Solar Childby Dragon GenesisChaptersPrologueChapter OneChapter TwoChapter ThreePrologueSolar Child Prologue Written by Dragon Genesis Edited by Knight of Cerberus Twilight turned in her sleep, a midnight blue hoof batting at her twisting head to try to dispell the dream. As her white mane whipped back and forth, the single purple streak flopped over her eye. "Fuck it." she mumbled, sitting up in the captain's quarters. That was a plus of being the captain of Princess Celestia's guard. She also had a sneaky feeling that Celestia just didn't like the idea of her marefriend sleeping with a room full of stallions. She had been together with the sun princess for over two years now. They met three years ago when she was promoted to Captain and was sent to the princess for introduction. Since then they had grown fond of each other until they had started their relationship, which only a few ponies know exist. Twilight chuckled as she examined the ultra-sound of her and Tia's foal that sat on the bed side table. Celestia was already seven months in, due in three. It was one of the things she hoped to head back home to once this border dispute with the gryphons was over. Then she could go home to a beautiful foal and marefriend. She glanced over at the box that held the ring she had picked up during a walk through the town. Well, let's make that fiancé. We've been together long enough. Her ear twitched as the floorboards squeaked slightly. Twilight froze in her lying position and slowly cast out her magic, keeping her horn dim enough that it was nearly impossible to see. It was only after a few seconds that she sensed two life forms in the room with her, one surprisingly dimmer than the other. Gryphons. Pissed. Hostile. Right, forgot about that. She slowly groped for the sword she had at the side of the bed. On the opposite side of the bed she could feel the gryphon's aura. Once within her reach, she gripped onto the hilt and flung it over to the other side of the bed, launching the sheath at the intruding gryphon. The gryphon cursed and ducked, only to be hit by a crippling blast of magic as the midnight unicorn struck the soldier between the eyes. The mare searched around for the second intruder, but found no one. Twilight huffed as she got out of bed, using her horn to hit the alarm on the wall. A siren went off as she rushed out of her room, her sword and armour catching up behind her. As her breast plate flew in front of her, she dove through it, slipping into it perfectly. Her helmet then placed itself over her horn and onto her head as her sword took up defensive stance next to her. "All I want is to go home, propose to my marefriend, and see my baby girl for the first time. Is that too much to ask?" She asked herself as she whipped around the corner. Apparently, it was. Gryphons surrounded the outpost, and were swarming the inside, attacking everything in sight. Ponies fell either wounded or dead to the gryphons as they rushed past, their blades flashing in the white light of the moon. The golden clad ponies of the Royal Guard fought against both sleep and the gryphons, leaning the fight more towards the favor of the enemy. Cursing, Twilight ran into the heart of battle, taking a swing at the first gryphon that was unfortunate enough to step in front of her. His head was lopped clean off. She fended off two more that decided to rush her. Her sword wet itself with the blood of the gryphons as they charged her. She was able to kill the two of them within a few seconds just before needing to rest. She huffed as she tried to catch her breath. She fell onto her haunches and coughed a few times, trying to regain air that she seemed to be lacking. "What the fuck? W-why is it so difficult to breathe?" Twilight quickly cast an array of spells on herself to try to figure out what was wrong, all the while she kept an eye out for gryphons trying to attack her. It was something she learned to do to help in the medical tents when she first joined. It also made her more aware of personal injuries. Finally, one spell found what it was designed to look for. Its results made her freeze and look down at herself in shock and horror. It wasn't any sort of wound, or injury. It wasn't a mental condition or anything. No, it was worse. It was something that Twilight would have never expected. She could hear the gods laughing at her. She was pregnant. "W-why now?" She asked herself shakily. "Why now? Why here?" She looked around, seeing a few gryphons rushing towards her. She looked back down at the barely existing foal in her womb. Motherly instincts were both telling her to run and to protect the foal. She was conflicted. Fight or run? "I need to survive this. F-for you and for your mother." she said, scowling as she raised her sword and prepared her magic. "I will make it thro-". A deafing shot rang through the courtyard, making her freeze. A small tingling feeling was felt through her body. She looked to see the gryphons stop and walk away. She stared in confusion, wondering why they were leaving. There was also the fact that there was a weird itchy feeling on her chest. It just...itched. She looked down to see a sizable hole in her left chest cavity, not far off from her heart. Oh. So I'm dying.. She fell to her side, not even flinching as she collapsed to the courtyard floor. The reality of things was catching up. She knew that the foal would die the second she did due to the lack of proper blood flow in the womb. By the time her army would be able to save her, it would be too late. The foal would be dead. I-I have failed you, Tia. I said I would return. B-but I won't. And I'm sorry, my children. I have failed you both. I won't see one of you born into this world, and I won't be able to give life to the other, I-I have failed you all. Twilight closed her eyes, her breath slowing as she died. Good Bye, my love. ~~~~~In Canterlot~~~~~ "Do you have a name for her yet?" Asked Cadence as the young pink alicorn walked into her aunt's study. Celestia groaned and planted her face into the desk, her rainbow pastel mane still flowing despite the disturbance. "Caddy, I still have three months. Besides, Twily and I still haven't picked out a name." said the white mare as she sat up. She straightened out the documents before her and went back to work on signing some bill she didn't care to read into well enough. The pink mare huffed and fell back onto her haunches. "But Tiiia, the wait is killing me! I want my cousin now!" Celestia looked back in time to see Cadence pulling off a puppy dog look. The collected white mare broke out into giggles at the sight before shaking her head. "It's her decision, not mine. I may be her mother, but I don't have much authority over her yet." said the mare with a giggle. Cadence giggled as well as the doors opened to let in a group of guards, each with their helmets removed. "Princess, we have a disturbing update on the status of the eastern outpost." said the lead guard, stepping in front of them. As he did, he pulled out a rolled up scroll. Celestia's ear twitched at the mention of the outpost. "What is it?" She asked, shifting from where she sat. The guard cleared his throat before reading out the letter. "At 0200 this morning, a group of gryphon soldiers infiltrated the eastern outpost and started slaughtering guards. The assault ended at 0900, allowing us to count our dead, which we believe to be around 300 out of the 800 that were assigned." "And of Captain Sparkle?" Asked Celestia, hoping to gods above that she survived. "She was killed by some sort of new weapon. We were able to open her up, and found out that she was, um, pregnant, your highness. We have yet to find the father, but..." The guards words droned out as the goddess processed the information given to her. "Y-you may leave us. T-tell the guards and staff that there will be no night court" said Celestia, turning her head away. The guards saluted and walked out of the room, leaving Celestia to mourn with her niece. "Pregnant, Caddy. She was pregnant." said the white alicorn after a while, sobbing softly. Cadence ran a hoof through the elder alicorn's mane as she tried to calm her. "There was not much we could do, Tia. She either didn't know or it was too late. We can't go back and change the past." said the pink mare. Celestia closed her eyes, the images of her loved one flashing through her mind as she did. "I want a message sent to the Gryphon ambassador to meet with me tomorrow. In the mean time, I want the bodies of the fallen brought back to Canterlot, and to have Twilight's ready for me to see. I want to see exactly what they did to her." said the goddess as she stood, tears still staining her alabaster fur. "And what of you?" Asked Cadence, concerned for her aunt's well being. Celestia paused mid-step before fixing a sorrowful look at her niece. "I will mourn for my love and unborn child." Author's Note After a long process, I'm proud to announce me and Knight of Cerberus have finally finished the prologue! It still may be awhile before chapter one follows, but it will soon. Chapter OneSolar Child Chapter One Written by Bakmah Genesis Edited by Knight of Cerberus Celestia was wheeled through the whitewashed walls of the Canterlot Castle Medical Ward. She panted for air before screaming out in pain as another contraction tore through her lower abdomen. She was finally giving birth. Cadence winced as the spasm caused the white alicorn to tighten her grip on her hoof. The pink mare kept running, ignoring the pain lancing through her hoof as she helped wheel the gurney towards its room. Another mare ran on the opposite side of the gurney. The grey unicorn kept muttering soothing words to the princess of the sun. Quick Quill was Celestia's royal advisor, and was the first to get ponies moving after Celestia's water broke. In only a matter of minutes she had been able to have Celestia hoisted up onto a gurney and out towards the room. The group finally burst through the door to the sun goddess' hospital room. The nurses then blocked off the pink alicorn and advisor before pushing them outside and rushing back in. Cadence blinked at how quickly it all seemed to happen. "Want to take a seat, Princess?" Asked Quill, looking up at her. Cadence shook her head. "No. I should see how Aurora is doing. You know the way if you need me." With that, the pink alicorn left the mare. On her way to her destination, Cadence thought over the last few months. While the death of Twilight Sparkle demoralized the castle and especially the Princess, one piece of news kept the elder alicorn going through her final months of pregnancy. Turning the corner, Cadence was greeted by a pair of sturdy doors. 