The Struggles of Radiance

by Crystal Static

Rating: teen
Tags: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Princess Cadance, Dark, Alternate Universe, Romance, Comedy, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Queen Chrysalis, Random, Shining Armor, Main 6
Length: 9655

The hardships that Radiance, Daughter of Queen Chrysalis and Prince Shining Armor, will have to face as she grows up. Sequel to 'A Queen's Lament'.

Radiance, Daughter of Queen Chrysalis and Prince Shining Armor, member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and borderline Egghead. This is her story. This is her life.

I actually didn't plan on writing this, but the success of 'A Queen's Lament' changed that. Hopefully people will like this just as much...

Middy, my go-to cover art guru, made the art of the cover variety.

Published 2014-04-13 17:30:03 UTC
Last updated 2014-05-30 05:11:12 UTC

Chapter One - Thistles and Milkshakes

The Struggles of Radiance

Chapter One

Mother told me about how she had a journal to write in, how she wrote about things that were going on in her life at the time. She told me how it is a good way to keep track of what one is feeling, and a good way to put things into perspective. So I decided I should start a journal of my own.

I should probably write down more about me, just for posterity, if somepony a thousand years down the line decides to take an interest in the birth-daughter of Queen Chrysalis and Prince Shining Armor. I am an ivory colored unicorn with insectoid wings. My eyes are like my mother's, as well as my teeth. My mane and tail are like my father's, but in the same color as mother's. I eat 'pony food', but my magic is fueled like a changeling's, where I need to absorb positive emotions for it. I am only two years old, but I look and feel more like the twelve year old foals that I hang out with. Mother said it has something to do with the fact that changelings mature a lot faster than ponies.

When I first started going to school, a lot of ponies were afraid of me and mother, but I know that is simply because they fear changelings. Mother taught me all about changelings and their history, and she has been teaching me some changeling magic. Aunty Twilight has also been teaching me unicorn magic. Unicorn magic uses more power than changeling magic, but it is more versatile. I am trying to learn all about unicorn and changeling magics so I can impress mother and father. The other day I was able to turn a mouse into a potted plant, much to Aunty Twilight's amusement. I am also learning how to fly.

Rainbow Dash is giving me and Scootaloo flight lessons. I only wish that Rainbow would stop making wonderbolts metaphors because it is really getting annoying. I know she wants to be a wonderbolt, but that doesn't mean she has to constantly talk about them like her life depends on it. Either way, I have learned a lot about flying, and I am quite maneuverable in the air. Scootaloo is a good flyer herself, once she got into the air. I had to teach her about pegasi magic and how to use it before she could fly. Pegasi magic is a lot like changeling magic, as both are based on desire and will. I wouldn't be surprised if Scootaloo tried to learn the Gale King martial art that I read about in a history book, as it apparently relies heavily on pegasi magic.

School is boring, but I get to see all of my friends. Applebloom is hardworking, and she is good at designing things, she designs all of the different things we make when we go crusading. Sweetie Belle is a bit of an egghead, but then again, so am I. She can sing though, and if she were older, she could join the opera or something. Scootaloo is a lot like Rainbow Dash, brash, headstrong, and determined. If anypony could earn a medal for being awesome, it would be Scootaloo.

I have to finish up, as my fellow crusaders have just arrived.

I can't believe I was grounded for the day. We were going to try to get our cutie marks as demolition experts, but mom came downstairs and said that no daughter of hers is going to destroy the town. I am going to try and come up with a list of things we could do when we go crusading for the next time we have a meeting.

It would still be awesome if we could be demolition experts though…

I was suspended from school for a week… Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were being really mean, they said things like my mother is a dirty bug who should have been executed for attacking Canterlot, I turned Diamond Tiara into a potted Everfree Thistle plant, and Silver Spoon was turned into a raspberry bush. The spell that turns ponies into potted plants picks a plant that most resembles the pony's personality so I think I got the last laugh. There is no counterspell, but it wears off in about five hours.

Mom was originally going to ground me, but then I told her what they were saying, and she instead took me to Sugarcube Corner for milkshakes. I told her what spell I used, and what DT turned into, mother passed out from lack of air…

She woke up before Pinkie Pie could call the hospital. I then told Pinkie about how mom passed out, she wanted to know what was so funny. She passed out too… My face still hurts from the epic facehoof I did…

The other Crusaders insisted on giving me an award for putting DT and SS in their places, so now I have a paper crown glued to my forehead… I hope mom doesn't get mad, she probably will though.

I am no longer suspended. When I first walked into the classroom, all of the students (Besides DT and SS), cheered, drawing many demerits from Miss Cherilee. Everypony thinks turning DT and SS into plants was worth the suspension though.

At recess, I was telling ponies about the spell I used, and how it turned ponies into the plants that most resembled their personality. It took a few moments for them to connect the dots on DT becoming an everfree thistle, but then everypony just broke out in laughter. Then someone called DT 'Dorky Thistle' and everypony cracked up even more. Miss Cherilee came out and scolded us for laughing at DT, which is complete bull since she never hears DT making fun of other ponies. I called her on that bull, and she gave me detention… Mother wasn't happy… at first, then she took me to get milkshakes again… (I think mother has an unhealthy attachment to milkshakes as a celebratory beverage)

Author's Note

Just polishing another turd...

Who caught the reference to the first story in this chapter?

