Growing Up Mane Six

by Aiet

Rating: teen
Tags: Human, Main 6, Princess Luna, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Other, Princess Celestia, Slice of Life
Length: 12583

A man has to adopt the mane six after the universe is destroyed so that Celestia can rewrite history back to when it was.

All of Equestia is gone and every mortal being is dead. All but a lone human. Can this human get over his hate for Celestia in order to give her the time need to restore the wolrd? As she rewrites history, reweaves the threads of time, she was able to save the mane six but only as new borns. It is up to this human to raise them as if they were his children so that one day they can be placed back to their rightfull place in time. If one man can surive the end end of the world he can take care of six fillies, right? Only time will tell and at the moment it's gone.

Published 2013-07-23 00:40:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-09-07 23:20:58 UTC

The world ended and you're a father

Xylon was sound asleep in his bed, being three A.M he had the right to. But the loud knocking at his door begged to differ, sounding once. Sounding twice. At the third time he finally began to stir, still asleep more or less. The forth time was louder and harder, waking him. He stared at the red glow from the numbers of his magic powered alarm clock that read three o'five. Then for the fifth time the knock sounded. Xylon groaned as he sat up on the edge of his bed and looked around his house. A simple red brick house with one bed room and bathroom. His room had only a bed, a large stand alone mirror, and a dresser with all his clothes. In the closet was practice dummies for karate, easels for painting and drawing, and small jewelery box buried at the bottom. For the sixth time the knock rapped on the door. He stood up and shuffled to the door of his room and went out on to the carpet of the living room. It was simple with a small yellow couch and a short coffee table where he ate all his meals. All the walls were bare save for only one window, covered by a black curtain, stopped the walls from going on forever. Seventh time. The only thing left of the house was the kitchen, with a sink, stove and some cookware, and the bathroom. He slowly made his way to the door and had his hand on the knob when who ever it was knocked for the eighth time.

Opening the door a soft blue glow revealed Xylon. He was six foot tall and a hundred and sixty pounds. He stayed fit with his karate that kept him slim and tone. Lightly tanned, smooth skin covered by near translucent blond hair. His head was covered in near gold blond hair that hung an inch below his ears. Square jaw, flat nose and a smooth face, he couldn't grow facial hair for some reason. He had dark orange eyes that through off everything about humans and natural eye color, but they were natural. He had to close his eyes for a second from the stinging light and when he opened them he wished he had not.

“Hello Xylon.” just as radiant as the day he met her, he could never get tired of seeing he again after each time he closed his eyes, Celestia. The alicorn stood in front of him on the other side of the door with a soft face as if trying to apologize but it was to late for that.

“What do yo... what the hell?” he saw past her and at the blue light that came from... nothing. Nothing was behind Celestia but the soft blue glow he had thought... well he didn't know what he had thought it had came from. The once beautiful lands of Equestria and the town of Ponyville were gone.

“Please come with me.” she spoke softly and he suddenly remembered she was there with him. He debated on just closing the door on her and wait for her to leave but he wanted to know what was going on. He was hesitant to step out the door, there was no ground.

“Here just place your hand on me.” she stepped to him and turned so he could place his hand on her shoulder. He would rather fall to his death but he reached out his hand any way and stepped out. He felt something solid underneath him but nothing was there at all. Celestia motioned for him to walk with her and they slowly walked away from the house with a brown slate roof. No sounds but the breathing of the two could be heard. Finally Xylon asked the question.

“What happened?” they stopped as he looked around at the nothingness.

“It's all gone. A magical disaster that wiped away all life and caused all the land to vanish.” they started walking again and soon were coming up on the house that had been behind them moments ago.

“I managed to save you but no one expect us and my sister survived.” Xylon stopped to try to take it all in. Everything was gone. Except for him and...

“Oh so you need someone to spend eternity with besides your sister?” he looked at her with sour face and poison tone. She took a deep breath and tired not to anger him.

“That's not it. I need-”

“You need someone to keep you preoccupied-” he had started raising his voice and took his hand from her, the moment he did he started to fall. The farther he fell the darker the blue became until they could no long see each other. Xylon thought he would fall forever until suddenly he stopped as Celestia carried him on her back. She flew him back to his home and he got off her at the door. Nether would look at the other and it was Celestia who broke the silence.

“Please just listen. Everything is gone but not forever. My sister and I are... repairing the world and it's inhabitants, placing back the time line like it once was. But there is a problem. In this time line... we have tried everything to put it back the exact same way but we can not.” she stopped and slowly Xylon looked at her face, serious with something else that lay underneath, and at her eyes, sorrow filled them. He could remember the day's that he would be lost in them but not any more.

“In this time line my pupil and her friends will not exist, everything they have accomplished no more. They have to be present in order for every trial they have over come to stay that way. Without them nothing well be the way it once was. I need to have them to be somewhere safe...” she trailed off as she couldn't look him in the eyes any more.

“So you want me to take in six mares that I really don't even know?” he gave her an annoyed look and she raised her head with her horn glowing like sun in which she harnessed. She recalled the days that both of them would be wrapped in her magic, forgetting about the rest of the world.

“Not mares any more.” from behind her floating in the air came a large woven basket that she placed between them. In side was six spheres of different colors.

“I was to save them all but only as the moment before they were born. When time resumes they we'll be born and start life once more. But I can't do this. I need you.” her eye pleaded to Xylon as he stared into them. He sighed and took the floating basket.

“Fine... but I’m not doing this for you.” she nodded as he turned back into his house holding the future. As the door closed she took off into what would be the sky once more. The house shrink into the distance but above her it came closer. Now Luna flew with her and looked over with a soft smile. They both passed the house picking up speed. Celestia remembered how the magical disaster had destroyed everything. She had just spoke to Twilight that night and hours later a blast of magic, a searing white ball that grew and grew until it consumed the entire world and disseminated everything, had changed all she had knew. Her sister and her had to act fast only saving them selves, the six mares, and Xylon. What existed was only an endless, repeating plane of soft blue glow and the small house. For what was minutes or hours they had to figure out what had happened and what they would do to fix it.

“Are you ready sister?” Luna called to Celestia as they passed the house again and picked up more speed. Celestia nodded and her horn glowed in the magic of sun, covering her whole body until nothing could be seen of her. Luna followed suit and was now encompassed in the magic of the moon. Flying up wards they saw the house again and what would be the ground they passed with a boom. Then there was grass. From where they passed at what would be the ground again grass grew and spread out ward. In the blink of an eye it fanned out in all directions and the land formed once again. Hills shaped and mountains sprouted like the trees. Soon the land met the sky and in one second and in a million years the world was complete. But it was not at the time of the disaster, it was a time set so that when the six newborns grew up they would be at the exact spot they should have been.