'Certified Staff Only' was printed across the doors in bold lettering. To the right was a desk in which a somewhat bored looking nurse sat as she looked over a fashion magazine. Cadence giggled a little. "I only ever looked in those for the other eye candy." commented Cadence as she approached. The nurse looked up and grinned at the princess. "You and me both, sister. I'm guessing you are here to see Aurora?" Asked the nurse. "I am. Tia is finally giving birth, and the connection between alicorn sisters is a strong one, as I was told numerous times before. I just need to make sure nothing bad is happening." The nurse nodded before reaching a hoof under the desk and pressing something. After a moment a buzzing sound came from the doors. Cadence walked up and pushed them open, allowing the nurse to remove her hoof. The walls were swapped from bleached white to a more cheerful pink, despite the area holding only one patient. The doors Cadence came in from led into a single hallway, ending in another pair of double doors that held what she came for. Taking a deep breath, the princess entered. A red orb floated in the center of the room, magical hover pads placed above and below it to help it stay afloat as well as help along the magical properties of what the orb was for. The red liquid was translucent, and as a result, showed the small being that floated in its depths. A devolping foal. Aurora still didn't have any distinct features besides her stub of a horn and the beginnings of wings. She had a bluish pink coat, her mane a soft white. While doctors would call the method on which the foal was being developed a miracle, the real miracle was that the foal was alive, period. Somehow, this baby had clung to life inside the womb of her dead mother long enough to be saved by a group of field medics. Acting fast, the doctors were able to sustain the foal in a womb-like orb that was occasionally given a special type of nutrient formula that helped feed the foal. It also mimicked the environment of the uterus. "You are a impossible blessing, you know that?" Asked Cadence as she circled the filly. "You should not be alive, yet here you are. You have done wonders for Auntie Tia. You showed her there was still light in all of this." She stopped before a small clip board by the area the orb was held in. She levitated it towards herself and read it over. Aurora Sparkle. Daughter of Twilight Sparkle and Celestia Solar. A female alicorn at least four to five months old, her age when Twilight was killed is still unknown and is being judged by the foal's growth. From what was observed upon date of retrieval, the foal was around three months by the time the mother was killed, making her a six month old foal. "I'm glad you had a second chance at your life. Soon, little one, you will recieve the gift that was nearly taken from you." With that, Cadence kissed the spot on the orb just above the foal's forehead and left the room, wanting to get back to her aunt before the foal was born. The nurse from earlier lifted her head as the doors opened. She put down her magazine -- a Playcolt now -- and sat up in her seat. "I'm guessing nothing about the foal was amiss?" Asked the nurse. Cadence shook her head. "She's just fine." Cadence looked down at the magazine before looking up at the blushing nurse, then back at the magazine. "I do look good in that edition. Though ponies still think I'm a teenager." said the alicorn, examining the two pages that were held open. Each page held a picture of her in a rather...suggestive position. She was thankful her aunt refused to look at Playcolts. Celestia preferred more 'correct and real images of mares'. Cadence never got why she didn't just admit she liked watching porn on occasion. "Well, um, yes. You look gorgeous...I mean perfect!" said the mare, blushing madly. Cadence chuckled. "What's your name, miss?" Asked Cadence. The mare gulped. "True Heart, ma'am." "True Heart? Well, Miss True Heart, would you like a date sometime?" Asked Cadence, giving her a half-lidded gaze. She smiled as True Heart turned a very deep crimson and nodded. "Great! Does seven tomorrow evening at the castle sound good to you?" Another nod. "Alright. I will see you then." To seal the deal, Cadence pecked the mare on the cheek before continuing on her way back down towards Celestia's room, adding a sway in her hips for extra affect. She had to surpress a giggle as she heard the sound of the mare fainting behind her. Quick Quill looked up from playing with her hooves to see Cadence walking back into the waiting area. The pink alicorn winced as another loud scream came out of Celestia's room as she was passing it. Cadence took a seat next to the scribe and groaned at the stiff furniture. "Nothing was wrong, then?" Asked Quill. Cadence nodded as she shifted into a better sitting position. "A little twitch here and there, but that's about it. No thrashing or constant shifting. She should be fine for the rest of the labor." said Cadence, resting her head on the wall. "She is a miracle, Quill." "I'm sure it was the love of her late mother that saved her." Cadence smiled back at the unicorn. "You know, Quill, sometimes I think you know more about magic than I do, and it's my talent." The mare gave a hearty laugh. "You need to be in love to know what it truly feels like, Princess. Your aunt and I can try to explain it to you to our heart's desire, but you will never know the true feeling until you fall in love. Just like I will never know loss like Celestia's until my husband dies.l" said Quill, looking back towards where Celestia was giving birth. "No thought or word can replace the experience of actually living." said Cadence softly. Quill hummed and nodded in approval. "Exactly. That is what ponies like Celestia were made to do. That is why we live. To to gain insight, feel, love and die. It is our natural process that we all go through. Even alicorns at one point or another." Cadence smiled softly at Quill. Cadence found it amazing how she was still learning from Quill while being the age that she was, which is certainly older than the middle aged scribe was. "You never cease to amaze me with your knowledge, Quill." said Cadence with a warm smile. The unicorn scribe chuckled, shaking her head. "I'm old, Princess. I might as well have a few tricks saved up by now." responded the mare. Cadence prepared a retort when another powerful scream shook the walls, making the two cringe. "You would think the child would have been born by now." said Cadence, massaging her temples. "With a scream like that, I wouldn't be surprised if the foal is popping out right now." answered Quill, covering her still ringing ears. Another scream tore out of the room, louder and longer than the others that night. As it faded, a quieter, foalish screaming could be heard. "You were saying?" Asked Cadence with a grin as she heard the foal. Quill gave a soft smile just as the door to the room opened, a nurse poking her head out. She searched for a second before spotting the two mares, waving them inside. Inside the room, Celestia had her head resting on the headboard of the hospital bed, a small pink blanket in her hooves. A small smile sat on her face as she gazed down upon it, tears staining her cheeks. "What is it?" Asked Cadence quietly as she walked up to Celestia. The goddess blinked and looked over to see the two mares approaching her. She smiled softly before lowering the blanket from around the foal, giving them a full view. The foal was a small alicorn, wings and horn included. Her coat was a soft lavender, her mane a dark blue with purple streaks down the middle, the same mane layout as her mother. The filly yawned slightly and opened her eyes, showing off two bright purple orbs. "She's beautiful, Tia." Cadence cooed as she examined the small filly. The small alicorn turned her head towards the sound of Cadence's voice and giggled at her. She extended a small hoof and bopped the larger alicorn on the nose, causing a round of giggles. "Got a name for her?" Asked Cadence, looking at her aunt through the corner of her eye. The age old goddess hummed in thought as she watched her daughter babble at Cadence. She casted her gaze to the darkening sky above, the stars twinkling brightly. "Twilight. Twilight Solar." said Celestia with a small smile. Cadence chuckled lightly, gaining a giggle from Twilight. "A Twilight Jr., then?" Asked the pink mare. Celestia nodded with a chuckle of her own. "Kinda." She yawned, her mouth stretching wide. "I think it's about time for me to get some sleep." said the goddess. As if agreeing, little Twilight yawned herself as she settled to sleep on Cadence's muzzle, slipping off onto the sheeting only to be caught by a magical aura and set on her mother's chest. "We will leave you two alone, then." said Cadence, already backing towards the door with Quill. Celestia nodded absentmindedly as she laid her head on the pillow, a small smile on her face. A figure removed her head from the orb-like sphere she had floating in the air. Around her were similar orbs of a sort, but not quite. While they showed dreams, the own she used showed the present. The figure smiled softly at the image of a mother and her newborn sleeping soundly after the hardships of labor. The figure sighed as she casted her magic, creating an identical orb and placed it by one that showed a foal inside of an red orb. "You have done well, Tia. If only I could be there to help you through it all." The figure sighed and trotted off to other reaches of her realm. Chapter TwoSolar Child Chapter Two Written by Bakmah Genesis Edited by Knight of Cerebus It was a logical decision, was it not? Put the foal and the crib in the room of the mother, for easier access and better protection from the evils of the night. Celestia believed this was a good choice over any. It was her daughter, after all. Oh, how she regretted her choice. The alabaster alicorn sighed deeply. She rocked the crying filly in her forelegs, her wails of discomfort ringing through Celestia’s sleepy mind. It was amazing to her how, despite all of her wisdom and knowledge picked up from millenniums of living, she couldn’t handle a single filly of her own flesh and blood. “What is it, Little One?” asked Celestia softly, hoping that Twilight would explain to her the reason for her infernal crying. The only response was the lavender filly turning to her side, wailing while and reaching towards Celestia’s belly. “I don’t understand wha-oh… you want that.” A blush crossed the princess's cheeks when she realized the foals needs. She had fed her