Chapter Two - Lightning and Train Rides

The Struggles of Radiance

Chapter Two

My father will be coming to visit again this week. I can hardly wait. My father comes every other friday and leaves on monday. I wish he could stay longer, but he has his duties in the Crystal Empire which keeps him from staying for more than a few days. Every time he comes over he brings me some rock candy and a small gem from the Crystal Empire. I put the gems in a chest in my room, and the rock candy (Which is literally the best rock candy you can eat anywhere ever) gets put in my candy jar (Dad brings enough to last me two weeks if I have two pieces a day). I wish dad could stay for longer… I know he is very busy with his job, but I still miss him… Mom tells me that he shouldn't bring me all of the stuff he does, but I know she secretly likes how excited I get when dad brings me stuff.

When dad comes to see me, he takes me to the theater, where we see all the latest performances. He also is teaching me the different magic that the guards use, like shields and lightning. I know Aunty Twilight doesn't want me to use dangerous spells like lightning and fireball, but dad says I need to know how to defend myself if I need to. With what he is teaching me, I can cast a shield spell that can cover the house in less than two seconds, and I can cast the 'combat magic' that he has taught me in less than half a second with most of the spells, although the really powerful ones take more energy. Aunt Twilight is afraid I would use some of those spells on other ponies, but dad told me that I am not allowed to use them unless he is there to supervise or if somepony's life depends on it. I wanted to be a guard when I get older, but mom told me how most of being a guard is standing motionless all day. I do not want to be a boring guard.

Mom got a new job the other day, she is going to be teaching a class about changelings for ponies who want to know more about them. She teaches it every sunday at town hall. Ponies come from all sorts of places to learn about changelings. Sadly some ponies are not very nice and yelled at mom for being a changeling. She didn't attack them, surprisingly, but she did tell them that if they were going to be ignorant plot heads, they should take the class to learn more about changelings.

Anyways, I need to go to bed, the other crusaders will be coming over to pick me up for scuba diving.

I had to use my combat magic today, somepony cornered me on the way home from school with a knife. I zapped him with a lightning bolt. It hit him in the flank and he started acting all dizzy and stuff. When the guard arrived, I told him how the guy came out from the alley with the knife pointed at me. The pony who attacked me was taken to the hospital for lightning burns on his flanks. Mom was afraid about what happened, but then I told her how I zapped the guy right on his cutie mark with lightning, and she took me to Sugarcube Corner for milkshakes… I want to hire a psychologist to find out why she wants celebratory milkshakes all the time…

Scootaloo has started learning how to focus her pegasi magic after I told her about the Gale King style that I read about. She told me she might try to find a trainer if she wants to learn it. I decided not to tell her that the last pony to practice that style died over a hundred years ago.

Sweetie Belle is going to mom's classes, to learn more about changelings. She wants to know more about mom and other changelings. I wonder if it has something to do with that new colt in school, Sudden Change. Ehh, when I am around Sweetie, it feels like she is infatuated with him. I told her how I thought she had a crush on him, but she denied it.

Apple Bloom built a new shed near the Crusader Clubhouse to store all of our crusader stuff that we make. I still want to know how she was able to build a class six freestanding structure (That is the same classification as a standard Ponyville house) that was up to code in less than a day…

Dad came to visit today. He heard about the guy that attacked me and brought a necklace that has a shielding ward on it. The shielding ward apparently is powered by a gem that recharges in the sun. I wear it everywhere now, and when I am at home I hang it by the window so it can charge.

Tomorrow dad and I are going to see 'The Phantom of the Clopra' at the Ponyville Theater. I heard it is quite the piece from Rarity. Afterwards we will be going to Waffle Shack for brinner, they make the best loaded hash-browns. I wish mom would come too, but mom and dad don't get along very well… Dad says it is because of what happened in Canterlot, mom says it is because dad is insufferable. I think they are both out of their gourds. At least Aunty Twilight has no problems with mom or dad, although she does sometimes feel a little fear when mom gets into her moods, but then again, who doesn't.

Dad is about to read me a bedtime story, so I have to put my journal away for the night.

Dad had to go back to the Crystal Empire early… He said something about something that he needed to do that his lieutenant can't. He wasn't too open about it, but I have a feeling that it might be dangerous. I snuck onto the train so I can help him if he needs it. The luggage car is not particularly comfortable, but it is better than being thrown off the train (Not that dad would let them). I just hope that dad isn't too mad at me for following him.

I left a note telling mom that I am going to follow dad since he might need my help, I will probably be grounded for a year when I get back, but dad needs me.

"Dad, I am sorry for sneaking on the train. I thought you might need my help when you said you had to leave early for some kind of crysis."

"Radiance, when we get to the Crystal Empire, we are going to sit down and have a long discussion over what you did."

"Awww…"

"I know you don't like being lectured about what you did wrong, but you know that I have to do it."

"I know… But mom is probably beyond furious at me…"

"I know Chrysalis has a temper on her, but she is still your mother. As long as she doesn't hit you or anything like that."

"Why would she hit me? I know she has anger issues, but she loves me."

"Forget I said anything sweetie… Also, when we get to the palace, I am going to have to call your mother on the scrying orb, so be ready for that."

"Dad, can you at least show me around the empire before mom tears me a new one?"

"Radiance, you know I don't want anypony to yell at you, but your mother is probably worried sick, you left on short notice with nothing but a note telling where you went. I wouldn't be surprised if your mother decided to invade the empire to get you."

"That sounds like something mom would do, I hope she doesn't though."

