Royal Rebirth: The Life and Times of Prince Dusk Star

Chapters

The First Day
Family Fun Time
Settling In
Royal Vistors
Meet The Flash's
Lullaby For A Prince
The Foalsitting Trio
Family Vacation Part 1
Royal Visitors (Old Versions)
Reverse/Rebirth
Anti-Friendship reception

The First Day

As I begin to awaken from my sleep, I feel a warmth blanketed over me. The sensation is so comforting that I don’t want it to stop. Opening my eyes, I see something feathery draped over me acting like a shield from the world beyond. I yawn, stretching my new tiny limbs, that being about the only thing I could manage, it seems. The mass I lay against started moving and the bright light from the lamps blinds me as the feathers lift away from me. After a moment my eyes adjust again and I see my mother smiling at me. I then notice what the feathers had been, my mom had wings! So not only was she a pony but had wings like those on... oh what was it called again? Oh, right, a pegasus. My thoughts are interrupted when my new mother speaks.

“Hello Duskie, did my foal sleep well, yes he did,” she singsongs. I blush a little at the baby talk and for the first time I notice the horn sticking out of her head. So my mom was a unicorn... and a winged horse? That’s pretty cool, actually.

Wait, Dusk? That’s not my name, although it only made sense. I’m not the person I was before so of course I’d get a new name. As more of my new reality sets in, my mother speaks once more in that caring tone.

“I bet you're hungry, huh?” she asks. Before I even have a chance to try and respond, her horn glows a bright purple. I let out a gasp as I’m lifted up again. It feels weird but not as scary as it was the first time. I blink as she levitates me toward two swollen lumps between her hind legs... oh... OH.

“Go on Dusk, drink up,” she encourages, nudging me against one of her teats. I so want to protest, freak out over being nursed like the infant I currently am but instincts take hold and I soon find myself suckling away. I have to admit, the milk isn’t too bad. I find it hard to focus on anything other than my meal as I barely hear my dad walk into the room.

“Alright Twilight, the doctor said it’s okay for us to go home. Are you ready?” he asks.

“Just as soon as Dusk is done with his meal,” Mom says, stroking my back and coaxing me to feed. I don't object and start to suckle a bit faster. After five minutes I let go of her teat and smack my lips happily. I feel a lot better with a full stomach but a moment later I let out a whine as pressure builds up in my belly.

Mom gently takes hold of me, putting me over her shoulder. Feeling her hoof softly patting my back, I wonder what she is doing, until I let out a burp. Relief washes over me as I sigh, the pressure subsiding afterwards.

“That’s a good boy,” Mom coos, nuzzling me gently. I’m soon set into the pony version of a baby carrier on Dad’s side, my legs dangling as i’m set in place. As he and Mom exit the room, I get a better look at my new mother.

I take in the sight of her eyes, again noting how large they were in scale to the rest of her head. It gave a rather cute charm to her really, although I guess every creature in this world has those.

Her coat is a light lavender, along with two varying shades of purple in her mane. I take a second to look at the wings and horn I had noticed earlier, tilting my head a little. Is she something special, different from the other ponies? I could see others - some had horns, others had wings, and some had neither. None, however, had both like my mom. I recall her being called a princess, maybe that had something to do with it?

From the vantage point I have in my carrier, I can see my dad has an orange coat that reminds me of an orange... oddly enough i’m now craving citrus fruit juice. I see he too has wings, however that seems to be his only feature he had other then his blue mane.

One common trait I notice is that the ponies all have strange markings on their hindquarters. Mom has a weird star pattern, a teal unicorn has a harp, another pony has a heart with a band aid on it, each mark seems different and unique from the last. What could they possibly mean? Do they do branding here? No, that’d be odd, family crests perhaps?

As my parents stop at what I assume is a reception desk, I see my new form for the first time in the mirror across the hall. My eyes are pure aquamarine, with tiny white dots as pupils. My coat is a dark purple, and by peering up I can see a tiny bit of hair, my mane. It’s blue with purple streaks running through it, at least that’s what it looks like. I weakly reach up and touch the stubby little horn sitting atop my head, filled with curiosity about my new form. So many new things to discover, needless to say i’m hyped.

Mom speaks again, snapping me out of my self examination.“Okay Duskie, let's get you home,” she said, nuzzling me and smiling all the while. I can’t help but smile back at her and try to return her nuzzle, a soft gurgle escaping from my mouth. I’m bobbed slightly in the carrier as Dad trots alongside mom, exiting the hospital into the sunny day beyond.

I gasp at the vibrant colours that fill every nook and cranny of this new world. Everything just seems so cheery, so uplifting, much better than the city I lived in. It sort of reminds me of small towns I’d visited with my relatives during vacations. After a few minutes, I find myself enjoying the swaying motion more. A bit later I feel my body starting to tire, my eyes drifting closed as the combination of swaying and warm sunlight are enough to send me off to slumberland.

I suddenly wake as I feel something touching my backside. I open my eyes with a start, seeing I was in a new location, and the hefty smell of baby powder enters my nose. I inhale some of it, coughing a little.

“Oh, sorry buddy,” Dad said, giving me an apologetic smile as he finishes changing my diaper. At least I wasn’t awake for that. As he gently picks me up with his wings, I can’t help but giggle at the tickling sensation of his feathers brushing against my sides. I blush as he pats the diaper a few times before nuzzling our noses together.

It only takes a few moments to put two and two together, and I realize i’m in a nursery. I mean, where else would I be? I am an infant again, after all. I blink a few times while a concerning thought sinks in – why aren’t I more panicked about all this? I’ve been ripped from my own world, turned into an infant, and now I’m living some other life, and yet I seem okay with it. Other thoughts start looming overhead... could I get back to my family, to my friends? Did I want to go back? What am I thinking, of course I want to go back. But the question still remains, could I even do that?

I decide to put those thoughts aside for the time being, knowing it take some time to really think it over. Moments later, I realize I had been staring into space for some time. I go cross-eyed, realizing my hoof is in my mouth. Taken aback by the action, I pop my hoof out and bleck at the drool sticking to it. Apparently, during my inner conflict, my dad had sat me down on the change table for just a few moments, looking for something in the drawers. I soon find out what he had been searching for as a sky blue pacifier is ever so gently popped into my mouth. I meep at first before suckling on it automatically. Another one of those infant instincts, most likely.

“There you go Dusk, your new binky,” Dad says as he tickles my belly. I start giggling, muffled by the pacifier. He keeps it up, causing me to flail my little limbs around blindly. Upon catching my breath, I notice a new creature had entered the room. It’s purple and green and standing on two legs. The scaly looking being stops when it notices me staring at him, and he lifts one of his claws to wave at me. My eyes go wide again as I take in the sight of the thing, trying to wave back.

“Hey little guy,” he greets, a big smile on his face.

‘Holy cow a talking lizard!’ I think as I stare in awe at the creature. I guess it shouldn't be that surprising next to talking horses, but I just wasn't expecting that.

“Oh Spike, I don’t think you’ve met Dusk yet, have you?” Dad asks as he takes me in his forehooves and lowers me closer to the lizard.

He seems friendly enough, beaming ear to ear. “Nope, this is the first time I’ve seen him. He’s really cute! He even has your mane, Flash.”

Flash, so that’s the name of my father. Ponies sure have some weird names. Well, at least I know my new parents’ names now.

Dad speaks up again, holding me by my armpits, or whatever you call the pony equivalent. “Heh, I noticed. So where’s Twilight? The doctor said she had to take it easy... She’d better not be in her lab.”

“Oh, she’s just in the bathroom,” Spike replies. He stares at me with those weird, slitted eyes, a childlike wonder sparkling within. “I guess this makes me a big brother now, huh?” he asks a moment later.

“Well, Twilight did hatch you, so I guess that would basically make you her son... so, yes you're a big brother now.”

‘Ponies hatch eggs!? What next, i’m going to learn the sun and moon orbit the planet instead of the other way around?’

I continue to suckle on the pacifier, and I’m soon set into Spike’s arms. A steady warmth radiates from his belly, drawing me to snuggle up against him. I let out a sigh, glancing up at him.

“Daww, he's cuddly,” Spike says with a laugh, cradling me closer to him.

A bit of drool trickles down my muzzle as I continue to gaze up at him, giving him a little smile. A bright flash goes off and I whimper, seeing spots.

“Should have turned the flash off...” I hear Dad mumble. I can only guess he had taken a picture of us. I keep seeing stars for a bit until my eyes adjust again. He leans down to eye level with me. “Sorry Dusky, did daddy scare you? I’m sorry.” His big forehooves once again take me into his embrace. The proximity to my dad calms my nerves. I watch Spike leave the room as I’m cradled in dad’s hooves, shifting to get comfy.

“He’s just so cute,” he says while keeping up the soothing rocking motion. I smile up at him, squirming around a little. Noting my uneasiness, he spoke up. “Why don’t we give you a tour, hmm?” Sitting me down, he pulls out that baby carrier from before. Soon I’m suspended in the air again and bob as he enters into the hall. We pass by a few doors that all look the same, and soon I see my mother come out from the bathroom, her mane all tidy and proper. Dad gives her a light kiss as I stare at her, part of me feeling rather happy that I was near her.

“Did you miss me?” she coos softly, nuzzling my head. I gurgle in happiness.

“I was just giving Dusky a tour of the castle,” Dad says, nuzzling Mom as he spoke. Mom, with an ever present smile on her face, decides to join the tour.

Light shines from every corner of the house, the ceiling towering above in grandeur. The whole interior looks like crystal; there are gemstones of every colour imaginable embedded throughout the walls. If not for the fine use of curtains and carpets the place would feel cold and empty. I’m soon shown to a balcony where the sunlight shines down, sparkling on the house’s glass-like walls. I take advantage of the height to observe my new surroundings, peering down at the town below.

I see a rural landscape straight out of Beauty and the Beast, with thatched roofs spread out in every direction. I squint my eyes, just barely making out the sight of a farm on the horizon, with huge orchards of carefully lined trees. I’m brought out of my stupor as I watch a few other pegasi moving very fluffy objects about in the sky. My jaw dropped as the realization hit me like a hammer to the head. They are moving clouds around as if they were cotton.

Mom notices my gaze of wonderment and smiles at me. “You see Duskie, there’s a whole world that awaits you, I bet you’ll be something special.” She takes me from the carrier and I’m up against her warm chest once more. My little hooves grasp onto her, leaning my head against her fur as I keep watching the world below. I can’t stop watching, entranced by all the new wonders I could find and explore. Despite all the wonder around me, my eyelids begin to grow heavy again as I hear her heartbeat. I so wanted to stay awake, but I just couldn’t fight the soothing feelings inside me.

The world slowly starts to come back to me. I hear voices nearby and squirm weakly, blinking the sleep from my eyes. When my senses fully return, I see a familiar fuzzy pink face staring down at me. Rubbing my left eye, I look back up at the large sky blue irises. She grins ear to ear as she picks me up. Surprised by the action, I start to fidget and gurgle.

“Hey Duskie! It’s me, your Auntie Pinkie Pie,” she coos, patting my diaper, which was in need of a change. I flail more in her forehooves. “Aww, somepony needs a dipey changed!” Her voice sounds hyperactive at all times, which oddly made me smile at her silliness. She carries me over to the changing table, laying me on its clear blue surface. I look towards the door to see my father watching the whole process as I’m changed.

“Wow, you’re really good with foals, Pinkie,” Dad says with a smile, trotting over. “You’re a natural for this mom stuff, huh?”

Pinkie nods as she idly wipes my bottom, and I keep still for her despite the cold wipes. “Oh didn’t Twilight tell you? I babysit the Cake twins all the time, I mean, I live under the same roof, after all.” She soon tapes up the cute teddy bear print diaper on me nice and snug, then scoops me up into her forehooves.

‘Huh is it me or does she smell like candy? Odd.’

Pinkie carries me along, following my dad down the hall. Soon we entered another reading room of sorts. Oak shelves had been set up, giving it a more homey feel compared to the blinding contrast of crystal everywhere. I see the other ponies from before all turning to daww at me as we come in. I’m soon sat next to my mom, who pulls me close to her warm body with her wing.

“Twilight, I can't say enough on how adorable your little colt is,” the pristine white mare said from across the table. I take note of her curly mane and tail, finding it rather cute.

My mother smiles. “Well, thanks Rarity, I’m sure you can make him all sorts of things to wear.”

Rarity’s eyes seem to sparkle at the suggestion. “Oh that’s a wonderful idea Twilight, I know I can make just the cutest little onesie for him, yes I can,” she coos at me.

I chuckle a little at the babying, if only they knew that I had the mind of a sixteen year old, boy would they be surprised. Then the thought crossed my mind, should I tell them? Once I’m able to speak, at least. Would it matter, really? I get lost for a moment in my own mind until I feel a slight nudge against my side.

I blink a few times before noticing the butter yellow muzzle near me, a set of aqua-colored eyes looking at me with curiosity of a child.

“Hello little one,” she says softly, her voice gentle and soothing, “My name is Fluttershy, I’m your auntie!” She nuzzles my cheek in the most delicate way. I can’t help but smile at the gesture, feeling happy when I’m given attention. “Oh you're just so cute!” she says, grabbing me up and pulling me into a soft, warm hug.

Mom looks over at Fluttershy. “Just be careful Fluttershy, remember he’s a newborn.”

Fluttershy nods, being very careful with me like a fragile package, which is pretty close to what I am as a newborn. “I know, Twilight,” she giggles lightly. “Don’t worry.”

My dad puts his hoof over my mom’s shoulder, letting out a mocking chuckle. “She’s just being overprotective, gets it from her own mom.”

Mom looks at him sharply for a second. “Hey I’m not overprotective!” She blushed lightly.

I giggle as well as I close my eyes to relax in Fluttershy’s hold. I sniff her coat a bit, only to find the flowery scent wonderful.

“Can I foalsit sometime? It’ll give me some practice,” she asks, gazing at her own stomach lovingly. I try to look down past her hooves, and I notice a slight bulge. I’m no doctor, but I’m pretty sure she’s pregnant, as if her words weren’t a big enough hint.

“Oh of course you can, Fluttershy,” Mom nods, sipping some tea. “I’m sure you’ll be a great mother too.” Fluttershy smiles, nuzzling my head and muttering baby talk to me. After about two hours of cooing, and other babying-like discussion the other mares head home leaving me with just my new family once again.

“Twilight, I think it’s time for Dusk’s nap time, don’t you think?” Dad asks while holding me in his forehooves. I did feel tired, a nap would be wonderful, maybe I’d dream. My mother agrees with my father, taking me in her magic and carrying me back to my room. I wiggle about, the tiny stubs of wings on my back randomly buzzing from time to time.

Instead of being set in the crib right away, my mother gets me changed then lays on the mat nearby and cuddles me under her wing once more, with my head poking out. I smile as the warmth flows over my whole body and I give her another toothless grin. She floats a book over and, for the first time, I notice something. I can’t read. Not that I forgot how to read or write English, mind you, I mean they were clearly speaking English. But the characters I am looking at are clearly not the alphabet I know.

She opens the book, clearing her throat. “How about we read a story before nap time hmm?” she asks, looking down at me with a smile. I gurgle a little, snuggling up closer. She nuzzles my head, then turns back to the book. She starts to read, trying to do her best to give each of the characters different voices. She is clearly under the impression that I don't understand a word she’s saying, but rather going with the tone of her voice. I start feeling sleep overtake me as I listen to the tale about a rabbit and a squirrel. By the time she was halfway through the book, I had nodded off, feeling a calming bliss overtake me. I feel safe, cared for, nothing could go wrong. What is to come of my new life here? Well, I guess I’ll just have to live it to find out.

Family Fun Time

I came back into consciousness, staring up from my crib. I had no idea how many days it had been since my rebirth seeing as I seemed to take naps every couple hours. I didn’t hear the telltale sounds of hooves on the crystal floors or soft voices to greet me so I was left alone with my thoughts. A brief pang of anxiety shot through me. My infantile instincts kicking in and telling me I shouldn’t be alone. Luckily, I was able to keep myself to just whimpering softly while my mobile spun above me. Said mobile had stars and planets decorating it while a gentle tune like a lullaby played.

My lack of bodily controls was getting old, very, very quickly. I wriggle around in the crib, barely managing to move at all. After what I thought was a few moments of wriggling, I managed to free my forelegs from the blanket. A frown etched itself onto my face as I found myself missing fine motor control yet again.

‘Hey! Anyone up!?’ I call, waving my arms around weakly.

I went on like this for a while before the sound of approaching hooves made me quiet down. My vision became filled with the familiar purple eyes of Mom as she gave me a tired smile.

“Did somepony need me?” she asked, scooping me up in her hooves.

‘Yeah, I was getting antsy. Being a baby sucks.’

She bounced me softly, taking a seat next to the changing table. She sniffed the air for a moment before sighing in relief. “You don’t smell like you need a changing. Are you hungry?” A smile graced her face as my stomach growled. “Okay, Duskie, time for breakfast.”

She lowered me down, putting me to her teats. I latch on without a second thought, feeling her drape a wing over me. Warmth from her wing seeps into my body as I drink. I had stopped finding the prospect of breastfeeding strange about three naps ago.

After a few more minutes, pushing away from her. ‘Thanks mom. You make a great dairy cow.’

She pulls me back up and puts me on her shoulder. She then pats my back a few times, causing me to let out a small burp. “There you go, little guy,” she coos. “Feeling better?”

‘I suppose so.’ I hug onto her, looking around the room. Most of the crystals that make up the nursery walls are a baby blue. Across from where we sat were a set of doors that led to a balcony, though there was childproofing on the knobs to keep me from opening them. There were a few pads in one corner of the room where the bookshelf was. I’m guessing that’s where Mom will want me to play. The bookshelf itself is crammed with colorful books that look like they’re perfect for someone just learning to read. Something tells me Mom values reading. ‘You’re lucky I like to read.’

I continue to look over the room, trying to get as familiar with it as I can. ‘So, whats Dad up to?’

A few moments later, the door opens and Dad steps in. His mane looks damp so he must’ve just been in the shower. He sits down next to Mom and kisses both our cheeks. “How’s Equestria’s newest prince doing?” he asks, flashing a smile at Mom.

‘Eh, I’ll be happier when I can walk.’ I smirk a little. ‘Being able to say what I want kinda has it’s perks.’

Mom strokes the top of my head, a smile of her own on her muzzle. “Dusk needed some breakfast.” She giggles to herself and pokes Dad’s chest. “He’s got his daddy’s appetite.”

Dad smirked. “Good. If he had your’s, he’d barely eat!”

Mom puffs her cheeks up a little, turning her head from him. “Excuse me for trying to stay in shape.”

Poking her cheek, Dad’s smile widens. “We both know your lack of appetite comes from the reading.”

Mom blushes, her eyes widening. “I haven’t missed a meal for a long time!” she protests.

A hoof tapping against her nose silences her. “No yelling around the baby.”

Her ears flatten against her head and she looks down to give me a kiss on the forehead. “I’m sorry, Duskie. I didn’t scare you, did I?”

‘Nah, it was just funny.’ I smile up at her, to show everything was fine.

Mom’s ears perk up and she gives me a small smile. She then brings me up to nuzzle my cheek. “How did I get so lucky to have such a calm baby?”

“He gets it from me.” Dad puffs his chest out, fluffing his wings. “He’s gonna be a lady killer, just like his old man.”

Mom giggles, leaning against him slightly. “Is that why I was the one to ask you out on our first date?”

Dad spread a wing, draping it across her back. “Hey, I got you to ask. That was the plan after all.”

Mom giggles again, rolling her eyes as she settles in against him. “Whatever you say, dear. I fell right into your plan.” She pulled away, adjusting me in her arms. “We should head downstairs. You know how Spike gets if we keep him waiting.”

Dad nods and opens the door for her. “Then lead the way, Twi. A family breakfast awaits us.” He bows his head in an exaggerated manner.

Rolling her eyes, Mom trotted out of the room, making her way through the castle. How she could navigate this place was beyond me. It was all just the same, crystal walls and floor. Maybe she has some sort of system or trick to remember her way?

Anyway, we continue on through the castle, climbing down a flight of steps and through a long hallway before walking into a dining room. And much to my surprise, crystals make up the decor here too. They place me in a high chair just as Spike walks out of a nearby door with two plates in his hands.

“Morning Dusk,” Spike greeted, placing the plates down in front of Mom and Dad.

‘Morning, Spike.’ I bobbed my head at him, eyeing the stacks of pancakes he gave them enviously. ‘Damn you, those smell good!’

Mom seemed to see where my focus was and booped my nose with her hoof. “Sorry, Duskie, no solid food for you yet.”

I shift, batting at her hoof. ‘Yeah, I know. Thanks for reminding me.’

She giggled and stroked my mane before turning back to her meal. She brought a bottle of syrup over to her with her magic and spread a large amount of it on her stack.

I watch in awe, fascinated by her use of magic. ‘That’s something I can’t wait to do.’

Once Mom was finished with the bottle, Dad took it with his hoof and poured some onto his own stack. Spike then left the room and quickly came back in with his own stack.

I look up, blinking a few times as another unicorn enters. She stifles a yawn by holding a hoof up to her mouth. “Good morning everypony,” she greets, taking a seat near Spike. Her gaze locks on me and she smiles. “And you must be Dusk.”

Mom smiles brightly and pats my head. “The one and only. How was your trip to your old village, Starlight?”

Starlight smiled, nodding her head. “It went pretty well. Double Diamond let me stay at his place.”

Spike quirked an eyebrow, his claw pausing as he reached for the syrup and turned his head to her. “That was awfully nice of him.”

Starlight just smiled. “Yes, it was, Spike.”

Spike turned back to the bottle and grabbed it. He seemed to be fighting off a frown.

Mom looked at him, a bit of concern showing through. “You alright, Spike?”

He started cutting into his stack, flashing her a quick, forced smile. “Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” Taking a big bite of his pancakes, he looked away quickly.

I looked between Mom and Spike as best I could from my chair. ‘Hmm, that seems a little suspicious.’ My gaze settled on Mom. ‘Wonder if she’ll figure it out.’

Mom’s look of concern deepened as she tilted her head at Spike. “Are you sure? Something seems to be eating at you.”

Spike nodded quickly. “I’m fine, Twi,” he assured, proceeding to stuff his face with more pancake.

Mom let out a small sigh before returning to her own meal. The chatter slowed down a bit after that while everyone ate. I sulk in my jealousy, trying not to watch as they eat the deliciously smelling breakfast. Once they were all done, Dad picked me up out of my high chair and placed me on his back.

“Wanna see more of your home?” he asked, turning to face me with a grin. Not waiting for an answer, he kissing Mom on the cheek, and trotted out of the room. I watch as he adjusts his wings, sweeping them back a bit.

‘Must be to help keep me from falling or something.’

Dad continued to adjust his wings as he walked down the hall, especially when he made a turn. He eventually stopped in front of a door before opening it to reveal a large, rounded room. Dad took a step to the side, letting me get a better view. “This is where your mom and aunts hold the Friendship Council. They help solve friendship problems across Equestria.”

‘Friendship problems?’ I scrunched my face up a bit as I examined the room. There were six chairs made out of crystals, each one with a symbol on it. The largest one had a symbol that matched the one Mom had on her flank. My eyes widened a bit when I saw the holographic map that the chairs surrounded. I fidgeted a bit on Dad’s back, trying to get a closer look at it.

“Well aren’t you excited?” Dad chuckled, stepping closer to the table.

My eyes flitted around, taking in all the details I could about the map. ‘Whoa, this is my new world.’ I tried to lean in closer, only to have my head fall over onto Dad’s back. ‘I can’t wait to see it all.’

Dad reaches around and grabs me off his back, putting me on the table. “The maps pretty, isn’t it?”

I nodded to the best of my ability and looked up at him. I then looked down, seeing that I was phasing through the projections on the map. ‘Heh, I’m like Godzilla.’ I reach out, waving a hoof through a nearby mountain, giggling as the image distorted.

Dad chuckled before puffing his chest out. “Stop right there, beast. Nopony attacks Canterlot on my watch.” He batted at me with one of his wings, tickling under my nose with his feathers.

I burst out into a giggle fit, falling onto my back. ‘Come on! That's not fair!’ I squirm and wave my arms around.

Dad leans in and lets me bat against his cheeks. He then reels back, letting out an exaggerated cry of pain. “Gah! You won’t best me.” He brings his second wing down and tickles my belly button with it.

My giggles fill the air, and I laugh my head off. I feel a strange tingle building on my head, focusing near my forehead. My eyes snap open just as a dark blue bolt of energy shoots out from my horn and blows through the ceiling. The ceiling isn’t the only casualty, Dad’s mane is shorter than it was a moment ago and has smoke rising from it.

Dad blinks, pausing in his assault to examine his mane. “Welp, your mom was right, you’re gonna need that spell.” Despite his smokey hair cut, he smiles, and sets me on his back again.

I look up at the ceiling, watching as the hole starts to close, the crystal growing back. My jaw drops and I point at the ceiling. ‘Dad, can you see that?!’ I jab my hoof at the scene with as much urgency as I can muster.

“I know, you put a hole in the ceiling,” Dad agrees, looking at the former hole. “Don’t worry your little head too much, the castle fixes itself.”

I give him a confused look, managing to tear myself away from the spot on the ceiling. ‘Something tells me this isn’t the first time you’ve seen it do this.’ My attention is drawn to the door as Mom, Spike and Starlight burst in, looking concerned.

Dad flashes them an easy smile and holds me out towards Mom. “Everything’s fine, Dusk just had his first magic outburst. The hole’s already fixed.”

‘So that's what that was.’ I glance up towards my horn, feeling my excitement building.

Mom sighs in relief, taking me in her arms. She smiles at me and nuzzles my cheek. “Well, at least you didn’t break any ancient artifacts like your cousin did.” She lights her horn up, touching it to mine. A few moments pass and I feel a tingle spread through my body.

I shake myself off, pouting up at her. ‘Whaddya do?’

Mom smiles and strokes my mane again. “There we go, that should keep you from having more outbursts until your magic stabilizes.” She then turns to Dad and giggles. “By the way, love what you’ve done with your mane.”

“You like it?” he asked, pretending to primp his mane. “Dusk was kind enough to give me a haircut.”

Mom smiles and boops my nose. “I think a certain prince has found a talent in hairdressing,” she teases, kissing my forehead.

I giggle a bit and relax in her arms. ‘Nah, I think this marks the end of that career.’ I grin and look up at her. ‘Gotta go out while I’m at the top of my game.’

Mom smiles and hands me back to Dad. She gives him and me a kiss on the cheek. “So, were you telling Dusk about his mom’s work?”

