The bell rang.

Rainbow Dash bolted upright. “I’m awake,” she said, to the convincing of none.

Pinkie Pie chuckled to herself as she finished one last doodle while kicking her legs back and forth under her desk. Fluttershy, Rarity, and Applejack looked up from their papers, all seemingly content with what they had written. Twilight kept on writing as though the bell hadn’t even rung. I stared down at the mostly blank page in front of me. Save for a few lines of pointless filler, there wasn’t anything there to read. Not that it really mattered seeing as how we took our final exams a week ago. All that remained was waiting to hear how badly I had failed.

“Alright, students, it seems you’ve all made it this far,” Miss Cheerilee said while boasting her typical wide and bright smile. “Hand in your work, pack up your things, and I’ll see you all tonight at graduation.”

I could sense a physical weight being lifted from my classmates, all eager to leave Canterlot High for the very last time as students and venture on to the next chapter in life. The rush of papers and books being shoved into backpacks had me caught like a dove in the center of a hurricane. My stomach lurched, tied in knots with my neck similarly tensed as I scraped together my belongings and feigned an uneasy smile for anyone that happened to glance my direction. One last ceremony and I would be done with high school. The end of the road for as far as I could see left nothing so much as a hint as to what I would encounter out in the real world.

The past few years had been rough, but this place had grown to mean so much more to me than I could have ever imagined. It felt weird to say, but this was home. All my friends were here. I had a purpose, a goal. Get up, go to school, study, hang out with my friends — that’s what my entire life consisted of. Once I’d given up on my previous goals of world domination, things got a whole lot easier to manage. Now everything stood to change once again, and I had no idea the direction I was going in.

Twilight had scholarship offers from two dozen plus universities. Rarity was all set to enter a prestigious fashion design program at the Crystal Arts Academy. Applejack had signed up for fall semester at the local agricultural college along with Pinkie Pie in their culinary institute and Fluttershy in their veterinary program. Rainbow Dash hadn’t decided yet where she was going, but she’d narrowed it down to whichever school won the summer league championship. As for me, there wasn’t a whole lot available in the Advanced Magical Friendship Studies department.

“Sunset Shimmer?” Miss Cheerilee said, gently laying a hand on my shoulder. “Is everything alright?”

I shook my head and loosened the death grip I had on my backpack clutched tight to my chest. “Uh, yeah. Everything’s fine.” I half turned, not quite meeting her gaze as my head drifted down and away from her touch. “I, uh… better catch up with my friends.” I peeled off and slung my bag over my shoulder, eyes focused on the door of the now empty classroom. Scrambling as if pursued by a ravenous cragadile, I slipped out the door, the clatter and noise from the bustling hallway nearly drowning out Miss Cheerilee’s goodbye. 

“Hey, Sunset!” Rainbow Dash yelled. “Over here!”

I raised my hand and gave a wave to show that I had heard her call and seen the bright colored streaks of rainbow hair over the top of a hundred other students passing along the hallway. Diving into the mass, my feet quickly carried me over to my waiting group of friends. I raised my smile defenses as soon as I joined their circle.

“Hey girls, sorry I took so long getting out of there. Just wanted to thank Miss Cheerilee for everything she’s done for me these past few years.” The lie trickled off my tongue so easily that I could have sworn I had practiced the line.

Rarity nodded. “Not a problem at all, darling. We were just making plans to meet up at my place around five so we can all get ready for graduation together. I trust you have your cap and gown all ready to go?”

My smile faltered. “Uh, I don’t know if I’ll be going, to be honest.”

Six other smiles fell into puzzled glares. 

“Nonsense,” Rarity said. “You heard Miss Cheerilee. We’re all set to graduate tonight, and you need to be there to accept your diploma.”

I hung my head, hair cascading across my face, sheltering me from a half dozen prying stares.

“Sunset, are you feeling okay? You’re not getting sick, are you?” Twilight reached out her hand in support. I just stared at it, not knowing if I should accept her gesture given my mix of physical stress and mental uncertainty. My stomach rolled over, and I about lost my lunch for the second time in the past ten minutes.

“Oh dear, you are sick,” Fluttershy said placing her hand over her mouth. “We should get you home and straight into bed. How terrible to be sick on the last day of school.”

I pulled away from the group. “No, no, it’s nothing like that. I’m just… I don’t know. I just don’t feel like going tonight.”

