Equestria Girls - The Tale of Two Sunsets

Sunset and her friends had just finished having some apple pie within Applejack's dining room, enjoying the savory cinnamon flavor within each bite. Once they sipped on some milk to wash it all down, Applejack began to bring the focus of the other girls over to Sunset, recalling that her friend wanted to share something important. It was speculated at first that this most likely had something to do with graduation, or relating to the song they were going to perform. Regardless of what was supposedly weighing Sunset down, Applejack picked up a spoon from her kitchen's counter and tapped on a glass to get everyone's attention.

"Alright, y'all." Applejack continuously tapped her glass a few times. "Now that you've all seen what a great cook that Granny Smith is, I think Sunset here has something weighing on her, that she'd like to tell us. What's on your mind, Sunset?"

Sunset knew that it didn't seem like the right time to inform her friends on her decision in potentially leaving the Human World for good, as it still seemed rather out of nowhere, especially after learning that most of her friends weren't particularly planning on moving away. But regardless of how sudden and direct this decision would've come across, she knew that it was necessary to do what was needed, especially given how time was running out. After meeting with Princess Twilight and Starlight Glimmer, she had already stuck with the idea to spend her time off in Equestria for about a week, before finalizing her decision after graduation.

"Well, I do have something to tell all of you, and it's kind of a big deal." Sunset began. "I've been thinking a lot about the future for us all after graduation, and I've decided... maybe it's time that I take a little time off during this upcoming week."

"Time off?" Rainbow raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, Sunset? Did something happen?"

"You know how it all began, right?" Sunset reflected. "How I came into this world, and started a new life and friendship with you all? I betrayed my former mentor, Princess Celestia, purely out of my own pride and curiosity in exploring a mirror that I had no position to mess around with, which ended up trapping me here for quite a while. Because of that one bad decision I made, I've pretty much adapted my life here as a human, even though I'm naturally supposed to be a unicorn with a magical horn. I've also realized that ever since the Friendship Games, I've just been feeling a bit... out of place in this world."

"Sunset, dear, I can't say I fully understand what you're going through, but I know that your heart is as golden as any angel in the world." Rarity gave her input. "You've proven yourself to be a true friend through thick and thin, and we've all grown so much together. But if you truly feel the need to take some time away, we'll support you, no matter what."

"Agreed." Applejack nodded. "You've been through a heck of a lot, Sunset. Sometimes, a little break can help ya sort things out. Just remember, you've got a home here with us, and you're always welcome, whenever you want to come see us. Especially since, goin' off of our previous conversation, none of us are plannin' on movin' away."

Sunset took a deep breath, looking around at her friends. Their support meant the world to her, but she couldn't shake the feeling that this decision was bigger than just needing a break. This entailed potentially leaving the Human World for good, to return back to her natural life back in Equestria, and satisfy her aspirations to continue studying magic like she had done many years ago. But unfortunately, as wonderful as this idea seemed on paper, Sunset couldn't ignore the unavoidable aspect of abandoning these girls.

She had already abandoned Princess Celestia for so long, and she couldn't imagine possibly losing touch with her human friends as well, especially given how they were technically the very first ones in her life, whom she had fully embraced her friendship and happiness with. Sunset kept feeling conflicted that even if her friends were fine with the idea, it would've still seemed selfish of her, and that she wouldn't want these girls to think poorly of her in their years after CHS, or even forget about her, altogether.

"Thank you, Applejack." Sunset replied. "I know you girls are always there for me, and I appreciate that, more than you know. But... I think this might be more than just a break, let's just say. It's about figuring out where I truly belong, since I've been torn between two worlds for so long, and that maybe now's the time to explore that. Rainbow, Twilight, I know that you both specifically had a special experience with going through Equestria as ponies, maybe you two can understand me on the same level?"

"Sunset, I understand how you feel." Twilight said. "After going through so much, it's natural to want to find your place, and remember, you're not alone in this. Whether it's in Equestria or here, you have friends who care about you deeply."