own foal on multiple occasions, but it was still a foreign feeling to her. It sent odd shivers down her spine just thinking about feeding the foal. Celestia let out a sigh before bringing the filly to it's target and wrapping the blanket over it. She doubted she was going to get much sleep. A yawn tore its way out of Celestia's maw while dragging herself and the filly down towards the dining hall. Twilight cooing softly to herself in her foal carrier, fascinated by the world around her. The lavender filly scanned her surroundings with big eyes, her wings fluttering while she tried to release herself of the carrier's grasp. Celestia looked back at the movement and smiled softly. "I’ll let you down to explore later, Twilight. Mommy needs food first." Almost to emphasize the point, a low growl escaped from her stomach. She blushed lightly, continuing on her way to the Dining Hall. It is rather unbelievable how my appetite has grown post-foal. I do hope this ends at some point. thought the alabaster alicorn. With a small burst of magic, she opened the doors to the dining hall for her personal access. Cadence sat at the table --her mane a tangled mess-- drinking a cup of coffee. Upon seeing her aunt, she put a small smile on her face. “Sleep well last night, Auntie Tia?” “You’ve never raised a foal, obviously.” grunted Celestia, levitating Twilight into her highchair. “She woke up twice last night. The first time I had to change her diaper, the second was because she needed feeding.” A yawn tore its way out of her maw. “Thankfully, this only lasts for a little while. It would kill me if she did this all the time.” The pink alicorn nodded, levitating a second cup towards her aunt. “Better drink up, Tia. You have that press conference in a few hours.” The alabaster alicorn groaned. “News ponies really are bothersome. They hear a few rumors of the castle staff being unusually active one night, and a few sightings of a filly in the halls and then they think some huge scandal is going on in these walls.” Celestia took a sip of her coffee to give herself a pause. “I never knew why they were needed.” “Well, they aren’t too far off, Tia.” pointed out Cadance. “Technically, it is illegal for the Captain of the Guard to have sexual relationships with the Princess. And considering Twilley, it would very well seem like those illegal relationships took place.” “And if the public found out, Twilight Sparkle would be dishonorably discharged from beyond the grave, tarnishing the Sparkle Family name. We have good relations with currently, and it would be ideal to keep it that way.” finished Celestia bitterly. “Both Twilight and I knew what would happen if the public found out, and we have been searching for ways around it for years. Only her family knew of our relations. Her sister was more than okay with the relationship.” She chuckled. “Because she was probably more focused on the fact that she would become a noble.” Cadence chuckled. “Twilight Velvet can be a little greedy from time to time.” The alicorn looked over at the filly next to Celestia. Twilight was sucking on the bottle that Celestia was levitating in front of her. “She won’t have an easy life, will she?” Celestia sighed, setting down her cup. “She is the bastard child of the Princess of Equestria and the Late Captain of the Guard. Her sister is also a bastard child and a medical miracle and will more than likely have medical complications due to her birth. There is no doubt her life will be hell.” She cast a small smile towards her daughter. “But if my sister and I could handle it, she and her sister can.” “Yes, and you would have done a lot worse these past few years if I wasn’t here to save your flank all the time.” said Quill when she entered the room, staring at a clipboard that floated in front of her. “Damn. Seems like every reporter from the Equestria Daily to small town newspapers are here. Like to make big entrances, don’t you?” asked the mare, looking at the small filly. “It must be a curse in the family to be center of attention.” Celestia chuckled. “What are the rumors circling the conference so far?” “Some are expecting you to come out and say the sighted foal is yours. Well, aren’t they in for a surprise? The rest are a mixture of hoping you deny it, some believing you will come out that you have had an affair with a guard, thinking the child is a changeling spy posing as a long lost royal. It just gets more ridiculous from there.” She huffed, tossing the clipboard on the table. “Have I told you that the press is a cancerous vulture?” “Every press conference that I have attended, my dear. Each time you are more than right.” said Celestia with a sigh, looking over the clipboard. The first three pages were the names of the newspapers, tabloids, and a few freelance reporters that were attending. Sure enough, the news of a possible foal made the press conference a place to be, it seemed. The next six were reports from Quill’s “resources” of early predictions on what was to come. The mare was getting old for her age, yet she surprised Celestia with the almost sinister way she gathered resources and information for the Princess. Even the guard failed at getting a fraction of the info Quill had gotten on a coffee break. “So, are you planning on releasing to the public of Aurora's existence including who the father, or rather, mother of Twilight is at this conference?” asked Quill, grabbing one of the pastries on the table. “Aurora is too precious at this moment. She is a medical miracle and scientific baffle. She is also still my daughter, along with Twilight. While Twilley may never leave my side for more than a fraction of a second, Aurora is left alone, with only a nurse at the door. If an enemy was determined enough, it wouldn’t take much to get to her. “But for Twilight’s father... I can’t keep that hidden forever. I must come forward with it, and bat away the noble’s attempts to remove her title. It will be difficult… but this is something I must do for her.” “I understand, Princess.” Quill said somberly. “I would have done the same thing. Now, I must advise that you start preparing yourself for the Conference. Princess Cadence and I will watch over Twilight while you do so. Once you are done, we can go over your speech. I should have one written by then.” “What would I do without you, Quill?” Celestia said with a small smile. “Cry in a corner while wondering what it would have been like if you hired that wonderful older mare to be your advisor.” Celestia stood on the other side of an archway looking out onto the patio where she was to hold the Press Conference. Quill stood on one side, looking over her clipboard once more while Cadence stood on the other. Twilight sat on her back while she looked at all the surroundings around her. The Princess could feel a lump in her throat while she listened to the droning of the press outside on the patio. “Nerves?” asked Quill. She had put down her clipboard, and now watched Celestia with a concerned look. The goddess smiled lightly. “Yes. This will be a huge turning point in my family’s life. I will say what needs to be said, and there will be no going back from it. I… fear it could be the wrong decision.” “Princess, I have known you for thirty years. For thirty years I have stood by your side and helped you through every struggle you’ve had to endure. I think you will be able to power through this to the very end. If I know anything of you and your family, you will come out on top, no matter what they throw at you.” Quill said with a smile. “Now get your flank out there, young lady.” Celestia nodded, moving out towards the podium set up for her. The moment they saw her, the press ponies all started asking questions in unison, becoming a mass of voices. She was half expecting Twilight to start wailing, but she did not hear any crying amongst the noise. Once at her spot, she raised a hoof, silencing the crowd. She looked among them, searching any kind of reaction the mob might already have to her pending announcement. When she saw impatience written across the crowd, she made to speak. “Recently, there have been a number of rumors floating around that have concerned the castle. I will not deny the reports of a filly inside my halls, nor the unusual activity last week. I have called this conference to clarify the situation.” She had their attention. She could tell by the hum of quills in the air. “Last week, there was an usual amount of royal activity in the late hours of the night. There were reports of the guards and staff of Canterlot Castle acting in a frantic manner. Rushing about. Of course, rumors have sprouted around this, suggestions that there was a late night attack, an injury of me or my fellow princess, Cadence, and other such allegations. “I will say for myself that there was indeed a medical emergency inside the walls of the castle. I myself needed medical treatment in later hours and was attended to immediately by my loyal team of personal doctors and nurses.” She was avoiding the details purposefully, and they knew it. She could see it in the movements of the reporters, shifting in anticipation a few leaning closer to better listen to her speech. “This is linked to the sightings of a newborn filly being cared for by staff members of the castle, even by my trusted advisor. Many have said that the foal is that of Princess Cadence or myself. Others have written it off as the daughter of a guard or maid. Some have said it was Quill’s. I will tell you all that she is quite flattered by the comment.” Laughter rippled through the crowd. Celestia smiled, watching as the tension in the room lessened. “Returning to the subject matter on hand, I believe that the public and ponies of Equestria deserve to know the reality of our situation here in the castle. On May 3rd, 987 AN (After Nightmare), I was taken into the Medical Ward of Canterlot Castle to deliver the new heir to the Solar Throne. Princess Twilight Solar.” Chaos. It was the best word to explain the scene in front of her. Ponies were shouting, cameras flashing, each trying to push past the guards. While they attempted to question her further. Celestia turned away, walking towards the waiting filly. She walked back inside, smiling when she picked up the filly. “Come on, Twilight. You don’t need to be around that, yet.” Part of Celestia felt like she was lying. She pushed it out of her head for now, intent on spending the day with her daughter. Chapter ThreeSolar Child Chapter Three Written by Bakmah Genesis Edited by BubbleBoom Day Court. It was a held during the weekdays from seven in the morning till five in the afternoon. It gave