Dad grinned, puffing his chest out. “I was informing him of his grand bloodline. And then, he decided to turn evil, and smash Mt. Canterhorn, so I had to stop him!” He assaults my belly with another feather, sending me into another giggle fit.

I fall onto my back, giggling to the point where I start to hiccup. I try to bat his wing away, but he keeps up the assault. ‘N-no fair, Dad!’ He finally let up, giving me a chance to catch my breath.

Mom rolls her eyes and giggles. “I’m so glad you were here to put an end to the reign of the evil Prince Dusk. Who knows what he’d have done if you hadn’t?”

“Make naps mandatory,” Spike offered, snickering.

Starlight giggles at that, holding a hoof to her mouth. “I think his Aunt Rainbow Dash would be on board with his evil reign in that case.”

‘Mandatory naps do sound like fun.’ I look around the room, trying to sit up. I rock back and forth a bit, building up some momentum before finally managing to get back on my stomach. My wings twitch on my back, seeming to be glad to have the pressure off of them.

Spike scratches his cheek, an uncertain look on his face. “Hey Twi, aren’t mom and dad supposed to be arriving today?”

Mom’s pupils turn to pinpricks, her feathers ruffle on her back and her face blanches. She whips her head around the room and almost looks like she’s jogging in place. “Oh my gosh, you’re right! Mom and Dad are coming and we haven’t even started getting ready for them!”

Sighing, Dad steps over, grabbing her by the shoulders. “Twi, calm down. You might be an alicorn, but you just had a foal. You can’t go off on one of your sprees right now.”

Mom seems to relax slightly and takes a few deep breaths. “Okay, you’re right.” She gives him a smile. “Now, let’s do what we can before they get here.” She turns to Spike. “Spike, can you prepare some tea and snacks for their visit?”

Spike snaps to attention and gives a salute. “You got it!” He turns, hurrying off to what I assume is the kitchen.

Mom then turns to Starlight. “And can you help Flash and I do some last minute cleaning? I don’t want my parents to think pregnancy turned me into a slob.”

Starlight smiled, nodding. “I don’t mind at all. I live here too, ya know.” She winked at me, happily trotting out of the room.

‘Huh, so I guess I’ll be meeting my grandparents today,” I note, trying to get comfortable on Dad’s back. I watch as he and Mom move about the castle, straightening up an already clean house. I wonder if Dad’s just humoring her. Oh wow, this means I have Adrian Monk for a mom.

After a while, there’s a loud knock on the door. Mom shoots up and rushes to open it. “Mom, Dad, it’s great to see you!” she greets, wrapping her hooves around two unicorns. I tilt my head to get a better look at them. Grandma has grayish-white fur with a purple and white mane that’s styled a lot like Mom’s. Grandpa is a light blue while his navy blue mane is neatly combed.

“Good to see you too, Twily,” Grandpa says, returning her hug. “Sorry we couldn’t come sooner. Your mother had to finish up a last minute editing job.”

Mom flashes them a smile and takes a step back. “It’s okay, I’m no stranger to getting caught up in my work.” She then ushers them inside. “Now come and say hi to your grandson!”

As if on cue, Dad scoops me off his back, and holds me out in offering. “Presenting, Prince Dusk Star~”

‘Sup?’ I ask, giving my best happy face.

Grandma steps over to me with a bright smile and pinches my cheek with a hoof. “Aww, he’s such a cute little foal.” She then takes notice of my wings. “And my goodness, we’ve got another alicorn in the family.” A small smirk works its way onto her face. “Wait till the book club hears about this.”

‘Oi! I’m not a bragging right!’ I protest, squirming a little.

Grandpa chuckles and gently extracts Grandma’s hoof from my cheek. He then looks between Mom and Dad with a proud smile. “Congratulations you two. Dusk here looks like a perfect little colt.” He then chuckles and turns to Dad. “Though it’s a little hard to believe you helped make such a handsome young foal, Flash.”

Dad frowns, puffing his cheeks out. “Hey, I’m handsome!”

Grandpa chuckles and gives Dad a playful smile. “You must be, can’t even begin to imagine what else my daughter could see in you.”

I look back at Dad, noticing his wings fluffing a little and his chest puffing out. ‘Huh, kinda like birds.’ I watch him for a bit more, taking in his behavior.

Grandpa’s grin grows and he looks down at me. “Anyway, has this little guy caused any trouble yet?” He reaches out and scratches behind my ear. I smile a little, leaning against his hoof.

“Not a bit,” Mom replies. “I don’t even think he’s cried once. He’s very quiet.”

Grandma giggles a bit and smiles. “You might not want to share that tidbit with Shining and Cadance. They didn’t sleep for weeks thanks to Flurry’s crying and magic outbursts.” She lit her horn up, and I float over into her awaiting grasp. “It doesn’t surprise me, Shiny was loud when he was a foal.”

Grandpa nods, a nostalgic smile on his face. “You were a pretty quiet foal, Twily. Spike though, he wailed his head off every time we left him on his own. He clinged to your mother and I for dear life when we tried to put him to bed.” He looks around the room. “Where is Spike by the way?”

“Making tea,” Mom says, gesturing with a wing. “Let’s head to the den, we can get comfy there.”

“That’s a great idea, sweetie,” Grandma says, putting me on her back.

Mom gestures with a hoof and leads everyone through the halls for a little while before opening the door to a den. In the back of the room is a fireplace made of purple crystal with a few couches and chairs close to it.

Grandma takes a couch, spreading herself out on it. She sits me against her chest, wrapping her arms around me. The other adults take their seats, chatting about various things.

After a few minutes of talking, Spike comes in wheeling a tray with a teapot, teacups and an assortment of snacks. “I’ve got everypony’s favorite snacks!” he cheers. He places the tray on a table between the couches and turns to Grandpa and Grandma. “Glad to see you, Mom and Dad.”

Grandpa smiles and gets up to put a foreleg around Spike’s shoulders and ruffles his spines with his free hoof. “There’s my favorite drake. So, what’s new with you? Aside from having a new nephew I mean.”

Spike tried to fight off his smile, fixing his spines.”Pretty much the same, Dad. The only things I have coming up, are Ember and Thorax’s visits.”

Grandma points a hoof at him, shooting him a mock frown. “That’s not good enough, mister. When are you going to get a marefriend? I need a grandchild from all my children.” Her frown turned into a smirk. “You know, Twilight tells me that Ember dragon is very pretty~”

Spike blushes and rubs the back of his head. “Yeesh Mom, you don’t have to try and force me to get into a relationship.” He then glances at Mom and smirks a little. “Besides, if I started dating Ember, I’d have to move to the dragonlands, and if I did that, Twilight would be completely lost.”

“Hey!” Mom protested, her cheek fur turning red.

Spike chuckles, jabbing a claw at her. “You know it’s true. Can you even name a day where you’ve gone without one of the triple-checked checklists that I’ve dictated for you?” He moves his claw, pointing at me. “It’s only going to get worse now that Dusk is here.”

Mom frowns at him, puffing her cheeks out slightly. “Fine, you’ve made your point.” Her look softens as she turns to look at me. “Still, Dusk has been very well behaved so far. I can only hope that trend continues.”

‘I plan on it,’ I reply, noting that my hoof had somehow ended up in my mouth.

Dad gets up and walks over to the door. “Looks like somepony needs his binkie.” He opens the door and turns back to everyone. “I’ll be right back.” He trots out and closes the door behind him.
‘I don’t need a binky, I can stop anytime I want.’ I try to prove my point by removing my hoof from my mouth. Instead, I just continue to teeth on it, causing a bit of drool to run down it. ‘Ugh, I don’t even believe me.’

Dad returns after a while with the pacifier in one of his hooves. He then walks up to me, pulling my hoof out of my mouth before popping the pacifier in its place. “There, that's much better than your dirty hoof.”

‘Not teething would be even better,” I counter. Despite that, I gurgle happily at him as I teeth on the pacifier. ‘Damn it, betrayed by the baby instincts again.’ Looking around, I see all eyes on me, everyone sporting a smile. ‘What’re ya lookin’ at?’ I try to point a hoof at all of them and glare, but I can tell there’s a smile on my face.

Grandma smiles, kissing my head. “He’s certainly a happy foal.”

Mom has a smile of her own as she looks down at me. “I know, and it’s contagious. I feel very lucky to have a foal like Dusk.”

Dad smirked, nudging Grandpa. “He’s certainly quieter than Flurry.”

Grandpa nods, a smirk of his own on his face. “Oh, you can say that again. I love her to death, but keeping up with Flurry’s energy is an adventure.”

‘Geez, Flurry must one one of those tornado kids,’ I think to myself, nuzzling into Grandma’s coat. A yawn escapes my lips, and I rest my head against Grandma’s chest. ‘I haven’t even been up that long!’ I fight to stay awake, shaking my head in an attempt to get my blood pumping.

Grandma smiles, peering down at me. “Looks like somepony doesn’t want to sleep.”

Spike chuckles, grabbing what looks like a cupcake filled with gems and taking a bite out of it. “I can see how he’d be tired of all the naps. He does spend most of the day asleep.”

Grandma kisses my head again and holds me to her chest. “Go ahead and sleep, Dusk. A growing foal needs plenty of sleep.” She starts to hum a soft tune.

I let out another yawn, my eyes drooping. ‘So tired...’ Before long, my eyes close and I drift off to the lullaby Grandma is humming.

Velvet smiled as Dusk fell asleep, using her magic to drape a blanket over them. “I missed snuggling up with my family.” She sighed, giving Spike and Twilight a nostalgic look. “It wasn’t that long ago, you were sleeping against me, Twily.”

Twilight giggled, smiling at her mother. “I’d teach you how to go back to that time, but that just causes trouble. Trust me.”

Velvet’s smile turned mischievous. “You could always teach me an age spell~”

Flash laughed, eyeing Twilight for a moment. “As tempting as it is to see her as a baby, I’d rather not have to change my wife’s diapers.”

Velvet put a hoof to her chest. “Flash! I’d never use it all willy nilly. Probably just when Twily needs a vacation.”

Twilight’s ears flattened to her head and her wings fluffed out. “Being a foal for extended periods of time does not sound like a vacation to me,” she protested. “I’m perfectly happy in my adult body, thank you very much.”

Velvet giggled, shaking her head. She turned her gaze to Night Light, giving him a sultry smile. “I can think of another use for an age spell...”

Night Light picked up on her look and returned it. “Me too, dear. I think we’re on the same page.”

Twilight let out a sudden cough, her eyes wide with panic. “Let’s talk about something else! How has the editing been, mom!?”

Velvet let out a wicked giggle, closing her eyes and trying to avoid moving too much to not disturb Dusk. “Oh, it is what it always is. Despite working with some of the most famous writers in Equestria, they all seem to let simple mistakes slip through the cracks. Dangling participles, unnecessary commas and no idea what a semicolon is for.” She paused, watching Dusk for a moment as he shifted a little. “Twily dear, you have to make sure to keep your voice down, even if you're panicking.”

Twilight put a hoof to her mouth and cleared her throat, her ears pinned to her head. “Sorry, I’m still getting used to that.” She craned her neck, peering at Dusk. “I didn’t wake him, did I?” She sighed in relief, noting Dusk’s closed eyes and steady breathing.

Velvet gave her a reassuring smile. “You’ll learn, honey. Trust me, your father and I weren’t exactly experts with Shining at first. I remember, he always got into the most trouble.”

Nightlight chuckled, glancing over to his wife. “Like the time he dug that trench while playing in the sandbox at Canterlot Park.” He chuckled, sipping at his drink. “Or that time he nearly broke everything in that shop.”

Velvet giggled, nodding along to what he said. “Oh, I remember that alright. I had to pull double my normal workload for almost a year and crank out a best seller quick in order to pay for it all.” She turned to Twilight. “Flurry has taken after her father alright. I’d be willing to bet she starts asking for weapons as birthday presents once she turns ten.”

Spike snorted. “I doubt she’ll even need them. She’ll just make ‘em outta magic and smash the furniture up.” He flexed his claws like he was gripping a weapon and started to swing his arms around, all while making accompanying sound effects with his mouth.

Nightlight chuckled, shaking his head. “A few pieces of smashed furniture and a punctured family portrait ensured that weapons training was only for the backyard from then on.” A smile etched itself onto his face. “Of course, he only got them back after a very long grounding.”

Spike grinned. “Yeesh, hard to believe Shining’s become a respectable captain of the guard and a prince.”

Velvet chuckled. “Of course, you and Twilight came with your own quirks. Like how we got kicked out of a jewelry store because you tried to eat the rings and cut a hole in the display case with your claws.”

“Or the time you tried to eat the Princess’s stained glass windows,” Night added.

Spike huffed, crossing his arms over his chest. “Hey, I was little and they looked like gems,” he retorted, turning his head away. “I’m just glad I didn’t actually eat glass...”

Velvet nodded, a serious look on her face. “Same here, sweetie. We lucked out on never needing to pay the hospital a serious visit.” Adjusting Dusk, she leaned her head down next to his sleeping form. “I can only wonder what kind of trouble this one will cause.”

Twilight sighed, hanging her head. “Considering Fluttershy is pregnant right now with Discord’s baby, I get the sinking feeling Dusk and them will get in all sorts of trouble.”

Night whistled, shaking his head. “I do not envy that mare. That kid is going to be a bundle of chaos. Probably more difficult than raising a dragon.”

Velvet nodded in agreement, shuddering a little. “Considering the baby will likely inherit Discord’s magic, they’ll definitely be… spirited.” she froze as Dusk shifted, laying his head against hers. She smiled, letting out a content sigh, stroking the little wisp of mane on his head. “At least all babies are absolutely peaceful when they’re sleeping.”
“Least he doesn’t snore like his mom,” Flash teased, snickering as Twilight’s chest puffed up.

“She gets that from her father,” Velvet said, shooting her own husband a teasing smirk. “So, Twily when are you going to visit Shiny and Caddy? I bet Flurry and Dusk will get along great.”

“We’re going to very soon,” Twilight assured. “I just wanted to wait until I felt Dusk was up for the trip. Travelling can be very hard on newborn foals. Especially to a place like the Crystal Empire.” Pouting, she noted the smiles being thrown her way. “What?”

“Nothing, just amazed at how quickly you turned into a mom.” Night chuckled, shifting in his seat. “Honestly? I was afraid you’d be driving poor Flash up a wall with all your worrying.”

Flash chuckled, putting a hoof around his wife’s shoulders. “Don’t worry, she still does plenty of worrying. But she is absolutely wonderful with Dusk. She practically glows every time she looks at him.”

“Well, it’s just... I still have a bit of a hard time believing he’s mine,” Twilight said, glancing at Dusk. “I think Starlight is still adjusting to living in the same castle as a baby. I’ve only seen her once since she came back from visiting her old village.”

“Maybe you should ask her about that?” Velvet suggested. “She can’t exactly avoid you forever.”

Twilight glanced to the door, sighing. “You're right mom. I’ll talk to her later tonight. For now.” She turned back to the others, smiling brightly. “It’s family time right now~”

“Up for a game of Boggle, Twilight?” Velvet asked, a smirk on her face. “We are still tied twelve to twelve.” The group moved some furniture, spending the rest of the day playing board games. They did make sure not to get too loud.

Settling In

I was finally able to walk around. A little at least, I still fell over every once in awhile. It was way better than nothing. Time still meant nothing to me. The worst part was that I had spotted a calendar one day, but I couldn’t make heads or tails of the writing on it.

With an extra set of legs, you’d think it would be hard for a former biped to adapt, but it’s a lot more automatic than walking as a human. That didn’t mean I could just not pay attention, I just didn’t have to pay as much attention.

With my new found locomotion, mom had baby gated most doors in the castle. I looked up at Spike, my babysitter for the afternoon. Little guy puts a lot of work in, always doing chores around the place. He’s that cool uncle everyone wishes they’d had growing up. Except this one can breathe fire and eats gems.

He was currently trying to get me to play nicely with blocks. I on the other hand decided I wanted to play Godzilla and knock down every tower he makes. A sigh escaped his lips, and he patted my head. “Dusk, you’re a weird kid, you know that? You barely cry, and yet you always want to play as loud as possible.”

‘What’s weird about being a grown man trapped inside a baby pony?’ I ask him, an idea striking me. I grab a few blocks, trying to make a little city with them. ‘But, if you want me to play blocks, I can do that.’ Once my city is perfect, I threw my hooves out towards it. ‘‘I dub you, Dusktopia!’ Smiling, I looked up at Spike, seeking his approval.

He smiled and patted my head. “That’s a good looking city, Dusk.” He chuckled for a second and looked it over. “Though your mom would’ve criticized you for not using the same colored blocks in a single building.”

‘It’s fine,’ I replied, leaning into his hand. I learned very quickly that ear scratches felt really nice. Which is another reason why Spike was always my favorite babysitter. ‘I just hope I don’t develope her OCD. I don’t really need that.’

Spike chuckled and pulled his hand away. “So, are you gonna smash the city you made?”

‘Heck ya!’ I gave a play roar, knocking the blocks over. ‘I am the lord of the harvest!!!’

Spike shrugged, giving a roar of his own as he joins me in toppling the city. When the last block fell, he threw his head back and blew a small flame out while roaring. “Don’t tell your mom I did that. She’d kill me if she could out I was breathing fire this close to you.”

I saluted, a smile on my face. ‘Seeing as I can’t talk, your secret’s safe with me, Uncle Spike.’

He chuckled at my salute, crossing his arms. “You’ve been hanging out with your dad too much.” Spike lifted me up, carrying me over to my playpen. “Now, you stay in here. It’s almost lunch time, so, I’m gonna get you a bottle.”

‘Oh come on, I don’t need to be put in baby prison.’ I frowned up at him. ‘I’m not gonna hurt myself.’

Spike placed me down, giving me a bright yellow ball. “Go ahead and play, I’ll be just a minute.” Spike hurried over to the small fridge in the corner, grabbing a bottle. Holding it up, he blew a small jet of flame over it.

‘Breathing fire must be fun.’ I watched Spike as I bounced the ball off the wall of my playpen. ‘Though magic’s probably more versatile.’

Testing the temperature, Spike walked back over to me. “Here ya go!” He placed the bottle next to me. “I know you prefer to get it from the source but, your mom’s out shopping.”

‘I can handle having a bottle instead.’ I grabbed the offered bottle with my hooves, latching onto the nipple of it and gulping down the warm milk. Of course, mom went the extra step and used a breast pump. Though, I suppose it’d be a teat pump here.

“I’m really glad you’re not a fussy eater,” Spike commented, watching me eat. You’re a pretty awesome kid, Dusk.” He grabbed a comic off the lamp table, walking over the playpen. “You know, the latest issue of the Power Ponies came out!”

‘Aw hell yeah!’ I cheered, throwing my hooves up. If there was one thing ponies did right, it was their comics. ‘The last one ended on a cliffhanger.’ Even if he didn’t think I understood, he still took the time out to read them to me.

Spike sat down and pulled me in his lap, holding the comic out so we could both see the pictures. He then started to read it aloud, giving each of the characters a unique voice. I relaxed in his presence, always enjoying the warmth he gave off. Yet another reason I liked spending time with him. He was a living heating pad.

I glanced towards the door, shifting slightly. I hated to admit it, but I always got a little anxious whenever mom was away for too long. I still can’t tell if that's a pony thing, or just babies in general. I chalked it up to a combination of both to avoid dwelling on it too long and tried to focus on the comic. It was a good issue and the art was outstanding. Mane-iac has to be the most entertaining of villains. Like a more insane version of the Joker. Plus, her colors are great. Constructicons colors. Well almost, her green isn’t neon. That was a small detail though. I smiled as the comic came to an end. As expected, the Power Ponies won and the Mane-iac escaped arrest through insane methods.

“And that concludes this month's thrilling adventure of the Power Ponies!” Spike concludes dramatically, closing the comic. “Pretty great huh?” Setting me on the floor, he rose up, placing his comic back on the table. “And Twilight wants me to read those boring learning books to you.”

‘Hell yeah!’ I beamed up at him and clapped my hooves together. ‘I can’t wait for the next issue!’ I then processed the second part of that statement and deflated. ‘Ugh, not the learning books. They’re all so patronizing.’ Of course, I did need to retrain my brain for speech, on top needing to learn magic and flight. I just wish the methods were better.

Spike pulled one of the books off the shelf and sat back down with me. “Welp, better get started. I don’t want to see the freak out your mom will have if we don’t get your education start.” Pulling me back into his lap, he started to go over the first page with me.

Twilight stood outside of Starlight’s room, psyching themselves up for the upcoming conversation. Something was bothering her apprentice. Ever since Dusk had come into the castle, Starlight had made herself more and more scarce. It was getting to the point where she’d disappear for the whole day, and only came back after Dusk was put to bed. She steeled herself, knocking at the door.

“Starlight, can I talk to you for a second?” Twilight asked.

It took a minute for the door to open, revealing Starlight, a slightly strained smile on her face. “Of course, Twilight. Come in.” Stepping aside, she allowed Twilight into the room. “Is something going on?”

Twilight sat on her haunches, giving Starlight an easy smile. “I just wanted to ask you, why do you seem to be avoiding Dusk like the plague? I tried being subtle last time, but that didn’t seem to work. So I’m not going to leave until I get a straight answer out of you.”

Starlight’s smile feel and she shut the door. She didn’t speak, trotting over to the window. Dusk Star. Even just thinking his name filled her with too many emotions to count. Ears splayed back, she hung her head.

Twilight trotted over to her student and put a hoof on her shoulder. “Starlight, you know you can tell me anything, right? I’m your teacher, it’s my job to support you.”

“I was going to do it,” Starlight spoke, feeling the familiar sense of self-loathing descend upon her. “That speech you gave wasn’t going to do it. I was going to tear that spell a part and trap you in whatever miserable place it created.”

Twilight blinked tilting her head. “This is about that? Starlight, I’ve forgiven you for that. Everypony has! You’re not the same pony that tried to mess with time.”

Starlight didn’t reply, shaking her head vigorously. A single moment replayed over and over in her mind. The singular moment when she realized what she had become.

“Save your speeches, I’ve had enough of this nonsense!” Starlight snarled, glaring down at the so called princess of friendship. “You took everything from me, and I’ll take everything from you!” She increased her magic, tearing at the ever weakening scroll.

Twilight’s look of desperation filled her with a perverted sense of glee. Finally, she had beaten the princess. Broken her just like she had been broken by Sunburst’s departure. Nothing else mattered, only her desire for vengeance.

Watching the last few inches of parchment shrinking, Twilight blurted out the words that brought that mindset crashing down. “I’m pregnant!!”

That simple utterance was so out of left field, Starlight paused in her spell tearing. “What?” Was the only response she could muster.

Twilight started to shake, tears streaming down her place. “I-I found out earlier this week. I haven’t told anypony else yet.” She did the unexpected, prostrating herself at Starlight’s hooves. “Please! You can do whatever you want to me, just don’t punish my foal! I’ll do anything you ask!”

The revelation hit Starlight like a charging minotaur. There was a life growing inside Twilight Sparkle. One that had done nothing to her. One that she had unknowingly been destroying with every alteration to the past. Dropping the scroll, she staggered backward, the full horror of the implication dawning on her. She looked down at Twilight, tears unknowingly coming to her eyes.

“I’m sorry.” The words escaped her lips before she could even fully process everything, the floodgates opening as she started to cry. “I-I can’t believe what I’ve done.”

“Starlight, you can’t beat yourself up over your actions for the rest of your life. I know for a fact that Dusk would love to meet you.” She smiled brightly. “I mean, how could he not want to meet the pony that saved the life of his mother from Queen Chrysalis?”

“I almost killed him!” Starlight shouted, loud enough to send Twilight reeling. Unable to hold herself together any longer, she collapsed to the floor, sobbing her eyes out. “ Don’t you understand!? I almost snuffed out his existence before he was even born!”

Twilight laid down, putting a hoof on Starlight’s shoulder again. “You didn’t know I was pregnant until I told you. And the instant I did you broke down and stopped creating alternate timelines.” Pulling Starlight into a hug, Twilight gently stroked her back. “It’s alright.”

“How? How can you forgive me so easily for this?” Starlight asked, unable to bring herself to look at her teacher. “I would’ve prevented Dusk from ever drawing his first breath. From you getting to see your own son’s face!”

“But you didn’t do those things.” Twilight pulled her closer. “You did the right thing, Starlight. You didn’t let the need for vengeance consume you.”

The two stayed like that for awhile, until Starlight physically couldn’t cry anymore. Starlight sniffled, her body still shaking. “I’m a monster, Twilight. I almost killed a foal. There’s no going back from that.”

“You didn’t kill a foal, Starlight,” Twilight reminded, giving the other mare a squeeze. “He’s playing with Spike as we speak. He’s healthy and happy. You’re not a monster. You’ve saved all of Equestria. You don’t need to beat yourself up for your mistakes forever.”

“How can I not?” Starlight whispered, staring at the floor.

“By reminding yourself just how far you’ve come,” Twilight answered. “Think about all the friends you’ve made and how different you are from the pony that you were before.” Lifting Starlight’s head, she gave her the best smile she could. “You’re a good pony, Starlight.”

Starlight returned the smile shakily. “I think I’ve still got a little ways to go before I’ll agree with you there. Maybe if you let yourself get kidnapped a few more times so I have to be the one saving Equestria?”

“I’ll think about it.” Twilight conjured up a tissue box, passing it to her. “Really Starlight. I’ll never be able to express how grateful I am that you saved us from Chrsyalis. i-I don’t want to imagine what would have happened if I had given birth in her custody.”

“Well, she didn’t do anything to Flurry Heart,” Starlight offered, blowing her nose loudly in one of the tissues. “Though I’m glad we won’t have to find out what would’ve happened either. I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you about this sooner. I just... whenever I see him, I see you, on your knees, begging for his life.”

“I should’ve talked to you sooner too,” Twilight said. “Just because I’m a mother now doesn’t mean I can neglect my duties as your teacher. I’m sorry I didn’t have this talk sooner.” Standing up, she offered Starlight her hoof. “Come on, let’s go see if he’s finally decided to start some trouble.”

Starlight took the offered hoof, gulping. “I guess now’s as good as time as any to try and get over my anxiety over this.”

“You’ll be fine.” Twilight walked to the door, pulling it open. “Dusk is a well behaved foal, I know you’ll warm up to each other in no time!”

Starlight chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of her head as Twilight led her into the halls. “At least there’s that.” She could do this. Dusk was just a foal, far too young to judge her for anything. She continued to psyche herself up, beating her anxiety down with everything she had.

The two of them found Dusk pouncing on Spike, the little colt fluttering his wings excitedly. Twilight instantly ‘d’awwed’, scooping up Dusk in her hooves while he was mid-pounce.

