//------------------------------// // Chapter 9: Together At Last // Story: Sun's Hearth's Warming Eve Journey // by Pinkie Pie Sweets //------------------------------// The next day, early in the morning, Sun turns a bit, and is starting to wake up from her long sleep. She opens her eyes to see her surroundings, but her image is a bit blurry. Her head hurts, and feels like a lot of her energy is used up. Sun starts to rub her head and is feeling very dizzy. Sun groans in pain, as she says, "Aw man, who got the licence plate of that truck or whatever I got hit?" Sun look around to see she is not in the hallway of the castle anymore. Sun feels that she is in a bed. Sun look around to see if there's anyone around, but she feels so dizzy that her vision is still not very clear. She then notices that something or someone is in front of her. From the blurry vision it looks like it's someone she knows. Sun squints her eyes with a questionable look, and asks, "Dad?" "Not exactly your adopted father, but you're close," A familiar voice says. Sun rubs her eyes more and her vision is clear enough to identify who is in front of her. Sun looks surprised to see a creature that looks a lot like her dad, only he's human and remember who this creature is. "You're Discord, at least, the Discord who lives here?" Sun asks looking a bit surprised. "You got that right," Discord answers with glee. Sun look to see that Discord from this world is wearing a doctor's coat, a stethoscope, and carrying a doctor's bag. Sun is starting to wonder what he's doing here and why he's here of all places. Sun asks, "But, what are you doing?" "Take care of you of course. I may have heard of a certain incident you in a way caused in order to save your friend, so Fluttershy want me to help you, and in case you don't know where you are, Princes Celestia allowed you to stay in her room for the night," Discord answers with glee. Sun giggle a bit, and happily says, "Yep, you are my dad's counterpart alright." Discord claps his paw and claw with glee as he says, "Goodie, and I brought my little troublemaker with me." "Hi," the little pony pops out. The pony is a small pink or light purple like fur, and has a ball with a screw on her flank. From the mae and tail, the eyes, the propeller hat, and the rest of her appearance, Sun can tell this is her little sister's counterpart. This young earth filly is Screwball from this world in Equestria. "My name is Screwball, but I'm sure you know who I am," Screwball says with a grin on her face. "Well you sure are Screwball alright, you even have the same propeller hat," Sun replies with a smile. "You got it, I never go anywhere or do anything without it, weee!" Screwball says with pride as she spins the propeller on her hat. "Same as my sister, it's hard to get her to take it off when it needs to get washed," Sun says with a smug on her face. Discord and Screwball start to laugh a bit, and Sun laughed along with them. However, Sun suddenly remembers about what happened last night, and starts to feel sad and guilty. Discord and Screwball stop laughing and can see Sun is not very happy anymore, and looking very sad. "What's the matter, you were smiling a minute ago?" Screwball asks looking a bit sad too. Sun sighs sadly, and explains, "Because I acted like a total jerk back there, and what's worse my family saw how I acted, even though they didn't see the real me." Discord and Screwball can see that Sun is feeling upset and bad for how she acted. Sun just wishes she can just fix this, even though she knows it's not exactly her fault. "Well first, you were wearing that disguise," Screwball says. "And second, the spell disappear and your real family know you're alright," Discord adds. Sun flops her head back on the pillow and bluntly says, "Great." Discord realizes his mistake, and says to cheer Sun up, "But don't worry, the princesses, Twilight and others explained to them about everything and why you didn't tell them what happened." "And what did they say?" Sun sadly asks. "Other than the fact that you are totally amazing, they did wish you should have tell them sooner, but they understand. In fact, they also want to do something special for today," Screwball says with a reassuring smile. "Yes, except I also have another family and all of my friends," Sun sadly replies. Discord and Screwball can see something else is bothering her, and it's making her scared about something. Discord sits next to Sun and says, "I'm guessing there's something else bothering you," Sun sighs sadly and explains, "If I decided to live at one life, would that means I would have to give up my other life forever." "That depends, it's entirely up to you Sun," A familiar voice says. Sun, Discord, and Screwball turns to the balcony to see Princess Luna is here as well. "Princess Luna!" the three shockley replies. "Yes, I'm glad you are feeling alright," Princess Luna replies. Sun rubs her head, and says, "Yeah, but all I remember was using my magic, and then I collapsed from exhaustion. I can't remember anything else." "Don't worry, you are fine right now, but you seem to be worried about your decision," Princess Luna says, Sun sighs sadly and says, "Yeah." Princess Luna says, "Your friends also told your family about your life beyond them mirror, and all they want is for you to be happy. They understand that you are growing up and you are able to make your decision. What you chose, they will be fine with it." "I guess so," Sun says, feeling a little better. Sun starts to think about her little problem. True she still wants to see her family but having to face them after everything that has happen, it's putting a little stress on her. Then again from what her friends explain, her family wants her to be happy, and at least want her to