Where Is My Love?

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22: Warning - Dark Content
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Bonus Chapter
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Epilogue - Ten Years Later...
Prologue
Chapter 4
Side Stories 1: A Tremor in Ponyville.

Chapter 1

The smell of eggs and toast invaded Derpy’s nose as she woke up to the start of the day. Opening her eyes hesitantly, she let out an audible yawn as she stretched her hooves and wings when she got out of bed. Wiping the sleep from her eyes, she sniffed the air again for the aroma of breakfast.

Derpy sighed intently as she opened the curtains to let the sun into her room, illuminating it with its presence. As she adjusted her eyes to the glare, she looked out to see the other early rises up and going about their business, such as traders taking their wares towards the market. When Derpy’s eyes landed on a stallion with a money bag cutie mark walking his daughter to school, she felt a pang in her gut as she flattened her lips and folded her ears at the sight. Shaking her head to rid herself of the feeling, she made her way to the kitchen where her daughter was busy piling her plate with breakfast.

“Morning Mommy!” Dinky called out to Derpy, running up to her and nuzzling her mother when Derpy lowered her head to meet Dinky’s. “Had a good night’s sleep?”

“Of course Muffin,” Derpy replied as she raised her head and sat down at the table, taking a bite of her meal. “You outdone yourself again.” Derpy beamed at Dinky, seeing her daughter blush at the comment.

“I had a good teacher.” Dinky giggled as she took her seat opposite her mom. As they both ate in peace, Dinky finished her juice before biting down on her plate and carrying it to the sink where she began washing it clean.

Derpy eyed her daughter as she was doing the dishes. “I think it’s time we get you a private tutor for magic.” Derpy said as she took her plate to join Dinky’s in the sink.

“But there are no private tutors for magic here in Ponyville,” Dinky replied as she looked up to her mother. “And I don’t think Princess Twilight Sparkle would take a filly like me for a student…” Dinky folded her ears as her eyes became moist, looking down dejectedly.

“Everypony started out as novices in the beginning, even Twilight…” Derpy placed her hoof under her daughter’s chin, lifting it to meet Dinky’s eyes. “So long as you work hard towards your goals, you will also be great.”

Dinky’s frown blossomed to a full-blown smile as she hugged her mother, who returned the embrace. When she pushed herself away, Dinky let out a gasp as a realization came to her. “Almost forgot!”

Dinky rushed towards her room, leaving Derpy behind in confusion. When she returned, she had a saddle bag over her back and was carrying a letter in her mouth that she handed over to her mother.

“What’s this?” Derpy asked curiously as she took hold of the letter before reading it. “Family Appreciation Day…” Derpy squinted her eyes as she read the letter out loud, forcing her lazy eye to stay focused on the words. When she tore her face from the piece of paper, she turned her attention to Dinky. “Is it your turn soon?”

Dinky nodded her head rapidly, maintaining a smile on her face. “Will you be able to come?” Dinky asked Derpy eagerly, her tail starting to wag as she looked up to her mother.

“Well…” Derpy hesitated for a moment, unsure whether she would be allowed time off from work to participate in Family Appreciation Day given the short notice. “I’ll have to see with my boss about this…” she trailed off, noticing Dinky’s smile diminishing. “I’ll do my best, my Muffin.”

“Thank you, Mommy!”

Derpy nuzzled her daughter before looking to the clock. “It’s eight fifteen… we need to rush!” Derpy thought out loud, unaware that her daughter had already made her way to the front door.

“Have a good day at work, Mommy! I love you!” Dinky waved at her mother, who returned the gesture.

“I love you too, my Muffin!”

With that, Dinky left the house to head to school. Alone in the kitchen, Derpy let loose a sigh before walking up the stairs to the bathroom to prepare for her day. Finishing with haste in the shower, she didn’t bother combing her hair as she equiped her saddlebag and her trade mark postal hat. Checking all the windows and back door, she walked out of her home before locking the front door for her departure.

Taking a whiff on the fresh air, she slowly unfurled her wings and took flight to the post office. Just as she was nearing her destination, Derpy caught a glimpse of Canterlot in the distance. Her eyes became a bit moist as memories of her old home flashed before her.

I wonder if he even remembers me…

A sudden jolt forced the prince out of his doze, briefly disorientating him, at least until he realised the train had stopped. He waited patiently for the others to leave before him, then collected his saddlebags and stepped out of the carriage, glancing around at the town. Down one of the streets he spotted a large tree, and saw a pony disappearing into the base.

That must have been his destination, the town library, where one of his true friend’s little sister lived.

Taking a deep breath, Blueblood began trotting towards it, not failing to notice the curious gazes flicking over at him. It didn’t take him long to reach the door, his hoof poised to knock when the wooden portal swung open.

“Oh, um… I’m sorry.”

Blueblood barely heard the words from the butter yellow pegasus mare who hid behind her pink mane, yet they only served to confuse him. Regardless, he was still in her way. So he stepped back a little and then to the side, all the while smiling at her.

“No no, I’m sorry. Please, after you.”

She glanced up and returned his smile, then trotted back out into the street. The mare’s race brought him back to the reality of why he was there, and he shook his head as he entered the library - surprised to see quite a few piles of books spread around the room. From one corner came a lavender glow, followed by a pile of novels flashing from the floor to the shelves, revealing the recently crowned alicorn princess, Twilight Sparkle.

“Well, I can see at least seventy books there. That’s some rather light reading for you.”

The mare’s left ear flicked, and she slowly turned to glare at him over her shoulder. She didn’t say a word, she simply just returned to her work. Knowing that harassing her would get him nowhere, Blueblood closed the door, slipped his saddlebags down, and sat on one of the couches.

With a flash of magic, the books all levitated to the shelves where they belonged. When Twilight’s horn ceased to shine, she let out a huff of air before stretching her limbs and wings. She eyed Blueblood carefully before making her way to him. Her wings were flared as her face bore a neutral look. In an instant, the tip of her wing collided with the cheek of Blueblood.

He raised a hoof to rub his cheek softly, surely feeling a slight sting from her attack as he stared indignantly at her. “What was—”

“That’s for the way you treated my friend instead of letting her down gently!” She folded her wing back against her side. Her frown slowly turned into a smile as she jumped to Blueblood and wrapped her hooves around him.

At first he was confused, as he arched his brow and turned his head slightly to Twilight’s. Yet he returned the gesture, wrapping his arms around her, knowing full well that it was nothing more than a friendly embrace.

“And that’s because I haven’t seen you in ages.” Twilight pulled away from him as she lit her horn. Instantly, two cups and a pot of tea appeared on the table, which she set about pouring. “So, to what do I owe this visit?” Twilight asked curiously, as she sat back and took a sip.

Before Blueblood answered her, he tasted the tea that was presented to him. As the cup parted from his lips, a deep sigh escaped from him before he looked to Twilight who decided to indulge herself with her cup of the hot beverage. “I am here to find a mare.”

In stark contrast to the calm drink he took, Twilight’s mouthful of warm liquid was sprayed out onto the table, the mare’s shocked reaction bringing a small smile to his lips. He always loved doing that to her. After taking a few moments to clean up, Twilight calmed down and turned to Blueblood with a raised eyebrow.

“A mare? Why not just get one from Canterlot, where your type lives?”

“Firstly, you know I am not like that, Twilight.” She withered a little under his eerily calm gaze, but relaxed as his glowing horn lifted his saddlebags up. “Secondly, the reason I am here is because for near enough ten years, I have been searching for one mare, and she lives here.”

“Do… you not know her name?”

“I… can’t remember it. But I do have…” He lifted one of the side flaps open and turned the back upside down, but nothing came out, Twilight easily able to tell something had just agitated the prince. “What? Where is it? I packed it this morning! I was on the train, and I took it out for another look, and then I… fell asleep.”

“Well, perhaps I can help?” Twilight’s horn flashed and a rather thick tome floated over to them. It flipped open to the front page, where a foreword from the owner informed the reader what was contained in the book; photographs of ponies born in or moved to Ponyville. “Okay, let’s see… Granny Smith Apple, Big Macintosh Apple, Applejack Apple, Mr Breezy… wait, where’s Apple Bloom?”

“Something wrong, Twilight?” The pages flipped right to the back, where there was a note added each time a new photo appeared. Blueblood felt his heart sink as he noted the last date was February Nine Hundred and Ninety One AC.

Twilight watched with concern as he wordlessly stood up and headed towards the door. “I think I need some air.”

“Blue, wai—”

“It’s okay, Twi. Thanks for trying. And who knows? Maybe I’ll see her around town?” With that he left the library, the mare watching the door with worry. Her ears twitched as the back door opened and two voices came through as they drew closer to the alicorn. One she was ready for, her assistant having been out all day, but the other…

“...and then perhaps we can go back out to the quarry and see if there are… any… gems… left... Twilight?”

Cringing as she turned around, the lavender mare gave a weak smile to her unicorn friend, whose gaze seemed to be trying to set the saddlebags resting on the floor on fire after seeing the owner’s cutie mark on them. “Do those belong to who I think they do?”

“Spike, go get some ice cream and give us some privacy please.” The young dragon quickly scampered off, Twilight motioning to her friend to sit next to her, shaking her head as she kept as much distance between herself and the bags. “Rarity, I think there are some things you need to know…”

“Here you go, two chocolate orange ice cream deluxe for you and your friend, Twist.” A brown stallion with white spots and an ice cream cone adoring his flanks gave two fillies their desired ice creams from the counter.

Before she took hold of the ice cream, Twist reached for her saddle bag on her back and pulled out a few coins from a purse that was decorated with two candy canes shaping a heart. “Thankth, Mr Thoft Therve.” She told the stallion, paying him for the treats and giving one to her friend standing next to her. “Here you go, Dinky.”

“Thank you Twist,” she said to her friend, carefully grasping her cone with magic. “Bye Mr. Soft Serve.” Dinky waved to the stallion behind the counter as she and Twist walked out of the building, opening the door that let loose a jingle from a bell attached to the rim of the doorway.

“Bye girls! Come again soon!”

As the two fillies walked down the road to the park, they spotted an empty bench and quickly claimed it before any other passerby took a seat in it.

Taking a bite of her ice cream, Twist licked her lips clean before speaking. “I thure hope Mth Cheerilee won’t make me thpeak when I bring my dad to Family Apprethiation Day…” Twist said to Dinky, trying her best to keep her lisp in check, and not spray her friend with her words.

Dinky turned to her friend, her cheeks being covered with chocolate. “It can’t be helped,” she answered Twist as she smiled. “I mean, it’s just for one day really.”

“Yeah, I thuppose tho…” Twist’s ears perked when she heard Dinky giggling. “What’th up?”

“Remember last year, when Apple Bloom tried to get out of Family Appreciation Day?”

“Oh right,” Twist chuckled at the memory, revealing her braces on her teeth. “Apple Bloom was tho embarrathed by Granny Smith’th anticth.”

Dinky frowned a little when she looked away. “I dunno why though, her grandmother is amazing…” Dinky sighed before smiling again. But atleast I got the greatest mommy!

Before Twist could speak another word, a yelling voice came from the distance that caused both Dinky and Twist to look behind. What they saw was Apple Bloom and her friends Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo carrying nets in their grasp and chasing after a rabbit.

“Cutie Mark Crusaders Bunny Catchers!” Apple Bloom called out, her eyes brimming brightly as she targeted the rabbit before her.

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo ran alongside their earth pony friend, replying in unison. “Yay!”

When they disappeared into the horizon, Dinky and Twist looked to each blinking twice before shrugging. “At least they’re not trying something very dangerous…” Dinky remarked before looking back at her flank, that still lacked a cutie mark. Shaking her head to clear the thought, she took another lick of her ice cream then turned back to her friend. “So, excited for our trip?”

“Are you kidding?” Twist replied, a massive grin on her muzzle. “A whole week in Canterlot? I can’t wait!” It’s gonna be tho awethome!” Before either of the fillies could discuss the event further, another voice hit their ears, one that neither of them liked very much.

“Well well well… look what we have here…”

Dinky sighed when she heard the malicious voice of a filly she did not want to face today. Both Twist and Dinky saw two earth pony fillies with nefarious grins approaching them from the distance.

“Do us a favour and get off our bench.” Diamond Tiara sneered at the two friends, with Silver Spoon giggling at Diamond’s words.

“I don’t thee your name on thith bench.” Twist countered Diamond Tiara, frowning deeply as Diamond cackled at Twist.

“My family ownth thith town, you thtupid filly!” Diamond mockingly impersonated Twist, puckering her lips and spraying as she spoke the words. Laughter echoed from her friend Silver Spoon as she finished and turned her attention to Dinky. “Now why don’t you and your stupid little blank flank friend get lost!”

Dinky emitted a faint growl as she got up from the bench, still holding onto her ice cream but glaring intensely at Diamond Tiara’s smug face. “Why do you act like you’re better than everypony else? Do you ever get sick of being a jerk?”

“Because I can,” Diamond retorted, swatting the ice cream from Dinky’s hoof and giggling maliciously at what she had done. “Oops! My hoof slipped…”

Losing her patience, Twist shot up from her seat and made a beeline to Diamond Tiara with furious anger, which soon dissipated when Silver Spoon stepped in front of Twist. “Out of my way, Thilver Thpoon!”

“Eww, don’t spit on me!” Silver Spoon pushed Twist away, making her lose grip of her ice cream. When she saw what she had done, Silver Spoon smiled triumphantly at Twist’s sadden face. “Serves you right for spitting at me!”

Diamond Tiara snickered at Silver’s words, closing her eyes and placing a hoof at her mouth as she grinned. “Let’s go Silver, the stench of these losers is giving me a headache!” Diamond Tiara ordered her friend, before both of them stomped on the ice cream cones on the ground. “Take that!” Diamond and Silver barked in unison, before laughing out loud as they walked away from Dinky and Twist.