“Hello, Dusky! Did you miss your mommy?” she cooed, nuzzling him. Dusk babbled a greeting, settling into her arms. “I missed you too,” she said, kissing his cheek. “Dusky, there’s somepony that finally wants to get to know you. Give her a big smile.” She turned so Dusk was looking at Starlight.

Dusk tilted his head, eyes locking onto Starlight. Waving his hoof around, he babbled away, much to Twilight’s amusement.

Conflicting emotions shot through Starlight in that moment. Part of her wanted to smile at Dusk’s display, but the other tried to remind her of her guilt. She all but locked up, when Dusk reached out for her. She had to fight her body telling her to run while inching closer to the foal. “H-hi, Dusk. I’m Starlight Glimmer, your mom’s friendship student.”

Dusk babbled again, reaching out to Starlight with a smile. Starlight had to admit it, he was sort of cute. He also seemed smart for an infant, but she chalked that up to taking after his mother.

“Here, why don’t you hold him for a while?” Twilight smiled, holding Dusk out to her.

“Oh, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Starlight said, taking a step back as Twilight ignored her. “I mean, I’m a total butterhooves, the last thing I’d want to do is drop him.”

“Nonsense.” Taking Starlight’s hooves in her magic, she got them in the proper foal holding position, placing Dusk in her awaiting hooves. “There! See? It’s not that hard to hold a foal.” Stepping back, she let Starlight hold Dusk without magic.

On the inside Starlight was screaming, though she put on the best smile she could as Dusk stared up at her. Dusk babbled softly, snuggling into her chest. He smiled, a happy coo passing his lips. At that moment, Starlight’s heart melted and her smile became less forced. She petted his head, scratching behind his ears every once in awhile.

“Awo!” Dusk babbled, leaning his head against Starlight’s hoof. Kicking his legs, he wriggled a bit, getting comfy in her hold. “Habba rok!”

Starlight smiled brightly and continued to stroke his head gently. ’So precious,’ she thought idly.

“You know,” Twilight began, a large grin on her face. “Flash and I have been discussing who we want Dusk’s godparents to be.”

Starlight snapped out of her slight trance and looked over at Twilight. “Well, I’m sure you’re going to pick Spike or Shining Armor. I mean, they’re your brothers.”

“They’re already family.” Twilight shook her head, stepping over and placing a hoof on Starlight’s shoulder. “I was thinking of somepony else. Somepony good at magic, maybe somepony who's apprenticed to a certain princess?”

Starlight blanched, shaking her head. “Y-you really can’t be serious. I don’t think I deserve an honor like that.”

“Starlight, you’re a wonderful mare, and a great friend.” Looking into her eyes, Twilight continued. “I trust you with my life, Starlight. If anything happens to me and Flash, I want you to look after Dusk.”

Starlight looked between Dusk and Twilight as a fresh wave of anxiety crashed over her. A part of her wanted to outright refuse the offer, but she couldn’t get the words out. In the end, she looked up to Twilight and said, “Okay, I’ll do it.”

“Excellent!” Twilight pulled Starlight into a hug, wrapping her wings around her. “Thank you so much, Starlight! There’s nopony else I’d trust for this.”

“Don’t you have six other friends you trust with your life?” Starlight asked cheekily, returning the hug as best she could. “Wouldn’t one of them have been a better choice?”

Twilight swatted her with a wing gently. “Look at the way Dusk has taken to you.” A smirk wormed its way onto her face. “And you seem to have a soft spot for him too.”

Starlight turned her gaze down to Dusk, who was busy rubbing his hoof against her chest. ‘He’s so precious. Just look at him, everything is new to him. I almost denied the world this life.’

Spike smiled as he watched Dusk and Starlight. “Wow Starlight, you’re a natural with Dusk. I bet you’d make a great mom one day.”

Nodding absentmindedly, Starlight gently booped Dusk’s nose. ‘I can’t let anypony take this precious pony away. Not as long as I live.’Turning back to Twilight, she rocked Dusk slowly. “Thank you, Twilight. For giving this to me.”

Twilight pulled her closer with her wings. “You earned it, Starlight.” She giggled, pulling away. “Though I’m hoping you won’t have to fulfill your duties.” Leaning down, she placed a kiss on Dusk’s head. “He’s the best thing that's ever happened to me.”

Spike walked over to Twilight with a cheeky grin and nudged her in the side with his elbow. “Good thing Flash isn’t here, otherwise he might get jealous. He might even do the courtship dance again.”

Twilight giggled at the the thought, holding a hoof to her mouth. “He was pretty cute when he did it last time, but I think I’ll avoid making my husband jealous.”

A mischievous smile grew on Spike’s face, an idea coming to him. “You know, when Flash first got assigned as Twilight’s guard, she was still getting used to her wings.” Extending one of Twilight’s wings, he ran his fingers through her feathers. “You should have seen all the little changes in her behavior.”

Starlight’s expression shifted to match Spike’s and adjusted her grip on Dusk. “Oh really? I think Dusky and I need to hear this story.”

“Well, whenever she got incensed or insulted, her chest would puff out, and she’d fluff her wings. She did it more than Dash or Fluttershy!” Spike snickered, recalling the image. “Poor Flash, I think she kept giving him weird signals.”

“I couldn’t help it!” Twilight protested, her chest puffing slightly. “Becoming an alicorn comes with new instincts. Applejack told me I was exhibiting earth pony behaviors as well.”

“Oh yeah, that too.” Spike leaned on Twilight’s leg. “She whinnies way more than she used to! Paws at the ground more too. I have to keep the floors polished, or she’ll mark it up.”

“Bee ha, bala hala ba ba!” Dusk declared, clearly amused by his mothers antics.

Twilight sighed, leaning down to look into Dusk’s eyes. “You’re going to tease me as much as these two when you’re older, aren’t you?” she asked, tickling his chin with a wingtip. Dusk giggled, batting his hooves at Twilight’s wing.

Spike grinned, looking at Dusk. “Don’t worry little guy, I’ll teach you all the best ways to get under your mommy’s skin.”

“Yes Spike, I want you to teach Equestria’s first alicorn colt the ability to torment his poor mother.” Twilight rolled her eyes, but couldn’t keep the smile off her face. “Besides, I think he’s too nice for that kinda thing.”

“Beh dah!” Dusk beamed, throwing his hooves up. “Ewo kaosi!”

Twilight chuckled, patting his head. “I have no idea if you agreed with me or not, but I do like your enthusiasm. “Has he eaten?” Twilight asked, glancing down at Spike.

Spike gave her a thumbs up. “Yup, just gave him a full bottle. Kid’s been quiet all day, like always. Well, besides all the babble I mean.”

“And we don’t want to discourage that,” Twilight said, kissing Dusk’s forehead. “If we do, it could impact his ability to learn language.” Placing a hoof on his belly, she rubbed it gently. “And we don't want that, now do we?”

Dusk giggled and grabbed at her hoof with two of his. “Hala da!” He brought her hoof up to his mouth, gumming on the edge.

Twilight gently pulled her hoof away, bringing him a teething ring with her magic. “Don’t teeth on my hooves, Dusky, you can get sick doing that.” Dusk took the teething ring, happily chewing on it. “There, see? Much better than mommy’s hoof.”

Dusk didn’t babble back a response, too busy with his toy.

Assured that Dusk was happy, Twilight took a step back. “How about we go out to the park? I bet Dusk would love to run around.” She squeed, clapping her hooves. “He could even make some friends!”

“I’ll go grab the stroller,” Spike offered, walking out of the room.

“He really is a quiet kid,” Starlight spoke, setting Dusk back on his hooves. “I never heard him cry at night. Is that normal?”

Twilight shrugged. “Every foal is different. On average foals cry more through the night but it’s not unheard of for a newborn to rarely cry.” Twilight beamed, putting a hoof to her chest. “I read several books on the subject to prepare myself for any statistical possibility.”

“Kmabi?” Dusk looked up at Twilight, tilting his head to the side.

Twilight giggled, looking back down at Dusk. “I wanted to make sure I could be the best parent for you I possibly could be!” she told him, her wings twitching on her back. “Of course, Flash thinks I went a bit overboard, but, you can never be too careful!”

“O Dee!” Dusk cried with a giggle. “Mo O Dee!” he repeated, pointing a hoof at her.

Twilight blinked for a moment, glancing at Starlight. “Uh, Starlight? Is it just me or was Dusk insinuating that I suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?”

Starlight leaned down, scrutinizing Dusk’s face. “I don’t really see how, he’s only just learned to walk.” She waved her hoof dismissively. “It’s just a coincidence.”

Twilight giggled, nodding at Starlight. “You’re right, there’s no way Dusk could know that term. I mean, nopony’s ever said it around him.” Turning to the door, she watched Spike return, pushing the stroller. “Alright you.” She scooped Dusk up, placing him in the stroller.

Dusk settled into the stroller, giggling with a mischievous look on his face. The trio paid that no mind however as they strode out the door. His demeanor changed once they stepped outside. In the presence of so many ponies, he squirmed, apparently out of his comfort zone. He shrank slightly in the stroller, keeping his attention away from the eyes on him.

Frowning, Spike poked Twilight’s side. “I don’t think he’s enjoying all these ponies around him.”

Twilight frowned, looking down at her son. “Aww, do you not like crowds?” she asked, reaching into the stroller and stroked the side of his face. “I guess you haven’t exactly had to deal with this sort of thing before. They’re not going to hurt you, sweetie, mommy’s here for you.” Lighting her horn, she pulled down the strollers hood, shielding him from most prying eyes.

Dusk settled down slightly, giving his mother a small smile. “Tak Mo!”

Twilight returned his smile and gave him a kiss on the nose. “You’re welcome, Dusky. Now, let’s try to have a fun day at the park, okay?” Returning to her task of pushing the stroller, she didn’t process the implications of what he had tried to say.

“So Twi,” Spike started, getting her attention. “Do you know about any foals around Dusk’s age, or are you actually winging something for once?”

“Well, the Cake Twins are almost a year old, but I’m sure they’ll be open to playing with Dusk. They played with Flurry.”

Spike shrugged. “I guess that should work out fine.” He glanced up at her. “Just as long as we actually keep an eye on them this time.” Spike leaned into the stroller, putting a hand to his mouth. “Your mom totally wasn’t a good babysitter.”

Twilight shot a stern look down at the drake. “I learned my lesson not to juggle too many priorities when children are involved, didn’t I?” Grumbling under her breath, she stopped at a bench near the foal section of the park. “Here we are!”

Dusk poked his head out from the stroller, taking in the scenery. Once he saw there wasn’t as much of a crowd, he let out a happy babble. “Owat!” he all but demanded, wriggling in his seat.

“Up you go!” Twilight cheered, picking him up with her magic and setting him down in the sandbox. “You may need a bath later, but for now, play to your heart’s content!” Conjuring up a bucket and shovel, she set them down in front of him.

Dusk let out a cheer, instantly grabbing the shovel and using it to put sand in the bucket. Twilight frowned, turning to Spike.

“Did you teach him how to use a shovel?”

“Not that I can remember,” Spike said, looking up at Twilight. “Did you?” scratching his cheek in thought, Spike turned his eyes towards Dusk. “Maybe Flash did?”

Starlight shrugged. “That has to be it.” She smiled as she turned back to watch Dusk play. “He looks like he’s having a good time though.”

“I’ll ask Flash later.” Laying down on the bench, Twilight watched Dusk with renewed interest. It didn’t take long for foals to learn how to walk. Some foals learned to talk sooner than others. What she knew foals couldn’t do, was look at something and know how to use it. She scratched her chin, her scientific curiosity piqued to say the least. Was there something abnormal about Dusk’s mind?

A few darker possibilities came to the forefront. That her body had been harboring some leftover piece of Nightmare Moon or Sombra, and when offered a vessel in the form of a new conceived foal, had pounced on it. After a moment’s thought, the idea didn’t seem likely. Aside from the slightly abnormal behavior, Dusk showed no signs of dark magic use. However, she kept the hypothesis in mind if she could find any additional evidence.

The most logical theory that came to Twilight’s mind, made the most sense. She and Starlight had been exposed to massive amounts of time magic. It was possible that the exposure had had an effect on Dusk. It could have easily accelerated his mental development. She’d have to devise non-invasive tests she could perform on Dusk to discover the cause. She’d also have to clear it with Flash, he did deserve a say in the decision after all.

“Equestria to Twilight!” Spike called, waving a hand in front of her face. “You okay in there?”

Twilight shook her head, turning to Spike. “I’m fine, I was just thinking about something.” Glancing back at Dusk, she found him dumping sand out of his little bucket. “Did you need anything, Spike?”

“I was just making sure you weren’t spacing out,” Spike told her. “Seemed like you were overthinking stuff again.”

“It’s nothing Spike.” Twilight ruffled the drake’s spines. “Why don’t you go play with Dusk? At least until some other foals join him.”

“I can do that,” Spike said, going over to the sandbox. He smiled as he sat down in front of Dusk, helping the little colt pile more sand into his bucket. Dusk was more than happy to play with his uncle, the pair building a sand castle.

Twilight smiled as she watched the pair, noticing some movement from the corner of her eye. She let her eyes drift to it, seeing a mare and stallion with a foal in a stroller between them. “Afternoon!” Twilight greeted, waving at them.

“Hello Princess Twilight,” the mare greeted, a small smile on her face. “If it’s not too much trouble, could our little Skyla play in the sand box as well?” She gestured at the small pegasus foal in the stroller.

“Please just call me Twilight.” Twilight gestured to the sandbox. “Of course she can. It’s not like I own the sandbox.”

“Thank you, Twilight,” the stallion said, lifting his daughter up and putting her down near Dusk. “You play nice, Skyla,” he told her with a smile.

Dusk paused in his playing, eyeing Skyla for a moment. Looking at Spike, he wore an unsure look. “Koba?”

“Koba!” Skyla agreed, gesturing at the castle.

“Looks like you got a new playmate.” Spike pat his head, wearing a smile. “Be nice, okay?”

Dusk smiled, saluting at Spike before turning his attention to Skyla. He gestured at her, offering her the bucket. “Boma!”

Skyla giggled, happily taking the bucket with a smile on her face. She turned it over, using it to scoop up sand. The two of them played happily, babbling back and forth excitedly.

Twilight’s smile grew as she watched them before turning to Skyla’s parents. “I think it’s safe to say that these two are friends.” She held back a squee, a feeling of pride welling up in her chest. Her son had made her first friend! With a quick burst of magic, she had a camera in her hooves, snapping a few pictures of the playing foals. She sent the camera away and turned back to the two parents. “If you want, Skyla can come over for a playdate sometime soon.”

“Really? You’d let us in the castle?” the mare asked, sounding genuinely surprised.

Twilight giggled. “Of course, my castle does still act as the town’s library after all. Besides, Dusk and Skyla seem to get along. How could I not want to encourage that?” Twilight gestured to the foals. “Dusk hasn’t had a chance to socialize with other foals until now.”

The stallion chuckled. “We’d love for Skyla to have a playdate with Dusk. She looks very happy playing with him.” He brought his hoof to his chest. “I’m Bronze Hammer, and this is my wife, Storm Wing.”

Twilight nodded, chuckling nervously. “I’d introduce myself but you seem to already know my name. But, this is Spike, my assistant, Starlight Glimmer my student, and Dusk Star my son.” She pointed at the trio in the order she introduced them. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Storm Wing gave a wave. “It’s nice to meet you all.“ Fluffing her wings, she gestured towards
the sandbox. “I remember reading in the paper that you were expecting. I don’t think anyone expected an alicorn colt.”

Spike returned the wave, getting out of the sandbox to give the two foals more room to play.

Twilight smiled, looking at Dusk for a moment before turning back to the other mother. “With his cousin being an alicorn, I wasn’t too surprised that Dusk was born an alicorn.” She giggled. “Though him being the first male alicorn was a wonderful surprise. Like a surprise party as my friend, Pinkie, would say.”

“I can tell ya it made Flash’s year,” Spike added, taking a seat next to Twilight. “I think he automatically assumed Dusk was gonna be a filly. You should have seen him when he found out Dusk was a boy.”

Bronze nodded, putting a hoof around his wife’s barrel below her wings. “I can relate. Storm and I are hoping for a colt if we decide to have another one.” He glanced at his daughter. “We’re waiting to see how well we can handle Skyla at the moment.”

“Flash and I are doing the same with Dusk, though, he’s actually been a very quiet foal.”

Storm giggled, leaning against her husband. “According to old mare’s tales, that means your next one will be a little Tartarus-raiser.”

“Oh Faust, I hope not.” Twilight giggled, shaking her head. Keeping an eye on Dusk, she chatted with the couple, with Spike and Starlight cutting in every now and then. It wasn’t until she noticed a yawn escaping Dusk’s lips, that she excused herself from the conversation. She got down to his level, patting his head. “Does a certain little prince need a nap?” she cooed.

“Nado,” Dusk responded, giving another yawn.

“Do you want to play just a little longer with your new friend?” Twilight asked, smiling warmly at him. “Alright, since you’ve been so good, we can put off nap time for a few more minutes.”

Dusk let out a soft cheer, giving Twilight’s muzzle a quick hug before going back to making a castle with Skyla. After a few minutes, he was dozing off peacefully, having fal onto the castle, much to Skyla’s delight.

Twilight giggled, gently lifting Dusk in her magic and placing him in the stroller. She turned to Bronze and Storm with a smile. “I think that’s my cue to put Dusk in his crib. It was wonderful meeting you two, do not hesitate to bring Skyla over for a playdate. I know my husband would love to meet you as well.”

“We’ll take you up on that offer,” Storm agreed, returning Twilight’s smile. “I have a few days off coming up. I’ll make sure to set something up.”

“And you’re invited to come over to our place,” Bronze offered. “We might not have a castle, but it’d be rude not to extend the same hospitality you’re showing us.”

Saying their goodbyes, the trio made their way back to the castle, Dusk snoozing away in the stroller.

I woke up to find myself back in my room. Nice and comfy, like always. I was about to get up, when my ears flicked. Pausing, I listened in hearing my parents voices out in the hallway.

“He made a friend today!” my mother’s muffled voice said excitedly. “You should’ve seen him playing with this adorable little filly! It was absolutely perfect!”

“I bet it was,” Dad’s voice replied, the sounds of their hooves getting closer. “I wish I could have seen it. But, one of us has to take their job seriously.”

“Oh, as if, I’ve seen how you act while on the job,” Mom shot back. “Or were your eyelids just guarding your eyes?”

“Wasn't there something you wanted to talk to me about?” Dad asks, opening the door to my room. “Something about Dusk?”

My interest piqued, I closed my eyes, pretending to be asleep. It really wasn't that hard, I actually had a harder time staying awake.

“Oh yes!” Mom gasped, the sound of feathers ruffling catching my attention. “Dusk seems to be exhibiting behavior that hints at him being far more developed than a foal his age should be. It might be nothing, but I do have a couple working hypotheses that could prove troubling. I was hoping to develop some non-invasive experiments to make sure there’s nothing out of the ordinary.”

“He’s not gonna end up being like five, with the body of an adult like that one disease, is he?” Dad asked, worry lacing his voice.

“From what I can gather, I don’t think that’s the case,” Mom assured. “Though one of my hypotheses does hint at something similar to that.”

“How similar?” Dad pressed, sounding more than a little agitated.

“Dusk’s physical development seems stable, it’s just his mental faculties that seem to be growing quickly. So five year old mind in a baby body was what I was picturing,” Mom elaborated. “It might be due to all that time magic we were exposed to.”

Dad was quiet for a moment. “Alright, you can run tests as long as they don’t hurt him. We’ve gotta make sure our foal is healthy after all.”

Judging by the sounds of their hooves, I could tell they were at my crib. I breathed quietly, my heart racing in my ears. At that point, I hadn’t really thought about my at that point. Hell, I hadn’t even tried to hide my intelligence. I hadn’t even considered a need to hide it really. I mean, this was a world of magical, talking ponies. I assumed the extraordinary was just ordinary to them.

I remember distinctly, this was the first time I ever really felt fear in this life. The fear of what they’d do if they discovered who I really was. I don’t know how much of it was childish emotions or just plain old paranoia. Either way, I had decided then and there to do my best to act like a normal baby. I did not want to find out what would happen if they uncovered my secret.

As they chatted above me, another thought occurred to me. How did I end up here? What happened to the original Dusk Star? The idea that I had somehow replaced their foal was something that would plague me throughout my second childhood. It was obvious to me that I had died and was reincarnated in the body of a foal. I had never really believed in that sort of thing before my second childhood. But the fact I use the term second childhood adds credibility to the concept.

It was all just too much for me at that moment. For the first time, I wailed. I wailed long and hard, and no matter how much my parents assured me, I didn’t stop until I wore myself out.

“Do you think he had a nightmare?” Mom asked, swaying me gently and stroking my back.

“I wonder what about?” Dad pet my head, a concerned look on his face. “He hasn’t seen anything ‘scary’ has he?”

“I don’t think so, but since my name isn’t Luna I can’t tell you what his dream was,” Mom replied, holding me close and coaxing me back to sleep. “Not that I think he’d dream of anything really coherent. Maybe he should sleep with us?”

“As if I’m going to say no to making sure my kid doesn’t wake up screaming,” Dad said with a soft smile, kissing my cheek. “Come on Dusk, you get to play chaperone.”

Mom gave Dad a weak smile. “Well, the books did warn us that our intimacy would take a hit.” She started carrying me out of my room. “But Dusk’s emotional stability is more important.”

“Don’t worry about it, Dusk comes first.”

Mom smiled, giving Dad a kiss on the cheek. “Way to be a super dad.”

Dad puffed up his chest, a strut to his step. “What can I say? I’m the best dad any foals ever had. Ain’t that right, Duskie?”

I gave a quick babble in affirmation before returning to my existential crisis. As we settled in their bed, I curled up between my parents. As my exhaustion claimed me, I silently hoped that nothing would happen to change my standing in my new family.

Royal Vistors

Author's Note

Just a bit of an editing to the ending. We thought a lot about what we wanted to do with the story and the plot we had hinted here wasn't in that vision. Expect new chapters soon which should hopefully flesh out Sabre some more.

Royal Vistors

“Twilight, it wouldn’t have happened if we had more guards,” Flash insisted, giving his wife a stern look. “I can’t be the only one protecting you, not now with Dusk here.” Taking his helmet off, he let it drop on the table. “We need to expand.”

“Flash, I don’t know if it’s a good idea for me to have my own sect of guards,” Twilight retorted, meeting his stern look with an unsure one of her own. “Cadance has one because her kingdom already came with it and Celestia and Luna are the original princesses so of course they have their own guards. Me? My castle is just a couple hour train ride from the capital of the country. What if ponies think I’m overstepping my bounds by making my own sect of guards?”

“Twilight, you’re one of our country's rulers.” Flash set his spear on its rack, making sure to put the foal lock on. “You're not Blueblood, where you just live in Canterlot castle and don’t actually do anything. What happens if the map sends you off to Faust knows where, and something comes out of the Everfree? You can’t take Dusk with you, you can’t rely on Starlight always being here, and I can’t be in two places at once.”

Twilight frowned, his argument made sense and she had to admit it. She sat in silence for a while, mulling it over. Eventually, she let out a long sigh. “Okay, we can try to create a guard regiment here. But,” she looked at her husband with a serious look and pointed a hoof at him, “we keep it small for now. Pick four to six recruits you think will work and we’ll see how this goes. And since this is your plan, you get to come up with where the new barracks and training yard will go.”

Giving her a smile, Flash saluted. “I’ll do my best, princess! I can’t let my second favorite monarch down, now can I?”

“Second favorite?” Twilight asked, sounding hurt for a moment. “Did Dusk take my number one spot?”

Flash puffed out his chest, making a show of brushing his mane back. “What can I say? A Flash’s first born is always the pride of his life! Been that way since Flash Magnus made himself a legend!”

“Something tells me you’re going to fill Dusk’s head with tales of Magnus’s adventures,” Twilight said with a giggle. “Are you hoping that Dusk takes after you and becomes a big, strong warrior?” Stepping forward, she put a hoof on his chest. “We’ll just have to see about that. I know a few stories about Starswirl I’m sure he’ll love.”

Flash puffed his chest out further. “I’ll win this one. Unlike Starswirl, Flash Magnus is family. There’s no way he won’t want to take after the greatest pegasus to ever live.”

“Well, you know what they say about legends, Flash,” Twilight reminded, pulling away from him. “Don’t believe everything you hear.”

“Doesn’t that apply just as much to Starswirl as it does to Magnus?” Flash retorted with a smirk. It only grew at Twilight’s pout. “And don’t let my mom hear you talking smack about Magnus. He’s a point of pride to our family.”

“As if I’d discredit Flash Magnus to the Flash family,” she replied. “I only do it with you because you’re my husband. And, I wouldn’t want to dissuade Dusk from exploring his family tree.”

“I bet there’s some interesting branches in your own family,” Flash offered, putting a hoof around her shoulders. “I’m surprised I haven’t seen you do some digging of your own. Hey, you could be related to Starswirl for all you know.”

Twilight giggled, rolling her eyes. “Oh, as if. I’m sure if I was related to Starswirl, I’d have heard it by now. That’s not exactly something that gets forgotten. Not with how much he accomplished.”

“I dunno.” Flash rubbed his chin. “I mean, everypony forgot about Princess Luna, and she raised the moon.”

Twilight opened her mouth to retort only to clamp it shut. Again, Flash made a good point. “I think I need to take a look at some records when I have free time,” she muttered. Stepping away from him, she fluffed her wings. “We should probably get back to preparing for Ember’s visit.”

“Just tell me what I need to do,” he said, snapping a salute at her. Placing his helmet back on, he followed her out of their room, and towards the sitting room. “I hope Ember knows foals are more fragile than baby dragons.”

“I’ll be sure she gets that message,” Twilight assured, trotting quickly towards the room. “I’m not letting Dusk get another injury. The last thing we need is a mummy foal,” she joked, though a nervous chuckle escaped her lips.

“Spike trusts her. That’s enough for me really.” Opening the sitting room doors, he peered inside, seeing Starlight levitating Dusk around the room. “Well look at you, not even an injured wing can keep you out of the sky.”

Dusk let out a cheer as Starlight made him do a loop. He had his forelegs held out in front of him and his good wing was fully extended. “Shaw ko!”

“Are you excited to meet the dragon lord?” Twilight asked, watching him with a smile. It relieved her to no end that he seemed to be recovering well. “She’s your Uncle Spike’s friend! We’re going to teach her about friendship!” She added to her statement, striking a pose and spreading her wings.

“Fwe shee!” Dusk cheered, performing a quick corkscrew.

“He was helping me put up the high decorations,” Starlight explained, keeping an eye on where Dusk was flying. “I kept him on track for a few minutes, but he didn’t want to stay still.”

