Remedial Studiesby Rose QuillChaptersThe SetupGetting SettledLunch and to the SpaTeaCakes and Klutzy PrincessesRevelationDiscussionTalking About the IssuePlanningUnder the StarsSemester BreakWhat to do...When things Stay the Same...InterludeA Quiet MealInterlude OneInterlude TwoDiplomatic ImmunityThe Art of Diplomacy, Part OneThe SetupI lifted the scroll and read it for the tenth time. Sunset Shimmer, In accordance with your return to Equestria being allowed, you are to complete the studies that you had abandoned with your flight ten years ago. In three months time, allowing time for you to adjust back to pony life, you will be tested in the following subject areas: Thaumaturgy Potions Transfiguration Evocation Echantment Divination Diplomacy Friendship studies Please report to the Palace in Canterlot at ten in the morning on Monday, fourteen weeks from today for the first test. Yours truly, Princess Celestia I sighed and put it back down on the desk in front of me and glanced at the stack of books that Twilight had leant me. “Don’t worry about it, Sunset!” she had said as she dropped them off. “I’m sure you’re be back in the swing of things in no time!” “Easy for you to say,” I said to myself as I brought the topmost book over and settled in to read. The magic from the world I had lived in for years was completely different from Equestrian magic, so much so that trying to take a book from that brief trip a few years back had been a disaster. I’m surprised that Starlight hadn’t teased me even once since then. How do you forget how to use your own horn? The words in front of me seemed to speak in a foreign language, and I slammed it shut in frustration. I tried to run my hand through my hair, remembering at the last moment that I had hooves now and lowered my head before giving my mane a toss. “Only one thing to do, it seems,” I said to myself. I grabbed my scarf and bag from the peg by the door and stepped out into the night. “To what do I owe the pleasure, Sunset?” Celestia asked as the guard that admitted me withdrew. “Have to admit,” I said, nervously. “That I don’t believe that three months is going to be enough time for me to get up to speed on all of the lessons I’ve missed out on.” “I seem to recall a young filly that was rather ahead of her studies once upon a time,” she said with that good natured smile I recalled from my youth. “Yes, well,” I said, lifting a small clay knick-knack in my magic. It wavered as my aura flickered and flashed, obviously not as strong as it once was. “The magic in the other world is vastly different, and I’ve been using it so much I’ve sort of forgotten half of what I used to do by habit.” “So shall we allow you more time, then?” she asked, tilting her head. “No, I don’t think that is it,” I said, nerves flaring up again. “Rather, could I re-enroll into your private study program again? Just start from scratch, rather than try to remember what might be a little erroneous?” Celestia smiled and spread her wings out. “I think that would be quite acceptable,” she said as I stepped forward to accept the feathery embrace. “Perhaps replace quite a few unpleasant memories as well as missed lessons.” “Remedial studies?” Twilight asked, the words seeming to leave a sour taste in her mouth. “After a fashion,” I said as I shakily brought the tea tray to the table in den of the small home I had managed to purchase in Ponyville. I had forgotten about the account I had in the Central Trust of Canterlot the years I had been in self-imposed exile, and it had accrued a rather beautiful interest, enough to buy a humble little cote not far from the borders of the Whitetail Wood. “But…but you’re so well versed in magic!” she stammered. “Of the other world, Twilight,” I reminded her. “I’m years out of practice for the school-level magic that you’ve lived and breathed for near to a decade. I’d rather start over than try to dredge up things that I might not remember properly due to tainted memories. Besides, she’s already given me a pass on the Friendship lessons based on her review of the journal, so each lesson is going to be started off with a brief review, like your letters when you first moved here.” The Princess of Friendship pouted slightly and sipped her tea. “Ok,” she said. “But why start in a month instead of right away? Why put it off?” I tilted my head forward, mane sliding forward. “Besides getting used to being a pony again?” I asked. “My magic is all over the place when I try to levitate things. The first couple nights I was back I could’t even use a fork to eat! And I need to find a nice balance between lessons and life. I can’t very well be a good friend if I shut myself away in a room and get all sullen again, now can I?” Twilight smiled. “So…” A knock on the door sounded just then, and I perked up and smiled. “So,” I said standing and heading to the door. “Hopefully, this will allow me the chance to get used to being home again.” I opened the door to find a trio of ponies standing outside, all grins. A set of wrapped packages floated in the aura of the lead Unicorn. “Welcome to Ponyville, Sunset!” Starlight said, her grin threatening to split her face. She swept in and set the gifts down on a side table as the other two ponies stepped in. “Thank you, Starlight,” I said, glancing at the other two ponies, Fluttershy and another Pegasus I didn’t recognize. “And this is?” The Pegasus shuffled shyly, and I caught a glimpse of the ties in her long mane, paired film reels. “Juniper?” “Hi,” she said, a little quietly. “What are you doing here?” I asked, looking over at Starlight. “Well, she sort of wanted to see this place we were always talking about,” Starlight said. “And considering that she was known as the girl that terrorized the mall, I thought she could do with a bit of a holiday.” “Well, then,” I said, a little surprised. “I suppose we’ll both be getting used to the place together then?” She nodded. “Starlight said she’d show me around the town for the duration of my stay,” Juniper said as her wings fluffed a little. “Provided I don’t stay shut in.” “Which brings us to the next matter,” Fluttershy said. “I originally offered to let her stay with me, but I’m afraid Harry has come down with a nasty case of the flu, and he’s not quite himself, so I’m hoping that Twilight would let her stay at the castle.” We all turned to the Alicorn, who smiled. “Just don’t let Dash find out there’s a new Pegasus in town,” she said. “Otherwise we’ll have to teach her how to fly so she can race.” Getting Settled“A little to the left,” Starlight said. “Just a skootch.” I nudged the painting to the left and sat down. “I think that’s it,” I said, looking around. It was amazing how long it took to set up such a small home. Between airing it out, cleaning the nooks and crannies - and relocating a family of badgers - it had taken three days just to get it where it felt like me. “So, when are you going to open these things?” The other Unicorn asked, floating over the packages she had brought over the other day. “Well, I guess I was waiting for me to have a house to have a housewarming in,” I murmured. “I’m still having trouble believing this is my place at times.” “No better way than to have a housewarming party,” she said. “And nopony does a party better th...” “I heard the word party!” Pinkie cried out as she burst in through a window. “Whose the lucky pony? Where can I set up?” She reaches out and cupped Starlight’s cheeks and shook her slightly. “Does this call for marzipan or mascarpone? I need to know!” I giggled as Pinkie went on being Pinkie. “A housewarming party, Pinkie,” I said, levitating the pony away from the confused