“Maybe it won’t be as awesome with those two going,” Dinky said, lamenting the loss of her frozen treat.

Blueblood watched two filles walking away from two other fillies sitting on a park bench, eyes narrowed as their malicious cackling trailed off when they rounded a corner. Turning his gaze from where they were back to the others, Blueblood felt his heart sink as tears began to fall down their cheeks, their eyes looking forlornly down at the twin piles of rapidly melting frozen treats, the cones shattered on the ground. Spotting the vendor of the frozen treats, Blueblood made his way over to the stall.

“Good afternoon, sir. How can I help?”

“Hello. I… um, this is going to sound silly. I am visiting the town and left my bits where I am sta—”

“Hey bub, no bits, no ice cream. Even the colts and fillies pay.” Soft Serve scowled at the white stallion before him, his eyes leveling with that of the new pony’s.

Blueblood snorted, narrowing his eyes a little. He then forced himself to relax by breathing in deeply, as now wasn’t the time for dealing with petty squabbles. He had two fillies to cheer up. “A couple of fillies are why I am here now, actually. Tell me, did you recently serve a white earth pony and a bluish-grey unicorn?”

“Twist and Dinky? Sure, they had their favourites.”

“And the two earth ponies? One pink and one grey?”

The stallion behind the stall clenched his jaw and looked around, and once he ensured the coast was clear, spat on the ground. “Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. They would be the foals of the two richest families in Ponyville. Diamond Tiara is the daughter of Filthy Rich, a local business stallion. Never seen her mother. And Silver Spoon’s parents are both business ponies, so she stays with her friend when they are away. Why do you ask?”

“Because those two just stomped on the treats that… Dinky and Twist, was it? That those two just purchased. Now, I would like two things, and they are replacements for the ice cream. I can not pay now, but I give you my word as Minister Of Finance that I will pay for the goods later on. May I ask your name?”

“S-Soft Serve, sir. And two specials for the fillies coming up. So, uh… you’re good for the bits?”

“Of course. If I do not get them to you by the end of your business day, swing by the library and either myself or the mare staying there will compensate you.” Soft Serve nodded, opening the lid to the freezer compartment. Blueblood, overcome with curiosity as to how an earth pony would serve ice cream, stuck his head around the side of the cart, a smirk coming to his face. Soft Serve had a special scoop on his hoof, which scraped out the ice cream with a twitch of his foreleg muscles, and the cones were in a sprung loaded holder.

“Here you go, sir. Please, come by again.”

“Oh believe me, I certainly shall.” Blueblood nodded to the stallion, taking the treats in his magic and turned away, walking back towards the bench. The two upset fillies were still sat there, watching as the afternoon sun evaporated the last of their ice creams, leaving behind a sticky pile of crushed dry pastry. He slowly approached, the fillies quieting down to just sniffles as they looked up at him. “Hello there. I couldn’t help but notice the incident that just took place, and I—”

“M-m mommy says not to talk to s-strangers.” Blueblood blinked at the little unicorn, then stepped back and smiled at her.

“Your mother is a wise mare. I do not want anything from either of you, but I do have something for you.” The fillies’ eyes widened as twin replacements for their ice cream came out from behind him in a pale blue aura, floating over until they were in hoof’s reach of the pair. “I assure you, this is all I want to do.”

They exchanged a glance between each other, then slowly reached out and took the treats, Blueblood stepping back to reassure them. They both took a few licks before smiling, then started giggling, the little earth pony looking up at him. “What’s your name, mithter?”

“I am… Blue. You do need not to tell me your names, as I am sure we will see each other again during my time here. For now, I must bid you adieu, and… well, you don’t need to know that.” Satisfied with a job well done, Blueblood turned and trotted off with his head held high, slightly surprised at several onlookers smiling at him, more than half of their numbers being mares.

He didn’t see the one his heart yearned for, so looked for an exit from the town square and chose a random street. As soon as he rounded the corner he stopped dead, his eyes wide with fear.

“Prince Blueblood… we need to talk.”

Author's Note

AC - After Cataclysm
LR - Luna’s Return

Chapter 2

Rarity eyed the stallion carefully, her magic building slowly in case he tried to bolt, but he stood facing her defiantly. She couldn’t get a read on him, yet from his stance she knew that he was posturing - what most unicorns did before a duel. She went to speak, but it seemed he was faster.

“Oh, it’s you.”

Blinking in surprise, Rarity stammered as she fought for her words to come out. Blueblood gave an impatient snort at her silence.

“Come on, get on with it already. Berate me some more for the way I treated you at the Gala.”

“I would rather talk in private. Follow me.”

Whilst he would rather carry on with his search, Blueblood felt that if he appeased the mare it might actually help him in his task - however, he was still not looking forward to the awkward conversation awaiting him.

Yet he found himself keeping step with the mare as she walked down the street, ignoring the now curious gazes now coming his way.

Especially the one pony trailing them, bouncing from rooftop to rooftop, a massive smile upon her face as she glanced down at the two fillies enjoying their ice creams. Letting out a mischievous giggle and rubbing her hooves, as she eyed the little ponies. Very soon, silly filly, but the time isn’t right yet.

Back down on the more sensible place for ponies without wings, the two unicorns entered Carousel Boutique, the stallion giving a nervous glance as the door shut and locked behind them. After looking around, Blueblood trotted from the obvious display room through the doorway in which Rarity had disappeared through.

It led into the kitchen of the building, the mare pointing to the table as she levitated a kettle over and set it on the stove. As soon as Blueblood slid into a seat, several boxes of tea bags appeared on the table before him. He carefully looked through them, his eyes settling on one he hadn’t had for a while, floating it to the waiting mare.

“Oh, lavender. It seems good taste isn’t wasted on you after all.”

He remained silent as Rarity worked away, his body beginning to tremble as the adrenaline that coursed through his body ever since he had laid eyes upon her began to taper off.

Minutes seemed to pass like hours to Blueblood until the kettle finally began to whistle. Rarity soon filled two prepared cups with the boiling water and carried them over to the table, placing one gently in front of the prince.

He lifted the cup up in his hooves, too shaken to use his magic as evident from the clinking of china upon china as the drinking vessel repeatedly struck the saucer. What sat opposite of him was a mare that was the perfect picture of calm, lifting her own drink towards her and taking a dainty sip from it, giving off a pleased sigh.

“So…”

Blueblood shot up rigid with his eyes wide and ears reaching towards the ceiling, looking not unlike several of the statues of stallions in Canterlot Castle’s gardens. In any other circumstance, Rarity might have found it attractive, but the events from three years previous were still fresh in her mind - even if she saw them, and the prince, in a different light now.

“Why exactly could you not let me down gently at the Gala?”

“How do you—” Blueblood began to speak, but was silenced once Rarity raised her hoof.

Rarity emitted a small smile before lowering her hoof. Her eyes narrowing as she stared into the depths of Blueblood’s. “A very good friend of mine told me part of the story.”

“W-w-well, y-you s-see—”

“Come, Blueblood, we both know you do not stammer. Take a deep breath and then speak.”

The prince did just that, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. An image of an angel from his dreams came to him. The grey coated pegasus mare, her blonde mane and shimmering golden eyes like shining stars that warded off the darkness of night. The tightening muscles of his body loosened as he fantasized, and as he opened his eyes again, he managed to meet Rarity’s gaze.

“There was one mare present, persistent in her quest to gain my affections. I… had hoped that by displaying to her that I was certainly not a stallion of noble standing, it would dissuade her, and possibly every other mare, from pursuing me.” He gave a sigh, his gaze shifting to the wall, “Alas, it did not, and I feel nothing but shame for the way I treated you, Miss Rarity.”

“So, you used me as… as an example as to why you’re not a perfect catch?”

“Do you have any idea what it’s like?” The sudden answer-turned-question caught Rarity by surprise, and she could only stare baffled as the prince’s gaze was still fixated on the wall. The light shimmered on his now teary eyes as his ears began to flatten themselves against his head. “To have actually found the love of your life, yet so foolishly let them disappear from your sight for a decade?”

“I… I can’t say I d—” she was silenced by the sound of Blueblood’s hoof slamming against the table, the fine china jumping slightly from the strength of it.

“And then there’s the mares! Because I am prince with no mare of my own, they are all after me, believing me to be their true love, when we have never met! I never wanted any of that!”

Blueblood’s burning gaze turned to the mare that sat opposite of him. Rarity desperately searched for a way out of the room, yet her only possible escape, magic, with an emotional unicorn nearby would be silly at best, suicidal at worst.

“And then we have you, Miss Rarity. You did the same, at the Gala. As soon as you set eyes on me I knew what was coming,” he uttered.

Blueblood stood from his chair and stalked around the table until he was face-to-face with the cowering unicorn mare. She didn’t have time to scream as he struck, but no pain came. The mare blinked in confusion, she stared down in disbelief to what she saw; Blueblood was hugging her!

“P-prince Blueblood, w-wh—”

“That night, the way we treated each other! Being so self centred, I deceived the majority of those mares - I made them believe I was not worth pursuing, and you performed beautifully, with the way you tore into me at the end of the night!”

“What… what are you saying?”

He pulled back with a smile, wiping the tears from his cheeks before giving a small chuckle. “What I am… what I wish to say is this; Thank you, Miss Rarity. And if you’ll permit us to, I’d like to try again.” He held his hoof up and took hers in it, leaning forward to give it a kiss. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Rarity. My name is Pr… My name is Blueblood.”

Rarity giggled like a school filly as he returned to his seat with a grin, then covered her muzzle before she burst; now was not really the time to laugh. Picking up her tea with both hooves, she watched him with mirth in her eyes as he finally used magic to lift his cup. Draining her drink in one go, she set the cup down the table and gave a sigh, deciding now would be the perfect time to get to know the real Blueblood.

“So, Mr Blueblood, what is it that you do?”

“Besides hobnobbing with some interesting ponies, I am the Minister of Finance.”

“Oh, I thought that was… no, nevermind.”

“Fancy Pants?” Blueblood smirked as he floated both his and her cup over to the sink, Rarity was shocked once more that afternoon. “Actually, Fancy Pants taught me most of what I know to do with economics. In reality, he should be the minister and I the vice-minister.”

“And, if you don’t mind me asking, why is it not that way?”

“He didn’t want it. I still learn things from him as we go. He’s currently helping the Crystal Empire familiarize to modern times, both he and Fleur are heading up there sometime this week in fact.”

“Speaking of her, you must know their good news then?” Blueblood’s mood fell as Rarity introduced the subject, his eyes falling back down to the table. Fighting for something to cheer him up with, she recalled the scene she had witnessed approaching the prince. “That was a very nice thing you did for Dinky and Twist. I guess... it shows you really do have a heart.”

“It was the least I could do to cheer them up. After watching Diamond-”

“-Tiara and Silver Spoon, the two spawns of Tartarus?

“I’m presuming you know them?”

“My sister, Sweetie Belle, has trouble with them. I’ve talked to Diamond’s father, Filthy Rich, a few times about it, but nothing seems to be done.” The bell above the front door to Carousel Boutique suddenly rang out. Rarity, knowing she had not changed the sign to open, frowned at its chime. “Excuse me a second, won’t you?”

Rarity slipped away from her chair and moved into the showroom; Blueblood could still hear the mare, yet also another voice. Overcome with curiosity, he made to follow, sticking his head out through the doorway.

Rarity was crouched down to the ground reading a sheet of paper, and sat in front of her was a white unicorn filly with a pink and purple mane. The filly’s gaze slowly moved from Rarity to Blueblood as he approached, and she gasped before suddenly bouncing around the two adults.

“~RARITY HAS A COLT FRIEND!~ RARITY HAS A COLT FRIEND! RARITY HAS A COLT FRIEND!~ RARITY HAS A COLT FRIEND! RARITY HAS A COLT FRIEND!~”

Blueblood and Rarity looked at each other for a moment before they both exploded in laughter. She reached her hooves out, pulling the filly into a loose embrace as she explained.

“Oh, Sweetie Belle, this isn’t my coltfriend.”

“He’s not?”

“No, this is Prince Blueblood.” The filly stopped smiling, turning towards the stallion. Her horn flashed green and there was a small explosion, Rarity quickly opening a window and clearing the smoke. When she turned around she couldn’t help but giggle as she stared at Blueblood, for Sweetie Belle’s spell had burnt away his eyebrows.

“Nicely done Derpy,” Poste Haste congratulated Derpy from behind the front desk when she entered the postal office, signing out for the day after delivering her last package.

Derpy let out a huff of air, wiping the sweat from her forehead as she smiled wearily. “Thank you, Sir,” Derpy muttered, stamping her time card into the slot.

“Derpy…” Poste chuckled slightly as he shook his head, his long brown hair waving in the air as he moved. “How many times have I told you, we’re on a first name basis here.” He smiled cheerfully at Derpy who had begun shuffling her hooves, her eyes shifting away from her boss. “Besides, you’re one of the best employees I have.”

“I’m not, not really—”

Before she could finish her words, she felt a nudge on her shoulder and turned to see a pale persian blue mare with a cerulean mane and a shooting star for a cutie mark grinning at her. “You really shouldn’t fight a compliment when you earn it, Derpy,” Blossomforth commented as she stamped her own timecard.

“Thanks, Blossomforth…” Derpy said before her eyes landed on the clock which told it was three in the afternoon.

“Now get out of here, Derpy!” Poste laughed as he pointed to the door, “A certain little filly is waiting for you back home.” With that, Derpy saluted Poste and flew out of the post-office.

Derpy decided to walk back home today, her wings feeling sore from flying to every house in Ponyville.

As she walked past a few ponies, many of them greeted her with a smile on their faces; though there always the other few that whispered about her. Making her way past the cafe, her ears perked to the sounds of the whispers.

“There she is, getting off work early again as usual.”