“At least he tried to help,” Twilight said, giggling at that news. “I take it Spike went out to finish setting up the town?”

“That he did, with a long list in his claw that would make you proud.” Starlight snickered, looking between Twilight and Dusk. “It wouldn’t surprise me if Dusk starts making lists. Next thing we’ll, he’ll be organizing his toys by alphabetical order!”

Twilight blushed, looking away from Starlight. “Heh, yeah, doing that would be way too much. Yup, never organized my toys like that.” She hung her head with a groan as both Flash and Starlight burst out laughing. She cleared her throat, closing her wings. “Alright you two, let’s focus on getting things ready for Ember.”

“Ebe!” Dusk proclaimed, floating around her head.

The three adults laughed at that, setting about getting the preparations ready while Dusk supervised everything as he floated around them. He didn’t hesitate to interject his opinion on whatever they were talking about. Each of them replied to him, encouraging him to communicate more. With Dusk’s supervision, the decorating went quickly.

“All done! Good job, Dusk!” Twilight cheered, pulling him down into a hug. “You were a big help!”

“Yoo Wecoo!” he cooed, nuzzling her chest.

Twilight shared a look with Flash. “See what I mean?”

Flash nodded, looking between his wife and son. “Yeah, I think I do.” Placing his hoof on Dusk’s head, he smirked. “My son isn’t even two months old and he’s a genius.”

“We can talk about all that later,” Starlight interrupted. “Since we’re done with the decorating here, maybe we should check how Spike is doing?”

“Oh right!” Twilight placed Dusk on her back, trotting to the door. “We want Ember to feel as welcome as possible!”

Starlight and Flash trotted after her and followed her out of the castle and into the town. The whole town had pitched in, wanting to do their best to welcome the dragonlord. As well as to make up for their previous behavior towards the local princess and her friends. They found Spike towards the center of town with a checklist in his claw as he oversaw the decorating.

“Hey, Spike!” Twilight called, getting the drake’s attention. “I see you’ve got everything control. Good job.”

“I learned from a great organizer,” he said, turning to her with a smile. “The whole town is shaping up quite nicely. Is the castle all ready?”

“It is thanks to Dusk’s help,” Flash told him, patting the foal’s head. Rubbing his chin, Flash hummed in thought. “You think Ember would enjoy the story of Flash Magnus? I could make a big show out of it.”

“Maybe reminding Ember of the days ponies and dragons were in conflict isn’t the best idea,” Spike commented, pointing a finger at Flash. “She is still learning about friendship after all.”

Flash chuckled. “Alright, I’ll save my stories for another time.”

“Hey, Spike!” a new voice cut in, grabbing everyone's attention.

Spike gasped as he turned towards the source of the noise. “Thorax! You’re in Ponyville?!”

Thorax smiled, nodding his head. “Of course I am silly. You invited me. And I’m not going to back out of an invitation.” Glancing at the others, he waved. “Hey, Twilight, Hey, Starlight. Hey, Flash.” His eyes lit up when they landed on Dusk. “Oh! Is that Dusk Star?!” Thorax galloped over, lifting Dusk off Twilight’s back. “He’s adorable!”

“Heo, Mooba!” Dusk greeted, taking in Thorax’s appearance.He cooed, reaching up to touch Thorax’s horns.

“Your cousin and I are best friends!” Thorax explained, nuzzling the colt’s head.

“I think Dusk likes you already,” Twilight said. “Just be careful of his left wing,” she warned, pointing at Dusk’s bandages. “We had a bit of ‘an incident the other day.”

Thorax’s eyes went to Dusk’s side and his expression fell slightly. “Aww, did the little prince get a boo-boo?” he asked, tilting his head. “You know, your cousin gets a lot of those too. Shining tells me she’s the most danger prone foal he knows.”

Spike chuckled. “Yeah, Flurry doesn’t stay still for very long. Dusk though, Dusk is quiet, he just talks a lot.”

“Except when he plays with blocks,” Starlight interjected. “Then he roars a lot.” She giggled at that.

With Thorax busy doting on Dusk, Twilight leaned her head down to Spike. “You invited Thorax to Ponyville the same day as Ember?!” She hissed, looking between them.

Spike flinched, glancing over at Thorax every now and then. “Apparently.”

“This doesn’t seem like a good idea,” Starlight whispered. “How are you gonna entertain them both?”

Spike gave an audible gulp, poking his fingers together. “I have no idea.” He glanced at Thorax, getting antsy. “I completely forgot! Thorax said he needed to talk, and I told him to come over. I didn’t realize it was the same day I invited Ember! What am I gonna do!?”

“Well, maybe they’ll like each other?” Starlight offered.

“Probably not.” Spike dismissed. “Ember is tough and self-assured and intimidating. And Thorax is…” The trio glanced over at the alpha changeling, watching as he nommed on Dusk’s belly.

Starlight put a hoof to her chin, rubbing it for a moment. “Huh, a tough and confident person and one that’s more gentle and unsure of themself. Why does that seem familiar?”

Flash nudged Twilight with a grin. “See? Our love story is gonna be one for the ages.” He extended his arm, sweeping it out in front of him. “They’ll be talking about us for generations!”

“No, it’s not you two,” Starlight dismissed. Her eyes then widened. “Oh, now I remember. That description sounds like Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy! If they can be friends, so can Ember and Thorax.”

Spike opened his mouth to argue in a panic, only for words to fail him. He had to admit, it made sense. “Y’know, maybe it’s time I introduced my two friends?” he said aloud, looking at Thorax. “You guys will help right?”

“Of course,” Starlight said. “We’ll help however we can!”

“As if I’d leave my brother-in-law hanging.” Flash socked Spike in the arm. “I might not be the princess of friendship, but I think I got enough of her lessons down to give it a shot.”

Twilight giggled. “Well I am the princess of friendship and you can count on me to help.”

“Are all baby ponies this fun?” Thorax asked, finally taking his attention away from Dusk. “I mean, I only met two, but I’d like to hope they are!” He grinned, cradling Dusk like he was a teddy bear.

Flash grinned. “Well, Fluttershy is pregnant right now, so you’ll get to learn if draconequus babies are as fun as ponies.”

“Oh that sounds fun!” Thorax put Dusk on his back. “But, that’ll have to wait, I really need to talk to Spike about something.”

“Of course, but there’s something I need to tell you.” Spike waddled over to Thorax “I also invited my friend Ember here. I hope you won’t mind if she joins us.”

“Of course not! Any friend of yours is a friend of mine!” Thorax looked around, taking the decorations in. “Oh wow, did you do all this for Ember and I? It’s very nice. I really like the banner too!”

Spike chuckled nervously and kicked at the dirt. “Of course, gotta pull out all the stops for when two of my best friends meet for the first time.” He coughed into his fist, looking up at the sky. “She should be here soon.”

He then spotted a small shape in the sky. It continued to grow until he could make it out as Ember. He watched her land and a horn section of ponies announced her arrival with fanfare. Walking up to her, he cleared his throat.

“Dragon lord Ember, as the official Equestrian friendship ambassador for the Dragon Lands and for Ponyville, I, Spike of Ponyville, welcome you to uh... Ponville.” Grumbling under his breath, he walked up and hugged her. “I gotta work on my speech.”

Ember blinked in surprise as she looked down at Spike. “Okay, thanks.” She chuckled as she put her claws on his shoulders. “Right, the hug thing.”

Spike chuckled, pulling away from her. “I’m really glad you could make it! You already met Twilight. The guy in armor is her husband, Flash Sentry, and her student Starlight Glimmer.” Waving Thorax over, he continued. “This is Thorax, king of the changelings.”

“Laku?” Dusk asked, peering at Ember from Thorax’s back. Confusion dawned on him as he looked between Ember and Spike.

“Who’s the pony hatchling?” Ember asked, pointing at Dusk. “Unless that’s what changeling hatchlings look like now.” Her face scrunched up as she scrutinized Dusk and Thorax.

Twilight giggled, levitating Dusk into her arms. “No, this is my son, Dusk Star.”

Dusk’s muzzle scrunched up, pointing at Ember’s back. “So wa do!”

Spike blinked, looking at Dusk. “Are you asking about her wings?” Looking over his shoulder, he shrugged. “I guess I’m still a little young to have wings yet.” Shrugging, he turned to Ember. “How about we go to the castle and get settled in?”

“Sounds good to me,” Ember said, resting her scepter on her shoulder. “Lead the way.”

Spike lead the way back to the castle, making some small talk with the visiting monarchs. Flash straightened up as they approached the castle, spotting a pair of guards waiting for them. One wore Day guard armor, while the other, a strix, wore the armor of the Night guard. He snapped a salute to them.

“How can we help you, gentlecolts?” Twilight asked, looking between them.

“Your Highness,” the day guard began, bowing his head. “We’re here to discuss the unfortunate events that occurred outside of your castle. We’re under orders from the royal sisters themselves.”

“Okay, we have some things we’re ready to give you,” Twilight said. “Please come inside.” She gestured with a hoof towards the door. “We’re entertaining guests at the moment, so I think individual statements will be for the best.”

The guards nodded falling in line behind them. Once the group was inside the castle, Twilight apologized to Ember and Thorax for the inconvenience. She and Flash took the guards to another room in the castle, leaving Starlight and Spike to host.

Twilight levitated a manila folder over to the pair of guards. “This has the statement from the doctor as well as the X-ray photo,” she explained, her expression serious. “As well as witness statements my husband took.”

“This will be a big help,” the day guard said, taking the folder. He scanned through it nodding. “Fine work, Captain Sentry.”

“I think I have to give some of the credit to proper motivation,” Flash replied, ruffling his feathers. It was clear to all present that more than just Flash’s pride had been wounded.

The strix finally spoke, taking the folder from his partner. “The princesses want this whole mess taken care of quickly. A citizen brazenly assaulting a member of the royal family? A foal no less? It should not surprise you to hear that Princess Luna was rather... upset.”

Twilight nodded. “I imagine she called for the stockades?”

The strix closed the folder, sliding it to the middle of the table. “It is Princess Luna’s opinion, as well as that of Captain Armor, that we prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.”

Twilight frowned. “I don’t think I should offer an opinion on the matter, I obviously have too much of a bias.” She gave Flash a pointed look. “And neither should my husband.”

Flash waved a hoof. “Fine, I’ll trust the others to make the wisest decision.” Grunting, he leaned back in his seat. “Idiot’s being held at Ponyville Inn. We don’t exactly have any holding cells here.”

“We could always have him transferred to Canterlot,” the strix offered, nodding in understanding. “That will be where the trial is held after all. Though, with the state Princess Luna is in, it might not be the best idea.”

Flash shuddered at the thought of what the enraged princess might do if left alone in a cell with the stallion. “No, that’d be a bad idea. I’ll keep an eye on him until the trial. I doubt he’ll run, guy doesn’t seem like the type.”

Twilight looked between the guards. “Any word on when the trial will be?”

The strix frowned. “That’s still being decided upon. But, it will be soon, that much I can tell you. Most likely in the next two or three weeks.”

Flash nodded, already imagining the scenario. “Thank you very much for your help. Is there anything else you need from us?”

“No, I think we’ve taken up enough of your time,” the day guard said, bowing his head. “Thank you for your cooperation and we hope that the little prince makes a speedy recovery.” The pair stood up and bowed before making their exit.

Flash watched them for a moment before standing up. “That stallion is lucky I have self control.” Snorting, Flash paced around the room. “He could have seriously hurt Dusk, messed up his wing! And over what!? Because of some stupid infatuation with my wife!?”

Twilight stood up, watching her husband as he paced. “I know how you feel, Flash. I can’t tell you how tempted I was to do something to that stallion. But we’re authority figures.” She trotted over to him, putting a hoof on his shoulder. “We have to act within the law, even when somepony does something to our son.”

“I know, I know.” Reaching an arm up, he put a hoof on her arm. “We can’t just do whatever we want. I just... how can ponies be that out of touch? We’re living ponies, not characters in a book. Faust, this must be what Daring Do feels when it comes to fans.”

Twilight giggled a little. “Well, I was out of touch before I came to Ponyville.” Her muzzle scrunched up. “Though I never confused fiction and nonfiction. I can’t really explain how that happened. I know for a fact I had the journals placed in the biography section of the stores.”

Flash paused for a moment. “Twilight, you did... edit out the entry on Daring Do... right?”

Twilight blinked, her ears flattening to her head. “Uh, I’m about eighty percent sure I did,” she said with a sheepish smile. She flinched at Flash’s raised eyebrow. “I’ll have to take a look at one of the copies and make sure,” she relented. “But that’ll have to wait until after Ember and Thorax’s visit.”

“Right.” Flash straightened up, saluting. “Now, Princess, shall we see to our guests?”

Twilight rolled her eyes, chuckling a little. “You do realize that you don’t have to call me Princess, right? In fact, I’m pretty sure I’ve actively told you not to.” Stepping past him, she checked his side with her wing. “Now come on, before I demote you back to private.”

Flash chuckled weakly as he quickly followed after his wife. The two wandered the halls until they found the sitting room that the others were in. Surprisingly, Thorax and Ember seemed to be swapping advice. They also noted that Dusk was busy playing with Ember’s tail. Ember was playing along as she talked with Thorax, wiggling her tail to and fro as Dusk tried to bat at it.

“You seem to be having fun,” Twilight commented, taking a seat next to Starlight. “Dusk isn’t bothering you, is he?”

“Nah, hatchlings play with older dragons’ tails all the time,” Ember dismissed, turning her attention from Thorax. “Usually it’s to help develop hunting instincts,” she glanced down at Dusk, “but I don’t think this little guy will be doing much of that.” She almost jumped, snapping her fingers. “Oh! I remembered I wanted to ask something. Your mate, is he related to that one pegasus?”

Flash had to contain his familial pride as he nodded. “That’s correct, I’m descended from Flash Magnus.”

Ember smirked, showing some of her teeth. “That pegasus gets a lot of my respect. He made my dad look like an idiot. He actually outlawed mentioning the name for a few centuries.”

Flash grinned, glad to hear that the new dragonlord had no hard feelings towards the actions of his ancestor. “Wait until my family hears that Flash Magnus outmaneuvered the former dragon lord. They’d get a kick out of that.”

“I had no idea dragons could live that long,” Spike piped up, grabbing a few gems off a platter. “There's just so much I don’t know.” Sighing, he popped one into his mouth, crunching on it.

“You’ve gotta be long-lived if your kind is famous for hundred year naps,” Ember pointed out. “But if you want to learn more about dragons, then I’m sure one of the older dragons would be happy to share their knowledge.” Looking over at Spike, she gave him an excited smile. “Friends are supposed to help each other, right?”

Spike nodded eagerly, quickly swallowing his gem. “That’s right! Helping your friends is one of the basic principles of good friendships!”

Ember nodded. “I’m asking for your help, as a friend.”

“You know you can count on me! What do you need, Ember?”

Ember glanced at Dusk, gently wrapping her tail around him. “There’s some kind of... flaming pony in the dragonlands. It’s been causing us a lot of trouble.”

“A flaming pony?” Spike repeated, tilting his head. “Never heard of something like that before. Twilight, do you know anything?”

Twilight placed her hoof on her chin. “Well, there are a few legends that involve ponies and fire but nothing in relation to the dragonlands. I’ll start looking into it tonight.”

“Thanks,” Ember said, nodding. “The little hatchling’s been throwing a tantrum in one of the favored gem spots. None of the dragons that run the nursery have been able to calm them down.”

Flash frowned, glancing at Twilight. “Hold on. It’s a... foal? Dragons, who are fireproof, can’t handle a foal that’s on fire?”

“It’s not a matter of us being hurt,” Ember shot back, her claw clenched on the table. “We know we can’t treat a pony hatchling the same as one of our own. You ponies are too squishy for that. We’ve been treating them with a gentle touch by our standards and it always wriggles away.”

Slipping out of his seat, Spike pat Ember’s side. “Maybe you just need someone who knows ponies better. I’ll head back with you and we’ll catch ourselves a foal!”

“Spike, I know you know normal ponies,” Twilight started, a worried look coming over her face. “But a pony that’s been on fire for an extended period of time clearly isn’t normal. At least let me do one night’s research before we leave to help.”

Ember placed Dusk down, smiling down at him. “A night would let me learn how to handle pony hatchlings.”

Spike’s tail sagged and his spines drooped slightly before he nodded. “Okay, guess that makes sense.”

“Atato!” Dusk pounced on Spike, gumming on one of his ear fins. “Mio ko!”

Ember laughed, watching Dusk with interest. “Are you sure there’s no dragon in him? The tyke is a natural hunter!”

Joining in, Ember spent the night teaching Dusk all the ways a good dragon hunts their prey. Both he and Spike soaked in these lessons, with a promise that they’d later be shared with Twilight.

Twilight sat like a mother hen, wing draped over the sleeping form of her son. Books floated in front of her, open to various pages. Late night research was much better with a snuggle buddy.

Meet The Flash's

Twilight hummed softly as she took a moment to relax with a good book. It had been two days since Ember and Thorax’s visit and Spike was still out in the dragonlands. She was a little worried for him but she trusted Ember to ensure nothing happen to him. Dusk was playing with Flash in a corner of the room. It seemed to involve soldiers if the little snippets of the dramatic sound effects her husband made were any indicator. She was just about to call it the perfect relaxing day when her reading was interrupted by a loud knock at the door.

“I’ll get it,” she said, marking her spot in the book as she got up with a sigh. When she opened the door the mailpony greeted her and handed her a letter. “Thank you!” Twilight beamed, walking back into the playroom. She paused, glancing at the name on the letter. “Hey Flash, looks like your mom sent you a letter.”

Flash looked up from Dusk to glance at the letter. “Knowing her, she’s either announcing that she’s visiting to finally see Dusk, or she’s telling us to come to Cloudsdale.” He stood up, trotted over to Twilight, taking the letter. His eyes scanned the piece of paper for a few moments. “Yup, she wants us to come to Cloudsdale. It literally just says ‘Come see me’.”

“Well, she’s certainly very direct,” Twilight replied, fluffing her wings. She turned her attention to Dusk and smiled. “What do you think, Dusky, do you wanna go see your other grandparents?”

“Kweh!” Dusk cooed, hopping to his hooves. “Kweh! Kweh!”

Twilight giggled, patting his head. “Sounds like he’s excited to go visit them.” She looked back up at Flash. “When should we go?”

“The sooner the better.” Flash set the letter down, scooping Dusk up. “You know how she is when it comes to this sorta thing.”

“Good thing we didn’t have anything planned for today,” she replied. “I’ll go grab my saddlebags and we can head right out.” She turned and trotted out the room.

Flash glanced down at Dusk, tickling his belly with a wing. “We’re gonna see where daddy grew up. It’s high up in the clouds, and a lot of pegasi live there.”

“Cwou?” Dusk repeated, tilting his head at his father.

“That's right, Cloudsdale is a city of clouds.” Placing Dusk on his back, Flash slung the diaper bag around his neck. “Lucky for us, you’re an alicorn, which means we don’t have to do anything extra for you.”

Dusk seemed to understand, settling on his father’s back after a quick babble. Flash stepped out into the hall, making his way to the foyer. “Hey Twi! We’ll meet you at the front door! Starlight! Don’t throw any parties while we’re gone!”

“What’s that?!” Starlight called back. “I can’t hear you over these plans I’m making for this sweet party!”

“And tell Trixie to knock it off with that tea cup spell!” he added, a smirk on his face.

“I can’t hear you~!” Starlight replied, giggling.

Flash rolled his eyes, coming to a stop at the front door. “Now all we gotta do is wait for your mom.”

A few minutes later and Twilight trotted down the stairs with her favorite saddlebags slung on her back. She stopped in front of Flash and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “Ready to show off Dusk to your family?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” Flash smiled, pushing the doors open.

The two took to the skies, Twilight turning her head to give Flash a smile. “Try not to brag to your sister too much.”

“Me? Brag? Perish the thought!”

Twilight giggled, rolling her eyes at her husband. The two chatted as they flew, Dusk cutting in every once in awhile with a semi-coherent comment of his own. Twilight filed away another few almost words, nodding at Flash. She was almost done some experiment ideas, all she had to do was set them up. Hopefully, in a few days she could figure everything out before the trial.

The trip to Cloudsdale didn’t take them very long, and soon they were walking to the Flash family home. Dusk was besides himself in wonder, talking his head off, watching all the pegasi go about their day. Flash chuckled at his reactions, he had been the same way when he had made his first trip to a non-cloud city. Their trip eventually led them to a pair of gates With an ‘F’ insignia on them that guarded a cloud mansion.

Slipping a key out from under his wing, Flash undid the lock. “After you.” He bowed his head, gesturing with a wing for her to proceed.

Twilight bowed her own head, stepping through the open gates and towards the mansion. She gulped, her nerves starting to rise. She tried to reason that Flash Freeze was her family as much as her husband’s. The older mare was far more intense than her own mother. She took a deep breath, reminding herself that she had dealt with far worse things than a slightly intense mare.

Walking up to the door, she knocked, giving a few moments before knocking again. Stepping back she marveled at the manor. Whether or not Flash Magnus’s story was accurate, the Flash line had cemented itself as one of the premier families in Cloudsdale, and many of their members were famous in the Royal guard. She was snapped out of her train of thought by the sound of the door opening. She looked down to be met with Flash Freeze herself.

Freeze had Flash’s coat and eye color while her short bob of a mane was an icy blue in color. “Good, you’re here.” Freeze stepped aside, allowing Twilight to enter.

“We weren’t exactly going to ignore your letter,” Twilight assured, thanking her quickly as she entered the manor. “We left as soon as we got it.” She left out how they had been no obligation too, but she bit her tongue.

Flash smiled as he stepped inside. “You should’ve seen it, Mom, Dusk’s face lit up when we told him that we were coming to visit his grandparents.” He picked Dusk up off his back and held him out to Freeze. Dusk on his part babbled happily at his grandmother and held his hooves out toward her.

“Kweh!” the little pony cheered, buzzing his uninjured wing.

Freeze let a small smile grace her lips as she took Dusk and placed him on her back. “Good to see the latest member of the family is happy and healthy despite the nasty incident.” She looked between Twilight and Flash. “Parenting comes with all sorts of trials, sorry to hear that one of yours will be the literal kind.”

“Dusk has actually been really quiet,” Flash replied, closing the door behind him. “He’s only cried twice since we brought him home, and one of those times was from a nightmare.” A snicker escaped his lips, as he watched Dusk bat at Freeze’s mane.

“Sounds like you’re rather lucky in that area,” Freeze replied, letting Dusk do as he pleased with her mane. She turned, leading the pair into a sitting room. “You cried a fair amount when you were Dusk’s age,” she added, glancing back at Flash. “And you were such a little attention hog.”

Twilight snickered. “So, it seems like not much has changed then, huh?” Taking a seat, Twilight glanced around, noting the various pictures of famous Flash members. There were one or two unicorns, but the majority were pegasi. She idly wondered if they’d add Dusk up to the line or not due to not having Flash in his name.

Freeze turned her head to Twilight with the same small smile she had given Dusk. “I blame myself for that, I always indulged his need for attention whenever I was on leave.”

“So...” Flash took a seat next to Twilight, putting a wing around her shoulders. “Why’d you summon us mom? Gonna chew me out for not doing my job better?” There was an edge to his voice, and he pulled Twilight closer to him.

Freeze frowned a bit. “I would think you’d know me better than that. I’m not going to criticize you for your performance in a situation I wasn’t there to witness,” she countered the edge in his voice with an even tone of her own. “No, I simply wanted your son to see the rest of his family.”

“Bo da?” Dusk asked, climbing onto Freeze’s head. “Be wa wo!”

Freeze’s look softened and she stroked Dusk’s head. “Your father will be home from the factory shortly. It’s been a nightmare of paperwork to make sure all the machinery gets back to proper working order.”

Twilight chuckled awkwardly. “Right, the weather factory. Ah ha ha ha...”

The group was distracted by the sound of the door opening and a few moments later an older looking stallion stepped into the room. His coat was a dark grey coat and a white mane that was swept back neatly. He took notice of Flash and Twilight with a smile on his face.

“Son! Glad to see you could respond to your mother’s letter so quickly.” Giving Flash a quick hug, he turning to Twilight. “And you’re looking as lovely as always, Twilight.” He gave Twilight a hug of her own before turning to his wife and spotting Dusk. “And this must be my grandson!” He picked up Dusk and held him up. “He’s definitely got the good looks the Flash clan are famous for! He’s gonna have to beat mares off with a stick when he’s grown.”

“Stiw fo coz,” Dusk replied, reaching out and booping the stallion on the nose.

Flash’s father chuckled, putting Dusk back on Freeze’s head before taking a seat next to her. “Handsome and smart as a whip? I think the little guy’s gonna be a real lady killer. Getting comfy, he putting his back legs on the table. “He seems happy.”

Twilight nodded, looking at Dusk as he made himself comfortable on his newfound perch. “We feel very lucky in that regard.” She let out a content sigh as she looked back at Flash’s father. “One look at his smiling face instantly brightens up our day.”

People’s heads used to be my favorite place to be. Grandma Freeze’s was no different. I glanced around the room, taking in the faces of my important ancestors. I never knew a lot about the history of my human family, but the Flashes keep their family history well documented. I was always fascinated by learning it. The family easily could’ve rested on Magnus’s accomplishments but many of the members went on to do great things of their own. Grandma Freeze was one such member. She was famous in Equestria’s aerial forces.

‘I’m glad I can brighten everyone's day,’ I reply, letting a hoof hang down in front of Grandma’s eyes. ‘I am sort of a freeloader at the moment after all.’

Grandma responded by poking at the joint where my wing met my back, causing me to let out a small ‘eep’ at the ticklish sensation. “Like father like son. He’s only been here for ten minutes, and he’s already made himself at home.”

Dad smiled brightly at me before looking back at Grandma. “I think it’s a good omen that he feels at home here. Means he’s in touch with his roots.” He nuzzled Mom’s neck, muttering something to her.

‘Oi, love birds get a room!’

Grandpa chuckled, glancing at me. “He may not cry, but Dusk sure is a little chatterbox.”

Mom nodded, still wearing her smile. “He’s one of the most talkative foals I’ve ever met. I was exposed to a lot of time magic during the early days of my pregnancy. I think it may have accelerated Dusk’s mental development.”

Grandma quirked a brow at Mom’s comment. “He hasn’t shown any adverse effects has he?”

‘I’m fine,’ I assured her. ‘I’m just a human in the body of a foal. Nothing wrong with that.’

“I haven’t seen anything wrong with him,” Mom commented, glancing at me for a moment with an unsure expression. “The doctor also didn’t seem to find anything wrong with him besides his broken wing.” Her smile then returned. “I just think that Dusk’s mind is developing a bit faster than other foals’.”