“So what will happen now sister?” Luna asked as they flew in the sky over the small house.

“It's up to Xylon now.” they soared in the air back to the castle they once called home. Xylon had watched as the world was reborn before his eyes but a strange sound made him look at the basket he still held. In side the six spheres shook and glowed brightly, then six new born fillies slept peacefully in his arms. He held the future of the new Equestria and now it was up to him to make sure they made it. Xylon wasn't sure what to do since he never had children before, he almost did once but...

“So what do I do now?” he looked at the infants as if he was asking them. Then the purple one stirred from her sleep, Twilight. She slowly opened her eyes and looked up at the figure in dim light. He looked back at her and felt something he hadn't felt in what seemed like a life time ago. He carefully walked to his room with them and over to his bed. Gently he placed them on the bed and covered them, Twilight had fallen back to sleep. He stepped back and watched them silently. In the week to come Celestia would send him a large crib for them and food along with anything else he would need to care for these six fillies. The days to come would be filled with less sleep and tears but it was only natural. At time he would believe he couldn't do it but he would get up and prove him self wrong.

Maybe, he thought, this is what I needed. But for now he still watched them sleep. At the end to the left was Fluttershy with most of her hair covering her face. Pinkie Pie was next with what looked like a smile and her mane large and curly. Rainbow Dash, her multi-colored mane every where, had an arm on Rarity's silky purple mane. Applejack blond mane wrapped under her chin and she used it like a pillow. Twilight at the end had her dark blue mane with purple stripes over her eyes. Xylon did something he hadn't for a while, since he had no reason to he told him self, he smiled. It would be a long and hard trial for him and them but maybe it was this... this is what he needed to save him. He left the door opened and went to the living room, he would try to get some more rest before they woke up. Xylon laid on the couch with his feet over the arm and folded his arms across his chest. He was about to fall asleep when he heard a noise from his room so he went there quickly. He hopped he could get there before any of the woke up. When he entered he saw Twilight squirming around so he went to pick her up. He cradled her in his arms and looked down at her, she quickly fell back asleep. He looked her over, so small and delicate, she still had her cutie mark. After a while he put her back in the bed and went to the couch. When he woke up it would be the start of his new life.

A simple 'Thank You' would suffice

Xylon was awoken by a soft prodding to his face as he slept on the couch. He opened one eye to see a large smiling pink face with big eyes bouncing around. He sat up with a groan as Pinkie Pie climb up on the couch next to him with a little difficulty.

“Ok, ok I'm getting up.” he said as he rubbed his face with both hands. He was hopping that they would all sleep in late today but it was in vain since it was their...

“Daddy you have get the stuff ready for our birthday party!” she started pushing him to get him up and moving. Today was all six of the fillies birthday or as Xylon thought as their re-birthday. He stood up and stretched as Pinkie ran off to the room all six shared since they came here, the room that was once his and the crib to small. He slowly made his way to the kitchen and opened the cabinet underneath, pulling out several bags. With a yawn he started pulling out cake mix and decorations from the bags. As he prepared everything he could hear the girls giggling excitedly and the loud thump of Rainbow Dash and Applejack wrestling. He knew today was going to be a long day as he slid the cake into the oven. He started mixing together several thing in a large bowl as a filly snuck in.

“Whatcha making daddy?” Xylon looked down to see Rainbow Dash with her mane everywhere. He lifted up the whisk from the bowl and lowered it down to her. She took a lick of the yellow glob on the whisk and let out a delighted moan.

“Banana pudding that's awesome!” he gave her a smirk and shook his head. He turned to the oven to check the cake for a second and when he turned around he saw Dash trying to jump up for the bowl on the counter, she couldn't fully fly yet but she was having more progress then Fluttershy. He pushed her away with a foot and put the bowl at the back of the counter. He looked down but she had already ran off with a trail of cookie crumbs that he forgot to put up. He sighed and kicked them under the stove as the timer went off. He pulled out the cake and set out to cool off when there was a knock at the front door. As he went to answer it Twilight came out the room.

“Make sure your sisters don't get to the cake.” he said with out looking at her and made it to the door. He was about to opened it when he heard faint talking on the other side.

“... I don't know if I can sister.” Xylon pressed his ear to the door to listen further.

“Please? I promise that with the girls here nothing will happen.”

“I'll just... go check and see if everything is ready.” he heard the unfurling of wings and the slapping of wind. Waiting a couple of seconds he opened the door to find Luna standing patiently.

“Hello Princess Luna.” Xylon bowed slightly as he step aside.

“There is no need to bow and just Luna is fine.” she walked in and the closed the door behind her.

“Aunt Luna!” Twilight came bounding around the corner with something on her nose. Luna hugged her with a large smile.

“What is this? Frosting?” Luna said she poked at the glob of white on her nose. Twilight looked nervously at Xylon.

“Rainbow Dash got it down.” he sighed and walked into the kitchen as Luna wiped the frosting off Twilight's nose. Xylon found Rainbow and Pinkie with frosting all over their mouth and mane with the empty container on the floor. He picked both of them up and walked to the bathroom.

“Bath now or no birthday.” he turned on the water and walked out as Rainbow groan in frustration and Pinkie jumped right into the filling tub. He went back to the kitchen and pulled out another container of frosting he hid up high. After frosting the cake he put in six candles in a half circle above a number four made of candy in the middle of the cake. As he was getting everything situated when he heard a loud bang in the girls room and went to investigate with another sigh. Rarity ran out the room and strait into his legs as he came up to the open door.

“Daddy, daddy Fluttershy is bleeding.” he stepped over her and hurried in to find the large stand alone mirror, with a small lasso wrapped around it, tipped over on the floor and the mirror in pieces all over the floor. Applejack was at Fluttershy's side apologizing over and over as she held her right hoof. He picked them both off the floor and away from the glass as Applejack started apologizing to Xylon. When he got out the room he placed Applejack down and went to the bathroom with a crying Fluttershy. He opened the door to find a mountain of bubbles over the tub and a blue and pink face sticking out of them. He placed Fluttershy on the bathroom sink and gently took her hoof in his hand.

“Are you ok sweetheart?” he said as she looked up with tear running down her face and sniffling. She nodded her head and he reached under the sink counter and pulled out a first aid kit. It wasn't a deep cut at all as he cleaned it and wrapped it up while Luna used her magic to put the mirror back together.

“There you go.” he let go of her now bandaged hoof and she looked at it.

“Will you kiss it better?” he smiled as she held it out again and he kissed below the cut gently.

“There all better.” she wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him as he put her down on the floor and she walked carefully out, then he turned to the two in the tub.