“I hear she gets special treatment, because of her eyes.”

“Nah, I hear she gets more income thanks to her daughter.”

“To use a foal to earn undeserved bits? The nerve!”

The last comment made Derpy clench her teeth and narrow her eyes as she resisted the urge to walk up to those ponies and give them a thorough lashing. Inhaling a few deep breaths, she forgot the comments that were made about her and her little muffin and continued walking. Her lips curled into a smile when she saw her house, deciding to speed up into a canter before she reached the door and opened it.

“Muffin! I’m home!” Derpy called out to Dinky as she entered the house, glancing around for any sign of Dinky before closing the door shut behind her. The latch locked with a click, and the sounds of tiny hoof steps perked Derpy’s ears. Turning around, she was greeted by Dinky hugging and nuzzling her neck, or at least trying to.

“Welcome back, Mommy,” Dinky greeted her mother, feeling a pair of incredibly soft wings embrace her, followed by Derpy’s muzzle gently stroking her head before planting a kiss on her forehead.

When she let go of her, Derpy noticed the red puffy eyes of her daughter and the strained streaks on her cheeks. “Did something bad happen today?” Derpy asked Dinky out of concern, caressing Dinky’s cheek with her hoof.

Dinky nodded slowly as she instinctively leaned into her mother’s hoof. “It was Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon again,” she replied softly.

Why those little! Derpy sighed, closing her eyes and taking another deep breath, then opening them to look down on her daughter. “I’m so sorry to hear that…”

“Well, at least somepony helped us out.” Dinky smiled weakly, removing herself from her mother’s hoof.

“Oh…” Derpy’s brow cocked as she leaned down to Dinky’s level, a small smile plastered on her face. “Was it that colt you like so much?” Derpy giggled from watching Dinky’s cheeks burn brightly as she turned away from her mother.

Before she answered her, Dinky blinked numerously as her cheeks cooled off from the embarrassment. Returning her gaze to her mother, who still held her grin. “It wasn’t Pip, Mommy. It was somepony else…” Dinky replied, seeing Derpy’s smile slowly fading. “Well, after Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon ruined our ice creams… a nice stallion bought us new ones and—”

“Dinky,” Derpy interrupted her daughter, surprising the latter with the serious tone of her voice. “What did I tell you from accepting things from strangers?” Derpy asked Dinky, lifting herself up from the floor and towering over Dinky.

“I know,” Dinky answered her mother, her ears and eyes both drooping to the floor. “But all he did was just give us ice creams and walk away, he was a really nice stallion… ‘Blue’ was his name, I think.”

“Blue?”

Just as Dinky opened her mouth, a carnivorous growl escaped from her stomach, returning a rosey-red colour to her cheeks as she rubbed the back of her head. When she looked up, Dinky saw her mother smiling fondly.

I guess I’ll let this one slide for now… “I think those ice creams weren’t enough for you… how about you help me out in the kitchen?” Derpy asked Dinky, seeing her daughter beam in excitement.

“Are we gonna bake some of Mommy’s Muffins!?” Dinky asked, nearly bouncing in place. “Can we make extra for the train journey for me to share with my friends?”

Derpy nodded to Dinky, who immediately rushed towards the kitchens, leaving a trail of dust in the air. Letting out a sigh, Derpy rolled her eyes and chuckled at her daughter’s enthusiasm before following suite.

When she entered the kitchen, she saw Dinky already getting all the trays and bowls ready for the muffins. Just as Dinky got the last tray out, she rushed to the other side of the room, trying to lift the bag of flour with all her might.

“Dinky, watch out—”

Just as Derpy’s words escaped her mouth, Dinky slipped and yelped as the bag of flour fell to the floor releasing it’s contents into the air. As the flour cleared the air, Dinky opened her eyes and saw her mother covered from head to hoof with flour. She gulped nervously as Derpy made her way towards her.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—”

Derpy immediately grabbed Dinky and tickled her furiously, the flour on her coat falling down onto her daughter. Writhing under her, Dinky began giggling uncontrollably as her mother continued her assault of tickles. “I’m gonna get you!” Derpy declared, before blowing a raspberry on Dinky’s stomach, earning a squeal from the little filly.

After minutes of tickling and giggling, everything quieted down. Derpy laid next to her little muffin on the floor.

Deciding she had spent enough time on the ground, Derpy sat on her haunches. However, she was only up for a little bit before her daughter flung herself at her mother in a hug, bringing the pair back down to the kitchen floor.

“I love you, Mommy!” Dinky said as she nuzzled Derpy’s flour coated neck.

Derpy returned her daughter’s embrace, holding her close, she whispered in her ear, “I love you too, my little Muffin.”

From her perch on the rooftop, Pinkie Pie smiled as her left hind leg finally stopped twitching. So, that’s what it means. She pondered.

Somepony’s going to be blown up, but not fatally. Turning her gaze back down to the ground, she snickered as Rarity ran out of the Boutique, Blueblood trailing behind her, wrapped in the former’s magic. Pinkie, with her ever-lasting smile on her face, stretched and began hopping across buildings as she followed the pair.

The unicorn mare running below finally slowed as she approached the spa, where Fluttershy was waiting. After a quick introduction which Pinkie could not hear, the trio disappeared into the building, leaving the bubbly earth pony waiting once more.

“It’s all coming to a close. But can she be here? No, she must not be here when they see each other.” A whistle in the distance made her ears perk, and she looked towards Canterlot to see a cloud of smoke coming closer. Pinkie blinked before a small smile started to etch on her muzzle, that soon turned into a grin as she giggled in glee. “Of course! She must be on that train!”

Chapter 3

After careful consideration of the state of the stallion held aloft in an aura of Rarity’s magic, the staff of the Ponyville Day Spa quickly decided that their customers’ treatment would begin with a bath. Hopping down from behind the counter, Aloe led Rarity and the mystery stallion down the corridor towards the main treatment, Fluttershy bringing up the rear.

“No, wai—”

Rarity ignored the protests from the stallion and moments later there was a splash of water, Aloe stepping back with a gasp to avoid the fluids that came towards her.

“Miss Rarity, who is zis?”

“Ladies, this is my friend, Blueblood. I leave him in your capable hooves whilst Fluttershy and I get ready.”

Once his head had stopped spinning and his rear hooves had touched the bottom of the large tub, Blueblood placed one of his forehooves on the edge of the seating ring and used the other to brush his wet mane out of his face. He turned around and his gaze fell upon the pink mare he had glimpsed on the way in.

“Um… hello?”

“‘allo, Monsieur Blueblood. I am Aloe, I run zee spa with my sister, Lotus. Now, let us take care of zis mess, oui? Please, sit on ze edge.”

Blueblood did as instructed, the mare stepping up behind him. She grabbed a washcloth and dipped it in the water for a few moments, then placed it over his face. After giving a few moments to allow the soapy water to soak into his fur, she began to scrub gently.

With his eyes closed to stop the suds from getting in, Blueblood couldn't help starting to drift off, giving a gasp of surprise as some water was poured over him. Lifting his mane from his face once more, he looking into a mirror to see all the soot now gone from his muzzle, and the blonde hairs missing from above his eyes.

“Miss Rarity and Miss Fluttershy will be along in a moment. Please, relax whilst you wait.”

“Thank you, Miss Aloe.”

She gave him a smile and trotted from the room, leaving Blueblood alone in the tub. He slid down the seat until the water was just under his jawline, head tilted back with his eyes closed; he wasn’t asleep, just deep in thought.

At least I am building bridges with one mare that did not deserve to be scorned. I wonder if she knows… no, I think she does know that other mare from the Gala. Perhaps I should as—

“Enjoying yourself, Blueblood?”

He slowly opened his eyes to find Rarity looking down at him, her face upside down from where he sat, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. Quiet splashing on the other side of the tub drew his attention, where he saw Fluttershy slipping into the water.

Rarity followed a moment later, sighing as the water travelled up her body. She moved next to her friend and looked at Blueblood, who had his head cocked.

“Something the matter, Blue? You don’t mind us calling you that, do you?”

“Not at all, in fact I would prefer it if you did. Now as to what’s the matter… I think you should go without make up more often.”

Rarity was at first indignant, but checked her rising ire before it could manifest. She knew there was a reason the stallion made such a suggestion, and she would hear him out before politely telling him where to shove it. “Oh, why is that?”

“It makes you seem more… real.”

That caused Rarity to fall silent, her cheeks turning bright pink at the surprise compliment. As if to further her embarrassment, she turned with a pleading look towards Fluttershy, who was giggling up a storm. Rarity then saw the funny side and laughed as well, then took a deep breath and dropped under the water.

Blueblood was confused until she surfaced once more, her usually pristinely styled mane now falling straight past her face and hiding half of it. She set herself in the same position that he was in moments before, Fluttershy already having done so, so he just closed his eyes and sighed as he leaned back once more.

“Um, excuse me, Blue?”

He cracked an eye open and looked towards Fluttershy, giving her a nod to continue.

“What brings you to Ponyville, um, if you don’t mind me asking.”

“Well, as shallow as it may sound, a mare.”

“A mare?”

He had her attention now, and Rarity sat up to listen in better. She knew what he was doing in the town, but hadn’t had the chance to ask him about the mystery mare. Perhaps now she would find out the missing details, and to show no hard feelings remained between them, help him look. For now, she’d need to listen carefully.

“Yes. We met about ten years ago. It was after some silly party that Aunt Celestia insisted I attended. After several hours of mingling with the nobles, I slipped away for some peace in the gardens, and that’s when I saw her. Well, she saw me and spoke.”

“Well, what happened?”

Blueblood grinned at Rarity, who covered her muzzle with a hoof and gave a mumbled apology. At glance at the pegasus showed that she was enraptured in the tale, so the stallion continued.

“She spoke to me. I hadn’t noticed her at first, and she made me jump. We talked under the moon for what felt like hours, but then she said she had to go home. I offered to escort her, and somehow it turned into a date.”

“I woke up the next morning in a hotel with the perfect mare in my hooves. I know some ponies believe in love at first sight, but this was so much more. We had a connection between us. I wanted to get her something nice, so I made sure she was comfortable and slipped out, paying for the room on my way. That was my mistake.”

As he spoke, his countenance fell, Fluttershy and Rarity moving to his sides, giving him a friendly embrace as his tears fell into the water. “I… when I got back to the hotel, she was gone! I should have left a note, not paid… anything!”

Before either mare could respond, Aloe and Lotus came trotting in, with two stallions trailing behind them. The blue-coated mare paused, looking to the bath with a frown.

“Are we interrupting anything?”

Rarity pulled away from Blueblood and climbed from the water, floating a towel over and onto her back. “Not at all, darling. If you would be so kind, could you give my friend here a special?”

Lotus looked to her sister and they both grinned, motioning for Blueblood to climb from the water. He complied, copying Rarity and covering himself with a towel. He followed the unicorn mare down to where several beds lay, Rarity hopping onto one of them and laying one front.

Fluttershy joined her a few moments later, Aloe waving Blueblood closer to a larger bed, so he trotted over and climbed up. He was surprised to feel two sets of hooves press into his back through the towel, but all that came out when he tried to ask was a pleased groan.

He looked to his side to see Rarity enduring a rather rough massage from one of the stallions, whilst Fluttershy had a pleased smile on her face as the other stallion pressed his hooves down gently and stroked along her wings; Blueblood didn’t fail to notice the look of adoration on the earth pony’s face as he stared down at the pegasus mare.

Content to hold off on his search for the time being, as he didn’t think the mare would disappear if somepony were to tell her of the newcomer in town, Blueblood lay his head upon his hooves and closed his eyes as the two mares worked away.

Too soon the massage ended, and if it wouldn’t upset Rarity, he’d get the two mares to move to Canterlot, but next came something he hadn’t had done for a while; horn filing. A unicorn’s horn constantly grew, albeit slowly, and had to be filed down to a more manageable length before it broke of. The part that allowed them to use magic only protruded a little, and a well filed horn actually helped with magic casting more than a bigger horn did.

After that was a hooficure, and the treatment was done. Blueblood spent several moments arguing with Rarity about who was going to cover the bill, mainly because he liked to pay his own way, even if he still had to collect his bits bag from the library, but to also stop the unicorn mare from turning around as Fluttershy gave the stallion that attended to her a quick peck on the cheek.

Bidding the staff farewell, the refreshed and rejuvenated trio stepped out into the streets of Ponyville once more, Blueblood gasping as he noticed how late it was by the setting sun. He turned to the two mares and sighed.

“Well, thank you for a lovely afternoon, Miss Rarity, but I must get back to the library now. Tomorrow, I resume my search for my golden eyed angel.”

Rarity giggled into her hoof, whilst Fluttershy, who was now a bit more curious, stepped closer to Blueblood. “Um, is there anything else about her you know… if you don’t mind, that is.”

“Not at all. Just recently she was given a reserve flyer place for an Equestria Games team. I shall see you around town, I am sure of it.”

“Au revoir, darling.”

“It was um, nice meeting you. Goodbye.” The two mares turned as Blueblood trotted away, heading towards the path that led out of town. They had just past the last building when Fluttershy stopped with a sudden gasp. “Golden eyes… reserve flyer… Derpy?”

Twilight Sparkle stood waiting on the platform as the train bound for Hoofington pulled in. Celestia had sent word that somepony was bringing some important documents that required Blueblood’s approval, but she hadn’t seen him since he left the library. Not knowing who it was delivering the items, Twilight smiled and waved as the ponies departing the train bowed to her as they passed.

“Princess Twilight Sparkle?”

Turning around, she blinked in surprise at the unicorn stallion bowing before her, then he stood back up. In a flash she had jumped forward and wrapped her forelegs around his neck, the stallion giving a small chuckle.

“It has been a while, Princess.”