"That is why we need to call her before she gets too panicky."

"Okay dad… I can't wait to meet Cadence. I heard she is the, and I quote 'Best foalsitter ever', from Aunty Twilight"

"Did Twily teach you the dance?"

"Yes… She taught me the dance so much that I would need a class seven memory spell just to forget it."

"That is so Twilight. I wouldn't be surprised if she taught the dance to everypony she tells about Cady."

"Yeah, Aunty Twilight is a tad obsessive over things… Dad, I am tired, wake me up when we get there please."

"Would you like me to tell you a story to help you get to sleep?"

"No dad, I… am tired… enough…"

Author's Note

More of me just writing from my ass, but at least it looks shiny enough...

Chapter Three - Magic Power and Crystal Hearts

The Struggles of Radiance

Chapter Three

The Crystal Empire is AMAZING! The ponies are MADE OF CRYSTAL! Its so cool. Dad gave me a tour after we contacted mom, and we even got some rock candy. Crystal Empire rock candy is the best!

Mom was upset at first, but her and dad decided that I will stay in the empire for three days before mom comes to take me back to Ponyville. Mom said I was grounded for three weeks after I get back. BUT CRYSTAL EMPIRE OH MY CELESTIA! So pretty.

I met Princess Cadence, she is nice. She was a tad upset when she heard that mom was coming here to pick me up, but she is a nice pony who should be happy. If only I could convince her that I do not have a crush on anypony (She seems to think all foals have a crush on somepony, no matter what).

I saw the Crystal Heart today, it is pretty. It is also a massive source of love-energy. I wonder if that is how mom's hive was fed during the integration into Equestrian society. I just hope that mom doesn't go all power crazy and try to drain the heart. Just being near it supercharged my magic reserves. I feel like I have ten times the normal amount of magic energy that I had living in ponyville.

I better not tell Twilight about this, she would want to examine me again. I just hope she doesn't detect the increased power. I don't want to use it because this is the perfect excuse to increase my magic energy capacity. I may go see the heart again tomorrow.

Princess Cadence took me out to get some muffins as well. She is a really nice pony. She told me that I could call her Aunty Cadence like I do Aunty Twilight. I actually am glad that that is sorted out, I wasn't sure if I should consider her a stepmother or what, as she is married to my dad, but not my mother. Either way, I think she is pretty cool.

I went to the heart again, my power has doubled, and I don't think I could handle any more for a few days. Mom will be coming to pick me up later tonight, so the temptation of the heart won't be a problem. I may tell dad about feeding from the heart to increase my magic capacity, but I am not sure if it is a good idea…

I can't wait to see my friends again. I have so many ideas for crusading that we need to try. I just hope that they haven't tried full-contact hoofball or parasailing yet. I also want to show Scootaloo more magic, and see how she has come with manipulating her pegasus magic. When she flies and stuff and uses her magic, she is so graceful. It is quite entrancing to watch her practice her moves. Rainbow Dash may have her beat on sheer awesome, but Scoots is one of the most graceful ponies I have ever seen in the air.

I was thinking about getting a pet from Fluttershy too, but mom still scares her. I also doubt mom would let me have a pet in the house…

Today mom came and picked me up from the Crystal Empire. Aunty Cadence was apprehensive at first, but after a few minutes of her talking with mom, she realized that her fear is not that big of deal. I almost expected them to get into a duel or something when they first saw each other. I'm glad everything worked out, it could have ended badly.

I have decided not to tell anypony about my 'feeding' from the Crystal Heart. I just hope I can keep my energy under control until my body adapts to the higher amount of power.

I think the extra energy is making me a tad jittery. I noticed that I have a harder time staying focused on things since I absorbed it. Mom noticed I am more wired than usual, but she didn't say anything really. I just hope that I finish adjusting to the increased power soon, before anypony notices. My magic has been harder to control but much more powerful too. I have been going to a clearing in Whitetail Woods to work on my magic control without hurting anypony; using small spells so I don't drain all of my magic before I finish adjusting to the bigger amount (not to mention low energy spells are harder to control when you have an excess of magic energy).

Mom grounded me for three days, even though she told dad three weeks. I think mom might be a compulsive liar or something… Either way, the other Crusaders and I went parasailing and played full contact hoofball, I don't even know how we could have possibly gotten covered in all of that tree sap… So much tree sap…

Scootaloo is getting pretty good with her innate magic, I saw her blast a tree and all the leaves fell off. Good thing the running of the leaves will be happening in two weeks. I asked her if she would like to train with me in my training clearing, she said she would think about it.

Sweetie Belle was grounded for dunking Opal (Rarity's demon spawn of a cat) in water that had red dye in it. And Applebloom is busy helping her sister with the fall harvest.

Me and Scootaloo went to train today, I made her Pinkie Promise not to tell anypony about how I fed from the Crystal Heart to boost my powers (I had to tell her because she would have noticed the increased power when I cast spells). She is getting quite good at using her pegasus magic. She told me that she checked out some books in the library about the Gale King, and that she is going to become the first user of it since Swiftwing the Bold (The last documented user of the Gale King style. He recorded a lot about the different forms and stuff).

I think my body has adjusted to my power, but I still need to learn to control it better. I blasted a tree with a supercharged version of my lightning spell, the amount of energy I used was enough to give Aunty Twilight magic fatigue, but it barely made a dent in my reserves.I just hope nopony gets mad when I tell Twilight about my power and how I got it. I am going to tell Twilight later this week, so hooves crossed that she doesn't get mad at me.

