//------------------------------// // Faith // Story: Essence of a Sunrise: That which is Left Behind // by maxxxxxx //------------------------------// The pan sizzled as the eggs fell into it. As usual the sun was only now just peaking out behind the horizon. Sunrise hummed a happy tune as she folded the omelet. The table had already been set and two plates waited to be occupied by the delicious smelling food. She turned her attention to the toaster as it popped, glancing from the pan to the toaster to the cook book propped open on the counter beside her, she decided that the omelet would be fine for the few seconds it took her to get the toast. She spun her wheel chair around, smiling proudly that she was finally getting the hang of navigating in the bulky contraption. She set the two slices on the plate on the opposing end of the table from her. Before snapping her attention back to the stove. She quickly flipped it over to find that it was slightly burnt on one side. She sighed to herself. This sounded a lot easier when I read it in the book. I'll have this one for my self. I'll make sure Twilight's is better. “Sunrise?” She turned to the source of the voice, smiling sheepishly. “Oh, good morning Twilight. I didn't think you would be up so early. I- um, made breakfast...” She spoke nervously. She had hoped that she could bring Twilight her breakfast in bed, or at least to be all done before she came downstairs. Twilight scanned the room, she couldn't help but smile. She was surprised at the mess Sunrise had managed to make, but the sentiment made her happy. “I told you before you didn't have to do this for me. I'm not the one who's recovering.” Sunrise simply shook her head. Her eyes were glistening, she seemed to be in a really good mood this morning. After all the craziness a couple days ago, things were a little strained between the two of them the day after her friends visited. Sunrise knew she could never put into words how thankful she was to twilight for not using the memory spell on her. After a lot of thinking she decided that, she would repay Twilight for that any way she could. It must have been so hard for her, and I know she knows what this will do to her friendships. But, she chose me. She chose me instead of her lost friend, over her friends that are still here! I doubt anypony has been done such a kindness before. Things are about to get very hard for the both of us, but I'll do what ever I can to make things as easy as possible for Twilight Sparkle. “I can't just spend all my time in bed, and I was reading this cook book last night and I really wanted to try a recipe from it. Besides, I wont get better if I just stay idle.” To her surprise, Twilight seemed to be suppressing a laugh. She raised an eyebrow in confusion but Twilight only snorted in a laugh before pointing at the stove. “I think your food is burning.” She spun her chair around so quickly Twilight was surprised it didn't leave any marks in the floor. “Oh no, oh no, oh no! Aww, I let it burn” She turned the fire off and examined her creation. It wasn't charred but both sides were much darker than they should have been. She sighed as Twilight padded over to her side. “It's your first time cooking, don't be too hard on yourself.” She said reassuringly, and it seemed to have the desired effect as Sunrise nodded. “Yeah, but I'm sorry I wasted your food.” “Don't worry, I have plenty. How about we make it together, I haven't tried this recipe either so it'll be fun!” “Actually Twilight, do you think I could give it another try on my own?” At first she felt a pang of disappointment, but, seeing the determination in Sunrise's eyes, she happily gave in. “Alright, I'll be at the table so if you need any help just ask okay.” Sunrise gave an appreciative smile. “I will Twilight, thank you!” With that Twilight took her place at the table and watched as sunrise prepared the meal. She looked focused, the way Twilight would look when she was studying a new spell or theory. She looked to the book for every step, double checking her every move. She got out more eggs and peppers and mushrooms, she carefully chopped them up into small chunks. Then she moved on to the eggs, beating them together. She seems really alive somehow. I can't articulate it but, she just seems to have a different light about her. She is definitely different from Rainbow Dash, but it's hard quantify exactly how. She had a lot of determination in her eyes, but it was different from Dash's. Deeper maybe? I don't know how I can even think like that, I- am I really moving on so quickly? Is it right to just forget about my friend like that? I'm confused and frustrated. I don't know how any pony is supposed to deal with a situation like this. There's no book, no expert and... I don't think there is a perfect answer. All I can do is what I feel is right I guess. But do I even know what that is? No, I don't. I only know, that Sunrise is not Rainbow Dash. And that she is my friend. The hissing sound of the eggs falling into the hot pan took her from her thoughts as she watched Sunrise eyeing the fire before giving herself a small nod and turning down the heat a little. It's going to get very hard soon. I can't keep the truth from Applejack or Fluttershy for long. Eventually they'll find out that I didn't use the memory spell. What will happen then? Will they understand? How