“Ah, you still call me Twilight, Mr Wise.” Pulling back, Twilight went to help Wise Words with his bags, but noticed he was only travelling light, with simply a small set of saddlebags across his back. Knowing better than to question the stallion, she turned around and began guiding him out of the station.

Wise Words followed along with a smile, for it had been a very long time since he last set hoof in Ponyville, and the train station was simply a bench next to a single track back then. Now there were four tracks, two in the middle for express trains, and one on the outer edges each side for trains stopping, their journey coming from or going to the capital. It also had a roof over it now, as well as a few snack stands dotted around.

They had only made it a few metres from the platform when a large black blur and a small grey blob crashed in through the doors, rolling to a stop in front of the alicorn and unicorn. Giving a small giggle, Twilight bent down and helped the small pegasus colt up, then frowned as the stallion groaned and stood.

“Did we miss it?”

Twilight rolled her eyes before giggling as she shook her head. “No, Thunderlane, the train is still here, you have a few minutes. Perhaps you’d see that if you weren’t rushing like you always do.”

The stallion smiled sheepishly as he set his brother’s saddlebags on his back and then picked him up, hovering in the air.

“Yeah, guess I would. Well, see ya later, Twilight.”

“Bye, Miss Sparkle!”

“Have a fun trip Rumble.” Twilight called out to the pair of brothers before she and Wise Words trotted towards the exits, being mindful of little ponies with their guardians rushing to the other platform.

The building on the edge of Ponyville wasn’t normally overpopulated with ponies arriving or departing to their desired destination, but today was a different story. On this particular day, the station was occupied by foals who were bidding their parents goodbye, one of whom was being just a tad overly motherly.

“You have everything packed, right?” Derpy asked Dinky as she took a peek inside her daughter’s bag.

Dinky tittered as she shook her head. “Yes, Mommy. You made sure I triple checked my bag the last night… remember?” She reminded her mother, who was now blushing and chuckling as she rubbed the back of her head.

“Sorry…” Derpy said softly before clearing her throat. “But remember Dinky, always stay in the group and listen to Cheerilee at all times. Understood?”

“Yes, Mommy.” Dinky saluted her mother, beaming as she giggled at her mother before being pulled into a hug by Derpy. Dinky’s surprise lasted only for a second before she returned the embrace and nuzzled into her mother’s chest.

Derpy planted a kiss on her daughter’s forehead, before letting go of Dinky and caressing her cheek. “Have fun, Muffin.” Derpy whispered as her daughter leaned into her mother’s hoof.

“I will, Mommy.” Dinky replied, before the whistle of the train alerted the foals at the station that it was time to board. As Dinky turned around, she saw the train doors further down being closed by one of the station attendees. As she was about to jump into her carriage, she felt her mother’s hoof checking to see if her saddlebag was properly secure on her body.

“Alright, this is your train now… be good and have fun, my Muffin.” Derpy said as she waved to Dinky boarding the train with the other foals and Cheerilee following suit.

Derpy looked to the windows and saw her daughter’s head poking out.

Dinky waved her hoof to Derpy as she smiled broadly at her. “Bye Mommy! I love you!” Dinky yelled out to Derpy, ignoring the snickers she was hearing from behind her until the whistle, twice this time, of the locomotive blew again.

Derpy waved one last time before trotting away from the train station with a smile on her face. Dinky turned from the window to see find a seat in the cart she was in. She saw Twist in the distance as she walked on, but stopped when she saw the seats were taken by the three members of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Dinky sighed in defeat, until somepony waved at her. She saw Rumble waving at her, most likely indicating a seat for her. Trudging along her way down the carriage, she found a set of four seats, where one was free. Right next to a pinto colt who smiled at her.

With her cheeks burning, Dinky slowly trotted past Pipsqueak and sat herself down next to him, doing her utmost to not look at him for the sake of her face not setting ablaze. She slid her saddlebag from her back as she opened one of her flaps.

Dinky pulled out a muffin from her saddlebag, quickly removing its wrappings before she inspected it thoroughly as she squinted her eyes and looked at every corner. Straightening herself, she slid it to Pipsqueak slowly. When it bumped against his hoof, she paused and turned her head away as Pip looked down on the treat with curiosity.

“S-something for you…” Dinky stuttered, her face becoming more crimson with each second. Her ears perked at the sniggers of the two other colts seated opposite her and Pipsqueak, who reached out for the muffin with his opposite hoof. When his hoof made contact with Dinky’s, she gasped and sweated a little with her face burning violently.

Not noticing Dinky’s shyness, Pipsqueak shrugged and took a generous bite of the muffin he was offered. When he swallowed, a small smile soon spread across his face that turned into a grin. “Now that’s a delicious muffin.” He complimented Dinky as he finished the muffin. “Your mum’s a good baker, Dinky.”

“Um… well I helped bake it… so…” Dinky dared to look at Pipsqueak, but immediately turned her face when she saw him looking at her with concern. “I-I mean! S-she’s good, but Mommy’s teaching me her recipe so…”

Pipsqueak blinked a few times before tilting his head, scratching it in confusion. “Are you okay?” He asked Dinky, who only nodded with her eyes away from him. Pipsqueak only shrugged as he turned to his friends, who continued to snicker. “What’s so funny?”

Rumble cleared his throat before speaking. “N-nothing… anyway, I wonder if we’re gonna meet Princess Celestia on this trip?”

“Forget Celestia, I want to meet Princess Luna again!” Pipsqueak replied enthusiastically, whilst his friends just rolled their eyes. “She’s the best princess of them all!” Pipsqueak declared out loud, ignoring the laughter of his friends. What he didn’t notice was Dinky looking at him with half lid eyes and her cheeks still on fire.

I should have gotten the express, but that would have meant getting up earlier. Now I have to wait in this cesspool of society!

At the far end of the train waiting in Ponyville, a lone sage green mare used her magic to quickly shut the windows of her private cabin. I can’t bear the stench of such garbage! She thought to herself as she let out a sigh and waited for the train to move.

Her eyes drifted to the foals bidding their parents farewell, something that made her contort her face in disgust. Look at those revolting things… Why can’t they grow up instantly? As she looked away from the foals, her eyes widened at the sight of Twilight Sparkle speaking to a white stallion before her. She immediately recognized the stallion, causing her to raise from her seat and press her eyes against the window.

“What’s the servant of Prince Blueblood doing all the way out here?!” She asked out loud, her words resonating across the cabin she was in. Before she could speak any further, the train started to depart from Ponyville. She could see Twilight Sparkle and Wise Words walking away from the station before the train finally departed towards its destination. Taking her seat again, she narrowed her eyes as she levitated a bottle of sparkling water and took a generous gulp from it.

What are you playing at, Blueblood?

Chapter 5

Cracking open his eyes, Blueblood stared at the unfamiliar walls. Something shifted against his barrel under the covers and he lifted them up slowly, only to receive a wet tongue to his face, followed by a bark assaulting his ears.

Pulling back, he stared into the happy face of a little brown dog, its tail wagging eagerly. The unicorn gave a groan as the feeling of his body returned, very sore from his work the previous day, and the memory of him nearly passing in front of a massive red stallion as Blueblood left the farm entered his mind.

Reaching down with a hoof, he scratched the dog between the ears until it had enough and leapt from the bed. Sitting up, he saw the door to his room was slightly ajar and the dog gone. There were creaks and groans from both the mattress and his limbs as he slowly slipped from the bed.

A wondrous smell drifted into the room, causing his stomach to rumble, and even though he wondered briefly where it was coming from, he stepped out into the main room. The front door was open and he could hear the dog barking at something out there, then turned towards the kitchenette of the guest cabin he had stayed in, his eyes going wide.

“Good mornin’ yer highness.”

Just setting down a plate stacked with pancakes was the massive stallion he met the evening before. Blueblood frowned, as he didn’t recall introducing himself, but still sat at the seat he was pointed to, his stomach rumbling again

“Have we met? Properly, I mean.”

“Eeyup. Was a few years ago, Ah came up to Canterlot to get some aid, as the farm was havin’ some difficulties. Name’s Macintosh Apple, but folks just call me ‘Big Mac’.”

“I can certainly see why!” The earth pony turned away with a chuckle, leaving Blueblood to dig in, which he did so heartily. His gaze roamed around the room until it settled on a clock hanging over a fireplace, his eyes going wide, and he quickly swallowed his mouthful. “Is there a reason you saw fit to let me sleep until ten a.m.?”

“Ya needed yer rest. Now eat up, then Ah’ll walk back into town with ya.”

Blueblood finished his meal and the two stallions left the small lodge, depositing the dirty dishes in the kitchen of the main house before stepping onto the dirt path that led back into town. The walk was silent, the pair greeting ponies with a wave as they passed, until they were in the town centre, Blueblood turning towards Mac.

“Thank you for walking with me, I’d best get back to my host now. I’m surprised she didn’t tear the town apart when I didn’t come back last night.”

“Nnope, Twi knew where you were, Ah told her.”

Blueblood blinked in surprise at the way Mac casually spoke about the princess, his head cocked as the earth pony started walking again, right towards the unicorn’s destination. Overcome with curiosity as to just how familiar Mac was with Twilight, Blueblood let him go inside first, then followed in.

The main floor was devoid of life, but that didn’t faze Mac, who was trotting happily up the stairs to the private area. Deciding not to press the issue, Blueblood sat down and began to take another look at the papers Wise Words had brought down, frowning at them.

One of the governmental departments seemed to have an expenditure much greater than they should have, and it was down to him to discover which one, then put a stop to it. Afterall, three thousand bits being spent on a single ‘team building’ event, even in Canterlot, was too high, which meant that… “Somepony or ponies are embezzling funds from the crown.”

Just as he was about to start looking closely at the company on his current sheet of paper, there was a bright purple flash to the side, Blueblood turning to see what it was and raising an eyebrow.

Lying on his back was Big Mac, and upon his chest was Twilight Sparkle, their lips locked and forelegs wrapped around each other. Blueblood cleared his throat, causing the two ponies to pull away from each other in shock, stand up, and stare at the side walls.

“Perhaps you should be careful where you teleport to, Twilight. And perhaps I need to speak with your father.” Blueblood smirked as he made out Twilight blushing through her fur even though she was glaring at him, then went back to looking at his work. “Foal Protection Services… why is it always them that has to cause me trouble, and now of all times?”

Seeing Blueblood looked a bit agitated, Twilight motioned Big Mac towards the door with a hoof, leading him over to it. “I’m sorry, but can we call off lunch for the day?”

“Eeyup, Ah don’t mind. Ah was gonna ask if ya didn’t mind holdin’ off until tonight instead. Ah… might’ve made the reservation a bit later, as lunch was fully booked.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow at the stallion, then her horn glowed as the door opened behind him, and he leaned down to nuzzle her cheek, the mare giving a happy hum. She returned the gesture with a peck to the tip of his muzzle, watching him leave and begin to trek through the streets then called after him, “and next time you surprise me like that, you’ll find yourself teleported into the town fountain.”

If the threat bothered him he didn’t show it, so Twilight closed the door and let out a soft sigh, then heard chuckling from behind her. Turning around with a half hearted glare, she slowly walked over to the couch opposite Blueblood, who, in his distracted state, didn’t see the rolled up newspaper floating up in a lavender aura.

There was a surprised yelp followed by the stallion looking around for his assailant, before he glanced over at Twilight, who was staring at him with her forelegs crossed. “That was for threatening to tell my father. He’ll find out when the time is right.”

“You know I wouldn’t betray your trust, Twi.” Looking down at the files in front of him, Blueblood became certain the funds being diverted was the work of somepony high up in the FPS, so quickly but neatly wrote a note down, then slipped it into the envelope the files came in along with the original items. “Twilight, would you be able to get your dragon to send this to Princess Celestia please?”

“Firstly, his name is Spike. Secondly, anything I can help with?”

“Maybe, but I think Aunt Tia needs to see this first.” Although she was now a princess, Blueblood didn’t want to trouble Twilight with this, as it would be her nature to see it through, but it was his duty as Minister of Finance to find those responsible.

”Okay then. I’ll get Spike to send it when he gets back.” Twilight took the envelope in her magic and set it down on top of a tray marked ‘out’, picking up the pile marked ‘in’ and floated it towards herself, reading over the envelopes. “Bill, junk mail, junk mail… undelivered parcel? But… the library is open to the public during the day!”

Blueblood watched in amusement as a couple of strands of Twilight’s mane sprang out of place, but her path into a breakdown was interrupted as the door swung open and a short figure entered, walked between the two ponies and into the kitchen with two paper bags, then returned to the main room empty handed, looking at the owner of the building with a confused frown.

“Uh, Twi? What’s bugging you now?”

“Bugging me? Spike, we have an undelivered parcel!”

“Oh, that.” The little dragon took a step back as Twilight rose off the couch, slowly walking towards him. “It’s uh… simple really. The package was too heavy to carry here without magic, and you were out this morning so I thought if it was urgent, then I’m sure Blossomforth would have come to find you right away!”

Twilight’s mental state turned around completely as she closed her eyes and then drew in a deep breath, raised her right hoof to her chest, then extended it out to her front as she breathed out. Now she was calm once more, she looked between her current workload and the stallion watching her with an annoying grin, then a smirk formed of her own.

“Say Blue… you’re going out to search again aren’t you? Fancy doing me a favour?”

“You want me to fetch your post?” He ignored the pout she was giving him as he got up stretched out his still slightly sore body, but it was something he gladly bore if it brought him closer to finishing his quest. Taking the slip of paper from where Twilight had let it fall, Blueblood slipped it into his saddlebags and set them on his back. “I guess I’ll be back later. If you’re gone by then, have a nice night with Mac.”

Twilight watched him leave with her teeth clenched, not angry at him for mentioning something that only a few ponies knew, but waiting for the teasing which was about to come her way from the young drake sniggering away next to her.

