of a blubbery breakdown, Celestia's warmth retreated.
"I'm sorry. " the alicorn apologized, as she wiped the tears from her eyes, and gave an undignified sniffle. "It would appear that it's already time for me to lower the sun. Royal duty." she winked, in hopes of bringing a smile to her student's face. When it bore no result, however, Celestia inwardly sighed and pulled the dear girl close to her with a large, white wing. "We'll have plenty of time to catch up, I promise you. "
Reisting the urge to lean into the touch of soft pinions and down, Sunset nodded, and again, the aurora-haired alicorn withdrew, placing duties before desire.
"The guards will escort you to a vacant bedchamber in the west castle. You're welcome to stay as long as you like." Celestia said over her shoulder, on her way to the door, where two guards were stationed on the outside
Without a glance back toward the mirror; the alternateworld where she had left behind the first friends she had ever made, Sunset watched the Prrincess regain her composure to the best of her ability, and vanish from the room; one of the two guards flanking her. Taking her time, as she had to readjust to walking on four legs, instead of two, Sunset Shimmer approached the open door. Light hoofsteps clacked against polished marble floors, the sound echoing in the nearly empty space. Domed ceilings arched high overhead, giving more than enough berth for the room to contain all of Sunset's thoughts.
'There's always tomorrow. ' a more reluctant part of her chided. The impatient part of her etched a grimmace into her lips, while the more annoyed part of her cast a dirty look at the remaining guard, for daring to interrupt her moment in the comfort of Celestia's company. "Lead the way." the disappointed part of her sighed. Ml
Down long, carpeted hallways, and rows of dozens, hundreds of doors, Sunset traveled. She could witness the sun lowering ritual, through giant, glass windows. The sky, once a vivid spectacle of deep, rich reds and orange as the sun set, gradually mixed with soft pastels of pinks and puple hues. Before long, the endless canvas of sky was draped, like a blanket, in mysterious ad serene midnight blues and black. The silver stars twinkled, trying not to have their radiance covershadoweded by the luminous moon.
After what seemed like an hour of walking, the steel-colored stallion in front of her stopped abruptly, nearly causing Sunset to smack into his hindquarters. Another dirty glare was thrown his way . She considered mouthing off to him about warning a pony before he stopped short like that, but decided against it. She really wasn't in the mood to deal with any more than she had to, didn't need to cause a scene, and really needed to redirect her irritation, anyway, before it got her into trouble, as it had in the past.
"Your room, ma'am." the stallion said, gesturing at the massive, decorated doors that stretched nearly to the height of the ceiling
Forcing as polite a smile as she could manage, a "thank you" was offered, through gritted teeth. Just beyond the double doors, she anticipated, lie a bed with her name on it. She would ditch the guard, and crawl beneath cozy sheets and comforter, and just sleep. It had been a rather exhausting day, after all.
Once she slipped into the room, she shut the door behind her. Advanced Unicorn magic and technological fusion allowed the lights to detect movement and turn the lights on automatically. It was the genius mind of a student from Celestia's school for gifted unicorns, who graduated and went onto attend Manehattan Institute of Technology who had come up with the innovative system. But as brilliant as it was, Sunset paid it no heed. Her eyes widened as she sensed a second presence in the room.
She wasn't alone
A frigid chill coursed down her spine, her blood runing cold. All four legs locked, steadily bracing the medium-sized mare. She would stand her ground. Sunset's head tuned quickly to the side, flaming and flaxen tresses whipping through the air, as she hurriedly scanned the room. A deeply unsettling feeling of foreboding settled in her stomach. She could feel that someone, somewhere within the room was watching her.
But where?
The skin beneath her coat crawled, and she fought the urge to squim; hiding her disomfort. Whoever had their gaze so intently trained on her could take that as a sign of weakness, she reasoned. Huer mind raced. Was this a test set up by Celestia? If so, then what did the Princess want her to accomplish? Would she remember how to channel magic through her horn, after being without Equestrian magic and her unicorn limb, for so long? Would it hurt to try? Or should she simply retreat from the room, away from the unnerving presence of invisible eyes, and call for the guard? Would he think she was completely out of her head, if he searched the room, and nopony was found?
