As all the ponies of Equestria settled down for the night, especially those who just celebrated a wedding, one pony who should have joined them was still up. Celestia was normally asleep at this time while allowing her sister to rule over the night, but certain things kept her awake. As she walked down the corridors and into a specific garden, she knew exactly where she wanted to go.

"My my, Princess Celestia. It's unbecoming of the Alicorn of the Sun to be up so late at night!"

"Discord, I would have figured the chaos of that attack would have released you from your prison again. Even with as much faith as I have in the strength of the current Elements of Harmony, hearing what had happened while I was trapped felt like it would have been enough even still."

That got an ominous chuckle from Discord's still form. "Certainly, one particular subject was causing a lot of chaos with his wind. However... there was something in that wind even I cannot contend with. As against my nature as it was, I chose to maintain my prison rather than take the opportunity to be free once again. There are risks even I wouldn't take after all."

Discord's reasoning confirmed what Celestia had feared. The wind magic one Zephyr Windstorm was using was too unnatural and spontaneous as much as it was needed to hold back the Changelings. In addition, the amount of power the Pegasus showed was too much magic for any one pony to use at once, even for her faithful student. "As much as I hate to admit it... this might be an ill omen for something more disastrous in the future..."

"I do feel like I need to correct you on one thing. The word I'd use to describe that magic isn't 'unnatural' like you thought."

"You know something about what is going on, don't you Discord?"

"Maybe, maybe not. I know there's no fun in spoilers, so I'll leave it to you and your little ponies to figure it out." That got a grimace from Celestia as she wracked her brain to find out where to start looking. "As fun as it will be to watch you run around like a chicken with its head cut off there's one detail I wish to expose to you, though it'll be up to you to make the most of it."

Heed the warnings,
For failure will beget your final night
It all begins and ends,
With your little Falconite

"I know the warnings, but what do you mean by 'my little Falconite'?!" When Discord's statue remained silent, Celestia knew she wouldn't get anything more out of the Spirit of Chaos. Looks like the term "Falconite" will be our only lead for now...

"Your highness, Princess Luna requests your presence in the throne room!" A night guard managed to find the errant Sun Princess to deliver that message.

"Hmm... alright. As much as I would like to begin looking into something, if my sister requests my presence then I'll attend. Thank you, return to your post." The guard salutes as Celestia teleports away.

In the throne room, Luna was staring at the pony in chains before her when her sister teleported in beside her. "Dearest sister, this pony wished to talk with you and I."

The sight confused Celestia. "Why is he in chains?"

"Because I managed to identify him as the leader of a certain 'research' group responsible for one Zephyr Windstorm's foalnapping some time ago." That definitely got a narrow look from Celestia.

For what it was worth, the grey Pegasus in front of them chuckled. "You may call me O and I am more than happy to go to prison for my crimes, but certain revelations made me wish to bring you my findings myself. I only wish to present them to you before my imprisonment proper."

Luna looked unconvinced. "On what grounds do you think we'll believe anything you say?"

"Have you not read the research notes on Zephyr Twilight Sparkle sent Princess Celestia, Princess Luna?" That got a shocked look from Luna as she DID read those notes. "Then you know that everything we've done, as unscrupulous as our methods have been, was in the interest of understanding the ancient past of us Pegasi under a modern lens. Tell me, does the term 'Falconite' ring any bells?"

"Falconite?!"

O smiles at Celestia's shocked outburst. "Ah so you've at least heard it, your highness? Indeed, while our study of ancient tablets and engravings is rather lackluster, that is a term that we were able to identify. And, as it so happens, said term always coincided with hieroglyphs depicting ponies with two sets of wings."

Celestia remembered the tablet fragment found in Starswirl's wing that also depicted a Pegasus with four wings. "Then you are implying that Zephyr Windstorm isn't a Pegasus..."

"But rather belongs to an ancient strain of Pegasus that, due to a lack of information otherwise, we have dubbed Falconites. How a Falconite was born in today's day and age is still unknown but the current working theory is that his parents had the correct combination of genetics, along with a massive dose of luck, to allow the ancient strain to reemerge once more."

As much as Luna found the whole thing unbelievable, there was nothing in O's eyes that was telling her he was lying. "What do you make of this, Celestia? 'Tis a tall tale, but this pony seems wholly convinced he's on the right track."

"Tell me, have you made any other new discoveries outside of the Falconite term?" As much as she didn't want to, Celestia knew that ignoring what O was telling them would be unwise.

"Between then and now? Outside of a correction that Zephyr can cancel out the effects of magic enchantments like the Need-It, Want-it spell on other ponies, nothing. However, during the Changeling invasion, we were able to gather some of the wind magic he was outputting, though something compelled me to bring what I knew forward. In addition, with what I know now, I get the feeling Earth Ponies and Unicorns have a similar 'ancient strain' in their genetics as well."

Celestia thought more on it before coming to a decision. "You won't be arrested for what you've done, as the information you were able to uncover has been useful. However, you and your team will be put under strict guard supervision to ensure you and yours don't do anything unscrupulous."