mare. “To celebrate the fact that I’m finally done moving in.” The party planner gave a squee and bounded away, waving. “I’ll have it all ready for tonight, Sunset!” she sang as she went along. I smiled faintly and turned back to the packages. “I guess I open these tonight, then.” “Princess Celestia will see you now,” the guard said, stepping aside from the opened door. Inside the study, Celestia was sitting at a table, scanning some document as she sipped tea. A slice of carrot cake sat to the side, a fork resting on the plate with a few crumbs attached. She glanced up. “Ah, Sunset,” she said, a chair sliding out in her aura. “Please, be seated. Tea?” “Please,” I said as I sat. Soon a cup was settled before me and tea being poured in. “You wanted to see me?” The Daytime Diarch nodded. “I wanted to discuss a few things about your re-enrollment,” she said. “I want you to understand that I won’t go easy on you just because you were my student before.” “I wouldn't want you to,” I retorted. “But I also want to let you test out of any session if you feel up to it,” she continued. “No point in wasting time in basic levitation or history of Equestria.” I lifted my teacup, my grip sturdy and stable. “Of course.” “So all that remains is to come up with a course load and schedule,” Celestia finished, setting the parchment down and smiling at me. “I understand you purchased a home in Ponyville?” I nodded as I sipped my tea. “It’s not much, but it’s mine,” I said. “Pinkie is throwing the house warming tonight, so I hope it’s still standing in the morning.” The ruler laughed. “I’m sure she can contain herself that much,” she giggled. “I understand that you’ve taken somepony under your wing, so to speak?” I blinked. “How did you know about that?” She levitated a rolled up scroll. “Twilight is rather vociferous in her letters to me,” she said. “I think you and Starlight Glimmer would be good friends to this Juniper Montage, and the two of you can acquaint yourselves to Ponyville rather well, for however long your stay may be.” “I’m fairly certain I’m back to stay, Princess,” I said. “I may go back across to visit, but that’s just not home, no matter how welcome I am there. Plus, when my counterpart transferred to CHS, things got a little complicated anyway. The girls know how to get up with me.” “Ah, yes,” Celestia murmurred. “I wondered what had become of your copy of our journal.” I blushed a little. “They are still my friends,” I whispered shyly. “And I will have no issue with you visiting them.” She took a bite of her cake. “I believe, Sunset, that the best curriculum for you would be one of independent study. That way you are under no pressure to choose between living and studying. We will meet each day to track your progress and to test your skills when you feel ready. I may even throw a few pop quizzes at you along the way.” “I’ll keep an eye out for flying scrolls,” I chuckled. She laughed too, and for a few moments, it felt like it had when I was her student the first time, laughing over silly things. It felt like I was truly home. Lunch and to the SpaI sat down at the table and put my face on the cool surface. “Long day?” Juniper asked. “I feel like my horn is going to fall off,” I said. “Magical burnout is not something your want to feel. Be glad you’re a Pegasus. And speak softly, please.” “Lessons going ok?” Starlight as she joined us at the table at the bistro. “She’s got what I guess is like a magic hangover,” Juniper said. “Your voice is loud,” I grumped. “Sit down and hush up. Please.” Starlight giggled softly. “Burnout?” “And how,” I said. “I must have done five hundred transmogrifications and object point-to-point teleportations. I doubt I could lift anything bigger than a teacup right now.” And sure enough, that’s when the waiter showed up and deposited several tankards on the table. “I apologize, ladies,” he said. “But we had an incident with our washer, so at the moment we will be serving you in these until the issue can sort itself out. Please excuse the inconvenience.” I lifted my head and looked at the window of the bistro and saw a light blue and wall-eyed Pegasus covered in suds trying to wrangle the out of control soap. “Oh, Thestrals take my horn,” I groaned into the table as I set my head back down. Lunch had been a little frustrating, but after the food and drink had settled, I felt the burnout start to fade and my mood to lift. “So, what do you two want to do tonight?” Starlight asked as we trotted down the road. “I’m the new gir…mare in town,” Juniper said. “So I’m not sure what all there is to do.” “Anything besides books, scrolls, reading, or magic exercises,” I said. “Something nice and relaxing.” “They are running a special at the spa,” Starlight mused. “And Trixie is setting up for a charity magic show at the schoolhouse later this evening.” “A magic show?” Juniper said. “Isn’t that a little ironic?” “Show magic is a little different than what Unicorns use all the time,” Starlight said. “Sunset, Twilight and I tend to focus on multi-use magic, where Rarity focused on fine control telekinesis and detection spells. Trixie got her cutie mark in stage magic and her spells run that route. Though she has been asked me to teach her more that she could work into the show.” “So Twilight’s student has a student?” I joked. “Interesting.” “She’s a friend and I offered to show her a couple of small bits of prestidigitation,” the pink mare protested. “What’s the worst that could happen?” “Cutie marks show talents?” Juniper asked as we approached the spa. “Special talents or areas of particular expertise,” I said. “I got mine when I was able to shift magic from one type to another. In particular, I used fire magic to do an imitation of Celestia raising the sun for a school play. I got my cutie mark on stage the first night when I got the spell right.” “That sounds cool,” Juniper said. “What about you, Starlight?” “I…would rather not talk about it,” Starlight said, blushing a little. “It brings up some bad memories.” “Say no more,” I said. “We all know what its like to have past events we want to move past.” We checked into the spa and shuffled into the steam room. I eased back onto the bench and sighed in relief as some taut muscles started to relax. “What else are we going to do?” I asked into the steam. “I still want to figure out how to use these,” Juniper said, extending her wings. “Might as well since I’ve got them.” “We have been pretty lucky not having Dash around,” Starlight said. “But the current Wonderbolts tour is over and she’ll be back soon. Won’t take long for her to spot a new Pegasus in Ponyville, especially one hanging out with us.” I nodded. “I heard what happened when she heard you could do a flight spell,” I agreed. “How many laps was it?” “Thirty,” the Unicorn sighed. “My horn ached for an hour after that.” “Wait,” Juniper said. “She’ll really make me race her?” We both gave her a significant look. “Remember how the other Dash chased you around the movie set?” I asked. After her nod, I continued. “Dash bases everything on how determined a pony is. From what I understand, she gave Princess Twilight a chance based on her losing a soccer match against her.” Starlight frowned. “She helped her because Twilight lost?” I shook my head. “Because she never gave up. She’s the Element of Loyalty remember? Steadfastness is a way to earn her respect. Especially if you are just as stubborn as she is about winning.” Juniper leaned her head back against the bench and groaned. “Is there any way to change me to an Earth Pony instead?” Starlight laughed. “Doubt that’ll help,” she said. “She challenges Applejack more than