"Second it." Rainbow added, before recalling her own experience. "It was certainly an unusually satisfying experience going through that Equestria place, but all the same, I'm personally happy to be back in the world that I belong in. Nothing against being a pony, it's just... I'd rather keep one life, and one life only. But out of curiosity, Sunset, what exactly are you looking for back in Equestria, when you say you want to explore?"

"I'm not entirely sure, Rainbow, it's just... I feel like I have unfinished business there, in a way." Sunset scratched her own head. "After what happened with Princess Celestia, I feel like I need to go back and take an extended period to reconcile with her, especially since I didn't have too much time to make amends with her last time. Aside from that... I don't know, maybe this time off in Equestria will help me find myself again, especially when it comes to studying magic. It's not just about that, it's also finding a balance between the world where I came from, and the world where I've established a second home. Don't get me wrong, I've built so much here with you girls over the years, but I constantly feel like I miss my old life."

"Sunset..." Fluttershy spoke softly, her eyes filled with understanding. "We've all seen the incredible growth you've gone through here, and how much you've changed for the better. If you truly feel like you need to go back to Equestria for a week, we'll support you, no matter what. Just remember that we're your friends, and that friendship transcends worlds. If you find your path there, we'll be happy for you, and once you come back for graduation, our hearts will be open to welcome you again."

The rest of the girls all nodded and murmured in agreement, going along with the idea that this break from the Human World was only for a short while, and that things would go back to normal next week. Although happy to hear that her friends were incredibly understanding and supportive of her decision, Sunset didn't believe they fully understood what she truly meant.

This trip back home would potentially result in her staying in Equestria for good, and not coming back to the Human World. It wasn't a temporary vacation that would simply last a week, and very possible that things could change drastically, following the graduation at CHS. However, knowing that her friends all seemed fine with her decision in spending her week off in Equestria, Sunset felt that this was all she needed to hear for the time being, and that she would discuss final decisions after her break from here.

"Thanks girls." Sunset replied with a gentle smile, though it was clear there was still a tint of sadness in her voice, which Twilight took notice of. "But before I go, I want to make sure that all of us have the best possible graduation, and that includes the performance we've been planning. So, let's not let my little trip affect our preparations, all right?"

"You betcha, Sunset." Applejack winked. "We'll keep the home fires burnin' and the practice sessions rollin' while you're away, so we insist that you make the most of your time there."

"Besides, we're definitely no strangers to doing rush jobs for songs." Rainbow added. "How else would we have bested those Dazzlings and the rest of the competition, back during the Battle of the Bands?"

"Indeed, I still can't wrap my head around how well we were able to pull that off, it was quite the fiasco." Rarity nodded. "And as much as I'd love to see Sunset compose the rest of this song with us, her well-being is far more important. If this is what she feels is best for herself, then we must support her. Don't you worry, Sunset, we'll keep everything in tip-top shape until you return."

"We've already gotten a pretty solid idea on the direction you want to take with this song, so I just know that sooner or later, we'll come up with something, just like we always have." Fluttershy smiled. "I hope you enjoy your time off back in Equestria, to finish tying up loose ends, or get an idea on how well you like it there, now that you've learned everything you need to know about friendship. But Sunset, what if you find out that you're happier in Equestria and decide to stay? We'll all miss you so much..."

Hearing this, Sunset's sadness in the idea became visible again, but mostly to Twilight. This was exactly the dilemma she had in mind, and the driving point behind why she seemed so hesitant towards the idea, even though she knew internally that it was what she wanted for herself. Sunset was correct when interpreting that the girls had misunderstood her proposal from earlier, believing that this was simply a temporary escape, and that she'd come back and continue her old life with them, once the week was up. Sunset took a deep breath and entertained the thought of Equestria not being as wonderfully magical and whimsical as she had remembered, especially given how drastically things might've changed since she was last there. As such, Sunset began speaking up, going along with the idea that this stay was actually temporary.