‘I gotta do better about this whole thing...’ I muttered to myself, laying my head down.

“If that’s all it is than consider me relieved,” Grandma said, nodding her head to Mom slightly. “There are worse fates than having a leg up on your peers like that.”

“Mom! Dad! I’m home!” A younger pegasus colt bounded into the room, tossing his bag onto the floor. “Sentry!” his eyes lit up when he spotted Dad. “I didn’t know you were coming!”

“Hey there Baby Bang,” Dad greeted, getting up from his seat to tousle the colt’s blue mane that was a shade darker than Dad’s. “This was sort of last second. Mom gave me a letter.” He chuckled before continuing, “can you guess what it said?”

Uncle Bang snapped into a straight posture, putting on a scowl. “Come to Cloudsdale right now!” Unable to keep up his act, he burst into laughter; only to stop when he noticed Grandma looking at him. “Heh...” he laughed sheepishly.

Dad chuckled again and patted his little brother on the shoulder. “Close, it was just, ‘Come see me.’ But I think you may have taken your act a bit too far.” Pointing to me, he continued. “Well? Aren’t you going to say hi?”

Bang’s eyes lit up when he noticed me. He fluttered his wings and hovered up so that he was level with me. “Hey there,” he greeted, barely able to contain himself. “I’m your uncle, Flash Bang.” A bright smile burst across his face.

‘Hi Uncle Bang,’ I replied, a little jealous over his flight. ‘I’m Dusk Star.’

“This is your nephew, Dusk Star,” Grandma said. “Do try not to be rough with him, Bang, one of his wings is healing at the moment.”

Uncle Bang planted his hooves on the floor, smiling at me. “Can I hold him? Promise I won’t drop him or anything!”

Dad smiled, picking me up off grandma’s head and looking down at me. “What do you think, Dusk, want to let your uncle hold you?”

‘Sure, not like it’ll hurt all that much if he drops me.’

Dad smiled and held me out to Uncle Bang. “Sounds like Dusk is okay with you holding him. Just be careful, little bro.” Placing me in Uncle Bang’s arms, Dad proceeded to show him how to properly hold me. “Just remember, don’t try to hold onto him if he wants to get down.”

“Okay, Sentry,” Uncle Bang replied, sitting on his haunches while he cradled me. He looked back up at Dad with a smile. “It’s so cool your baby’s an alicorn colt!”

‘The only one too!’ I added throwing my hooves out. ‘I’m a real special snowflake alright.’

Mom giggled from her seat as she looked at Uncle Bang. “Your brother was excited by that too. He was doing flips when we got home with Dusk the first night.” Winking at Dad, she continued. “I catch him trying to teach guard techniques to Dusk every now and then.”

Uncle Bang giggled at that. “Can’t you at least wait until he’s out of diapers, Sentry?”

Dad rolled his eyes, puffing his chest out. “I want my son to be prepared for anything! A lot of crazy stuff happens in Ponyville, as you know.” Holding his head up, he huffed. “Is it so wrong i want him to be able to defend himself?”

Uncle Bang giggled again. “Oh, I’m sure he’ll be ready if his stuffed animals revolt.” Bouncing me, Uncle Bang smirked. “Your dad used to think he was the coolest guy around. I caught him posing in front of his mirror once.”

Mom giggled a bit, holding a hoof in front of her mouth while Dad’s feathers ruffled.

“Hey, I keep telling you that I was just making sure none of my feathers were messed up!” Dad snapped.

“Is that why you were hyping yourself up in a girl’s voice?” Uncle Bang asked, sticking his tongue out.

Mom nearly fell out of her seat, bursting out laughing as Dad’s chest puffed out slightly. I joined in, kicking my legs as I laughed my head off. That little revelation is still something we rib Dad about, much to his annoyance. Oh well, his fault for not locking his door while being a massive dork.

“Not even my brother did anything that dorky!” Mom hugged her sides, trying to control her breathing. “And he used to dress up in full costume for O&O games!”

‘O&O?’ I repeated, tilting my head. ‘Is that like this world’s version of D&D? Are there Beholders and Mindflayers? Can I play a kenku!?’

Uncle Bang tilted his head, looking between everyone. “Why do you think Dusk seems so excited all of a sudden?”

“Maybe he knows how much of a lame-o his dad is?” The last of my father’s siblings stepped into the room, a sly grin on her muzzle. “I still can’t believe he snagged himself a princess. I mean really, Sentry, which demon did you sell your soul to?”

Dad returned her grin. “None, I just grew up. Unlike a certain mare.” He gave her a pointed look.

“Ha!” she threw her head back. “You growing up? That's ridiculous.” Peering down at me, she hummed softly. “Well look at we got here, you actually made a cute kid. Though, I gotta ask wasn’t the Flash name good enough?”

Dad flinched at that, glancing over at Grandma to gauge her reaction to that question. Lucky for him, Mom came to his rescue.

“We actually had a long talk about that,” Mom cut in. “We ended up deciding that if our foal was born with the trademark Flash coat color, then we’d use the name.” Looking over at me, she shifted a bit. “It’s also a bit of a tradition in the Twilight family for the mother to pick the name.”

“So it seems there was a bit of clash of traditions,” Grandma noted, a hard to read expression on her muzzle. “I suppose since Dusk is technically not a pegasus it doesn’t go against the tradition.”

‘That’s a relief, I didn’t want Dad to get disowned over me.’ That probably would have messed with my head a lot.

“Well, there’s always the next one,” Dad’s sister pointed out with a smirk. “Or is the princess of friendship a one and done kinda mom?”

Dad came to Mom’s rescue, saving her from rattling off a platitude. “We’ve decided to let Dusk grow a bit before trying again. He might be a chill foal, but the next one might be a little Tartarus raiser, especially if they’re an alicorn too.”

Grandma nodded. “That would be a wise course of action. Your father and I waited a few years between your sister and you.”

‘I dunno how I feel about siblings.’ I wriggled around until Uncle Bang set me down. I coo as my hooves touch the clouds. Cloudwalking has always been a surreal experience. Clouds are both solid and spongy at the same time. Adults can actively choose to cloudwalk or not, while thankfully foals cannot. ‘Mom and Dad seem to get along with theirs though. It might not be so bad.’ A smile wormed its way onto my face. ‘At least I wouldn’t be the middle child.’

“So, Miracle,” Dad began, taking the offensive. “You find a special somepony yet? Or are you going to let me carry on the family legacy?”

‘Wait, my aunts name is Miracle?’ I giggled, buzzing my wing. ‘What’s next? Do I have a cousin named Gordon?’ On a roll, I decided to put on a show. ‘Flash! Ahah! She’s a miracle! Flash! Ahah! Queen of the impossible!’

Mom giggled, watching as I tried to dance around. “I wonder what’s gotten into him all of a sudden?”

‘Savior of the universe!’ I giggled to myself, beaming up at my family. ‘I’m totally writing that down I’m older. Queen wrote our theme song, and they didn’t even know it!’

Aunt Miracle scooped me up, giving me a nuzzle. “Thanks for the distraction, nephew. Did not want to have relationship talks with the folks today,” she whispered to me, patting my head. I returned her nuzzle, settling down in her grasp.

Dad smiled, looking at me. “Haven’t seen him this energetic in a while. I think it’s safe to say that this visit was good for him.” Turning to Grandma, he slicked his hair back. “You should be happy to know, Twi finally agreed to let me form her own guard division.”

A proud smile spread across Grandma’s muzzle. “Very good, it’s about time you became a full-fledged captain. If you need help requisitioning training equipment, don’t hesitate to ask me. Can I assume you have recruits in mind for your new division?”

“A few. I was actually hoping to get your input on a few of them. You do have more experience than me.”

“I’d be more than happy to lend a hoof,” Grandma assured, bowing her head. “Have to make sure the new guards are the best they can be.”

I checked out of the conversation at that point, climbing up onto Aunt Miracles head. I perched there, spreading my wing. I puffed my chest out, trying to add to my look. ‘I hereby claim this mountain in the name of Princess Twilight!’

Aunt Miracle chuckled, looking up at me. “Uh oh, looks like a certain prince is claiming a perch.” She picked me up and booped my nose. “Sorry little guy, but that property’s already been claimed by your favorite aunt.” Smiling, she started to tickle my stomach.

‘Gah! That’s not fair!’ I kicked my legs, squealing at the top of my lungs. She didn’t relent, tickling until tears started to form in my eyes. ‘Mercy! Mercy!’ I beg, flailing my limbs around. Sensing my discomfort, she stopped tickling me and sat me back down on her head. I released a sigh of relief, making myself comfy.

“You sure seem pretty good with Dusk,” Dad commented, watching her with a smile. “Seems like you’d be a great mom.”

Aunt Miracle’s feathers ruffled and she shot a look at Dad. “Can you not bring that up?” she whispered to him. “I really don’t need Mom and Dad to get on my case about that.”

Dad’s response was cut off by my yawn. ‘Yeah... I’m about due for a nap...’ I cover my mouth, yawning into my hoof.

Mom got up, scooping me into her hooves. “I think somepony needs a nap.” She smiled and looked at everyone. “I’ll put him down in Flash’s old room.” Mom carries me out of room, holding me close to her chest. “You know sweetie, you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

‘I love you too, Mom,’ I told her, nuzzling her chest. ‘You’re the best.’

Petting my head, Mom stepped into Dad’s old room. Placing me on the bed, some climbed on with me. Laying down, she raised her wing, offering me a place to cuddle. I couldn’t resist an offer like that and scooted in close to get embraced by her wings. I buried my head in her chest, doing my best to wrap my hooves around her.

Wrapping her wings around me, she laid her head down next to me. “Sweet dreams, Dusk.”

I yawned, the familiar warmth from her wings seeping through me as I drifted towards slumberland.

Glancing from the door to his mother, Flash shrugged. “Looks like Twilight’s decided to take a nap with Dusk.” It was rather common for them to use Dusk’s nap times for their own relaxation. It was the perfect excuse to ditch duties for an hour or two.

Freeze nodded, turning her attention from the hall to her son. “I believe we had certain matters to discuss.”

“Welp.” Iron got to his hooves, stretching his limbs out. “Dinners not gonna make itself. Come on, Bang, we’re cooking for two more tonight.” Gesturing towards his youngest, he trotted out of the room.

“Okay, Dad!” Bang trotted after his father. “What’re we cookin?” A bright smile spread across his face. “Can we have fish tacos tonight?!”

Smiling at his brother's enthusiasm, Flash took out a notepad. He and Freeze got into the details of what he called the 'midday guard’. Every so often, Miracle would chime in, the three of them talking well into the night.

A few days had passed since the family visit and Flash was watching as he had his new recruits run drills. He had picked a few cadets that were ready to have started training with the day and night guard. At the moment, they weren’t impressive, but he was hoping to turn them into some of Equestria’s finest.

Blowing into his whistle, he watched as the cadets scrambled into a line in front of him. “Good timing recruits,” he praised, walking along the line, eyeing each pony up. There were a good mix of ponies, including a strix and even a griffon. “I’m sure you’ve heard rumors that the first week of guard training is called Tartarus week. Well let me assure you that those rumors are absolutely,” he paused, letting his statement hang for a couple seconds, “true. I am going to push you past limits you didn’t even know you had. You’re going to call me every name in the book and hurt all over, but at the end of it all you’ll be the finest guards in Equestria.”

“Ponyville has never had much of a guard presence, and even with us it still doesn't.” Walking back along the line, he recalled his own time in training, which wasn't that long ago. “Our main duty is to protect Princess Twilight, her son, her brother and her student. Everything else is secondary.”

The recruits all gave a quick affirmation.

“Now, I want to see you complete those courses in three minutes!” Flash blew into his whistle, sending them scrambling.

The recruits all struggled, but most of them were able to complete the courses within the allotted time. Flash glanced out the corner of his eyes, spotting Twilight walking over, Dusk perched on her head.

“Attention!” Flash called out. “Royal family members here to see you maggots!”

“Hello everypony.” Twilight took a position next to Flash. “I thought I would come see some of your training for myself. I hope you’re giving Captain Sentry your all.”

“Yes, princess!” each of the recruits replied, giving her a salute. Dusk babbled softly, saluting them back.

Flash chuckled. “Well recruits, you’ve managed to earn the respect of a baby, good job.” He noted Dusk’s eyes were locked on the gryphoness, his gaze full of wonder. Something to keep in mind for later, but he couldn’t stop the training to let Dusk get a good look. “Alright, drop and give me fifty, recruits,” he barked.

Twilight kept silent, trusting Flash to his job. While she still had some reservations, knowing there would be ponies around to keep Dusk safe eased her mind. Of course, she’d look into getting Dusk a caretaker. Putting an ad in the paper was out. Considering the job was to watch a royal foal, she’d likely never be able to interview all the applicants that would show up. No, she’d have to go out and find somepony herself.

“Edo horu,” Dusk commented, watching a fully armored mare running through a series of rubber rings.

“Think the recruits are gonna be good guards?” Twilight asked, glancing up at her son. “When your father is done with them, they're gonna be the best guards in all of Equestria.”

“Garo!” Dusk cheered, pumping a hoof into the air. “Eho woduw!”

Twilight smiled and nodded. “Yup, just remember to be nice to them, Dusk. They’re going to put their lives on the line for your sake, so always show them the respect they deserve.”

“Ewo!” He chirped, thrusting his hooves into the air.

Twilight patted his head, a proud glint in her eyes. “That’s my boy.” cooing at him, she looked over at the guards. “Hopefully, they won't ever have to see action.” She continued to watch the guards for a little while, silently hoping that she would never have to deliver terrible news to the families of her new guards.

Lullaby For A Prince

Test day started with a nightmare. I don't clearly recall what it was about, but whatever it was I woke up screaming at the top of my lungs. This of course caused Mom and Dad to jump out of bed. In an instant, Mom scooped me up and started rocking me gently.

“Shh, it’s okay, sweetie,” Mom assured, stroking the top of my head. “Mommy’s here, the bad dreams can’t hurt you.”

I clung onto her for dear life, burying my face in her chest. Nightmares had been more and more common. They were even affecting my naps at this point.

“Another nightmare?” Dad asked, draping a wing over Mom and me. “I’m starting to think we should talk to a doctor about this.”

“That's not a bad idea.” Mom rocked me gently, rubbing my back. “Maybe we should talk to Luna? The dream world is her domain.”

“Even better,” Dad agreed, his expression softening a little. “I think we should get on the next train. Luna may not be a morning pony, but I think she’ll agree in a heartbeat to help.”

Mom nuzzled my cheek, sighing as I finally started to calm down. “Alright. I'll get him ready for the trip. Would you mind getting everything together for the tests?”

Dad smiled and gave both of us a kiss. “Of course not. Meet up in the foyer?” At Mom's nod, Dad trotted out of the room, leaving us alone.

Mom smiled as my sobs turned into sniffles and she trotted towards the closet to grab the diaper bag. “We’re going to make everything better, Dusky,” she whispered, voice full of maternal warmth.

'You say that now, but how will you look at me once you know?’ I asked, looking up at her, pathetically wiping at my nose. 'I should have been more careful...’

Mom stroked my mane and gave me a quick nuzzle before gathering her supplies. “No matter what, I’m going to make sure you’re safe,” she assured me, kissing my cheek before exiting the room.

'Thanks,’ I muttered, rubbing at my eyes. Recurring nightmares suck. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I dunno how I hadn't attracted Luna’s attention before that point. I've never asked her about it, but maybe she doesn’t keep an eye on baby dreams?

I spaced out as we left the castle, too busy dealing with my fears. Mom tried so hard to put a smile back on my face, but I just couldn't give her one. I wish I could’ve though, she looked so heartbroken each time she failed. Ignoring it the best I could, I tried to hide on her back.

We quickly met up with Dad and headed out for the train station. I would’ve been excited for my first train ride, but my fear only continued to grow with each passing moment. Curling up on Mom’s back, I hid my head under my hooves and uninjured wing. Mom tried to coax me out of hiding, but I didn’t budge.

“What do you think is bothering him so much?” Dad asked, draping his wing over me. “He looks terrible. We didn't screw up, did we?”

Mom frowned, looking back at me. “Faust I hope not.” She started to pet my mane. “I think figuring out the source of his nightmares will help.” I curled up tighter, a soft whimper escaping my throat.

“I hate feeling helpless like this,” Dad commented, grunting. “Just wish I could make Dusk feel better.”

‘They’re going to disown me. Toss me out like the little parasite I am’ I thought to myself, only making myself feel worse. My thoughts continued their downward spiral for the entire trip. I didn’t even realize what was going on around me as we passed through the gates of Canterlot Castle.

“Thank you for seeing us, Princess Luna,” Dad spoke, finally bringing me out of my self-loathing. “I realize this is short notice, but Dusk’s nightmares are getting out of hoof.”

Luna shook her head, a firm look in her eyes. “Nonsense, I am more than happy to help a foal in need.” She glanced at me, a smile forming on her lips. “Especially when said foal is of the royal family.”

I whine, feeling her nudge me. “Come now little one, there is no need to hide,” she cooed, her voice sounding like a light breeze. I peeked an eye out to take a quick look at her only to go right back under my hoof and wing. She clicked her tongue. “You were right to bring him. Come, let us go to my Chambers.”

Mom and Dad nodded, following her through the halls until we came to a grand bedroom. Mom lifted me off her back, setting me on the bed. “It's going to be alright, Dusk. I promise.”

‘Wait until after you hear the truth before you say that,’ I said, trembling. I peered out from my hiding place, glancing between the adults.

“This is quite the deep seated fear,” Luna commented, lighting up her horn. “But I believe my magic can unearth what the cause of these nightmares is.” Her aura then spread to my head, making it tingle.

I whimpered, wishing for a magic outburst; anything to get me out of that room. ‘Please don't tell them’ I mentally beg, tearing up.

The tingling grew after a while, Luna’s muzzle scrunched up in concentration. Then, as if in answer to my prayer, a flash surrounded the tip of her her and her aura died out. “Gah!” she cried in surprise. “Something has cut me off from Dusk.”

“What kind of something?” Dad asked, looking down at me. “What could keep you out?”

Luna frowned, turning to him. “I do not know, I’ve never encountered something like this before.” I felt her lay down on the bed next to me. “I can try to enter one of his dreams, though he would most likely be subjected to another nightmare.”

Mom frowned before letting out a sigh. “Do what you think is best, Luna.” I felt the tingle of magic wash over me. Tiredness hit me like a freight train, and despite my efforts, I slipped back into sleep.

It didn’t take long for the nightmare to hit me. I wanted to scream and wake up, but I couldn’t. I was in the castle again, sitting alone in my room. The normally welcoming, if childish, atmosphere was gone, and the crystal walls were now a darker color. The worst part was Mom and Dad. The smiles they wore when they normally greeted me with were gone and replaced with hateful sneers.

“M-mom?” I asked, looking up at her. My ears pinned back, and I shrank under their gaze. “I-I’m sorry...”

“Don’t call me that, parasite!” she roared, her wings flaring out. “You murdered my real son!” Her horn lit up and she lowered her head at me.

I whimpered, backing away slowly. “I-I didn't mean to...”

“Liar,” Dad growled, stalking towards me. “You killed Dusk so you could live the life of a prince.”

“No!” I shouted back, shaking my head vigorously. “I didn't mean to come here!”

“Liar!” they both shouted, starting to attack me. I screamed in fear, my dream self reduced to a wailing foal. I barely noticed that Luna had managed to worm her way in. After a moment, I opened my eyes, seeing Luna looking down at me.

She offered a kind smile, laying down next to me. “It’s alright now, Dusk Star. As long as I'm here, your dreams shall be peaceful.” Opening a wing, she gently pulled me closer. “Now I see what plagues your mind.”

I whimpered softly but otherwise remained silent. A part of me hoped that I could still keep my secret from her. Burying my face into her side, I simply cried into her coat.

Luna cooed softly, stroking my back. “All is well, little one. You are safe with me.” A soft lullaby passed her lips, and the dream realm around me shifted into a peaceful, moonlit meadow. When she gave no indication of knowing my secret, I relaxed slightly and settled in her grasp.

I came to sometime later, finding myself lying under Luna’s wing. Twitching my ears, I listen in on the ongoing conversation.

“...an old soul?” Mom questioned. “I’m not quite sure I follow, Luna.”

“Sometimes, a pony is born with memories or feelings from some other life,” Luna explained, sounding like she was speaking from experience. “To a newborn mind, these 'leftovers’ can cause much distress.”

“Will the nightmares stop now?” Dad pressed, glancing at me.

“That I cannot promise,” Luna replied. “That will fall on you two. From what I understood from his dream, Dusk is afraid you will reject him.”

Mom nodded and smiled. “Then there’s nothing to worry about. There is nothing in this world or beyond that could get me to reject Dusk.” I feel Mom nuzzling my cheek. “What a silly little pony you are.”

“That goes double for me!” Dad added, rubbing my head. “Family always sticks together. Especially in the Flash clan. I wouldn't be a very good dad if I left my son hanging.”

“Good to know the first alicorn colt is in good hooves.” Luna shifted, stretching out on her bed. “Now that you two are in Canterlot, I insist you stay for the day. I know my sister has been chomping at the bit to meet Dusk.”

Mom smiled. “If you insist then I guess we have no choice but to stay.” She leaned down, giving me a quick nuzzle. “How about it, honey, wanna meet mommy’s mentor?”

'I guess.’ I sat up, rubbing at my eyes. 'I do owe you a few smiles.’ Getting to my hooves, I looked up at Luna. 'Um... Thanks. I feel better, I think.’

Luna smiled at me, scratching behind my ear. “Have pleasant dreams from now on, little one.” With that she stretched and let out a yawn. “Speaking of which, I believe I have my own dreams to tend to.”

'Good morning.’ I hop off the bed, looking up at Mom. 'Hey um... I'm sorry I made you sad...’

Mom scooped me up, placing me on her back. “We won’t impose any longer. Thank you for all your help.” she blinked, receiving a soft snore in response. “Looks like Luna was more tired than she thought.”

“Either that or she’s a stranger to insomnia,” Dad said, leading Mom and I out of the room. Once we were out in the hall, he glanced at me. “So an old soul, huh? Wonder if Dusk will be able to tell us any of his old memories?"

“You heard Luna, they’ll probably bother him for sometime. Even if he has a few old memories, the rest of his mind is still forming,” Mom replied, leading Dad through the castle. “He might have nightmares for some time.”

Dad glanced between Mom and I for a moment. “At least we know what the problem is now, we just need to come up with a way to tackle it. Dusk sleeping in our bed isn’t enough anymore.”

“If I had to guess, his old memories are conflicting with how he understands the world. He knows we’re his parents, but those memories are telling him something different.”

“I sorta figured that much out,” Dad replied. “But what I don’t have an idea for solving this.” Leaning over, Dad kissed my cheek. “We’ll never leave you, Dusk.”

‘I really want to believe you,’ I replied, shifting on Mom’s back. I leaned my head over, returning the gesture to his nose. 'No, I do believe you.’

Dad smiled and rose his head up. “That’s my boy.” He fluffed his wings, puffing his chest out. “You’re looking better already.” Saluting to a few guards, he took on an air of professionalism.

Mom giggled, watching as Dad stood at attention. “You’re off duty, honey, you don’t have to act like you’re in boot camp.”

“I have to keep up my dignity, ya?”

Mom rolled her eyes. “You’re the captain, aren’t they supposed to be the ones saluting to you?” She poked his side. “I mean really, I hope Dusk doesn't inherit your ego.”

Dad scoffed, putting a hoof to his chest. “You wound me, princess. How could you possibly say I have an ego?”

'Hey man, you're mister 'too cool’ for school,’ I pipe up, smirking at him.

Dad let out an exaggerated sigh and hung his head. “My wife has turned our son against me. Do I have any allies? I bet you'll turn Spike against me next.”

Mom giggled again and batted at his side with a wing. “Oh yes, everypony’s out to get you, Flash. Soon, everypony will be chanting 'Down with Flash!’ with signs and everything.”

‘Personally, I think, ‘Bash the Flash’ would be a much better slogan,’ I chirped, snickering. 'Poor Dad, everyone's got it out for ya.’

Mom and Dad spent the rest of our trip down the hall teasing each other. It was one of the most sickeningly sweet things I’ve ever been witness too. Heartwarming, but too much for me.

I tensed up a little as we pass through a massive set of doors, into an even larger throne room. The room was long, at least as big as a football field. A stretch of carpet led to a small set of steps. Atop the steps was a pair of thrones with one being occupied by none other than Princess Celestia.

She was the tallest pony had I ever seen, easily standing higher than six foot. Just looking at her made me realize just how tiny I was at that moment. There was definitely a motherly air to her. It was like she would drop everything to be a shoulder to cry on for anyone.

“Twilight, Flash, it's good to see you again.” Rising up from her throne, Celestia walked towards us, a bright smile on her face. “Twilight, you look good. I hope you’ve been exercising.”

“Rainbow Dash has dragged me along on some of her workout routines,” Mom admitted, chuckling. “The soreness takes some getting used to, but I can’t argue with the results.”

Celestia’s smile turned mischievous, and she poked Mom’s belly with a wing. “I was talking about baby weight.”

Dad snickered while Mom blushed and put a hoof on her stomach. “I’ve been getting in some exercise, but you try working off the weight from an alicorn foal. It's not like Dusk zips around like Flurry does.”

Celestia giggled, letting a hoof hang in front of her mouth. “Cadance has mentioned in her letter’s that she’s started considering watching Flurry as a full body workout.” Her gaze then fell on me and a warm smile spread across her muzzle. “You and your cousin are as different as day and night, my little pony.”

'As I've been told’ I reached out, fascinated by her flowing mane. Cooing softly, I ran my hoof through it.

“May I?” Celestia asked, pointing a hoof at me as she looked between Mom and Dad. With their permission, she lifts me off Mom’s back. “Hello there, Dusk Star.” She tilted her head down, letting me get a better reach at her mane.

‘Hi, Sunbutt,’ I replied, running my hooves through her mane and giggling from the tingly feeling. 'How are you doing that? Is Mom’s mane gonna do that? Will mine?’ I then snickered as I pictured an older version of myself with a beard that moved like Celestia’s mane. ‘Okay, that would be cool. Would be hard to eat out of a bowl though.’

Celestia giggled, holding me close to her chest. “My, he certainly is a talkative one. Reminds me of his mother after a study session.” She gave Mom a mischievous look.

'Mom wants me to talk so, I talk.’

“You are just too precious,” Celestia said, tickling my nose with a tip of her wing. “it's about time the royal family had a few stallions. I was afraid we've have nothing but princesses!”

