Your heart skips a beat when you see that familiar face. You feel your eyes begin to water and a lump form in your chest. The world just seems to freeze around you. You did it, you beat the odds, in a sea of ponies in a crowded city, you found the one pony you were looking for.
“A-Archer?” You stammer.
“Little bro?” Archer says, his voice as shaky as yours.
“Yeah... It’s me.” You give him a nervous grin.
Archer doesn’t move, there’s just a look of disbelief on his face. The air is still and you just stare at your brother, not making a noise. Twilight awkwardly shifts, but still says nothing. You can feel your eyes fill up with tears, and a lump form in your throat. You open your mouth to speak, but only a squeak comes out.
You let your tears escape, flowing like waterfalls down your cheeks. The cold air stings as the tears fall. Your brother does the same, the tears leaving shiny trails down his face. The crowd around continue their routines, parting as they came to you and your brother. You take a deep breath and a few steps forward, looking at your brother through cloudy eyes. Suddenly your brother stands and gallops towards you, wrapping you in a tight hug.
You wrap your arms around him and bury your face in his shoulder, letting out a legitimate cry.
“I’ve missed you little bro, I’ve missed you so much.” Archer says, his voice cracking with sadness and relief.
“Archer, you have no idea.” You say, holding him tighter and burying your face deeper into his shoulder.
Archer brings his hoof up and holds you head, giving you a little pat on the back with the other. You pull yourself away from him, a faint smile on your face.
“Is mom..... You know.....” You say, trailing off and looking away.
“What? Oh!! No, she’s fine.” Archer says, cluing in on what you meant.
“Oh, that’s wonderful.” You say with a sigh of relief. You look back at Twilight, who’s just sitting there awkwardly. You wave a hoof to call her over.
“Who’s this?” Archer asks, letting go of you and looking at Twilight.
“This is my marefriend. Her name is Twilight Sparkle.” You explain, stepping aside so Twilight has room.
“Well hello there Ms. Sparkle.” Archer says with a little bow.
“Um... Hello.” Twilight says in a little voice.
“I met her in Ponyville.” You say proudly.
“Ponyville? Is that where you ran off to?” Archer asks, narrowing his eyes as he looks over at you.
“Er...well, not exactly. I’ll explain later. Where are you and mother living?” You ask.
“Not too far from here. I’ll bring you there; I’m sure mother will be excited to see you.” Archer says, his usual smile returning.
You look over at Twilight and give her a reassuring smile. She smiles back at you and trots to your side, giving you a light nuzzle. You blush at the display, but you like it nonetheless. Archer gives you a cocky smile before trotting away from the market; Twilight and yourself in tow.
The commotion of the market is fading away. Twilight looks around at the buildings as you trot past them, a look of fascination adorning her face. It was as if she’s never seen this place before, full of alien buildings. You can’t help but give a sigh at her fascination. You’ve seen these streets so much as young colt, it all felt familiar to you. But it was still cute to see her filly-like curiosity show. Archer leads the way, nodding to some ponies as they passed. Twilight looks over at you and trots a little closer, you can feel her body heat on your side. You smile and look over at her. She is still looking at the architecture of the area. You lean over and plant your lips firmly on her cheek, giving her a tender, loving kiss. You can feel your cheeks warm up as you pull away.
Archer chuckles and keeps walking, turning down a little side street. You and Twilight follow.
“Alright lovebirds, we’re here.” Archer says, stopping at a little red brick house.
“This is it?” You ask, scanning the front with your eyes. “It’s kinda small.”
“Well, we don’t need a big house-it’s just mother and I.” Archer explains.
“C-can we go in, please?” Twilight says with a shiver. You can feel the cold air stinging your coat.
Archer nods and smiles. He trots up to the door of the house and opens it, trotting in and shaking himself. You let Twilight enter before you. You take two steps into the house before a nice, comforting warmth embraces you. You close the door and turn to Archer.
“Mother, I’m home, and I have some guests.” Archer calls out. He takes off his saddlebag and his scarf.
The house is a simple design. It is rather small, but very open. The front door opens into the living room, the kitchen was visible, as well as three door. Most likely two bedrooms and a bathroom. You trot into the middle of the living room and look around. You spot a very familiar picture on the wall. You trot over and look at it. It was of four ponies, your mother, father and brother. Your mother was holding a pile of blankets with a little head sticking out. The picture was taken right after you were born; such a happy family back then.
“Is that him?” Twilight asks, breaking the silence.
“Yeah....that’s him.” You say, tears returning to your eyes.
“I’m sorry.” Twilight put a hoof around you and guides you to the couch, sitting you down and sitting beside you.