“Alright now class, we’re here on invitation from Princess Luna herself… so all of you must be on your best behaviour.” Cheerilee spoke to the foals in front of her, emphasizing the last sentence to three fillies in the front. “Is that clear?”

“Yes, Miss Cheerilee…”

Cheerilee nodded before beaming and giggling like a little school filly herself. “Now let’s go, everypony. We’re in the VIP booth today.” Cheerilee nearly squealed in delight before clearing her throat as they came to a halt before at one of the side entrances to Canterlot Stadium, and she moved closer to where two members of the Royal Guard stood watch, talking to them in hushed tones.

“Didn’t I tell you Princess Luna’s the best Princess?!” Pip whispered into Dinky’s ear, literally shaking from excitement as he stared upwards at the size of the giant stadium.

“Yes, for the thousandth time you did.” Dinky tittered as she pulled out her ticket and showed it to the guard standing by, who cracked a smile and gestured her inside. “Still, I can’t believe we’re gonna watch a Wonderbolt Derby in the VIP area!”

Pip grinned as he followed Dinky up the stairs. “With Princess Luna!” He added in enthusiastically, as they reached the top of the staircase where a multitude of foals were already looking over the balcony to where the race track was located. Many of the ponies who were already present looked at the fillies and colts as though they were flies to a wedding cake.

“Who let these foals in unsupervised?” One mare with a sage coat and amber mane asked out loud, looking around for any pony to answer her.

“They’re with me,” Cheerilee replied as she walked towards the sage mare, smiling nervously as she received stares from the ponies present in the VIP booth. “I’m Cheerilee, a teacher at the Ponyville Schoolhouse on a field trip to Canterlot.” Cheerilee said professionally as she maintained a soft smile.

There’s no way in Tartarus a school teacher could afford a trip to Canterlot for an entire class, let alone buy VIP tickets for herself and those little pests! “And you’re here because…?”

“We were invited.” Cheerilee responded plainly, her eyes locked onto the sage mare who was as welcoming as sandpaper to fur. “And what would your name be, Miss…?”

“I am Lady Amber Vain, Chief Executive Officer of Equestria’s Foal Protection Services.” Amber Vain snipped as she held her head high, keeping eye contact with Cheerilee who did not back down.

Before anymore words could be spoken, the sound of armor clattering together was heard from the staircase. Two Royal Guards came in and looked around before standing on each side of the entry to the VIP section as Princess Luna and her elder sister Princess Celestia entered. Everypony present bowed the presence of the Princesses, the foals imitating Cheerilee who lowered her head last.

“Please, everypony. No need to be formal around us.” Celestia spoke maternally as she looked around and caught a glimpse of the foals standing near the balcony. A tender smile escaped from Celestia’s mouth as she leaned to her sister’s ear. “Your little guests have arrived, Luna. If you don’t mind, I think I shall join them at the balcony for the end of the first race.”

Luna gave her a nod and then turned towards Cheerilee and waked over with a cheerful smile, glad to see her sister was not upset, but rather embracing the group that she had invited at short notice.

“I am most pleased you made it.” Luna greeted Cheerilee before looking over the latter’s shoulder at the foals, a few of them having turned around to watch the track being reset from an oval track to a more complex one. “I hope they enjoy this outing.”

“So do I, your majesty. I must also apologise in advance in case a few of them grow restless and start to cause trouble.” Cheerilee breathed a sigh of relief as a giggle escaped from the alicorn, and the two took their seats as the first race came to an end, the teacher focusing her gaze not onto the track, but three fillies at the centre of her group.

“Well that was kinda boring,” Sweetie Belle commented as she continued the look down on the track, a soft yawn escaping from her mouth. “They just went left at every turn.”

Apple Bloom tittered as she took a glance at Sweetie Belle, shaking her head before speaking. “Well that was just the warm up race,” Apple Bloom commented as the course was almost finished being set up. “Besides, Fleetfoot always wins when it comes to warm ups.”

“Well when Rainbow Dash becomes a Wonderbolt, she’ll cream the competition in both warm ups and the main races.” Scootaloo declared proudly, squinting her eyes as she looked to the Wonderbolts who were beginning to take their places on the track.

Pip and Dinky stood on one side of the balcony as the race commenced, with every Wonderbolt leaving a trail of light behind as they flew the course. “Who do you think will win this one?” Pip asked Dinky curiously, though his eyes were fixed on the race.

“I don’t know,” Dinky shrugged nonchalantly, unconsciously resting her hoof against Pip’s. When she finally noticed, a red tint appeared on her cheek and she tried to remove herself from Pip.

When Pip looked away from the race and laid his eyes on Dinky’s hoof against his, his breath hitched as he looked up. When his eyes met Dinky’s, the latter giggled as she looked away coyly, her blush still radiating brightly.

On the back of the VIP booth, Amber Vain merely rolled her eyes when she saw the foals enjoying the show, and the Princesses merrily interacting with the group. Luna must have done this to gain some favour from these idiots. When Amber Vain’s gaze fell upon Pip and Dinky, her lips contorted and her eyes narrowed as she felt sick to the bone from the sight.

How disgusting...

Poste Haste peeked inside the sorting room of the Postal Office, seeing Derpy at the bench fast asleep. A sigh escaped from his mouth, before he left the room and closed the door quietly. When he turned around, he was met by Blossomforth who had just arrived from deliveries.

“Hey, um…” Blossomforth began to speak, pausing a moment as she rubbed the back of her neck looking sideways. “I’m sorry I skipped out on our date last night, it’s just Derpy was—” She was cut off when Poste pressed his lips against hers, removing them only after a few moments had passed by.

“No need to apologize,” Poste told her, caressing Blossomforth’s cheek as he smiled softly at her. “She needed a friend, her best friend, last night.” Poste Haste removed himself from Blossomforth, chuckling at the sight of Blossomforth’s burning cheeks.

Blossomforth blinked furiously, shaking her head before smiling slyly at Poste. “You know, not many bosses would be in a relationship with their employees.” She said as she walked past him, flicking her tail across his face.

“Well, I’m not like many bosses,” Poste replied evenly, swatting a hoof over Blossomforth’s flank, eliciting a yelp from the mare. His smile soon disappeared though when his thoughts turned to another mare sleeping in the next room. “How bad was she last night?”

“To be honest… this is the first time since she came here that I’ve seen her even touch alcohol,” Blossomforth admitted, resting herself on a chair as she sighed. “She’s never taken a step near the tavern, but last night… and what those ponies were saying about her...” Blossomforth trailed off as she rested her hooves to her head as she grounded her teeth. “I shouldn’t have talked her into going with me, I knew she was having a hard time but—” Blossomforth words ceased again when she felt a gentle hoof to her shoulder. She looked up to see Poste looking down at her with his green eyes, shaking his head slowly.

“It wasn’t your fault,” Poste Haste told her, before walking to the water dispenser and pouring himself a glass. “You had no idea those ponies would say those things about Derpy,” Poste furrowed his brow slightly as he remembered a few occasions where he had overheard certain rumours about his employee. “Besides, the important thing was that you were there for her when she needed you the most.”

“Thanks,” Blossomforth replied as she was going through some paper work, though her eyes sometimes slipped to take a peek at Poste working. When his eyes met hers, she quickly looked away with cheeks flushing before returning to her work. After a while, Blossomforth’s gaze landed on the door leading to the sorting room. “I’m really sorry…” Blossomforth trailed off, her eyes still fixed upon the doorway.

Poste Haste’s ears flickered when he heard Blossomforth speak. “Sorry, what was that?”

Blossomforth shook her head before answering. “Nothing, it’s fine.” She responded to Poste, before putting the finished paperwork aside. “Thanks again for going easy on Derpy, it’s just—” Her words became silent when Poste raised his hoof.

“Again, it’s no problem, today isn't that busy anyway.”

Blossomforth smiled inwardly at Poste’s words, before suppressing a laugh. “Not many bosses would be so understanding.” Blossomforth stood up from her desk, making her way towards Poste as she fluttered her lashes at him. Just before she reached him, the bell of the front door ringed, causing Blossomforth to immediately freeze and gasp. She quickly flew towards the front desk, greeting the new pony who had just walked in.

“Welcome to Ponyville Postal Services, how may I help you?” Blossomforth asked politely, albeit professionally as she maintained a genuine smile at the customer who was a white unicorn stallion. Something in Blossomforth’s mind told her that he was not from Ponyville, but rather from a metropolitan area such as Manehatten or Canterlot.

The stallion cleared his throat. “Good morning, my name is Blueblood. I’m here to pick up a parcel for Princess Sparkle.” He spoke evenly as he kept eye contact with her.

“Okay, if I could have some proof that you are acting on behalf of the recipient please.”

“Certainly,” Blueblood replied with a smile, “this is what Twily gave me.”

Twily? Blossomforth’s mind raced as she remembered the day she watched when a delegation from the protectorate of the Crystal Empire came to town, and she overheard Prince Consort Armor calling Princess Sparkle by that name, and she knew they were siblings. Glancing down she saw the note she had left with Spike, then looked back to Blueblood.

“I’ll be right back with the parcel Mr Blueblood.” Blossomforth informed Blueblood before standing up and rushing towards the sorting room, opening the door softly and seeing Derpy finally awake, though looking awfully miserable. “Derpy, I hate to ask this…” Blossomforth trailed off as she shuffled her hooves. “But I need help with a parcel for Princess Sparkle.”

Derpy groggily stood up from her seat, giving a weak smile at Blossomforth and then nodding slowly. “Sure,” Derpy replied before locating the sealed box addressed to the library and its proprietor. Derpy and Blossomforth stood on one side as they began to push the heavy box towards the entrance, both struggling against the immense weight. Derpy closed her eyes shut as she clenched her teeth, doing her best to get the parcel to its location.

They managed to get it into the lobby, where Derpy turned and leaned against the wall, rubbing her pounding head with a hoof. “Here’s your parcel, Mr Blueblood.” Blossomforth said lamely, smiling weakly at the waiting stallion, but then she frowned as she noticed he looked like he had seen a ghost.

Derpy huffed and puffed before looking at her friend, who was still staring at the stallion. “What is it Blossomforth?” She turned to face the stallion, her breath hitching when she saw who it was, her mouth opening and closing, but no words coming forth. Derpy’s eyes began to water as she too was now staring at him.

There was an eerie silence in the post office for a few moments, until the unicorn stallion found his voice.

“It’s you… it’s really you.”

Author's Note

Also, this is Poste Haste

Chapter 6

Up and down they went, giggling as the scenery rushed past them. Pound Cake waved at the other ponies whilst Pumpkin Cake busied himself chewing on the mane tip of their carrier. The bouncing pony suddenly stopped with a gasp, her ears perking as she turned to face the direction of the post office.

“It’s time. Ooh, I need to get some ice for that!”

Blueblood ignored the stinging on his cheek, staring on in shock as the mare started to breathe heavily. Her eyes darted to her coworkers and then to him, finally settling on the partially open door. The other mare came over and wrapped her forelegs around the grey pegasus, looking at him in confusion.

To the shock of all, another mare walked out from the ‘employees only’ area, her pink mane bouncing as she hummed and walked towards Blueblood, two foals in a carrier over her back staring around in wonder. Once she was in front of him, she took his hoof and placed a cold item in it, then moved his hoof to his cheek.

She leaned back, took a look at what she had done, gave a nod, and then bounced out of the customer door as if it was a completely normal thing during her day.

Blueblood shook his head a couple of times, then looked to the gray mare, still held tightly by the white pegasus. He took a couple of steps closer, but the goldened eyed mare began to hyperventilate, which prompted the pegasus stallion to place himself between Blueblood and the mares, looking over his shoulder at them.

“Blossomforth, take Derpy out the back and get her some air.” Blossomforth nodded to Poste Haste and began to guide Derpy out, Poste holding a hoof up to stop the unicorn stallion from following. Once the door closed, Poste sat down with a sigh and turned to face Blueblood, giving him a once over. “Listen, Derpy’s a good mare. So you showing up outta the blue like this and upsetting her… it doesn’t sit right. You obviously mean something to her, so just give her some time, okay?”

Blueblood opened his mouth to reply, but then closed it and nodded, then he picked up the parcel in his magic and left the building. He felt numb as he walked through town, the sounds of other ponies distant to him. Even when he came to the library he still wasn’t aware of his surroundings, bumping right into somepony’s flank, the startled gasp not even registering with him.

“Blueblood, there you are! I know who your mystery mare is!”

Forcing his mind to focus, Blueblood’s gaze finally settled on to something solid, and it took him a moment to realise he was staring at Rarity. Seeing that he was in a state of distress, Rarity opened the door with her magic and nudged him into the building, leading him to one of the couches.

“Blue?”

He still didn’t respond, his gaze staring off into the ether. Taking a deep breath, Rarity sat down in front of him and lowered her head.

“Blueblood, I have some news for you.” Still no reaction, so she lifted a hoof and turned him to look at her. “The mare you are looking for is called Derpy. I would have come told you the other day, but I had to rush off to help Fluttershy with an emergency in a nearby village. Now, Derpy works at… the… post office.”

Recognition entered Rarity’s mind, the way he was being so distant like when a pony suffered from shock, and the fact he was carrying a parcel that, after a quick check, showed it had a stamp from the local post office. “Blueblood, please say something.”

He pulled his head away from her comforting touch and his eyes fixed on the floor, his horn glowed a pale blue and his mouth curled into a sad smile. From one of the rooms above came a glow of the same colour, Rarity watching with interest as a set of saddlebags floated out and over the railings, coming to a stop in front of Blueblood, who slipped his hoof in.

She gasped and held a hoof to her mouth when he pulled out a sparkling blue gem on a silver chain, which he placed in one hoof and gently stroked with the other, tears slowly starting to fall. Rarity leaned in a little closer, her knowledged of gems coming up short on what she saw, something she had only heard rumours about.