"Who's there?" Sunset Shimmer demanded, when her own brief scan of her surroundings yeilded no results. "Show yourself!" Her heart thundered in ears as adrenaline shot through her veins. Her tail whipped behind her, and she made a display of pawing the carpet aggressively with a forehoof, hoping that if there were, in fact, somepony, or something else in the room with her, that the stance and body language would drive them off.
A long moment passed, the unicorn only recieving silence in reply. The feeling that she was being watched, however, hadn't waned, and it nagged persistently at her, like an itch that she couldn't quite reach. Determined to be sure, she cantered further into the spacious room, checking under the bed, in the walk-in closet, under decorative tables, even. A thorough search of every hiding spot inside the bathroom also came up short.
"Maybe I am losing it" Sunset sdmitted, in quiet defeat to herself, after pacing from one end of the room to the other, for a time. A deep breath dran into her lungs, proceeded by a shaky sigh sought to calm her frazzled nerves. "Get it together, Sunset." she coached herself, trying desperately to convince herself that it was nothing more than paranoia. "Just need a bit of fresh air, that's all." Nodding in agreement with herself, she trotted toward the window, anticipating the feel of the cool, night wind sweeping across her face, and being able to inhale the scent of the exotic flora in the private garden of Celestia.
The glass panel was opened effortlessly under the slight force applied from her hoof, and she reared up on her hind legs to lean along the windowsill. Luna's night guards now patrolled the castle grounds. She observed three of the armored, black stallions engaged in what looked to be lively conversation over by the fountain in the private garden. And she could see a grand balroom of ponies of high status gathering their belongings, and bidding adeu to their associates, after a dinner party or some such.
Sunset Shimmer sighed. At long last, she was home, back in the magical world she had been born in. She had been longing for the familiarity of magical adventures and creathres that she couldn't find back in the human world, lest it involved things coming out of the magical portal that she caused, but were few and far between, and didn't belong in the human world, to begin with. "I'm back, Equestria." she spoke, quietly out over the capital city of Canterlot.
With fresh air filling her lungs and familiarity of her world in her heart, she turned from the window, ready to turn in and call it a night. A good night's rest would certainly refresh her, and the events of today would be left in the past, by tomorrow. A blinding beam of light shot at her from across the room, turning her vision white, before she could do so much as blink.
"Aaaaaahhhhhhhh!"
A pained cry tore from Sunset Shimmer's throat, as she was blinded, thrown backward from the unexpected attack. Glass shattered, exploding around her like fireworks, and slicing into her like shrapnel. And then, she was falling, plummeting through the air, toward the ground.
"AUGH"
Sunset Shimmer's screams of terror reached her ears, welcoming her to the waking world. Eyes wide with fright, her chest heaved. Limbs flailed wildly, and slender amber digits clutched at crumpled bedsheets, as though they were a lifeline. Her breasts rose and fell as she took in her surroundings. She wasn't hurdling through the air in freefall, but in a room. Her room. Though the curtains had been drawn tightly shut, it was moderately lit, and with the sun already high in the sky, Sunset concluded that it was already well after the time that she normally got up.
Grimacing, she found her body was damp, as she pushed herself onto an elbow. Apparently, her nightmare had caused her to wake up drenched in a cold sweat. Lovely. A hand dragged down her face as she groaned, her eyelids heavy. First things first. Her number one priority was to get herself out of her sweaty pajamas.
Rolling out of a bed that hadn't offered her a good night's sleep was easy. She silently cursed the piece of furniture, taking her frustration out on it for not serving its purpose. It may have been silly, but for the time being, it made her feel better. Just beyond her bedroom door, she could pick up the fading aroma of coffee. Certainly, having a delicious mug of the dark brew would also make her feel better. But first, she had to make herself presentable, and after a rough sleep, she was a train wreck.
She definitely had her work cut out for her.