can I possibly explain it to them, when I hardly understand it? They all want Rainbow Dash back, all of them. And not just the girls but the whole town! And Cloudsdale, and the Wonderbolts, and... Me. I still want her back. Of course I do! She was my best friend. I want her back, but not at the cost of losing another friend. It wouldn't be right. And I know Rainbow Dash would say the same. Sunrise watched the pan carefully. She refused to even blink, still she couldn't keep her mind from wandering. Twilight, what can I do? I can give you a hoof to hold and a shoulder to cry on but is that all? Is all I can do so little? Soon, her entire world will turn inside out and it will be all my fault. Rainbow Dash's grieving friends will blame her. She was the only one who might be able to bring her back to them and yet she chose me, a stranger to them. She has to know what's coming, and yet... she wont abandon me. Twilight Sparkle, you truly are special. There must be something more I can do. I want to protect her somehow, but can I? It's hard to enjoy the calm when I know the storm isn't far behind. “All done!” She said triumphantly, pulling the pan off the fire and sliding the omelet onto a nearby plate. She shut the fire off and rolled to the table and placed the plate at it's center. She turned again to the counter and began putting the left over ingredients in the fridge. “Why are you putting it all away? Aren't you going to eat?” She wore a concerned expression. “That's alright, I was just going to have some cereal. Maybe some toast.” She shrugged. Despite her enjoyment of cooking, she wasn't really in the mood for more egg whites and.. I kind of just want to relax with Twilight instead of standing over that stove. It's nice having breakfast with someone. “Are you sure? I can make you something if you want.” She began to get up but Sunrise was already getting the cereal out of the cabinet. “Don't worry Twilight, I was in the mood for it anyway. Besides if you don't eat that soon it will get cold and I don't know if I'll be as lucky making it a third time.” She poured her breakfast into a bowl and went to the fridge for her milk. “Oh, well, if you're sure.” She seemed disappointed but resigned to it and began eating. Sunrise soon joined her. “So we have to leave soon for my doctors appointment. Will Spike be joining us?” “I'm not sure, I can ask him. He should be down any minute. You know how he loves his long baths though. Also I was thinking, if you still want to, I can show you around Ponyville.” Her expression became more serious and even a little determined. “You... you don't have to do that if you don't want to. You shouldn't have to do this until you're ready.” “No, you were right Sunrise. I can't just keep you hidden away to protect my own feelings. It was selfish of me to even think like that. No matter what may happen, I'm going to face it.” Sunrise, couldn't help but feel proud of Twilight. The princess was right, Sunrise was not giving her enough credit. “And no matter what happens, even though it's not much, I'll do what ever I can for you Twilight. I'll help in any way I can.” Her tone was earnest and her eyes were looking deep into Twilight's their eyes reflecting each others' determination. For a long moment, they stared into each others' eyes, drawing strength from them. They knew what was to come would not be easy, but the burden would be easier to bear together. Twilight's eyes were first to soften. “Thank you Sunrise. I don't think I could do this alone.” They finished their breakfast in relative quiet, though, it was a comfortable and calm one. Much like the warm streams of light that fell on them from the rising sun. ******************************************************************************************** “Spike! We're about to leave! Are you you coming?!” She called from the bottom of the stair case. Sunrise rolled beside her, looking up to the stairs. Then a small purple dragon came out of Twilight's bedroom. “And wait in a waiting room for hours? No, I think I'll stay here and get some chores done.” And try out those sapphire pancakes I saw in that dragon cook book. “Well, if you're sure.” She turned towards the door with Sunrise in toe. “Ready to go?” Sunrise asked, looking perplexed at Twilight. “Um.... yes?” “Well Spike's right, you may be waiting in there for a while. Shouldn't you bring a book so you don't get bored?” “No, I'll be fine.” “You sure?” “Don't worry about me, I can keep myself occupied. And If I get bored I'm sure they have some medical journals lying around that I can read.” They shared a laughed together before making their way out of the library. ***************************************************************************************************** “So I was thinking, there's a really good place to eat around here and somepony I wanted to introduce you to. I was thinking we could stop there on the way back from the hospital.” Twilight walked beside Sunrise. The streets of Ponyville weren't the best for wheelchairs, she had offered to push her to the hospital but she insisted on doing it herself. “Somepony you want to introduce me to? One of your friends or...” “She was also a friend of Rainbow Dash. She's a really nice pony though and I think, if any of them would understand it would be her. Oh and she lives at the place where I was thinking we should