Celestia made it through eighteen years of living with a moody little sister, eight years of college, a failed marriage, and losing her only child. But nothing had prepared her for this. At first when Sunset came to her, asking her for admittance to her school she thought it was just a coincidence. That the girl just happened to look and share the same name as her. But then the portal opened and caused a whole new set of problems for her. There is a parallel universe in which all of them are horses, it made her nauseous to think of it. Three years, that's how long the girl has been a student under her care. Three years of Sunset not having a family or home in general. After the Friendship games she had pulled out Sunset's file, hoping that her fears where not justifiable. But after several attempts of calling the fake phone number and internet searches of the address Sunset had given, it was obvious the girl was lying. Now she was faced with a dilemma, should she turn the girl over to child services or try to handle this herself?
“Celly?” The sound of her sister's voice broke her trance. She jerked her head up, meeting Lunas worried gaze as leaned against the door frame.
“I’m sorry, Lulu. Is it time for the meeting?” Celestia asked, pushing Sunset's file away from herself before standing. Only for Luna’s frown to deepen. The younger woman properly stepped into the office, shutting the door behind her.
“The school board left nearly ten minutes ago. I made an excuse for you. Raven was worried when you hadn't answered the phone and your door was locked. She asked me to come check on you, as I’m the only person with a key. What’s going on, Celestia? It’s not like you to skip meetings?” Luna asked, an annoyance and worry lacing her voice as she folded her arms across her chest. Celestia sighed and dropped back down in her chair. Pushing the rather thick file towards her sister.
“Sunset Shimmer” Celestia said softly and she felt Luna’s gaze soften.
"What are you going to do, Celly?" Luna asked, her eyes crinkled with worry. Celestia looked up at her sister, looking lost she only shook her head. Not knowing where to begin.
"Why would she even leave her world to begin with? I don't understand any of this, Luna. Does parentage not transfer over? Does she not know who I am? Why would she choose to be homeless when all she had to do was ask for help? It's been months since the truth came out, she should have come to me." Celestia asked as she ran her hands through her pastel hair, nothing in her life makes since. Luna moved across the room and sunk down into the chair normally reserved for delinquent students or irate parents. She leaned across the desk and clasped her sister's hands, squeezing them reassuringly.
"I cannot answer your questions, Celly. There's only one person that can, and she is currently in advanced chemistry."
"You want me to confront Sunset with this?" Celestia arched an eyebrow at her sister, her stomach fluttered with anxiety at the thought.
"Celestia, something has to happen. Either you speak to her and offer her a place to live or turn her over to the authorities. Keep in mind that if they run her information it would come back to you regardless. They would be rather confused on why Sunset Shimmer has a death certificate. You may even share the same blood; we don't know how far the similarities go." Luna sat back in the chair; it wasn't often that she had to be her sisters voice of reason. "I know this is drudging up bad memories, Celly. But you must deal with this. If anything, think of Sunset, it is nearly Christmas break and as far as we are concerned, she will be without food, water, and heat for the next four weeks. We have a responsibility to her regardless." Celestia thought over Luna's words for a long moment before giving a jerky nod. She sat up straight in her chair and squared her shoulders.
"I will speak to her. Would you please send for her?" Luna gave her hand one more squeeze and offered Celestia a warm smile before rising from her seat.
"Of course, do you want me to be here for your talk?" Celestia shook her head and pushed away from her desk to an electric tea kettle in the corner of the room.
"No, one of us needs to be available if something comes up. I have a feeling that this will take the rest of the morning." Celestia answered as she stared out the office window at the frosted football field, the falling snow doing nothing to calm her nerves.
"I'll go and get her." Celestia merely nodded as she continued to stare out the window as she waited for her water to boil.
Sunset Shimmer moved through the halls of Canterlot High nervously. She hadn't been called to Principal Celestia's office in months, not since she tried to destroy the school. What could the Principal possibly want with her? All too soon the offices came into view and Principal Celestia’s secretary waved her on through. Nearly as soon as she knocked on the heavy wooden door Celestia called for her to enter. Sunset hesitated slightly before pushing the door open. Finding the Principal sitting calmly at her desk, smiling softly at her.