I told Aunty Twilight today, she was angry at me for not telling her something like that, but when I told her how I could cast a tier twelve lightning spell with a class seven thaumic matrix structure without magic fatigue, and how it did almost nothing to my reserves, she got all excited about the possibilities. She still scolded me for doing something so reckless as to feed from the Crystal Heart, twice. She also took me to her basement to run some tests to see how the magic is affecting me. It turns out my reserves are stable, and I have more raw magical power than Aunty Twilight, dad, and Aunty Cadence have combined.

Apparently that kind of power is treated with extreme caution, so Aunty Twilight sent a letter to Princess Celestia to tell her about my power and how I acquired it. Not five minutes after the letter was sent, Princess Celestia showed up to see for herself. She saw the test results and told me to never do something like that again without proper supervision and all of that jazz. After I agreed to that, she told me that she was going to take me under her wing to teach me magic.

I go to Canterlot next week. Mom is coming with me just to make sure I keep up with my learning of changeling magic. I just hope she can control herself in front of the nobles and other ponies.

Author's Note

Well, here we go...

There will be more adventures with the CMC later on.
If you haven't realized, I am a fan of the Savage Skies series by Moguera.

I still feel like I am polishing a turd though...

Chapter Four - Tree Sap and Love Stories

The Struggles of Radiance

Chapter Four

I have about a five days before I go to Canterlot. I am spending as much time with the other crusaders as I can before I have to leave. Earlier today, we tried to get our cutie marks in Aerospace Engineering. We 'acquired' a bunch of wood from the old barn at Sweet Apple Acres, and started building our flying machine. Applebloom made a great design for it, a wooden box with a small fan and a giant canvas corkscrew thing on top, and it is powered by pedals. We had it built and it looked great. I am a bit surprised that it actually flew. We were in the air for about five seconds before the control shaft broke and we spun into a crash. We landed all the way in Whitetail Woods, and there was a lot of tree sap…

We did not get our cutie marks in Aerospace Engineering... After we got cleaned up, we tried to get them in Daredeviling. We asked Pinkie Pie to help us make jetpacks, and after about an hour, we had three baking soda and vinegar rockets strapped to our flanks flying through the air. It was a shame that we couldn't control our flight, we ended up smashing three mailboxes, two fruit stands, and five street signs. We also had about twelve near misses with other ponies. Our jetpacks finally ran out of fuel when we crashed into 'Pine Needles and Tree Sap'. The owner of the store was surprisingly sympathetic to our cause, and didn't make us pay for the damages, as long as we tell other ponies about his store… Why is there even a store that sells pine needles and tree sap? …Never mind, we didn't get cutie marks in Daredeviling anyways.

When mom found out about our crusading yesterday, she told me 'With all the collateral damage you three cause, your cutie marks should just be wrecking balls and explosives', and gave me double chores for today. The other crusaders and I will be meeting at Sugarcube Corner at noon for cupcakes, so today isn't gonna be too bad.

I think mom was just as confused as I was about that store we crashed into yesterday. She asked me how we got cleaned up after that, I told her that with all the times we get covered in tree sap and pine needles, we have cleaning up down to a science. Mom was even more confused after I said that…

"Hey Applebloom, do you know why there is a store that sells pine needles and tree sap? I can't figure it out."

"Ahm not quite sure Radi, mahybe we should go ask tha owner. Wha da ya think Sweetie Belle?"

"I don't know either, but I feel like it's only real purpose is to have given us something to crash into yesterday. Almost like there is some invisible force that causes all of our crusades to end with us covered in tree sap… What do you think Scoots?"

"I don't know Sweetie, but you do realize that you sounded like a total egg-head when you said that, right?"

"HEY!"

"Scootaloo, why do ya always call Sweetie Belle a dictionary or egg-head, its not very nice. How would ya like it if ah called ya a feather-brained dodo?"

"Don't call Scoots a dodo, dodos are ugly."

"So ya think Scoots is pretty then? OOOOH!"

"Radi has a crush on Scootaloo!"

"Sweetie Belle! I do not have a crush on Scoots!"

"You're blushing worse than when my sis gets to juicy parts of her romance novels Radi."

"Sweetie, Scoots is blushin too! They like each other!"

"That's it! I'm out! Gonna go see if Rainbow Dash can show me some tricks or something."

"I'm leaving too, I do not have a crush on Scoots. You guys are delusional."

I don't have a crush on Scootaloo. Sure she is pretty and cool and fast and confident, not to mention her eyes are hypnotising and her mane is fabulous… wait, what did I just write? ...her eyes are hypnotising? Ehh never mind… It's not like thinking that her amethyst eyes sparkle with the radiance of a thousand tiny gems means you like somepony right? Ugh, that sounds so sappy…

Okay, I am not sure, but I may like Scootaloo… Maybe… I'm not sure… I should probably ask mom…

What if I do have a crush on Scoots though? If I ask mom and I do, she will do all she can to embarrass me, I just know it. I could always ask Aunty Cadence, but she would probably just try to set me up with her… Aunty Twilight is oblivious to things like love and stuff… Rarity might know… THAT'S IT! I will go ask Rarity tomorrow.

"Hello there Radiance, what can I do for you today?"

"Hi Rarity, is Sweetie Belle here?"

"Sorry, she went to go see Twilight about for her magic lessons."

