"Where is she?"

Principal Celestia sat alone in her office, the gentle hum of the fluorescent lights filling the silence. Her eyes were fixed on the desk in front of her, where scattered papers lay in a chaotic disarray-far more than usual. The clock on the wall ticked, its rhythmic sound growing louder as she continued to wait. The stillness pressed in on her, creating an unease she couldn't shake.

Where was she? CJ Sapphire, the new student, had yet to return after unloading her things into her locker. Celestia had asked her to do that and then come straight back to her office. A slight frown pulled at her lips as the minutes ticked by. Her thoughts spiraled, trying to account for every possibility. What if CJ had gotten lost in the maze of hallways? What if she'd just decided to leave?

The thought made her heart race, and her gaze flickered to the door as though expecting the girl to walk through it at any second.

What if something went wrong?

Just as the worry started to settle like a weight in her chest, the door to her office swung open.

"Hey, Principal Celestia."

Sunset Shimmer stepped inside, her usual bright smile turning to a concerned frown when she noticed Celestia's preoccupation.

"Sunset," Celestia said, her voice a touch sharper than usual, though she instantly softened. "I'm sorry. I didn't hear you come in."

"No problem," Sunset replied, her eyes scanning Celestia's face. "You look like something's bothering you. You called me here, right?"

Celestia sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Yes, I did. It's CJ. She was supposed to be back by now."

Sunset raised an eyebrow. "CJ? The new girl you were showing around?"

Celestia nodded, her fingers idly tapping the pen. "Yes, that's her. I asked her to unpack her things and then come back... but it's been over thirty minutes, and I haven't heard anything from her."

Sunset studied the principal for a moment, sensing her unease. "Isn't that a little unusual for her first day?"

"Yes, exactly." Celestia's voice dropped lower, her thoughts moving quickly. What if she got lost?

Before she could continue spiraling, there was a soft knock at the door. It opened slightly, and in stepped CJ, looking a little out of breath.

"There you are!" Celestia exclaimed, rising from her chair, her relief palpable. "Where have you been?"

CJ hesitated at the door, scratching the back of her neck awkwardly. Seriously? She didn't think she could've just called me through the PA system, or whatever they call it?

Her thoughts were interrupted as Celestia's voice rang out, breaking her train of thought. "CJ, are you okay? I was starting to get worried."

CJ offered a weak, apologetic smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. I was just... I had a little migraine and went to the nurse. I must've lost track of time." She rubbed the back of her neck again, hoping Celestia wouldn't press further. It wasn't exactly the truth, but it felt like the easiest thing to say. She couldn't exactly tell the principal she was still trying to make sense of her first day.

Celestia raised an eyebrow but seemed to accept it. "At least you're okay. By the way, this is the student I was talking about," Celestia said, motioning toward Sunset, who was now standing at her side, a welcoming smile on her face.

CJ's gaze landed on the girl with sharp crimson hair and yellow streaks, her cyan eyes sparkling with an easygoing charm. Her hair... it's almost like bacon.

Sunset extended her hand toward CJ. "Hey, nice to meet you! I'm Sunset Shimmer."

CJ hesitated for a moment before shaking her hand, still feeling the unfamiliarity of the situation. "CJ Sapphire," she muttered, barely managing a smile.

Sunset's enthusiasm didn't seem to falter, though. "So, how about that tour?" she asked, gesturing to the open door behind her.

CJ nodded slowly, the idea of seeing more of the school not exactly thrilling but probably necessary. "Sure."

Not like she had much of a choice.

********

The tour began, but CJ couldn't shake the feeling that she was merely going through the motions. They passed classrooms, science labs, and the school auditorium. Sunset filled the silence with casual commentary, explaining each area as they walked.

"Over here is the library," Sunset pointed out as they walked past a set of double doors. "And there's the auditorium."

CJ nodded but didn't offer much in response. "Mm, maybe later," she muttered, already feeling the weight of being around so many unfamiliar people.

After a few more moments of walking, Sunset continued. "You know, the last group I gave a tour to was... The Dazzlings."

CJ blinked. "Who?"

Sunset laughed softly, the sound light and almost nostalgic. "Oh, right. You wouldn't know them. They were... well, they were these sirens who came from Equestria. They could feed off the negative energy of everyone around them. Used their voices to control people." Sunset shrugged, as if it were no big deal.

CJ raised an eyebrow, clearly confused. "Sirens? From Equestria?"

Sunset turned to her with a small chuckle. "I'm guessing you still have no idea what I'm talking about, huh?"

CJ shifted her gaze, slightly embarrassed. "I... guess not."

Sunset smiled warmly. "Well, Equestria is another world. It's full of magic, and there are pony versions of us there. Well, except for me–I'm from Equestria, so..." she trailed off.

CJ blinked, processing the information. "So you're, like, a pony in human form?"

Sunset nodded. "Yeah, exactly."

The tour led them outside into the schoolyard, where they stopped in front of the Wondercolt statue. Sunset's voice took on a slightly more serious tone as she gestured toward it. "This here is the Wondercolt statue... or at least, what's left of it."

CJ looked up, her eyes scanning the base of the statue. It seemed like something had happened to it–it was worn, parts of it cracked and chipped. But there was something... strange about it. Something familiar.

"You want to know the best part about this statue?" Sunset asked, her eyes lighting up with a knowing smile. "It's actually a portal to Equestria. I wouldn't go through it, though. Not unless you absolutely have to."

CJ's eyes widened, clearly intrigued. "Woah, really?"