“Please have a seat.” Celestia watched as Sunset hurried across the office and dropped down into the chair, placing her bag on the floor at her feet. “I was hoping that we could have a little chat.” Sunset gulped slightly and focused her gaze on the numerous diplomas and awards hanging on the wall behind the Principals desk. Celestia paused, studying the clearly nervous girl.
“Umm, am I in trouble?” Sunset asked after a moment, shifting nervously in her seat. Celestia gave her a small smile and shook her head, pleased as some of the tension left the girls shoulders.
“Not at all. I only wished to speak with you.” Celestia assured her as she raised her teacup to her lips, taking a comforting sip. “I have some questions about the…. Horse World.” Celestia wasn’t expecting Sunset to laugh.
“We are Ponies, not horses. Well technically we are horses, but we refer to ourselves as Ponies. What do you want to know? I’m kinda surprised you haven’t asked sooner.” Sunset smiled as the butterflies in her stomach dissipated. Relaxing into the chair she brought her gaze back to her teacher.
“I was wondering what my counterpart is like?” Celestia asked softly, watching Sunset for any sort of reaction. Almost on cue the girl stiffened and sat up a little straighter. “If it’s not too much to ask…” Sunset shook her head and took a calming breath.
“N-No, it’s alright. This was bound to come up eventually, you have a right to be curious after everything I’ve done. After everything I exposed you too.” Sunset voice only wavered slightly as she frowned heavily. Shuffling her feet in discomfort.
“You needn’t feel guilty, Sunset. You have been forgiven.” Celestia smiled warmly at her and Sunset felt her chest tighten.
“The Celestia from my world is also a teacher.” Sunset stammered, wondering just how much she should divulge.
“Oh, what subject? I started my career teaching literature.” Celestia leaned forward, clearly interested.
“Advanced magical theory and application.” Sunset suppressed a small smile at the deadpan expression on the older woman’s face. “She has her own school for gifted unicorns.” Sunset sighed slightly at the memories of her own time at the school.
“Her own school?” Celestia asked with wide eyes and Sunset nodded wearily.
“Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. The most elite school in all of Equestria. Ran by Princess Celestia herself.” Sunset mumbled bitterly.
“Princess?” Sunset looked up to find Celestia gaping at her slightly and couldn’t help but smile slightly.
“Yeah, she's an all-powerful alicorn, she has the magic of every pony tribe. Unicorn, Earth Pony, and Pegasi. She is thousands of years old and she rules over Equestria along with her sister, Princess Luna. I’ve never met Princess Luna, she was banished for a thousand years and only just returned. Princess Twilight told me about her on her last visit. Oh, and Princess Celestia has the power to control the sun while Luna controls the moon.” Sunset finished with a shrug, clearly not comfortable with the topic.
“A-alright then. That was unexpected… and did you know the Princess? Personally, I mean.” Sunset sighed and dropped her gaze to the floor wishing that the Principal would ask anything else but that.
“She was my teacher, I was her protégé. I tried to usurp her, that’s why I came here. I failed and escaped through the portal. I betrayed her.” Celestia fought off the urge to embrace the girl.
“What about your family?” Celestia asked gently, watching as Sunset wiped a few tears from her face. She suddenly looked exhausted and immensely vulnerable.
“I don’t have a family. My mother placed me in an orphanage where I stayed until I became the princess's student.” She murmured, wrapping her arms around herself protectively.
“I only have one more question, I am sorry for upsetting you. Would you like a cup of tea?” Sunset gave a shaky nod and waited patiently as Celestia fixed her a cup, grateful to have something to do with her hands. “Is our world completely parallel to theirs?” She asked as she handed Sunset a cup of steaming tea, her hands shaking slightly. Sunset frowned at the question.
“As far as I know it is. Why?” Celestia hesitated slightly.
“If I had a daughter in this world would she be my daughter in your world?” She asked softly, gazing intently at Sunset.