“Out.” he said as he reached into the water and pulled out the plug. He walked back into the living room to find Luna holding a sobbing Applejack.

“But ah didn' mean to.” she said crying and hiccuping. Xylon walked over and picked her up.

“Hey don't worry sugarcube. It's alright it was just an accident.” he hugged her as he rocked her in his arms and she cried into his shoulder. She calmed down and hugged him back.

“Alright.” he said as he put her down and the two girls came out from the bathroom.

“Everyone stay in her with aunt Luna. I need to get the rest of the stuff ready.” he watched as all the girls went over next to Luna and he then went to the kitchen. First he went to the sink and slashed cold water on his face. He looked up at the clock to see it was only twelve thirty. With yet another sigh he set to get ready to bring out the cake. As he was lighting the candles Luna walked in.

“Would you like some help Xylon?” she asked as he lit the last candle and walked over to him.

“Could you get the pudding?” he motioned in the direction of the bowl that sat on the kitchen table. She went to the bowl and they now had their backs to each other.

“You were able to keep calm with all that chaos when Fluttershy was hurt. You're really good at being a father.” Xylon chuckled at her comment.

“Thank you for holding Applejack or it most likely would have been worse.” Luna laughed lightly as she used her magic to lift the bowl and took a step back. At the same moment Xylon was turning with the cake and Luna back right into the front of his hips. She looked back and turned quickly while blushing.

“Sorry.”

“Sorry.” they both said at the same time as they looked into each others eyes. Then a voice called out from the living room.

“Daddy are you done yet?” Xylon looked at the direction of the living room and smiled. He slowly walked to the door frame and started singing happy birthday slightly altered for them. All six girls waited excited on the couch as Xylon followed by Luna came with the cake and pudding while both sang. They set down the both sweet treats as they finished the song and Xylon couldn't help but notice how lovely of a singing voice Luna had.

“Alright girls at the same time, make a wish.” he said and all six leaned forward and blow at once, extinguishing the candles. While Luna cut the cake for six eager mouths, Xylon went back to the kitchen to grab six bags that hid a surprise inside. He grabbed a chair along the way and sat on the other side of the table as the girls ate cake with pudding.

“Oh presents!” Rarity pipped up as he sat down.

“I know I can't wait to see what I got my self.” all six girls and Luna looked at him confused. He picked a bag at random and set in his lap. Making sure they could all see he pulled out the first gift.

“A hat? What am I going to do with a hat?” he smiled devilishly as he leaned forward and placed the hat on Applejack's head as she had a large smile. Then he grabbed another bag and pulled out the second gift.

“A make up kit? I think I'm pretty enough.” the girls giggled as he leaned forward and gave the small make up kit to Rarity who let out an excited squeal. The next four gifts he did the same. Pulling them out slowly and making sure they could see them, then say what he needed with what he pulled out and handing it to who it belong to. Fluttershy got stuffed teddy bear that she held on to tightly as she buried her face into the top of it's head. Twilight was given a book over different basic types of magic which she greedily grabbed with a large grin. Pinkie Pie was a small pump gun that shot out foam balls and immediately started shooting at Luna who laughed as they bounced off her head. For Rainbow Dash a pair of aviator goggles that she snapped around her head over her eyes and looked around everywhere with them. Xylon smiled as he watched them with their presents.

“Thankyouthankyouthankyou daddy!” Rainbow Dash said excitedly as she took off for a leaping hug and the rest of the girls followed suit, knocking him to the ground. Like any other parent he wished he could give them more then simple, cheap gifts but he couldn't. For the first two years of their life Celestia had provided them with what they needed but unfortunately the royal coffers couldn't keep supporting them. Xylon had planned ahead and reacquired his job as a furniture maker just as before the end but they were just starting off and he made just enough money to feed six growing children. When he would work Cadence, and sometimes Shinning Armor, would come and baby sit them. Just like they did when he went to work the day before and to shop afterwords. He browsed the shops until he found all the gifts, looking down at them with sad eyes. Cheap, simple, mostly assembly line stock, and not to forget cheap. But it was all he could afford.

“Alright girls get ready, aunt Tia as a surprise for you.” Luna said as she gathered the girls, Xylon looked up at her with a huff and shook his head. The girls quickly lined up behind Luna with their presents and followed her out the door with Xylon at the back.

“Hey guys we're like a train!” Pinkie said as she looked up and down the line.

“Yeah. Aunt Luna is the front and we're the carts and dad's the butt.” Rainbow Dash said and they all giggled and Luna even let out a chuckle.

“Chuga-chuga-chuga choo-choo!” Applejack started and soon all the girls joined in, imitating train sounds as they walked. When Luna pitched in Xylon smiled and chuckled with a soft shake of his head. Soon they made it to where Luna had intended to take them, just west of the school.

“Ok girls her it is.” she turned and motioned to a large, white, two story house with a teal colored roof. Celestia, who was at the door of the house, walked over to the girls with a smile.

“Happy Birthday girls and welcome to your new home!” all the girls went wide eyed and let out sounds of awe. All dropped the gifts from their dad and ran to the house. Celestia turned to Luna and Xylon with a smile.

“The second floor as a room for each girl and a bathroom. On the first floor is your room, the master bedroom and bathroom, the kitchen, and a living room. There is a basement, an attic, and even a pool in the backyard.” she spoke to Xylon and waited for a response but he didn't give one. Instead he bent over and picked up the discarded gifts.

“We're not a charity case.” Celestia was got off guard by the statement and stared at him for a second.

“You all couldn't have fit in the house for lo-”

“And I would have found a way to fix that.” Xylon said as he brushed dirt off Fluttershy's teddy bear, not looking up once. Luna quietly took a step back from the two.

“Please Xylon, it's a gift for the girls.” he still didn't look up at her.

“Just had to be the good guy. Had to be the greatest aunt in the world and pour copious amount of money for the best gift in the world while dad had to decide wither or not to get new shoes or buy his daughters gifts for the birthday.” Luna couldn't help but look down at his feet and at the ragged shoes that stitches barely held together and holes in the soles.

“I did this for you-” Xylon head snapped up and he cut her off with a glare.

“No! You did this for them not me! And don’t you ever think you did something for me because I will never accept it! The only thing I care about it them being happy and if dad as to look like a cheap bastard while you are their hero then so be it!” Celestia took a step back with a shocked look. Twilight had happened to look up and see what had happened and ran to them.

“Daddy do you have my book?” she ran up to them and Xylon stopped glaring at Celestia while she straitened her self up. He knelt down and handed her the book for all the presents he held in his arms.

“Thank you daddy for the greatest present ever!” she wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a the largest hug she could managed. Afterwords she ran back to the house with her book to claim a room on the second floor.