"Good, I needed to ask you something."

"Come on in darling, I'll go make tea and then we can talk."

"Thanks Rarity."

"So you said you think you might have a crush on somepony? May I ask who?"

"Pinkie Promise not to tell anypony?"

"Of course darling. Cross my heart, hope to fly."

"I think I might have a crush on Scootaloo, whenever I she is around I just feel happier, and a little nervous."

"Can you tell me exactly what you feel about her?"

"Well, whenever I talk with her I get a little fluttering feeling in my chest. Whenever I look into her eyes I feel like I can get lost in them for hours. I see how hard she tries with everything she does and it makes me just want to help her no matter what, and when she fails I feel like I should be right there with her to help her. I know she can't fly, yet she tries so hard. I feel like I should be there to be a shoulder for her to cry on, to be there to give her a hug when she needs it most, to help her up whenever she falls down. I know she acts all tough, but I know she is a lot more sensitive than that. I know she does the best she can, and I know how she tries to fly even though she knows she will never fly like a normal pegasus."

"What do you mean? I saw her flying the other day."

"I shouldn't tell you. It is her secret."

"I won't tell a soul darling, it is okay if you tell me."

"Fine… One day a few months ago, I found her out behind the old clock tower broken down in tears. She apparently went to see some doctor about her wings, and he did some tests. He told her that he was sorry, but she would never be able to fly. Something about her wing structure has a defect, the bone grew like a bat's wings, but the wings themselves tried to grow into a normal pegasus wing shape. She actually wouldn't be able to fly at all if I hadn't taught her how to use her innate pegasus magic. But back to the point, when I found her like that, it absolutely broke my heart. After she told me about the doctor, I just went up and held her for three hours until she finally stopped crying. I Pinkie Promised her that I would find a way for her to fly, and after a little research, I discovered that she could use her innate pegasus magic."

"She flies by using her pegasus magic? How did you find that out?"

"When I was researching, I found something about a pegasi martial art called the Gale King. Apparently it allows it's user to channel their innate magic to manipulate wind and lightning. I thought that if she could channel her magic to cause wind, she could make her wings work, even though she wouldn't fly like a normal pegasus. After she finally was able to fly, she told me that she was going to learn the gale king martial art. She is actually getting pretty good at it."

"Wait, so Scootaloo is getting lessons about some pegasi martial art? Who is teaching her?"

"Actually, the Gale King style is incredibly hard to master, and the last recorded user died several hundred years ago, Scootaloo is actually figuring it out on her own."

"So Scootaloo is actually bringing back a long dead martial art and learning how to user her pegasus magic?"

"Pretty much… Wow, we really got off track. Back to what we were talking about, do I have a crush on Scootaloo?"

"Hmm… Well from what you told me darling, I think you have much more than a crush, you have full blown romantic feelings for her. You are in L-O-V-E 'LOVE', and you have it pretty hard."

"Dangit, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were teasing us saying I had a crush on Scoots… I am never going to live this down…"

"Oh who cares darling, I just want to know how you plan on wooing your dream mare."

"Whoa, slow down there Rarity, I don't even know how she feels about me."

"IDEA~! I can have her come over because Sweetie Belle is going to apologize for teasing her. I will have her come over, make Sweetie apologize, then tell Scootaloo that I need to talk to her about what happened, after sending Sweetie over to apologize to you as well."

"That actually sounds like a good plan, when would we do it?"

"We should do it tomorrow darling, I know you need to go to Canterlot in a few days, so the sooner the better. In fact, I am going to talk to Scootaloo's parents about how she is apparently learning this martial art that is long dead, and ask them if she could be taken to Canterlot with you so she can tell the Princesses about it."

"That… Sounds… PERFECT!"

"Indeed it does darling, now I am afraid that I am going to have to send you home, as I have work to do. You can't woo the mare of your dreams without a proper dress after all."

"Thank you Rarity, I don't know how I can repay you."

"Don't you dare think about repaying me. I am doing this because you are practically my niece, and I love a good romance story, which I know that you no doubt will experience."

"Whatever you say Rarity. Bye."

Author's Note

Isn't young love just beautiful?

I still feel like this is a polished turd...

Chapter Five - Train Cars and Pegasus Tears

The Struggles of Radiance

Chapter Five

I can't wait to hear what Rarity finds out when she talks to Scootaloo. I wonder if she feels the same way about me… Well, I'll see I guess…

I have two days until I go to Canterlot. Scootaloo is going to be coming with me since Twilight sent Princess Celestia a letter about how she is learning the Gale King style. Apparently the princess wants to see how far along Scoots has come with it. I wonder if the princess is going to be mad about it… The Gale King is incredibly powerful after all; the last master of it was able to take out a force of five hundred griffons with it in battle.

Mom saw how happy I was that Scootaloo is coming with me. I thought I saw her smile about it, but I wasn't sure. I wonder if she suspects my feelings… I just realized something, I have been using '…' a lot in my journal entries lately… I wonder if it is because of how a lot of the things going on right now are what I would consider 'wait and see what happens' things…

Well, Sweetie Belle is at the door, so I have to go…

Sweetie Belle apologized for teasing me and Scootaloo the other day, she also told me that Rarity wanted to speak with me. I didn't quite understand what she said, but it sounded like she meant that Scoots doesn't like me like that, but there is a good possibility that her feelings could change if I play it right.

