Chapters Dear Princess Twilight....
Dear Princess Twilight,
I know it’s been a while since we’ve talked. I just got back earlier today from that camping trip I told you about, and let me tell you, it was not what I expected at all.
As per usual, Equestrian magic made another hyped-up threat that we had to deal with. Amazingly, in a cave we found a handful of geode crystals, one for each of us that not only gave us our own unique powers, it also changed our pony forms into some sort of armored type apparel. If it wasn’t so funny, I’d think we were in an issue of Power Ponies!
We all got something interesting and somewhat connected to our pony counterparts, I assume. Twilight can move things with her mind and Rarity can create shield constructs, just as we can as Unicorns. I can pick up on memories and feelings, though I’m not sure why. Dash got souped up speed and Fluttershy can now literally talk to animals. AJ is even stronger than normal now and Pinkie…
Well, Pinkie can make things explode. I know what you’re thinking, and it terrifies me as well.
But that’s not the only thing that happened while we were out there.
Spending all that time out in the woods, miles away from the concrete jungle that makes up Canterlot, I realized how much I miss scenery like that.
I’ve felt this before but it’s only hit me this strong once before, just after you left prior to the Friendship games.
I’m homesick.
I miss Equestria. I miss running through the grass on my hooves, feeling magic surging through my horn as I do anything. I miss my family, and I miss that warm smile that Princess Celestia always had for us when we got a puzzle solved just like she knew we could.
I miss home .
I mean, this place has been home to me for the last handful of years and I love the girls and I’ve set down a root or two. It’s slowly becoming home.
But if this is home, why do I feel out of place?
It’s silly, I know, but I miss those tasks, you know, the mythic creatures exam all third years had to take? That was probably my favorite course. If I hadn’t gotten all ambitious I might have gone into animal husbandry.
That reminds me, Fluttershy wanted to know if you could bring her a book on dragons the next time you visit.
Anyway, I guess I just wanted to know if I was under some sort of rule of law preventing me from just coming back for a little while. You know, just popping through and enjoying a day to take the edge off?
But yeah, there it is. I know this isn’t exactly a friendship report or asking for some advice on some magical problem, but I wanted to vent this to someone that would understand and wouldn’t worry like the girls might.
Thanks for listening,
Your friend (and student)
Sunset Shimmer
Dear Sunset Shimmer
Silly filly, you can always come visit. If you were feeling this homesick you should have said something sooner!
I did a little research - big shocker, huh? - and as near as I can tell you’re under a self-imposed exile, which means there are no legal entanglements to worry about should you decide to come back through for a visit. Princess Celestia has even expressed once or twice how she wishes she could talk to you herself. I think if nothing else, you should send her a letter. You can tell she misses you.
Let Fluttershy know that I’ll see what I can dredge up. This library has a lot more books than my old place at the Golden Oaks, so it may take a while. Though I will say, having opened up communications with the Dragon Lord has lead to a much better understanding of their culture.
Your magic sounds…dangerous in some degrees. Neither of us know what’s causing it, and I would advise caution around the crystals until you or I can get a good look at them and make sure they aren’t capricious.
I wish I could stick around to talk more, but I have yet another royal function to attend, and I hope I make it through without punching one of those snooty old diplomats fawning over me just because I have a crown. I don’t have time for a relationship, and certainly not with them!
If you want, I can pass along my greetings and such to the Princess. I’m sure she’ll appreciate the gesture.
Your friend and mentor,
Twilight Sparkle
Dear Princess Twilight,
I would greatly appreciate that, Twilight. As a matter of fact, I’ll write a letter to Celestia myself later tonight and bring it along when I get the nerve and time to come over. But where do I begin?
I mean, it’s not like I just ran away. I willfully disobeyed her direct orders and stole an Element of Harmony. That is as close to an act of treason as I can imagine.
Not to mention the whole ‘Teenager Zombie army’ idea. I mean, what the buck was I thinking?
So, uh…any chance of a royal pardon on that?
Your friend,
Sunset Shimmer
Dear Sunset Shimmer,
This is Starlight Glimmer, Twilight’s other student, transcribing for Twilight. Somehow she managed to mis-label a container of Poison Joke and as a result is a little….indisposed at the moment.
In regards to the pardon, she says you already have one.