anypony else.” Her repeated groan made us all chuckled, tension washing out of all three of us. TeaI looked at the teacup, its simple design and color belying the purpose of its presence. It sat in the exact center of the stone table, no saucer or other item nearby. “Now, remember, Sunset,” Celestia said, a teapot hovering in her magic grip. “You must keep your mind clear and focus not just on the cup, but on the tea itself.” I sighed, shaking a few damp strands of my mane out of my face. I had managed to almost complete the transposition spell twice. And both time, I managed to dump a teacup worth of cold tea on my head. My horn lit up with a teal light, and I closed my eyes, picturing the cup before me and the tea in the kettle. I felt the sensation that I had come back to being familiar with, a sense of weight at the base of my horn as I took something in my grip. I grunted as I sunk deeper into concentration, hearing the teacup rattle slightly. My magic began to waver, and I felt my tongue poke out as I relaxed slightly, allowing more mana to flow. With a slight sloshing sound, I felt the spell fade and I gasped for air as it did. And the teacup was full with a dark brew. “Very good, Sunset,” Celestia said, sitting down by the table. “Now, I’m afraid cold tea isn’t exactly proper for the day.” We both looked out the window, watching the rain pelt down in sheets. “Join me,” she said, a second cup appearing and filling with tea, both cups steaming as they were enveloped by her yellow magic. A moment later, a small platter of teacakes appeared as well. “It has been some time since I sat at tea with a student.” “Probably since Twilight sat here, I wager,” I returned, taking a cake and dunking it in my tea. “Have you decided if you would take on another student one day?” Her wise head nodded. “I have thought about it,” she admitted. “I have come to enjoy the look on a pony’s face when they get a difficult spell down. I also admit that having you here again, I feel a sense of pride in you, Sunset. You are much more like the filly I once took under my wing.” I smiled at that, the surge of warmth in my cheeks causing me to duck my head for a moment before meeting her eyes. “I have missed this,” I whispered. “More that I ever realized. Even after Twilight came after me, I couldn’t sit at tea with anyone without a small bit of grief.” A tear slid down my cheek. “I know I apologized once for my words and deeds, but I don’t know if I’ll ever feel like I’ve earned your forgiveness.” A white wing slide over my shoulders, covering me with its warmth. “I never doubted you,” the whispered words came. “You may have lost your way, but you did find your way not only back to the light, but to the lessons I had tried to teach you.” She slid sideways a little and leaned down to nuzzle me. “I missed you, my shimmering sun.” I couldn’t hold the tears back. “I missed you too,” i whispered. “Mom.” Cakes and Klutzy PrincessesI was awoken the next day by a knocking at my door, and I stumbled slowly out of bed to answer it. I found a grinning Twilight Sparkle on the other side of the portal, a small package floating in her magic. I blinked sleepily a few times then stepped aside. “Good morning, Sunset!” she chirped as she stepped in. “How are your studies going?” I looked at her for a moment before turning for the kitchen. “Coffee,” I grumbled, plodding that way. The Alicorn hesitated in her exuberance. “Is it really that early?” she asked. I shook my head as I sent my kettle over to the stove and lit the burner. “Not overly,” I told her. “It’s just I’m still worn out from yesterday’s lesson. I think I was a few spells away from another burnout.” The princess sat at my table, frowning slightly. “Are the lessons that hard?” “No,” I sighed as I hunted in my cabinets for the bag of coffee beans. “It’s just that I have a perfectionist streak in me. Something I’m sure you know nothing about.” She blushed a little at the rib. “Not really,” she giggled nervously. I located the bag and inhaled it’s rich aroma. Saddle Arabian blend, perfect. I poured some into a grinder I had on the table and glanced at my friend. “Want a cup? I make it kind of strong.” “I’m fine, thank you,” she replied, setting her package down. As I ground the beans and threw them into the boiling kettle, I looked at her and smiled. “So what brings the Princess of Friendship to my door this morning?” “Oh!” she exclaimed, lifting the package again and holding it out to me. “This is for you. Happy Valentine’s Day!” I took the package and looked at her. “Don’t you mean Hearts and Hooves day?” “No!” she shouted, her grin blossoming again. “I talked about it with the other Twilight, and she described what Valentine’s Day is like, and it’s almost two weeks sooner! So, I made you this. I hope you like it.” She had a shy blush on her face as I opened the box and saw a square, somewhat unevenly iced piece of cake inside. I floated it out and set it on a plate, digging out a pair of forks as the kettle started releasing the life-giving aroma of black coffee. “Why two forks, Sunset?” “Well,” I replied as I poured a mug of coffee. “I’m not going to deny a friend a slice of what looks like a delicious cake. And it’s a bit much for me to eat in one go, and you may notice my lack of an icebox.” I set the plate and my mug on the table and sat, offering one fork to the lavender pony. She took it but didn’t sink it in. “You take the first bite, Sunset,” she said softly. “It’s for you, anyways.” I shrugged as I sipped my coffee and speared a corner of the cake. As I closed my mouth around it, my mind exploded with flavor as hints of honey and cinnamon burst across my tastebuds. It was quite possibly the best tasting cake I had ever had. My eyes rolled back in my head as I let a small moan of enjoyment out. “That is amazing, Twilight,” I said after I swallowed the bite. I noted that the cake was red and yellow streaked under the chocolate. “Where did you get the recipe?” “I modified one of Pinkie’s” she said as she took a bite as well, her eyes flutter closed for a moment. “A few spices swapped out to give it an appropriate color, and just a bit of myself as well.” I paused with the fork halfway to my mouth for another bite. “Huh?” Her horn lit up for a moment, and I saw sympathetic glows sparkle through the cake, remaining lit even after she killed her horn. “Tiny pockets of magic,” she said, blushing as she stood. “They will keep it fresh and helped give it the rise it has.” “Twilight,” I said, standing. “I have some important princess stuff to do,” she said hurriedly, turning and walking into the wall as she tried to leave. “Twilight, wait,” I called, only to be blinded by the flash of her teleporting out. I looked at the cake, the tiny lavender sparkles dying gently. Taking the bite and enjoying it, I sighed. “She put some of herself in the cake,” I whispered to myself. “So why am I more interested in her than the cake?” RevelationI smiled as Juniper flopped to the ground, panting. “I…didn’t know…how hard it would be!” Twilight alighted near her, her lavender wings furling behind her as she smiled. “I thought so at first too,” she said, one wing sliding forward so she could pluck a frayed feather. “But then I found that I was relying too much on the strength of my wings and not enough on the Pegasi magic that came with my wings.” Juniper managed to climb up to her hooves, not quite as awkward as she had been when we first came over. She gave her wings a fluff, and I had to turn away slightly to hide my grin. Some of her feathers were heavily misaligned, which would affect her ability to catch updrafts. “Magic?” the