After seeing Rarity, I went to see if I could find Scootaloo to see if she is excited to go to Canterlot. I looked everywhere for her, but I couldn't find her. I ended up going to find her home address in the town directory over in town hall. I found her address under her family name then went to her house. It didn't look like it was lived in for years, the yard was all overgrown, the flower garden was dead, the paint was chipped and cracked, and the roof was missing more than a few shingles. When I went inside, I found Scootaloo asleep on an old camp cot.

I had no idea that Scootaloo lived all alone, next time I get time with her where nobody else is around, I will have to ask her about it… Come to think of it, this makes perfect sense, her always treating a meal like it is her last, the fact that she always changes the subject when somepony asks about her family, whenever we have a sleepover it is at Rarity's, Sweet Apple Acres, or my house. I just hope she won't get mad at me for this. It doesn't really matter that much I guess, we will be going to Canterlot tomorrow anyways…

Trains are cool. There is something about a giant mechanical object that pulls cars full of ponies at ridiculously fast speeds to get from 'Point A' to 'Point B' that gives me chills. When I talked to the engineer, he told me how trains work. They put coal-rock into a furnace that heats up a tank of water to produce steam, which is then pushed through a mechanical system to drive the train forwards. Apparently the pony who came up with the design for the train was a mechanical engineer when he was younger. I think I might want to learn more about mechanical engineering, if I can make cool stuff like this train…

On a different note, me and Scootaloo got our own train car; it is nice. I haven't yet asked Scoots about how she lives, but I think I am going to before we get to Canterlot, as we have a few hours to go before we get there. I just hope she doesn't get too upset about things.

I have been trying to think of ways to talk to her about her family (or lack of) in a way that won't make her upset, but I am not having much luck… I will just have to break it slow to her…

"Hey Scoots, can I talk to you about something for a minute?"

"Sure Radi, what's up?"

"I just wanted to ask you if everything is okay at home, I know you don't get enough to eat normally, and I wanted to make sure you are okay…"

"Don't worry about me Radi, I can handle myself, nothing's going on."

"Scoots, I'm gonna just say it. I saw your house. I am just worried about you…"

"Oh… You saw that… yeah, that is just… uh… my parent's summer house?"

"I'm not buying it Scoots. You don't have to hide it from me, I won't tell anypony your secret."

"Fine… I'm an orphan okay! My parents were attacked by timberwolves three years before your mom moved to Ponyville, they never made it out of the forest…"-she starts to cry-"I just didn't want somepony to worry about me so I didn't tell anypony. I miss my parents so much, but if I tell anypony about what happened, they will put me in an orphanage."

I pull Scootaloo into a hug, "It's okay Scoots, just cry it out. I will always be here for you…"

Several hours later Scootaloo stops crying, "*Sniff* Thanks for being here for me Radi, I never had anypony who would be there like you have…'

"That's because you haven't had anypony who cares about you like I do"-I jam my hoof in my mouth in a futile attempt to stop before I say to much.

"You want to know something Radi? I always thought you were really cool. I mean, you are smart, funny, you really care about your friends and family, you aren't afraid to get in a fight, and I guess it helps that you are kinda cute…" her train of thought devolves into mumbling that I can't quite understand.

"What was that last bit Scoots? I didn't quite hear you…"

"I just like how you are always there for me, you always know just how to cheer me up when I am feeling down, and I can name two times now where you have done nothing but hold me while I cry for hours. I guess what I am trying to say is that I really care about you…" she turns to look me in the eye.

"You never give up on things, you are always there to be strong when we- no, I -need somepony to be strong, and you are the only pony who knows about where and how I train. I am just trying to say is that I care about you more than you know."

Scootaloo slowly closes her eyes and starts to lean towards me, I panic a bit at first but then I start to do the same. When our lips meet, it feels like the room suddenly turned as hot as a summer day in Apploosa, while at the same time, as cold as the darkest trench in the ice flows of the frozen north. Sadly, before the moment ends, Aunty Twilight bursts through the door, "We're almost- oops, sorry… I'll just wait in the next car over for you to come out…"

Way to kill the moment Twilight…

Before our blushes wear down, I had to ask, "So Scoots, what does this make us? Are we friends? Marefriends? Friends with benefits?"

"Marefriends, definitely marefriends."

"Sooo… want to go out to eat sometime next Friday?"

"Sure Radi. I just hope Twilight doesn't tell anypony what she walked in on just yet. I really don't want to be outed to our friends by Twilight…"

"I'll see what I can do Scoots."

Before we got off the train, I told Aunty Twilight not to tell anypony, as we aren't quite ready to come out and tell our friends yet (Not to mention mom would be really annoying if she found out). She agreed not to tell anypony, as long as we don't tell anypony about anything we might see her do with Princess Celestia. I wonder what she meant…

Eh, doesn't matter, I am officially Scootaloo's marefriend. It makes me want to steal that one pegasus stallion's bit, what was his name… AH! Snowflake. Yeah, it makes me want to yell 'yeah' at an obscenely loud volume with questionably high amounts of energy. I can't wait for next friday…

Author's Note

It seems a tad rushed maybe, but I don't care. I am just glad that I finished that somewhat awkward scene...

On a different note, I made an OC the other day. You can find info about it on my profile.

Chapter Six - Princess Bluetits and Kissy Faces

The Struggles of Radiance

Chapter Six

It has been one day since I arrived at Canterlot, we met the princesses, did some magic, and zapped 'Prince' Blueballs in the flank with lighting (again). Mom was adamant that I spend time in Ponyville with my friends, and Princess Celestia was expecting me to move into the castle.