“It’s been too long....” You say, letting some tears fall.
“I know, but you can’t change the past. You can only remember those who’ve passed.” Twilight says, leaning on you, giving your neck a little nuzzle.
You give Twilight a quick kiss on the lips before leaning your head on hers. Twilight lets out a happy sigh and leans into you. You wrap an arm around her and pull her close, waiting for your brother to return. You look around the living room. It is very simple. Two chairs, a couch, a fireplace and a bookshelf. The bookshelf held many books, the books were all different colors and shapes. Many you recognized from your foalhood, but some looked fairly new. The couch was the same one you grew up with. A tacky fabric couch with a floral pattern. One of the chairs looks brand new. It is black leather is wooden legs and arms. The other chair is your mother’s iconic rocking chair. It was wooden with blue cushions, you and your brother were never allowed to sit in it when she was home, it was her chair.
After a few minutes your brother returns with a mare in tow. You watch him as he enters, an uneasy smile on his face. He steps aside and lets the mare look at you. Your jaw drops when you see who it is. It’s your mother, but she looks different, she looks...older. It has been three years since you last saw her, but she looks like she’s aged about fifty years. Her coat was a pale blue and her eyes a weak green. She has bags under her eyes, and she looks very thin.
“Mother?” You say, your voice trembling.
“Hello son, I’ve missed you.” Your mother says, her voice just as shaky.
You slowly let go of Twilight and stand up, making your way over to your mother. Twilight stays silent, letting you and your mother have this moment. You look your mother in the eye,and all you can see is sadness deep inside. Your mother brings up a hoof and brushes your cheek, almost as if to check if you were real.
“Mom,” You start, your eyes filling with tears, you chest feeling like it’s about to burst. “Mom, I’m so sorry... I didn’t want to hurt you, or Archer. I... I... I’m sor--” You’re cut off my your mother placing her hoof over your mouth.
“Don’t say any more. You’re here now,” She retracts her hoof. “I’m just glad you’re back.” She brings herself closer and wraps you in a hug. Your heart drops when you feel how light she is. You hug her back, letting out a whimper and a tear.
You let go and lead your mother to her chair, before going back to Twilight. This time Twilight wraps her arms around you, pulling you into a comforting hug. You lean into Twilight, letting her embrace tighten. You look to your mother, who’s watching you and Twilight with a smile.
“Who’s this?” Your mother asks.
“I’m Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight says.
“Twilight Sparkle? Where do I know that name...” Your mother taps her chin and thinks.
You feel Twilight shift her position awkwardly before your mother continues.
“Twilight Sparkle, are you close to the Princess?” She asks.
“Yes, I’m her student.” Twilight says proudly.
“I see,” Your mother scans over Twilight one more time. “Ah-ha! I know you, you’re one of the elements of harmony aren’t you?”
“Yes ma’am.” Twilight nods, give you a little squeeze.
“I knew you looked familiar, I recognize you from the newspapers,” You mother gives a chuckle. “I’m so glad to see my son found a strong partner.”
You feel a sudden heat flood to your face and you feel Twilight kiss the side of your head, just in front of your left ear.
“Well, um, thank you miss.” Twilight says, a blush becoming apparent on her face.
You let out a smile and lean your head back, resting it on Twilight’s shoulder. You let out a happy sigh and bring your hooves up to hold Twilight’s hooves.
“How’ve you been mother? It’s been a while.” You say, still leaning on Twilight.
“I’ve been well; your brother has taken good care of me, I think he deserves all the praise.” Your mother says, you look over to your brother, his face is a flush red.
“No no, I didn’t do too much. I mean, all I did was cook.” Archer says.
“Oh don’t be modest, you brought in the money and food.” Your mother says.
“I see. Well thank you, Archer.” You say.
“Aw, don’t worry about it, just doing what I thought was right.” He says, leaning back in his chair.
“So mother, a lot has changed.” You say.
“Oh? Like what?” Your mother asks, perking up in her seat.
“Well, I got my cutie mark for one.” You say, rolling over slightly and showing you cutie mark.
“What’s that one for?” She asks.
“Compassion and kindness.” Twilight says before you have a chance to answer.
“Yeah, I got it in Ponyville. I was taking random jobs, and one day I woke up with it there. I went to the library to try and find out what it meant, that’s when I first met Twilight, and she helped me figure out what it meant.” You explain, Twilight giving you another little squeeze.
“Very interesting, so you’ve known Twilight for a long time I see.” You mother says, giving a little nod and a wink.
“Heh, yeah,” You chuckle at her gesture. “And I have a full time job, I’m working with the mail ponies.”