“Is that a…”

“Yes, it’s an Ice Diamond, held on a chain of platinum. It belongs to one mare, and one mare only.”

“But… that must have cost a fortune!”

To Rarity’s surprise, Blueblood threw his head back and had a heartfelt laugh, wiping the tears from his eyes with a hoof whilst carefully holding the jewel in the other. He waved Rarity closer, pulling the mare into a loose embrace.

“You have no idea, Aunt Tia almost sent me to the dungeons for it.” The two shared a laugh this time, Rarity pulling away and watching the stallion with interest as he gently brushed the gem once more, speaking in a whisper. “Derpy… you know I am here now, and here I shall remain until you are ready.”

With the skies mostly clear and the odd cloud around, one mare relaxed on her own soft cloud, glad her work was done for the day. To most observers she looked lazy, but the truth of the matter was that she was prepared to assist with any emergency at a moments notice.

Having actually slept enough for once, Rainbow Dash rolled over and looked at the town below her. From her high vantage point she could see several possible pranking prey, but her plan for such fell flat as her gaze settled on the backyard of the post office.

Sitting on a garden bench was Blossomforth, who was holding Derpy. Rainbow had not only heard about but witnessed the altercation in the tavern the previous night, as had most of the town, but even she could tell something was off.

Stretching as she stood, Rainbow took a moment to get her bearings before leaping from the cloud. Her descent was a spiral centred on the post office, and she came to a gentle stop just outside the back gate. She knocked a couple of times just to let them know that she was coming in, slowly trotting over to where her flockmates sat.

“Blossom, what’s going on?”

“Some stallion just turned up at the post office, and it upset Derpy a bit.”

Rainbow nodded and placed her hoof on Derpy’s shoulder, the grey mare keeping silent as she breathed heavily. The trio sat in silence for a time, until Derpy coughed a little. Rainbow was gone in an instant, coming back a moment later with a glass of water from inside the post office, holding it steady Derpy drank. Rainbow looked over at Blossomforth and nodded at Derpy, Blossomforth giving a sigh as Derpy finished her drink

“So… who was he?”

“He… he’s… it’s him, Blossom! Why is he here? What does he want?” Derpy began breathing heavily again, but the door opening drew their attention, Poste Haste walking out with a well dressed unicorn stallion following.

“Good morning, Miss Hooves.”

Derpy sat up straight, frowning in confusion; she had seen this stallion around town, but had never had a reason to interact with him. “Uh… y-yes, that’s me.”

“Excellent.” Using his magic he pulled out a scroll from his pocket and unfurled it, clearing his throat. “By order of the town mayor, Miss Derpy Hooves is to report to Town Hall as soon as possible.”

“She’s not going anywhere!”

The stallion glared at Blossomforth, then went back to reading from the paper. “She is to answer to charges of assault that took place last night in the The Royal Sisters Tavern. If she does not attend, Miss Hooves is to be placed under arrest until her case can be rescheduled.”

Leaving the scroll on the outside coffee table, the stallion walked through the back gate and into town, leaving the four pegasi stunned. Blossomforth looked from the letter to Derpy, and gasped when she saw the seething hatred in Rainbow’s eyes as she stared at where the stallion had just been standing.

“Looks like somepony is going to have to pay a visit to Cipher Splash.”

Rainbow went to take wing, but something latched onto her tail and kept her from flying off. She looked over her shoulder with a glare, raising an eyebrow at Blossomforth. The white pegasus spat out the multi coloured tail and gave Rainbow a glare of her own.

“Do you really think that would help Derpy? All that’s going to do is make it worse! You were there last night, so if you want to help, then you’ll come as a witness.”

Rainbow opened her mouth to argue, but her words died before they even started when she saw the pleading look she was getting from Derpy. Hanging her head with a sigh, she trotted over and wrapped her friend in a hug.

“Yeah, I’ll be there.”

“This is so wicked!” Pip exclaimed as he grinned, walking alongside Dinky as they walked the through the streets of Canterlot.

Dinky was also beaming too, literally prancing as she looked up the see the palace come into view. “I know! I can’t believe Princess Celestia and Princess Luna invited us to the castle… for lunch.” Dinky giggled uncontrollably as she heard other foals speaking about the the sudden invite.

“That was mighty kind of them…”

“Do they serve hayburgers?”

“You think we can get our cutie marks there?!”

Dinky tittered at the the mention of cutie marks, remembering what wild antics the Cutie Mark Crusaders had gotten themselves into. Looking back at her own blank flank, Dinky sighed inwardly as she had yet to discover what her talents really were. A smile slowly formed onto her muzzle though when she looked at Pip.

At least I’m not alone…

When the class finally reached the gates leading to the castle, they were greeted by two royal guards standing post outside. “Good afternoon, and welcome to Canterlot Castle,” one guard called out, raising his hoof to block the group’s progress and maintaining the seemingly disinterested look. “May I please take your name and ask your business here today?”

“Cheerilee, and these are my students… we were invited by—”

“Ah yes! The Princesses are expecting you.” The guard’s tone lightened, if only a little, as he and his colleague opened the gates leading to the palace. “We hope you enjoy your visit.” He nodded as Cheerilee and the foals walked past him and towards the castle.

The main doors opened as they approached, and Cheerilee was greeted by an elderly stallion in a tuxedo smiling courteously at her. “Greetings, my name is Wise Words. I shall be your escort during your time at the castle.” Wise Words said politely, bowing to Cheerilee as he maintained a mild smile. “Allow me to show you to the dining hall, the Princesses are awaiting your arrival.”

“Thank you.” Cheerilee replied before following Wise Words down the hall towards their destination. As she walked through the passage, Cheerilee couldn’t help but look around herself in amazement of the architectural design of the palace. I wonder what it looks like in the evening? Cheerilee’s thought came to an abrupt halt when she saw Wise Words stopping in front of another set of large wooden doors. Turning to face the crowd that was gathered behind him, Wise Words lit his horn to swing the doors open, revealing Princess Celestia and Princess Luna already seated at the table with others.

A maternal smile etched upon Celestia’s muzzle when she saw Wise Words entering with Cheerilee and the foals. “Ah, Cheerilee… glad to see you made it.” Celestia greeted Cheerilee as she waved a hoof, beckoning her to come forward. “Please, have a seat.”

“T-thank you, Princess…” Cheerilee replied nervously as she took seat not too far from the Princesses, with the others doing the same. Seizing the opportunity, Pip and Dinky hurried to the open seats close to Princess Luna, the latter pleased to see them both seated next to her.

A gentle smile etched onto Wise Words' muzzle before he bowed to Celestia. “I shall take my leave now, Princess…” Wise Words trailed off as he turned to leave, but was stalled when Celestia called out to him.

“Oh Wise, why don’t you come join us?”

I knew she would ask me that… Wise Words sighed and shook his head slightly, still smiling as he turned to Celestia. “Very well, Princess…” Wise Words looked around for an empty chair, finding one that was adjacent to Princess Luna.

As everypony was waiting for the servings, Dinky looked to Wise Words who was sitting perfectly still with his eyes half opened. “Um, excuse me… Mr. Wise Words?” Dinky spoke softly, enough to get the attention of the elder pony. “How long have you been a…”

“Butler?” Wise Words finished her sentence, receiving a nod from the filly before him. Wise Words chuckled as his eyes rolled upwards to the ceiling above. “Since I retired from the Royal Guard, the Solar Guard to be exact my dear.”

Pip’s ears flickered as he heard Wise Words speak. “You were in the guard?”

“I was Captain of the Solar Guard before I stepped down.” Wise Words finished speaking, only to have every foal present look at him in wonder. After a moment of silence, he was bombarded with questions from the foals.

“Is it true!? You were a captain?”

“How many times a day did you have to train for?!”

“Is it true you can marry a princess if you’re a captain?!”

As the questions went on, Cheerilee could only plant her face in her hoof as she sighed, shaking her head before clearing her throat out loud to gain the attention of her class. “Children! Please behave yourselves…” Cheerilee instructed her class, just as the servants were arriving with the trolleys.

“So…” Pip began to speak again, in a hush whisper. “You were really a captain?” He asked Wise Words, receiving a nod as his answer. “Is it true only unicorns can become captain?”

Wise Words chuckled as he covered his mouth with a hoof. “My boy, anypony can reach the rank of Captain of the Guard, both Solar and Lunar,” Wise Words said as he leaned into Pip’s ear. “And let me tell you, I’ve seen earth ponies who triumphed over unicorn and pegasi in combat.”

“Really?”

“Oh yes, in fact… my commanding officer before I took the post was an earth pony, Captain Stone Cold.”

Across the table, Celestia gazed at Wise Words conversing with the young colt as a serene smile formed on her face. Celestia’s mind lingered to her nephew Blueblood a moment, causing her to look out the window.

I hope everything is well with him…

As she sipped her jasmine tea gingerly, Rarity eyes' never left Blueblood, who merely looked deeply into his beverage that she had poured for him. A ting of sorrow and pity coursed through her, knowing the poor stallion had a lot on his mind.

“So…” Rarity trailed off, lowering her cup before continuing. “What will you do now, Blue?”

What could I do? Blueblood thought to himself, keeping his eyes on his tea before sighing and scrunching his lips. “Honestly… I don’t know.” Blueblood answered her. What should I do?

A tremor shook the books lining the walls and the china on the table, surprising Blueblood and Rarity as they looked around in every corner. “What was that?!” Rarity exclaimed, before the door leading to the basement level opened, polluting the main floor with dark smoke. Coughing violently to the offending substance, Rarity lit her horn to open the windows of the library, letting all the gaseous vapours disperse. As soon as the room was clear Rarity saw Spike walking towards them, holding a letter in his claw.

“Blue, this is for you.” Spike informed Blueblood as he handed him the letter, dusting himself off afterwards.

“Spikey Wikey! Are you okay?!” Rarity panicked, looking for any signs of injury on the little baby dragon. She knew too well the kinds of dangerous tasks he was involved in when Twilight was experimenting with something.

“I’m fine,” Spike replied, smiling a little as he was flattered by Rarity’s concern. “I can’t say that same for Twilight though…” Spike trailed off before he went to the kitchen, leaving Rarity and Blueblood to ponder his words.

The sound of hoofsteps and huffing alerted both Rarity and Blueblood, causing them to turn around and see a slightly charred and irritable Twilight Sparkle.

After what seemed like an eternity of silence, Blueblood was the first to speak. “I take it the experiment I got you didn’t go that well?” He asked sheepishly, a little scared as to what Twilight might do or say.

Twilight simply walked to the couch, planting herself hard on it whilst mumbling grumpily. Just as she opened her mouth, Spike entered the room again with an ice pack that he gave to Twilight. “Thanks…” Twilight said softly as she took hold of the pack with her magic, nuzzling Spike before placing it gently on her head.

Remembering the letter, Blueblood levitated it and opened it carefully. As he read the contents, a small scowl formed on his face and he soon clenched his teeth in rage. “Oh for Faust’s sake!” Blueblood shouted out, quickly shutting his mouth. “Excuse me.”

“What is it?” Twilight asked curiously, lowering the ice pack as she got up from the sofa and walked towards Blueblood.

“Funding for an orphanage, Silver Lining, has ceased unexpectedly and now I have to head back to Canterlot to rectify this before the establishment closes down for good.” Blueblood told Twilight as he handed the letter to her, rushing up the stairs and coming back down with his briefcase. “But the thing that really ticks me off, is that this is not an isolated case concerning an organization aimed at foal welfare.”

Rarity peered over Twilight’s shoulder, scanning the letter before looking at Blueblood. “Whatever do you mean?”

“Somepony is embezzling bits, bits that are meant to go towards the foals…” Blueblood opened his briefcase and packed a few items, the last being the Ice Diamond pendant. Looking at it for a few moments, he sighed and carefully stowed it away in a compartment inside his case. One last thing I need to do...

“I’m sorry, Twilight, but I have to dash. Miss Rarity, it has been a pleasure, I hope I can visit again soon.” Blueblood quickly bowed his head to the mares, then his horn flashed and he disappeared from the library.

Blueblood hated teleportation travel, as it always made him feel light headed, no matter the distance. Shaking his head to clear it, he looked up and smirked, then pushed the door open and marched up to the counter, where he rang the little bell.

The pegasus stallion from earlier that day trotted over with a smile, which faded as soon as he saw Blueblood. He glanced to the side, somewhere out of the unicorn’s vision, then turned back to Blueblood with the sort of contempt only a service manage could muster. “I must not have made myself clear this morning, because this is certainly not enough time.”

“But… this is important! Please… let me speak to her.” Blueblood saw no change to the stallion’s impassive gaze and he sank to his haunches, lowering his head a little. “Please, let me talk… to Derpy.” He looked up when he heard a gasp. His eyes went wide as the mare appeared on the other side of the counter as she gently nudged the stallion out of the way, although he was reluctant to move.

“Speak quickly, I have somewhere I need to be.”

Blueblood’s heart nearly burst out of his chest as his angel’s voice graced his ears once more, and it took all of his willpower not to jump the counter right there and embrace her in his forelegs. Instead, he took a deep breath and placed a hoof on the wooden work table as he looked into her eyes.

“I have to return to Canterlot, there’s an orphanage about to close down due to lack of funding, and my job dictates I must be there before the final decision is made. I only… wish to ask that you think no ill of me for turning up like this then having to leave, but I assure you, not even Discord himself can stop me from returning once my business is concluded.”

A small ray of hope came to Blueblood as Derpy worked her mouth a few times, before closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. Once the opened again, they we both focusing fiercely on him, and it wasn’t until her own hoof gently brushed his did he notice she had moved at all.

“What’s the name?”

“Huh?” Blueblood couldn’t help but arch his brow at that, even though Derpy tittered a little with another mare joining in around the corner. Soon the pegasus stallion joined in as he chuckled a little.