“Then maybe you and Luna should have some foals,” Dad said, pointing a hoof at her. “You can’t expect Twilight and Cadance to be the only royal mothers. Or do you two like the idea of being the most eligible bachelorettes eternally?”

Celestia's smile turned a little sad, and she shifted me onto her back. “Raven, would you be a dear and cancel court for the rest of the day?”

The mare beside Celestia’s throne nodded and used a quill to scratch something out. “Consider it done, Princess. I’ll go inform the guards at the door and let them know not to let anypony else in.” With that, she trotted out of the room.

I giggled, my body immersed in Celestia's mane. 'Geez, it's like every inch of it is tickling me!’

“Oh!” Mom shot up. “We visited your sister too. See, Dusk was having nightmares and apparently it’s because he has an old soul.”

Celestia giggled, leading us to a side room. “That's a bit of a misnomer; all ponies have old souls, it's just that, the vast majority are born as clean slates.”

“Have you seen this sort of thing before?” Dad questioned. “Luna seemed to have been speaking from experience on the subject.”

“More than a few, though but that might be due to our age. I know Starswirl had old memories, he used to keep a journal detailing his research on the matter.” Celestia laid down on a couch, placing me in her hooves.

“Fascinating,” Mom said, her and Dad taking a seat across from Celestia. “I have to wonder what Dusk will be able to share about his old memories.”

“They may fade on their own.” Celesta rubbed my head, gazing down at me.

‘I don’t think my memories are gonna fade,’ I commented, relaxing as Celestia scratched behind one of my ears. 'At least I hope they don't.’ I shuddered at the thought of losing my memories. It would basically be losing who I am.

Everything seemed normal in the streets of Canterlot. Ponies were going about their day with nobles holding their noses high into the air. No one even noticed as arcs of electricity appeared in an alley and an orb of white light formed. Once the last of the light faded, a young foal dropped to the ground.

“M-mother!” Scrambling to his hooves, he glanced around in a panic. This turned out to be a bad idea, the light of the sun burning his eyes.

“Gah!” He covered his eyes with the back of a hoof while he stumbled out of the alley. “What in the merciful name of the Night Mistress is that?!”

“Mother!” He called out again, pushing into the crowded street. “Where are you!”

Ponies pretended not to notice the colt, carrying on with their day as he squeezed past their legs. One particularly rude mare shoved him to the ground, muttering a curse of 'shade-blood’.

He growled as he got up, shooting a glare at her. He debated for a moment if he should retaliate before deciding he had more pressing matters to deal with.

From the architecture, he knew he was in Canterlot; the former seat of power. Princess Nightmare Moon had abandoned it, shortly after her return to power. However, he knew of ponies that hadn’t abandoned the city. He quickly found a street sign and changed his course with a familiar destination in mind.

Rushing up to the door, he banged on it as hard as he could. “Grandma! Grandpa! Please, let me in!”

A few moments later and Twilight Velvet opened the door, a confused look on her muzzle. “What’s this about grandma and grandpa?”

The colt rushed forward, wrapping his arms around her neck. “Grandma! Mom’s gone, I-I dunno where.” A whimper emitted from his throat as he buried his muzzle in her neck.

While it was clear that she had no idea what was going on, Velvet couldn’t do nothing for this foal. “Come inside, sweetie. How about I get you something from the kitchen and you tell me everything?”

The colt nodded, letting Velvet lead him inside. Out of the bright light, he blinked, eyes adjusting to the milder light. “A-aren't you worried about that big thing in the sky? Where's the moon?”

“The big thing in the sky?” Velvet questioned, rummaging through her cupboards until she had everything she needed for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. “Are you talking about the sun?”

“T-the sun?!” The colt’s eyes went wide, full of fear. “B-but Princess Nightmare Moon banished the sun!”

Velvet frowned, quickly making a sandwich. “For all of one day maybe, but Twilight and her friends returned her to being Luna.”

“Mom would never do that!” The colt shouted, lips pulled back to reveal a set of fangs. He stomped his hoof, glaring at her “She’s loyal to the princess! She'd never betray her like Uncle Shining!”

Velvet didn’t flinch from his outburst, wheels turning in her head. “Honey, Twilight has been Princess Celestia’s student for years. And Shining Armor is with Cadance in the Crystal Empire.”

“That's not true!” The colt argued, tears forming in his eyes. “Mom never got into the Tyrant Sun’s school! That's why she was so proud of me when Princess Nightmare took me as her student!”

Velvet poured a glass of milk, slid it and the sandwich in front of the colt and levitated a few pictures from the family room. “Maybe that’s how you remember things, but here, Twilight hatched the egg given to her and the Sparkle family gained a new member.” She displayed a family photo that included a newborn Spike.

“No!” The colt’s horn lit up, sending the photos across the kitchen. “It's not true! Where's my mom! I-I want to see her!” Choking back a sob, the colts legs trembled, threatening to give out.

Velvet pulled the colt into a hug and stroked his mane. “Twi-your mother is in Ponyville right now. I don't know what happened sweetheart, but you’ll always be safe here.”

The colt whimpered, holding onto her for dear life. Velvet took a moment to take in the colt’s appearance. He was a light grey with a short mane and tail that were a dark blue with purple running through it. Despite his being a unicorn, he had the tuft ears and fangs of a strix.

“Sweetie, what's your name?” Velvet asked, rocking him ever so slowly.

“Sabre Light,” he answered, sniffling softly.

“That's a nice name.” Velvet smiled, kissing his head. “Now, how about we get that belly of yours full!” Picking him up, she placed Sabre into a seat at the table. He took the offered food from before, nibbling it slowly.

He looked up at her, looking like he was about to say something before deciding against it.

“Yes sweetie?” Velvet asked, taking a seat across from him. “You can tell me anything, that's what grandmothers are for.”

“Umm, do you have any meat?” Sabre questioned, looking up at her with a weak smile.

Velvet nodded, rising from her seat. “We keep a bit in the freezer for Spike. I'll get you some.”

Sabre brightened up, taking bigger bites of his sandwich. “I would’ve been okay if you didn’t. Strix and strix hybrids like me also like things like mangos.”

“Nonsense.” Velvet smiled, pinching his cheek. “It's a Granny's job to spoil her grandbabies. Your brother already knows that.”

Sabre giggled, weakly batting at her hoof. “You say that where I’m from too.” Pausing, he eyed her intently. “Brother?”

“Well a half-brother I’m sure, but yes, your mother recently had a little colt named Dusk Star,” she told him with a smile. “He's an adorable little thing, Equestria’s first male alicorn!”

Sabre did a spit take, covering Velvet’s face in milk. “How did a unicorn give birth to an alicorn?!”

Velvet calmly wiped the milk off her face. “Your mother became an alicorn a little over a year ago. She's the princess of Friendship.”

Sabre gaped, babbling incoherently for a little while. He stared blankly at the wall, one of his eyes twitching every so often..

“Velv! I'm home!” Night Light called, the sounds of the front door closing behind him. “Did anything happen while I was gone?”

“Why don’t you come to the kitchen and find out!” Velvet called back, a mischievous smile on her face. She winked at Sabre, stifling a giggle.

Night stepped into the room, oblivious to Sabre for a moment as he planted a kiss on his wife’s lips. “So, what’d you want me to see~?” He wiggled his eyebrows only for Velvet to turn his head to Sabre. “Oh! We have a guest! Who's this?”

“Grandson from an alternate universe,” Velvet quickly explained. “He just appeared at the door an hour ago.”

“Twilight?” Night questioned, looking at his new grandson before settling his gaze on his wife. At her nod, he rubbed his neck. “Not something you hear everyday.”

“Few things with our daughter are typical,” Velvet reminded him with a giggle, trotting to the freezer and rummaging through it. “I have fish, chicken or pork. Which would you prefer?” she asked, looking over her shoulder at Sabre.

“Umm fish please,” Sabre spoke, looking between his grandparents.

“Can do!” Velvet pulled the fish out and prepped the oven. She hummed a tune to herself as she grabbed a pan and spices in her magic.

“You controlled your temper nicely.” Celestia sipped at her tea. It was dusk now, and soon the sisters would have to perform their duties. “I know this whole mess has been bothering you.”

Luna suppressed a groan, stirring at a fresh cup of her own. “Can we just pretend the tomato incident never happened?”

“You were the one who wanted him to be 'thrown into a deep dark hole.’”

“I know, but I just got to meet Dusk today and I don’t want to think about distasteful things until the trial itself.” Luna snorted as she grabbed a scone and dipped it in her tea. “Honestly, I could still rant and rave about how that loathsome stallion should be cause enough to bring back the stocks as a form of punishment.”

“Just the stockades?” Celestia questioned, frowning at her. “I know you better than that, Luna.” Pouring some more tea, she mixed in some milk. “You don't have to hold back with me.”

Luna grumbled, setting her cup down. “No, there are other methods of punishment that have been retired, but you’ve made it clear that times have changed. I would like to adapt at least a little bit.”

“Very mature of you.” Celestia smiled, looking out the window. “You know, Flash suggested we make some foals ourselves.”

Luna sighed, staring out the window with her sister. “We do have the luxury of more free-time thanks to Twilight shouldering some of our burden. Though, finding suitors interested in us as mares rather than chasing our title would be a challenge.”

“Very much so. There is the chance those foals won’t be alicorns. That they would be mortal.”

“The fact that Twilight and Cadance both have had alicorn foals does bolster my confidence in that front,” Luna offered. “And if they were born mortal, we could always do what you did with Twilight and gently nudge them on the path to ascension.”

Nodding, Celestia turned back to Luna. “Do you have anypony in mind?”

Luna chuckled, a small smile on her face. “Unfortunately no, I have only been back a short time and much of it has been spent learning how much times have changed. What about you, Tia, has there been anypony to catch your eye in these recent years?”

“Perhaps...” Celestia smiled cryptically, finishing her cup. Setting it down, she rose up, taking the sun in her magic.

Luna let out a giddy giggle, taking the moon in her own magic. “Come now, Tia, you can’t just leave it at that. Tell me who it is that you have feelings for.”

With the sun in it's resting place, Celestia turned and walked out of the room. “Good night Luna.”

Luna chased after her sister, a pout on her muzzle. “Tia, you can trust me with a secret!” she whined. She groaned as Celestia ignored her, and continued towards her room.

The Foalsitting Trio

Mom rushed around the room, gathering up things to put in my diaper bag. It was impressive how she fluttered around the room and quickly found whatever it was that she was looking for. I had no idea what the rush was for, but apparently we were going out somewhere important. Once Mom had placed the last item in the bag, Dad walked in wearing his armor with his spear at his side.

“Are you nearly done getting everything ready?” Dad asked, fixing a strap on his breastplate. “I mean, we’re not going to be very long.”

“I packed the bag for a full day just in case,” Mom replied, slinging the bag onto her back. “Just in case we get delayed for some reason.” She trotted over to me and picked me up, cradling me close to her chest. “What about you? Did you figure out who’s in charge of the Midday Guard while you’re gone?”

Dad flashed her a prideful smile. “Heh, haven't even been formed for a week, and you've already taken to the name.” Remembering the question, he continued. “I'm thinking of LT. Night Fury.”

Mom nodded, walking over to the door. “Okay, that’s the strigoi mare, right?” Glancing down at me, Mom sighed. “I wish we didn't have to take Dusk.”

“Maybe we shouldn’t?” Dad replied, looking down at me. “I don’t think a prisoner transport is something we need him to see. We’ve got some time before our train arrives, why not see if we can find a sitter for him?”

“Starlight's out, I'm not sure about the rest of the girls.” Mom frowned, rubbing my back. “It is short notice after all.”

“The worst thing that’ll happen is that our plan goes unchanged,” Dad pointed out, adjusting his spear. “We’ll just keep Dusk out of sight.” Glancing at me, he frowns. “And hope Dusk doesn't decide to break his quiet streak.”

Mom nodded, placing me on her back. “You’re right, let’s go. We can start with Pinkie since she’s closest.”

‘Hanging out with actual babies could get a little weird,’ I comment, settling down between Mom’s shoulders. 'Though, playing with Skyla is really fun.’

Mom and Dad walked out of the castle, Dad saluting at his guards as we headed into town. As soon as his back was turned, a mare who I assume was Night Fury took that as her cue to order them to disperse and attend to their duties.

We step out of the castle, and proceed to visit each of my aunt's in turn. Unfortunately for my parents, all of them were busy. Rarity was working on her backlog, Pinkie was working, Fluttershy was visiting her parents, Dash was at practice and Applejack had a few deliveries to make. Just when they were about to give up, a yellow filly with a red mane and a pink bow popped up in front of us.

“Hey Twilight!” She greeted with a wide grin. “The girls and Ah could watch yer foal for ya!”

Two other fillies appeared besides her, reflecting the first filly’s smile. Mom and Dad shared a look, seeming to have an unspoken conversation between themselves. After a few seconds, Mom turned back to them.

“Okay, you can watch Dusk,” she told them, levitating my diaper bag over to them. “But be careful, a foal is a big responsibility, even for a day.” Setting me down, Mom gave me a warm hug. “Be a good colt, okay?”

I saluted, smiling at her as I gave her a goodbye kiss. ‘You don’t have to worry about that, Mom.’ That seemed to brighten her up, and I turned to the fillies. 'Greetings comrades, I am your future overlord.’

“Aww, look how cute he is!” the unicorn filly beamed, picking me up gently. She gave me a nuzzle and started to engage in baby talk. “Whose a cutie? You are! Yes you are!”

‘Niet!’ I threw my hooves up. ‘Your overlord is displeased with this form of worship!’ I giggle at my own antics, waving at Mom. 'Don’t let Dad do anything dumb!’

Dad smiled and tousled my mane. “Alright, Dusk, we’ll be back soon. Have fun and keep these three out of trouble, okay?”

'I’ll do my best.’ I salute again, grinning up at him.

“Aww, the little guy thinks he’s a guard,” the orange pegasus filly said, her wings buzzing on her back. “Maybe he can show us some of his moves!”

‘Da, I will teach you my secrets and together we will create a worker’s paradise!’ I threw my hooves up and started laughing maniacally. I know, I heavily overplayed the Soviet thing, but come on, I was having fun. Plus, I had to put that AP Euro History class to good use somehow. Anyway, once Mom and Dad were gone, the three fillies surrounded me and started listing off plans.

A small whimper escaped my lips, and I found myself staring off after my parents. Of course, I had been away from them before, but that was never really longer than an hour or two. Now I had to spend most of a day without them.

“Uh oh, he looks like he’s about to cry,” the unicorn filly said, looking between the other two. “Should we try to make him feel better with a toy or something?” She lit her horn up, levitating a rattle over to me. She shook it for me, offering me a smile. “Here you go, Dusk. It’s okay.”

I continued to whimper, turning away from the rattle with a pout. ‘Rattles aren’t my thing, squeaky voiced pre-teen.’

“Ah don’t think that’s gonna work,” the earth pony commented, frowning at me. She gently picked me up and rocked me. “There, there, little fella,” she cooed, continuing to rock me. “We’re gonna take good care o’ ya.”

I relax, holding onto her. ‘Alright, that's better.’ I nuzzle her neck, looking up at her.

She smiled and scratched behind one of my ears. “That’s a good boy. Gotta be a tough colt like yer pa, right?” Turning to the others, she gestured to me. “See? Ain’t that hard.”

“Wow! You’re a natural, Apple Bloom!” the orange filly praised, beaming at her friend. She then smirked and nudged Apple Bloom’s side with an elbow. “I bet you’ll make a great mom someday.”

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. “Very funny, Scootaloo. Les just worry about foalsittin’ fer now.”

“Okay!” the white squeaker chimed in. “How about we take Dusk here to the clubhouse? That’s way more comfortable than the middle of the field.” The other girls voiced their agreement, taking me into the apple orchard. We eventually came to a treehouse that had a ramp leading up to it. The inside was pretty small but there was some basic furniture in there that made it seem comfy.

Applebloom set me down, patting my head. “Well, what do ya think?” She swept her arms out, putting the whole room on display. “This is our club house! We help ponies find their cutie marks here.”

‘It’s simple, but it’s alright I guess,’ I told her, waving a hoof around the room. ‘Maybe put in a roundtable for meetings though? Actually, it might not be big enough for that.’

Apple Bloom sat down and placed the diaper bag Mom left her on the floor. “Alright, Ah think we should take turns on diaper duty. How are we gonna decide who does it first?” Looking up, she frowned as both her friends decided to look away and whistle. “Oh no, y’all ain’t gettin’ out of this.” She trotted over to a table and found some popsicle sticks and a red marker. After some quick work she held out the sticks to the other two. “Whoever gets the marked stick changes Dusk first,” she said firmly. “Now pick.”

‘Geez, I had no idea ponies would draw straws over me.’ I watched with interest, giggling at this strange turn of events. ‘Am I really that special?’

The two gulped, hesitantly reaching out and taking one of the popsicle sticks. Apple Bloom opened her hoof, revealing that her stick lacked a mark. The unicorn was the next to open her hoof, her stick bare as well.

“Oh come on!” Scootaloo huffed, opening her hoof to see that her stick was marked. “That’s not cool!”

“You got the first diaper duty fair and square,” the unicorn told her. “And if it makes you feel better, you can choose who goes next.” Turning to the diaper bag, she opened it, taking stock of it’s contents. “Oh hey, Twilight left instructions!”

“Well don’t leave us hanging, tell us what they say!” the pegasus chirped, buzzing her wings.

The unicorn scrutinized the list, rubbing her chin. “Well, it says that Dusk’s naps usually last an hour, if he gets fussy give him Smarty Pants the second, please don’t discourage him from babbling.” she listed off a few more things, going down the list. “Oh! This looks important! His bandages can come off today!”

“That’s great news!” The pegasus beamed. “I bet he’s hated having his wing restricted like that.” She turned to Apple Bloom with a grin. “Let me hold him so I can unwrap his bandages, I know how to be careful with a wing.”

‘Uh... I don’t like the look of that grin,’ I muttered, glancing at my pinned wing. I fidget, whining a little. After what felt like forever, I just wanted it off. After having a taste of flight, I was itching to get back to it.

Apple Bloom handed me over to the pegasus who cradled me and gripped the edge of the bandages. She carefully started unweaving it, freeing my feathers to the air. “There!” Scootaloo smiled, buzzing her wings. “You’re finally free!”

I flexed my wing, feeling a grin spread on my face. I reacquainted myself with my flight muscles before flapping my wings and took to the air. Buzzing around the room, I giggled and cooed, enjoying the feeling of wind through my feathers.

“Wow, look at him go!” the unicorn cheered, giggling as she watched me fly in circles. “He’s a natural!”

I giggled at the praise, doing a quick loop in response. ‘Oh yeah! I missed this so much!’ hovering in the air, I take stock of the fillies. I tilt my head, noting the jealous looks Scootaloo gave me. Descending to her level, I hug her neck. ‘Hey, um sorry if I did something wrong.’

After a moment, her look softened and she patted my head. “You’re welcome little guy. Does your wing hurt at all?”

‘Nope!’ I pull away, fluttering out of the clubhouse. ‘I can touch the sky!’ I exclaimed, though I didn’t risk going higher than the club house. I wasn’t that good of a flier, and I didn’t want to end up in the hospital again.

“Hey little guy, come down now!” Sweetie Belle called out, holding up Smarty Pants the second in her hooves. She offers a smile, using her magic to move Smarty’s limbs. “Smarty can’t fly, and he could really use a hug!”

‘Oh please, there’s no way that’ll work.’ As I said this I drifted down towards the doll. ‘Okay, so maybe it did.’ I looked at her while hugging Smarty. I dropped onto my hooves, holding the doll close. ‘Happy now?’

Sweetie smiled and patted my head. “You’re so well behaved, Dusk. Why can’t you be this behaved for my sister?” She boops my nose. “She’s always telling me about how you won’t sit still for measurements.”

‘She always makes the tape too tight on me,’ I retorted, bouncing Smarty a little. ‘And I’m pretty sure she wants to play dress up with me.’ I transferred the doll onto my back, getting a few daws from the trio.

“If this keeps up then our first time babysittin’s gonna be a huge success!” Apple Bloom cheered, holding her hoof up.

The other fillies put their hooves to hers and the free of them chanted. “Cutie Mark Crusaders foalsitters!” the three of them shared a good long laugh, all smiles. Even then, I could tell it was some old ritual between them. Too bad all the shouting made my ears hurt.

I whimpered, my ears flattening against my head and tears welling up in my eyes. I sniffled, doing my best not to burst into tears.

Apple Bloom reacted in an instant and cradled me. She rocked me gently and cooed softly in my ear. “We’re sorry, Dusk, we’ll keep it down from now on.” She leaned down and kissed my forehead. “Promise.”

“Oh! I got an idea!” Scootaloo bounced up and down. “Let’s try to figure out what Dusk’s cutie mark will be!”

“How are we supposed to do that?” Apple Bloom asked, giving Scootaloo a pointed look and indicating for her to keep it down. “He’s a baby, his talents right now are nappin’ and bein’ cute.” Setting me down, she replaced Smarty on my back. “Sides’, he barely understands what's happenin’ around him.”

‘Oi! Don’t go insulting my intelligence like that!’ I barked, shaking a hoof at her. ‘Just because I can’t talk yet doesn’t mean anything!’

Sweetie Belle seemed to ignore my ranting, tapping her chin with a hoof. “Well, Twilight’s cutie mark is for magic, and Flash is a guard, so maybe Dusk’s talent will be in combat magic?”

Apple Bloom frowned, pulling me close to her. “We’re not teachin’ a foal how to fight. Especially one that just got a bandage off.”

Sweetie Belle shook her head, a horrified look on her face. “Of course not! I was just speculating, that’s all.”

“Good.” Apple Bloom nodded, loosening her grip on me. “Anyway, Ah’m sure the three of us can think of a few things to keep a foal occupied!” Brightening up, she nudged me forward. “Ah know! We can give him a tour of Sweet Apple Acres!”

“That’s a great idea!” Sweetie agreed. “I bet Granny Smith would love to give him a special treat at the end of the tour!”

With our path set, the girls lead me through the orchard. I had to hand it to them, they made sure to keep me occupied. They even made sure I couldn’t wander off, with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo at my sides, and Sweetie Belle behind me. Not that I wanted to wander off, but certain things did catch the attention of my baby instincts. The orchard itself was beautiful and obviously well taken care of.

Apple Bloom was all chatter at this point, telling me about the history of her farm. ‘Ever get tired of Apples?’ I asked, looking up at her. ‘I am the crystal palace is starting to get stale.’

“Sorry, if Ah seem t’be ramblin’,” Apple Bloom told me, patting my head. “Ah just take a lot o’ pride in mah family”

‘I don’t mind. I like history. It was my best subject.’ I lean into her hoof, nuzzling it.

Apple Bloom smiled and continued with the tour, detailing anything that popped in her head. “And here’s the house!” she proclaimed, gesturing to a rather nice looking, southern style home. “Pretty nice huh?”

‘Seems pretty cozy,’ I replied. I adjusted Smarty on my back and flew up just over the trio’s heads to get a better look. A bit of movement caught my eye, and I saw a large, red stallion stepping out of the barn, pulling a cart behind him. I decided to fly over to him, hover in front of his face and wave. ‘Hi there. I didn’t know ponies came in your size aside from Princess Celestia.’

He gave me an appraising look, then glanced over at Bloom. “This Twilight’s foal?”

“Yup, say hello to Dusk Star!” Bloom beamed and waved a hoof over to me. “He’s really well behaved. Dusk, this is Applejack and I’s brother, Big Mac!” Smirking, she looked between the two. “Dusk’s a real chatter box, like you used to be.”

I couldn’t help but giggle at his name. ‘Big Mac? Funny, you don’t look like a cheeseburger to me. Do you have a twin brother named Whopper?’ Landing on his head, I make myself comfy. ‘Hope you don’t mind, I didn’t think this seat was taken.’

“Yer right, he sure does talk a lot.” Big Mac glanced up at me. “Comfy?” He chuckles at my smile. “Boy sure likes to make himself at home.”

“He sure does,” Apple Bloom agreed, giggling. “He eats up attention too!”

‘I guess I did get my dad’s ego.’ I puffed my chest out, trying to imitate the blustering behavior I had seen Dad display.

This earned a giggle and a series of d’awws from the trio of fillies. “Look at him go.” Scootaloo gestures up at me.

“If this keeps up he might have an ego that could rival Rainbow Dash’s,” Apple Bloom pointed out.

“Nah, he’s just acting like his dad,” Scootaloo spoke, looking up at me. “Pegasus males tend to display more often. Usually when they want to show off or be tough, Flash Sentry does it a lot, if you pay attention. Dusk is just trying to be like him.”

“Ah guess there are worse ponies to imitate than a guard captain,” Apple Bloom commented. “Ah guess the sayin’, like father, like son is gonna apply t’Dusk in spades.”

That only served to egg me on. I puffed my chest out, extended my wings, and got comfy on Mac’s head. ‘Big Mac, you have the best head to perch on.’

Sweetie tilted her head, putting a hoof to her chin. “If Dusk is gonna be like his dad, does that mean he’ll be a guard?” She scratched her chin. “Can prince’s even join the guard?”

“Sweetie Belle, I said he was copying his dad’s behavior, not his career choice.” Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “Foals pick up a lot of tribal habits from their parents. It’s why Pumpkin and Pound act like earth ponies.”

“Since when are ya so knowledgeable about all this?” Apple Bloom questioned. “Aren’t ya barely awake in Miss Cheerilee’s class most days?”

Scootaloo blushed, suddenly rather shy. “Well, my Auntie Lofty is a behavioral expert. I thought, given our talents, that that kinda thing would be useful.” Sneaking a furtive glance at her friends, she pressed on. “I actually kinda like it.”

Sweetie Belle beamed. “Good thinking, Scootaloo! Understanding our clients’ behavior is a great way to help their issues.” Tilting her head, Sweetie eyed Scootaloo quizzically. “You know, I’ve never seen you with any pony from your family before.”

Scootaloo chuckled weakly and rubbed her neck. “You haven’t? That’s so weird. Guess we’ve never bumped into each other while I’m out with her.”

Apple Bloom frowned, moving to stand with Sweetie Belle. “Scoots, have ya been hiding yer family from us?”

Scootaloo flinched before gaping at them. “What? How can you think that? I mean, you’ve been in my house before.” She put on a smile that I’m guessing she thought looked natural.

Sweetie stepped closer, putting a hoof on Scootaloo’s shoulder. “Scoots, you can tell us. I promise we won’t judge you. Crusaders forever, remember?” Offering a kind smile, she motioned for Apple Bloom to do the same.

Scootaloo turned her head down for a few moments before letting out a sigh. “Alright, alright. I’ll talk.” Fluffing her wings, Scootaloo’s ears flicked back. “My parents aren’t around all that much, so I stay with my aunt and her wife.”