“Well yes. Princess Twilight confirmed that when she met Applejacks and Pinkie Pies families. You have a daughter? Princess Celestia never once mentioned that.” Celestia swallowed deeply in an attempt to remove the lump growing in her throat. She opened her top desk drawer and pulled out a well-loved photo, sliding it across the lacquered desktop towards Sunset. The girl curiously took the offered picture and almost immediately felt her blood run cold. The girl in the picture couldn’t have been more than ten. Her red and yellow stripped hair was pulled back into a ponytail while her cyan eyes shone with happiness. Celestia and Luna were both kneeling beside her and they appeared to be camping.
“My Sunset died when she was eight.” Celestia said sadly as Sunset continued to stare at the picture in shock.
“Are you saying that Princess Celestia is my mother?” Anger laced Sunsets voice as she looked back up at the Principal. She had to keep telling herself that the woman in front of her isn’t the same as the mare she left behind. That there would be no use in yelling at her.
“It would seem that way. Although I don’t know why she would give you away…”
“Because she only cares about herself! There’s no possible way that she is my mother! You are not my mother!” She yelled, pushing herself out of the chair and dropping the picture back on Celestia’s desk before storming from the office. Completely forgetting her bag in the process.
Sunset walked aimlessly thorough the halls, the initial anger fading away into shock, confusion, and guilt. Surely Principal Celestia was mistaken! Her Celestia never had children, somepony in the castle would have had to of seen. And that most definitely would have made the papers. And why would she give her up only to take her back on as a student eight years later? None of it made sense. Unfortunately, the only pony with the answers was the one pony she absolutely did not want to see. Perhaps she can just ignore this for now? There was no need to speak about the matter with either Celestia, she was happy with how things were. She doesn’t need a mother or family. She has taken care of herself for years and she will continue to do so. Wiping away the few tears that had fallen she headed back to class.
Author's Note
Hi everyone! This is my first time publishing a fanfic so any advice is welcome.
Celestia’s office was dark, having closed all the blinds in an attempt to cut out the outside world. Well, as much as she could in a busy school. The only sound permeating the still air was the subtle beeping of her phone, which was laying haphazardly on her desk. Papers and folders that had once been neat and organized now lay in a heap on the floor and the many family pictures that had been arranged with great care were pushed aside. Occasionally the inane dial tone was joined by a harsh sob as the morning's events replayed over and over again in her mind. How Sunsets face contorted with the fury she so readily expressed. She had made it perfectly clear. She was not her mother. Another bout of grief washed over her, and she buried her head even deeper in her arms, least she draws the attention of her secretary. She had listened to her sister, the only person in the world who understood her, or so she thought. The mere idea that she could once again be a mother, only to watch her walk away was enough to drive her back into the deepest depths of despair. An endless pit that she worked so hard to climb out of in the past.
“Celly?” Luna’s voice was muffled through the heavy office door. “Come on, Celestia! You've been in there for hours; I’ve had to talk to three angry parents because your phone is busy. Please open the door, I'm worried about you.” Her volume started off strong but buy the time she finished her plea; it was barely more than a loud whisper that Celestia had to strain to hear. Celestia knew that she was neglecting her duties as Principal but at that moment she didn't care. Soon her sister’s voice was joined with incessant knocking, which lasted a full minute before she heaved an exasperated sigh. “I’m coming in. You really need to stop locking yourself in here.” Mercifully, the knocking ceased only to be replaced by the metallic jingling of keys and creaking of door hinges. The darkened room was briefly bathed in light as the newcomer stepped inside. “Oh, Celly.” Luna sighed and Celestia chanced a peek at the younger woman, lifting her head ever so slightly, Luna was reminded of an alligator poking its head out of the water for air. Luna studied her, cyan eyes brimming with worry and apprehension as she crossed her arms across her chest, cocking her head to the side while gently biting down on her bottom lip. She tried to think of something that could ease her sister's suffering but knew nothing would work.
“Go away.” Celestia managed feebly, interrupting her sister’s internal struggle. They both winced at the waver in her voice. Not at all the commanding yet caring persona she worked so hard to achieve, something Luna had always been jealous of.
“I take it that your chat didn’t go well?” Luna finally managed and instantly regretted it, clenching her eyes shut she waited for the tirade. Celestia sat up fully to properly glare at her sister through lidded eyes. Luna poorly contained a gasp at the state of the usually composed woman. Eyes swollen and her face splotched and red. Pastel hair plastered to cheeks, mixing with the ruined makeup outlining exactly where her tears ran. If head been years since Luna had seen her such a state.
