You Raise Me Up

"No matter how big your family is…there’s always room for more."

It was an often spoken sentiment that when the nights became longer, the air crisper, and the snow began to crunch softly beneath your feet- that it was a time for family.

The peak of the winter season and its associated traditions had many names throughout the years, and in different cultures; Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa. Differing dates, differing stories, differing celebrations. All of them a time for family to remember what was important.

Gazing pensively into her mug of warm, frothy chocolate, Sunset mused that it was her first ever Hearth’s Warming.

Oh, she’d been present for it before. As the student of Princess Celestia, she had dutifully, albeit reluctantly, attended the appropriate number of Canterlot gatherings to pacify those around her. She knew all the details of the Founding of Equestria; could sing all the carols by heart, and gave gifts to the right nobles every year.

But it wasn’t until now, sitting in the living room of Applejack’s home, surrounded by those who loved her (and whom she loved in return), that she understood.

Almost everyone was here; Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Applejack were snuggled up on the sofa in a motley assortment of ugly sweaters, engaging in idle conversation with soft smiles on their faces. Rarity hovered near them, watching with quiet amusement, steaming mug of earl grey clutched in one delicate hand, the other affectionately scratching Winona, the Apple family dog, behind her ears. On the same sofa as Sunset, Rainbow was boisterously telling jokes, stories and tall tales to Pinkie’s stoic sister, Maud. Her posture was rigid, her expression blank- but Sunset could see the faint traces of a smile as the geology student listened attentively to Rainbow’s colourful words.

Behind Sunset, Granny Smith and Big Mac- the eldest and second eldest of the Apples, respectively- watched the scene fondly. Granny’s eyes were drooping and she was leaning on Mac for support, but her gaze was full of pride and love for her grandchildren- biological or otherwise.

In front of the fireplace, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo sat, the flames' reflections flickering softly in their eyes, so filled with childlike innocence and wonder. That innocence had been tested today, and in the weeks prior. But this was a time for family- a time for love.

A time for forgiveness.

"Every time you say you “deserve” to get something without the effort just proves to me you are not ready."

Years ago, she had something close to a family- one that she'd tossed aside. And now, she had a new family.

Sunset drank deeply from her cup, and stared intently at the hands holding it. She honestly wasn’t sure how to think of herself anymore. Sunset Shimmer, the bitter, spoilt unicorn who threw away her blessings in her lust for power and recognition. Sunset Shimmer, the high school bully. Sunset Shimmer, the hero who saved the world from the Sirens.

The light of the Elements had been the most painful and beautiful experience of her young life. A trial by fire, and she had emerged from the ashes forever changed. Could she even consider herself the same person as before? Was she human, unicorn, demon? Something else?

In the end, it didn’t matter. Sunset smiled sofly. It was a good change.

Regardless of what she had done before, that was her past. Here in the present, she had a family who loved her, in spite of all the things she had done. It was quite possibly the oddest and most dysfunctional family ever…but it was family all the same. There was just one person missing.

Sunset was incredibly aware of her journal’s presence in the bag at her feet. She had been so caught up in the days events, she had not yet written to Twilight to inform of the resolution to the conflict. She was probably really worried. She could picture the pony princess crouched over her book, waiting hopefully for a positive response.

Guiltily. Sunset reached down and extracted the journal carefully. She owed so much to Twilight. Had she not come into her life, she honestly wouldn’t be anywhere near as happy as she was. Sunset knew that she desperately needed to make it up to her- to say thanks.

Setting her mug on a side table and withdrawing a pen, all background chatter faded from her mind as she began to write.

Dear Princess Twilight

In your last letter, you urged me to be strong, and to find my family. That was exactly the advice I needed to hear. I can confirm that “Anon-a-miss” has come clean, and has apologised for her actions. A lot of people are angry…but I can’t bring myself to be one of them. Nothing will ever erase the hurt of their words…just as nothing will ever erase the hurt of the things I’ve done. The final, scathing words I uttered to Princess Celestia before I ran away. All the misery I bought to Canterlot High. How I attempted to hurt you and your friends.

But on that day, and on this day, I learned an important lesson about family- and about the spirit of forgiveness.

But enough about that- I’m sure you’re just glad to know everything’s alright! And, I must confess I feel a little guilty. I’ve been so caught up in seeking your advice about my problems, I’ve barely asked how you’re doing. Any deadly magical forces tried to conquer Equestria recently? That was a joke.

I was wondering if maybe, you’d like to meet up in the coming days? Just to hang out, and talk in person. It would be great to get to know each other without imminent disaster hanging over our heads. And…I really want to get to know you, Twilight. You’ve changed my life for the better in so many ways, and I’m honoured to call you my friend. Maybe we could meet up over lunch? It’s ok if you’re busy.

I have to go- it’s getting late, and we all have school tomorrow.

Merry Christmas, And a Happy Hearth’s Warming

Love

Sunset Shimmer

Later that evening, in one of the barn’s many guest rooms, Sunset was awoken by the faint buzzing of the journal. Rubbing her eyes groggily, she pulled it onto the bed and read the response, illuminated by the pale moonlight.

She grinned, and began scribbling a reply. All excuses of needing to get up in the morning faded away, as she wrote deep, deep into the night.