Dear diary, today I got to meet Twilight's pony friends and my old teacher, Princess Celetsia. Both were so thrilled to see me, as was I about meeting them. Later tonight, Celestia is having a royal dinner commemorating my visit. Cadance, Luna and Twilight are showing up. The nerves are officially getting to me. I just don't want to disappoint anypony. Hopefully things will go well...
Sunset wrote a very long passage in her private diary. Sweat dripped from her forehead and onto the page.
"Darn it," she cursed. Then somepony knocked on the door. Sunset quickly put her diary in her saddlebag. "Come in!"
"You ready? Everypony's down there in the dining hall. Awaiting you," smiled Twilight warmly. She noticed the unicorn was uneasy. "You ok Sunset?"
"Extremely nervous. I can't push this fear of doing something wrong. What if I spark an argument? What if I say something wrong that a war starts?!" fretted Sunset, putting her hooves on her head. Twilight couldn't help but chuckle. The orange unicorn was so much like her it was uncanny. Yet, Sunset couldn't see it.
"Yeah that's totally gonna happen," giggled Twilight sarcastly, as she motioned Sunset downstairs.
The dining hall was decorated just for Sunset Shimmer. Red and yellow streamers flooded the ceilings. Many desserts and meals were scattered across the long, long dining hall table. It could seat so many ponies. Princess Celestia awaited the honored pony at the entrance of the stairs.
"Evening Sunset. Everypony is anxious to see you after such a long time. Please, shall we begin?" beamed the princess.
"We shall," replied Sunset, smiling awkwardly.
The ponies took their seats. Candace next to Twilight. Twilight next to Celestia, and Luna next to her elder sister. Even choosing where to sit worried the young unicorn. More sweat dripped from her forehead as she started to bite her bottom jaw.
"Sunset dear, I don't think your destiny will be altered from which spot you sit," laughed Cadance. She patted the seat next to her. And Sunset happily accepted.
"So, honored guest, how have you been in your world?" asked Luna as she sipped her tea.
"Very different. Everypony is in there, but in a different form, called 'humans'," explained Sunset.
"Those creatures are unknown to me. Please tell us more," urged Celestia, quietly sipping her tea.
"Well, they walk on two legs and use these things called arms and hands to pick up and interact with things. They're very different from us."
"Hmm, I see," sighed Celestia softly. An awkward silence quickly moved into the dining hall. All that was heard was the sipping of tea, and the munching of crackers.
"Well," Cadance began. "What's Canterlot High like?"
"It's great! It's very big and filled with friendly people," responded Sunset. The silence fell again. Sunset felt awful. She didn't have alot to talk about since she is just an outsider to this world.
"I must take my leave. Flurry Heart is probably missing me. As well as Shining Armor. It was very nice to meet you Sunset Shimmer," beamed Cadance as she left.
"As well as I, the dream realm doesn't watch itself. It was an honor to get to see you again," said Luna, as she smiled and flew off.
All who was left, was Twilight and Celestia. Sunset quietly nibbled on her cookie while Celestia yawned and tried to keep her eyes open.
"You seem tired. Maybe we should call it a night?" suggested the special guest.
"I'm fine. I really want to speak with you. Twilight, may you excuse us?" asked Celestia.
"Of course! I'll just...read this cookbook!" replied Twilight as she used her magic to grab a random book. Celestia giggled and motioned Sunset to the balcony.
It was a peaceful night. The citizens of Canterlot were fast asleep, with Luna aiding with the wonderful dreams. Celestia and Sunset Shimmer walked onto the balcony and stood there. Then the princess spoke up, "After all these years, why come back now?"
"Twilight asked me to. She wanted me to meet her friends, and you."
"You could've came back anytime. Yet you didn't," sneered Celestia. Sunset's heart began pounding in her chest.
"I wanted to..." she muttered.
"And you didn't. Why?"
"I was afraid!" the unicorn shouted. Frustration and sadness building up. Celestia stared off into the night, silent. Didn't say a word for a short moment.
"Fear is what makes us stronger," she finally replied.
Sunset didn't know how to respond. Her former teacher was right. Sunset was a wimp for not returning sooner. She'd never even thought about returning until she ran out of pages in her journal.
"What's wrong with me?" she thought. A tear slowly rolled down her cheek. "I should've came back sooner," she said finally. "I should've came back to apologize for my actions long ago. I'm sorry! I was so evil back then. I didn't know what friendship was until I met Twilight! She's so smart on the subject, she was taught by the best," cried Sunset.
Celestia pitied the young pony. She truly felt terrible for her actions.
"I forgive you. I knew sooner or later you'd realize your mistakes and own up to them. Twilight is doing the best at helping you. She'll coach you through this. I have no doubts in her," assured Celestia.
Sunset sniffed and hugged her teacher. Celestia embraced her tightly.
"I have big plans for you. You'll see. Keep learning, you'll see your path eventually," winked Celestia.
"Eventually seems like a long time," sighed Sunset, looking down to the floor. Celestia put her hoof under her chin and raised it up.
"It's not. Just follow my advice." The red and yellow maned unicorn beamed brightly up at her former teacher.
"I will. I promise."