Fingers gripped the hem of her short-sleeved pajama top, pulling the garment up over her head. Boyshorts were quickly discarded afterward. Both articles of clothing were tossed into a laundry basket as she padded into the bathroom in her birthday suit. Finally freed of the smelly clothing, she went about her routine. Every morning, like clockwork, and in the exact same order Sunset would relieve herself, ensuring that everything was taken care of and properly cleaned on the porcelain throne, before then jumping in the shower. After a thorough wash with her favorite strawberry scented body wash and shampoo for her hair, she would rinse under the warm spray, and dry off with a fluffy, white towel that her preferred choice of fabric softener had advertized would make smell like sunshine.
Whatever sunshine was supposed to smell like in this world, Sunset Shimmer had quickly discovered, was a poor imitation of the unique, sunkissed scent that belonged to her former mentor. Though the chemicals that provided a pleasing aroma of sunshine to the towel were horribly innacurate and scientifically impossible in the human world, it wasn't entirely unappreciated.
Clean and refreshed, Sunset Shimmer strolled out of the steamy bathroom, and stared at the scene that awaited her in the bedroom. She had completely forgotten what a mess the place was! In her fitful slumber, she had managed to throw both comforter and sheets onto the floor, where they lay in crumpled heaps. Her alarm clock had also been a casualty. How on earth she had managed to knock the device from its place atop her bedside table, she hadn't a clue.
"Oh, Milky, I'm sorry that I knocked you down, too." the teen apologized to small stuffed feline that she spotted amongst the disaster. She loved the little plush, a present that Flash Sentry had won for her, back when they were dating. Though at that time, she recalled, she was only getting close to him to use him later on, for her own popularity. A sorrowful sigh pushed past her lips as the stuffed creature was held close. She never had romantic feelings for the blue-haired guitar player, and she hated who she had been in the past, but still-
Slender digits smoothed Milky's silky fur into place before carefully placing him near her pillow. He was the first gift shat she had recieved in this world. The plush cat was her very first friend, long before she had made true friends with living, breathing people. Her precious Milky also reminded her of her own pet cat back in Equestria.
Making her bed would have to wait.
Shaking herself out of her nostalgic reverie, she turned toward her drawers. Sunset found a robin's egg blue shirt, and a pair of blue-grey denim capri's in a lower drawer. A pair of orange boyshorts were grabbed from out her underwear drawer. Discarding her towel, she got dressed, and then ventured back to the bathroom to tackle her damp hair. A comb was lying in wait, right on the countertop. Wasting no time, it was in her hand and being passed again and again through her hair. Product was then carded through hair and scalp, to provide a barrier to resist harsh heat. Finding the blowdryer, it was switched on, and blasted her wet tresses with heat until they were dry. Additional product then applied to give her hair a gleaming sheen, and then styled with her curling iron.
It wasn't until two hours later, fully presentable and bed made, that the meticulous teen finally stepped foot out her room. The smell of coffee no longer lingered in the air, and whoever had brewed it was nowhere to be seen. "Figures," She sighed, eyes rolling. She had come to accept that whoever had provided her a room in their house, since the day she stepped hoof into this once strange world of fleshy, magicless bipedal creatures, was content on remaining utterly elusive. Not that she minded, much, anyway....
She shrugged a shoulder as her legs carried her into the kitchen, left perfectly immaculate as usual; just like every other part of the house. Sunset never had to lift a finger in the way of household chores, save for tending to what tableware she ate off of; and of course keeping the room she was loaned nice and tidy. Honestly, it was a pretty sweet setup; and she couldn't complain, even if she wanted to.
Opening the fridge, she found it restocked with an assortment of foods, where it had been nearly bare just the night before. A smile touched Sunset's painted pink lips as she found a fresh carton of eggs. Instinctively, she reached for it, but stopped. Her hand hovered in mid-air while she reconsidered. She could go through eggs like nobody's business, but today she was more in the mood for something sweet rather than savory. Scanning the shelves, Sunset found her prize in no time. There! Just beside a can of whipped cream lie a tube of cinnamon buns! Victory! Delighted, the canned dough was snatched up, the center strip ripped off. A sharp WHACK to the edge of the kitchen counter yeilded the puffy, delicious treat inside; just waiting to be baked.