"Princess Celestia, you mean to say..?"

"Since it was already a subject of your research, I will authorize you to study the magic you have gathered from the attack. Make no mistake, any 'funny business' and I won't hesitate to throw you into prison. Am I clear?"

O had already accepted his arrest, so the situation had turned out better than he had hoped. "Understood, your highness. I'll gather my researchers and move them into your designated space at a later time. For now, it is late and rest is needed." With that, O was escorted out by the guard with him.

"Celly... are you certain we can trust him to keep his end of the deal? What is it that has you convinced that his research is worth investing in?"

"Because, by sheer coincidence, I heard Discord in his prison use the term 'Falconite' when I went to see why he never escaped again. As grateful as I am to Zephyr for his help in contending with Chrysalis, his whole situation gives me cause for concern." Celestia noticed the flat look on Luna's face. "Lulu, Discord may be a mad being but he's been alive far longer than even you or I. Who knows how much history he's bore witness to over the eons."

Though not totally convinced, Luna chose to accept her sister's reasoning. "As for Zephyr being a Falconite rather than a Pegasus..."

"I don't think his reclassification will change much. The Elements of Loyalty and Kindness love him dearly and I doubt much can affect that." Celestia had a mischievous thought and giggled despite the situation. "If Pegasi truly are descended from Falconites, I don't think he has to worry about being... 'incompatible' with Rainbow Dash, if you catch my drift."

Luna took a second to realize what her sister was getting at and rolled her eyes. "And here I thought I was the dirty one after one too many 'promiscuous' dreams I've accidentally dropped in on. Shoving that to the side, you're thinking he'll still be capable of siring foals?"

Celestia nodded before she yawned. "Apologies, but I've stayed up long enough tonight. I wish you well in your vigil over the night, dearest sister."

"I'm... a Falconite?"

Next morning, Princess Celestia had gathered the Bearers, Zephyr, and even Shining Armor and Cadance to inform them of what she found out last night. While it wasn't super important, she felt it would give Zephyr a level of closure over what he was.

"Indeed. Believe it or not, Discord was the one that pointed me in that direction after I checked on his prison."

Rainbow Dash crossed her forehooves in irritation. "You're really going to believe HIM?!"

"Even the depths of madness cannot change the truth, it can only distort or misrepresent it. And as a being that's more-or-less ageless, I'm inclined to believe he knows more than he's letting on." Celestia decided not to bring up O in this discussion out of courtesy for Zephyr.

"That doesn't change anything, does it? Zephy is still Zephy!" Pinkie was ever the optimistic one of the group.

That got a smile out of Twilight. "I guess it really doesn't, though it is closure on what kind of Pegasus you are. It also explains why your DNA tests couldn't identify you as a Pegasus proper."

"I suppose so. Truthfully, this isn't the first time I heard Falconite spoken to me. Believe it or not, it's exactly what Discord called me during his attempted take-over of Equestria. I discarded it at the time as the ramblings of insanity, but I guess that was the one truth he chose to tell in a sea of chaos."

"Wait... if Zephyr dear really is a true picture as to what ancient Pegasi were like, does that include how his magic works?" Rarity had that thought as she observed the pattern in the still-glowing feather she kept. While the actual enchantment had long since vanished, the mares kept the feathers that Zephyr gave them as treasures, especially Rainbow and Fluttershy.

Celestia thought about it before shaking her head. "Perhaps, perhaps not. Regardless, let's let the newlyweds enjoy their honeymoon and get the rest of you back home. Even after a restful night, I'm sure you are all still exhausted from what happened yesterday."

At the mention of further rest, Fluttershy let out a yawn. "I-it was more exciting than I thought it would be... both good and bad..." Zephyr made sure to rub her back in worry at those words.

"As much as ah'd like to rest, ah'd best be getting back to my farm work myself." Applejack knew she was a busybody, to the point she wondered if she'd ever find her own spouse to celebrate life with.

Cadance patted Applejack on the shoulder, knowing what the farmer was thinking. "Don't worry too much over it. As for Shiny and I, we plan on going to Las Pegasus for some R&R. I think we both deserve it." Shining Armor nuzzled his wife at those words.

"As for Zephyr being a Falconite instead of a Pegasus, I'll be sure to help change official records across Equestria to reflect this new information. However, don't be surprised if you have to correct others... or don't, that's up to you!" Celestia giggled at that. All Zephyr did was roll his eyes.

On the train ride home, Zephyr revealed the bouquet he had caught during the wedding and saved. Despite knowing his girlfriend wasn't big on flowers besides eating, he took one of the white lilies and tucked it into her mane much to Rarity's delight. "I know this is not a 'you' thing, but let me appreciate my cute girlfriend for just a bit. Or perhaps the high of the wedding celebration is making me more bold."

"Sheesh Zephyr, you're so sappy!" Rainbow smirked at her boyfriend as she started lightly jabbing him. Yet, despite her demeanor, she made no motion to remove the flower.