“It was a disaster. And it’s your fault.” Her throat felt as though she swallowed sandpaper and her eyes stung. She silently willed her head to stop pounding as she brought shaking hands to her temples, massaging none too gently as she clenched her eyes shut. Wishing her sister would just leave her alone. But her wish had been in vain, when she opened her eyes once more not only was Luna still there the younger woman’s eyes were crinkled with confusion and her mouth dipped into an apprehensive frown. Celestia’s desk creaked as Luna propped her hip on a corner, her sister so close that she could practically count the individual strands of her indigo hair. She took a shuddering breath, willing herself to calm down.
“How is this my fault?” Luna’s voice an octave higher than usual, a tell-tale sign of her disbelief and mild annoyance. “I didn't force you to talk to her, it was your decision.” The sound of a fist hitting the desk startled her slightly and she was certain the carpet tore under the sheer force that Celestia shoved back her chair. Standing so she towered over the smaller woman.
“You…you talked me into it!” Celestia rasped, raising a shaking finger, and brandishing it at her sister. Luna recoiled, bracing herself for the possible impact of Celestia’s hand. Making a strangled sound, as though all the air had been suddenly knocked out of her, she sunk back down into the discarded chair, turning to stare intently at her sister, making the youngest woman squirm. Heavy silence washed over the pair as they studied each other. Celestia with apprehension and Luna with concern.
“I-I didn’t mean to upset you.” Luna started, her voice barley more than a whisper. Her sisters chair creaking as she moved forward to properly hear her words. Suddenly her nerves were joined by fear, she wrapped her arms around herself and unconsciously licked her lips. “I just wanted you to be happy, Celly. You could have another chance.” A laugh so bitter that Luna would never have believed it came from her usually cheerful sister.
Celestia’s face twisted and her magenta eyes hardened with something Luna had never seen before. “I let my baby die. I don’t deserve a second chance.” An icy blast washed over her as Luna stared at her sister in shock. She knew she still grieved for her niece, but she had no idea that Celestia still held herself responsible. Years of therapy was supposed to have cured that.
“Celly...” Her voice broke and her eyes stung at the sheer amount of despair oozing out of her sister, her best friend.
“No, Luna. You want me to pretend like nothing happened, like this Sunset is the same as my Sunny. But she made it perfectly clear, I am not her mother. Nor could I ever hope to be. It isn’t fair to either of us to keep fueling false hope.” Celestia stood once more, anxiousness getting the better of her as she began to pace. Avoiding looking at her sister and the familiar guilt at making the younger woman cry.
“What happened? What did Sunset say?” Celestia stumbled, she swore lightly as the desk vibrated from the impact with her knee, not at all wishing to relive her truly hellish morning. “Please, Celly?” Luna practically pleaded as she scooted farther into the center of the desk, bringing her feet up onto the safety of the polished wood as her sister circled around her like a hungry shark hunting for prey.
“What didn’t happen?” She paused, running her hands over her face, fighting her emotions to stay in check. Yelling at get sister would do nothing but make the situation worse. “She-she didn’t know about the… other me.” A hesitant sigh sounded as her shoulders drooped, her head along with them. “She didn’t know that the other me is her mother. And the teacher that drove her through the portal, is the same person.” Celestia’s hands fell to her sides lethargically and for a moment Luna worried that the emotional stress had been too much. But Celestia turned to face her companion. “She gave her up twice!” She growled, wanting nothing more than to storm through the portal and deal with the princess herself. “How could she do that? How could she give her away and then practically banish her once she got a second chance?” Her question hung in the air as Luna shimmied off the desktop and hurried across the spacious office to her sister, the forgotten files and strewn papers crinkling under her feet as she moved. The sleeves of Celestia’s blouse were still wet with the remnants of her earlier tears as Luna gripped her arms before pulling her big sister into a hug.
“I am so sorry, Celly. I know how hard this is for you.” Luna soothed as she stroked her sisters back lovingly, smiling slightly when she felt the familiar weight of her sister's head drop on her shoulder.