citizens, nobles, and ambassadors the chance to talk to the Princess of the Sun and raise their concerns and demands. A process held for over a thousand years. Prince Blueblood the Fourth had taken the floor. The moment he arrived in the room, Celestia knew she was in for three hours of the pampered and narcissistic prince talking about his equally spoiled son. The Infamous Bachelor was able to create a foal three years ago in his mid fifties. Of course, this lead to him bragging about how his son was more regal than her young highness. Celestia at least had the dignity to not name her child after herself. As the prince went into another story about his son, Quill interrupted the tale with a slight cough. “Yes, well, as much as I want to listen to another story about your highness’ nephew, we need to move on with the Day Court or we will be behind on our schedule… again.” The pampered blue unicorn huffed, turning around and leaving the throne room. There was a collective sigh of relief as he disappeared behind the door. “I swear, that poor colt is pampered to death by his father and will end up no better than him.” said Quill as she began to shuffle through her lists once again, trying to remember where they left off. “No better than the last three generations and all those before him. The Blueblood line has been cursed for centuries.” Celestia rubbed her temples. Looking up at the sun, she could see that only an hour was left before she had to close the Day Court for the night. “Pray tell, who is next, dear Quill?” “Nothing to be done with the time we have left.” said the mare, looking at the mass of paper that surrounded her. “I think we will be forced to close up early tonight. Everything is large negotiations over land, building permits. Everything that will take a good two to three hours, and we already went over on our hours this week.” Quill set down the papers, letting out an exhausted sigh. “I think you should consider banning your nephew from entering the throne room during court hours.” “Trust me, I’m tempted.” Celestia sighed as she stood up from her throne. “Fine then. Close down the court, and alert the ponies who still need to speak to me that they will need to wait till tomorrow. We will provide them housing in our guest rooms for the night.” “Are we going to open early?” asked Quill, attempting to fit all of the papers around her into saddlebags. “No. We will open normally.” Celestia walked towards the door in the side of the throne room, opting to take the alternate path back towards the living quarters of the castle. After a long day, she just wanted to relax before she had to raise the moon. The passageway took her back into her bedroom. The moment she opened the door, a small, purple blur attached itself to her foreleg, Cadence giggling from her spot on the bed. “I think she missed you, Auntie.” “Did she now?” asked Celestia, picking up the filly and lifting her up to eye level. Twilight giggled, her deep purple eyes sparkling as they stared back at her mother. “I see now. I think I have the perfect solution for that.” Celestia grinned before leaning into the filly’s belly, the young alicorn bursting into a fit of giggles while she was assaulted by a wave of raspberries. “M-mommie! S-stop! I give up!” squeaked the filly, flailing in her mother’s magical grasp. Celestia ended her assault, smirking as she levitated her onto the bed. “Oh, so has the little she-devil given up?” Twilight shook her head, launching herself from the bed. She let out a high pitched war cry, her wings fluttering. Before she knew it, a pair of small hooves began their tickle assault on her belly, causing her to burst into a fit of giggles. Celestia let out a grunt, falling to the ground. “I-I surrender! I surrender!” gasped Celestia between fits of giggles. Twilight sat up with a victorious grin. “You darn she-devil, you will pay for this.” Celestia chuckled as she picked up the filly, nuzzling her affectionately. “Did you give Cadence any trouble while I was gone?” “No?” said the filly innocently, pawing the ground. Celestia raised an eyebrow, looking over at her niece. “She decided to taste test some of the cakes down in the kitchen. If you call eating the entire thing taste testing.” The two princesses giggled as the young filly huffed in defiance. “She takes after her mother in that respect.” said Quill as she entered the room. She smiled, leaning down to Twilight. “Well hello there, your highness. Is the royal princess ready for her bath?” “But Miss Quill, I don’t want to take a bath. It messes up my wings.” said the filly with a pout. “Then maybe big sister Cadence will teach you how to preen when you get done.” said Cadence with a grin. Twilight eyed the alicorn carefully, still pouting as she thought about the prospect of being taught by her older sibling. “Do I get cake?” asked Twilight. Cadence hummed thoughtfully. “My special homemade cookies. Final offer.” The filly brightened up, grinning as her wings buzzed rapidly behind her. “Deal!” “Good, now let Quill wash you up, alright?” The filly sighed as she accepted her doom, following the older mare into the bathroom. Once the two disappeared behind the door, Celestia let out a soft chuckle. “You know, six years ago I was not expecting any of this.” said the sun goddess, lying in the bed next to Cadence. The pink alicorn raised an eyebrow.“What do you mean? Having Twilight?” Celestia shook her head. She let out a sigh, rolling her back. She stared at the ceiling above her. The paintings on her ceiling were updated yearly, displaying major events that have happened over the years. Shortly after her birth, both Twilights were added to the mural. “After the speech, I had the nagging feeling that something bad was going to happen to Twilight. Remember for the first year she would never leave my sight? I would bathe her, everything. I was terrified that something would happen. I still am.” Celestia sighed. “Anyways, where is Aurora?” “One of the maids took her into her room to get bathed.” Cadence sighed. “You do know that ponies are afraid of her, right? Ever since her abilities started to show.” “You would too if you didn’t know who she was, how she acted.” Celestia stared off into the distance. “But she is more scared than they are. She knows she is different, she knows other ponies can’t do what she does, and she doesn’t fully know how to control it. It’s how Luna and I felt for years. We could control the sun and moon, we had wings and a horn, we were different, and we were well aware of it.” “Auntie, I think we should at least help her with this. Shouldering the sun and moon didn’t mean that slipping up would kill ponies instantly.” Celestia winced. It was true, the consequences of her mistreating her abilities were not as great as her daughter’s. “I’ll go talk to her. You just keep your promise to Twilley and possibly get a headstart on those cookies.” The goddess chuckled as she stood, making her way towards Aurora’s room. She tried to figure out a way to approach the upcoming conversation. Before she had time, Celestia found herself standing outside her youngest daughter's room. She stared at the pink door, she let out a loud sigh as she opened the door into her daughter's bedroom. A pink filly with a pale mane sat on the edge of her bed, a bored expression on her face as one of the maids brushed her hair. She was smaller than her older sister but seemed oddly calmer. Her ears perked as she heard the door open. The filly grinned as she prepared to hop off the bed but was quickly held by blue aura as the maid finished up her mane. "Not yet, Lady Aurora. You can play with the princess once your mane is done." The filly gave her a big pout, crossing her hooves as she waited for the maid to finish. Finally, the magic aura disappeared. The little filly grinned as she leaped from the bed, attaching herself to her mother's legs. The older alicorn chuckled. "Have you been behaving, my dear child?" asked Celestial, nuzzling the filly. Aurora giggled. Glancing over to the maid, Celestia noticed the young mare let out a sigh. “We caught her trying to prank the guards. She also tried to skip out on her…’lessons’ today.” Celestia frowned as she looked down at her daughter. Aurora grinned up at her sheepishly. “You may leave us now. I have something I need to speak to my daughter about privately.” The maid nodded politely before leaving the two alone. Celestia sighed as she sat herself on the bed. Aurora sat down in front of her, scruffing her hooves on the floor as she avoided eye contact. After a few minutes, Celestia took a deep breath before looking down at the filly. “Aurora Solar, do you know why I ask of you to attend your classes? Do you understand the importance?” “Because I’m a freak, and you need to control me.” said Aurora with a scowl. Celestia blinked. “Who told you that?” asked the alicorn softly. She knew that word had gotten around of Aurora’s abilities, the staff had to take an oath to not disclose the full details with the outside world, but she did not know that there had been a negative effect this early. “The guards and maids talk about it all the time. I’m a freak and everyone is scared of me.” “No. You are like your mother.” said Celestia, causing Aurora to look up in confusion. “When Luna and I got our abilities, when we became alicorns, we were feared. Ponies did not know how to react when they saw us. We were neither earth pony, unicorn, nor pegasi. We could move the celestial bodies that controlled the night and day. We were the most powerful beings in existence, and nopony knew how to react. “Same goes for you.” said Celestia with a nod. “You, Aurora, are the embodiment of death. The end of our journey. You are here to enforce that end. But, you also can stop it. You are now in the position that myself and my sister were in thousands of years ago. You need to learn to control it, to master it so you can better use this power to help ponies.” “But I don’t want to learn to use my power. I just want to be normal.” Aurora stamped her hoof. “I want to be like my sister! She doesn’t have to worry about anything! She just plays with Cadence all day!” The filly yelped as she found herself covered in a golden aura. She was lifted and brought close to her mother. Celestia wrapped her hooves around the filly protectively, shielding her from the horrors of the world. “Quiet, my dear. It will be fine, I promise. There is no need for you to worry.” Author's Note Just a heads up for those wondering, BubbleBoom, a friend of mine's wife, edited this chapter in the absence of my usual editor, so huge thanks for her taking time out of her crazy life to give me a hand with my shit writing.
