Sunset Shimmer walked to Canterlot High, the winter snow making a satisfying crunch under her knee-high boots. It had been one long, harsh year for Sunset since Twilight Sparkle ventured here. Over the course of the year, Sunset had made friends and handed out many apologies. She still got the occasional hate now and then, but life was better than it had been. Twilight had made her realize what was in her heart: it was an evil beast, a demon, some might say. But now, after all these years of hatred and fear, she was ready. Ready to return to Equestria. She stood in front of the statue, closed her eyes, and walked through.
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Sunset stepped out, and into the Crystal Palace. She looked around the storeroom and saw her cloak draped over a glass display case. She slowly walked to it and picked it up, feeling its smooth lining. It brought back memories. Memories of her stealing Twilight's crown, and of the horrible things she did… Sunset shook her head and put on the cloak, then trotted into a vast hallway. Her hoofsteps echoed along the corridor, just as they had that fateful night. Twilight had completely transformed Sunset Shimmer from a cruel, dark, and boastful tyrant into a kind, considerate, and slightly self-conscious leader. There were still moments where she was wicked: nobody's perfect. Sunset stared at the shiny, polished floor as she walked.
Her warped reflection stared right back at her. Sunset thought. What would she do now that she's back? Where would she go? These thoughts plagued her as she made her way through the Crystal Palace. Eventually she reached the main gate. Her horn lit up with mint green magic, and she stepped out into the Empire. Luna's moon hung high overhead. Sunset looked around at the glimmering city before her. The homes of the Crystal Ponies bathed the night in a soft glow. The air seemed to hold her in its comforting warmth.
"I suppose I should…apologize to Princess Celestia." Whispered Sunset. She made her way through the city until she reaches the train station. Sunset studied at the train schedule: it would be a good 20 minutes before the train arrived. Colored lights were strung up in the gift shop. Sunset trotted up to the window and gazed inside. Decorative snowglobes lined the window sill, and paper snowflakes hung from the ceiling. It must be time for Hearth's Warming Eve. Thought Sunset. Sunset turned from the window, her eyes catching on a painted bench. She trotted over and sat down. It was wonderful being back in Equestria: Sunset hardly realized how much she missed it.
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"All aboard!" Called the Conductor. Sunset trotted forward, about to step on. "Ticket please." Said the Conductor.
"I don't have a ticket, the booth is closed." Said Sunset. The Conductor looked her over, then gave a slight nod.
"Alright, I'll let you on. Climb aboard, madam!" Sunset stepped onto the train, then took her seat. The unicorn spread out, then closed her eyes. It would be a long ride to Canterlot: she might as well get comfortable.