“Now hold on there y’all,” Applejack said brushing aside several outstretched arms. “If she don’t want to come, she don’t have to. It’s not like she don’t graduate if she don’t put on some silly getup and parade across a stage.”

I pulled the collar of my jacket across my face and sank to the floor. I didn’t want my friends to see me cry, especially over something as silly as graduation. But there I was, back against a locker, face buried in my jacket tucked behind my knees, and tears filling up my eyes. I just wanted to crawl into a hole and wait out the storm.

“Students, give her some space.” The commanding voice of Vice Principal Luna left no room for argument. The shuffle of feet and the looming shadow that fell over me brought a small bit of comfort, surprisingly. I lifted my head enough that I could see her concerned gaze through the tangled mat of hair that draped over my eyes. “Sunset Shimmer, please come with me.” She held out a hand, which I hesitantly took hold of, and she helped me to my feet.

Luna turned to the waiting circle and gave the order to disperse. “I trust you all have a ceremony to prepare for. Don’t worry about your friend. As soon as we are done, I will see that she joins you.”

Rarity thought about delivering a rebuttal, but thought better of it before any words came out of her open mouth. Twilight clutched her books and lowered her head. She managed to say, “Yes, Vice Principal Luna,” before corralling everyone else and leading the group away. 

“Follow me, please,” Luna said. Without any objection, I fell in line, following close behind as a path through the crowd seemed to clear before us. She led me toward her office, but took a slight detour before we arrived at our presumed destination. “Right in here and take a seat.” She gestured through the door to the office of her sister, Principal Celestia. I swallowed hard and ducked my head as I passed under her watchful gaze.

The office was much as I remembered it from the few times I had been here over the years. Sports and academic trophies stood proudly on the shelves mingled with books both large and small. A golden framed picture of both the Principal and Vice Principal rested on the desk, a high-backed chair sat empty on the opposite side. I hesitated, clutching my sides just a few steps from the doorway.

Luna shut the door and briskly stepped around the desk. The curtains were drawn, and with the door closed the office felt somewhat less of an inviting space and more ;ike an interrogation room. She swiveled the Principal’s chair around and took a seat. “Have a seat, Miss Shimmer. We have some things to discuss.”

I turned my head, glancing around the room for any sign of someone hiding in a corner. A single chair sat in front of the desk waiting for my obedient claim. I moved slowly toward the seat. “W-Will someone else be joining us?” I removed my backpack and set it on the floor to the side of the chair before sitting down.

“My sister will be along shortly, but I want to get started seeing as we don’t have much time.” She rested her elbows on the table, clasping her hands together with her index fingers extended as a platform for her chin. A moment passed under her intense and piercing stare. I felt like I should wither or melt had it taken any longer before she began with her questioning. “Miss Shimmer, could you explain to me why you attempted to fail your final exams?”

I struggled to avoid her accusing glare, but like a moth to a flame, I couldn’t help but sense something different in the way she spoke drawing me in. There was a certain kindness and sympathy in the way she asked her question that loosened the rusted iron grip I had been trying to maintain on my crumbling facade. Her question, as direct as it may have been, had another layer to it that begged a much deeper response — what is wrong, and how can I help?”

“I-I don’t know,” I managed to say, caught off-guard by the sudden compassion that I felt emanating from this unfamiliar source.

“Is there anything you would like to share with me, perhaps something that you feel uncomfortable sharing with your friends?”

“Uh…” I just sat there, teetering on the edge of letting go with everything I had kept so tightly concealed. “What do you mean?”

“I mean how you seem to be having trouble accepting the fact that it is time to move on. It’s nothing new. Lots of students find themselves in this situation, and I feel it is my duty to help them resolve their issues.” Luna drew herself forward, placing her hands on the desk with her fingers pointed straight at me. A concerned, but gentle smile graced her otherwise stoic face. “Now, is there anything you would like to share with me, or do I need to tell you what you should already know?” 

I frantically searched for an escape, anything that would allow me an option other than the one that lay straight ahead. Door barred, windows drawn, a trusted adviser reaching out to offer her assistance, I finally reached my breaking point. “I don’t want to leave Canterlot High. This is my home, and I don’t have anywhere else to go.” I couldn’t tell her the whole truth, but I managed to get the basic problem out there.