... What a man has to do.

“So daddy when are we going to get stuff for our room? It's just so empty in here.” Rarity spoke standing at the door way of her room as Xylon placed a box of her belongings on the small bed. Each girls room was the same with a single bed in one corner, a large window, and a medium sized white vanity. Three rooms on one side and three on the other with the bathroom at the end of the hall. Each girl had only a couple of things to place in their rooms leaving them mostly bare.

“Soon precious.” Xylon said as he went to the vanity to move it over a little to the right so he wouldn't bump into as he walked in.

“Be careful daddy! If you break the mirror I won't be able to put my make up on!” she rushed forward when he was pushing it and an edge caught on the tan carpet and threaten to tip over. Xylon manged to stop it from falling over and stepped away as Rarity brought her make up kit over and laid it out. He walked out the room as she sat up on the stole and started going through the make up. Walking down the hall to go back down stairs he stopped when he heard a loud thump and an 'ow'. He turned back around and went to the last room on the left passing Rarity's that was the first on the right. Xylon went to the door and opened it see Rainbow Dash leaping off her vanity while flapping her wings as fast as she could then landing on the ground with a loud thump.

“What are you doing squirt?” Xylon said as she climbed back up for another try.

“Practicing to get into the Wonderbolts.” she said right before she jumped again and manged to hover for a few seconds before landing a bit more softly then before. Xylon looked up at the Wonderbolts poster that hung on the far wall. It was different Pegasus then from he remembered but then again it was years before they would be at the academy.

“Just don't hurt yourself.” he said as he backed out the door and closed it, hearing another thumb and an 'ow'. He was about to go down the hall and back down stairs when the door directly across of Rainbow Dash's opened and out came Pinkie Pie.

“Daddy come here I have something to show you!” she ran back into her room and Xylon followed. He had to stop and look around when he entered the room because it was nearly entirely pink. The walls were bubble gum pink, the ceiling a light pink, and the floor hot pink.

“Do you like it daddy?” Pinkie Pie asked as she hopped around. Xylon looked around confused but then he remembered just exactly who his daughter was.

“It's great gum drop.” he chuckled as he looked around the room and Pinkie jumped up and hugged him. After sitting her down he went out the door and closed it but decided he would check on the other girls first before going back down. First he went to Fluttershy's room on the right side in the middle of Pinkie's and Rarity's room. He slowly opened the door to find her sitting on the bed with her teddy bear pretending to nurse an injury.

“There all better.” she finished tying a small part of the blanket around the left arm of the bear and kissed the spot where it was suppose to be hurting. He backed out quietly and went to the room behind him on the left side that was Applejack's room. Inside he found her messing with her lasso.

“If you're going to be playing with that go to the back yard so nothing gets broken.” she looked up at Xylon with an embarrassed blush and he just smiled as he left. Now the last room on the left side was Twilight's and he opened the door to find her reading from the book he given her.

“What you doing smarty pants?” Xylon walked as she sat up.

“Aunt Tia said that she was going to teach me more magic so I have to study to get better!” she spoke excitedly and he smiled.

“That's... great.” he tried not to let the disdain crawl into his voice as he talked but Twilight caught on to it.

“Daddy yesterday... what were you and aunt Tia fighting about?” Xylon let out a soft sigh and sat down next to her on the bed.

“It was nothing. She just... did something I didn't like but it's not her fault and I’m not mad at her. Ok?” she nodded and Xylon swept her up into a hug. He had to make sure next time that none of the girls were around when it happened and he knew it would happen. He let her go and walked out to go back down the stairs but stopped and waited a second and listened for any one of them to call his name. None of them did but the door bell did ring and he went down to answer it. He opened the door to Luna with a bag.

“Hello Xylon. I came to give the girls their presents, I would have yesterday but...” Xylon stepped aside as she trailed off and he called out.

“Girls come down here!” soon doors could be heard being opened and closed and the patter of feet coming down stairs.

“Hello girls, I've brought your birthday presents.” they all rushed to her and waited eagerly. She reached into the bag and pulled out twelve pairs of socks, two for each girl, that had their cutie marks and color in stripes. Then she pulled out a small box and gave it to Xylon as the girls were putting on the socks. He looked at her with a raised eye brow and she smiled sweetly at him.

“Just open it when you're alone.” he nodded and all the girls had finished putting on their socks.

“Look Daddy!” he wasn't sure witch girls had spoke but he turned to find all six girls giggling on their backs with their legs in the air wearing the socks. He smiled and Luna let out a chuckle but then their was a loud bubbly growl and they all looked at Luna. She blushed as she scratched her head.

“Missed breakfast this morning.” Xylon grinned as the girls started giggling even more and he turned to the kitchen.

“Stay for lunch then.” he called out as he started getting out cook ware and food. In thirty minutes fried hay fries and salads sat on the table while the girls with Luna talked about different things in the living room.

“Come and get it.” Xylon called out and the girls funneled into the kitchen with Luna in tow. When she entered she noticed something about the kitchen table where they all eat. There was only seven chairs.

“I will eat over on the-”

“Sit.” Xylon cut her off with a somber expression and pointed at his chair that sat at the head of the table. The girls had already started eating as she sat down.

“You might want to hurry and eat before Rainbow Dash steals your food.” Twilight said to Luna and as she was turned to her Rainbow Dash, sitting on the other side of her, took the opportunity to swipe a couple of hay fries from her plate with out her knowing. Luna smiled and started eating while Xylon started cleaning.

“Are you going to eat?” Luna asked Xylon as he put away the last of the cook ware. He shook his head and turned to her.

“Not hungry.” in truth there wasn't enough for him to eat, he had put generous amounts on each of their plates and ran out after he gave Luna hers. He just sat back and watched the girls happily eat and talk with their aunt Luna about anything. He sighed inwardly as he counted off what edible food they had left and it only made him sigh more. He wasn't making enough money at the furniture shop, he would have to get another job and that meant leaving the girls by them selves even more. He wasn't about to let his daughters miss a meal because he was tired from working. He turned to Luna and cleared his throat.

“If you aren’t to busy today would you mind watching the girls? I have something important to go do.” she looked up as he spoke and then nodded her head.

“Of course.” she smiled at him and he returned hers. They looked at each other for a moment until Twilight spoke up.

“Where you going daddy?” he turned to her with a smile still.

“Oh I'm going to go see if any one needs some help. I'll be back soon.” she nodded and went back to eating. Luna looked back at her plate thinking about what he said. She knew he meant that he was going to go look for another job but she didn't understand why.

“Ok girls I'll be back later. You mind your aunt Luna and behave.” with that he went to his room to change into a white shirt and brown pants with his black flip flops, he didn't feel like wearing his shoes at the moment since they were nearly pieces of lose cloth.