“Why would she get rid of her?” The words were muffled but the exhaustion and anguish were clear as day. Luna tightened her embrace, gently rocking her older sister back and forth. Much like she used to after the accident. A light flashed inside her head and she was filled with a sudden warmth, grinning almost manically into the pastel locks.
“Just as you said, it's not fair. Sunset deserves a chance at a real family. One that genuinely loves her and welcomes her without question.” Confidence radiated from her as she drew away from her sister. “Just listen for a moment.” Celestia was silent as she regarded her sister with wide eyes, if was not like Luna to be this exuberant about something. “We never found Sunny’s body.” Celestia’s eyes narrowed and her nostrils flared dangerously, her hands curling into fists at her sides. “We could say that she washed up on shore downstream and some backwoods people took her in! Sunset could theoretically make use of Sunny’s documents, giving her a real family at the same time!” Luna beamed at her sister, not seeming to be fazed by the disappointment blooming across Celestia’s face. The older woman shaking her head incredulously, shoving Luna away from her instinctively.
“For being a certified genius, you can be rather dense.” Celestia lashed. “Have you not been listening to me? Do you truly not understand or acknowledge what this entire situation is doing to me? What this would do to Sunset? If you keep pushing this? You need to start considering other people’s feelings, Luna! We are not just some lab rats in one of your experiments!" Luna’s eyes widened as her sister stumbled her way back to her desk, wrenching open the bottom drawer and fumbling for her bag. “She is a teenage girl that has never known the love of a family and I refuse to coerce her or threaten her into pretending to be my long-lost daughter!” Celestia seethed as she struggled to stuff her belongings into her purse, not bothering to look up at her sister. “You can’t just take advantage of a child for your own whims!” Her voice trembled as every fiber of her being screamed at her to leave, to put as much space between her sister and herself. Luna watched Celestia pack her things in a state of mild shock. The last time she had truly raised her voice at her was when they were children.
“Then what will you do about Sunset?” Celestia flinched at the fluctuation in her voice, Luna had never been able to handle emotions well.
“I-I’ll think of something.” Celestia answered, her voice strained, trying in vain to stop the next volley of tears threatening to fall. “Don't hurry home.” Celestia grumbled as she trudged to the office door, praying that Luna would just leave it be for once. Only to be knocked backwards by her sister flinging herself in front of the door.
“No! You cannot just give up! You’ve never given up before! You said it yourself, Sunset’s never had a family, what if…what if we just offer her a place to stay? At least over Christmas break? Then she can decide for herself if she wants to stay with us. Come on, Celly! I’ve seen you bend over backwards for your students; you are a wonderful teacher and you are an amazing mother. She needs you but she just doesn’t know it yet.” Luna implored as she blockaded the door, using all her body weight to stop her sister from reaching the doorknob.
“No, Luna. I will make sure she’s taken care of, but I will not put that kind of pressure on her.” With a grunt and some maneuvers from her time playing field hockey, she managed to dislodge Luna and force her way out into the reception area of the Canterlot High administration office. Leaving a fatigued and truly panicked Luna in her wake.
Twilight Sparkle was a relative newcomer to Canterlot High, having only been officially enrolled for one semester. While she was new to the whole friendship thing, even she knew that this was not normal. Her best friend, the one who saved her from Midnight Sparkle and subsequently her only true confidant had worked herself into a well contained rage and Twilight was at a complete loss. Having no real idea how she came to be sitting on the bathroom floor, awkwardly watching Sunset stalk the short expanse of the bathroom. The subtle clacking from the heels of her boots echoing off the tiled walls. Crinkling her eyebrows, Twilight could not make out what her friend was muttering, but she knew it had to be important if Sunset skipped lunch with her friends, preferring to hide out in the least used and dingiest bathroom in the school.
“Sunset? I can’t understand you, please calm down?” Twilight attempted to draw her friend out of her muttering, watching helplessly as Sunset brandished her arms wildly. Drawing her knees to her chest she silently regretted having to use the bathroom at that precise moment, causing her to stumble across Sunset.