"I don't know what'll happen after I get back from Equestria." Sunset gave her input on the situation. "In the end, however, maybe I'll find that I truly do belong back here with you all. But what I do know is that you girls will always be my friends, and I'll never forget the amazing times we've had together. I genuinely have a strong feeling that most likely, I'll still come back to be with you all, since you're not only my friends, but even my family in this world. I'm happy to hear that you're all cool with me taking some time off, but this is just a week, after all. And who knows, maybe I'll miss you all so much that I'll write the next hit song for us, right there."

"You'd better come back with some crazy inspiration, or I'm gonna have to challenge you to an epic guitar solo battle, Shimmer." Rainbow Dash said, playfully sticking her tongue out at her. "Actually, I'm not being serious about that, but you get the idea. Hopefully we can compare what we came up with before graduation, and have a little time to rehearse everything."

"I'll try to keep the magic of music in mind, but I can't make any promises." Sunset winked. "I'm not exactly known for my guitar skills, unlike you, Rainbow. But I'll do my best to make sure that our performance is the best it can be."

"Don't you mean... awesome as I wanna be?" Rainbow reiterated her lyrics from her past guitar solo.

"Well, if we're going to come up with further lyrics, I'd heavily advise that we not make them seem so shameless." Sunset giggled, imagining how awkward of a performance it would be with that particular direction. "That aside, now that I have an idea on my plans next week, I guess I should start getting ready for my trip back to Equestria. Starting tomorrow, I'll only have about five days to make the most of my time there before graduation, so I'll need to leave, first thing in the morning."

"We hope you'll have a wonderful time in that Equestria place, darling." Rarity encouraged. "You've always had a flair for the exquisite things in life, but I can't help but feel that there's more to your decision than you're letting on. Is there something specific that you're hoping to find in Equestria by taking some time away from here?"

"Not really something, but rather... someone, whom I've never really gotten a chance to meet directly, yet I still occasionally think about them to this day." Sunset replied, alluding to her biological parents. "When I get home, I may have to start planning out my entire schedule for my week in Equestria, but who knows? With how much there is to do back in my home world, I might just go along with anything interesting that I come across."

"Well, if you need any help packing, you know you've got friends here to help ya out." Applejack reminded. "You've got a lot to bring back with ya, if you know what I mean. We ourselves did see Equestria for a brief while once, but didn't really get the full experience ourselves, so it'd be nice to hear about your adventures once you come back."

"I'd love to hear about it too, Sunset, I'm sure it'll be riveting." Fluttershy added. "I still can't get over the idea that magic burping dragons are that world's equivalent of sending emails, it sounds both convenient and adorable."

"It's definitely more entertaining than text messages, that's for sure." Sunset's smile grew a bit more genuine at the thought of getting to see this in action once more. "I'll be sure to keep a journal of my experiences, so I can share it all with you when I get back. Maybe it'll even give us some inspiration for our next band reunion."

"Sounds like a wonderful idea." Rarity nodded. "It's rather unfortunate that Pinkie isn't here to add her usual... flair to our band activities. But I'm sure that if she were here right now, she'd understand the importance of this trip for you, as well. I know deep down that Pinkie's always been so supportive of our endeavors."

"Speaking of Pinkie, I noticed something interesting in the music room today." Sunset remembered when she was searching the school for her friends. "Did you girls, by any chance have Pinkie organize some kind of graduation gift exchange? I knew Pinkie Pie always had a knack for organizing heartfelt surprises, and the timing couldn't be more perfect."

"Actually, Sunset, it was me who had the idea for the graduation gift exchange." Twilight spoke up. "I figured it would be a nice way to celebrate everyone's achievements, and to thank each other for the friendship we've shared over the years. But of course, Pinkie was more than happy to help with the preparations and add her own special touch to the gifts, she really does have a talent for making people feel special."

"Besides, if Pinkie truly was behind everything, I'd reckon she'd go through more of an effort to make it a real surprise, rather than just leavin' the presents out in the open like that." Applejack surmised.