PrologueSolar Child Prologue Written by Dragon Genesis Edited by Knight of Cerberus Twilight turned in her sleep, a midnight blue hoof batting at her twisting head to try to dispell the dream. As her white mane whipped back and forth, the single purple streak flopped over her eye. "Fuck it." she mumbled, sitting up in the captain's quarters. That was a plus of being the captain of Princess Celestia's guard. She also had a sneaky feeling that Celestia just didn't like the idea of her marefriend sleeping with a room full of stallions. She had been together with the sun princess for over two years now. They met three years ago when she was promoted to Captain and was sent to the princess for introduction. Since then they had grown fond of each other until they had started their relationship, which only a few ponies know exist. Twilight chuckled as she examined the ultra-sound of her and Tia's foal that sat on the bed side table. Celestia was already seven months in, due in three. It was one of the things she hoped to head back home to once this border dispute with the gryphons was over. Then she could go home to a beautiful foal and marefriend. She glanced over at the box that held the ring she had picked up during a walk through the town. Well, let's make that fiancé. We've been together long enough. Her ear twitched as the floorboards squeaked slightly. Twilight froze in her lying position and slowly cast out her magic, keeping her horn dim enough that it was nearly impossible to see. It was only after a few seconds that she sensed two life forms in the room with her, one surprisingly dimmer than the other. Gryphons. Pissed. Hostile. Right, forgot about that. She slowly groped for the sword she had at the side of the bed. On the opposite side of the bed she could feel the gryphon's aura. Once within her reach, she gripped onto the hilt and flung it over to the other side of the bed, launching the sheath at the intruding gryphon. The gryphon cursed and ducked, only to be hit by a crippling blast of magic as the midnight unicorn struck the soldier between the eyes. The mare searched around for the second intruder, but found no one. Twilight huffed as she got out of bed, using her horn to hit the alarm on the wall. A siren went off as she rushed out of her room, her sword and armour catching up behind her. As her breast plate flew in front of her, she dove through it, slipping into it perfectly. Her helmet then placed itself over her horn and onto her head as her sword took up defensive stance next to her. "All I want is to go home, propose to my marefriend, and see my baby girl for the first time. Is that too much to ask?" She asked herself as she whipped around the corner. Apparently, it was. Gryphons surrounded the outpost, and were swarming the inside, attacking everything in sight. Ponies fell either wounded or dead to the gryphons as they rushed past, their blades flashing in the white light of the moon. The golden clad ponies of the Royal Guard fought against both sleep and the gryphons, leaning the fight more towards the favor of the enemy. Cursing, Twilight ran into the heart of battle, taking a swing at the first gryphon that was unfortunate enough to step in front of her. His head was lopped clean off. She fended off two more that decided to rush her. Her sword wet itself with the blood of the gryphons as they charged her. She was able to kill the two of them within a few seconds just before needing to rest. She huffed as she tried to catch her breath. She fell onto her haunches and coughed a few times, trying to regain air that she seemed to be lacking. "What the fuck? W-why is it so difficult to breathe?" Twilight quickly cast an array of spells on herself to try to figure out what was wrong, all the while she kept an eye out for gryphons trying to attack her. It was something she learned to do to help in the medical tents when she first joined. It also made her more aware of personal injuries. Finally, one spell found what it was designed to look for. Its results made her freeze and look down at herself in shock and horror. It wasn't any sort of wound, or injury. It wasn't a mental condition or anything. No, it was worse. It was something that Twilight would have never expected. She could hear the gods laughing at her. She was pregnant. "W-why now?" She asked herself shakily. "Why now? Why here?" She looked around, seeing a few gryphons rushing towards her. She looked back down at the barely existing foal in her womb. Motherly instincts were both telling her to run and to protect the foal. She was conflicted. Fight or run? "I need to survive this. F-for you and for your mother." she said, scowling as she raised her sword and prepared her magic. "I will make it thro-". A deafing shot rang through the courtyard, making her freeze. A small tingling feeling was felt through her body. She looked to see the gryphons stop and walk away. She stared in confusion, wondering why they were leaving. There was also the fact that there was a weird itchy feeling on her chest. It just...itched. She looked down to see a sizable hole in her left chest cavity, not far off from her heart. Oh. So I'm dying.. She fell to her side, not even flinching as she collapsed to the courtyard floor. The reality of things was catching up. She knew that the foal would die the second she did due to the lack of proper blood flow in the womb. By the time her army would be able to save her, it would be too late. The foal would be dead. I-I have failed you, Tia. I said I would return. B-but I won't. And I'm sorry, my children. I have failed you both. I won't see one of you born into this world, and I won't be able to give life to the other, I-I have failed you all. Twilight closed her eyes, her breath slowing as she died. Good Bye, my love. ~~~~~In Canterlot~~~~~ "Do you have a name for her yet?" Asked Cadence as the young pink alicorn walked into her aunt's study. Celestia groaned and planted her face into the desk, her rainbow pastel mane still flowing despite the disturbance. "Caddy, I still have three months. Besides, Twily and I still haven't picked out a name." said the white mare as she sat up. She straightened out the documents before her and went back to work on signing some bill she didn't care to read into well enough. The pink mare huffed and fell back onto her haunches. "But Tiiia, the wait is killing me! I want my cousin now!" Celestia looked back in time to see Cadence pulling off a puppy dog look. The collected white mare broke out into giggles at the sight before shaking her head. "It's her decision, not mine. I may be her mother, but I don't have much authority over her yet." said the mare with a giggle. Cadence giggled as well as the doors opened to let in a group of guards, each with their helmets removed. "Princess, we have a disturbing update on the status of the eastern outpost." said the lead guard, stepping in front of them. As he did, he pulled out a rolled up scroll. Celestia's ear twitched at the mention of the outpost. "What is it?" She asked, shifting from where she sat. The guard cleared his throat before reading out the letter. "At 0200 this morning, a group of gryphon soldiers infiltrated the eastern outpost and started slaughtering guards. The assault ended at 0900, allowing us to count our dead, which we believe to be around 300 out of the 800 that were assigned." "And of Captain Sparkle?" Asked Celestia, hoping to gods above that she survived. "She was killed by some sort of new weapon. We were able to open her up, and found out that she was, um, pregnant, your highness. We have yet to find the father, but..." The guards words droned out as the goddess processed the information given to her. "Y-you may leave us. T-tell the guards and staff that there will be no night court" said Celestia, turning her head away. The guards saluted and walked out of the room, leaving Celestia to mourn with her niece. "Pregnant, Caddy. She was pregnant." said the white alicorn after a while, sobbing softly. Cadence ran a hoof through the elder alicorn's mane as she tried to calm her. "There was not much we could do, Tia. She either didn't know or it was too late. We can't go back and change the past." said the pink mare. Celestia closed her eyes, the images of her loved one flashing through her mind as she did. "I want a message sent to the Gryphon ambassador to meet with me tomorrow. In the mean time, I want the bodies of the fallen brought back to Canterlot, and to have Twilight's ready for me to see. I want to see exactly what they did to her." said the goddess as she stood, tears still staining her alabaster fur. "And what of you?" Asked Cadence, concerned for her aunt's well being. Celestia paused mid-step before fixing a sorrowful look at her niece. "I will mourn for my love and unborn child." Author's Note After a long process, I'm proud to announce me and Knight of Cerberus have finally finished the prologue! It still may be awhile before chapter one follows, but it will soon.
Chapter OneSolar Child Chapter One Written by Bakmah Genesis Edited by Knight of Cerberus Celestia was wheeled through the whitewashed walls of the Canterlot Castle Medical Ward. She panted for air before screaming out in pain as another contraction tore through her lower abdomen. She was finally giving birth. Cadence winced as the spasm caused the white alicorn to tighten her grip on her hoof. The pink mare kept running, ignoring the pain lancing through her hoof as she helped wheel the gurney towards its room. Another mare ran on the opposite side of the gurney. The grey unicorn kept muttering soothing words to the princess of the sun. Quick Quill was Celestia's royal advisor, and was the first to get ponies moving after Celestia's water broke. In only a matter of minutes she had been able to have Celestia hoisted up onto a gurney and out towards the room. The group finally burst through the door to the sun goddess' hospital room. The nurses then blocked off the pink alicorn and advisor before pushing them outside and rushing back in. Cadence blinked at how quickly it all seemed to happen. "Want to take a seat, Princess?" Asked Quill, looking up at her. Cadence shook her head. "No. I should see how Aurora is doing. You know the way if you need me." With that, the pink alicorn left the mare. On her way to her destination, Cadence thought over the last few months. While the death of Twilight Sparkle demoralized the castle and especially the Princess, one piece of news kept the elder alicorn going through her final months of pregnancy. Turning the corner, Cadence was greeted by a pair of sturdy doors. 