When you come through, could you by chance bring a harmonica? We’re having a little problem with a minor infestation of a sort and that’s the one thing not even Pinkie can find.
I look forward to meeting you, by the way! We can go fly a kite while you’re here!
Cordially,
Starlight Glimmer
I looked at the last entry, reading it again to make sure I understood it all.
“A harmonica?” I mused. “Do they have…nah, can’t be parasprites, Twilight knows better.”
Dear Princess Twilight....
Dear Twilight,
I don't know why, but I can't go anywhere without this book anymore. It's always in my bag, like a foal's security blanket.
I used to run this place, everything held in place under my iron hoof. Now I rush and write you every time I have some little worry. I dont know how you put up with it sometimes, honestly. But it's comforting to know I can talk to you about anything, having a friend that gets how weird this world is sometimes...nice is too weak a word.
I've gotten better with words since I dusted this thing off last year. We've had some great conversations and a good fight or two, but we're still together.
Speaking of which, are we still on for Friday? I managed to talk Fluttershy out of where she gets some of her vegetables and found a recipie I'm sure you're going to enjoy.
Also, I'm sorry about the quesadilla. I honestly had no idea and will never suggest them again.
With Love,
Sunset Shimmer
Sunset,
I can understand the almost secure feeling having a good book can create, and I don't mind your messages. Why would I when we so rarely get to see each other these days.
I've got Friday all planned out, with space for dinner and some personal time. Just you and me and a very secure privacy spell that I tested on this world's Pinkie. No one is going to bother us unexpectedly.
And how is apologizing for it 'Never speaking of it again'?
I'll see you soon,
With much love,
Twilight
P.S. AJ just dropped off a large bottle of her aged cider. I'm betting you won't turn down authentic Sweet Apple ale.
Dear Princess Twilight....
Author's Note
This is a Homecoming canon entry, meant to occur before The First Step. The issues spoken of will be addressed in an upcoming story as well.
Comparing Notes
Dear Princess Twilight,
Hi, it's me. Sunshine. Sunny let me borrow the book to talk to you since she has a long day today.
I want to know a little more about magic. I mean, you've taught me levitation and other minor things, but you know more than that and I want to know all I can! Teleportation would eliminate transportation troubles and...
I'm rambling, a bad habit I'm sure you can relate to. I actually am writing because of something a little more private. Sunny and I have decided to try for kids, or foals, or whatever the term would be for us.
The problem is, we've tried some traditional methods and they've all resulted in failures. I've had two implantations that failed. We then tried surrogacy and found that there is a problem. With me.
I can't get pregnant, there is a problem with my ova that is baffling the doctors here. And an artificial ensemination on Sunny also failed, incompatibility between the two zygote cells. Apparently her DNA is sufficiently different to prevent most human methods.
Is there any way you could help? I mean, I know here are adoption agencies and foster opportunities, but right now we don't meet the requirements set out by the state agencies.
I'm sorry for unloading this on you like this, it's just that we both want this and I feel a little depressed that I can't even do this one thing that biology has designed me to do.
Your friend,
Twilight Sparkle.
Dear Twilight Sparkle
Celestia, that is odd to write...
I am sorry to hear of your difficulties, and don't feel bad, there may be something that the magic changed about you when you transformed into Midnight Sparkle. Next time you come over Starlight and I will take you up to the Crystal Empire and have Cadence take a look at you. Maybe we can find a way to bridge the gap between human and Equestrian DNA to help you have your own foals.
But, can I just ask one favor? Don't talk about this around Fluttershy when you're here? We just got used to the idea of living together and I don't want her to think I'm aiming for foals right now. I'm enjoying just being with her right now.
Your friend,
Princess Twilight Sparkle.
Dear Princess Twilight....
Dear Princess Twilight,
This might seem like a strange question, but just what did I do last night?
I remember arriving at the Hearth's Warming Eve party and making my peace with Princess Celestia earlier that day, but everything after Applejack showed up with the cider is a little fuzzy. I don't remember Sweet Apple Acres cider being hard cider. But maybe I just got it confused with he human version. This twin world thing is a little confusing, sometimes.
But I woke up in your bed with your crown tangled in my mane. I just want to know what the buck I did last night.
Your friend,
Sunset Shimmer
"Sunset," a voice said next to me. "You're still in my bed. And keep your voice down, my head is killing me!"