"Well, all the same, I'm really touched that you all took the time to get me something." Sunset smiled at her friends. "I'll have to think hard about what to get each of you in return. I don't want to disappoint, especially since we're all graduating together."

"No no, we've all planned out our own gifts already, weeks ago." Twilight clarified. "The idea being, this was our way of thanking you for being a great friend to us all, even through the more difficult times."

"After all, I've learned over time that throughout the lower points of life, you'll learn who your true friends are." Fluttershy recalled her own experiences. "Just like how even though I wanted to transfer schools altogether because of Gilda, Rainbow Dash was able to convince me otherwise, and assure me that she'd always have my back."

"Likewise, you've always been there for us, Sunset, even when we somehow believed you weren't our friend." Rainbow commended. "I can't imagine what we'd do without you, you've always been the leader of the group who holds us all together."

"The point being, we're absolutely not expecting anything in return from you at all, Sunset." Twilight continued. "I may or may not have gotten inspiration from your dedication during the holidays last year, going through all that trouble to get the storage key from your locker, purely to ensure that those children would get their presents for the Toys for Kids Festival. We simply want to reward you for being that noble and trustworthy friend for so long, and to let you know that your efforts shall not go unnoticed."

"Wow, I had no idea that I had made such an impact on you all." Sunset felt a new sense of gratitude. "I guess I've been so caught up in my own thoughts, that I didn't realize how much I've been appreciated, but I suppose that's what friends are for, right? After all, if it wasn't for you girls, I'd imagine that I'd still be that rebellious, nasty, and tyrannical school bully, who would've never found her true place in life. You girls are admittedly the very first friends I've ever made, and technically speaking, from a completely different world, too. It's pretty astonishing to think how unique of a pony I must be, purely because of this."

"You've definitely come a long way, Sunset." Rainbow winked in approval. "To tell you the truth, we wouldn't be the same without you either, you've taught us all so much about friendship and ourselves. So by all means, enjoy your week off, do what you need to do, and have a real blast. Just don't forget to send us some postcards from Equestria, yeah? Or whatever Equestria usually prefers to deliver their mail."

"I suppose I'll keep that in mind, though I think the easiest way we can keep in touch is by writing through magical journals." Sunset pondered, before going through her bag and remembering what she had picked up a while ago. "Yeah, in fact, I seem to recall that when I went back to Equestria during the Memory Stone incident, I met up with Princess Twilight to do some research on that artifact. While I was in a restricted section of the library, Twilight gave me this spare magical journal, similar to the journals we use to write to each other. She gave it to me in case I needed to send some more messages seeking guidance, but I guess I've forgotten about it up until now, though I've held onto it all this time."

"Oh, how utterly enchanting!" Rarity exclaimed with excitement. "I do hope it still works, it's such a clever invention, really. It's like having a piece of Equestria with us here in our world, even if we're more accustomed with text messages or emails."

"Let's see, I think I can test it out real quick, just to see if it'll work." Sunset pulled out a pen from her bag, and began writing in the journal.

Not long after writing on her own journal's page, she could immediately see the same writing appear almost instantaneously within the spare journal, as if it truly was the equivalent of a text message, but with magic instead. Feeling assured that this would be an excellent way for her to keep in touch with the girls, even while in Equestria, Sunset smiled and closed the journal, before handing it to Twilight.

"Here, Twilight." Sunset put the journal into Twilight's lap. "I want you to be the messenger in case something comes up while I'm away, and I'll be sure to get back to you if I'm not too busy. It's pretty fitting, considering how Princess Twilight's always been my main source of connection to Equestria, while I'm in this world."

"Of course, I'll make sure to keep everyone updated on how you're doing, and I'll be here to help with any advice you might need, just like always." Twilight took the journal with a gentle smile, flipping through the pages to admire the intricate magical details that seemed to glow faintly with power. "It's not every day that a scientist like myself gets to play around with unexplainable contraptions like this, that exist purely due to magic."