eat at so it's not out of the way.” “Well, if you think it's the best thing to do, I'll meet her. But, I think it would be best for you to bring your expectations down, just in case.” Twilight smiled confidently. “Don't worry! I know my friends and I know Pinkie Pie will be understanding. She's the type that can be friends with anypony so I know you two will get along just fine. Also..” Her voice changed, taking on a more somber tone. “I think, if I can get Pinkie Pie to understand, and you two become friends, I think it will help the other begin to move on. With her on our side....” Is this right though? I feel like I'm manipulating my friends. “With her on our side your friends will succumb to the pressure and one by will see in me what you do? Twilight, I said lower your expectations not elevate them to fantasy. What will be more likely is that it will only tear you all apart even further. Are you willing to drag her down with you? Twilight, I know your heart is in the right place, because it always is. But, you can't take it all on by yourself. You need to give them time. And, Twilight, you're different than them. I could see that when I first met you. It may be that none of them will see as you do.” She spoke with sympathy. She didn't want to see Twilight sad but it would be even worse to see her hurt. You can't fix everything Twilight. Twilight became downcast, and she gave a shaky sigh. She looked almost on the verge of tears. “I know. You're right, I may not be able to do everything, it may all go terribly wrong but... but I believe in my friends. They will come around, I know they will. Sunrise, please, I'll need your help. Will you have faith in me?” They both stopped and looked into each others eyes. A cool breeze swept through their manes, filling the silence. Sunrise shrugged, closing her eyes she gave into a smile. “Twilight.. you are different. I will have faith in you because, if anypony could do it, it will be you. And, even if it all goes wrong. I'll be there for you and we can try again.” They smiled together, Twilight opened her mouth, ready to thank Sunrise for helping her through this impossible situation, but a sudden shouting voice cut her off. “Rainbow Dash!” They both turned to the source of the shout. A small pale filly with a ginger mane and large, pink bow was running towards them. Twilight's eyes became wide with panic but Sunrise only looked confused. “Twilight! Rainbow Dash!” She came to screeching stop right in front of them, panting heavily before she continued. “Oh, Rainbow Dash! I'm so glad you're back! Don't you worry! With Twilight helping we'll get you out of that chair in no time!” She looked excited from Sunrise to Twilight. Her smile quickly faded as she saw Twilight's scared face looking away from her. She looked back up to Sunrise, with her mouth agape. Her eyes wide, she stuttered before she could form a sentence. “R- Rainbow Dash?” She asked, disbelieving. “I'm sorry, I'm not Rainbow Dash. My name is Vibrant Sunrise. Listen I..” She tried to give the obviously distressed filly her most comforting words but she began backing away. “Twilight.. how could you?” Tears were flowing down her face and her voice was choked with sobs. “You promised my sister you would bring her back..” Twilight finally looked at her. Her eyes glistened and tears were forming in their corners. “Apple Bloom, I- I..” “What about Scootaloo!” She shouted with sadness and anger. Her words seemed to strike Twilight like lightning. She only stood there stunned tears flowing freely down her face. “I don't- I don't believe.... Twilight how could you?” Sunrise was about to intervene, but it was too late, the filly turned and ran away, drops glistening as they fell from her face. “Twilight, are you alright?” Twilight only stood, frozen in shock. Sunrise gently stroked her shoulder. Twilight staggered as her legs became weak. She leaned against Sunrise's chair for support and whimpered audibly. “I'm sorry Twilight. I'm sorry for all of this.” She looked down at the ground as she continued trying to comfort Twilight, but there was only so much a hoof could do. Then she felt something, a hoof wrapping around her own. She looked back to Twilight. She was holding Sunrise's hoof against her chest, Sunrise could feel her heart beating quickly and heavily. She cried, it didn't matter that there were other ponies walking by, or the worried looks she was getting from the passerbys. Sunrise gently rubbed her back with her free hoof. “It's going to be okay Twilight. It's going to be alright.” I knew it would be hard, I knew it would be. What am I doing! I was so naïve, how could I think I was the only one who would be hurt by all this? What's wrong with me! Why am I so selfish. I should have.. I should have known what would happen. I could lose all my friends, I already hurt Apple Bloom, and... Oh Scootaloo, Rainbow Dash was like your sister, and.. I took her away from you forever! She's going to be devastated, and it will never go away! It'll never be alright. I killed her idol, her hero and... her sister. “Sunrise.. I was wrong. I can't do this on my own. I can't do it at ll.” She buried her face into Sunrise's shoulder, still holding her hoof tight. “Twilight... You don't have to do this alone. No matter what, I'll be with you. Even if it doesn't work out, you can't give up. Twilight, have faith.”