Right before Sunset had hit the ground, she felt an old, familiar aura embraced her, one she hadn’t felt since she was a filly. A warmth covered her, and for a split second, she almost did want to leave it. But sadly, she was brought to her feet and felt a gentle hoof on her forehead.
She winced slightly as her old mentor addressed her, the sternness in her voice causing her ears to instinctively fold back as she looked down at the floor in fear. Never in her life had she felt so small as she only gave the smallest of nods.
Celestia looked away for a moment. She and Philomena seemed to exchange looks before she sighed.
She had secretly hoped the day would come that she could reunite with Sunset. But she had also thought it might be something of a fantasy.
It was difficult to remain stern with her but she had to hold her ground for now.
“Very well. Twilight reported all that happened to me at the other creatures’ school with the crown. I am aware of all you have gone through…”
Her voice softened and her eyes closed.
“It is why I will grant you free passage back into Canterlot without arrest. But no further than Canterlot for a month. If you prove yourself to be a good citizen then the rest of Equestria will be accessible to you. I want to trust you. Twilight does. And I have faith in her judgment. But I must be cautious for my citizens. What you did was very dangerous. I am sure you understand this now more than anypony though.”
Thinking of Shimmer having to deal with a demon caused a pang in Celestia’s heart. Especially considering her own…situation.
“Now…” she softened. “Are you feeling alright? Did the portal journey leave you dizzy?”
Sunset’s eyes widened as she heard Celestia speak. Did she hear her right? She could stay? Sunset almost jumped for joy at that remark, but her ears still remained flattened as her past transgressions were brought up, which she completely agreed with, giving Celestia a small nod in agreement.
She gently ran her hoof against the ground, unsure of how to answer the question. There were a lot of emotions going through her. Was she feeling alright?
She gently walked to the princess, stopping only for a moment to look up at her, her eyes welling up with unshed tears. Suddenly, as of a dam had burst inside her, she threw herself at Celestia, wrapping her hooves around her as best she could as the tears finally began to fall, heavy sobs leaving her. For weeks, her stress had been backed up inside her, due to Anon-a-Miss, her friends leaving her, the students turning on her, even Principal Celestia threatening to expel her for trying to defend herself. And now…
TheWanderingSunset2 