Sunset nodded, her expression softening as she stared at the statue. "Yeah. The portal to Equestria is right here. It's how I got here in the first place." Her eyes darkened slightly as she continued, "And honestly, I wasn't always the... person I am now. I tried to take over the school and everything."

CJ blinked, taking in the weight of the admission, before deadpanning, "Let me guess... it didn't work out?"

Sunset's smile faltered slightly, but she didn't take offense. "Yeah, it didn't. I was a bit of a... mess back then."

CJ's gaze softened as she watched Sunset, her expression one of genuine curiosity. "You? Tried to take over the school?"

Sunset nodded, a touch of regret in her voice. "Yeah. It's not something I'm proud of, but it's part of my past. I try not to think about it, but... it's not always easy to forget."

CJ remained silent for a moment, letting the weight of Sunset's words sink in. She knew what it was like to have a past you couldn't escape.

With a small smile, CJ placed a hand on Sunset's shoulder. "I get it. Trust me."

Sunset looked at her in surprise, her eyes softening as she met CJ's gaze. "Thanks."

CJ offered a small, almost shy smile. "So... you used magic to change everything, huh?"

Sunset grinned. "Yeah. Twilight Sparkle–she's a pony princess from Equestria–she came here to stop me when I was at my worst. She showed me the power of friendship. That's when things changed for me."

"And this," Sunset then pointed to the pendant around her neck,"this is my geode. It gives me the power to read minds... Through direct contact though. My friends all have one, too. It's like... fate, I guess."

CJ blinked, her thoughts racing as she tried to process everything. She didn't quite believe it at first, but Sunset's sincerity made her pause.

Sunset gave her a sheepish grin. "I could show you, if you want."

CJ immediately pulled her hand back, a bit startled by the offer. "It's okay," she said, forcing a small smile. "I believe you."

Sunset nodded understandingly, then looked at her curiously. "You sure? You're not hiding something from me, are you?"

CJ chuckled softly, but it wasn't entirely out of amusement. "No. I really do believe you. And besides, I'd rather you not read my thoughts."

Sunset's smile faltered just slightly as she let out a short laugh. "Fair enough."

The two stood in a comfortable silence for a moment before CJ glanced at her watch. "I should probably get going."

Sunset frowned. "Oh sure, I didn't mean to keep you. I know how overwhelming the first day can be."

"Hey, since you don't know anyone here, I could introduce you to my friends as a start?" Sunset offered, her voice filled with warmth and a hint of excitement. "They're all really cool. You'd get along with them, I'm sure."

CJ hesitated for a moment, her gaze flicking from Sunset to the other students scattered around the school yard. She felt a subtle tightness in her chest, a familiar wariness at the thought of getting too close to anyone. She'd spent years building walls, keeping people at arm's length. That's how she liked it. That's how she had to keep it.

"Oh, no need," CJ replied, her voice careful but polite. "I'll be fine by myself."

Sunset raised an eyebrow, sensing the hesitation in CJ's voice. "Are you sure? They're all pretty nice. We have a lot of fun together. You don't have to jump into it all at once."

CJ offered a tight-lipped smile, her mind whirling with conflicting thoughts. On one hand, the idea of meeting Sunset's friends seemed appealing. They sounded like the kind of people she could learn to trust. But on the other hand, the thought of letting anyone get too close-of risking vulnerability-was terrifying. She didn't know if she was ready for that.

"I appreciate the offer, really," CJ said, her eyes drifting to the distant building. "But I think I'll just... take it slow. I'm not really the social type."

Sunset studied her for a moment, a slight frown tugging at the corners of her lips. She could see the walls CJ had put up, but she wasn't about to push her. The girl seemed like she'd been through enough already, and Sunset wasn't about to make her feel cornered.

"Alright," Sunset said with a small nod. "I get it. But hey, if you change your mind, you know where to find me."

CJ gave her a nod in return, relieved at how easily Sunset had accepted her refusal. She could already tell that Sunset wasn't the kind of person to judge her for being a little wary. That meant something, even if CJ didn't want to admit it.

As the bell rang in the distance, signaling the start of lunch, CJ glanced at the time, her stomach unexpectedly grumbling. She'd forgotten how hungry she was. "I guess I'll grab something to eat," she muttered, more to herself than Sunset.

Sunset smirked. "Yeah, me too. I'll catch you later, CJ. Have a good lunch."

CJ gave a faint, almost hesitant smile. "Thanks. You too."

Without waiting for a response, she turned and began walking toward the school, her steps deliberate but far from hurried. Her chest felt heavy, a weight she couldn't quite name, yet there was something about the exchange with Sunset that left a faint crack in her usual defenses. It wasn't much, but it was... something.

She wasn't sure what to make of it-this tiny, unfamiliar flicker of connection. It didn't erase the unease that still lingered, but for the first time in a long while, the idea of not being completely alone didn't feel as suffocating as it usually did.

Stepping into the school, the noise of the hallway surrounded her, jarring and chaotic, yet oddly grounding. CJ glanced at the faces around her, familiar in their unfamiliarity, and felt the same old pang of doubt tighten in her chest. Maybe Canterlot High wouldn't be so bad... or maybe it was just another place to get hurt.

The thought lingered, as it always did, but this time, it didn't feel quite as absolute. She let out a quiet breath, her steps steady as she moved further down the hall. Perhaps it wasn't about finding certainty, she realized, but about taking one cautious step at a time.

And, for now, maybe that was all she needed.