“Ok bye girls.” he called out and was returned with mixed farewells. Luna waited for a minute after he was gone and spoke to the girls.

“Ok I'll do the dishes and you go play.” they all took off in a hurry and she used her magic to place the dishes into the sink. Making sure no one else was around she started to check the cabinets and pantries. What she saw, or the lack of, made her sigh sadly. Now she knew why Xylon didn't eat with them and she felt bad for eating what was his meal. She thought that he would get mad at Celestia if she tried to help but maybe not with her.

“Hey girls would you like to go do a little shopping?” at that time Xylon was walking the streets on the other side of Ponyville and away from the food shops. He was looking at the different places he would try to find another job until he stopped in front of a small restaurant called 'The Back'. It was a red brick building with a green roof, large windows, and some out door tables. He walked in side to a low candle light room where they served their customers but there wasn't many tables to sit at. It was empty until a gray earth pony with dark purple mane and tail walked in from the back.

“Can I help ya?” he didn't sound friendly as he spoke to a potential customer, more annoyed if anything.

“I was seeing if you needed any help.” Xylon looked at the shifty stallion who sized him up.

“Can ya cook?” he said as he raised his eye brows and Xylon nodded. He motioned him to follow him into the back that was the kitchen.

“It's pretty simple, we serve five different things. Here the recipes.” he showed Xylon around the kitchen and pointed to the five sheets of paper that was the recipes.

“I have some clients about to come in so if ya do good I'll hire ya.” Xylon nodded and the stallion showed him the two recipes he would be cooking for the clients that happened to just walk in the front door. He went to greet them with more kindness in his voice then he had for Xylon. He looked at the two recipes, simple enough, and started to cook them. The gray stallion talked to the two ponies that had came in and then dismissed him self to head for the kitchen where Xylon was placing the food on plates.

“Hey hold on a min.” the stallion came in and then went to an office that hid in the very back. Moments later he came back with two small boxes that could fit in a hoof and were empty. He placed them on the plate, open, and then went to a cabinet that was a fake and pulled back to revile a brown sack. He took a small scoop and gathered some of what ever was on side the sack and went over to the boxes pouring the white powder in side.

This was something new to Equestria. In the new line of the flow some things were added like TV, and cars. The were all very simple and ran off magic, no pollution at all, there wasn't much of them and mostly the rich had them. Now there was even this as Xylon looked down at the box.

“Just a little... sugar. Don't need to say anything to anyone about it, right?”

“About what?” he looked at Xylon confused then he understood and grinned.

“I think I'm gona like ya here.” he said as he closed the boxes and Xylon took the food to the two ponies. As he was cleaning he looked up to see one of the ponies sniffing in side the box and sitting back up the powder under their nose and their eyes rolling back. Soon the gray stallion walked back in.

“Hey they said ya cooking was good. Came back tomorrow same time.” Xylon nodded and went to leave but the stallion stopped him to give him a pouch that jingled generously.

“Just a little... incentive.” he winked at Xylon and he nodded as he grabbed the pouch and left. Now he headed back home to make a list to come back to the market. When he got back home he found all the girls on the porch eating ice cream.

“Daddy you're back!” Pinkie Pie ran forward and jumped into his arms with a hug.

“What are you eating?” he said as he noticed brown liquid around her lips.

“Ice cream! Aunt Luna got it for us.” she jumped down as they reached the porch and he went inside to noises in the kitchen. He stood at the door way and saw Luna standing on her back legs and trying to kneed dough with her front but not doing a very good job of it. He walked up behind her and put his hands on her hoof to show her the way.

“Move like this.” he said as he guided her hoofs along the dough and it started to kneed together.

“Please don't be mad. I looked through all your food and...” Xylon didn't say anything and continued helping her.

“I got the money to buy it my self... thank you.” she stopped and turned nearly sitting on the counter for support while his hands were still around her on the dough.

“You don't have to suffer like this. Pride can be a harmful thing.” she stared into his eyes and he chuckled softly.

“A real man wouldn't have to worry about feeding his daughters.” Luna sighed and Xylon could taste her breath.

“You are more then a man. You are a father and a great one. Not many could take care of six growing fillies, especially on their own.” Xylon sighed this time and she could taste his breath and smell the food on him he had cooked earlier.

“I can do it by myself now and don't need help... but thank you.” Xylon stepped away and Luna turned back to the dough completely rolled out. Soon dinner would be ready and they would all enjoy a fine meal made by Luna. The girls would have fun spending time with the Princess and talk about many things. Xylon would remain mostly quiet, thinking about his new job. Thinking about how his daughter's life were going to be. Thinking about a new pair of shoes.

Only once (more)

Six months ago Xylon could wake up in the morning and make breakfast for his daughters, getting ready afterwords to go to work at the furniture store. He would come back home to six smiling, giggling girls that couldn't wait to tell him what they did while he was gone and ask what he did at work. He would soon cook dinner and get the girls ready for bed. Now he couldn't any more. Now he got up and went strait to work at the furniture store then coming home to spend two hours cooking for lunch and dinner. He would leave to go to 'The Back', where he would serve 'sugar' with his meals to the stallion's clients. He now had all the money needed to support his daughters and more but no longer had the energy to do any thing else but make them lunch and dinner. He had to trust the girls on getting to bed on time by them selves. This cycle repeated until it matched the raising and setting of the sun. Until one day that gray stallion took notice.

“Hey there bruder, what's with ya? Ya ever sleep?” dark bags seem to be customary under Xylon's eyes along with sluggish movement. It would never effect his job, he made sure of it, but made him sleep like a rock.

“Maybe ya need a pick me up?” Xylon looked at him confused as the stallion went over to the fake counter and pulled it back. After scoping some into a small box he pushed it back into place and walked back over to Xylon.

“Here go ahead. Ya brought me so many new clients with ya cooking a little for ya won't be missed at none.” he pushed the box into Xylon's hands and he looked down at it. He simply put it into his pocket and continued working. Today was business as usual with the exception of more and more customers since he started working there.

“Good night daddy.” Xylon tucked in Fluttershy with a kiss on the forehead, he had the chance to leave early that night. He was able to tuck in each girl and tell them good night, something he hadn't be able to do since he got his second job. Each girl now slept peacefully in their beds and he walked down stairs to his room. He walked into his room and sat on his bed, that's when he noticed something in his pocket. He pulled out the small box and placed it on his bed side table, staring at it. Leaving it there he went to the bathroom and took a hot bath, something else he hadn't been able to do for awhile. He let the hot water work away the stiffness in his muscles and wash away the stress. It felt almost as good when Celestia did it for him.