The handle turned, and the door sung open. Luna sat back in her chair. I slumped forward, face planted in my hands, elbows digging into my thighs. Footsteps approached, but I remained in my vulnerable pose trying not to think about what would happen next.

A hand rested on my shoulder, and I tried to shy away. Soft-spoken words met my ears, calming and soothing with a familiar sort of magical tone wrapping every syllable. “Sunset Shimmer, you have come so far and learned so much during your stay here at Canterlot High. No matter where you decide to go or what new adventure awaits following graduation, I want you to know that you will always be my little pony and you will always have a home should you ever wish to return to Equestria.”

My heart leapt within my chest. I started gasping for air. Looking up, I found the most wonderful smile shining down on me along with an outstretched hand waiting to lift me up. Wrapped in a flowing white dress complete with golden tassels, solid gold bracers adorning her forearms, and a sparkling crown atop her head, there was no mistaking who it was. Nearly falling as I tried to pry myself out of the seat, I spun around only to collapse into the embrace of my old mentor.

“Princess, is it really you?” I said in a whisper, not truly daring to tempt the fates so brazenly.

“It is I,” Princess Celestia said. “Although I had wanted it to be a surprise to coincide with your evening festivities, I am glad to see you now. It has been far too long.” Over her shoulder, I spotted her double entering the room and closing the door behind her.

“But, how are you… Why did you… Who else knows you’re here?” I sputtered out. “Who else knows about us?”

“Only the people in this room. We can’t tell everyone the truth, but we’ve managed to keep the story simple. I’m the Principle’s twin sister, just visiting for the graduation as far as anyone else is concerned.”

I cupped a hand to my mouth and nodded a side gesture to the sisters standing on the other side of the room. “But I thought we’d kept it a secret from, well…”

“Ha!” exclaimed Principal Celestia. “We’ve known about you, and your friends, and the portal, and Equestria for longer than you realize. I mean, how else could you explain turning into a demon monster and destroying the front half of the school building, or saving us and the rest of the students from the siren’s musical mind control, or ripping holes in the fabric of space-time at the conclusion of the Friendship Games, or any of the day-to-day fantastical things that happen around here without accepting that magic exists and you just so happen to be a unicorn protege of my alternate universe, pony Princess no doubt, form from an enchanted land beyond a magical portal? That’s the only way any of the past few years make any sense at all.” She tossed her hands in the air with a sense of total abandonment of anything resembling sanity.

“Ahem,” Vice Principal Luna said, clearing her throat. “I do believe that the matter of Sunset’s graduation still needs to be discussed.” I released my hold on the Princess and stepped off to the side.

“Right you are, sister,” said Principal Celestia calming down and taking up her rightful position behind the large desk. “Apologies for my outburst. I’m still coming to terms with the fact that in another world, I’m the ruler of an entire civilization of sapient equines. Regardless, we have some concerns regarding your participation in the ceremony this evening, Miss Shimmer.”

Princess Celestia shook her head. “I’m sure this can all be cleared up if she were allowed to take the exam again, but this time actually try and pass.”

“Actually, it wouldn’t,” Luna replied. “She already passed the exam, although with a near failing score. Even so, there is no way she could achieve a high enough mark to overcome Twilight Sparkle as valedictorian. She will have to settle for salutatorian. We just need to ensure that she will accept the duties of the accolade. Otherwise, we’ll have to approach the next in line.”

I took a moment to take in the situation. The stress I had been feeling along with the turbulence of some pretty aggressive butterflies in my gut seemed to melt away in an instant. “I’m at a loss for words. I don’t know what to say.” Somehow, I managed a smile. The Princess returned it. 

Principal Celestia folder her arms across her chest. “I hope you can think of something before tonight, because you’ll need to deliver a speech to the graduating class — something about all the wonderful places you’ll go and things you’ll do. Hopefully that won’t be a problem given your special circumstances? You’ll certainly need to avoid any mention of your magical homeland.”

I looked up into the eyes of the Princess. “I don’t know if I can do it. I wasn’t even planning on going to graduation tonight. How can I give a speech about everything that happens after High School when I don’t even know what I’m doing once I graduate?”

“Hmm…” Princess Celestia stepped back and took a slow walk around me. “I can’t say for sure what would be best for you since that is a choice you must make for yourself, but perhaps you should consider this decision like the search for your cutie mark.” The Principals just shrugged their shoulders.