“The name of the orphanage. What is it?”

“Oh. Um… Silver Lining.” It was nearly imperceptible, but Blueblood saw the slight widening of her eyes. As much as he wanted to ask, he really needed to get moving. “I will return, I—” He was cut off as Derpy leaned in unexpectedly, planting a gentle kiss on the tip of his muzzle.

“You go do what’s right for those foals. When… when you come back, I shall try to be ready, but please be patient with me? This is going to be a difficult time, for the both of us.”

“Of course. I shall return as soon as possible.”

With that, Blueblood swept out of the post office with Derpy watching as he began galloping towards the train station. As soon as the door swung shut, she turned to find herself staring into the concerned face of her colleague and best friend.

“You didn’t tell him.” Blossomforth was ignored as Derpy went about tidying up the office, Poste Haste having hastily vacated the area as soon as Blossomforth glanced at him. Reaching a hoof up, she stopped Derpy from working. “Why didn’t you tell him?”

“He doesn’t need to know that I was there.”

“Not that… why didn’t you tell him about Dinky?”

“Blossom…” Derpy turned to her friend as her eyes became moist, albeit with a smile on her face. “The time wasn’t right. I know you don’t understand, but please trust me on this.” The two shared a brief hug as they walked towards the door together. There was one more matter of unpleasant business to attend to, yet Derpy was determined to face it with a smile for she had found something she thought she had long since lost; hope.

Chapter 7

Stepping off of the train into Canterlot station, Blueblood’s features turned into a scowl as soon as he saw one of his aides waiting for him. He knew it wasn’t this earth pony stallion’s fault that he was back in the capital so soon, but he intended to make it clear to others that he was not happy with current events.

The stallion stepped forward and went to speak, but Blueblood just stepped past him and headed for the exit, the stallion following. Ponies in the streets quickly moved out of the way for the clearly irate unicorn and the nervous earth pony, but the crowd slowly decreased in density as the pair moved through to the ‘lower’ class areas.

Blueblood’s scowl hardened as he heard the sounds of foals crying, and he rounded a corner just in time to see two stallions place a colt into a carriage and bolt the door. He could hear the voice of a mare shouting for them to stop, but as he got closer, Blueblood saw two more stallions about to enter the building, and a distressed mare trying to stop them.

With a flash of his horn, Blueblood teleported the short distance and ignored the momentary feeling of vertigo, turning his foul mood onto the stallions and took a moment to clear his throat.

“Excuse me, but I do believe what you are doing is illegal.”

The two stallions turned and faced Blueblood in confusion, then looked towards the waiting carriage. Blueblood followed their gaze, where upon he saw a well dressed pegasus watching over proceedings, a clipboard held in one wing and a pen in the other. Floating his suitcase over to his aide, Blueblood calmly walked over to the stallion.

“I insist you cease all activities this instant, and return the foals to the care of the Silver Lining Orphanage staff.”

“I’m afraid I can not do that, Minister.” The stallion flipped to a page and passed the clipboard to Blueblood, who read it over, his eyes going wide. “As you can see, funding for the premises has ceased, therefore the building has been shutdown. We’re moving them to another FPS facility.”

“You know who I am, so you should also know that you can’t shut down a public service without approval from my office!”

“We have approval. Form number three-twenty eight.” The stallion reached over and flipped to another page, pointing it out to Blueblood, whose scrutiny only increased as he read it over. “As you can clearly see, we have approval to close this facility due to cessation of funds. There is nothing I can do to help, Minister.”

In the middle of the scroll was the official account for the building, which stated that the sum of three thousand bits had been cut from the Foal Protection Services’ budget, the exact amount Silver Lining Orphanage received from the crown, which is why it had been chosen to be closed.

Wait… Three thousand bits? ...Are they connected? Scanning the documents once more, Blueblood searched for something that would save the orphanage, but as he went back down the page he grew disheartened, until he saw the very bottom.

“Cease and desist all actions taken here today. This form was signed by my office this morning.”

“I know, that’s why we’re he—”

“By me, apparently. But I was in Ponyville this morning, and there are several ponies that can attest to that. This signature is a forgery, and therefore invalid. Who gave you these orders?” Blueblood smirked smugly as he watched the pegasus squirm, taking back the clipboard and flicking through page after page. He stopped after a moment and glanced at his crew, then back to Blueblood.

“It uh… look, the task was just placed on my desk, Minister. I don’t know who authorised it.”

“Then I suggest you to put everything back where you took it from, and release the foals back into the care of the staff here, don’t you agree? I also advise you to return to the FPS and inform them there will be an independent investigation.”

The stallion stared at Blueblood for a minute, then whistled over to his staff and shook his head. The two standing just outside the entrance to the orphanage turned towards the carriage, where they helped the others get the foals back out of the carriage. Blueblood’s foul mood was ruined as all of the foals rushed to him and gave him a hug each in thanks as they went back into the building, and he stayed in place until the FPS agents left the area.

Once the young ones were all safe, Blueblood, having kept hold of the clipboard, walked over to his aide and slipped the documents into his suitcase, then began to walk away, his aide trotting along at his side. Blueblood glance at the earth pony, finally noting that he seemed a bit nervous.

“So, you’re this year’s Canterlot Business University intern?”

The stallion jumped in his tracks a little, his ears shooting up as he turned to face Blueblood. “Yes, sir. I’ve only been with you a week.”

“I see. Tell me, do you know who delivered the message to Celestia so that she could send it to me?”

“Oh… um, that was me, sir. Something just didn’t add up when I saw the ‘actioned’ forms.”

An amused smirk came to Blueblood as he continued walking, making a mental note to keep an eye on this pony, then ensure he came to work for the Ministry of Finance once his education, or at least the part done by the university, was complete.

Entering town hall, Derpy took a deep breath, then noticed the unicorn that had delivered the letter stood next to a desk that had been set out in the stage, giving the mare a small smile as she walked towards him. There were two more set in front of the stage, and the stallion waved Derpy towards one of them.

Derpy did as instructed, taking her seat and watching as Rainbow and Blossomforth sat down on the seats set out to her side. Slowly, other ponies began to fill in, Blossomforth noting that the majority of them were present in the tavern the previous night.

The last pony to enter through the main doors before they were closed was Cipher Splash herself, and Blossomforth found herself holding tightly onto one of Dash’s hooves to prevent her friend from causing further trouble. The slight swelling and bruising around the unicorn’s left eye was enough… for now.

Derpy felt a shiver along her spine as she turned to face her opponent, who glanced back with a smug smile plastered on her face as she sat at her own desk, then faced the stage. A door in the back opened and Mayor Mare walked out followed by her two assistants, and they all sat at the main desk. They were followed by another unicorn stallion, whom Derpy recognised from somewhere, and Princess Sparkle, the pair of them taking seats just to the edge of the stage.

Looking around to check all required ponies were present, Mayor Mare tapped her hoof three times on the desk to signify the beginning of the proceedings.

“Court is in session. Miss Hooves, you are here to answer charges of assault against one Miss Cipher Splash, in the Royal Pony Sisters Tavern last night, of which there were several witnesses. Do you wish to dispute this?”

“No, I do not.”

There was a stunned silence in the impromptu courtroom, the three most shocked ponies being Blossomforth, Rainbow Dash, and Cipher Splash.

“I… I see.” The mayor looked to the stallion at her side, then back down at Derpy, and finally to the folder that was waiting on her desk. The room was silent as she opened it up and read the report inside, giving a sigh as she looked at the two ponies in court, taking off her glasses. “I have here a statement from Whiskey Stone, owner of the property where the incident took place, and I shall read it to the court.”

“On the night in question, Miss Hooves did indeed punch Miss Splash, and whilst some may say the attack was unprovoked, it , in my opinion, was. I have heard, like others, the rumours surrounding Miss Hooves, and all somepony needs to do is look at how she is with her daughter to know that’s horseapples.”

Mayor Mare looked down at Derpy, who was doing her best to remain calm, then across at Cipher, whose smile was smaller and her eyes a bit wide, and she returned to the statement.

“During the evening when Miss Hooves was present, I heard several of my patrons whispering such rumours to each other, and I am honestly surprised nothing happened before the event. It wasn’t until I heard mention of Miss Hooves’ daughter that any action was taken by the mare.”

“There are a few choice words after that, which I will not repeat out loud. Now then,” the mayor turned her gaze to the golden sand coloured unicorn. “I am not much for the rumour mill in this town, but there are several witnesses that corroborate this account. I would like to know what it is that you said prior to being struck.”

Cipher’s facade finally began to crack as her smile fell completely, her ears flattening back. Her gaze briefly flicked from Derpy to the mayor, then to her desk; she refused to look anywhere else.

“We… I was in a discussion about Miss Hooves using money from the crown meant for her daughter to fund her drinking habit.”

“I see.” Mayor Mare conversed with her aids for a moment, whilst Rainbow Dash, who had been subtly trying to do so, managed to catch Twilight’s attention. The alicorn slowly shook her head, sadness present in her eyes. The trial was just and only Major Mare could decide. While the royal sisters had power to issue pardons, being the highest authority in Equestria, they did so scarcely, only in cases that gravely warranted it. Twilight couldn't do anything at all.

Rainbow slumped a little in her chair, but looked up again when she felt Blossomforth’s hoof around her shoulders, seeing Mayor Mare had finished conferring.

“Miss Hooves, for your assault upon Miss Splash, the court finds it was not unprovoked. However, you response was not proportional to the provocation. Therefore, the court finds you guilty of assault, and I hereby sentence you to…”

Blossomforth hugged Rainbow closer to herself as she stared at Derpy with worry.

“...twenty hours of community service.”

Derpy dropped her head a little, whilst Cipher Splash’s grin grew wider. As far as she was concerned, she had won and was no longer needed, so stepped from her desk and began to walk towards the exit. The voice of the mayor continuing made her steps falter.

“Not so fast, Miss Splash. Take your seat once more.” She did as bid, frowning in confusion as the stallion seated next to Twilight got up and walked over to Derpy when the mayor pointed to him with a hoof. “It seems like there is something else we must discuss today, which is why Mr Typecast, Ponyville’s resident representative for Foal Protection Services, is present. If you would, Mr Typecast?”

“Of course, Mayor.” He turned to Derpy and smiled, laying his folders out in front of her. There were several written files as well as a few pictures of her with her daughter. The one that really caught her eye was the one about a filly with no mention of a mare or stallion present at all. “It’s been some time, Miss Hooves.” He turned to face the court.

“As some of you may know, Foal Protection Services watch what we consider vulnerable foals closely. This includes those with a single parent. But what I am here to do today is put to bed certain rumours about this mare.” He opened one of the folders and pulled out a sheet of paper, holding them in front of Derpy. “Miss Hooves, could you confirm that what I have here is a legitimate copy of your bank account and the separate account for which all funds you receive for Dinky are held within?”

Derpy took a good look and then nodded. “Yes, that is correct.” Typecast gave her a wink and turned to the mayor, passing the paper over to her.

“As you can clearly see, madame mayor, every single bit sent by the crown is accounted for in a separate fund, one which I assume is set aside for Dinky when she gets older?”

Derpy gave another nod when he looked at her, the stallion hopping back onto the stage and turning to face the gathered ponies.

“In conclusion, I find no basis in reality for these rumours to exist, nor understand how or why they started in the first place. Was there anything else, madam mayor?”

“No, thank you, Mr Typecast.” Giving a sigh, the mare turned her gaze upon Cipher Splash, who was shaking lightly her seat. “Miss Splash, it turns out you are guilty of slander, the punishment of which is usually compensation paid to the offended party. But I think that shiner you’re sporting is enough to remind you not to do so again, don’t you?”

“Yes, madam mayor. And… if I could say something?” With a confused frown the mayor nodded her consent, her eyes catching the Royal Guards hidden in the shadows preparing to intervene as Cipher walked over to Derpy. The entire court fell silent as she bowed down in front of her. “I’m sorry, Miss Hooves. I know it isn’t much, but I don’t know what else I can do.”

Watching from the side, Blossomforth felt Dash tense up as Derpy stood from her seat and moved in front of Cipher. They both gasped and blinked in surprise as Derpy pulled the unicorn to her hooves and into a hug, which they held for a few moments.

Seeing things had resolved themselves, the mayor dismissed the court, ponies starting to slowly shuffle their way out of town hall until only Derpy, her firends, and one other remained. The trio of pegasi began walking towards the door when their path was blocked by another pony.

“I’m glad things worked out okay in the end. Could you speak with me in private for a moment please Derpy?” Giving a nod, Derpy waited for her friends to leave before taking a seat, Princess Sparkle hopping up next to her. “I’m sorry I couldn’t step in, Derpy, but I can only go against the laws for the safety of Equestria, not one pony no matter my personal feelings on the issue.”

“It’s okay your majesty, it’s only twenty hours.”

Twilight gave a sigh, then lay a hoof on Derpy’s shoulder. “There’s something I need to ask. A guest of mine came back from the post office earlier today, a little shook up…”

“You know Blueblood?”

Twilight was a little taken back, but smiled and gave her a nod. “I sure do. He went to Canterlot High with my brother. But… does that mean… he’s Dinky’s—?”

“Um… yes, he is.”

“You’re a lucky mare, Derpy Hooves, and Dinky is a lucky filly. I wonder if they’ll run into each other in Canterlot?”

With the outer gates of the Castle ground coming into view, Blueblood sped up his trot to a canter. The two guards present at the entrance stepped aside and went to salute, but checked themselves as they remembered that he prefered not to be afforded the same salutations as his aunts, so simply gave him a gracious nod.

Blueblood cracked a smile as he walked past the guards, looking back at them for a second as they resumed their posts. Turning back to the palace, his eyes landed upon the sight of Wise Words standing at the bottom of the steps leading to the castle.

