A Crystalling Tail

Chapter 9

Celestia was pacing back and forth, as her sister, husband and friend watched on. Sunset's friends were also there, some giggling at the scene their principal was making.

"Tia," Luna got her sister's attention. "Stop worrying. You called her last night, and she was fine."

"She's right, Honey," Discord said, walking up and hugging Celestia to stop her pacing. "Besides, you know she's a tough kid and she has that little magic gem of hers. It's all ok."

Before Celestia could respond, the portal under the Wondercolt statue started to shimmer. Everyone gathered near it, as Sunset came through. She was immediately brought into a massive group hug.

"Hey, everyone," Sunset smiled. "How is everyone going?"

"We're doin' fine, sugarcube," Applejack answered. "How was it?"

"It was cold," Sunset replied. "But that was to be expected, it was further up north." The group turned when the portal started to shimmer again. "Oh, I forgot. I hope you all don't mind that I invited a few people over for a bit."

"Not at all, darling," Rarity replied.

Out of the portal came Princess Twilight, two people who looked like more regal versions of their principals and of course Spike the dragon-turned-dog.

"Twilight! Spike!" The Rainbooms all moved to hug the two. Except for human Twilight, it was still awkward hugging one's identical counterpart.

"Hi, everypony...sorry, everyone," Princess Twilight greeted them, then she noticed the other princesses looking at their counterparts, who were next to what looked like a human version of Discord and... "Chrysalis!"

"Hi, Sunset told me about my counterpart," Chrysalis put her hand up to assure the princesses. "I can tell you, now, I'm not like her."

"Yea, Twilight, she's cool," Sunset placed a hand on the princess' shoulder. "Didn't I mention the name of mom's friend?"

"No, you didn't," Twilight started to relax.

"Oh, well, yea," Sunset rubbed the back of her head in embarrassment. "Chrysalis is the one who help me be adopted by mom and dad. Oh, by the way, Twi," She turned to the human Twilight, giving her the box she had taken off the other journal. "The receptor work like a charm."

"Oh, good," Twilight smiled, pushing her glasses up her nose. "Maybe this is the beginning of better communication between the two worlds."

"Yea, but for now, let's leave it at the journals," Princess Twilight suggested. "I don't know if Equestria is ready for some of the technology of this world just yet."

As Sunset and the girls continued to talk to Princess Twilight, Princess Celestia looked at her counterpart. "I wish to thank you for caring for Sunset, despite her past."

"I only wished I had taken her in sooner," Celestia said, looking over at her daughter as she laughed with her friends. "Maybe I could have helped her."

"It is not good to think on the what ifs," Princess Luna said.

"I've been trying to tell her that for a while now," Luna smiled teasingly at her sister, who rolled her eyes back.

"If it's not too much," Princess Celestia became nervous. "I would like to know more about Sunset's life here in this world. I know she's already told us some things, but I think it would be better to see it in pony."

"Here we say, 'in person'," Celestia corrected her. "And of course. How would you like to spend, say, a day or so here, I can clean out the guest bedroom?"

"I can only stay for an hour or so; I can't just drop everything..." Princess Celestia started to explain.

"Sister," Princess Luna interrupted her. "You have been needing a break for a while now. If you would like to stay for a few days, I could take care of everything while you are away."

"Well, I have been needing a vacation," Princess Celestia thought for a moment. "Very well, sister, I shall let you take care of Equestria for the next few days. Though I will come back over in the morning and afternoon, so I can raise and lower the sun."

"I keep forgetting the other world works on magic," Luna said after hearing that.

"Oh, do you not have someone to raise the sun and moon?" Princess Luna asked her counterpart.

"No and it would take too long to explain it all right now," Celestia answered instead. "Let's just say, there are a lot of physics and science involved. Anyway, we should probably get going, it's almost lunchtime and I'm sure you would like to get settled in, your Highness."

"Oh, no need for formalities," Princess Celestia said amusingly. "While I'm here, just call me Celestia, and yes, lunch would be wonderful."

"Ok then," Celestia said.

"Well, just call me Tia, so there's no confusion. Are you staying for a bit Princess Luna?" Princess Celestia asked her sister.

"No, I should go back to Equestria, to let everypony know Celestia is on vacation for a few days," Princess Luna said moving over to the statue, gaining Princess Twilight's attention.

"Oh, are we going already," she asked. The other Princess' quickly informed her about that plan.

"Ok, well, I think I also might stay for a few days," Princess Twilight said. "Spike's been telling me I should take a break."

"Yea," Spike nodded, smirking up at Twilight. "Sometimes, it's really difficult to get her to stop and relax for a bit."

Twilight glared at him, "I'm not that bad." She turned to Sunset. "You don't mind if we stay with you?"

"No," Sunset smiled at her. "I'm sure mom was going to ask you anyway; you can sleep in my room."

"Yes," Celestia walked up to them. "I was going suggest you sleep with Sunset, while Celestia slept in the guest room. Actually, I was going to invite all you girls as well." She said to the Rainbooms

"Yay! Sleepover at Sunset's house!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed in excitement, causing everyone to laugh.

After saying goodbye to Princess Luna and getting parental permission, everyone headed to Celestia's house. They spent the weekend showing Princess Twilight and Princess Celestia around the town.

Princess Celestia watched Sunset interacting with her friends and family and was glad to see Sunset finally happy after all these years. But she was also slightly sad, because she knew that if anything happened to the portal, Sunset would probably choose this world over Equestria. So, she would treasure the time she had with her ex-student, so if the connection between the worlds were ever severed, she would at least have good memories of Sunset Shimmer, the secret daughter of her heart.

By the end of the weekend, the bond between forgiven student and teacher were strengthen. Princess Celestia gladly said goodbye to her once faithful student, knowing she was in very good hands. Princess Celestia and Sunset Shimmer parted ways, with promises to visit when they could, as good friends.

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And that's a wrap. Hope you have all enjoy this story.