Sweetie and Apple Bloom put hooves around her back and offered her a smile. “There ain’t no shame in that,” Apple Bloom told Scootaloo. Her look then hardened and she poked Scootaloo’s chest. “But ya gotta introduce us to yer aunty, she sounds nice.”

“I uh... okay.” Scootaloo nodded her head, quickly sharing Apple Bloom’s smile. “Why don’t we head there after Dusk meets Granny?”

“Sounds like a plan to me!” Sweetie chimed, hopping into the air for a brief moment. “Come on, I bet Granny will love Dusk.” Levitating me off Mac’s head and onto her back, Sweetie galloped into the home.

Mac waved goodbye as the other two joined her inside. Sweetie slid to a stop into the kitchen where an elderly pony was washing some pots. “Hi, Granny Smith!” Sweetie greeted, smiling up at her.

Granny turned, a smile on her face as she used the hoof holding a washcloth to wave. “Well howdy there dearies.” Her eyes then lit up when she noticed me. “Well look what we have here, wasn’t expectin’ t’have royalty visit today.”

“We’re foalsitin’ fer Twilight!” Bloom explained, gesturing to me. “We’re showin’ Dusk here ‘round the farm. Ah thought you’d like ta meet him.”

“‘Course I would!” Granny enthused, reaching over and patting my head. “Hey there, little fella, would Equestria’s favorite prince like t’try some o’ my apple treats?” Humming to herself, she gently prodded my mouth. “Ah well, jus cuz ya don’t have any chompers yet, don’t mean ya can’t have anything. Bloom, could ya get some applesauce from the fridge?”

“Can do!” Apple Bloom trotted over to the fridge and rooted around in it. After a few moments, she pulled out a large bowl of applesauce and trotted to the cupboards. Once it was in a smaller bowl she turned to me with a spoonful in her hoof. “There ya go, Dusk, have some tasty sauce.”

I don’t fuss, eagerly opening my mouth. A coo of delight passed over my lips as I swallow the first spoonful down. Sweet Apple Acres really has the best apples anywhere, even other Apple family farms. I eagerly opened my mouth again, allowing Bloom to feed me with no complaint.

“And another happy pony that likes mah cookin’!” Granny beamed and slung the washcloth over her shoulder.

I nodded enthusiastically, patting my stomach. ‘Oh yeah, that’s amazing.’ I burped as soon as the last spoonful hit my stomach. My hoof found its way into my mouth, and I watched as Scootaloo passed Granny Smith a bottle of milk.

“”Little guy probably needs lunch about now,” the filly explained, Mom’s instructions in her hoof. “Plus, it says here to give him a bottle after foal food.”

“Gotta listen t’Momma,” Granny said, filling a pot with some water and setting it on the stove. Flicking the burner on, she placed the bottle in the pot. “Ya’ll just wait a few minutes now, Dusk. You’ll get yer drink in a bit.”

‘I can wait,’ I assured her, waving my hoof. ‘I’m a little full thanks to your sauce.’ I settled down and listened to the older ponies talked, most of it was gushing over me. It felt really nice, no one had really given me this attention in my other life. Then again, I don’t exactly remember my first time as a baby, maybe there was gushing then too.

Once the bottle was ready Granny Smith scooped me up, holding it for me. I latched onto it without complaint and started to drink. I sighed happily, closing my eyes as I drained the bottle. Things were simple then, even if I couldn’t enjoy the advantages of being an adult there were still a lot of things to enjoy. Like being able to say anything I wanted with no real consequences. That never ceased to be a source of amusement for me, as has been made abundantly clear.

At some point during my meal, I fell asleep in Granny’s arms. Luckily, this nap didn’t have any nightmares; only a strange dream about Mom as a stack of pancakes. When I came to, I found myself in a living room, having been tucked in on a couch. I looked around, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes.

‘What’d I miss?’ I asked, yawning. No one else was around me, but I heard murmurs coming from another room. ‘Hello?’ Taking to the air, I followed the voices to their source.

I came to a kitchen with the girls and two mares I didn’t recognize sitting at a table. One was a blue pegasus with a scarf around her neck and a purple mane and tail, The other was a pink earth pony mare with a necklace and a two toned brown mane.

‘Um, hi.’ I buzzed over to the table, hugging Smarty close. ‘Are you Scootaloo’s aunts?’

“Well look who’s up,” the pink mare said with a smile. She reached over and scratched behind my ear. “Was the couch comfy for you, sweetie?” Gently guiding me over, she got me settled into her lap. “Has our Scoots been taking good care of you?”

“Of course I have,” Scootaloo said proudly, thumping a hoof to her chest. “I’ve been following the directions Princess Twilight gave us to a T.” Turning to the other girls, she puffed her chest up. “Ain’t that right girls?”

The two giggled and rolled their eyes. “We’ve all been workin’ hard, Ms. Holiday,” Apple Bloom answered.

“That’s good to hear,” Holiday nodded, rubbing my head. “Maybe if you keep this up, Princess Twilight will make you Dusk’s regular foalsitters?”

“If she does, be sure to bring him around here!” the blue mare chirped. “I would love to write a paper on the behaviors of an infant alicorn.”

“Now Lofty, I know you’re excited, but I still think you should talk to the princess first.” Holiday bounced me a bit. “He’s a foal, not a test subject.”

Lofty waved her hoof dismissively. “Oh, please, dear, Princess Twilight is a mare of science. I have no doubt in my mind that she’d approve of me observing Dusk’s behavior. It’s not like I’m asking to hook him up to machines. My work is non-intrusive.”

‘I mean, as long as you give me a cut of the profits that's all good.’ I wriggled out of Holiday’s grasp, hopping onto the table. Deciding to throw Lofty a bone, I puffed myself up, pushing my chest out.

Lofty grinned and clapped her hooves together. “Classic pegasus display, all this attention must make him want to show off.” Grabbing a pencil and a notepad, she began to scribble down notes.

Holiday chuckled and turned to Scootaloo. “And there she goes. Knew it wouldn’t take her long to geek out over studying Dusk.” Getting a bit serious, she took the instruction sheet from the girls. “Did the princess say when she’d be back?”

“No, she didn’t give us an exact timeframe,” Sweetie answered, shaking her head. “Must have slipped her mind.

“Let’s see if she put it in her note,” Scootaloo said. She was quiet for a while as her eyes roved over the page. “Okay, it says that she hopes to only be gone for a few hours but she did pack the bag for a full day in case she gets delayed for some reason.”

Holiday nodded, setting the note down. “Well you’ll need a place for him to sleep if she’s gone all day.” Glancing at Lofty, she stood up. “Would you mind letting Dusk sleep on one of your cloud pillows.? Just in case he needs another nap.”

Lofty looked up from her notepad with a smile. “Of course he can sleep on one of them. How could I say no to a cutie like this?” She reached over and scratched behind one of my ears. During my display, I lean into her hoof, cooing in approval.

Holiday smiled and propped up her chin on her hooves. “Yeah, Dusk is cute, but Scoots was a much cuter foal.” Her smile turned mischievous as she turned to Sweetie and Apple Bloom. “Would you care to see some baby pictures?”

“Aunt Holiday, no!” Scootaloo whined, buzzing her wings frantically. “You can’t show them those!”

“We’d love to!” Sweetie and Apple Bloom cheered in unison, throwing their hooves into the air and giggling up a storm. They shared a conspiratorial grin, rubbing their hooves together.

Holiday stood up, her grin growing. “Then I’ll be right back with some photo albums.” She turned and trotted towards the living room I had woken up in. Returning, she placed a thick book on the table. “Gather round girls!”

Scootaloo groaned and covered her face with her hooves while Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle slid in close to Holiday’s sides. Holiday started with the earliest, and most embarrassing photos, much to Scootaloo’s dread. I didn’t even know you could fit so much frill on a single filly.

With all the attention no longer on me, I got a little jealous. Puffing myself up again, I started to strut around the table, fluffing my wings every so often. Lofty took notice of this and a squee escaped her lips.

“Oh my goodness, he’s displaying unicorn and pegasus behaviors in tandem!” She clapped her hooves together before grabbing her notepad again.

Her attention pleased me, and I let out a happy coo. 'Gee, I guess I am developing Dad’s ego. I've been spoiled with attention.’ I decided not to worry about it too much and soaked up all the attention.

“That's it!” Scootaloo got up, letting out a snort. “I'm not gonna take this!” She scooped me off the table, carrying me off into the house.

‘Hey! Easy with the manhandling there, Scoots!’ I barked, squirming in her grip. 'Come on!’ I whined, kicking my legs.

We eventually came to a bedroom where she sat me down on a bed. She then walked over to a dresser and rummaged through a box of some kind.

'Im not a toy ya know!’ I huff, stomping my hoof on the bed. ’You can't just toss me around!’

Scootaloo turned around, a creepy smile on her face and a tube of lipstick in her hoof. “Relax, Dusk, we’re just gonna play a little dress up together.”

'No way!’ I huff, flaring my wings out. 'I mean it, Scootaloo! Don't even try it!’

She looked at the tube in her hoof and then put it down. She then turned around. “What was I thinking? I can’t put lipstick on you.” She turned around again, a tiny, frilly, pink dress in her hooves. “You’d smudge up your dress!”

'I said no!’ I snorted, leveling my horn at her, desperately trying to make myself look bigger.

She held the dress out in front of her and stalked closer to me. “Relax, this’ll be fun.” She stopped in front of me, putting a hoof around my back as she lowered the dress towards my head.

'No!’ I shouted, feeling the strange tingle of magic building up in my horn.

Scootaloo let out a yelp as my aura surrounded her and she rose up to the ceiling, the dress falling from her hooves as she flailed her hooves wildly. “Dusk! Pumme down!!”

I snapped to attention, feeling the tingle in my horn die out. I winced as I watched Scootaloo fall to the floor in a heap. 'Sorry.’

Scootaloo rose up on shaky hooves, rubbing her head and letting out a quick groan. Glancing at me, she wilted a little. “I'm sorry, Dusk. I shouldn't have tried to treat you like a doll.”

I trotted to the edge of the bed and held a hoof out to her. ‘And I’m sorry for tossing you around with magic.’ I poked her arm, smiling. 'Friends?’

She smiled and pulled me into a gentle hug. “Thanks for being cool about it.” Giving me a noogie, she grinned. “You're a pretty smart baby.”

This caused me to puff up a little and I weakly tried to bat her hoof away. ‘I do have the advantage an adult mind after all.’ Buzzing my wings,I move on to her back. 'Come on! Let's go play! I need to burn off energy!’

Scootaloo took the hint and galloped out of the room and returned to her friends. “Alright girls, let’s play with Dusk!” She bounced me on her back for emphasis.

'Ya! Come on!’ I reared up on Scootaloo's back, kicking my legs out.

Apple Bloom bloom and Sweetie hopped up from their seats with excited grins. “Okay! Let’s play tag!” Sweetie cheered.

“Outside, of course,” Holiday added, gesturing towards the door. “I can't have you four breaking everything.”

“Y’all heard the mare!” Apple Bloom charged towards the front door. “Let’s take this outside!”

'Yes!’ I cheer, flaring my wings out. 'Your overlord is pleased!’

Once we were outside, Sweetie was declared “it” and Apple Bloom and Scootaloo took off running from her. I galloped after them, giggling my head off. It had been a long time since I had just well, played. Either Scootaloo or Apple Bloom stuck close to my side, ensuring no adults stepped on me.

After a while of running, I slowed down and stifled a yawn.. As soon as they heard me yawn, the girls stopped in their tracks and Apple Bloom scooped me onto her back. Making myself comfy, I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.

It was evening by the time Twilight and Flash returned to Ponyville. Twilight yawned, holding a hoof to her mouth.

“Too much paperwork,” she said groggily. Stretching out, she sighed in relief as her joints popped. “I hope the Crusaders didn't do anything to crazy.”

Flash nodded, stretching his wings out. “Well, the town isn’t on fire, so that’s a good sign.” Turning down the main street, he led her towards Sweetie Belle’s house.

Twilight knocked on the door, leaning against Flash to keep herself upright. A moment later and Sweetie’s parents opened the door. “Are Sweetie Belle's and the girls here? It's pretty late, and I'd like to get Dusk to bed.”

Cookie nodded, a smile on her face. “Yes, they came in here a couple hours ago. He’s curled up on the couch, come on in.” She and her husband stepped aside, motioning for them to come inside.

Twilight stepped inside to see the Crusaders sitting at the living room table, going over some plans for their day camp. On the couch behind them was Dusk, snoozing away on a pillow.

“Sorry for taking so long,” Twilight said in a hushed tone, stepping up to the crusaders. “Did Dusk give you any trouble?”

“He was a real sweet heart,” Apple Bloom replied, giving Twilight a smile. She got up, grabbing the diaper bag. “We were hopin’ you'd let us foalsit him again.”

Twilight glanced over to Dusk, seeing that he was sleeping peacefully. She turned back with a smile. “Next time Flash and I need to do something, we hope you can watch him for us.”

The Crusaders all shared a grin, and high hoofed each other.

Flash smiled, gently scooping Dusk up and placing him on his back. “Good job you three.” Pausing to make sure Dusk was still asleep, he pulled a small bag of bits out from under his wing. “Here, you earned it.”

The trio, bounced in place, barely containing themselves. “We can use this for our cutie mark camp!” Scootaloo jumped into the air, buzzing her wings. Remembering there was a sleeping foal, she gave a sheepish smile. “Sorry.”

Twilight giggled, trotting to her husband’s side. “No harm done. Good night, girls.” Giving a wave, she stepped into the night once more.

Family Vacation Part 1

Mom trotted around her room, carrying me on her back as she packed for a family trip she and Dad had talked about a few days beforehand. It was supposed to be some kind of zeppelin tour. I had guessed that it would be like a cruise and found something else to occupy myself with. This time, it was messing with her ears.

She ignored me for the most part, though she did seem to flick her ears in a coordinated way. I giggled, trying to nom whichever ear that moved. Whenever I managed to capture one in my toothless maw, she quickly freed it and flicked it against my nose. It was a rather fun game, though now I wonder if she was trying to develop my motor skills or something. Knowing Mom, it was more than likely.

“So, what's the score?” Dad asked as he trotted over to us. “Looks like you got some pretty soggy ears, babe.”

“He’s managed to catch my ears about a dozen times,” Mom answered, turning to him with a smile as she packed the beach towels. “Missed a lot more.”

Dad smiled and ruffled my mane. “Then it looks like you’ve got some work to do, little buddy.” He leaned down and nipped at Mom’s ears. “See, ya gotta do it like that.”

Mom’s entire face erupted into a blush and she batted at Dad’s side with a wing. “Flash! Don’t surprise me like that!” Fluffing her wings, she cleared her throat. “Did you get everything settled with the rest of the guard?”

“Yup, they know what to do while we’re away.” He puffed up a little and rubbed his breastplate with a hoof. “I think I’ve turned them into a well oiled machine. Plus, I told them to keep an eye out for Spike.”

“Fantastic,” Mom replied with a bright smile. “Though, I do wish he could’ve joined us. This zeppelin trip sounds like something he’d love.” Dancing a little, she giggled. “Oh, Dusk is going to have so much fun! And he gets to meet his cousin!”

Dad chuckled, watching Mom move to imaginary music that seemed to have no rhythm. “I’m sure Flurry and Dusk will be great friends.” He pursed his lips in thought. “Unless they’re like oil and water. I mean, Dusk is a pretty quiet kid.”

“Fluttershy and Pinkie are good friends,” Mom countered, pausing her dance mid pseudo-ballerina pose. “I don’t think Flurry’s need to move about will clash that much with Dusk’s timidness.”

Dad nodded, patting my head. “If you say so, honey. I want Dusk to get along with her too.”

‘Oi, who you calling timid?’ I pouted, batting at Dad’s hoof. ‘I am the bravest foal you’re ever gonna see!’ I puffed myself up as big as I could, looking between them. My pout increased as they both dawed at me. I deflated in an instant, making irritated little snorts.

“Aw, don’t be sad, Duskie,” Mom soothed, nuzzling my head. “We know you’re a big tough colt, isn’t that right, Flash?”

Dad nodded, a proud smile on his face. “That’s right, you’re gonna take after us and be super brave.” Kissing my head, Dad turned to Mom. “We best get going, don’t want to be late.”

Mom picked up our luggage in her magic, a bright smile on her face. “Alright, everything’s packed and the carriage is ready.” A white light surrounded us, and in an instant we were outside the castle. I blanched, holding onto Mom’s neck. She gave me an apologetic look, rubbing her nose against mine. “Sorry Dusk, I forgot that you’re still not used to teleporting.” She reached into her saddle bag, pulling out a strange pacifier I hadn’t seen before. She held it out to me with a smile. “Here, this is supposed to help soothe an upset stomach.”

‘Well... okay... but only because of that, got it?’ I take it from her, popping it into my mouth. I sucked on it for a moment, a pleasant, minty, coolness filling my mouth. ‘Hmm, this actually isn’t half bad.’ I got comfy on Mom’s back, waving at a few ponies. They waved back, smiles on their faces. After a few moments, our carriage pulled up in front of us, the driver stepping down to open the door for us.

I spent the ride on Dad’s head, watching the countryside sail by. I smiled around the pacifier, the scenery relaxing me. There was something to be said about the great outdoors. An eep escaped me as the chariot came to a stop and I almost fell off my perch. I spread my wings, whipping my head around as I suddenly snapped back to the moment.

‘The heck was that!?’

Mom giggled, scooping me up and resting my head against her chest. “We’re here, Dusky. Wanna see the zeppelin?” She stepped off the chariot, turning so we could see the boarding ramp. “It’s like a really big balloon.”

‘Just as long as this thing doesn’t pull a Hindenburg on us, I’m good,’ I stated, looking up at the balloon in question. ‘Eh, we have magic, we’ll be fine.’

We waited by the ramp for a little while, watching the other passengers file up the ramp. “Twily!” A young, feminine voice called out. Mom and I turned to see a pink alicorn with a tri-colored mane walking up to us. On her back was a little alicorn foal, her head rolling around as her attention seemed to be elsewhere.

‘Wow, she’s the definition of pretty pink pony princess,’ I commented, poking Mom’s head and pointing at the newcomers. ‘Geez, it’s like if everything in the pink isle was crammed into a pony shape mold and bam! You get her.’

“Cadance!” Mom beamed, meeting the mare halfway. “It’s so good to see you!” She poked her head around to get a good look at the foal. “And it’s great to see you too, Flurry! Can you say hello to your Aunt Twilight?”

“Hewo!” Flurry replied, her eyes locking onto mom. She zipped into the air, getting into a scary pose and mimicking a roar.

Mom smiled, repeating the action to Flurry. “And say hello to your cousin!” She held me out towards Flurry. “His name is Dusk Star!”

‘Uh, hi cuz,’ I greet, waving at her.

She floated over to me, an innocent smile on her face. “Hewo,” she greeted, looking me over.

‘So uh, your mom looks like a living stereotype. Is she as pretty princessy as she looks?’ Flurry’s response was a string of babble that made no sense to me. ‘Ah, don’t know why I was expecting to be able to hold a conversation with a baby.’ I was slightly disappointed, I wouldn’t have minded if Flurry had turned out to be in the same position as me.

A white stallion with a long blue mane stepped up to Toy Aisle’s side, a smile on his face. “Looks like these two are hitting it off already. I bet they’ll be partners in crime once they learn how to talk.”

“Always good to see you, Shining.” Dad stepped up to the stallion, holding his hoof out. “Still running those O&O sessions on Friday night?”

“Are you kidding?” Shining said, tapping his hoof against Dad’s. “Those only get called off in times of crisis. Though we did have to find a new Rogue. And I had to start chipping in extra for the snacks now that you’re in Ponyville.”

“Alright, alright you two,” Grandma cuts in as she and Grandpa walk over. “We have luggage to carry on and a room to find.” Grandma daws at Flurry and I before turning to Mom. “And... there's somepony you need to meet, Twily.”

“Huh, what are you talking about Mom?” she asked, walking up and embracing Grandma and Grandpa.

“Not now, Twily.” Grandma pulled away, shaking her head. “Night, would you mind taking the boys and getting the luggage to our rooms. I’ll take Twilight and Cadance to meet our special guest.”

“Can do dear,” Grandpa replied, taking some of the luggage in his magic and ushering Dad and Shining up the ramp. “We’ll have everything set up by the time you come around.”

Grandma smiled, watching Grandpa disappear from view. She took a deep breath, her look shifting to be a bit uncomfortable. “This might be a bit hard to believe, but it’ll be easier once I show you.” She turned towards the carriage she had come from, motioning for Mom and Cadance to follow.

I wriggled out of Mom’s grasp, taking to the sky with Flurry. ‘I wonder why Grandma’s being so secretive.’ I glanced at Flurry. ‘Maybe some long lost, third child?’

She opened the door to the carriage, a small grey colt poking his head up from the disturbance. His face lit up when he spotted Mom and he bounded over. “Mother! I missed you so much!” Grabbing her leg, he nuzzled her at an almost frantic rate.

“Mother?” Mom repeated, gaping down at the colt with a thousand yard stare. Despite this, she put a hoof on the colt’s back and started to stroke it. Probably out of some form of instinct. “Mom, I don’t understand, who is this colt?”

“Sabre Light,” Grandma answered. “He seems to be from one of those timelines you told us about. The one where Nightmare Moon is in control of things.We have no idea how he came here, he just showed up at our doorstep a few days ago scared out of his mind. And since he knew things that nopony outside the family would know, of course we took him in.”

“Tell her it’s not true, mother!” Sabre begged, looking up at Mom. “You’ll make everything right and banish the sun again!”

“Sabre,” Mom started, stroking his mane slowly. “I could never banish Celestia. She’s my mentor and friend. This isn’t the same world as the one you knew.” She spread her wings as if to demonstrate.

Sabre gaped, backing up a few steps. “B-but... no!” Stamping his hooves, he lit his horn up. “You’re supposed to fix things!”

“Things are fixed, Sabre,” Mom countered, trotting in front of him and crouching down to his eye level. “Ponies are happy and the world is peaceful. You can be a part of that.”

Sabre stepped back, the light from his horn starting to brighten. “No! It’s all broken! I-I have to fix it!”

“And would you go through your mother to do it?” Mom asked, stepping up to Sabre and holding a hoof out to him.

Sabre whimpered, tears starting to flow down his face. “I-I will...” he replied weakly, his body trembling.

Mom closed her eyes, an even look on her face. “Okay then, go right ahead. I could never harm a child, especially my own.”

Deciding I wasn’t going to let Mom get blasted in the face, I landed between them and gave Sabre my best smile. ‘Hello, brother from another uh, timeline I guess?’ Without waiting for him to respond, I trotted over and hugged his leg.

Sabre was caught off guard, the glow on his horn dimming as he looked between Mom and I. “I-it’s all broken,” he muttered, sniffling. He kept looking between us, his gaze lingering on Mom. “Then why doesn’t it feel broken?”

Mom opened her eyes and smiled softly. “It’s alright, Sabre, you’re safe. I know I’m not the mom you knew, but I still want to be your mother.” She reached out again, offering a wing hug.

Sabre seemed overwhelmed as he shot into her embrace, sniffling and burying his face in her fur. Mom shushed him softly, petting his mane. After a little while, he calmed down and pulled his face away from her fur. “I’d like to keep being your son,” he told her quietly.

“Good.” Mom kissed his nose and gestured to me. “This is your baby brother, Dusk Star.”

Sabre studied me for a moment, sticking to Mom like glue. “I have never seen a baby alicorn before.”

‘Well, Flurry was here first but, I’m the only male.’ I puff my chest out, looking up at him.

“I have never been a big brother before,” Sabre said, stepping away from Mom to stand in front of me. “I’d have to learn about how to do a good job.”

“Well, I’m learning how to be a mom, so I think we’re in the same boat.” Levitating us in her magic, she set Sabre on her back and me on her head. “Now come on, we can’t keep the rest of the family waiting.”

Sabre nodded, getting cozy on Mom’s back. “Okay, Mother. Grandma and Grandpa have been talking about this trip for a while.”

“I’m glad they brought you,” Aunt Cadance says, putting Flurry on her back. “Now I get to meet two nephews.”

Sabre looked over at Cadance, shifting uncomfortably for a little bit. His eyes seemed to refuse to look at her dead on. “Y-yes, it’s nice to see you too… Aunt Cadance.”

Aunt Cadance frowned, glancing at Mom. “Is something wrong, Sabre?”

“It’s just, where I’m from, you were… disposed of when the moon took power,” Sabre admitted. “I was taught that you were a traitor, just like Uncle Shining Armor.”

Aunt Cadance frowned for a moment before putting on the best poker face I’ve ever seen. “Well, in this world, my husband and I are perfectly healthy. We even have a little foal of her own.” She picked up Flurry in her magic who was playing with a stuffed snail. “This is your cousin, Flurry Heart. Say hi, Flurry.”

“Hewo!” Flurrry cheered, taking one of her hooves off her toy to wave to Sabre. Her greeting over, Flurry stuck the snail in her mouth, nomming on it.

Sabre looked at Flurry in disbelief, his eye twitching slightly. “Just how many alicorns does Equestria have now?”

“Counting the babies? Six,” Mom replied, leading the other adults onto the zeppelin. “Though, your brother is the only colt.”

Sabre scrunched his muzzle up, looking between everyone. “Do you think I could ever become an alicorn like you did, Mother?”

“I wouldn’t put it past you,” Mom said, glancing back at him. “But, don’t worry about that now, alright? We should focus on getting you settled in.”

Sabre managed to smile, glancing at his back. “If I did, then I’d be the first alicorn with strygoi wings.”

“Your father’s a strygoi?” Mom asked, sounding more than a little intrigued.

Sabre nodded, turning his attention to Mom. “Yes, his name is Dark Wing and he’s the captain of the Night Guard.” He frowned when Mom froze. “Um, Mother? Are you okay?”

“Just uh… noticing that I seem to have a type even across timelines,” Mom replied, putting on a smile. “My husband in this timeline is named Flash Sentry and he’s currently the captain of my personal branch of guards.”

“Do you know how you got here, Sabre?” Aunt Cadance asked, waving at a few ponies... who wore ‘best princess’ shirts.

Sabre went quiet for a few moments before speaking. “One night when Princess Nightmare came to see me, she got really mad. Something about an alicorn that looked like Mom.” Sabre looked at Mom, working things out. “After she was gone, Mom came up and gave me a big hug. She said ‘no matter what shape the world’s in, I’ll make sure you’ll always be in it.’”

Mom scrunched her muzzle up, seeming to be working out the story in her head. After a moment, she looked forward so Sabre couldn’t see the look of realization dawn on her. “That’s quite a story, Sabre. Sounds like the other me cast some sort of spell that resulted in your arrival here. I’ll have to see if I can figure out what spells the other me might’ve used to integrate you into this timeline.”