see thema again. Princess Luna pats her head, and says, "I can tell you have a lot of thinking to do, but I'm sure that whatever you chose your family will be happy for you." Sun simply nods her head in reply. Princess Luna turns to the two chaotic friends, and says, "Now Discord and Screwball, we should get going." "Okay, see you later sunny," Discord agrees. "Bye Sun," Screwball replies with a smile. "Bye," Sun says. With that, Princess Luna leaves the room through the door while Discord and Screwball teleport themselves away and are probably going to see the others. Sun looks around to see Princess Celestia's room and can remember it's been years since she's been here. However, the problem of having to face her family after everything that has happen is making her have butterflies in her Sun sadly says in her thoughts, "I just don't know what to do, especially for everything I've been through. Living here I have my family to support me, even though I gave up making friends and focus on becoming strong, powerful, and want to use my magic to help others, but then somehow almost forgot about it. After losing my memoirs, I have lots of friends, and I was able to help others, even though we went through so much." Sun sighs sadly and asks herself, "What am I going to do now?" Sun then looks outside the balcony to see the sun rising in the air. Sun really wish there is a way that she can spend both holidays with her family and friends, but scared about what has happened. In the castle ballroom, everypony is up early to make sure the party they are planing is ready. They have Hearth's Warming decorations, food, stage ready for music, and everything that a Hearth's Warming party needs to make it heart warming. Rarity adjust the last of the decoration and it's looking great. Rarity complements her work, "There those are great colors for Hearth's Warming." "You're right, and it sure is nice to see Sun and her family are going to be reunited with each other," Applejack replies. "I agree, I just hope Sun will be alright," Twilight says with concern. "Why wouldn't she?" Pinkie asks. Twilight turns to the girls, and nervously says, "Well, remember how Sun reacted art the party yesterday and Sun felt awful about it." Hearing this, the girls can understand what Twilight is talking about. "I guess she feels very bad and embarrassed about it," Rarity says. "But it's not her fault," Rainbow adds. "We know that, Sun just felt bad for yelling at them, even though they did kind of deserve for how they acted," Applejack replies. "Indeed," Rarity agrees. Fluttershy comes over, "But I'm sure Sun will cheer up. Star Shower and the others have already apologize, and things are coming together." "I sure hope so," Scarlet's voice replies. The girls turn over to see Sun's family, Falling Star, her sister, and the six unicorns are arriving. They have a lot of boxes, and they are wrapped up in wrapping papers and ribbons. The girls are wondering why they have so much presents. "Wow, looks like you all did a lot of shopping," Pinkie screams in excitement. Phoenix Dawn chuckles a bit and says, "Ask my wife, it's kind of her idea." "Well, I thought it will be a good idea to give Sunset… I mean Sun some late presents and gifts, and I'm quite proud with my decision." Sunstone protests, and quite proud of it. Sunshine laughs and says, "Mom, I don't think Sun needs that many presents." "Yeah," Rocky agrees. Sunstone laughs a bit and says, "I guess I did go overboard a bit, but I wanted to make sure Sun has enough from all of us." "Don't worry, I'm sure Sun will love all of your presents," Pinkie happily replies. "We even bought some presents for Nina," Rocky adds with glee. "Aw that's sweet," Fluttershy complements. Just then Discord and Screwball pops into the room with grin on his face. Fluttershy smiles, and says, "Hi Discord. Hi Screwball, how are you two doing?" "Sun is doing fine," Screwball answers. "And she is feeling a lot better, except a little bit of doubt," Discord adds. The news is not making things a bit easier for them. They can tell that Sun must still be worried about what happened. "Oh dear," Rosemary replies starting to feel a bit concern. "Don't worry sis, I'm sure Sun will feel better enough to come to the part," Sunshines happily says. "I don't know, Sunset always have a tendency to feel really bad for what she did was wrong, and well, she takes it a little too personal," Scarlet says looking concerned. Then Sunstone suggests, "Maybe one of us can go check on her." "I think that will be a good decision, but who is going to see her?" Rainbow Dash asks. Everypony in the room start to think of which pony should go see Sun, and see how she's doing. However, it has to be somepony who will give Sun a bit of confidence. Scarlet comes over and says, "I can go see her. Sun and I are really close so I'm sure I can reason with her." Rosemary turn to Scarlet and asks, "Are you sure?" "Remember I always got my little sister's back. Plus, even though she social with all of us, I'm mostly the one she goes to whenever she needs help," Scarlet explains. Sunstone nods her head and says, "I have to agree." "I think that if anypony can help, it's you son," Phoenix adds. Hearing the reasons, everypony agree that Scarlet should be the one to talk to his sister. He then leaves to make his way to Princess Celestia's chamber whire Sun is in when she sleeps for a while. He know that he can talk to his little sister, he just hope he's able to help her with her situation. Back in the room, Sun is still sitting on the bed deep in thought about the whole thing. She still thinks it will be a good idea to just head home and forget the whole thing. However, Sun knows she has a job to do with Falling Star, and she really wants to see her family. Sun