“How could she… can’t be true…. Lying …” Paling slightly as she glanced at her watch, Twilight hurried to her feet, pausing only long enough to wash her hands after sitting on the dusty floor.
“Sunset!” She yelled sharply; purple fists perched on her hips as she used her best stern voice. Sunset stopped, turning to look at Twilight, her eyebrows raised slightly as she gaped at the smaller girl.
“Twi? When did you get here?” Sunset seemed to fold in on herself, wrapping her arms around her torso and her eyes immediately downcast. Her cheeks reddening considerably as embarrassment filled her.
“About ten minutes ago. You didn’t seem to notice, what’s wrong? I’ve never seen you like this before.” Twilight stepped forward, extending a hand to place on Sunsets shoulder, only to have the redhead jerk away from her. Still not making eye contact Sunset backed up, putting as much distance between them as possible in the cramped room.
“I-Its nothing. I’m fine! Really…” Sunset replied as her friend regarded her with a raised eyebrow. Disbelief etched on her face, looking much like an exasperated librarian. “It’s nothing, Twilight. Don’t worry about it.”
“I may not be particularly good with friendships or people in general, but even I can tell that something is bothering you. If you won't talk to me maybe one of the other girls?” Twilight suggested, truly having no idea on how to comfort her first true friend. Sunset shuffled her feet, watching as the slightly scuffed boot toe scraped at the tile floor. Biting her bottom lip, she once again shook her head.
“I can’t.” She whispered, guilt and anxiety clear in her words. Twilight pursed her lips but eventually nodded her acceptance. She cannot make Sunset talk to her, but she can be there for her if she were to change her mind.
“Alright, I don’t understand it, but I will respect your wishes. If you change your mind…” Momentary relief flooded Sunset as she released a breath, she hadn’t realized she was holding, lifting her head once more and dropping her arms back down to her sides.
“I know, Twilight. Thanks, really.” Sunset shot a hollow smile at her friend which did nothing to quell Twilights apprehension. “Class is getting ready to start, you don’t want to be late.” Sunset reminded her if anything to get Twilight to break her unwavering gaze. After a few more moments of awkward silence, Twilight gave a slight nod, securing her backpack over both shoulders and moving towards the exit.
“Are you coming?” Sunsets smile faltered and Twilight’s brow once again crinkled with disproval. “Will I at least see you after school?” Sunset knew that she would only be bombarded by the rest of their little group if she stayed for band practice and the implications of that conversation made her stomach knot.
“I have to go home early…homework and stuff.” Sunset prayed that Twilight would just leave her be. But just as Twilights hand closed over the handle to the bathroom, she turned back. Looking at her appraisingly, purple eyes filled with obvious doubt. “It’s okay, Twilight. I just have some stuff that I need to work out on my own. I'll talk to you as soon as I’m ready, please don't push me.” Sunset urged, nearly pushing the girl out of the bathroom. Twilight looked doubtful but gave Sunset a sad smile that did not quite reach her eyes.
“Will you at least talk to your Mom about what’s wrong? I know that school can be hard, especially with what we have done. If people are giving you a hard time about the fall formal, your parents can help. I know mine did.” Sunset gave a jerky nod, she did not notice when Twilight left the bathroom, time seemed to stop, and her ears filled with loud buzzing.
Sunset’s heart pounded in her chest as she struggled to breath, stumbling to the farthest corner of the room she sunk to the floor, hugging her legs tightly to her chest. Angry tears soaked into the worn denim of her pants as memories of the Princess came rushing back, accompanied by the old feelings of abandonment and self-admonishment. I was never good enough for the Princess, how could I possibly be good enough for this Celestia? Especially after the fall formal. Sunset thought to herself, burying her face into her knees as her insecurities finally came pouring out after years of bottling everything up. I don’t deserve a second chance. Sunset suppressed a sob, wishing everything would just go back to normal.
Author's Note
Thank you to everyone that took the time to review and leave advice on the first chapter! I went through and fixed the errors that were pointed out to me. I tried to implement some of the other suggestions, including getting a proof reader. Hopefully this chapter is better! I'm planning on updating once a week, most likely on Thursdays. Thank you all for your time and advice.
