I woke up, unnerved by my surroundings. I was in a dark room. I could hear snoring, so I figured I was most likely in friendly territory. I raised my hand, creating light in my palm, and scanned my area. I was in a VERY big room. In one side, there was one of those fancy bed curtains, and it was embroidered with a sun. I was in the royal bedroom. I looked around for Mom's bed, but I couldn't find it. So I shut off my light, and looked down. There, curled up in her sleep, was MY MOTHER.
"Mom!" I whispered, "Why am I in your bed?"
She stirred, "Go back to sleep. You were knocked out by the time you got back from the battle. So, I let you sleep in here with me."
"Oh." I laid back down. "Just wondering." I slept, nightmare-free that night.
Morning came.
Someone was shaking me, I turned around to see my mom. She smiled, "Good morning, sunshine."
"Whaa..." I muttered. "Five more minutes..." I drowsily got back in bed.
"Nope, get up." She pushed me on the ground. I woke up instantly from that. "Since you chose to stay in Canterlot for a little, you have to help Mommy get groceries."
"Really?" I asked, exasperated.
"Yes, now go shower."
I went off to my shower.
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The grocery stores in Canterlot were just like the stores back home. I EVEN SAW BACON. I squealed like a fangirl at the sight. I haven't had bacon in two years. So, she bought some for me. I checked the date on my phone.
"Is there a time difference between here and Earth?"
"No. Why?"
"Well, today would be New Years Eve."
"I know."
"What are we doing?"
"Nothing. I know you're a big eater. So I figured I'll go buy food."
I looked at her basket, then at mine. No wonder we got so much food. We resolved to go get the rest of my friends and have them eat with us. It was a good idea.
****************************************************
Everyone stayed over in Canterlot. We had food, and Apple Cider, as well as alcohol beverages for the princesses. We ate and drank like pigs, but we had a good time. We all waited and sang songs and the drummers there (AKA Me, Kaitlin, and Darkside) Busted out a cadence on the tables. It was fun. We counted down the last days until the new year. Then once the new year hit, we all crashed wherever we could. We were all tired. I was the first to wake up. I got on one knee and prayed.
"Oh Lord, I thank you. I thank you for allowing me and my friends to survive. I thank you for mending my broken heart, and for giving me my real family. I ask for you to forgive me for my transgressions against you, and that you forgive me for cursing your name. I ask that, in the days to come, you guide me, my friends, and my family here to keep the very spawn of Satan away from our home. I ask all of these in your son, Jesus's name. Amen."
I was met with clapping from Kaitlin, "So you finally prayed."
"Yeah."
"Good job, B."
*******************************************
The worst part of a party: THE CLEANUP.
That is, unless you're royalty. Then you don't have to clean. But I had more pressing matters. While Celestia had a high resistance to toxins (including alcohol), my mother didn't. Guess who was hung over? I had to nurse my own mother to health.
"I'm sorry, sweetie." She said, "I was just one hell of a bad example last night, wasn't I?"
"It doesn't matter. You're my mom. I'm not gonna get all mad because you got drunk." I told her, and it was the truth.
"Thanks, Brandon. That makes me feel better," Luna smiled weakly.
"You should rest though. You may not be drunk anymore, but you're tired. I can tell." She nodded and closed her eyes. In a minute I heard her snoring.
*****************************************
Luna slept for quite a while. Brandon was right. She was very tired. Having a son to worry about takes it's toll. When she woke up, it was night. Thankfully, 'Tia can raise the moon whenever Luna couldn't. She got out of her bed and saw Kaitlin.
"Why is Brandon such a crybaby around you?" Kaitlin asked.
"Simple. While he did travel with you forever, he still needs a mother. One he can talk to, can open up to. You have an older brother. He's like your dad, right?" Kaitlin nodded. "Exactly, you have a parent figure. Brandon doesn't. He also has the weight of the world on him, as well as our fates. Without a mother or a parent to open up to, that can mess you up."
"One more thing," Kaitlin asked, "Are you really his mother?"
Luna was taken aback by her question. She was, but the fact that she had the nerve to ask was rude.
"Yes, I am."
Kaitlin gave her a death stare, then brightened up quickly. "Okay. Just wondering."
Odd girl, she was.
********************************
Me and Rainbow watched the stars. We were sitting atop the mountain that held up the castle, sharing some Coke. (The fact that Equestria had that was amazing on it's own.) Kaitlin flew up to us. I hugged her. Rainbow didn't mind. Hugs are for friends. We watched the stars together.
"Wooooooowww!" Kaitlin said, amazed "I've never seen so many stars!" She jumped up and down.
"Calm down." I said, "We don't need two Pinkie Pies bouncing around here." She just laughed.
She brought out her guitar.
"You still have that?" I asked.
"Yep."
"You haven't broken it?"
"Nope. Do you remember that acoustic version I made for Letter Expirement?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Sing it with me."
"Okay."
We started to sing:
"Love of mine, gone forever
Say goodbye to the sky
Bound by time
Enter the ride
Absently
I will be."
She started to strum in a beautiful acoustic solo. I hadn't heard her play in forever. She played like she always does, full of spirit.
"You're still as good at that as ever."
"Yeah," She nodded.
"Well, you guys ready to head home?" The girls nodded.
"Hold on, let me get my brother." Kaitlin said.
She got him. We said our goodbyes and flew back to the cloud palace.
I looked back.
I had family here.
One day, if the Earth ever returns and I have a choice, I will stay here.
This is my home.
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HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE! HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A GOOD ONE!