decides to get outside of the room and onto the balcony so she can get some air. Sun feels that every since she has her memories back, she having trouble think of who she is, and how to tell who she is. Just then she remembered something her mother saying to her, "Sunset, sunset, you were still having trouble making friend with the ponies at Magic Kindergarten. You don't need to push yourself so hard, and I know it can be hard for you. I remember my mother told me that everything that you do during your life will always be a part of you, and as long as you're yourself, you will do great things for others. Just remember to be who you are and you'll be able to find your way." Sun realizes that her mother right. Everything that Sun has done in her life even though she forgot some of it for a long time. Equestria maybe by where she's borna and magic is who she is, but so does living in the other world with her friends and helping others is also a part of her. She can also see that being an alicorn is also a part of her. She the remember that her giving up on friendship at first, maybe be a side track and when she discovered friendship, she is able to unlock another part of herself. Sun looks at the early sun rise, and starts to sing to the sun as a new day is coming. Sun: Power Was all I desired (I desired, all I desired) But all that grew inside me Was the darkness I acquired Sun uses her magic to create flashback of her life. Sun: When I began to fall And I lost the path ahead Sun ends us seeing the time she lost memories and how she is in the hospital. Sun: That's when your friendship found me And it lifted me instead She then sees at Fall Formal when she and her friends pony us and use the magic. And how they become friends with Falling Star and The Dazzlings. Sun finishes her magic and then starts to fly through the air. Sun: Like a phoenix burning bright In the sky I'll show there's another side to me You can't deny Sun looks to see the castle, and flies around the castle as she continues singing. Sun: I may not know what the future holds But hear me when I say That my past does not define me 'Cause my past is not today Sun: Sun then starts to remember how she doesn't want to do much with friendship at the school, and reads her books as she walk pass the other ponies who are playing. Sun: Ambition Is what I believed Would be the only way To set me free The young Sunset from her school days looks at the young ponies with a sigh, and really wants to join in with them, but feels like she is unable to. Sun: But when it disappeared And I found myself alone Then the images as the students are glaring at Sun at the time of the Anon-A-Miss ordeal, and how her dreams are causing her to feel lost in her mind. Sun: That's when you came and got me And it felt like I was home Sun then remember all the friends she has back at CHS and in Equestria, she can tell that she has more friends than she knows, and knows that it can be tough, but it's worth fighting for it. Sun: Like a phoenix burning bright In the sky Sun then lands on the balcony and uses her magic to transform herself into her human form, along with her clothes, and starts to make a gold aura.. Sun: I'll show there's another side to me You can't deny Sun the makes her way on the railing on the balcony giving off a golden aura as she looks at the sun, and continuing singing. Sun: I may not know what the future holds But hear me when I say Just then Sun starts to be levitated in the air. Sun: That my past does not define me 'Cause my past is not today The golden aura representing her friendship and joy surrounding her body explodes with a bright glow. Sun then transform with her pony ears, extended tail, and alicorn wings, but it looks like bright fire, and has a tail at the end. Her hair is also moving around. Sun feels like she believes in herself, and have the courage to do anything. As Sun is being levitated back down on to the balcony, she says in her thoughts, "I never feel so warm before. As long as I know what to do, I'm sure I'll be able to get through anything." Suddenly Sun hears a familiar voice, happily saying, "Now that's the singing Sunset that I remember and love so much." Hearing the voice, makes Sun cancal her magic and changes back into a pony. However, when she's in her pony form, she falls down on her back, because ponies can't walk on two legs. Sun looks back on the doors leading back in the room to see her older brother is in the room. Sun becomes nervous and says in a scared tone,"Scarlet!" "Don't worry sis, you don't have any reason to be scared," Scarlet says with reassurance. Scarlet then give Sun a hug and says, "I miss you sis." Sun is shocked to hear this, and seeing her brother having a smile on her face. "You mean… you're not mad," Sun asks with a worried done. "Why would I be, knowing that you're alright is what I really care about. Not just me, but our siblings, and our parents are just happy that you're alright, and that you are able to come back to us," Scarlet says. Sun can see through his eyes that Scarlet is telling the truth, and seeing his face again is one of the best thing she can ever wish her. Sun starts to feel so sad that she starts to shed tears,and feeling like her she can't fold it anymore. Sun hugs her brothers as she cries and says, "Oh Scarlet, I… I miss you so much!" Scarlet can see that Sun has been feeling very sad since she has her memories back like Twilight and the others tell them. Scarlet then hugs Sun back and glad to see her again. Like old time, Scarlet starts to sing the song he always sing to her when she's small, the twirly whirly song. Sun smiles while hugging her brother because she is able to see her brother again. Of course, she is going to see the rest of her family after this.