pigtailed Pegasus asked. “Pegasus magic lets them sense wind currents and lets them be lighter against the wind,” I said. “I don’t know more than the bare basics of it since I’m just a Unicorn.” Twilight nodded. “It’s an interesting sensation,” the Alicorn said. “I still don’t fully understand it myself, because I didn’t just get Pegasus magic, but I also wound up with Earth Pony magic as well, so I had asked another Pegasus to be here today.” Her face screwed up with a little confusion. “She’s late.” I was about to ask when I heard a set of hooves on the cobbles behind us. Turning, I saw Starlight trotting up with Fluttershy. The Pegasus looked a little abashed as they reached our little grouping. “I’m sorry I’m late,” Fluttershy said. “Angel gave me a little trouble during the lunchtime feed.” “That little furball still trying to run things?” I asked. The shy mare nodded. “I’ve started disciplining him,” she whispered. “But it doesn’t seem to work.” “You’re a bit gentle on it, Shy,” Starlight said as she leaned over and bumped her shoulder into her friend. “If you hadn’t agreed to make him a new parfait we’d have been here on time.” Twilight looked at Starlight. “I’m surprised you hadn’t stepped in before then,” she said, tilting her head forward. Starlight shrank down a little, cheeks coloring slightly. “I’ve been trying to do better about that,” she squeaked. Juniper turned, her brow furrowing. “What am I missing?” “Starlight had a bad habit of using magic to fix her problems,” Twilight said. “Not always with favorable results.” “Something that we all understand,” I said with a smile at my friend, winking as the pink Unicorn lifted her head a bit. “Even you, Twilight.” “What?” Twilight sputtered. “I never…” “I heard about the ‘Want-It-Need-It’ spell from Mom,” I said, freezing as I suddenly realized what had slipped out of my mouth. “Mom?” Twilight asked, brow furrowing. “But the only other Canterlot resident that knew about that that you would know is…” Her face flushed full red, her mouth gaping open and her face paled. “Princess Celestia,” Starlight finished for her. Twilight met my eyes, and realization slowly draining color from her face. “I have…” she squeaked. “On Celestia’s…ohnoohno!” She teleported out suddenly, leaving me blinking in confusion. “Does she do that often?” Juniper asked, gazing at the spot the Alicorn had stood just moments ago. Fluttershy nodded. “She’s getting better about it, though,” she asserted, walking up and nudging Juniper’s left wing out a bit, tsking. “When was the last time you preened your wings?” Juniper ducked her head. “Never?” she said bashfully. “I’ve only had them a week.” Fluttershy slid her wing across the other mare. “Such a shame,” she sighed. “We’ll start there before we even attempt to fly. Come on, I’ve got a pincomb back at my place.” “Um, Shy,” I asked. “Don’t you hesitate to fly in the first place?” “I have to have a good reasons,” she told me as they walked by. “And seeing Dashie happy to have someone else to fly with is a good reason.” I blinked. “Uh,” Starlight slid up to me. “She and Dash started dating a few weeks before you came back.” I nodded, mind catching up to the information rather swiftly. But my minds eye flashed back to Twilight’s face a few moments ago and to the way she had acted two days ago at my house. “You think she has a crush on me?” I asked almost to myself. “Duh,” Starlight said, throwing a forelimb over my withers. “You should have seen her before you came back when you would write her.” I stared at her in surprise. “Are you serious?” She nodded, then gave me a tug. “C’mon,” she said, turning to trot away. “Let’s go fly a kite while we wait for her panic attack to die down. I can introduce you to Maud.” But even as we moved, my mind kept roving over to the glittering spire of her castle. DiscussionJuniper hesitated as her wings kept her aloft. She had managed to get the hang of flight, but the next stage made her dubious. “Come on,” I said, laying down. “Is it really that difficult to believe?” “Yeah,” Starlight said from nearby. “You have become a pony, after all. This should be a snap.” She looked at us, then at the cloud we were comfortably resting upon. I could understand her doubts. If not for a cloudwalk charm, Starlight and I would have just fallen through the clouds. I had learned it in my studies earlier in the week and today I had decided to test out some of the alteration charms I had gone over with Celestia. I was also wanting to talk to the girls about Twilight and her odd behavior lately. She seemed to be overly busy as of late, but I couldn’t quite believe that she wasn’t actively avoiding me. Juniper drifted over to the cloud and gingerly set a pair of hooves down on it, then folded her wings as she shut her eyes. When she didn’t start plunging to the ground, she opened her eyes and looked down at her hooves. “This is so weird,” she said, almost more to herself. “Yeah, it takes a little getting used to,” Starlight said. “As much as I enjoy cloud-watching, I still prefer to have solid ground under my hooves.” She turned to me and raised an eyebrow. “So what’d you bring us out her for, anyway? I’m sure there are others that are better qualified to teach Juniper cloud-walking.” I fidgeted with my hooves for a moment. “I kinda want to talk to you about Twilight,” I whipsered. “What about her?” Starlight asked, trying to unsuccessfully fluff the cloud up. “I get that she was shocked to find out I was Celestia’s filly,” I said. “But is she avoiding me?” Starlight grinned nervously. “Ah, well, heh…” Juniper tried laying down, still not trusting the cloud under her completely. “Why does it matter?” she asked. I stretched out full length and sighed. “Besides living in the same town she does?” I asked. “She’s a really good friend, and if she hadn’t been who she is, I doubt I’d have the friends I do. What she did for me was even more impactful to me than what Starlight did for you. I just don’t want who my mother is to impact our friendship.” Starlight sighed. “She just needs to get used to the idea,” she said. “As a filly, she practically adored Celestia, being her faithful student was a badge of honor to her.” I frowned, the sound of that nickname sour in my mouth. “I know, but I’ve tried to go and talk to her and Spike just says she’s busy.” “She is,” my friend said, idly poking small divots in the cloud with her hoof. “She spent one day just rocking back and forth in denial.” Juniper blinked. “Is she really that nervous over a crush?” Starlight nodded. “She never acted on it when Sunset lived through the mirror because she felt it would be unfair to force her to choose a world.” She swirled her hoof around. “What was she going to do, just visit on the weekends?” I nodded. "And then I come back,” I whisper. “Making it possible to her maybe get to admit to it.” “Ah,” Juniper said as realization dawned on her. “And the thought of trying to date the daughter of her childhood idol - and ruler of the land - triggered one of her panic attacks.” Starlight blinked. “How did you know about her panic attacks?” “I am friends with the other Twilight, you know.” “Right…” I blew a wisp of my mane out of my eyes and sighed. “What do I do?” “About Twilight?” Starlight mused. “I don’t know. I don’t know how you feel about her and I don’t really have a lot of experience in this.” She shrugged and glanced at Juniper. The woman-turned-Pegasus shifted, even her wings ruffling in nervousness. She looked for a moment like she wanted to say something but held back. “Juniper,” I said, smiling wanly. “If you’ve got an idea, I’m willing to hear it.” She fidgeted a bit, wings fluffing as she looked away, a blush tinting her cheeks. “When I heard that a boy I liked liked me,” she whispered. “I went and just kissed him.” She looked away again. “That didn’t work so well for me.” I felt a blush rise in my cheeks at the thought of kissing Twilight. “Uh,” The Pegasus waved a hoof. “Feel free to ignore that idea,” Juniper said. “I’ve only ever had the one crush.” A flutter of wings brought Fluttershy up to us. “Sunset,” she said softly. “Twilight wants to see you when you’re free.” I groaned and buried my face under my hooves. Fluttershy was apparently surprised. “Oh my. Was it something I said?” Talking About the IssueSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.PlanningSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Under the StarsSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Semester BreakSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.What to do...Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.When things Stay the Same...Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.InterludeSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.A Quiet MealSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Interlude OneSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Interlude TwoSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Diplomatic ImmunitySomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.The Art of Diplomacy, Part OneSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
The SetupI lifted the scroll and read it for the tenth time. Sunset Shimmer, In accordance with your return to Equestria being allowed, you are to complete the studies that you had abandoned with your flight ten years ago. In three months time, allowing time for you to adjust back to pony life, you will be tested in the following subject areas: Thaumaturgy Potions Transfiguration Evocation Echantment Divination Diplomacy Friendship studies Please report to the Palace in Canterlot at ten in the morning on Monday, fourteen weeks from today for the first test. Yours truly, Princess Celestia I sighed and put it back down on the desk in front of me and glanced at the stack of books that Twilight had leant me. “Don’t worry about it, Sunset!” she had said as she dropped them off. “I’m sure you’re be back in the swing of things in no time!” “Easy for you to say,” I said to myself as I brought the topmost book over and settled in to read. The magic from the world I had lived in for years was completely different from Equestrian magic, so much so that trying to take a book from that brief trip a few years back had been a disaster. I’m surprised that Starlight hadn’t teased me even once since then. How do you forget how to use your own horn? The words in front of me seemed to speak in a foreign language, and I slammed it shut in frustration. I tried to run my hand through my hair, remembering at the last moment that I had hooves now and lowered my head before giving my mane a toss. “Only one thing to do, it seems,” I said to myself. I grabbed my scarf and bag from the peg by the door and stepped out into the night. “To what do I owe the pleasure, Sunset?” Celestia asked as the guard that admitted me withdrew. “Have to admit,” I said, nervously. “That I don’t believe that three months is going to be enough time for me to get up to speed on all of the lessons I’ve missed out on.” “I seem to recall a young filly that was rather ahead of her studies once upon a time,” she said with that good natured smile I recalled from my youth. “Yes, well,” I said, lifting a small clay knick-knack in my magic. It wavered as my aura flickered and flashed, obviously not as strong as it once was. “The magic in the other world is vastly different, and I’ve been using it so much I’ve sort of forgotten half of what I used to do by habit.” “So shall we allow you more time, then?” she asked, tilting her head. “No, I don’t think that is it,” I said, nerves flaring up again. “Rather, could I re-enroll into your private study program again? Just start from scratch, rather than try to remember what might be a little erroneous?” Celestia smiled and spread her wings out. “I think that would be quite acceptable,” she said as I stepped forward to accept the feathery embrace. “Perhaps replace quite a few unpleasant memories as well as missed lessons.” “Remedial studies?” Twilight asked, the words seeming to leave a sour taste in her mouth. “After a fashion,” I said as I shakily brought the tea tray to the table in den of the small home I had managed to purchase in Ponyville. I had forgotten about the account I had in the Central Trust of Canterlot the years I had been in self-imposed exile, and it had accrued a rather beautiful interest, enough to buy a humble little cote not far from the borders of the Whitetail Wood. “But…but you’re so well versed in magic!” she stammered. “Of the other world, Twilight,” I reminded her. “I’m years out of practice for the school-level magic that you’ve lived and breathed for near to a decade. I’d rather start over than try to dredge up things that I might not remember properly due to tainted memories. Besides, she’s already given me a pass on the Friendship lessons based on her review of the journal, so each lesson is going to be started off with a brief review, like your letters when you first moved here.” The Princess of Friendship pouted slightly and sipped her tea. “Ok,” she said. “But why start in a month instead of right away? Why put it off?” I tilted my head forward, mane sliding forward. “Besides getting used to being a pony again?” I asked. “My magic is all over the place when I try to levitate things. The first couple nights I was back I could’t even use a fork to eat! And I need to find a nice balance between lessons and life. I can’t very well be a good friend if I shut myself away in a room and get all sullen again, now can I?” Twilight smiled. “So…” A knock on the door sounded just then, and I perked up and smiled. “So,” I said standing and heading to the door. “Hopefully, this will allow me the chance to get used to being home again.” I opened the door to find a trio of ponies standing outside, all grins. A set of wrapped packages floated in the aura of the lead Unicorn. “Welcome to Ponyville, Sunset!” Starlight said, her grin threatening to split her face. She swept in and set the gifts down on a side table as the other two ponies stepped in. “Thank you, Starlight,” I said, glancing at the other two ponies, Fluttershy and another Pegasus I didn’t recognize. “And this is?” The Pegasus shuffled shyly, and I caught a glimpse of the ties in her long mane, paired film reels. “Juniper?” “Hi,” she said, a little quietly. “What are you doing here?” I asked, looking over at Starlight. “Well, she sort of wanted to see this place we were always talking about,” Starlight said. “And considering that she was known as the girl that terrorized the mall, I thought she could do with a bit of a holiday.” “Well, then,” I said, a little surprised. “I suppose we’ll both be getting used to the place together then?” She nodded. “Starlight said she’d show me around the town for the duration of my stay,” Juniper said as her wings fluffed a little. “Provided I don’t stay shut in.” “Which brings us to the next matter,” Fluttershy said. “I originally offered to let her stay with me, but I’m afraid Harry has come down with a nasty case of the flu, and he’s not quite himself, so I’m hoping that Twilight would let her stay at the castle.” We all turned to the Alicorn, who smiled. “Just don’t let Dash find out there’s a new Pegasus in town,” she said. “Otherwise we’ll have to teach her how to fly so she can race.”