Half an hour (fifteen minutes for the baking, and an additional fifteen to allow them to cool to a temperature that allowed them to be handled, without injury) seemed to crawl by to the eager, and hungry redhead. In attempt to pass the time, she had first fixed a pot of coffee, seating herself at the table for a full five minutes, before she had gotten up again. Going back into her room, she grabbed her phone, and checked any missed texts any of her friends had left since yesterday evening.
A text from Pinkie Pie, dated just this morning read: "GOOD MORNING, SHIMMY! Didn't c u by yur lockr B4 class. U ok?"
A text from Rainbow Dash, dated just 8 minutes later read: "1st period is starting. You playing hooky, or what?"
Around second period, she noticed that she has gotten texts from Apple Jack and Rarity.
"Are you alright, sugarcube? It ain't like you to be absent"
"Sunset, darling, what's your address? The girls and I want to drop by during lunch, and check in on you."
Finally, a text from Fluttershy read simply, "miss you", wih a heart emote.
Touched by the amount of concern her friends had for her, Sunset Shimmer smiled warmly, her heart swelling. The visions of her slumber already fading like a haze before the brilliant and warm rays of their friendship. Immediately, she sent each of them a text back, letting them know that she was fine, and had just woken up late. A quick glance to the time on her phone displayed 11:06. She could make it to school and still attend her remaining classes for the day.
"I'll be there soon." said the text she sent. Better late than never.
Once the cinnamon buns were out the oven, cooled, and drizzled with sweet, tasty icing, Sunset grabbed one to go and locked up, inputting a vocal command into the security alarm before she left. It was amazing how technologically advanced this world was, in comparison to the more magical capital of Canterlot, back in Equestria! Even though she had ample time to grow accustommed to the tech, there were all sorts of gizmos and gadgets that were coming out on a daily basis, to inprove of various aspects of people's lives.
Out the door Sunset went; quick strides carrying her across a path of grey. Bright green grass of a medium-sized lawn framed either side of the short length of walkway that led up to the house. Birds tweeted their cheerful hellos to her, and the bright yellow sun beamed down, providing warrmth to the world. What a beautiful day it was!
Opening her mouth wide, she bit into the warm, gooey treat that was dripping a generous amount of icing onto her fingers. Her nostrils were asaulted with the dizzying scent of cinnamon and glazed sugar. Unable to supress a tiny moan, she chewed her mouthful before licking her glazed lined lips. She went in for another bite.
Arriving at the entrance of Canterlot High School some twenty minutes later by bus, the crimson-haired youth noticed both Apple Jack and Rainbow Dash hanging around near the horse statue. "Hey guys!" Sunset smiled. How nice that she had a welcoming committee, when her friends were supposed to be enjoying their lunches with the others! "Sorry for the wait, and that I made you guys worry."
"Shucks." Apple Jack waved a hand, dismisively. "All that matters is that you're alright, and here now. Right, Rainbow?"
"Absolutely!" The enthusiastic athlete agreed."And that my guess was right! I told you that she'd come in twenty minutes flat, A.J.!" She boasted.
Her friend's conversation faded, nearly muting as a familiar voice that was as soft as wind chimes drew the mental focus of Sunset. "I never doubted that you would someday return...." Princess Celestia chimed. Apple Jack's words of reassurance- so eerily similar to what had been spoken in subconscious- now triggered flashes of Sunset Shimmer's dream back to the forefront of her mind.
Casting a glance to the portal that was located on one of the three smooth, ivory planes at the base of the towering statue of a rearing stallion, Sunset allowed the hints of a frown to pull at her lips. Just on the other side waited Equestria. Would Celestia be waiting for her, as she had in her dream? What did it mean? What was her subconscious trying to tell her?! Brow creasing in confusion, her thoughts were abruptly derailed, and a shiver along her spine thrust her back into awareness of her surroundings. Once more, Apple Jack and Rainbow Dash's conversation- or rather, mild debate- increased in volume, reaching her ears.
The feeling that she was being watched caused her hair to stand on end. But no sooner had she turned, hoping to scan the area for whoever...or whatever...was observing her, the chill was gone as quickly as it had arrived.
"What in the world-?" she whispered.