Xylon sat up quickly after that thought popped up into his head from no where. He just sighed and let the water drain while laying back down, the water slowly lowering. He stayed in there until all the water was gone and left his body in the cool air. After awhile he got out and dried off, putting on black P. J’s. He laid down and quickly fell asleep.

“So how have you been Xylon?” Luna asked him as he sat at a table reading a news paper. He was reading an article about Fluttershy asking him to check under her bed for monsters. This was a dream he had quiet often, memories of the day and the past being incorporated into a news paper and he would go over them.

“I've been doing fine. And your self?” he hadn't seen Luna since she cooked dinner for them all, this was the second time she had visited his dreams though. She sat on another chair on the other side of the table and smiled at him.

“I have been fine as well. The girls?” Xylon flipped the paged and it showed a picture of Rainbow Dash standing on his head as he slept and trying to get him up. With a chuckle he answered her.

“Good... just wish I could spend more time with them.” Luna watched Xylon smiled to him self as he read the article under the picture. Rainbow Dash had accidentally flipped her bed over and couldn't put it back by her self. He didn't know how she did it but he finally woke up. He stood up with her still standing on his head, balancing so she wouldn't fall off.

“So do I... it's been awhile since I've seen them and I miss them.” Xylon flipped the page and saw in large print at the top 'An absolute disaster'. Rarity rushed him into her room where she pointed at her vanity. Some of her make up had melted onto the surface of it and she was in a panic. He laughed as he cleaned it off for her.

“Yeah they miss you too... and Celestia.” Luna watched his hands tighten on the paper and slightly crease it. With a sigh she spoke.

“Maybe here soon we, or just me, can come and visit.” Xylon closed the paper and folded it, placing it on the table. He looked over at Luna with a slightly amused expression.

“And this time I'll cook you dinner.” he smiled at her and she smiled warmly back. They locked eyes and she spoke for the last time.

“Good morning Xylon.” Xylon suddenly opened his eyes as his alarm clock screamed at him. He slapped it shut and sat up with a groan. The sun wasn't up but it was morning time and he knew one thing. He was exhausted. He got out of bed and walked to the living room to find Applejack asleep on the couch. She had started a wondering phase and would sleep walk to different places in the house and lay there. He gently picked her up and took her back to her room, this had become an every morning thing about two months ago. He went back down stairs and got ready for work.

“You look tired.” Xylon said to his reflection in the bathroom mirror. He smirked at him self and the he noticed something in the mirror pass the reflection of the door frame. The small box on the bed side table. He slowly came out the bathroom and looked at it. He thought to him self, maybe just a little. He went over and grabbed the box, opening it. He grabbed a picture frame that had a picture of him under a pile of six fillies all laughing like crazy. He tapped a little out onto the glass and closed the box. He looked down at the small pile of white powder and hesitated. Bringing it closer to his face, closing his eyes, he lowered his nose down over the pile and took a big sniff from his nostrils.

The first thing he felt was a burning in his nose that made his eyes water but it quickly went away. Then he felt a tingling all around his skull until a surge of warmth started at the back. It spread from there to the rest of his head and down his spine, settling there and causing the rest of his body to start becoming a cool numb. His eyes snapped open and everything seemed to have more definition as he looked all around. He no longer felt tired as his heart picked up but his breathing slowing down to long thoughtful drafts. He put the picture frame down with faint traces of powder still on it, covering his face. It was time to go to work.

Xylon walked to work but today was different. He didn't move slowly and time didn't drag on, no he felt great. He walked at a brisk pace and made it to work faster then normal but today was a problem. The owner of the store also lived there in the back and that night he forgot to put out a candle. The building was ablaze and fire fighters rushed around trying to put out the fire. A shout for help came from in side but was muffled by the roar of the flames. With out thinking Xylon rushed in side the inferno. The brown unicorn that owned the shop was trapped in the back and Xylon made his way quickly passing burning wood furniture. In a few second he made it to the back and picked up the rather large stallion with little difficulty. The smoke was thick but it didn't bother Xylon, he just made his way back out. Once out side the fire fighter rushed to the two and he set down his boss but they grabbed at him. Water was tossed repeatedly onto him to quench the flames eating at his gray shirt and denim pants. They put out the flames he never felt reddening the skin under the cloth.

The flames were tamed and the building left a scorched husk but no one had died. The owner was rushed to the hospital and Xylon refused any medical attention. He simply walked back home to change his clothing. Once home he tossed the charred clothing in the trash and changed into a dark blue shirt and bright yellow pants, he thought they went well enough together. He had a little difficulty putting on the clothes since the skin that was under the flaming cloth was red and tight but it didn't bother him at all. Now it was time to go to his now only job even if it was early.

“Ya did what?” the gray stallion stared at Xylon in disbelief as he had told him what happened that morning. He slowly shook his head with a surprised face.

“I didn't think somepony like ya would be a her-o.” he said with a grin. Afterwords they discussed about Xylon working more here now with a little side bonus every once and awhile. The stallion was pleased to have Xylon there for longer now because that meant more customers even though they didn't come for the food, mostly. Now Xylon would work the time he did at the shop here then go back for two hours like before and come back once again. This job paid considerably more and had 'benefits'.

“Daddy they said you saved your boss from a fire today!” Rainbow Dash, along with the other girls, had stayed up, waiting eagerly for their dad to return home. He smiled and nodded his head.

“That's so cool!” all the girls wanted to here how he rushed into the flames and pulled out the stallion. After he finished he told the girls it was past their bed time and needed to go to bed now. Like the night before he got to tuck them in and kiss them good night. He went to his room, took a shower, and laid down. He still felt great but he knew he needed to sleep.

Xylon sat at the table looking down confused at the news paper. Everything was jumbled and looked like it had been soaked in water. He tried to read but nothing made since and he kept hearing a strange noise. He would see flickers of something blue made it never came into focus went he looked for it. He thought the noise was coming from it but he couldn't tell, it was like someone was trying to get a hold of him.

Xylon woke up and felt horrible. His head pounded and his chest was tight, he could barely move his back that throbbed with a dull heat. He knew he had to get ready for work but it hurt to move, he had to grit his teeth in order to sit up. He breathed heavily as he looked at his alarm clock, the small box next to it. He thought, maybe this will help. He grabbed the picture frame again and the box but putting a little more powder this time. He immediately felt the effects exactly the same as last time but the warmth in is spine burned away the dull heat and the cool numb chilled away the rest. His head no longer pounded and he could move without pain.