“But, Princess,” I said, “I already have my cutie mark. That doesn’t help me at all.”

“Aww, but you are wrong,” Celestia said. “Your pony self has her cutie mark, and she knows exactly who she is and what she wants to be. Coming to this new world changed all of that. You lost your way, and only recently found the path that leads to your destiny with the help of your new friends.”

“So does that mean I should go back to Equestria?” I asked. “There’s not much left for me here in this world once I graduate especially with all my friends leaving home.”

“It is up to you to seek out the answer, and you will know when you’ve found it,” Princess Celestia said. “Your friends can help you if you let them.”

“Then I guess that settles it. I’m a pony, and ponies belong in Equestria. All this time I’ve been hiding from my destiny when the truth was sitting right in front of my muzzle, err, face.”

“Are you sure about that?” Principal Celestia asked. “What will you tell your friends?”

“I’ll tell them the truth, that I don’t belong here and that I need to go home.”

Luna shook her head. “Just a moment ago you said that this was your home. What changed?”

“I, uhh…” I didn’t have a good response. Returning to Equestria seemed like the logical choice, but even saying the words I knew it wasn’t true. “I guess I should go talk to my friends. Maybe I’ll be able to figure things out while I get ready for the ceremony.”

“And the speech,” Principle Celestia added.

“I’ll see you tonight, Sunset,” Princess Celestia said, wrapping me in another embrace. “Go and be with your friends. Everything will work out in the end, whatever you decide to do.”

“Alright, we’ll play it by ear. Thanks everyone.” I took comfort in her words and resolved to spend the rest of the evening trying to decide what I should do next. Not quite sure how to go about it, I picked up my backpack, gave an unreassuring smile to all three, and made my exit.

[hr]

The ten minute walk to Rarity’s house seemed like it took the rest of the evening, even though the sun barely moved from the time I left the school to the time I found myself ringing the doorbell and being pulled inside by an overly excited Pinkie Pie. 

“She’s here!” yelled Pinkie to the entire house at once. Nearly yanking my arm off, she pulled me into the living room where a number of dresses and accessories had been laid out. Everyone was busy taking stock of the options and giving their opinions on what looked best on whom.

As soon as I entered the room, everyone fell silent. Rarity waltzed over and replaced Pinkie’s grip with the gentle guidance of her own hand. “Right this way. I have your dress all ready to go.”

I started to object, but I knew it was futile to refuse. “Thanks, I think.” She led me past the couch and into a small room on the far side. Her personal sewing room looked like a tornado had recently struck. Various busts, draped with all sorts of fancy fabric and lace trimming showed that Rarity had been taking her preparations for graduation quite seriously. She strolled over to the closet and pulled out the most stunning white and gold dress I had ever laid eyes on. In a way it reminded me of Celestia’s dress minus the tassels and royal adornments, but it sparkled all the same.

“Here you are, darling. Hurry and put it on, and join us in the living room so we can do your hair and makeup. We only have an hour until we have to depart for the ceremony.” Rarity thrust the dress into my unprepared arms and glided toward the door without breaking stride.

Before she left me alone with the gorgeous dress and no way to object to her generous gift, I managed to say, “Uh, is it really necessary to get all done up? Aren’t we all going to be wearing the same old boring black cap and gown?”

Rarity smiled with one of her patronizingly reassuring smiles. “This is our graduation night, and there is more to each of us than a boring old cap and gown. What is underneath means just as much or more than what lies on the surface. Don’t forget the shoes; they go with the dress.” She pointed over to the corner at a pair of strappy white heels interwoven with a strand of gold thread snaking up the crisscrossing design. Without another word, she turned and left the room, closing the door behind her.

I stood there a moment wondering if this was a sign. The soft touch of silk draped over my arms felt warm and comfortable, just like the Princess’ embrace. On the other hand, I wasn’t sure how I could properly thank her for the gift and then turn around and say I was leaving.

I hung the dress over the back of a chair and took a moment to study my reflection in the floor length mirror across the room. Right away, the symbol on my shirt caught my eye. My own cutie mark, a simple knockoff of the real one from my pony self, sat proudly for all to see, yet it wasn’t permanently attached and I could remove the shirt whenever I wanted. I slipped my backpack off and dropped my jacket along with it. Without the slightest resistance, the shirt followed. I lay a hand across my chest, bare skin all that I felt. My leggings came off soon after, and I ran a hand over my hip, confirming what the mirror already showed—another bare patch of yellow skin. Had I really abandoned the one true destiny I had known? Was going home the only way to reclaim it?