Getting Settled“A little to the left,” Starlight said. “Just a skootch.” I nudged the painting to the left and sat down. “I think that’s it,” I said, looking around. It was amazing how long it took to set up such a small home. Between airing it out, cleaning the nooks and crannies - and relocating a family of badgers - it had taken three days just to get it where it felt like me. “So, when are you going to open these things?” The other Unicorn asked, floating over the packages she had brought over the other day. “Well, I guess I was waiting for me to have a house to have a housewarming in,” I murmured. “I’m still having trouble believing this is my place at times.” “No better way than to have a housewarming party,” she said. “And nopony does a party better th...” “I heard the word party!” Pinkie cried out as she burst in through a window. “Whose the lucky pony? Where can I set up?” She reaches out and cupped Starlight’s cheeks and shook her slightly. “Does this call for marzipan or mascarpone? I need to know!” I giggled as Pinkie went on being Pinkie. “A housewarming party, Pinkie,” I said, levitating the pony away from the confused mare. “To celebrate the fact that I’m finally done moving in.” The party planner gave a squee and bounded away, waving. “I’ll have it all ready for tonight, Sunset!” she sang as she went along. I smiled faintly and turned back to the packages. “I guess I open these tonight, then.” “Princess Celestia will see you now,” the guard said, stepping aside from the opened door. Inside the study, Celestia was sitting at a table, scanning some document as she sipped tea. A slice of carrot cake sat to the side, a fork resting on the plate with a few crumbs attached. She glanced up. “Ah, Sunset,” she said, a chair sliding out in her aura. “Please, be seated. Tea?” “Please,” I said as I sat. Soon a cup was settled before me and tea being poured in. “You wanted to see me?” The Daytime Diarch nodded. “I wanted to discuss a few things about your re-enrollment,” she said. “I want you to understand that I won’t go easy on you just because you were my student before.” “I wouldn't want you to,” I retorted. “But I also want to let you test out of any session if you feel up to it,” she continued. “No point in wasting time in basic levitation or history of Equestria.” I lifted my teacup, my grip sturdy and stable. “Of course.” “So all that remains is to come up with a course load and schedule,” Celestia finished, setting the parchment down and smiling at me. “I understand you purchased a home in Ponyville?” I nodded as I sipped my tea. “It’s not much, but it’s mine,” I said. “Pinkie is throwing the house warming tonight, so I hope it’s still standing in the morning.” The ruler laughed. “I’m sure she can contain herself that much,” she giggled. “I understand that you’ve taken somepony under your wing, so to speak?” I blinked. “How did you know about that?” She levitated a rolled up scroll. “Twilight is rather vociferous in her letters to me,” she said. “I think you and Starlight Glimmer would be good friends to this Juniper Montage, and the two of you can acquaint yourselves to Ponyville rather well, for however long your stay may be.” “I’m fairly certain I’m back to stay, Princess,” I said. “I may go back across to visit, but that’s just not home, no matter how welcome I am there. Plus, when my counterpart transferred to CHS, things got a little complicated anyway. The girls know how to get up with me.” “Ah, yes,” Celestia murmurred. “I wondered what had become of your copy of our journal.” I blushed a little. “They are still my friends,” I whispered shyly. “And I will have no issue with you visiting them.” She took a bite of her cake. “I believe, Sunset, that the best curriculum for you would be one of independent study. That way you are under no pressure to choose between living and studying. We will meet each day to track your progress and to test your skills when you feel ready. I may even throw a few pop quizzes at you along the way.” “I’ll keep an eye out for flying scrolls,” I chuckled. She laughed too, and for a few moments, it felt like it had when I was her student the first time, laughing over silly things. It felt like I was truly home.
Lunch and to the SpaI sat down at the table and put my face on the cool surface. “Long day?” Juniper asked. “I feel like my horn is going to fall off,” I said. “Magical burnout is not something your want to feel. Be glad you’re a Pegasus. And speak softly, please.” “Lessons going ok?” Starlight as she joined us at the table at the bistro. “She’s got what I guess is like a magic hangover,” Juniper said. “Your voice is loud,” I grumped. “Sit down and hush up. Please.” Starlight giggled softly. “Burnout?” “And how,” I said. “I must have done five hundred transmogrifications and object point-to-point teleportations. I doubt I could lift anything bigger than a teacup right now.” And sure enough, that’s when the waiter showed up and deposited several tankards on the table. “I apologize, ladies,” he said. “But we had an incident with our washer, so at the moment we will be serving you in these until the issue can sort itself out. Please excuse the inconvenience.” I lifted my head and looked at the window of the bistro and saw a light blue and wall-eyed Pegasus covered in suds trying to wrangle the out of control soap. “Oh, Thestrals take my horn,” I groaned into the table as I set my head back down. Lunch had been a little frustrating, but after the food and drink had settled, I felt the burnout start to fade and my mood to lift. “So, what do you two want to do tonight?” Starlight asked as we trotted down the road. “I’m the new gir…mare in town,” Juniper said. “So I’m not sure what all there is to do.” “Anything besides books, scrolls, reading, or magic exercises,” I said. “Something nice and relaxing.” “They are running a special at the spa,” Starlight mused. “And Trixie is setting up for a charity magic show at the schoolhouse later this evening.” “A magic show?” Juniper said. “Isn’t that a little ironic?” “Show magic is a little different than what Unicorns use all the time,” Starlight said. “Sunset, Twilight and I tend to focus on multi-use magic, where Rarity focused on fine control telekinesis and detection spells. Trixie got her cutie mark in stage magic and her spells run that route. Though she has been asked me to teach her more that she could work into the show.” “So Twilight’s student has a student?” I joked. “Interesting.” “She’s a friend and I offered to show her a couple of small bits of prestidigitation,” the pink mare protested. “What’s the worst that could happen?” “Cutie marks show talents?” Juniper asked as we approached the spa. “Special talents or areas of particular expertise,” I said. “I got mine when I was able to shift magic from one type to another. In particular, I used fire magic to do an imitation of Celestia raising the sun for a school play. I got my cutie mark on stage the first night when I got the spell right.” “That sounds cool,” Juniper said. “What about you, Starlight?” “I…would rather not talk about it,” Starlight said, blushing a little. “It brings up some bad memories.” “Say no more,” I said. “We all know what its like to have past events we want to move past.” We checked into the spa and shuffled into the steam room. I eased back onto the bench and sighed in relief as some taut muscles started to relax. “What else are we going to do?” I asked into the steam. “I still want to figure out how to use these,” Juniper said, extending her wings. “Might as well since I’ve got them.” “We have been pretty lucky not having Dash around,” Starlight said. “But the current Wonderbolts tour is over and she’ll be back soon. Won’t take long for her to spot a new Pegasus in Ponyville, especially one hanging out with us.” I nodded. “I heard what happened when she heard you could do a flight spell,” I agreed. “How many laps was it?” “Thirty,” the Unicorn sighed. “My horn ached for an hour after that.” “Wait,” Juniper said. “She’ll really make me race her?” We both gave her a significant look. “Remember how the other Dash chased you around the movie set?” I asked. After her nod, I continued. “Dash bases everything on how determined a pony is. From what I understand, she gave Princess Twilight a chance based on her losing a soccer match against her.” Starlight frowned. “She helped her because Twilight lost?” I shook my head. “Because she never gave up. She’s the Element of Loyalty remember? Steadfastness is a way to earn her respect. Especially if you are just as stubborn as she is about winning.” Juniper leaned her head back against the bench and groaned. “Is there any way to change me to an Earth Pony instead?” Starlight laughed. “Doubt that’ll help,” she said. “She challenges Applejack more than anypony else.” Her repeated groan made us all chuckled, tension washing out of all three of us.
