//------------------------------// // Chapter XIX // Story: Family Trip // by TheKing2001 //------------------------------// Applejack “This place is fantastic!” Sunburst exclaimed as he examined Sunset’s phone. “Technology could shove Equestria into a whole near! Don’t even get me started on the science, the medicine and the history!” “Easy brother,” Sunset snickered as she looked around sheepishly at the decorated room and the gifts on the table. “I was the same way when I first got here.” “It is pretty impressive,” Rainbow boasted with a grin as I rolled my eyes, looking at Sunburst. He had replaced his robe with a t-shirt and jeans on Sunset’s insisting. “So tell us about ya self,” I said and he looked at me. “Sunset doesn’t really talk about yall.” “Aren’t you the five girls who abandoned my sister over rumors with no evidence?” Sunburst asked and I winced. “Yah we are,” I admitted as Sunset looked down for a moment. “But we fixed all that stuff a year ago.” “Okay,” Sunburst said after a moment and looked me up and down. “If Sunset forgives you, then I do. I’m a pacifist so don’t worry about being afraid of me hurting you.” Well, that was a plus I suppose. I’ve seen Sunset hit before and I hadn’t known she could pack a punch like that. A part of me was glad she never hit me when she was a bully. “Anyway,” Sunburst continued as we looked at him. I was honestly surprised we fit this many people in the house. “I’m the Royal Crystaller in the Crystal Empire. I work under Princess Cadence and Shining Armor.” “Princess Cadence?” Twilight muttered as her eyes went wide. “I need to sit down. The possibilities are endless.” “Sick dude,” Indigo commented as she and Scootaloo tossed a foam basketball to each other. “Not in the house please girls!” Cheerilee called out as she stood in the kitchen. “You got it Miss C!” “So darling. Got any good stories about Sunset as a kid?” Rarity asked with a grin and leaned forward as Sunset narrowed her eyes at Sunburst. The two looked scarily similar with their hair being red, Sunburst’s being a bit darker. “Well there was the time she got her cutie mark,” Sunburst admitted and stroked his chin hair as Sunset glared at him. “Don’t you dare tell that story or I’ll tell the one about you.” “She set half the countryside on fire accidentally while she tried to perfect her fire spell,” Sunburst chuckled as Sunset grinned and I shuddered. “I remember when you met that filly down the street before we met Starlight and you loved her. If I remember, you promised to marry her. Her parents adored you and wanted to make you part of the family,” Sunset smirked as Sunburst turned bright red. “And then there was Moonlight, that filly from Fillydelphia you meant on vacation when she came with her parents to our town. Why she came to our town, I’ll never know.” “She was weird,” Sunburst admitted. “I didn’t know you were gonna go there!” “She was weird,” Sunset chuckled and patted him on the condescendingly as we all laughed. “She sent so many letters, it was crazy. And I went there.” I chuckled as I watched the two continue their arguing. Or well, fake arguing I suppose. Honestly reminded me of how me and Big Mac would act. Cherry Berry flicked the lights off as Cheerilee carried a cake out and we quickly sang a quick version of happy birthday as Sunset stared with a blush at the cake. “You all didn’t have to do this, you know?” Sunset said as she looked at us all in the eyes. “Yes we did. Now blow!” Trixie shouted as she gestured at the cake with a grin. Sunset paused for a moment before blowing out the candles and Diamond Tiara cheered before high giving Sunset. “Alright I’ll be back,” Cheerilee said as she took the cake and disappeared into the kitchen with Fuchsia behind her. “I never got to say this in Equestria but you’re so beautiful now,” Sunburst commented as he looked at Sunset and she turned bright red as Rarity awed. “That’s so adorable!” Rarity squealed as I covered my ears. It was so high pitched, I’m surprised the glass didn’t break in the house. “Thanks little brother. You’re not so bad yourself. Still gotta shave though.” “I think he looks adorable with facial hair,” Fluttershy said quietly as Sunset looked at her and she turned red. “I’ll be sure to remember that for the future,” Sunset said casually as she stretched in her seat. “Now I know why Mom bought so many vegetarian foods this week. I should have assumed someone from Equestria was coming over.” “Spitfire would have came but Wonderbolt schedule interfered. And Twilight is on a friendship mission with Applejack Starlight said. If it makes you feel better, Spitfire came in pony to send her gift through the portal,” Sunburst said and Sunset nodded. It was a bit weird to be hearing about a different version of me out there. “I know her wonderbolt schedule is hectic but I didn’t even expect you. We have so much to do. How was your first car ride?” Sunset asked with a mischievous smile. “Awful. I vomited so much on the side of the road. Don’t even get me started on walking and eating,” Sunburst shuddered as we all laughed. “It was Applejacks idea actually to have me come over and be here till Nightmare Night. The princess should do fine without me for a week or so.” “Awesome!” Sunset pumped her fist as I smiled faintly. Family is important so I had convinced Silver Spoon to get me Sunset’s book she used to communicate with Sunburst and sneak it back into Sunset’s room. Went surprisingly well. I don’t usually like going behind my friends backs but this time it worked out well. “I still think you guys went overboard with gifts. I don’t really need anything.” “Nonsense,” Berry Punch scoffed as she leaned against the wall and waved a hand. “Think of it as making up for us not be there for your last birthday. And besides, it’s kinda our job to spoil our oldest niece.” “Damn straight!” Cherry Berry called out from the kitchen as Lightning snickered. “She’s got a point love,” Octavia added as she set across from Sunset. “It’s kinda our job to do this stuff for our friends. If I remember, you did this for my birthday in January.” “Fair enough,” Sunset admitted after a moment. “Oh and Applejack, I need to talk to you after this is over. Same with you Lyra.” I gulped nervously as Lyra nodded. The look in Sunset’s eyes made me slightly uncomfortable. And I don’t get uncomfortable.