From the crumpled pile of clothes at my feet, I stepped out of my boots and walked over to the dress. I ran my hand across the hem, taking in the fine detail of the work that Rarity had put into making it. I lifted it up off the chair and slid it over my head. It felt like a second skin, covering and protecting my nakedness. Wrapped in the warmth of a never-ending hug, I shuffled over to the shoes and slipped my feet into the straps. I rose up on the heels and took another look at the crumpled pile of clothing I had shed, the sunburst from my shirt plainly visible on top.

“Sunset, hurry up in there!” Rainbow Dash yelled along with a pounding on the door. “Some of us still need to get dressed up, at least according to Rarity.”

I smiled. “Hold your horses,” I replied. I quickly stuffed my normal clothes into my backpack and opened the door.

“Woah!” Rainbow Dash said, taken back as I walked past her.

“Ohhhh,” Fluttershy added, “you look amazing!”

Twilight looked up holding a tangled mess of Applejack’s hair and an oversize brush. “Just a minute and I’ll help do your hair.”

“Uhh,” Applejack replied, wincing under the tugs from Twilight’s brush, “you better finish with the mess you made with mine before you get to work on hers. Although, she looks great even without her hair done up all fancy.”

Rarity approached. “Take a turn for me, would you?” I blushed. Hoping that I wouldn’t fall flat on my face with the new heels, I tried my best to make a runway turn. “Hmm, I don’t recall adding the mark, but it does suit the piece.”

“Huh?” I remarked, looking down to try and get look at what she was referring to. There, on my hip, in shining gold and red thread sat my cutie mark, the significance most likely lost on the dress creator. I took a step back to get a better angle, but quickly gave up and rushed toward Rarity to give her the biggest hug I could manage.

“Watch the nails!” Rarity shouted as I wrapped my arms around her. Her fingers were damp with a fresh coat of purple varnish.

“Thank you, Rarity,” I said, heedless to the strength I applied to our embrace. “It means more to me than you’ll even know.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, dear, but we’re in kind of a rush. Fluttershy, since you’re all set, would you mind having a go at Sunset’s hair?” Rarity waved her hands as she crossed the room, trying to speed up the process of drying. With a kick on the sewing room door she said, “Rainbow Dash, you have sixty seconds to get dressed and join the rest of us.”

“But I just got in here,” Rainbow said, annoyed at the rush order.

I sat down in a chair, carefully adjusting the cutie mark design to the side of the seat and crossed my legs. Fluttershy grabbed a brush and some pins and got to work on combing through my hair. The tangles from my previous bout of tears took a few minutes to work through, but in the end, she managed to create sweeping up-do worthy of a fancy salon. As she plied through the last few strands, arranging a sort of wreath around my head, she whispered a question in my ear, “I thought you said you weren’t coming. What made you change your mind?”

I answered her without a second thought. “I’m here for my friends, and I almost lost sight of that. An old friend had to remind me that. In fact, there’s something that I need to talk with all of you about, but it can wait until after graduation.”

“That’s good to hear,” Fluttershy said following a short pause. “Umm, perhaps you could have a quick talk with Twilight and let her know you aren’t mad about the whole valedictorian thing. She may have thought that she was the reason you didn’t want to attend tonight.”

“Oh,” I said, “I hadn’t thought of it that way. I hope she doesn’t think I’m jealous. I’m actually quite thrilled that she decided to transfer from Crystal Prep. I still have to give a speech, so it doesn’t really change anything.”

“Well, I can certainly understand not wanting to give a speech.” Fluttershy took a step back, clutching the hairbrush with both hands. “I hope you like your hair. I did my best.”

I stood up and without even looking in a mirror wrapped my arms around Fluttershy. “I know, and I’m sure it looks great. Thank you.” Fluttershy blushed.

“Alright everyone, it’s time we get going,” Rarity said clapping her hands to get everyone’s attention. “Rainbow, I’m disappointed that you won’t let me do your makeup, but the rest of you look absolutely stunning. Grab your caps and gowns and let’s have a wonderful night together.”