"Heck, maybe if I find some source of inspiration back in Equestria for our song, I could also share it with you girls through there." Sunset imagined Equestria holding all sorts of surprises that could help her come up with new and original ideas. "But most importantly, since you girls have been worried about this Gilda girl, and suspect that she could be hiding somewhere around the city, please don't hesitate to contact me if you by some chance end up running into her. Unless something else comes up in Equestria that might prevent me from returning for a while, I'll be sure to come back and help you all deal with her, together."

"Don't you worry, Sunset." Rainbow assured. "We'll keep our eyes peeled, and we'll keep each other safe. Besides, I've got a feeling that if Gilda tries anything again, she'll have to face all of us together, and she won't know what hit her. But hey, we still don't know for certain if it truly is Gilda, so for all we know, she's still doing her time behind bars, and we can just let the police deal with whoever's responsible for these mysterious robberies."

"I'm just glad to hear that Granny's cash goin' missin' was simply a little misunderstandin', and not a sign of things to come." Applejack sighed in relief. "But just cause this was somehow unrelated to what happened in that news article, I still say we should keep our guards up."

"You're right, Applejack, we can't just assume that everything will be fine." Twilight nodded solemnly, her eyes reflecting the seriousness of the situation. "Even though Sunset's going to Equestria, we need to stay vigilant. It's strange, but sometimes it feels like trouble has a habit of following us around. I'll make sure to keep an eye out for anything unusual, and we can use this magical journal to stay connected."

"You girls know I'm always here to help, even if I'm in a different world." Sunset said with confidence. "But let's not let potential trouble overshadow our preparations for graduation, we've got a performance to knock out of the park, and I want us to go out with a bang. Until we reach that point however, I guess this is goodbye for now? I'll have to make some necessary preparations before going back, and gradually plan out where in Equestria I'll be exploring, but I'm sure I can also figure it out along the way."

"We'll certainly miss you, Sunset." Rarity reached out to give Sunset a gentle hug, feeling the warmth of their friendship in the embrace. "But I have a feeling that this week in Equestria will be nothing short of enchanting for you."

"Please be sure to enjoy your time there." Fluttershy came up to give Sunset a hug as well. "It's not every day one gets to visit a world of magic and wonder, even if it's your own home."

"Remember to take in all the beauty Equestria has to offer, Sugarcube." Applejack joined in on the hugging. "I just know it'll help you find the balance you're looking for."

"And don't forget to tell us if you find any cool new moves for us to add to our performances!" Rainbow Dash gave the final hug to Sunset. "We'll stay here at AJ's for a bit longer to work on the rest of the lyrics, and if you ever feel the need to keep in touch, you'll know where to find us."

The rest of the girls then turned to Twilight, still holding the journal in her hands, but remaining skeptical about some of Sunset's body language from earlier. She knew Sunset was going through a lot, and she didn't want her to face the unknown alone, so she felt the need to perhaps accompany her a bit longer.

"Twilight, dear?" Rarity spoke up from her chair. "Don't you want to say goodbye to Sunset?"

"I will, but before I do, I think I'll accompany her on the way back to her apartment." Twilight replied. "It's not every day you return to Equestria, after all, so I know how special this must be for her. Speaking of which, Sunset, I think I also want to talk to you about something else along the way, if that's fine?"

Sunset nodded, feeling a mix of comfort and unease at Twilight's offer. She knew that Twilight was perceptive and had most likely noticed her earlier hesitation in their discussion. As they stepped out into the warm summer air, she took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of apple blossoms from Applejack's orchard. The clouds kept cruising along the blue skies above them, as they strolled down the quiet street, the sound of their footsteps echoing in the stillness. Sooner or later, the duo found themselves in the middle of a park, where nobody else was around. It was by this point, Twilight felt it was the right time to have a heart-to-heart talk with Sunset, deducing that there seemed to be a lot more meaning behind this trip.

"I know we all support your decision in returning to Equestria for a week, but I can't help but feel that there's something else you're not telling us." Twilight began, her eyes searching Sunset's for any signs of doubt or fear. "I don't mean to pry, but is there by any chance, something specific you're looking for, or perhaps something you fear to leave behind?"