From now on, even past the girls fifth birthday in which he spent the day with them but not entirely himself, he would start every day like this. Twilight noticed how daddy would get agitated real fast and the right part of his face started to twitch every couple of minutes. Maybe aunt Tia would know if something was wrong, she thought. Luna was worried that she couldn't visit Xylon in his dreams any more, they were distorted and barely held together but she didn't have the time to see him in person right now. No one knew what was happening with Xylon as he started a slow dissent into a dark, cold, lonely place.

Get well soon

When Celestia and Luna came to the white two story house they found five fillies huddled around something and giggling like mad. As the royal sisters reproached the porch the girls moved back to revile Rainbow Dash with an annoyed look and a bright pink bow in her mane.

“Girls, what are you doing to your sister?” Luna asked as the five fillies laughed hard. Rainbow Dash started to pull out the bow as the alicorns stood at the porch.

“We're making her pretty for our birthday.” Rarity said as she tried stopping Rainbow Dash. Today was the girls sixth birthday and they waited for their aunts to come and take them for a surprise.

“Where's your father?” Celestia asked the other four as the two wrestled behind them.

“Daddy's still asleep.” Twilight said and Celestia hid a sigh of frustration as she walked past the girls and into the house. Luna stayed with the girls and made sure they were ready. Inside the house Celestia looked around as her anger began to build. The house was not filthy but it was still trashed and not the children playing for a few hours trashed. There was trash scattered here and there all over the floor, the walls had stains on them, and in the kitchen the dishes piled high. She made her way to the door of Xylon's room and let her self in. It was dark, dirty clothes littered the floor, and it smelt like unwashed bodies. Xylon was asleep face down on the bed with a red shirt and black pants that he had been wearing for the last three days. That’s when she saw the picture frame with the surface covered in white powder.

“GET UP NOW!” with a blast of magic she flipped over the mattress and sent Xylon to the floor with a startled yell. He quickly shot up and faced Celestia.

“What the hells your problem!?” he said while breathing hard and his fist clenched. Celestia stared at him furious.

“It's your daughters birthday, you know that right?” Xylon was still glaring at her then it hit him. He started shifting through all the stuff littered on the floor trying to get things ready.

“Don't bother, I already have something planned for them.” he stopped and quickly looked at her angrily.

“Oh so you get to make the decisions for my daughters birthday now?” Celestia ignored him, using her magic she tossed the picture frame on the flipped mattress next to him.

“What this?” she watched him as he silently picked up the frame. He then spoke softly.

“It's none of your damned business.” This made Celestia furious and she started yelling to where everyone outside could hear. Luna took all the girls and told them that Celestia would come later for their birthday.

“It is my BUSINESS when you hold the future of Equestria!” Xylon flung the frame to the side and stepped towards her.

“I took in six babies I didn't even know for YOU. I've had to raise them by MYSELF with NO HELP. What I do IS NONE OF YOUR DAMN BUSINESS!” they stared each other down in silence until Celestia spoke.

“You will not see the girls until you have fixed your problem.” Xylon quickly went to her and shoved a finger into her chest, she didn't flinch once.

“You have no right to-” Celestia reared up and knocked Xylon down and angry rays shone from her horn.

“I have every right! Look at your self! Look at this house! I will not have those girls live in such conditions and until everything is better you will not see the girls!” she slammed down her front hooves and the light died away as Xylon still glared at her from on the floor.

“Sister maybe you should go with the girls, they are at the carriage.” Luna stood at the door way, neither heard her coming up. Celestia stared at Xylon one last time and turned out the door. Luna looked at Xylon who stared at the floor until she left too. Xylon sat there as the sisters went to the carriage that held the six girls.

“Sister don't you think-”

“We will not discuss this any further.” Celestia cut off Luna and opened the door to the carriage. Once in side they took off and Twilight spoke up.

“Is daddy going to meet us there?” Both sisters looked at Twilight, Luna with a sad smile and Celestia an unreadable expression but with a single tear starting to form in her eye away from Luna.

“Daddy's sick so he can't go but he said to have a good birthday and he loves you all.” Luna covered for them and Twilight seemed to believe her. The girls went on to have a wonderful birthday at a water park. They got to swim and splash for hours in the warm sun. Afterwords they went to Canterlot and to the castle. The entire time Xylon sat in the same spot but with the broken picture frame in his hand. He had to wipe away the residue so he could see the picture clearly.

“We have another surprise for you girls. You all get to stay her for a while and each get your own rooms and everything.” all the girls exclaim excitedly as Celestia told them their other gift but in reality she was giving Xylon a chance to clean up and if he didn't... well she wasn't sure what would happen. She sat on the throne and watched the girls play before her with sad eyes. She didn't want to yell at Xylon but she was mad at him for letting the girls live in such a house and for causing him self... to become so low. What they had together ended long ago but she still...

Xylon still sat in the same spot as yesterday... or was it the day before yesterday? He lost track of time as he did nothing but stare at the frame in his hands. He didn't even look up when the front door opened and closed and some one came to his bedroom door.

“You haven't moved...” it was Luna, he could tell by the voice but he still didn’t move. She went to him and placed a card in his lap.

“The girls made this for you...” she placed it right over the broken frame, it was a get well card. He finally moved for the first time and opened the card, signed by each girl.

Get well soon daddy
We all love you

Luna watched him as he stared down at the card with out any other movement.

“Look I don't know what you're going through, it must be hard but you have six girls to look after. I know you love them and would never let anything happen to them but...” she didn't know what to say as she sighed. He still looked down at his lap with the card.

“Xylon please, look at me...” Luna pleaded and finally he shifted once again and slowly rose his head. Tears ran down his face and landed on the card. She could see the pain in his eyes.

“I don't want to live like this anymore. I don’t want to get mad because one of them are trying to wake me so I can make breakfast because they didn't eat dinner. I don’t want to wake up everyday having to... so I can...” Xylon couldn't talk any more as he place his face in his hands and sobbed. Luna sat next to him and wrapped him in her wings.

“No matter how long it takes, get better for your girls.” Luna whispered into his ear as he wept. Finally after some time he stopped and they sat there silently. Xylon broke the quiet chill in the room.

“I don't want them to see until... this is all gone.” Luna nodded and held him closer. Like any other addiction it would be a long and hard road but for Xylon it would be worse. If a regular pony did a pound a day for a month it would equal the effects it had on Xylon but it was a price he had to pay and today he would start paying.

That night and the one after he could not sleep or even move. He forced him self to stand up, clutching the card to his chest, walking unsteadily before falling down. It took him three more tries before he could stand and walk with out falling, all the while holding the card to his chest. It was his life line to his daughters and it would keep him in alive.