They finally reached a decision where both sides are somewhat happy; I will go to Canterlot for a week, then Ponyville the next week, then back to Canterlot, and so on and so forth. I insisted that Scootaloo will come with me as I am helping her control her pegasus magic, and the princesses could really help me with some of that. Princess Celestia said she would have to talk to Scootaloo's parents before anything concrete happens, but she agreed. Scootaloo asked the princess if she could talk in private later, so she could get that all sorted out.

Blueballs had the nerve to call my mom a 'love sucking parasite who should never have left her cave'. Let's just say he won't be sitting for a few days. On a completely unrelated note, I hear lightning burns are incredibly painful. I haven't used the plant spell in a while, maybe I should use that on Blueballs next time I see him… Actually, I am not sure there is a plant that exists that could possibly represent his personality, I would probably break reality if I tried… I think I will have to ask the princess about that.

My magic energy stores are quite stable now, I could easily overpower the Princess in the raw magic department (even though I never would try to), but my control still needs a little work, not to mention I still have to manually refill my reserves (ambient feeding is good enough to keep me from draining too much power, but the occasional hug or kiss from Scootaloo really helps replace what my higher energy spells use up). I actually am going to try to see if I can channel magic through my wings and legs, like a pegasus, just because I had an offhand thought about how cool it would be to be able to manipulate air like Scootaloo does, and I decided 'what's stopping me?' as I do have some pegasi abilities from my changeling half. Cloud walking and flight are good, but I kinda want to push the boundaries of what I can do.

I know I shouldn't eavesdrop on Scootaloo and the Princess, but I am curious as to how they will handle the 'Scootaloo's Parents' situation…

"You said you wanted to speak to me in private Scootaloo?"

"Yes Princess. You said you needed to talk to my parents about me learning with Radiance earlier. Well, you won't be able to talk to them…"

"Why is that little one? I have to talk to your parents before we make any long term plans."

"Well it would be kinda hard to talk to somepony who isn't there."

"What do you mean by isn't there? Are your parents neglecting you?"

"What! No… They passed away in a timberwolf attack five years ago, I have been on my own ever since."

"If that is the-"

"Before you say anything princess, no, I will not go to an orphanage, and no, I do not want your pity. I have been on my own for a long time, and I am perfectly capable of staying that way. Just don't tell anypony else about my parents okay, I would rather not have Twilight or Chrysalis find out about them."

"To be completely truthful, I am surprised that you want to stay living by yourself, although I cannot in good conscience let that continue. I won't tell anypony, but I will be looking into finding a foster family for you somewhere in Ponyville."

"Just don't force me to leave Radiance and my other friends behind…"

"Don't worry, my little pony, I would never get between you and your friends. I am curious about you learning the Gale King though, do you think we could talk about it some other time?"

"Sure, I wouldn't mind talking about what I have learned so far with you."

"Thank you dear Scootaloo… Also, just so you are aware, it took a lot of courage to talk to me about this. I have to go work on a trade agreement, so I will have to talk with you again later. Farewell my little pony."

"Talk to you later Princess."

After Scootaloo and the Princess talked, Scoots went to her room. I went to go follow her, but before I did, the Princess looked towards where I was eavesdropping from and winked at me. I knew I was busted, and after a short explanation about how I knew about Scootaloo, and I just wanted to make sure she didn't get hurt, I went to follow my marefriend. When I found her in her room, she was sobbing into a pillow. I ended up holding her while she cried. I told her that I heard her conversation, and how she was incredibly strong to not break down until she got back to her room. She eventually cried herself out, and we just stayed there cuddling until we both fell asleep.

We began our practice today; the princesses wanted to see what we could do before we started learning new stuff. Prince Blueballs made himself a lucky volunteer and I turned him into Princess Bluetits with a high level transformation spell. Many laughs were had a Bluetits' expense that day. I told the princesses that the spell would wear off in about a day. Scootaloo showed the princesses how she figured out the first form of the Gale King, and she went through the entire form while standing on nothing but air. Little did she know that her cutie mark appeared when she finished. When she finally saw it, she was absolutely ecstatic.

Scootaloo's cutie mark is that of a Swan poised to takeoff, like it is about to attack. When we get back to Ponyville, the other crusaders will be so excited. I bet Pinkie is already planning a party for Scoots.

I wonder what my cutie mark will be, I mean if I can get one… Changelings don't get cutie marks, but ponies do. Since I am half changeling, I am not sure how my changeling half will come into play for my mark…

I went to go see Aunty Twilight about something last night around nine or so, I thought she would be reading… I walked in on her and Princess Celestia sucking face like a couple of schoolfillies; Many blushes and some embarrassed banter later, I was reminded of my promise from the train, and forgot about what I was originally going to ask Twilight. I could have easily made it through my life without knowing that my aunt is banging Princess Celestia. I will never look at either of them the same way again… At least I walked in before things were too psychologically damaging; some things are just not meant to be seen by younger eyes.

I should get a camera, I could easily take advantage of Twilight and Celestia being an item. Maybe earn a few thousand bits from a newspaper, or blackmail them for their combined weight in solid gold, or maybe convince them to let me see that new 'action story' at the matinee theater. While I do that, I should also get some pictures of Princess Bluetits to take to the newspaper as well. I am sure I could get a shiny bag of bits for 'The amazing story behind Prince Blueblood's gender change operation', or something like that.