I glanced around the room, taking in the view of all of my friends done up in their finest. I wasn’t sure if a graduation night qualified, but this would definitely be a night I wouldn’t soon forget. I reached down to pick up my backpack, but didn’t quite finish before Rarity started up again.

“Leave that here, Sunset,” she said. “Take this instead.” She reached over and handed me a matching purse for my outfit. On the front flap in gold script it read, <i>Best Friends Forever</i>. I turned it over in my hands. The reverse side had the same cutie mark insignia as my dress. Rarity held a finger up to her mouth as if trying to recall something she had forgotten. “I could have sworn I made them all the same, but no problem. At least it matches the dress.”

I tossed on my cap and gown, hurrying a bit as the others were already starting to leave. Rainbow Dash was the first out the door. Pinkie followed closed behind with Applejack and Fluttershy. Following behind the pack, I slowed my pace to try and catch a word with Twilight while Rarity locked up the house. 

A few minutes into our walk, I found myself practically alone with Twilight. “Hey, Twi,” I said. “No hard feelings about the whole valedictorian thing.”

“Oh, heh heh,” Twilight said, shrugging her shoulders. “Sorry about that. I just can’t help myself. My teachers say I have a problem with overachieving, and that it’s going to get me into trouble some day.”

“Well, I just want you to know that a final grade won’t ever come between me and my friends. I’m proud of you, Twilight. You deserve it.”

“Thanks, Sunset. I hope you don’t mind speaking last. I promise I’ll try and keep my speech short and to the point.”

“Take as long as you like. I don’t even know what I’m going to say.”

Twilight gulped and stopped short. “But, you have something in mind, don’t you? You can’t just get up in front of the whole class and have nothing prepared to say, right?”

“You got any suggestions? I’m open to whatever.” I brushed on by, and she started moving again to keep up.

“Well, there’s this one book that everyone seems to recite at graduations. Maybe you could just read that?”

“I don’t know, Twilight. It doesn’t seem like something I would do. I want whatever I say to come from the heart, so I think I’ll wait and see what inspires me in the moment and go with that. I mean, it’s not like we’re being graded on our graduation speeches or anything.”

“I guess that’s true. I’d never thought of it like that. I’ve been working on my speech for the last six months, and I have three different versions ready to go. Maybe I’m waiting for inspiration to strike as well so I know which one to pick.”

“I’d say to go with your gut. You can’t go wrong when there’s nothing to be judged on. I certainly don’t mind if you get up there and thank everyone in the audience for coming and then sit right back down.”

“But doesn’t that kind of defeat the purpose of the speech? Being a valedictorian, or even a salutatorian, means that everyone in the graduating class is looking up to you. They will take what we say and use it as inspiration to help guide the rest of their lives. They’re counting on us, and we can’t let them down.”

The clack of my heels suddenly stopped. “I hadn’t thought of it like that.” The butterflies were starting to swarm again. I grasped the sides of my dress and gave myself a small hug to try and stave off the feeling. I closed my eyes and breathed in the cool night air, slowly in and out. Soon, I felt another set of arms wrap around me in an even better hug.

“You’ll do great, Sunset,” Twilight whispered. “Sorry if I made you nervous at all.”

I smiled. “Who’s nervous? It’s only the entire school, all our friends, and a visiting princess that we have to impress.” I tried to laugh off the nerves.

“A what?” Twilight said, drawing back in shock.

“Oh, umm, nothing. Forget I said that.” I pulled away and started walking toward the school again. Up ahead, the rest of the group was waiting for us, and I didn’t want them to worry that there was anything else wrong. Twilight hurried along, and we arrived at the school just in time to be ushered straight into the auditorium.

[hr]

From my seat on the stage, I could look out over all the students and family that had gathered for the graduation ceremony.  I kept a steady watch on my breathing to keep my stomach settled. Even so, I couldn’t help but rub my heels together every time another person took to the stand, anxiously awaiting my own turn. Principal Celestia welcomed everyone to start, even giving a brief acknowledgment of her twin sitting in the front row. From the seat beside me, Twilight elbowed me in the ribs and gave a nob of her head toward the Princess. I shrugged and nodded back.