TeaI looked at the teacup, its simple design and color belying the purpose of its presence. It sat in the exact center of the stone table, no saucer or other item nearby. “Now, remember, Sunset,” Celestia said, a teapot hovering in her magic grip. “You must keep your mind clear and focus not just on the cup, but on the tea itself.” I sighed, shaking a few damp strands of my mane out of my face. I had managed to almost complete the transposition spell twice. And both time, I managed to dump a teacup worth of cold tea on my head. My horn lit up with a teal light, and I closed my eyes, picturing the cup before me and the tea in the kettle. I felt the sensation that I had come back to being familiar with, a sense of weight at the base of my horn as I took something in my grip. I grunted as I sunk deeper into concentration, hearing the teacup rattle slightly. My magic began to waver, and I felt my tongue poke out as I relaxed slightly, allowing more mana to flow. With a slight sloshing sound, I felt the spell fade and I gasped for air as it did. And the teacup was full with a dark brew. “Very good, Sunset,” Celestia said, sitting down by the table. “Now, I’m afraid cold tea isn’t exactly proper for the day.” We both looked out the window, watching the rain pelt down in sheets. “Join me,” she said, a second cup appearing and filling with tea, both cups steaming as they were enveloped by her yellow magic. A moment later, a small platter of teacakes appeared as well. “It has been some time since I sat at tea with a student.” “Probably since Twilight sat here, I wager,” I returned, taking a cake and dunking it in my tea. “Have you decided if you would take on another student one day?” Her wise head nodded. “I have thought about it,” she admitted. “I have come to enjoy the look on a pony’s face when they get a difficult spell down. I also admit that having you here again, I feel a sense of pride in you, Sunset. You are much more like the filly I once took under my wing.” I smiled at that, the surge of warmth in my cheeks causing me to duck my head for a moment before meeting her eyes. “I have missed this,” I whispered. “More that I ever realized. Even after Twilight came after me, I couldn’t sit at tea with anyone without a small bit of grief.” A tear slid down my cheek. “I know I apologized once for my words and deeds, but I don’t know if I’ll ever feel like I’ve earned your forgiveness.” A white wing slide over my shoulders, covering me with its warmth. “I never doubted you,” the whispered words came. “You may have lost your way, but you did find your way not only back to the light, but to the lessons I had tried to teach you.” She slid sideways a little and leaned down to nuzzle me. “I missed you, my shimmering sun.” I couldn’t hold the tears back. “I missed you too,” i whispered. “Mom.”
Cakes and Klutzy PrincessesI was awoken the next day by a knocking at my door, and I stumbled slowly out of bed to answer it. I found a grinning Twilight Sparkle on the other side of the portal, a small package floating in her magic. I blinked sleepily a few times then stepped aside. “Good morning, Sunset!” she chirped as she stepped in. “How are your studies going?” I looked at her for a moment before turning for the kitchen. “Coffee,” I grumbled, plodding that way. The Alicorn hesitated in her exuberance. “Is it really that early?” she asked. I shook my head as I sent my kettle over to the stove and lit the burner. “Not overly,” I told her. “It’s just I’m still worn out from yesterday’s lesson. I think I was a few spells away from another burnout.” The princess sat at my table, frowning slightly. “Are the lessons that hard?” “No,” I sighed as I hunted in my cabinets for the bag of coffee beans. “It’s just that I have a perfectionist streak in me. Something I’m sure you know nothing about.” She blushed a little at the rib. “Not really,” she giggled nervously. I located the bag and inhaled it’s rich aroma. Saddle Arabian blend, perfect. I poured some into a grinder I had on the table and glanced at my friend. “Want a cup? I make it kind of strong.” “I’m fine, thank you,” she replied, setting her package down. As I ground the beans and threw them into the boiling kettle, I looked at her and smiled. “So what brings the Princess of Friendship to my door this morning?” “Oh!” she exclaimed, lifting the package again and holding it out to me. “This is for you. Happy Valentine’s Day!” I took the package and looked at her. “Don’t you mean Hearts and Hooves day?” “No!” she shouted, her grin blossoming again. “I talked about it with the other Twilight, and she described what Valentine’s Day is like, and it’s almost two weeks sooner! So, I made you this. I hope you like it.” She had a shy blush on her face as I opened the box and saw a square, somewhat unevenly iced piece of cake inside. I floated it out and set it on a plate, digging out a pair of forks as the kettle started releasing the life-giving aroma of black coffee. “Why two forks, Sunset?” “Well,” I replied as I poured a mug of coffee. “I’m not going to deny a friend a slice of what looks like a delicious cake. And it’s a bit much for me to eat in one go, and you may notice my lack of an icebox.” I set the plate and my mug on the table and sat, offering one fork to the lavender pony. She took it but didn’t sink it in. “You take the first bite, Sunset,” she said softly. “It’s for you, anyways.” I shrugged as I sipped my coffee and speared a corner of the cake. As I closed my mouth around it, my mind exploded with flavor as hints of honey and cinnamon burst across my tastebuds. It was quite possibly the best tasting cake I had ever had. My eyes rolled back in my head as I let a small moan of enjoyment out. “That is amazing, Twilight,” I said after I swallowed the bite. I noted that the cake was red and yellow streaked under the chocolate. “Where did you get the recipe?” “I modified one of Pinkie’s” she said as she took a bite as well, her eyes flutter closed for a moment. “A few spices swapped out to give it an appropriate color, and just a bit of myself as well.” I paused with the fork halfway to my mouth for another bite. “Huh?” Her horn lit up for a moment, and I saw sympathetic glows sparkle through the cake, remaining lit even after she killed her horn. “Tiny pockets of magic,” she said, blushing as she stood. “They will keep it fresh and helped give it the rise it has.” “Twilight,” I said, standing. “I have some important princess stuff to do,” she said hurriedly, turning and walking into the wall as she tried to leave. “Twilight, wait,” I called, only to be blinded by the flash of her teleporting out. I looked at the cake, the tiny lavender sparkles dying gently. Taking the bite and enjoying it, I sighed. “She put some of herself in the cake,” I whispered to myself. “So why am I more interested in her than the cake?”