A bit further back, Rarity's eyes were sparkling. "Oooh, love is such a fun spectator sport with participants like this! I daresay, I won't get tired of it anytime soon!"

Wanting to spare the couple Rarity's gawking, Twilight gave her a coy smile. "What about you and Fancy Pants? You two looked close during the wedding!"

"Oh Twilight, Fancy Pants is already married to Fleur, I just wanted to catch up with him on the gossip. Besides, even if he wasn't taken, I've still got a ways to go before I can reach a similar level to him." That made Twilight scrunch her muzzle in a bad case of hoof-in-mouth syndrome. Spike made no comment because he was asleep.

Applejack became curious about something. "Ah' have to wonder 'bout something. Why is it that yer' always so excited to see those two interacting like this?"

"This is Rainbow Dash we're talking about, remember? A tomcolt like her would've never given romance a chance and that's even if you include Wonderbolt stallions. Besides, has anypony noticed something different about her lately?"

Twilight and Applejack looked confused while Pinkie just kept smiling away. It was Fluttershy who spoke up. "I know Rainbow has been looking sleeker... prettier than before. Is that what you're talking about, Rarity?"

Rarity smiles at her shy friend. "It would take a foalhood friend to notice such changes unprompted. That's exactly what I'm talking about! Now granted, it happens to every mare who finds a mutual love in their life, but it's more apparent with tomcolts like Rainbow Dash. Genuine love just seems to bring out the best in most mares."

"Actually, ah've seen a change as well. Whenever we got at each other in our various 'contests', ah noticed she's been improving a lot. Ya don't think it's just Zephyr's influence on her?"

"Truthfully, any stallion with good values who Rainbow fell in love with would cause the same changes. However, Zephyr's personal values seems to be a good mix for for the two."

"I'm still amazed that he was able to command the wind like that! I mean, did you see how he WHOOSH and FWAAAAH and blew all those meanie Changelings around!"

Pinkie's description of Zephyr's wind magic, as well as the suddenly subject change, amused Applejack. "Quite a way to describe it, sugahcube. Ah' still wonder why he never showed such power until yesterday, though..."

"H-he did show some signs of it when we were trying to make a tornado. H-he didn't want everypony's efforts to go to waste when he made a whirlwind to keep the water in place." Fluttershy remembered that day well.

Twilight thought back to it. "Thing is, now only did it take all his concentration for JUST that whirlwind, but it was burning out his secondary feathers. Though, with the knowledge that he's potentially a Falconite, perhaps they were capable of using a purer form of wind magic?" She made a mental note to look into ancient history to see if she couldn't find any records.

But it could wait. For now, it was a time of rest after the chaos of the Changeling invasion and the excitement of the wedding.

At least, it would have been a time of rest, but Zephyr had gotten a house call from Doctor Horse not long after he and Scootaloo got home. They had been going to him on and off to try and figure out why her wings weren't growing and if it could be fixed. "I've been running through the diagnosis and numbers... and I'm afraid to say that she won't be able to fly until she reaches her late teens..."

That broke Zephyr's heart as Scootaloo looked down sadly. "Is there truly nothing you can do for her?"

"Well... admittedly there's one way but I HEAVILY advise against it. While it'll allow her wings to grow, who knows what other complications it could cause down the line. Remember, we're dealing with a genetic defect, not something that physically crippled her..."

"It's fine, big bro..." Zephyr looked down at Scootaloo, who was giving him a sad smile. "I... kind of already accepted that the most I'll be able to do is hover. Still, I appreciate that you and dad were trying to help me."

Doctor Horse shook his head sadly. He always hated having to give news like this. "The best I can suggest is increasing her protein intake to help generate muscle mass alongside calcium and magnesium for better bones. I'm sorry, but I've seen that one procedure end too badly for the adults who took it. I can no longer suggest it in good conscience."

"Thank you for all your help, Doctor."

He nods and leaves while Scootaloo did her best to psych herself up. "No sense moping about it. I'm going to go hang out with Applebloom and Sweetie Belle!" She runs off after that.

Despite her seemingly feeling fine, Zephyr stood in place and watched her go. Rainbow landed next to him shortly after with her own sad look. "Squirt... won't be able to fly with us for a long time, huh? That's just cruel to a Pegasus..."

"I know... but there's little we can do beyond wishing for a miracle to happen. I just... I wanted to do more for her..."

Rainbow puts a wing on Zephyr's back in an attempt to comfort him. "Let's just do our best for her... alright?"

"... Alright. But all I can think is... she deserves all the happiness... in the world..."

Author's Note

I can FINALLY use the Falconite term going forward! A bit of backstory to it, the main reason I chose 'falconite' over anything else was because of the Fire Emblem series of all places. One of the potential class ups a 'Pegasus' Knight can access is a 'Falcoknight'. I just modified the spelling a bit to make it mesh a bit better.

Also, the bit with Scootaloo at the end was inspired by a comment by Phetiamwantip so I ~~blame~~ thank you for giving this chapter more content.