Dear Princess Twilight....
Author's Note
This particular journal entry is a canon entry for Homecoming .
The titular song Sunset is referring to is by John Gorka. I originally had the specific lyric that was speaking to her included until I was reminded about the TOU part on song lyrics.
Here's a link if you wanna hear it.
Mercy of the Wheels
Dear Princess Twilight,
I don't really have any questions, I just need to talk to someone that won't ask a lot of questions. I just need to vent, you know?
I'm not normally a very emotional person, but even the strongest wall has a weak point. I was studying he other night and this one song came on the radio and it struck a chord so deep inside me I'm glad I was alone at the time. It was sad and melancholy but sweet at the same time. It brought up memories and regrets and I just broke down.
So yeah, me, Sunset Shimmer, cried from a song. I challenged you in authority and title, faced down the Sirens, the magic crazed alternate you and nameless other difficulties, like his worlds' history exams, but a few little words made me sob like a foal. It's stupid and silly and Rainbow would probably tease me mercilessly over it.
But I do know one thing, though. If it were possible to take a train back through time, I've got quite a few pictures to show them, of the girls, my Sunshine in particular.
I think I made out ok.
So yeah, I just needed to vent. I love you guys, ok?
Your friend,
Sunset Shimmer
Dear Princess Twilight....
Twilight,
Last night I had a dream that our positions were reversed. And through it all, it seemed natural, very Princess and the Ploughmare in it's inception.
What would I have been like, this other me? Or the other you? Would we have been friends, or enemies? What might have transpired to make our lives turn out the way they have?
Anyway, I'm sure you dont enjoy me rambling about such nonsense all the time. How are the girls? Did Fluttershy manage to get the sanctuary built?
Your friend,
Sunset Shimmer
Dear Princess Sunset,
Don't worry about writing silly ramblings, even the Princess of Friendship needs to vent from time to time.
Fluttershy did manage to get the sanctuary started, but it wont be done fir a few weeks yet. We cant create things here as fast as you could in Equestria.
Dash want's to know when you're coming for her rematch, and AJ has been caught daydreaming a lot lately, and usually we're fairly sure it's about you. We all miss you and hope you can visit soon.
Your friend and student,
Twilight Sparkle
Dear Princess Twilight....
Dear Princess Twilight,
I just recently returned from my physical - a harrowing experience, let me tell you. I’m always worried that they’re going to find something odd about me relating to my Equestrian origins. It’s bad enough at the last trip to the obgyn I almost whinnied when she...well, never mind.
But they did find something. I have a heart condition, and it’s rather severe. There is a treatment for it, but I’m not sure if it’s within my reach.
I’ll let you know more as I find out more.
Your friend,
Sunset Shimmer
Dear Sunset Shimmer,
Are you alright? In any pain? I checked every volume I could find about heart diseases and I’m uncertain as to what you might have. The technology and scientific advances they have may be able to detect something very different or subtle compared to ours.
Please keep me informed, and let me know if there is anything I can do.
Your friend,
Twilight Sparkle.
Dear Princess Twilight,
I appreciate the concern, but the pain is bearable and to be honest, I’m thinking a visit home could be a welcomed thing.
Could you have the portal ready?
Sunset Shimmer.
“How are you, Sunset?” Twilight asked hesitantly as the other mare readjusted from the trip. “How is the pain?”
Sunset smiled sheepishly. “Better than normal,” she replied, glancing down and blushing. “I need to confess, The heart condition I have is something that Princess Cadence knows the cure to.”
“We could head to the Crystal Empire now!” Twilight cried, turning to levitate a book over to her when she froze.
“Why Cadence? She’s not a...” Realization caught up as she took in Sunsets flat look and the truth hit her in the face.
“Heart condition,” she said to the amber Unicorn in front of her. “Nice one.”
“I’m nothing if not original,” Sunset said shyly. “So, do you think you can help me make a batch of the cure?”
Twilight tapped her hoof to her chin. “Maybe,” she said. “Do you have the ingredient list?”
Sunset nodded. “One part dinner, one part stargazing, two parts caring, and a dash of romance.”
Twilight grinned. “You’re in luck, Ms. Shimmer,” the Alicorn replied.
“I just happen to have most of that in stock.”