“I think I heard her mutter something about the Starswirl section of the library,” Sabre offered, looking around at the ponies gathered on the ship. He quirked a brow when he noticed some whispering. “What are they whispering about?”

“They’re probably curious about you,” Mom replied. “Dusk is the only foal I’m officially stated to have, so seeing me carry you is a surprise. A good surprise, by the way.”

Sabre nodded, relaxing. “I suppose that makes sense.” He settled down on Mom’s back, continuing to take in the scenery. “D-do you think ponies will like me?”

Mom turned back to Sabre with a warm smile, kissing his nose. “Of course they will, honey. As long as you treat others with kindness and respect, you’ll make tons of friends.” Coming to a stop, she checked the room door against her key. “Alright, here we are! Room 21!” She opened the door, revealing a grand suite.

My eyes widened, taking in the neatly arranged furniture. ‘Wow, looks like we’re travelling in style.’ Seeing Dad distracted by Grandpa, I zipped over and nom on one of his ears.

He looked up at me, freeing his ear with a smile. “Good sneak attack, Dusky. That’s one point for you.” His smile turned wicked, pulling me close to his chest and tickling my stomach. “But watch how a real guard launches a counterattack!”

‘Gah! That’s not fair!’ I buzz my wings, trying to wriggle out from his grasp ‘Curse you and your adult strength!’

Dad turned to Mom, his expression shifting when he noticed Sabre. “Um, is he what your mom wanted to talk to you about?”

Mom nodded, rubbing her neck. “As it turns out uh, the me from that Nightmare Moon timeline had a son with a ;Captain Dark Wing’. Not sure how he well, you know... but he’s here now, and I’m not going to abandon him.”

Dad nodded, looking at Sabre with a smile. “Of course, I’d never ask you to abandon him.” He walked over to Mom and gave her a nuzzle. His gaze settled on Sabre. “I promise to be a good step-dad. I’ll treat you just like I would Dusk.”

“Thanks...” Sabre responds, hopping off Mom’s back. He looks up and upon seeing Uncle Shining, his horn lighting up again. His face contorted into a look of rage for a moment, a spell charging around his horn. A beat passed and he let the spell die, looking away in shame. “I’m sorry,” he said, glancing at Uncle Shining for a brief moment before shrinking in on himself. “My education has affected me.”

Uncle Shining blinked, looking between Sabre and Mom. “It’s uh, okay?”

Mom sat Sabre on the sofa in the room, leaning in to whisper something in Uncle Shining’s ear. I assume it was to catch him up on everything she learned from Sabre. I , meanwhile, escaped Dad’s grip and went to go hang out with my Aunt and cousin. Flurry looked up from what she was doing and babbled at me.

‘So, what’s it like being a baby without an adult mind?’ I asked, smiling at her.

She babbled at me again, gesturing wildly with her hooves. Joining me on the floor, she does that scary thing she did with Mom. I decided to mimic her, posing and making myself look as big as possible.

‘Rawr! I’m scary! Rawr!’ I reply, batting at the air in front of me.

Flurry giggled, batting her hooves against mine. Despite this not being the response I was hoping for, I played along and continued to bat at her. Our fun was interrupted when Aunt Cadance got in on it.

“Muahahah! I’m the evil alicorn of tickles!” she nudged me over, tickling my belly with her wing. “No foal can escape my cruelty!”

‘N-no!’ I tried to shout, the sound coming out as a strangled gurgle. I tried to push her wing away, but she always moved her wing out of my reach. ‘This isn’t fair! Flurry, help!’

Instead of helping, Flurry decided to join her mother and moved her wings to my side and tickled me. ‘Gah! I’ve been betrayed! Am I destined to be turned on by my new family!?’

Cadance and Flurry laughed their heads off, attacking all my weak spots. Eventually, Cadance pulled away from me and took Flurry in her magic to let me breathe. “Looks like Aunty Caddy might have overdone it a bit.”

‘Ya think?’ I asked, throwing my hooves in her direction and tilted my head. I roll over, sticking my tongue out at her. ‘I’m totally not gonna make you any crafts.’

Aunt Caddy rolled me onto my stomach and helped me get upright. “There you go, Dusk. All better.” A smile spread across her face. “Though, judging by the squish, I think you need a clean up.”

‘Damn you baby bladder,’ I grumbled, fluffing my wings. ‘I didn’t even notice that. Are you happy with yourself? You made your favorite nephew pee himself!’

Aunt Caddy carefully scooped me up and carried me to a secluded spot in the room. “There’s no need to get fussy, I can change you in a jiffy.” Lifting her diaper bag with her magic, she started to change me while humming a tune.

I squirmed, making it somewhat hard out of spite. ‘I’m not gonna make it easy for you, betrayer!’

“Squirm all you like, I changed Flurry during the height of her magic outbursts,” she told me, poking my chest. “This is easy compared to that.” Finishing up, she placed me back on the floor. “There, one clean colt.”

I looked down at myself and trotted back to Flurry. ‘I let you change me because those things are far too uncomfortable when they’re full.’ I stuck my tongue out at her before bursting into a full on gallop.

My gallop was suddenly stopped by a light blue aura. “Sorry Dusk, but you can’t just run around. You might accidentally break something and get hurt,” Aunt Caddy told me, bringing me to her eye level.

‘What!? Come on! We’re in our room! It’s not like I’m trying to go on deck or something!” I whined pitifully, pouting at her.

“There’s no need to pout,” she assured me, nuzzling my cheek. “How about we play a game?”

“C-can I play?” Sabre spoke up, getting our attention. “I-I’d like to spend some time with Dusk, if that’s okay...” His eyes were cast to the side, hoof gingerly scraping the floor.

“Of course you can play too, Sabre,” Aunt Caddy assured, leaning down and nuzzling the top of his head. “This trip is the perfect time to bond with my other new nephew, and for you to get to know your little brother.”
Sabre smiled, hugging her neck. “Thank you, Aunt Cadance!”

Patting his back, Aunt Caddy returned his smile. “Don’t mention it. Now, what game would you like to play with your brother?”

Sabre put his hoof to his chin. “I um... dunno. What's a good game to play with a baby?”

“You could always play with his favorite stuffed animals with him,” she suggested, chuckling over how similar Sabre looked to Twilight while deep in thought. “Or you could give him a ride around the room on your back.”

“Would he let me?” Sabre asked, looking down at me.

“Why don’t you try and find out,” she replied, nudging him towards me. “Go on, Dusky, your big brother wants to spend some time with you.”

I put on my cutest face and stretched my forehooves out to him. ‘Don’t need to tell me twice! Come on, big bro, let’s play!’ I made sure to giggle and flail my arms as Sabre lifts me up.

His timidness melted away as he placed me on his back and I caught him smiling for a split second. After giving me a moment to grab on, he slowly trotted around the room and made sure to bounce me a bit. I coo, spreading my wings, giving them a few flaps. Sabre perks up at the sound and trots just a bit faster, earning a giggle from me.

‘See? This is fun! You’re fun!’ I assure him, hugging his neck.

“I think Dusk likes me!” Sabre beamed, bouncing me some more. “Mother, look! Dusk likes me!” he cheered, waving a hoof for Mom’s attention.

Turning from her conversation, Mom smiled at the two of us. “I’m so happy for you, Sabre!” she chirped, getting out of her seat and resting a hoof on Sabre’s head. “You’re gonna be a good big brother to Dusk, right?”

Sabre’s grin somehow found a way to grow and he nodded at Mom. “Yes! I’ll be the best big brother ever, Mother!” Turning to me, he rubbed his nose against mine. “I promise, Dusk!”

His cheer was infectious and I couldn’t help but smile and hug his neck. ‘Alright, I’ll hold ya to that, big bro.’ With a buzz of my wings, I perched myself on his head.

“I wish I had wings,” Sabre said idly, his eyes crossing to keep track of me. “Father always made flying look fun.” Taking his attention off me he looked to Mom. “If I became an alicorn, do you think I’d have wings like a strygoi?”

“I’m not really sure.” Mom pursed her lips, clicking her tongue. “I’ll ask the princesses about it, alright?”

“Okay, Mother,” Sabre answered, trotting around the room with me again. “Come along, Dusk! We have a room to see!”

I cheered as loudly as I could, pointing a hoof forward to lead the charge. ‘Yeah! This zeppelin is ours!’ I spread my wings out, laughing my little head off.

Sabre seemed to get the meaning of my babble even if he didn’t actually understand it and started to gallop around the room and towards the door. It took him a moment to realize that we were floating in front of the door.

“I’m glad you two are having fun, but let’s relax for a moment.” Mom set Sabre down, still wearing her smile. “Why don’t we all go out as a family?”

“That’s a great idea, hon,” Dad agreed, putting a wing on her back. “There’s an introduction from the captain after liftoff, how about we all go to that?” Reaching over, he ruffled Sabre’s mane. “I can give you a ride if you want.”

“Um, can Mother give me a ride instead?” Sabre asked, tapping his forehooves together.

Dad smiled and gave Sabre’s head a pat before pulling his hoof back. “If that’s what you want, buddy.” Scooping him up, he placed Sabre on Mom’s back. “There we go!”

With another quick movement, Dad placed me on his back between his wings. Sabre and I settled into our spots while Mom and Dad left the room. Feeling a little mischievous, I leaned into Dad’s wing, trying to preen it like I had seen him do. I knew that I needed to pull out damaged feathers. What I didn’t know was what all constituted as ‘damaged’. Throwing caution to the wind, I reached out and plucked a frayed looking feather with my teeth.

Dad jumped, jostling me. Looking back, he blinked at the sight. “Dusky, are you trying to preen daddy’s wings?”

I held the feather up to Dad and looked to him for some sign of approval. Dad chuckled, patting my head. “I think you’re a little too young for that, but I like your initiative.”

I beamed at him, spitting the feather out and letting it drift to the floor. Saluting at him, I settled onto his back again. Dad continued to trot down the halls, heading up towards the main deck. Ponies mingled about, chatting excitedly to each other. They all went silent at the sight of my mother.

“It’s Princess Twilight!” one of the crowd members called out, releasing the floodgates. We were surrounded by excited ponies in a cacophony of voices as they tried to ask Mom questions all at the same time.

Dad pushed himself in front of Mom, his wings flared out. “Everypony back up! Give the princess some space!”

Mom smiled, putting a hoof on Dad’s side and mouthing a quick ‘thank you’ to him. “Hello everypony,” she greeted, directing her smile to the crowd, “I appreciate the sentiment behind your excitement, but for this trip I’m a passenger just like you. But, if you come up during the voyage in small doses, I’m sure I’d be happy to answer questions within reason.”

I stayed on Dad’s back, hiding behind one of my own wings. My previously injured wing stayed clamped to my side.

One of the crowd members frowned and said, “What are you talking about, this is the Princess Cruise!”

“Princess Cruise?” Dad repeated. “And what exactly is a princess cruise?”

“It’s all right here in the pamphlet,” the closest member of the crowd said. “Isn’t that why you're here?”

Mom and Dad exchanged a look, the two seeming to have a conversation with only their eyes. “Um,” Mom started, smiling sheepishly, “I think I need to have a word with my family real quick.”

I peeked out so see Mom slowly making her way back below deck. Dad followed her, sliding his wings back to cover me in his feathers. I took the hint, curling up as much as possible to hide from the crowd. I had to fight the urge to sniffle, the amount of ponies overwhelming.

“Hey, it’s alright,” Dad soothed, entering our cabin again.

I nuzzled the back of his neck, calming down now that all the noise was gone. I looked over at Sabre, he seemed a little shaken up, but was faring much better. Mom in the meantime left the room to talk to Grandma and Grandpa, leaving me with Dad and Sabre.

“Sabre, do you think you can watch your brother?” Dad asked as he placed me on the floor.

Sabre nodded, walking up to me and sitting on his haunches. “Of course, stepfather, we’ll be on our best behavior.” He looked down at me with a slight mischievous look. “Isn’t that right, Dusk?”

I babbled at him, looking between him and Dad. Sure, I was up for some shenanigans. Dad either ignored the look, or didn’t notice as he just nodded and walked into the other room where Mom was.

Once Dad closed the door behind him, Sabre picked me up in his magic and started to trot. “Wanna see if this room has a minifridge, Dusk? Maybe order some room service?”

Kicking my legs, I let out a soft whinny. Free floating in magic was still rather unnerving, a sensation of weightlessness my mind didn’t enjoy.

Sabre seemed to pick up on this, placing me on his back. “Better?” he asked, looking over his shoulder at me. My smile brought a smile in return. Patting my head he continued his search for a fridge and the menu for room service. He bounced as he walked, trying his best to keep me calm while he explored. Eventually, he did find the fridge over by the desk in one of the room’s corners. Throwing it open, we found several different bottles.

With my non-existent reading ability, I merely let him list off the contents. Juice, soda, flavored water. Nothing too interesting. He pulled out a soda for himself and floated over a juice for me. With a quick hop onto the desk chair, he searched the desk itself for the menu.

Juice box in hoof, I fluttered up onto the table and laid down next to the stack of papers. Stealing a glance at me, Sabre's eyes lit up.

"Aha!" he exclaimed, reaching next to me to pull out what looked like the menu. Cracking it open, he perused it for a few moments before his mouth started to water. "Dusk, they have a Super Zeppelin-Sized Banana Split, doesn't that sound good?"

‘Sounds like way too much ice cream for the two of us,’ I replied, dribbling a bit of juice.

He nodded, seeming to get the gist. "Okay, then how about some hay fries and a normal sundae?" A soft yawn showed him my toothless gums. "Maybe just the sundae?" he corrected, chuckling weakly.

Babbling happily, I nodded in approval. Finishing my juice, I laid my head on my legs, content to just watch him work.

Lighting his horn up, Sabre levitated over to the series of tubes that were labeled in ways I assumed were for contacting different parts of the ship. After a quick order of our sundae, he floated back over and started to play with me.

Puffing my chest out, I bat at his hooves. Try as he might, he wasn’t going to get at my belly. Groaning dramatically, he collapsed in a heap. Letting out a little snort, I landed on his side and posed triumphantly.

“Curse you little foal, you have bested me!”

I giggled my little head off, posing for an imaginary crowd and soaking in their praise. ‘That’s right, no one beats Equestria’s Prince! Er, well, not the smallest one!’

Sabre sprang up, grabbing me with his hooves. "Aha! Time for my counterattack!" He cheered, ruffling my mane. My squeals filled the cabin as he attacked my defenseless belly. "The night will last forever, little one," he proclaimed, not relenting his assault. "Say goodbye to your precious sun." Throwing his head back, he laughed maniacally.

My sides were saved by a loud knock at the door. I rolled over in time to see my brother almost get wacked in the face as the door burst open. Squeaking, I dove under a nearby table as loud hooffalls entered the cabin.

Sabre jumped, panic in his eyes as they settled on the figure that had entered the room. A massive, beefy minotaur with blue fur sauntered in, a silver tray with our ordered sundae resting atop it in one of his hands.

“Princesses! I have brought you your requested desert!!” he bellowed, strutting past Sabre.

"I was the one who requested the sundae," Sabre squeaked out, waving his hoof to get the minotaur's attention. He jumped as the minotaur's head snapped down to him.

"And who are you, little foal?" the minotaur questioned, barely hiding his disinterest.

“I-I’m Sabre Light... P-Princess Twilight’s son...” he muttered out, ears splaying back.

The minotaur's grin returned, kneeling down to present the sundae. "Ah! The little prince! So exciting to have you aboard." His muzzle scrunched up and he scratched his chin. "Funny, you're older than I was led to believe."

“Oh no, t-that’s my brother,” he corrected, but didn’t give away my hiding spot.

"Hmm, wasn't aware the princess had two sons but oh well, seems not all rumors can be believed. Enjoy your delicious treat, courtesy of Iron Will's Princess Cruise!"

A rush of hooves stampeded in, entering from the other door. Dad wasted no time putting himself between the minotaur and Sabre.

“There are the guests of the hour!” Iron Will beamed, holding his hand out to Dad. “I hope the room is up to your standards, princesses.”

“Who let you in here!?” Dad demanded, his wings flared. He lowered his head, almost like a bull. “Well!?”

“I let myself in,” Iron Will answered, setting the tray down on the desk. “This is my zeppelin after all.”

Mom frowned, noting my hiding spot. “Aren’t you the minotaur that gave poor life advice to Fluttershy?” Trotting over, she coaxed me out of hiding. “I don’t appreciate you bursting in like that, scaring my children.”

Stroking his chin, Iron Will leaned against a nearby wall. “Forgive me princess, didn’t mean to scare the tykes with my dramatic entrance. But, let’s get down to brass tacks.”

“I’m sorry, I’m a little lost,” Cadance said, eyeing the minotaur suspiciously. “Who are you exactly?”

“I’m Iron Will, former life coach and current Cruise Director/CEO of this fantastic cruise line that you’re on,” he greeted, waving his hands out across the room. “I was the one who sent your in-laws the free tickets to our maiden voyage.”

“And let me guess, it wasn’t out of the kindness of your heart?” Shining stood next to dad, wearing almost the same scowl.

“You wound me, prince,” Iron Will started, a quiver to his voice. “Do you really think I’m so low? I merely wanted to have this cruise to allow these passengers a chance to properly express their appreciation for their newest members of royalty.”

I moved into Mom’s arms, finding safety in her presence. Iron Will towered over me and my family. Even Aunt Cadance only came up to his stomach. Just looking at him made me uneasy. I turned away from the minotaur, burying myself into my mother’s embrace.

"Show their appreciation to us, what do you mean?" Aunt Cadance inquired. Her face soon scowled as well. “Now hold on. You advertised us being here, didn’t you?”

"Of course!" Iron confirmed, flexing. "Equestria loves its rulers, so a cruise built around spending time with you was guaranteed to be a success." He inclined his head towards Flurry and myself. “And who doesn’t love adorable royal foals!”

"If this cruise is built around us, does that mean you've made activities with us as the main attraction?" Mom guessed, narrowing her eyes at the minotaur. “We’re not zoo animals, Mr. Will.”

"Of course not, but you are respected public figures that your citizens aspire to be like," he countered, offering her a used car salesman grin. "Think of it this way, the Wonderbolts do similar events all the time. What's the harm in a few hoof shakes and autographs in exchange for a free family vacation with all expenses included?"

Mom's muzzle scrunched, letting Iron's words sink in. "And what sorts of events do you have for us?"

“No.” Dad’s words were curt, final. “This is extortion and you know it.”

"Extortion? I don't even know the meaning of the word," the minotaur said, looking away.

“Don’t play dumb with me,” Dad barked. “You got us here under false pretenses and now you want to use the other passengers' enjoyment against us.”

Iron Will tapped his hoof against the floor, his tail flicking back and forth. "That is one very strong accusation you've made there, do you have any proof of it?"

“Mr. Will, you are in a room with two princesses, two guard captains and the newest members of the royal family. I want you to think, very, very carefully of what you say from this point on.”

Snorting, Iron Will turned for the door. "I've said what I need to say. I need to return to my duties."

“He’s scary,” Sabre muttered as the door closed before Will. Looking down, his ears remained splayed. “I’m sorry. I ordered a sundae for Dusk and I. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble.”

Mom bent down, nuzzling her cheek against his. “Don’t blame yourself, Sabre. He was going to come bother us at some point, he just used the sundae as an excuse.” A firm tone slipped into her voice. “Just ask next time before you go ordering anything, okay?”

Sabre nodded, keeping close to Mom while his ears slowly stood back up. “Um, I also gave Dusk a juice box and took a soda.”

“Was it one hundred percent juice?” Mom questioned, looking around the room for the box. Spotting where I had discarded it, she levitated it over. “Let’s see...” Her frown returned very quickly. “Why am I not surprised. Iron Will stocked the fridge with the cheapest products possible.” Shaking her head, she tossed the empty box into the trash. “Still, I think a scare like that is punishment enough for taking from the mini-fridge. Agreed?”

“Yes Ma’am.”

“Good, then how does taking a look at this ship’s pool sound?” Mom questioned, flashing him a bright smile.

Dad put a hoof on her back. “I think we need to have another family meeting about all of this.”

Sighing, she slowly nodded. “Okay, you’re right.” Putting me down, she patted Sabre and I’s heads. “Keep an eye on Dusk again while we talk things out.”

“I didn’t mean to get us caught up in anything,” Grandma began as she stepped into the other room. “I just thought it would be a perfect family trip. Sabre and Dusk could see their aunt and uncle, get to play with their cousin...”

Uncle Shining put a hoof around his mother’s barrel, patting her side. “Come on, Mom, you showed us that letter; there was no way you could’ve realized there was something amiss with it.”

I was sitting on my mother’s back, excited for what she had in store for me. She had said something about a play area for foals and I couldn’t help but imagine what might be in store. If only for the reason that it meant spending time with my cousin and new brother.

“You three are going to love this!” Mom beamed, her smile threatening to escape her face. “Peewee Princess Playtime sounds like just the thing for us!”

Aunt Cadance giggled, unphased by the excited Flurry holding onto her head. “I think it might be just a bit below Sabre’s range of fun activities.”

"It's okay, Aunt Cadance," Sabre dismissed, trotting between the two adults. "I'll enjoy spending time with these two. Plus, mother says I can pick an activity later.” He straightened up, smirking. “I’m going waterfalling with Grandmother.”

Shaking her head, Aunt Cadance shared his smirk. "I see your granny has infected you with the thrill seeking bug. I'll probably be doing something less intense to keep your uncle's seasickness from getting triggered."

Opening his mouth to speak, Sabre seemed to deflate. His eyes lingered on the floor, ears drooping. Mom seemed to pick up on his discomfort and let one of her hooves rest on the top of his head.

Her contact seemed to lighten his mood. At least enough to speak his thought. “When I was little, I used to get sick when Dad took me out flying.” Shyly peeking up at her, he asked a question. “D-do you think we can try and find him...?”

Mom stopped, leaning down to give him a nuzzle. "Oh honey, of course we can try to find him. I'll get a sketch artist to talk to you and get a small group to search for him. How does that sound?"

“I would like that very much. Thank you, Mother.”

Brushing his mane away from his forehead, she leaned down to give it a kiss. "Good, then let's focus on having a fun vacation." She suddenly reared back as her head nearly collided with a foal. Smiling sheepishly, she took a step back and looked to make sure I was safe on her back. "Sorry about that, are you okay?" she asked the young foal.

An almost manic face leaned out from behind the oblivious foal. “Oh it’s quite alright, Princess! My little Snowball was just so excited to play with the little prince!” Without further comment, she plopped her foal onto mom’s back.

I had to scramble back to make room, almost falling off. ‘Oi! There’s only so much space here!’

Quirking a brow, Mom’s face scrunched up in thought. Biting her tongue, she said, “Well, Dusk has been needing to socialize.” Looking out across the play area she tapped a hoof to her chin, clearly trying to press forward from the situation. “What do you want to play with first, Dusk?”

Fluttering onto Mom’s head, I wrapped my forelegs around her horn. An indignant huff escaped my lips, casting a glare at the mare. ‘I’d like it for people to not invade my personal space, thank you very much.’

Tickling my side with a wing, she pointed at the building blocks. “How about those, Dusky? Want to let out your creative side?”

Considering for a moment, I flew over to one of the massive boxes of blocks. Lifting one out, I squished the plush cube between my hooves. I couldn’t hold back a giggle, the soft material squeaking.

Sabre took a seat beside me, pulling out a block of his own. "I'll follow your lead."

Flurry and ‘Snowball’ joined us, though Flurry just stacked things to knock them over. I did my best to make a castle, Sabre filling in for my lack of coordination. Snowball had joined in with Flurry, building stacks and knocking them over.

When our castle was complete, Sabre lifted me up with his magic and placed me inside. "Every castle needs its prince," he stated, winking at me.

I struck a pose, doing my best to look regal. Sabre struck his own pose, playing an imaginary trumpet as if to announce my coronation. We kept the pose for all of a second before the two of us started laughing our heads off.

A chorus of fake and way too loud laughter joined in, breaking us from our reverie. Turning around, we found a crowd of parents surrounding us pushing their foals toward us. I squeezed under Sabre, a pulse of panic shooting through me. Sabre did his best to shield me from the crowd and tried to get Mom's attention.

“Mother!” Sabre called, waving an arm about.

Mom reacted instantly, picking up Sabre Flurry and I in her magic and started to console us. She passed Flurry to Aunt Cadance and cradled me in her hooves. “It’s alright, it’s alright,” Mom soothed.

I sniffled, burying my face in her chest.

“I appreciate that you might be excited about our presence, but I’d ask that you not surround us. My son doesn’t do well in crowds.” Mom looked out at the crowd, authority etched into her features. “I don’t want to be rude, but at his age he could have a magic outburst and as an alicorn that could be very dangerous.”

The parents of unicorns in the crowd shuffled awkwardly, looking down at their own foals in understanding and realization. Slowly dispersing, only a few more zealous parents remained.

Sniffing the air, Aunt Cadance looked down at Flurry and I. “Sorry everypony, but it looks like Dusk and Flurry need a changing. You’ll have to come by later to ask politely about more play time.” She finished by giving Mom a quick wink.

“We would appreciate some privacy please,” Mom said, her magic opening her saddle bags.

The crowd grumbled, but couldn’t argue with two princesses. Once the last pony walked out, Mom and Aunt Cadance sagged in relief.

“Iron Will must have hyped them up before we arrived,” Mom grumbled, setting me down.

I hugged Mom’s leg, doing my best to show I was over the whole thing. Adding a quick nuzzle, I looked up at her. A tired smile graced her face and she put a foreleg around me for a quick hug. 'some vacation, huh?'

Sighing, Aunt Cadance closed her bag and held Flurry close. "Not exactly the relaxing start of a vacation I was hoping for," the pink princess commented, looking at Mom. Flurry didn't seem too bothered, poking her mother's cheek and mushing it about.

"Well, at least these two are mostly unphased," Mom relented, scooping me up. "Don't know what I would've done if Dusk started crying." Looking down, she regarded Sabre. "Are you okay? That was a lot of ponies."

Sabre nodded, standing at attention like a proper soldier. "O-of course. A simple crowd is nothing to an envoy of the night." He thumped a shaky hoof to his chest.

Smiling, Mom ignored his trembling and leaned down to kiss his forehead just beside his horn. "That's my boy. Mommy's proud of her two brave colts. I think you deserve a milkshake while we try to have some real fun."

Taking Sabre's hoof, Mom led us to another part of the ship. Aunt Caddy wasn't too far behind, the two adults trying to come up with a plan to salvage things.

Royal Visitors (Old Versions)