A week later the house was clean from top to bottom and every room in between. With the help of Luna for a day or two, Xylon cleaned the house as a start. Now the only thing that was left was a slight smell that lingered in the air. It wasn't until he stopped and sat on the couch did he realize the smell was coming from him, he still wore the same clothes. As he made his way to the bathroom did withdrawal finally hit him. Before he would get headaches that lasted for hours but now his stomach started to hurt. It felt like his stomach was trying to rip itself out of his body with white hot needles. He tried to make it to the toilet but lost his balance and slipped into the tub.

Xylon woke up as cold water rain down on him and plastered his clothes to his burning and dry skin. He spat out the water from his mouth with a foul taste and a soar throat. He sat up as the water chipped away the dried vomit on his clothes but the sudden movement caused his head to throb horribly. Then it started again and this time he moved so that he was on his hands and knees. He puked more, a sick yellow mixed with blood. He kept on until nothing was left in his stomach but still dry heaved.

“Clean your self and come to the kitchen...” a voice to his side spoke and when he could look up he caught sight of a free flowing tail of mixed colors. Celestia came to the house to get something for the girls and found the front door wide open. In side she hesitantly called for Xylon but got no answer. When she did find him he was in the tub covered and laying in a pool of his own vomit. She had to remind her self that this is what he deserves but her heart didn't truly believe it.

Xylon slowly shuffled into the kitchen slightly damp with a towel around his waist. He entered to find Celestia at the stove cooking and he just stood at the door way.

“Sit.” she said with her back to him and he did as he was told. He sat down heavily at the kitchen table on the right side where Applejack sits. Celestia finished cooking and went over to the table, placing a plate of scrambled eggs and toast in front of him. She sat down at the head of the table, where Xylon sat, and watched him as he stared at his food. The sight of food made Xylon want to puke again but he didn’t luckily. Celestia looked at his naked chest, much skinnier and paler, she could see the out lines of his ribs.

“You not going to get better if you starve to death.” with a slightly annoyed tone she waited for him to eat. Xylon used his fingers and scooped the eggs into his mouth.

“Don't eat like an animal.” she used her magic and slid a fork to him, it clattered next to his hand. Xylon slowly picked up the fork and stared at it before slamming it into the table, sticking it strait up into the wood, then shoving his plate so hard it flew to the wall and shattered. They sat there in silence as the pieces fell to the floor. Suddenly Xylon turn in his chair and puked again on the floor.

“I am trying to help you.” Celestia said as he stood up taking off his towel, using it to clean up the vomit.

“I don’t think I ever asked for your help.” Xylon said with a raspy voice. Celestia said or did nothing, she just watched him clean up the puke. When he was finished he placed the towel in the sink and she walked past to, stopping at the door way.

“You can't say I didn't try...” with that she left him standing at the sink in silence. For awhile he stood there staring down at the towel. He finally went to his room to put on some clothes, gray boxers and black pants, then he looked around the cleaned room. Everything was neat and organized, even more so then before everything happened, and his practice dummy was set up by the closet door. He walked over to it slowly and looked it over.

“You did...” he spoke to the dummy or him self, he wasn't sure. If he was speaking to the dummy it didn't answer, the stuffed, simple human shaped doll just stayed quietly hooked onto the support stand. He started to slowly hit it, muscle memory coming into play. He started to go faster and faster as each blow knocked off dust with firm strikes. Soon the blows no longer stuck out as trained and became more as furious lashes. Xylon kept beating the doll with angry cries until he finally stopped and leaned against the wall. He slowly slid down the wall while tears streamed down his face.

Xylon woke up the next day sitting in the corner with his knees to his chest and his heart pounding. He brought his hands to his face and saw dried blood covering his knuckles and fingers, scabs over the splits of torn flesh. He slowly stood uneasily and walked out of his room into the living room. He looked around and noticed the calender on the wall then went to it. As he looked at the date it made him sigh sadly, it had only been a week and it was just the beginning.

“Strawberry right?” Xylon asked Celestia as she sat at the kitchen table and he poured flavored syrup on shaved ice. Strawberry was Celestia's favorite and Xylon knew it too, he always asked like a little joke from before. He sat down back in Applejack's place and she sat down in his, both with a strawberry icy. They sat in silence as the sipped on the homemade icy on the day that marked a month in total for his recovery. He had gone through more headaches, puking, fainting, and broken heart.

“They miss you but they are have a good time.” Celestia broke the silence and sipping causing Xylon to look up. With a sigh he looked back down into his treat.

“I'm... I'm not ready yet.” he didn't look back up and Celestia only nodded. Again they sat in silence and sipped on the melting, water down, strawberry slush. The air might have been tense but there was no fighting, yelling, or any high tempers at all. It was almost peaceful.

Xylon sat down at the table with the news paper in hand. Now it was clear like before but empty. The six pages that each of his daughters had dedicated to them was only filled with past memories. The last page which was dedicated to him and other things had something on it that was different from the sickness he fought.

“Can Xylon forgive Celestia or will she forgive him?” he read the head line out loud as Luna sat at the table.

“She never told me what happened between you two.” Luna looked at Xylon who started to fold the paper and placed it on the table.

“I figured she didn't... I don't want this to make you think any different of your sister...” Xylon told Luna about how the two fell apart that seemingly normal day that was in a different life time. That morning when he woke up he found his face had streaks of wetness running down but he had other things to do today. After all it was the day he was going to see his daughters again.

Xylon waited on the front porch of his house in a white shirt and yellow pants. He had gain most of his weight back and the color of his skin. He didn't wake up in the mornings with cravings and he didn't need anything to sleep at night. He was no longer the man who was dependent on the powder to sleep and wake up. He could function like a normal human being again... like a normal human being who was getting back his daughters after three long months.

“Look it's daddy!” Fluttershy called out in the carriage as it got close to the white two story. Xylon waited patiently on the porch with his arms crossed as it stopped and the door opened. Out tumbled six bright, smiling fillies who couldn't wait to see their father. They ran at full speed as Xylon dropped to a knee with his arms wide open. They plowed into him and he held them close as more tears trickled down his face.

“Daddy I can't wait to tell you what I learned!” Twilight said excitedly.

“And I can't wait to hear it.” Celestia stood at the carriage, watching with a small smile on her lips and a tear in her eye. Xylon lead the girls into a house different from the one they left. They sat in the living room telling their father of the many things they did and he listened to every word they had to say. In Xylon's room a new picture frame held the photo of Xylon being piled on by his six daughters. Next to the frame was a slightly bent and worn card that said-

Get well soon daddy
We all love you

Author's Note

So after a second job, one large pep pizza, box of bread bites, 14 chiken tenders, cup ramen, half a gallon of kool aid, half a gallon of apple juice, and 4 dozen reeses penut butter cups, I have finally wrote the next chapter after some minor heart/diabetic/anal seepage problems... sooooooooooo enjoy /)'3'(\