The school band played the Canterlot High fight song. Vice Principal Luna read through the names of all the teachers seated on the stand behind her. Some got a round of applause, and other received some muted boos. Twilight fumbled with three different manuscripts that could have easily been turned into novels to rival <i>War and Peace</i>. I placed my hand over hers to steady her trembling. She turned and smiled and nervous smile.

“Just go with your gut,” I mouthed. Twilight nodded and slipped all three sets of pages under her chair as her name was called. Rising up, she smoothed out her dress, took a big gulp of air, and walked up to the mic.

“Good evening, everyone. Thank you for coming to our graduation ceremony.” She paused and turned around to give me a quick wink before turning back to the audience and continuing. “I’ve thought about what I wanted to say for a long time, but in the moment, none of what I had prepared seems appropriate. I’m new to this school, and by all rights, shouldn’t even be here tonight. I should have graduated years ago, but I’ve been holding myself back because I was afraid of what I would find out in the world.”

My mouth hung open. I wanted to reach out and hug Twilight all over again, but instead I tightened my grip on the arms of the chair.

“Walking over here tonight, I was presented with the thought that whatever I might say here doesn’t really matter. In a short time, all of us will have gone our separate ways. Some of us might remain in town, others may move on to other cities, universities, careers. The only thing that will remain of our time together at Canterlot High will be the memories we’ve shared and the friendships we’ve made. No matter how far apart we are, our friendship will live on. Whenever we face a challenge in life, or need direction on where to turn, we can always call up a friend and seek advice. We may not always get the answer we’re looking for, but we’ll know that we still have a friend who can listen and help where possible.”

A soft patter of tears falling on the front of my not so beautiful, black graduation gown let me know I was failing to keep my emotions in check. At the current rate, I’d be full raccoon eyed by the time Twilight finished speaking. At least I would match my gown. 

“We all have a purpose in life, and it takes a while for some of us to understand what that is. In the meantime, I’m glad I have the support of my friends. I’m glad I could come to this school and learn what it really means to have friends. It doesn’t matter where I go from here, as long as I keep trying to do my best and seek to make new friends along the way. Who knows, maybe I’ll help someone find their purpose in life just like you’ve helped me find mine here at Canterlot High. Thank you all.”

To a round of thunderous applause, Twilight walked back to her seat. Standing and clapping next to the Princess in the front row, I caught a glimpse of Principal Cadance wiping a tear from her eye. Just as I felt it couldn’t get any more emotionally charged, a chant began rolling around the hall. “Best friends forever. Best friends forever.”

Only when Principal Celestia took to the stand did everything calm down. She raised her hand and signaled for everyone to take their seats. Once the crowd had settled back in, she cleared her throat and addressed the room. “Thank you, Twilight Sparkle for those heartfelt words. We have one final speaker tonight before we hand out diplomas. Please join me in welcoming our salutatorian, Sunset Shimmer.”

A polite clap rolled around the crowd as I felt my stomach drop to the floor. Twilight placed a hand on my shoulder and helped coax me out of my seat. Without even asking for help, she walked up to the podium with me and stood by my side while I tried to gather my thoughts. Staring out over the crowd, I could make out only a few faces seated along the first row—Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and right in front of me, Princess Celestia.

I tapped the mic and a screech echoed across the hall. “Uhh, hello everypo… everyone. I’m not usually one to give these kind of speeches, and my friend, Twilight, kind of said everything I might have wanted to say if I was any good at this. That said, I do have something to add.”

The hall was silent. Everyone looked at me, waiting to hear what I was going to say. My stomach remained a knotted mess. My knuckles turned white, like my dress, as I gripped the podium while trying not to shake too badly. I looked down at the Princess. She smiled up at me and gave a nod.

“I’ve been thinking for a while, and the more I thought, the more afraid I became. I didn’t want to graduate. I didn’t even want to be here tonight with all of you. I was scared of what graduation meant. Leaving this place, and all my friends—I didn’t have any plans for the future, and I still don’t know exactly what I plan on doing next.

“When I first came to Canterlot High, I was trying to escape my past. Some really good friends helped me see the error of my ways and helped me change course. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome given all the terrible things I’ve done. 