“I thought they only took Pegasi.” Your brother pipes up.
“I thought that too, but apparently they need land runners for the large packages and equipment that needs to be delivered.” You explain.
“I see; does it pay well?” Archer asks.
“Yeah, I have my own house and it’s got working electricity.” You say, both your brother and your mother lean forward.
“You have your own house?” Your mother asks.
“Yes.” You say.
“And its got working electricity?” Archer asks.
“Yeah, heaters, lights, kitchen appliances. You name it and it’ll work at home.” You say.
“I have to hand it to ya bro, that’s pretty amazing, and all this in what, four years?” Your brother says with a laugh.
“Three actually.” You say, lowering your head. Twilight notices this and gives you another little kiss.
“Wow, that long? It feels like it’s been longer.” Archer says.
“Yeah. So has anything changed with you Archer?” You ask.
“Not really, I’m still working at that furniture shop. As you can see we had to move.”
“I was going to ask about that, how long ago?” You ask.
“About six months after you left. It was too big for just the two of us, so we found this place and moved in.”
“Hmm..” You try to retreat to your thoughts, but are violently taken back by your brother.
“Hey! No! No more falling back to your thoughts. I thought you grew out of that phase.” Your brother says, pretty much standing at this point.
“Sorry, I was thinking about....” You trail off.
“About?” Your brother says with a tease in his voice.
“About father.” You say. Both your brother and mother look at each other.
“What about him?” Your mother asks.
“I was wondering if we should head to his grave, pay our respects.” You ask, a more serious tone taking over.
“Yes, we should do that.” You brother pipes up.
Your mother looks between you and your brother and nods. Twilight shifts awkwardly beside you; you look over to her with a look of concern on your face. She gives you a reassuring smile and settles. Your brother stands and trots over to the kitchen, returning with his bag.
“I’m ready to head out,” He looks over at Twilight. “You’re welcome to come if you’d like.”
“Sure, I’ll come.” Twilight says, standing.
You stand beside her and glance over to your mother. She stands and gives a little stretch, preparing for the walk. You look around the room, scanning all the ponies present. Twilight seems a little uneasy to be in the middle of the family situation, but you can’t really blame her- this was all thrust upon her. There’s an awkward moment of no movement before your brother makes a move for the door. You wait for your mother to pass before you signal Twilight to walk ahead of you.
As you exit the house the cold sting comes back, biting at your coat. You close the door behind you and take a deep breath, your lungs feeling like they’ve just turned to ice. You wince slightly before catching up with Twilight and the others. She looks as if she’s fighting to stay warm. The temperature outside dropped considerably from when you arrived at your brother’s house. It felt like there was a large snow storm coming. You trot closer to Twilight, to keep her warm, and to try and warm yourself up. She looks over and smiles at you, letting out a little blush. You return the smile and look forward. Your brother looks back at you and chuckles, giving you a smirk and a wink.
The streets of Fillydelphia are busy. A vast range of ponies roam the streets, high class ponies, middle class ponies, and poorer ponies; Fillydelphia was good for that, have all walks of life blend seamlessly. The streets are abuzz with chatter, laughter and shouting. The cold seemed to have no effect on the passing ponies. They all seem to shrug off the biting cold. You trot a little closer to Twilight, your coat brushing up against hers. You feel a pressure on your left side, you look over and see she’s leaning on you, letting a large smile escape. You lean over and plant a tender kiss on her cheek.
As the buildings and ponies of Fillydelphia become more and more scarce, you notice large black iron bars coming closer.
“We’re getting closer.” Twilight says, she lets out a shiver as she says this.
“Yeah, and we’re going to have to go further, he’s buried at the far end, under a great elm tree.” Your mother says.
You nod and let out a deep breath. Your nerves are going crazy; something about this cemetery didn’t sit well with you, it always scared you as a foal. As the large black gate passes you, you notice there is a dead silence, and there’s no wind; no movement. Almost as if time itself has stopped inside the walls of this place. You take a deep breath and pick up the pace.
“Are you alright?” Twilight asks, her words echoing.
“Y-yeah.... I just don’t like this place, it’s always scared me, even as a foal.” You say, visibly shaking.
“It’ll be alright, there’s nothing here that’ll hurt you.” Twilight says, her words soft like silk.
“I know... I just don’t like being around the dead. It’s unsettling.” You say, letting out a heavy sigh and stopping in your tracks.
Twilight comes up beside you and gives you a nuzzle. You can feel the sides of your mouth begin to curl up. You look up at Twilight with heavy eyes. She stares back and plants her lips upon yours, holding the feeling for a few seconds before releasing with a warm, friendly smile.