Author's Note

Princess Bluetits may have been a bit far...

...Nah, who am I kidding, the fic is rated teen for a reason, not to mention ragging on blueballs is fun.

Chapter Seven - Romantic Evenings and Magical Development

The Struggles of Radiance

Chapter Seven

So when I changed Blueballs into a mare, apparently I put more energy into the spell than I thought I did, so he could stay a she for as long as three months. Princess Celestia told me that she could undo it, but she feels that her 'nephew' (so many many times removed) could benefit from this 'learning experience' as she called it. I told mom about what happened, and about my idea to take photos and put in the newspaper… Today's issue of Equestrian Times has the headline 'Prince now Princess?' and a big full color photo of 'Princess Blueblood'. It goes on to tell a story about how he was always a mare trapped in a stallion's body, and he didn't have the courage to get that operation until the other day. We got a lot of bits for that 'story', and mom gave me half of them.

I have that date with Scootaloo tomorrow; I was thinking that I would take her on a nice walk through the park, then a visit to that arcade two blocks from Pony Joe's, then we would get doughnuts. With all those bits we got from the whole 'Princess Blueblood' thing, I can afford to take Scoots out a few times, even though mom wants me to save my bits.

I took Scootaloo out on our date today, it went really well. Our walk through the park somehow turned into a game of chase, but it ended with us rolling around in the grass giggling like crazy. After we left the park, we went to the arcade. Scootaloo likes playing Pac Mare and Cruisin' Equestria, and she is very good at them. I prefer Donkey Colt and Mario Chariot, but I am not very good at games. After I lost to her so many times, we decided to leave before I spent all of my bits on 'extra ponies'. When we got doughnuts, it was perfect. We sat and talked for hours as we ate our food. We almost missed our curfew we were so busy talking.

I am a bit surprised, but Princess Luna is teaching some martial arts stuff to Scootaloo. Apparently she was friends with a master of Gale King about a century before she turned into Nightmare Moon, and still remembers some of what he taught her (Even if she can't do it herself).

Tomorrow, Princess Celestia is going to have some new exercises set up to help me learn to control my magic better. I hope that I can get done with all of this 'control your magic' stuff so I can go on to learn some real spells and stuff.

It has been a few days since my date with Scootaloo. I am doing much better at controlling my magic, and next week when I come back to Canterlot I will be learning some new spells.

My magic has been feeling a little weird the last few days, spells haven't been using as much power as they should have, and my reserves don't seem to be draining at all. I will have to talk to Aunty Twilight when we get back about it. We will be going on the train later today, and I am sure Pinkie will have a party for us when we get back.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle walk up to us as we get off the train, "Hey Radiance and Scootaloo, how was Canterlot?"

Before I could respond, Scootaloo interrupts, "Oh, you know, just hangin' with the princesses, being marefriends with Radi, and earning this"- Scootaloo turns her flank towards Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.

Apple Bloom was the first to speak up, "Whew-ee Scootaloo! Yah got yer cutie mark! Yah know wha this means?"- Sweetie and Bloom raise their voices together -"Cutie Mark Crusaders! Cuteceaneara Planners! YAY!"

Sweetie Belle pauses for a minute in thought, "Wait a minute, did you say 'being marefriends with Radi' when we asked you how Canterlot was?"

Scotaloo and I both blush, and I answer before Scoots could say something daffy, "Yeah, she did. She's totally my little Scootacutie now."

"Yea-HEY! I never said you could call me that in front of other ponies Radi!" We all start laughing as Scootaloo puts on an indignant pout.

Seeing her pout, I chuckle mischievously, "You do know you are even cuter when you pout right Scoots?"

"I'm not cute! I'm awesome!"

Scootaloo's last response earns a rebuke from Bloom, "Why can't yah be both ah reckon Scoots?"

I pipe in again, "Yeah Scootacutie, why can't you be both?" Scootaloo crosses her front hooves and mumbles indignantly.

Sweetie decides to be the better mare, "Come on girls, we teased her enough. Lets go see if Pinkie can set help us plan the party."

Scootaloo's Cuteceaneara was yesterday. It was very fun. There was cake and games and even a pinata in the shape of Discord. I actually wonder why somepony would make a Discord pinata… probably best not to think about it, or it will be the Tree Sap and Pine Needle store all over again.

I talked to Aunty Twilight about my magic earlier today. She did a magic scan on me and it seems like the organ unicorns have to regenerate magic is growing in. None of us were sure if it ever would, but seeing how my body is about the same maturity as a young unicorn who is about to start developing their magic, it doesn't seem quite so surprising. My changeling spells seem to use more power than they did before, but my unicorn spells use less. I think my magic is starting to balance out some more. I can still feed to increase my reserves, but I don't have to feed to recharge anymore (Although if I do spend a lot of my magic, feeding could help me recharge faster).

Mom took me to get milkshakes to celebrate my new recharging magic (nopony expected that *eyeroll*), and I asked her why she likes milkshakes so much. I can't remember her answer, as I ran to Aunty Twilight to have her erase the memory of what mom said. Apparently my mother has some really interesting infiltration stories I would rather not hear about…

Author's Note

Sorry for the shorter chapter, and lack of ragging on blueballs...

When she next goes to Canterlot, which will be either the next chapter, or the one after that, there will probably be much more blueballing Blueballs.