RevelationI smiled as Juniper flopped to the ground, panting. “I…didn’t know…how hard it would be!” Twilight alighted near her, her lavender wings furling behind her as she smiled. “I thought so at first too,” she said, one wing sliding forward so she could pluck a frayed feather. “But then I found that I was relying too much on the strength of my wings and not enough on the Pegasi magic that came with my wings.” Juniper managed to climb up to her hooves, not quite as awkward as she had been when we first came over. She gave her wings a fluff, and I had to turn away slightly to hide my grin. Some of her feathers were heavily misaligned, which would affect her ability to catch updrafts. “Magic?” the pigtailed Pegasus asked. “Pegasus magic lets them sense wind currents and lets them be lighter against the wind,” I said. “I don’t know more than the bare basics of it since I’m just a Unicorn.” Twilight nodded. “It’s an interesting sensation,” the Alicorn said. “I still don’t fully understand it myself, because I didn’t just get Pegasus magic, but I also wound up with Earth Pony magic as well, so I had asked another Pegasus to be here today.” Her face screwed up with a little confusion. “She’s late.” I was about to ask when I heard a set of hooves on the cobbles behind us. Turning, I saw Starlight trotting up with Fluttershy. The Pegasus looked a little abashed as they reached our little grouping. “I’m sorry I’m late,” Fluttershy said. “Angel gave me a little trouble during the lunchtime feed.” “That little furball still trying to run things?” I asked. The shy mare nodded. “I’ve started disciplining him,” she whispered. “But it doesn’t seem to work.” “You’re a bit gentle on it, Shy,” Starlight said as she leaned over and bumped her shoulder into her friend. “If you hadn’t agreed to make him a new parfait we’d have been here on time.” Twilight looked at Starlight. “I’m surprised you hadn’t stepped in before then,” she said, tilting her head forward. Starlight shrank down a little, cheeks coloring slightly. “I’ve been trying to do better about that,” she squeaked. Juniper turned, her brow furrowing. “What am I missing?” “Starlight had a bad habit of using magic to fix her problems,” Twilight said. “Not always with favorable results.” “Something that we all understand,” I said with a smile at my friend, winking as the pink Unicorn lifted her head a bit. “Even you, Twilight.” “What?” Twilight sputtered. “I never…” “I heard about the ‘Want-It-Need-It’ spell from Mom,” I said, freezing as I suddenly realized what had slipped out of my mouth. “Mom?” Twilight asked, brow furrowing. “But the only other Canterlot resident that knew about that that you would know is…” Her face flushed full red, her mouth gaping open and her face paled. “Princess Celestia,” Starlight finished for her. Twilight met my eyes, and realization slowly draining color from her face. “I have…” she squeaked. “On Celestia’s…ohnoohno!” She teleported out suddenly, leaving me blinking in confusion. “Does she do that often?” Juniper asked, gazing at the spot the Alicorn had stood just moments ago. Fluttershy nodded. “She’s getting better about it, though,” she asserted, walking up and nudging Juniper’s left wing out a bit, tsking. “When was the last time you preened your wings?” Juniper ducked her head. “Never?” she said bashfully. “I’ve only had them a week.” Fluttershy slid her wing across the other mare. “Such a shame,” she sighed. “We’ll start there before we even attempt to fly. Come on, I’ve got a pincomb back at my place.” “Um, Shy,” I asked. “Don’t you hesitate to fly in the first place?” “I have to have a good reasons,” she told me as they walked by. “And seeing Dashie happy to have someone else to fly with is a good reason.” I blinked. “Uh,” Starlight slid up to me. “She and Dash started dating a few weeks before you came back.” I nodded, mind catching up to the information rather swiftly. But my minds eye flashed back to Twilight’s face a few moments ago and to the way she had acted two days ago at my house. “You think she has a crush on me?” I asked almost to myself. “Duh,” Starlight said, throwing a forelimb over my withers. “You should have seen her before you came back when you would write her.” I stared at her in surprise. “Are you serious?” She nodded, then gave me a tug. “C’mon,” she said, turning to trot away. “Let’s go fly a kite while we wait for her panic attack to die down. I can introduce you to Maud.” But even as we moved, my mind kept roving over to the glittering spire of her castle.
DiscussionJuniper hesitated as her wings kept her aloft. She had managed to get the hang of flight, but the next stage made her dubious. “Come on,” I said, laying down. “Is it really that difficult to believe?” “Yeah,” Starlight said from nearby. “You have become a pony, after all. This should be a snap.” She looked at us, then at the cloud we were comfortably resting upon. I could understand her doubts. If not for a cloudwalk charm, Starlight and I would have just fallen through the clouds. I had learned it in my studies earlier in the week and today I had decided to test out some of the alteration charms I had gone over with Celestia. I was also wanting to talk to the girls about Twilight and her odd behavior lately. She seemed to be overly busy as of late, but I couldn’t quite believe that she wasn’t actively avoiding me. Juniper drifted over to the cloud and gingerly set a pair of hooves down on it, then folded her wings as she shut her eyes. When she didn’t start plunging to the ground, she opened her eyes and looked down at her hooves. “This is so weird,” she said, almost more to herself. “Yeah, it takes a little getting used to,” Starlight said. “As much as I enjoy cloud-watching, I still prefer to have solid ground under my hooves.” She turned to me and raised an eyebrow. “So what’d you bring us out her for, anyway? I’m sure there are others that are better qualified to teach Juniper cloud-walking.” I fidgeted with my hooves for a moment. “I kinda want to talk to you about Twilight,” I whipsered. “What about her?” Starlight asked, trying to unsuccessfully fluff the cloud up. “I get that she was shocked to find out I was Celestia’s filly,” I said. “But is she avoiding me?” Starlight grinned nervously. “Ah, well, heh…” Juniper tried laying down, still not trusting the cloud under her completely. “Why does it matter?” she asked. I stretched out full length and sighed. “Besides living in the same town she does?” I asked. “She’s a really good friend, and if she hadn’t been who she is, I doubt I’d have the friends I do. What she did for me was even more impactful to me than what Starlight did for you. I just don’t want who my mother is to impact our friendship.” Starlight sighed. “She just needs to get used to the idea,” she said. “As a filly, she practically adored Celestia, being her faithful student was a badge of honor to her.” I frowned, the sound of that nickname sour in my mouth. “I know, but I’ve tried to go and talk to her and Spike just says she’s busy.” “She is,” my friend said, idly poking small divots in the cloud with her hoof. “She spent one day just rocking back and forth in denial.” Juniper blinked. “Is she really that nervous over a crush?” Starlight nodded. “She never acted on it when Sunset lived through the mirror because she felt it would be unfair to force her to choose a world.” She swirled her hoof around. “What was she going to do, just visit on the weekends?” I nodded. "And then I come back,” I whisper. “Making it possible to her maybe get to admit to it.” “Ah,” Juniper said as realization dawned on her. “And the thought of trying to date the daughter of her childhood idol - and ruler of the land - triggered one of her panic attacks.” Starlight blinked. “How did you know about her panic attacks?” “I am friends with the other Twilight, you know.” “Right…” I blew a wisp of my mane out of my eyes and sighed. “What do I do?” “About Twilight?” Starlight mused. “I don’t know. I don’t know how you feel about her and I don’t really have a lot of experience in this.” She shrugged and glanced at Juniper. The woman-turned-Pegasus shifted, even her wings ruffling in nervousness. She looked for a moment like she wanted to say something but held back. “Juniper,” I said, smiling wanly. “If you’ve got an idea, I’m willing to hear it.” She fidgeted a bit, wings fluffing as she looked away, a blush tinting her cheeks. “When I heard that a boy I liked liked me,” she whispered. “I went and just kissed him.” She looked away again. “That didn’t work so well for me.” I felt a blush rise in my cheeks at the thought of kissing Twilight. “Uh,” The Pegasus waved a hoof. “Feel free to ignore that idea,” Juniper said. “I’ve only ever had the one crush.” A flutter of wings brought Fluttershy up to us. “Sunset,” she said softly. “Twilight wants to see you when you’re free.” I groaned and buried my face under my hooves. Fluttershy was apparently surprised. “Oh my. Was it something I said?”
Talking About the IssueSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
When things Stay the Same...Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
The Art of Diplomacy, Part OneSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