“An old friend recently told me that I would know what do when the time came, and I trust that she knows I’ll make the right choice. Canterlot High is my home, and it always will be. Just like my friends here tonight, the memories we’ve shared and the time we’ve spent together will always be with us no matter where we go. I still need to decide what exactly I plan to do with the rest of my life, but I’m not scared anymore. I know that my friends will be there to support me, even if we don’t all go to the same school anymore, or hang out every night, or even talk every week. I know there are new friends out there waiting for me, and I want to find them and share new experiences with them. Maybe I’ll stay here, and maybe I’ll travel to a far away land, but I’ll always be close by if a friend needs my help. Thank you all for being such an amazing group of friends.”

I turned around and gave Twilight a hug. The cheers from the audience felt like they were a mile away. She smiled at me, stepping back and motioning toward the crowd. I smiled back then turned around and stepped off the stage. In a rush, the rest of my friends ran up to embrace me as a group. I hung on for what seemed like an eternity. The cheering continued, but I kept blocking it out, keeping my focus on those by my side.

Slowly, the group parted as the noise settled down. Standing there, patiently waiting her turn, Princess Celestia held out her arms. I ran to her.

Buried in her robe, I could barely make out her voice. “Students, please rise as I call out your names and come up to the stage to receive your diploma.” It took me a moment to realize it wasn’t the Princess speaking. 

She lifted my head and held my cheek while peering deep into my eyes. “No matter where you go or what you do, you will always be my little pony, and I am proud of you, Sunset Shimmer. Don’t you ever forget that.”

“I won’t, Princess,” I replied.

One by one, students began to file up to the stage. Soon, I heard my name and made my way across to where Luna was handing out the diplomas. I caught a brief hint of a smile as she handled me the package. I smiled back and dove in for a hug before she could react. She didn’t seem to mind, other than the fact that I was holding up the line.

I made my way back down to the audience and stood with my friends. Twilight was there waiting. Principal Celestia finished with the names and waited a moment for the last student to clear the stage before addressing the graduates.

“Students, please move your tassels from the right to the left side.” We all eagerly scrambled to do as she said. “It is now my great honor to present the graduating class of Canterlot High.” We all gave a cheer. Some tossed their caps in the air.

I held on to Twilight and Rarity’s hands completing the circle around the seven of us. “Best friends forever,” I said.

“Best friends forever,” everyone replied.

“Now let’s get out of these tacky robes,” Rarity said.

“Yeah, it’s time to party!” Pinkie said.

“Sounds like a plan,” I added.

[hr]

The school gym had everything set up for the after party. Once we were free of our graduation robes, we joined in the celebration. I got to introduce all my friends to Princess Celestia. Twilight especially seemed quite eager to make her acquaintance. I made the initial introduction, but ducked away once I remembered I had a lot of other people to see.

I milled about the gym, bumping into teachers and friends all over the place. More than a few compliments were made on my dress, and I passed all the praise along to Rarity. People seemed to like my speech, but I honestly couldn’t remember much of anything I had said. I knew what it felt like, and I would always remember that. 

Once free of Twilight, Princess Celestia found a quiet corner took me aside. “So, have you decided what you are going to do now?”

I met her gaze with confidence. “I can honestly say that I haven’t made a decision. College won’t start for a couple of months, and I’ve given some thought to visiting Equestria, at least for a little while. After that, I’m sure I’ll find something to do. Maybe there is something here for me after all.”

“Well, it seems like you have a great group of friends in this world, and it wouldn’t be fair if you had to say goodbye. That said, I do know of a certain school that would be honored to have you as a teacher. I’ve been looking to start a new program, Advanced Magical Friendship Studies, and I couldn’t think of a better unicorn to lead the department.”

“Are you serious? That would be amazing!” I stopped and shook my head. The answer lay right in front of me, shining like the light of the sun. “Actually, Equestria already has a Princess of Friendship, but they don’t have that here. Maybe that’s what I’m meant to do, stay here and help spread the magic of friendship. I could become a teacher, or a counselor. How did I not see this before? I’ve come to see this place as my home, and all my friends are here. They need me, and I need them. I’ll always be a pony at heart, but my friends will always come first. Thank you for the offer, Princess, but I can’t accept.”

“I had a feeling you would say that, and I think your cutie mark agrees.” Princess Celestia pointed down at the edge of my dress, a glowing sunburst pulsing to the beat of the music. “Don’t be a stranger, come and visit from time to time.”

“You can bet on that,” I said as another thought crossed my mind. “What would you say if I brought a friend with me?”

Princess Celestia smiled. “I think she would like that very much.”