“Come on, you’ll be fine.” Twilight says. You look up and smile, continuing the trot to your father’s resting place.
The cemetery is very flat; there aren’t any large hills, or features that make it stand out. Almost all the headstones are the same as well, the only feature that stood out was the massive elm tree that stood in the middle of the graveyard. The path wraps around its base, and rows of headstones lined the opposite side of this great tree. Your brother and mother go around the tree to the right side, topping at a grave that was solid white. You and Twilight come up beside the pair, looking down at this stone that was sticking out of snow.
The details on the stone are hard to make out, but after a moment of trying to adjust your gave so you can see it, you make out your father’s name and the date of his death. You also make out a small message.
“Loving husband and father,” Twilight says aloud, she then looks over to your mother. “Miss, you have my sympathy.” Her tone bleeding with sympathy.
“Why thank you Twilight.” Your mother says, not looking away from the grave.
“Dad. I didn’t see you much, but when I did, I really enjoyed your company. It’s a shame you left us so early. We all know you weren’t a saint, but we all wish you were still here.” Your brother says, sounding choked up.
You look to him, feeling a knot form in your own throat. Even though he wasn’t around much when you were growing up, he was still your father, and you still loved him. The sting of tears are brought to your eyes as you think of him. He wasn’t the most present father, but when he was around, he brought you joy; either in gifts, or tales of the great Canterlot.
Your family stand silently in front of his grave. Not a sound can be heard, not even the buzz of the city. As the cold begins to wrap around you again, you let out a shiver. Twilight trots over and nuzzles you, bringing her warmth.
“It’ll be okay, I promise.” Twilight whispers. You let out a small, weak smile.
“Come on, let’s head back.” Your brother says. He pulls out a small white rose and places it in front of the tombstone.
You look up at the skies beginning to clear up, letting the sun’s rays shine down. You turn and begin to walk back to the house, Twilight at your side. Your thoughts begin to flow again, this time thoughts of the future, a future with Twilight.
“Hey Twilight,” You pause for a moment. “What does this mean?” Twilight gives you a look of utter confusion.
“What does what mean?” She asks.
“You and I. I mean, you met my family, you’ve seen my father’s grave, so you know none of this is fake. What does that mean for us? You said you would only forgive me if I proved that it wasn’t fake.” You explain.
“Well, I guess it means you’re forgiven.” Twilight smiles. You return the gesture.
“So, we’re all hooves into now.” You say with a chuckle.
“Yeah, we are.” Twilight smiles and places a hoof on your shoulder, stopping you dead. You look over and she plants her lips on yours, pushing into the kiss.
You push back, feeling something dance across your lips. You open them a crack and you feel Twilight’s tongue enter your mouth, pushing against yours. The taste of grapes filling your mouth. You push your tongue against hers, an epic war raging.
“Okay, calm down you two.” You brother says. You quickly break the kiss and look away, blushing like a mad stallion.
“We uh.. We were... Uh.” You stammer.
“Yeah yeah, just keep walking.” Your brother gives you a little shove and you continue home.
As you and the others walk back you feel Twilight lean on you, providing you with warmth, and a feeling of accomplishment. You let a large smile take over, letting out all the joy and happiness inside. You managed to fix a broken dream, and you couldn’t be happier.
Finally, after minutes of walking you made it home. You look back, your brother and mother close behind you. You pause for a second and let your brother enter before you. As you enter the walls of the house a welcoming warmth washes over your body. You give a little shake, letting your body warm up. Your brother does the same before leading you back to the living room. You take a seat on the couch, Twilight planting herself beside you.
“You remember the Hearths Warming tree ceremony?” Your brother asks, breaking the silence.
“Yeah, where they dress the great tree in lights and fire off fireworks?” You return.
“Yeah, well, it’s tonight.” You brother says, a gleam in his eye.
“I know what you’re thinking and yes, just yes.” You say with a chuckle. Twilight looks between you and your brother in confusion.
“Did I miss something?” Twilight asks.
“No, my brother and I used to sneak some large fireworks in. They were always the most entertaining.” You explain.
“And you’re going to do it this year?” Twilight asks, an unbelieving look adorns her face.
“Absolutely.” Your brother adds.
“It’ll be fun.” You say.
“I don’t know, isn’t that dangerous?” Twilight says, her tone very uncertain.
“No, the pyro ponies know what they’re doing.” Your brother says.
“I don’t know, there could be a slip-up.” Twilight says, retreating in her spot slightly.
You take notice of her retreat and turn to your brother.