"Well to tell you the truth, it's not just about finding something or someone back in Equestria." Sunset began explaining. "It's more about finding myself, and understanding who I truly am. This visit to Equestria isn't just centered around seeing how much I've changed or figuring out if I belong here or there. It's about embracing my past, present, and future, especially with how much things are going to change after graduation."

"I know you're feeling a bit lost right now, Sunset, but you do have a home here with us." Twilight reminded. "We're all going through changes as we grow, but you don't have to face them alone."

"As much as I've looked forward to graduation, I've admittedly even dreaded this day would come, ever since the Friendship Games at CHS." Sunset reflected. "By that point, I was very well integrated with our friends, to where I could never imagine the possibility of abandoning them. But even then, I've always had this lingering feeling that there's much more excitement for me back in Equestria, and that staying here as a human has just limited my potential. I grew up as a unicorn who specialized in magic, and I just feel... out of place in this ordinary world where everything runs on science or technology screens."

"I understand your feelings, Sunset, but I think you're selling yourself short." Twilight began to get a better understanding on Sunset's situation. "You've done so much here, learned so much about friendship and how to be a better person, that's a kind of magic all on its own. Maybe this trip will help you see that you can blend the two aspects of yourself, rather than choosing one over the other."

"That's what I'm hoping for, Twilight." Sunset nodded in agreement. "I just need to figure out if Equestria still feels like home to me, or if I've truly found a new one here. Because if I do end up leaning more towards the belief that Equestria has always been my true home, that means..."

"So it sounds like my hunch was correct." Twilight put a hand on Sunset's shoulder. "This isn't simply a one-week vacation back to Equestria for you, you're actually thinking of potentially leaving this world for good, embracing everything we've taught you about friendship over the years, and considering rebuilding your old life back in Equestria?"

Sunset looked down at the ground, her thoughts racing, as the park's serene ambiance was contrasted sharply with the turmoil in her mind. She took a moment to gather her words before speaking.

"Sounds like you've completely read my mind." Sunset sighed. "I've come to cherish you all, and this world so much, but there's still so much more of me that's tied to Equestria. I want to explore my heritage, understand my magic, and find out if I can still make a difference there. However, I also have the internal fear, what if I go back and realize that I don't fit in anymore, and that I've changed too much? I've gotten used to walking on two legs for so long, that I've forgotten I'm supposed to be a pony on all four's."

"Sunset, change can be scary, but it's also incredibly powerful." Twilight reminded. "It's what allowed you to become the amazing person you are today, and you even helped me change for the better too. Without you, I'd most likely still be that unsocial bookworm at Crystal Prep Academy, and jumping through all sorts of hoops, just to convince Principal Cinch to give me an honorary recommendation to my dream university. I have faith that you'll find your place, whether it's here or in Equestria. Just remember, no matter where you go, you'll always have friends who believe in you."

"Thanks Twilight, that means a lot to me." Sunset paused, her eyes glistening slightly. "I guess it's just that I'm afraid of the unknown, since I've grown so much here, but part of me feels like I'm still running from who I was in Equestria. But if I can face my past and still hold onto what I've learned from all of you, then maybe... I'll finally be at peace with my identity. I mean, I know I'm not the only pony from Equestria who's experienced this world, but as far as I'm aware, I'm the only one of those ponies who've dedicated a good chunk of their life here."

"I know you're feeling torn, but I think this trip could be incredibly enlightening for you." Twilight continued. "It's important to explore your roots and understand where you come from, even if it's not where you end up. And please always remember, you're an amazing person and a wonderful friend to us all."

"I appreciate the kind words." Sunset looked up at her friend. "It's just been so frustrating, I've been wrestling with this for so long, and it's been eating away at me, like a storm brewing inside that I need to weather out. I just hope that once I do, I'll find the clarity I need to make the right choice, but until then, I'm going to cherish every moment we have before graduation, and I'll do my best to keep you all updated."