'Certified Staff Only' was printed across the doors in bold lettering. To the right was a desk in which a somewhat bored looking nurse sat as she looked over a fashion magazine. Cadence giggled a little. "I only ever looked in those for the other eye candy." commented Cadence as she approached. The nurse looked up and grinned at the princess. "You and me both, sister. I'm guessing you are here to see Aurora?" Asked the nurse. "I am. Tia is finally giving birth, and the connection between alicorn sisters is a strong one, as I was told numerous times before. I just need to make sure nothing bad is happening." The nurse nodded before reaching a hoof under the desk and pressing something. After a moment a buzzing sound came from the doors. Cadence walked up and pushed them open, allowing the nurse to remove her hoof. The walls were swapped from bleached white to a more cheerful pink, despite the area holding only one patient. The doors Cadence came in from led into a single hallway, ending in another pair of double doors that held what she came for. Taking a deep breath, the princess entered. A red orb floated in the center of the room, magical hover pads placed above and below it to help it stay afloat as well as help along the magical properties of what the orb was for. The red liquid was translucent, and as a result, showed the small being that floated in its depths. A devolping foal. Aurora still didn't have any distinct features besides her stub of a horn and the beginnings of wings. She had a bluish pink coat, her mane a soft white. While doctors would call the method on which the foal was being developed a miracle, the real miracle was that the foal was alive, period. Somehow, this baby had clung to life inside the womb of her dead mother long enough to be saved by a group of field medics. Acting fast, the doctors were able to sustain the foal in a womb-like orb that was occasionally given a special type of nutrient formula that helped feed the foal. It also mimicked the environment of the uterus. "You are a impossible blessing, you know that?" Asked Cadence as she circled the filly. "You should not be alive, yet here you are. You have done wonders for Auntie Tia. You showed her there was still light in all of this." She stopped before a small clip board by the area the orb was held in. She levitated it towards herself and read it over. Aurora Sparkle. Daughter of Twilight Sparkle and Celestia Solar. A female alicorn at least four to five months old, her age when Twilight was killed is still unknown and is being judged by the foal's growth. From what was observed upon date of retrieval, the foal was around three months by the time the mother was killed, making her a six month old foal. "I'm glad you had a second chance at your life. Soon, little one, you will recieve the gift that was nearly taken from you." With that, Cadence kissed the spot on the orb just above the foal's forehead and left the room, wanting to get back to her aunt before the foal was born. The nurse from earlier lifted her head as the doors opened. She put down her magazine -- a Playcolt now -- and sat up in her seat. "I'm guessing nothing about the foal was amiss?" Asked the nurse. Cadence shook her head. "She's just fine." Cadence looked down at the magazine before looking up at the blushing nurse, then back at the magazine. "I do look good in that edition. Though ponies still think I'm a teenager." said the alicorn, examining the two pages that were held open. Each page held a picture of her in a rather...suggestive position. She was thankful her aunt refused to look at Playcolts. Celestia preferred more 'correct and real images of mares'. Cadence never got why she didn't just admit she liked watching porn on occasion. "Well, um, yes. You look gorgeous...I mean perfect!" said the mare, blushing madly. Cadence chuckled. "What's your name, miss?" Asked Cadence. The mare gulped. "True Heart, ma'am." "True Heart? Well, Miss True Heart, would you like a date sometime?" Asked Cadence, giving her a half-lidded gaze. She smiled as True Heart turned a very deep crimson and nodded. "Great! Does seven tomorrow evening at the castle sound good to you?" Another nod. "Alright. I will see you then." To seal the deal, Cadence pecked the mare on the cheek before continuing on her way back down towards Celestia's room, adding a sway in her hips for extra affect. She had to surpress a giggle as she heard the sound of the mare fainting behind her. Quick Quill looked up from playing with her hooves to see Cadence walking back into the waiting area. The pink alicorn winced as another loud scream came out of Celestia's room as she was passing it. Cadence took a seat next to the scribe and groaned at the stiff furniture. "Nothing was wrong, then?" Asked Quill. Cadence nodded as she shifted into a better sitting position. "A little twitch here and there, but that's about it. No thrashing or constant shifting. She should be fine for the rest of the labor." said Cadence, resting her head on the wall. "She is a miracle, Quill." "I'm sure it was the love of her late mother that saved her." Cadence smiled back at the unicorn. "You know, Quill, sometimes I think you know more about magic than I do, and it's my talent." The mare gave a hearty laugh. "You need to be in love to know what it truly feels like, Princess. Your aunt and I can try to explain it to you to our heart's desire, but you will never know the true feeling until you fall in love. Just like I will never know loss like Celestia's until my husband dies.l" said Quill, looking back towards where Celestia was giving birth. "No thought or word can replace the experience of actually living." said Cadence softly. Quill hummed and nodded in approval. "Exactly. That is what ponies like Celestia were made to do. That is why we live. To to gain insight, feel, love and die. It is our natural process that we all go through. Even alicorns at one point or another." Cadence smiled softly at Quill. Cadence found it amazing how she was still learning from Quill while being the age that she was, which is certainly older than the middle aged scribe was. "You never cease to amaze me with your knowledge, Quill." said Cadence with a warm smile. The unicorn scribe chuckled, shaking her head. "I'm old, Princess. I might as well have a few tricks saved up by now." responded the mare. Cadence prepared a retort when another powerful scream shook the walls, making the two cringe. "You would think the child would have been born by now." said Cadence, massaging her temples. "With a scream like that, I wouldn't be surprised if the foal is popping out right now." answered Quill, covering her still ringing ears. Another scream tore out of the room, louder and longer than the others that night. As it faded, a quieter, foalish screaming could be heard. "You were saying?" Asked Cadence with a grin as she heard the foal. Quill gave a soft smile just as the door to the room opened, a nurse poking her head out. She searched for a second before spotting the two mares, waving them inside. Inside the room, Celestia had her head resting on the headboard of the hospital bed, a small pink blanket in her hooves. A small smile sat on her face as she gazed down upon it, tears staining her cheeks. "What is it?" Asked Cadence quietly as she walked up to Celestia. The goddess blinked and looked over to see the two mares approaching her. She smiled softly before lowering the blanket from around the foal, giving them a full view. The foal was a small alicorn, wings and horn included. Her coat was a soft lavender, her mane a dark blue with purple streaks down the middle, the same mane layout as her mother. The filly yawned slightly and opened her eyes, showing off two bright purple orbs. "She's beautiful, Tia." Cadence cooed as she examined the small filly. The small alicorn turned her head towards the sound of Cadence's voice and giggled at her. She extended a small hoof and bopped the larger alicorn on the nose, causing a round of giggles. "Got a name for her?" Asked Cadence, looking at her aunt through the corner of her eye. The age old goddess hummed in thought as she watched her daughter babble at Cadence. She casted her gaze to the darkening sky above, the stars twinkling brightly. "Twilight. Twilight Solar." said Celestia with a small smile. Cadence chuckled lightly, gaining a giggle from Twilight. "A Twilight Jr., then?" Asked the pink mare. Celestia nodded with a chuckle of her own. "Kinda." She yawned, her mouth stretching wide. "I think it's about time for me to get some sleep." said the goddess. As if agreeing, little Twilight yawned herself as she settled to sleep on Cadence's muzzle, slipping off onto the sheeting only to be caught by a magical aura and set on her mother's chest. "We will leave you two alone, then." said Cadence, already backing towards the door with Quill. Celestia nodded absentmindedly as she laid her head on the pillow, a small smile on her face. A figure removed her head from the orb-like sphere she had floating in the air. Around her were similar orbs of a sort, but not quite. While they showed dreams, the own she used showed the present. The figure smiled softly at the image of a mother and her newborn sleeping soundly after the hardships of labor. The figure sighed as she casted her magic, creating an identical orb and placed it by one that showed a foal inside of an red orb. "You have done well, Tia. If only I could be there to help you through it all." The figure sighed and trotted off to other reaches of her realm.