“You know what, maybe we shouldn’t this year.” You say, trying to appease Twilight.
“You know what, maybe you’re right.” Archer says, realizing what you’re doing.
You lean back into the couch, looking over at Twilight. She smiles at you and leans in, giving you a small kiss. You bring up an arm and wrap it around Twilight, pulling her close.
“I think we should still go. It should be a nice sight.” You say.
“I’d like to go.” Twilight says.
“Okay, then we’re all going tonight.” You mother chimes in. You nod and feel Twilight lean more into you.
“I’m going to go make dinner.” You brother says before standing and trotting to the kitchen.
“So Twilight, what do you do in Ponyville?” Your mother asks.
“Well, I run the library. Princess Celestia placed me in Ponyville to learn about friendship.” Twilight explains.
“Well, it looks like you’re studies are going well.” Your mother smiles at you; you feel your cheeks start to warm up.
“I-I guess they are.” Twilight leans over and kisses your cheek.
Twilight and your mother continue to talk and you can feel yourself starting to zone out.
~*~*~
“Alrighty, supper’s ready!” Archer calls from the kitchen.
You shake you head back into reality and notice your mother and Twilight are laughing. You shrug it off and stand. You trot into the kitchen and grab a plate of food, it wasn’t much, but it worked. You trot back out with your plate and sit at the table. It is the same table from your old house, and to be honest, it’s a little big for this house, but it was still nice to see it. Twilight trots over and sits beside you with her plate. The two of you wait for you mother and brother to be seated before you begin to eat.
After the meal your brother takes all the plates into the kitchen and trots back with his scarf on.
“Okay, ceremony should be starting soon. We should get going.” Archer says.
“Agreed.” You say while standing.
You take a quick stretch before trotting to the front door and waiting for the others, who quickly follow. You open the door and hold it for Twilight and your mother, but you give your brother a playful shove and exit before he does.
The sky is dark and the street lamps are lit, casting their yellow and orange hues on the snow and ice. The usual buzz of the city is replaced with the chanting and singing of Hearths Warming carols. It is a lovely sound. Harmony where there is usually chaos. As your group gets closer to the center of the city, the glow of the lights becomes more visible. Bright reds and greens lighting up alleyways.
“Such lovely singing.” Twilight says with a sigh.
As you come around the corner into the square you’re met with a grand sight. A massive oak tree with lights strewn through every branch and wrapped about its trunk stands in front of you. The array of colors is mesmerizing, almost trance-like. Twilight lets out a gasp when she sees the tree, you look over and observe her, she looks amazed.
“There’s a clearing over here.” Your mother says, leading you to a clearing in front of a shop.
All the ponies in the square are sitting, watching the tree. Some pegasi fly around the branches, adding more and more lights. There were only a few ponies standing. Not too much, and those that were standing were singing. You find a spot clear of snow and sit down, watching the pegasi. Twilight comes and sits beside you, watching all the lights sway.
“This is incredible.” Twilight says, amazement lacing her words.
“It is. I love this ceremony, it’s so beautiful.” You say.
“I managed to get a few big ones in.” Archer whispers to you. You grin and nod to him.
As the singing begins to die down, the fireworks begin. Screaming and exploding, casting a cavalcade of colors across the sky. Reds, greens, purples, pinks, and blues all adorn the sky. Some making fancy shapes and others making orbs of color. It is all so beautiful.
“There’s one in there for you.” Your brother whispers.
Almost on cue a massive firework launches. Casting a trail into the sky of little pink hearts, there’s a thunderous boom and all that’s left in the sky is a massive heart. Inside the heart are two ponies kissing. You smile and the display. The fireworks continue without skipping a beat. Back to the colors of the season.
You see another empty spot across from you, more towards the center of the square.
“I’m going to bring Twilight a little closer.” You say to your brother, he nods.
You stand and help Twilight stand. You look at her and give a warm smile before leading her into the crowd. You creep around the sitting ponies and sit in the clear area.
“Is this better?” You ask.
“Absolutely.” She says.
Twilight moves closer and cuddles against you, placing one of her hooves on yours. You smile and lean against her in return.
“Twilight...” You start, but pause.
“Yeah?” Twilight says, looking over to you.
“I love you.” You say, a blush and a grin on your face.
“I love you too.” Twilight smiles and kisses you-- a deep, tender kiss.
In this moment you’ve never felt more alive, more complete. After all you’ve been through, it all turned out alright. Sitting here with Twilight, watching the fireworks and showing absolute love for each other, it’s shown you something. It’s shown you that when all else fails, love will be there to pull you out.
Because love is the strongest kind of magic.