Celestia glanced at the grandfather clock that showed the time half past 4 in the evening . She sighed . What's taking her so long, asked Celestia.
It was uncanny for Sunset Shimmer to be late for anything especially if it was an audience with herself . This she found when she was studying under her wing .Her relationship with Sunset, Celestia would describe it as a close-knitted relationship that resembles mother daughter relationship but it all had to be broken when she succumbed to arrogance and greed .
However, now her Sunset Shimmer had finally reverted to her true self but not quiet.
It was true that Sunset was more kind and humble but she lost that spark in her soul . Oddly , she become more passive and cautious . Celestia found that she often choses her word carefully as if somepony would shame her if her words were unflattering to the ears . When conversing with her , Sunset would only reply in a few sentences while when she was her student , she could go on and on about the topic their discussing . If Twilight were to join their conversation , Sunset would slowly make herself invincible by making little to no effort to participate in the conversation and let Twilight be the sole focus of Celestia .
Her train of thoughts were disturbed as her long awaited guest entered the room . Celestia smiled warmly at her to which she replied the same. Sunset made her way to where she was sitting which was beside a large window . The Solaris Room which was what the room was called received its name because the room was embalmed in the sun's light and warmth pouring from the large windows .So , naturally it became Sunset Shimmer's favorite room in the whole castle as well as Celestia's.
"I hope you don't mind me taking you away form spending time with Twilight and her friends."said Celestia .
"Oh , I don't mind really ."Sunset made a short eye contact with Celestia but quickly reverted her eyes to the floor. This of course was noticed by Celestia .
"Is something wrong , Sunset ?"
Sunset shook her head and grinned nervously . "N-nothing's wrong . "
Celestia lowered her head to see eye to eyes to Sunset. Gazing sympathetically but also with force. "You were never good at hiding your emotions , Sunset ."
Sunset sighed and hung her head in defeat . She could feel her eyes getting heavier with tears. She brushed them off stubbornly . "Coming back here has been hard. It brings back all the bad memories. Brings back all the...... guilt ." Sunset took a deep breathe .
" I think I know why the elements of harmony are the most powerful object known to ponykind because it makes the victim feel all the pain they've caused .The moment the elements cleansed me . I felt it . It was terrible but the the worst pain I felt was yours."
Celestia brows furrowed .Sunset continued ."That's why I feel so guilty coming back here to you .After all I did ,how can you forgive me so easily?"
When Celestia didn't reply , Sunset looked up and found Celestia starring out of the window with a somber expression . Trafes of pain were present . " Because .... it was my fault too ."
Sunset's face became puzzled ." How could it be yours....I was-"
Still starring out the window , Celestia interrupted her ." Do you know the Saddle Arabians have a saying 'the cake is only as good as the batter ' which means a child's future is determined by how the parents rears the child . If you ask me , I quite agree to that ."
Sunset stood there stunned . It had never occurred to her that Celestia whom she thought as unwavering can be defeated by something which wasn't even her fault .
She turned back too look at Sunset with a sorrowful look on her face. "Remember the moment I found you on the streets . How small were you for carrying such raw power." The memory brought smiles to both of their faces .
"How could I forget . I was cornered by some shady stallions in alley . I was so scared . Suddenly , light came out of my horn and blasted the stallions . Next thing I knew , I woke up on a soft bed with you offering me some water . "
"To which you kicked me."Celestia chuckled.
Sunset blushed ."Sorry but living on the streets taught me to not accept water from strangers willy-nilly ."
"That day changed everything . I vowed that I would love you as my own , protect you from the dangers of the world , teach you magic and raise you right . " In an instant Celestia's face darkened ."But I failed haven't I ."
"Princess , my choices were my own You had no part in me deciding them ." assured Sunset
"Didn't I. " retorted Celestia , refusing to believe otherwise . " All of the times you acted with arrogance and spite . I could advise you , guide you back to right path . Instead I ignore them like I did my sister . Thinking it will all come to past."
Sunset tilted her head in confusion at the mention of Princess Luna . Since her return , she had knew Luna had been banished to the moon for her acts of treason . Jealousy was what triggered the demon inside her . Sunset was beginning to understand.
"You were my second chance Sunset . A second chance of proving to myself that I can care and guide the ones I love well . At everyone of those incidents , I began to doubt myself as the leader of our nation . How can I lead a kingdom when I couldn't help the ones I love when they needed me the most ."
Sunset stood there starring at Celestia purple pools as they were . For a brief moment she saw in her eyes , the weight of responsibilities she held over the years and the hardships she went through . She understood her . Celestia is hard on herself because she loves to much.
Sunset gaze softly into Celestia's eyes with a warm smile . " You often forget that you're the best leader Equestria will ever have . Your kindness, compassion , mercy and dedication is what makes you a great leader . Don't you ever doubt that . " Sunset said the last sentence firmly .
"Throughout Luna's absence you were able to guide Equestria to a brighter future . You were there when you're people needed you the most despite the bitter pain you went through . Even though , you say you've doomed me you have done something right with me . The strength I saw in you , ruling along , helped me when I was isolated by the school and don't get me started on Twilight . She wouldn't be here she is without you ."
Celestia stood there surprised and in awe of Sunset's monologue . "Oh, Sunset." She pulled her in a tight embrace and covered her with her enormous wings . Student and teacher stayed in that position for a moment before finally pulling back with face stained with tears .
"Thank you , Sunset for teaching me to not be too hard on myself . It's a lesson , we all need to to know that . " said Celestia.
A dawn of realization hit Sunset in the face like a torpedo. Her face that was painted in confusion, looked back at Celestia . " Wait....was this...a ...trick ."
Celestia chuckled ." Yes and no . Believe me , I do feel partly to blame for your downfall but I also hoped that this would teach you to not be too hard on yourself ."
Sunset stared at her slack-jawed . " I never thought you could be this... sly."
Celestia grinned mischievously ." Well when you've been doing diplomatic affairs , you tend to be more cunning . " She chuckled . "Tell you what , I'll forgive myself if you forgive yourself as well and shine like the sun you are ."
Sunset smiled burying her head in Celestia's warm hug ."Deal." They melted into each other's embrace . At that moment , they shed all their feelings of guilt .Feeling free as if a heavy burden has been lifted from their shoulders .