Chapter TwoSolar Child Chapter Two Written by Bakmah Genesis Edited by Knight of Cerebus It was a logical decision, was it not? Put the foal and the crib in the room of the mother, for easier access and better protection from the evils of the night. Celestia believed this was a good choice over any. It was her daughter, after all. Oh, how she regretted her choice. The alabaster alicorn sighed deeply. She rocked the crying filly in her forelegs, her wails of discomfort ringing through Celestia’s sleepy mind. It was amazing to her how, despite all of her wisdom and knowledge picked up from millenniums of living, she couldn’t handle a single filly of her own flesh and blood. “What is it, Little One?” asked Celestia softly, hoping that Twilight would explain to her the reason for her infernal crying. The only response was the lavender filly turning to her side, wailing while and reaching towards Celestia’s belly. “I don’t understand wha-oh… you want that.” A blush crossed the princess's cheeks when she realized the foals needs. She had fed her own foal on multiple occasions, but it was still a foreign feeling to her. It sent odd shivers down her spine just thinking about feeding the foal. Celestia let out a sigh before bringing the filly to it's target and wrapping the blanket over it. She doubted she was going to get much sleep. A yawn tore its way out of Celestia's maw while dragging herself and the filly down towards the dining hall. Twilight cooing softly to herself in her foal carrier, fascinated by the world around her. The lavender filly scanned her surroundings with big eyes, her wings fluttering while she tried to release herself of the carrier's grasp. Celestia looked back at the movement and smiled softly. "I’ll let you down to explore later, Twilight. Mommy needs food first." Almost to emphasize the point, a low growl escaped from her stomach. She blushed lightly, continuing on her way to the Dining Hall. It is rather unbelievable how my appetite has grown post-foal. I do hope this ends at some point. thought the alabaster alicorn. With a small burst of magic, she opened the doors to the dining hall for her personal access. Cadence sat at the table --her mane a tangled mess-- drinking a cup of coffee. Upon seeing her aunt, she put a small smile on her face. “Sleep well last night, Auntie Tia?” “You’ve never raised a foal, obviously.” grunted Celestia, levitating Twilight into her highchair. “She woke up twice last night. The first time I had to change her diaper, the second was because she needed feeding.” A yawn tore its way out of her maw. “Thankfully, this only lasts for a little while. It would kill me if she did this all the time.” The pink alicorn nodded, levitating a second cup towards her aunt. “Better drink up, Tia. You have that press conference in a few hours.” The alabaster alicorn groaned. “News ponies really are bothersome. They hear a few rumors of the castle staff being unusually active one night, and a few sightings of a filly in the halls and then they think some huge scandal is going on in these walls.” Celestia took a sip of her coffee to give herself a pause. “I never knew why they were needed.” “Well, they aren’t too far off, Tia.” pointed out Cadance. “Technically, it is illegal for the Captain of the Guard to have sexual relationships with the Princess. And considering Twilley, it would very well seem like those illegal relationships took place.” “And if the public found out, Twilight Sparkle would be dishonorably discharged from beyond the grave, tarnishing the Sparkle Family name. We have good relations with currently, and it would be ideal to keep it that way.” finished Celestia bitterly. “Both Twilight and I knew what would happen if the public found out, and we have been searching for ways around it for years. Only her family knew of our relations. Her sister was more than okay with the relationship.” She chuckled. “Because she was probably more focused on the fact that she would become a noble.” Cadence chuckled. “Twilight Velvet can be a little greedy from time to time.” The alicorn looked over at the filly next to Celestia. Twilight was sucking on the bottle that Celestia was levitating in front of her. “She won’t have an easy life, will she?” Celestia sighed, setting down her cup. “She is the bastard child of the Princess of Equestria and the Late Captain of the Guard. Her sister is also a bastard child and a medical miracle and will more than likely have medical complications due to her birth. There is no doubt her life will be hell.” She cast a small smile towards her daughter. “But if my sister and I could handle it, she and her sister can.” “Yes, and you would have done a lot worse these past few years if I wasn’t here to save your flank all the time.” said Quill when she entered the room, staring at a clipboard that floated in front of her. “Damn. Seems like every reporter from the Equestria Daily to small town newspapers are here. Like to make big entrances, don’t you?” asked the mare, looking at the small filly. “It must be a curse in the family to be center of attention.” Celestia chuckled. “What are the rumors circling the conference so far?” “Some are expecting you to come out and say the sighted foal is yours. Well, aren’t they in for a surprise? The rest are a mixture of hoping you deny it, some believing you will come out that you have had an affair with a guard, thinking the child is a changeling spy posing as a long lost royal. It just gets more ridiculous from there.” She huffed, tossing the clipboard on the table. “Have I told you that the press is a cancerous vulture?” “Every press conference that I have attended, my dear. Each time you are more than right.” said Celestia with a sigh, looking over the clipboard. The first three pages were the names of the newspapers, tabloids, and a few freelance reporters that were attending. Sure enough, the news of a possible foal made the press conference a place to be, it seemed. The next six were reports from Quill’s “resources” of early predictions on what was to come. The mare was getting old for her age, yet she surprised Celestia with the almost sinister way she gathered resources and information for the Princess. Even the guard failed at getting a fraction of the info Quill had gotten on a coffee break. “So, are you planning on releasing to the public of Aurora's existence including who the father, or rather, mother of Twilight is at this conference?” asked Quill, grabbing one of the pastries on the table. “Aurora is too precious at this moment. She is a medical miracle and scientific baffle. She is also still my daughter, along with Twilight. While Twilley may never leave my side for more than a fraction of a second, Aurora is left alone, with only a nurse at the door. If an enemy was determined enough, it wouldn’t take much to get to her. “But for Twilight’s father... I can’t keep that hidden forever. I must come forward with it, and bat away the noble’s attempts to remove her title. It will be difficult… but this is something I must do for her.” “I understand, Princess.” Quill said somberly. “I would have done the same thing. Now, I must advise that you start preparing yourself for the Conference. Princess Cadence and I will watch over Twilight while you do so. Once you are done, we can go over your speech. I should have one written by then.” “What would I do without you, Quill?” Celestia said with a small smile. “Cry in a corner while wondering what it would have been like if you hired that wonderful older mare to be your advisor.” Celestia stood on the other side of an archway looking out onto the patio where she was to hold the Press Conference. Quill stood on one side, looking over her clipboard once more while Cadence stood on the other. Twilight sat on her back while she looked at all the surroundings around her. The Princess could feel a lump in her throat while she listened to the droning of the press outside on the patio. “Nerves?” asked Quill. She had put down her clipboard, and now watched Celestia with a concerned look. The goddess smiled lightly. “Yes. This will be a huge turning point in my family’s life. I will say what needs to be said, and there will be no going back from it. I… fear it could be the wrong decision.” “Princess, I have known you for thirty years. For thirty years I have stood by your side and helped you through every struggle you’ve had to endure. I think you will be able to power through this to the very end. If I know anything of you and your family, you will come out on top, no matter what they throw at you.” Quill said with a smile. “Now get your flank out there, young lady.” Celestia nodded, moving out towards the podium set up for her. The moment they saw her, the press ponies all started asking questions in unison, becoming a mass of voices. She was half expecting Twilight to start wailing, but she did not hear any crying amongst the noise. Once at her spot, she raised a hoof, silencing the crowd. She looked among them, searching any kind of reaction the mob might already have to her pending announcement. When she saw impatience written across the crowd, she made to speak. “Recently, there have been a number of rumors floating around that have concerned the castle. I will not deny the reports of a filly inside my halls, nor the unusual activity last week. I have called this conference to clarify the situation.” She had their attention. She could tell by the hum of quills in the air. “Last week, there was an usual amount of royal activity in the late hours of the night. There were reports of the guards and staff of Canterlot Castle acting in a frantic manner. Rushing about. Of course, rumors have sprouted around this, suggestions that there was a late night attack, an injury of me or my fellow princess, Cadence, and other such allegations. “I will say for myself that there was indeed a medical emergency inside the walls of the castle. I myself needed medical treatment in later hours and was attended to immediately by my loyal team of personal doctors and nurses.” She was avoiding the details purposefully, and they knew it. She could see it in the movements of the reporters, shifting in anticipation a few leaning closer to better listen to her speech. “This is linked to the sightings of a newborn filly being cared for by staff members of the castle, even by my trusted advisor. Many have said that the foal is that of Princess Cadence or myself. Others have written it off as the daughter of a guard or maid. Some have said it was Quill’s. I will tell you all that she is quite flattered by the comment.” Laughter rippled through the crowd. Celestia smiled, watching as the tension in the room lessened. “Returning to the subject matter on hand, I believe that the public and ponies of Equestria deserve to know the reality of our situation here in the castle. On May 3rd, 987 AN (After Nightmare), I was taken into the Medical Ward of Canterlot Castle to deliver the new heir to the Solar Throne. Princess Twilight Solar.” Chaos. It was the best word to explain the scene in front of her. Ponies were shouting, cameras flashing, each trying to push past the guards. While they attempted to question her further. Celestia turned away, walking towards the waiting filly. She walked back inside, smiling when she picked up the filly. “Come on, Twilight. You don’t need to be around that, yet.” Part of Celestia felt like she was lying. She pushed it out of her head for now, intent on spending the day with her daughter.