"We'll be here for you, Sunset." Twilight kept assuring. "And who knows, maybe you'll find a way to make both worlds your home. After all, you've already proven that you can certainly bridge the gap between them, whether it'd be staying in touch with a magical journal, or going through that portal."

"Maybe I can, Twilight." Sunset nodded. "Perhaps I'm just looking for that perfect harmony between my life here and my heritage in Equestria. I've got a week to figure it out, and I'm going to make the most of it. I guess the main thing that's been holding me back is... just the thought of actually enjoying my experience in Equestria too much, to where I suddenly forget about the very friends who've helped me build my happiness and friendship skills for so long. It just feels selfish for me to metaphorically move away, and abandon you all."

"Sunset, it's not selfish to seek your own happiness and identity." Twilight replied. "You've earned the right to explore who you are, and if that means spending time in Equestria, then by all means. We'll support you, and we'll be here for you, no matter what you choose. I understand it may be disheartening to hear that the rest of the girls aren't planning on moving away, but as far as I'm aware, that could simply be wishful thinking on their part. Who knows, once they get into the job market, or things don't really work out as they expected, they could very easily change their plans on a whim like that. The same could be said for all of our other friends and classmates at CHS, especially when a good number of them are planning on moving away, going to university, or whatever direction in life they plan to take."

Sunset gave this some deep thought, and realized that Twilight's reasoning was on point. It seemed as if Sunset had focused too much on other people's expectations, that she had neglected the most vital aspect of her own life to keep her going, her happiness.

"You're right, Twilight." Sunset felt she finally had the wakeup call she needed. "I've been so caught up in what I think everyone expects of me, that I've neglected my own needs. I guess I just want to make sure that if I do decide to stay in Equestria, I'm not leaving anyone behind or hurting anyone's feelings. Before I do end up making the ultimate decision, I feel as though I need to get more acquainted with the ponies back in Equestria, to see if they're also willing to welcome me with open hands, err... hooves, I mean. As far as I'm aware, it's primarily Princess Twilight, Princess Celestia, and Starlight Glimmer, whom I can look forward to meeting again, back in Equestria."

"Hmm, that's true, but I seem to also recall you vaguely sharing your experiences at this old magical school." Twilight pondered. "What was it called again, the School For Gifted Unicorns, or something like that? Didn't you mention something about a few classmates you had there, who wanted to hang out with you?"

"Yeah, they were certainly friendly and welcoming towards me, but I sadly didn't give them the same courtesy." Sunset sighed, regretting how she treated her old classmates. "Back when I was Princess Celestia's pupil, my arrogance had somehow led me to delude myself into believing that nothing mattered more than my academic performance, and that anyone who wanted to be my friend was only doing so for 'special treatment', since I was the princess's prized pupil. Even if that was the case, I shouldn't have instantly shut everyone out, believing that anyone willing to hang out with me just wanted to copy my homework. As you can imagine, Princess Celestia didn't take this lightly, and it was only the first step contributing to our animosity, and eventually, my resentment towards her."

"I know you regret what happened in the past, but remember, that was a long time ago, and you've changed so much since then." Twilight reminded her once more. "I'm sure if you reach out to them again with a more open heart, they'll see that. Besides, you're not the same pony you were back then, and they've likely grown and changed as well, it's never too late to mend those bridges."

"I'll definitely try to reconnect with them, if I get the chance." Sunset promised. "What about you, Twilight? Have you kept in touch with the Shadowbolts back at Crystal Prep Academy?"

"I've at least kept an eye on them from afar." Twilight's gaze drifted off into the distance. "They've all gone their separate ways, but I hope they've found their paths to true happiness, just as you have. It's a journey we all go through, and it's the toughest lessons that make the biggest impact. I still wouldn't particularly call them my friends, especially given our rough histories as classmates. Sugarcoat was always jealous of me, being ranked the #2 student herself, Indigo Zap had a habit of bribing her classmates higher grades, and the rest of the girls... well, they all contributed to stealing Rarity's dance choreography that one time. I think that alone says a lot about them, even after we had inadvertently gotten Principal Cinch fired from her position."