Chapter ThreeSolar Child Chapter Three Written by Bakmah Genesis Edited by BubbleBoom Day Court. It was a held during the weekdays from seven in the morning till five in the afternoon. It gave citizens, nobles, and ambassadors the chance to talk to the Princess of the Sun and raise their concerns and demands. A process held for over a thousand years. Prince Blueblood the Fourth had taken the floor. The moment he arrived in the room, Celestia knew she was in for three hours of the pampered and narcissistic prince talking about his equally spoiled son. The Infamous Bachelor was able to create a foal three years ago in his mid fifties. Of course, this lead to him bragging about how his son was more regal than her young highness. Celestia at least had the dignity to not name her child after herself. As the prince went into another story about his son, Quill interrupted the tale with a slight cough. “Yes, well, as much as I want to listen to another story about your highness’ nephew, we need to move on with the Day Court or we will be behind on our schedule… again.” The pampered blue unicorn huffed, turning around and leaving the throne room. There was a collective sigh of relief as he disappeared behind the door. “I swear, that poor colt is pampered to death by his father and will end up no better than him.” said Quill as she began to shuffle through her lists once again, trying to remember where they left off. “No better than the last three generations and all those before him. The Blueblood line has been cursed for centuries.” Celestia rubbed her temples. Looking up at the sun, she could see that only an hour was left before she had to close the Day Court for the night. “Pray tell, who is next, dear Quill?” “Nothing to be done with the time we have left.” said the mare, looking at the mass of paper that surrounded her. “I think we will be forced to close up early tonight. Everything is large negotiations over land, building permits. Everything that will take a good two to three hours, and we already went over on our hours this week.” Quill set down the papers, letting out an exhausted sigh. “I think you should consider banning your nephew from entering the throne room during court hours.” “Trust me, I’m tempted.” Celestia sighed as she stood up from her throne. “Fine then. Close down the court, and alert the ponies who still need to speak to me that they will need to wait till tomorrow. We will provide them housing in our guest rooms for the night.” “Are we going to open early?” asked Quill, attempting to fit all of the papers around her into saddlebags. “No. We will open normally.” Celestia walked towards the door in the side of the throne room, opting to take the alternate path back towards the living quarters of the castle. After a long day, she just wanted to relax before she had to raise the moon. The passageway took her back into her bedroom. The moment she opened the door, a small, purple blur attached itself to her foreleg, Cadence giggling from her spot on the bed. “I think she missed you, Auntie.” “Did she now?” asked Celestia, picking up the filly and lifting her up to eye level. Twilight giggled, her deep purple eyes sparkling as they stared back at her mother. “I see now. I think I have the perfect solution for that.” Celestia grinned before leaning into the filly’s belly, the young alicorn bursting into a fit of giggles while she was assaulted by a wave of raspberries. “M-mommie! S-stop! I give up!” squeaked the filly, flailing in her mother’s magical grasp. Celestia ended her assault, smirking as she levitated her onto the bed. “Oh, so has the little she-devil given up?” Twilight shook her head, launching herself from the bed. She let out a high pitched war cry, her wings fluttering. Before she knew it, a pair of small hooves began their tickle assault on her belly, causing her to burst into a fit of giggles. Celestia let out a grunt, falling to the ground. “I-I surrender! I surrender!” gasped Celestia between fits of giggles. Twilight sat up with a victorious grin. “You darn she-devil, you will pay for this.” Celestia chuckled as she picked up the filly, nuzzling her affectionately. “Did you give Cadence any trouble while I was gone?” “No?” said the filly innocently, pawing the ground. Celestia raised an eyebrow, looking over at her niece. “She decided to taste test some of the cakes down in the kitchen. If you call eating the entire thing taste testing.” The two princesses giggled as the young filly huffed in defiance. “She takes after her mother in that respect.” said Quill as she entered the room. She smiled, leaning down to Twilight. “Well hello there, your highness. Is the royal princess ready for her bath?” “But Miss Quill, I don’t want to take a bath. It messes up my wings.” said the filly with a pout. “Then maybe big sister Cadence will teach you how to preen when you get done.” said Cadence with a grin. Twilight eyed the alicorn carefully, still pouting as she thought about the prospect of being taught by her older sibling. “Do I get cake?” asked Twilight. Cadence hummed thoughtfully. “My special homemade cookies. Final offer.” The filly brightened up, grinning as her wings buzzed rapidly behind her. “Deal!” “Good, now let Quill wash you up, alright?” The filly sighed as she accepted her doom, following the older mare into the bathroom. Once the two disappeared behind the door, Celestia let out a soft chuckle. “You know, six years ago I was not expecting any of this.” said the sun goddess, lying in the bed next to Cadence. The pink alicorn raised an eyebrow.“What do you mean? Having Twilight?” Celestia shook her head. She let out a sigh, rolling her back. She stared at the ceiling above her. The paintings on her ceiling were updated yearly, displaying major events that have happened over the years. Shortly after her birth, both Twilights were added to the mural. “After the speech, I had the nagging feeling that something bad was going to happen to Twilight. Remember for the first year she would never leave my sight? I would bathe her, everything. I was terrified that something would happen. I still am.” Celestia sighed. “Anyways, where is Aurora?” “One of the maids took her into her room to get bathed.” Cadence sighed. “You do know that ponies are afraid of her, right? Ever since her abilities started to show.” “You would too if you didn’t know who she was, how she acted.” Celestia stared off into the distance. “But she is more scared than they are. She knows she is different, she knows other ponies can’t do what she does, and she doesn’t fully know how to control it. It’s how Luna and I felt for years. We could control the sun and moon, we had wings and a horn, we were different, and we were well aware of it.” “Auntie, I think we should at least help her with this. Shouldering the sun and moon didn’t mean that slipping up would kill ponies instantly.” Celestia winced. It was true, the consequences of her mistreating her abilities were not as great as her daughter’s. “I’ll go talk to her. You just keep your promise to Twilley and possibly get a headstart on those cookies.” The goddess chuckled as she stood, making her way towards Aurora’s room. She tried to figure out a way to approach the upcoming conversation. Before she had time, Celestia found herself standing outside her youngest daughter's room. She stared at the pink door, she let out a loud sigh as she opened the door into her daughter's bedroom. A pink filly with a pale mane sat on the edge of her bed, a bored expression on her face as one of the maids brushed her hair. She was smaller than her older sister but seemed oddly calmer. Her ears perked as she heard the door open. The filly grinned as she prepared to hop off the bed but was quickly held by blue aura as the maid finished up her mane. "Not yet, Lady Aurora. You can play with the princess once your mane is done." The filly gave her a big pout, crossing her hooves as she waited for the maid to finish. Finally, the magic aura disappeared. The little filly grinned as she leaped from the bed, attaching herself to her mother's legs. The older alicorn chuckled. "Have you been behaving, my dear child?" asked Celestial, nuzzling the filly. Aurora giggled. Glancing over to the maid, Celestia noticed the young mare let out a sigh. “We caught her trying to prank the guards. She also tried to skip out on her…’lessons’ today.” Celestia frowned as she looked down at her daughter. Aurora grinned up at her sheepishly. “You may leave us now. I have something I need to speak to my daughter about privately.” The maid nodded politely before leaving the two alone. Celestia sighed as she sat herself on the bed. Aurora sat down in front of her, scruffing her hooves on the floor as she avoided eye contact. After a few minutes, Celestia took a deep breath before looking down at the filly. “Aurora Solar, do you know why I ask of you to attend your classes? Do you understand the importance?” “Because I’m a freak, and you need to control me.” said Aurora with a scowl. Celestia blinked. “Who told you that?” asked the alicorn softly. She knew that word had gotten around of Aurora’s abilities, the staff had to take an oath to not disclose the full details with the outside world, but she did not know that there had been a negative effect this early. “The guards and maids talk about it all the time. I’m a freak and everyone is scared of me.” “No. You are like your mother.” said Celestia, causing Aurora to look up in confusion. “When Luna and I got our abilities, when we became alicorns, we were feared. Ponies did not know how to react when they saw us. We were neither earth pony, unicorn, nor pegasi. We could move the celestial bodies that controlled the night and day. We were the most powerful beings in existence, and nopony knew how to react. “Same goes for you.” said Celestia with a nod. “You, Aurora, are the embodiment of death. The end of our journey. You are here to enforce that end. But, you also can stop it. You are now in the position that myself and my sister were in thousands of years ago. You need to learn to control it, to master it so you can better use this power to help ponies.” “But I don’t want to learn to use my power. I just want to be normal.” Aurora stamped her hoof. “I want to be like my sister! She doesn’t have to worry about anything! She just plays with Cadence all day!” The filly yelped as she found herself covered in a golden aura. She was lifted and brought close to her mother. Celestia wrapped her hooves around the filly protectively, shielding her from the horrors of the world. “Quiet, my dear. It will be fine, I promise. There is no need for you to worry.” Author's Note Just a heads up for those wondering, BubbleBoom, a friend of mine's wife, edited this chapter in the absence of my usual editor, so huge thanks for her taking time out of her crazy life to give me a hand with my shit writing.