"I remember that, it was quite the chaotic experience." Sunset reflected. "But it did bring us together, and ultimately, it was because of that experience, that we learned about true friendship and how to be a team. Perhaps we encouraged your old classmates to embrace friendship as well, but considering how blatant they were, willing to plagiarize Rarity's hard work, yeah, I can see where you're coming from. Speaking of which, you actually mentioned earlier that... Indigo Zap supposedly bullied a student at Crystal Prep Academy so badly, that they ended up dropping out of school, completely?"

"During my first few weeks there, I kept vaguely hearing other students gossip about it, especially after getting the fresh word that I earned the top ranking, faster than any other student in the entire school's history." Twilight began explaining. "A few students even began joking around that I should be watching out for Indigo, considering what she did to her last victim. I didn't know what to make of it at first, but aside from Indigo poking fun at me a few times for being smart, nothing ever came of it. I barely even interacted with her, and just continued focusing on my studies, like normal."

"Hmm, that's the first time I'm hearing about Indigo Zap being that much of a supposed troublemaker." Sunset said. "I couldn't have imagined that she'd be capable of doing such a thing to any student, but if it's true, then it's certainly heartbreaking, and a stark reminder of how much damage a lack of empathy can cause. But I also know that people can change, and perhaps with enough time and the right influences, even Indigo could find her way. Maybe she even regrets what she did, and realized that she truly took it too far?"

"Perhaps you're right, but I almost want to believe that the schoolwork ethic and expectations of Crystal Prep Academy have truly adapted those girls to stick with those mindsets, possibly for the rest of their lives." Twilight shrugged. "After all, some of them even hinted that after they graduate, they don't even plan on spending a penny in college. Instead, they'd rather just take the easy way out, and snatch a free position in any job, thanks to their parents' connections, especially considering how rich they are. I can't really imagine that would end well for whatever company they end up choosing, if they don't truly understand the responsibilities of hard work, if that makes any sense?"

"It does, Twilight." Sunset thought about her own work ethics, back when she was Princess Celestia's most prized pupil. "It's one of the things I've come to appreciate about this world, you can't just rely on your status or your family's name to get ahead, you actually have to work for it. And speaking of working hard, I just know that any company out there would want to hire you after graduation. Who knows, maybe you'll end up being the one to revolutionize the science department in this city's Institution of Technology."

"Well, I do hope to make a difference, but let's not get ahead of ourselves." Twilight giggled. "We still have a graduation to get through first, and I'm sure there'll be plenty of surprises along the way when I'm off to college. Now then, I hope that this talk has helped you reshaped what this return and decision will entail for you, me, and the rest of our friends, and that you'll be able to completely focus on enjoying your time off?"

"Yeah, I really think this was a nice way for us to bond for a bit, especially after all we've been through together." Sunset leaned in for a big hug. "Thank you for being there for me, I think I'm ready to face Equestria with a clearer mind and an open heart. I'm looking forward to seeing how things have changed, and maybe even rediscovering parts of myself I left behind. But even then, it'll still depend on how well things go with everypony back in Equestria, and if they're willing to accept me back again, especially with how much everything must've changed since then. I mean... I even got to meet Princess Luna for the first time, even though I was told that she was banished to the moon while I was Princess Celestia's pupil."

"Sounds like there's plenty of exciting things for you to do there." Twilight returned the hug. "It's been quite the journey for both of us, and I'm happy to have been a part of it. As for Equestria, I'm sure that with your newfound appreciation for friendship and kindness, you'll find your place. Well, since you still have to prepare for a bit before leaving, I guess this is goodbye until next week?"

"Sounds good to me." Sunset finished the hug, before waving goodbye and jogging away. "I'll see you and the rest of the girls at graduation, but until then, I should go clean out my locker at CHS. Have fun composing our performance song with the rest of the girls!"