“Impeccable timing, Wise Words…” Blueblood joked as he came to a halt before Wise, who only laughed heartily at the minister.

“Always be on time or be early, common butler etiquette.” Wise Words said as he straightened his tie, still wearing a gentle smile on his muzzle.

Blueblood arched his brow as he leaned his head a little forward. “Are you sure that’s not what comes with military training?” Blueblood asked as he remembered a few butlers in the past not having the same skills as Wise Words, let alone the same decorum.

“I suppose so, the lessons you learn in the guard do not exactly fade away.” Wise Words replied solemnly, frowning slightly as he lowered his head. Though I wish it did… Wise Words sighed briefly before stepping aside for Blueblood, bowing as he gestured towards the doors. “After you, Master Blue…”

Wise… Blueblood slowly made his way up the stairs, his ears perked as he heard Wise Words following him. “Are my aunts present, Wise?” Blueblood asked as he looked over his shoulder. “I need to report to them about the Silver Lining incident.”

“They are indeed, and forgive my curiosity… but what happened exactly?”

Blueblood grimaced as he growled for the briefest of moments. “Somepony thought it wise to forge my signature on an official document.” Blueblood said as he turned his head sharply towards the doors and opened them with his hooves instead of his magic, immediately regretting it as he felt a sharp pain that caused him to wince.

“Master Blue?” Wise Words came to his side, carefully taking hold of his one hoof and inspecting it. Bruises, burn marks… “Were you in a fight back in Ponyville?” Wise asked, concerned about Blueblood’s welfare.

“I got struck by lightning,”

“Did she do this to you?” Wise Words asked curiously, albeit worried that the reunion between her and Blueblood did not go so smoothly.

“No no, she didn’t do this. However...” Blueblood quickly replied, pointing to his cheek that was tinted slightly red. “She did do this…” Blueblood said as he still felt a stinging sensation from the slap. “And then...” Blueblood gently brushed a hoof over the tip of his muzzle, and the far off gaze in his eyes made Wise Words smirk a little.

Mares are truly complex beings… “Well at least that’s progress,” Wise said as they continued to walk onwards. “Did you give her the—”

“No,” Blueblood cut him off before he could finish. “Wasn’t the right time to do so… not with what is going on right now.” Blueblood muttered as he frowned deeply. And I'm not ever sure when that will be… As they turned a corner, Blueblood felt something bump against his forelegs. Looking down, he saw a familiar unicorn filly before him.

Feeling a little dazed, Dinky vigorously shook her head before looking up to see the same stallion she had met in Ponyville and in the paintings of the museum her class had visited. Gasping for a moment, she quickly got up to her hooves and bowed her head apologetically. “I’m so sorry, your majesty! I didn’t mean to run into—”

“It’s alright, no harm done…” Blueblood paused for a moment before cocking his brow at the little filly. “You know who I am?” Blueblood asked curiously, seeing as he did not introduce himself in Ponyville properly when he first met her.

Dinky beamed as she nodded. “You’re Prince Blueblood,” Dinky answered him excitedly. “I saw your painting in a museum yesterday! It says you’re also a direct descendant of Princess Platinum! And you’re also—”

“Woah woah, timeout.” Blueblood interjected as he raised his hoof, almost instantly silencing Dinky as she stopped bouncing around and sealed her lips. “Well, to be honest… I’m only a Duke by power, and the Minister of Finance.” He leaned into her ear before whispering. “The Prince is just a name really…”

“Oh…” Dinky blinked twice before beaming again. “Okay!”

“By the way, where’re you going in such a hurry?”

The smile on Dinky’s face instantly vanished as she gasped and started to tap her hooves nervously to the ground. “I got lost from the group! I tried to find them, but this castle is huge and I can’t find them anywhere.” Dinky’s eyes started to water unexpectedly, causing her to wipe them furiously before looking down in defeat.

“Wise,” Blueblood looked over his shoulder to face the elder stallion. “Please escort our guest here until she finds her desired party.”

“Delighted,” Wise Words closed his eyes as he nodded, walking past Blueblood and standing by Dinky’s side. “Shall we go find your group, Miss Dinky?” Wise asked politely as he lowered his head to face Dinky’s eyes.

Dinky felt her cheeks burn brightly before she giggled enthusiastically. “Yes please.” She replied as she nodded, walking off with Wise Words. Just as they had taken a few steps, Dinky froze again. She abruptly ran towards Blueblood and nuzzled against him. “Thank you, Prince Blueblood.”

Taken by surprise, Blueblood’s shock subsided as he reached an arm around the filly and hugged her lightly. “Always a pleasure to help a lady.” He answered Dinky, his eyes catching a glimpse of Wise Words smiling fondly at the scene.

“Bye Prince Blueblood!” When they were gone from his sights, a sigh escaped Blueblood as he laughed and rubbed the back of his head. Such a sweet filly… His eyes lingered on the path they had taken as the thought came to him. Before he could think any further, he heard a set of hoofsteps coming from behind him causing him to turn around and be greeted by the two ponies he needed to see.

“I see you have met one of our guests,” Celestia spoke as she wore a smile looking down on her nephew. “And I must say, that was very kind of you to help her like that…”

“Wise Words is the one that is helping her,” Blueblood shrugged as he replied. “So I guess this was your doing, Auntie Tia?” He cocked a brow at her as he smirked.

Celestia merely shook her head. “Actually, Luna asked them to the Wonderbolt Derby first before we decided to invite them to the castle.” She answered as she looked to her little sister, who looked away with a blush.

Should have known, Auntie Lulu is favoured by the foals of today… His smile vanished as he cleared his throat. “Anyhow, I’ve come to tell you that I have partially sorted the issue of Silver Lining Orphanage. Apparently, somepony thought it clever to forge my signature on an official document.”

“T’is a serious matter.” Luna spoke as her eyes narrowed. Not only do ponies do such atrocities to the foals in need… but they use my family’s name as tools for their avarice! Luna huffed as she stomped her hoof. “Whoever is responsible for this, they must be stopped.”

“Agreed,” Celestia replied sternly as she looked to her sister. “I will not condone such actions taking place in our country.” I will not let matters get out of hoof again… but I will let Blueblood do what he can before I step in this time. Just as she thought of Blueblood, Celestia’s curiosity got the better of her as she smiled gleefully looking at her nephew. “By the way, how was Ponyville?”

Blueblood rubbed the back of his head as he chuckled nervously. “Well, you see…”

“And that's when Mr Wise Words showed me around the castle before meeting up with all of you.” Dinky finished her story as she was hugging her pillow, gleefully giggling when asked where she was during most of the day.

Scootaloo groaned as she flopped to the floor. “You’re lucky! All we did was see some more paintings of some old geezers nopony really cares about.” Scootaloo muttered as she stared at the ceiling. So wish I could have met some of the Wonderbolts when we saw them in the castle…

“It wasn’t that bad,” Sweetie Belle replied as she combed Apple Bloom’s mane. “And tomorrow we’re going to see more of the city.” I wouldn’t mind seeing more of the Princesses though… Sweetie paused when she heard Apple Bloom groan, her hoof being swatted away by the earth pony.

“Don’t brush so hard!” Apple Bloom reprimanded her as she took hold of the brush herself and continued on without Sweetie’s assistance. “Ah wonder if we’ll meet Prince Blueblood?” Apple Bloom asked out loud, only to be greeted by the sound of two fillies snickering across from her.

Diamond Tiara smirked as she eyed Apple Bloom nefariously. “Like a prince would ever want to meet a bunch of low life losers from a backwater town like you girls.” Diamond mocked Apple Bloom and her friend, shortly before being joined with Silver Spoon’s laughter.

“Well you’re also living in the backwater town.” Sweetie Belle retorted, silencing Diamond Tiara almost instantaneously just as the other fillies started to laugh at her. A knock at the door alerted the girls, who remained quiet until Dinky got up to answer it.

Peering through the crack of the door, Dinky beamed when she saw who was on the other side. Opening the door wide enough, she was surprised to see all of the colts, who instead of being in their own room across the corridor, were waiting outside. At the front of the group stood Pip, who carried a packet of marshmallows in his mouth.

“S’mores time!” Pip declared through his teeth, looking behind to see the others nodding in approval. “You mind?” He asked Dinky curiously, albeit hopefully as his smile broadened.

“Sure!” Dinky replied, almost immediately, as she made way and gestured the colts inside. Once all the boys were inside, Dinky took one last look outside as she scanned the area before silently closing the door. I just hope Miss Cheerilee doesn’t come in and punish us for the s’mores…

Many of the fillies who saw the colts coming in looked upon them with suspicious eyes, before being shown the packet of marshmallows and biscuits. A chorus of cheering soon escaped from the girls as they rushed towards the treats, though some stayed behind in the back observing the others. When the s’mores were done however, all the fillies charged towards the sweet treasures.

“Hey! Let’s play a game!” Sweetie Belle suggested as she finished her third s’more, though not in a manner Rarity would approve of as she had chocolate smudge on her lips and cheeks. “How about we play Truth or Dare?” She suggested as she looked around, seeing mixture of eagerness and hesitance from her peers. Sweetie Belle planted her hoof on her face as she sighed. “Alright, how about we play Spin the—” she started to say, but was cut off when another set of hooves knocked against their door. All the foals in the room remained silent, afraid to answer it. Sweetie tipped hoof to answer it, shocked at who she saw on the other side as she looked up.

What’s with all this ruckus?

Just as she entered her bed in the chamber she was shown to by Celestia herself, Cheerilee heard the sound of laughter emitting from the room across hers… Where the fillies were. Furrowing her brows in frustration, she groggily got out of her comfort zone and marched straight towards the door leading to the fillies’ room. She immediately let herself in instead of waiting outside, gasping at the sight she saw.

Next to the fireplace, Princess Luna was sitting in the center of a half circle that was made of several colts and fillies as they were staring in awe at the pictures Luna conjured with her magic. Whilst she was casting her magic to form starlike images, she used her hooves to dramatize her storytelling to the children before her, who were in turn captivated by the tales.

Cheerilee blinked before she heard a round of laughter on the other side of the room, gaping her jaw even wider when she saw Princess Celestia jumping on a giant bed with other fillies. The bed itself looked like it was a fusion of all the other beds in the room. Some of them decided to have pillows fights whilst in the air, but failed miserably as gravity would halt their matches abruptly.

“What’s going on here?” Cheerilee asked out loud, gaining the attention of everypony in the room. A chorus of nervous giggling came from all the foals and Princesses.

“We were just partaking in the foals games.” Luna replied, still sitting on the ground as she looked towards Cheerilee, who slowly walked inside of the room.

Before Cheerilee could speak another word, Celestia got up from the giant bed and trotted towards Cheerilee as she craned her head to meet Cheerilee’s eyes. “Why don’t you join us?” Celestia asked cheerfully, a hint of mischief stained in her voice as she winked.

Cheerilee stared at Celestia for a few moments before lowering her head. Don’t do it Cheerilee… you must keep professionalism at all times! Cheerilee thought frantically, her teeth clicking as she felt the presence of Celestia still looking at her. A sigh escaped from her muzzle before she launched her head upwards.

Oh forget it!

In a flash, Cheerilee catapulted herself on the bed, starting a chain reaction as the other foals who were already on the makeshift trampolene returned to their playing. As she was laughing joyfully in the excitement, a pillow flew into her face causing the feathers of its interior to fly. Cheerilee blinked before she looked to the culprit, who was none other than Celestia herself. An idea soon came to Cheerilee, causing her to grin maliciously as she pointed a hoof to the princess.

“Get her girls!”

Celestia faux panicked as the fillies assaulted her with pillows of their own, some even going so far as to tackle her onto her back. As soon as she was down, every foal piled onto her as they all were giggling uncontrollably in the ecstasy they were in.

Watching from the sidelines, Luna rose from her seat before looking down on the remaining foals as they gazed upwards to their princess of the night.

“What say ye, brave knights? Shall we partake in the battle yonder?” Luna pointed to Celestia and the others as a small smirk emitted from her. Luna was greeted with a cheer from every foal as they rocketed themselves from the ground, leering at their target. “Charge!” Luna commanded as she flared her wings, soon running with the other foals to join in on the fun.

Chapter 8

Rounding up of all the foals, Cheerilee did a head count, giving a sigh when all her wards were present and accounted for. All of their luggage, along side souvenir bags from the city tour the day before, was piled by the door, several of the castles’ servants waiting to help them to the trainstation. Just as she was about to step out of the door, Princess Celestia herself stepped in.

“Oh good, you haven’t left yet.” She floated a letter over to the teacher, turning her gaze to the bowing foals in the room. “As you can see here, it seems one parent is coming to Canterlot, and has requested her daughter visits family in the city. But my fellow princess down in Ponyville neglected to mention where they live. I am awaiting an update. In the mean time, would you trust the foal into my care?”

Cheerilee looked over at the foals, seeing each and every one hopeful that they would be the one to stay. They were all surprised when the mare stepped in front of one little unicorn filly, giving her a soft smile. “Dinky, would you like to stay with the princesses whilst waiting for your mother?”

Dinky’s eyes went wide as she stared at the alicorn before her, then nodded her head rapidly. She shot over to the bags and dragged hers out of the pile, moving it to where Celestia stood. Turning her gaze upon her classmates, the filly picked out one downcast colt in particular, waving him over.

Pip slowly approached, aware all eyes in the room were on him, and stood in front of her, expecting her to speak. Instead, she leaned closer and gave the colt a quick peck on the cheek, giggling when he stepped back with bright cheeks and a dumbstruck look.

Glancing at the clock, Cheerilee gasped and began to usher her class out of the room, turning at the door and giving Celestia a bow. Dinky watched her friends leave, then turned to look up at Celestia, who was smiling down at her.

“Seeing as it might be some time, do you know who your relatives are in Canterlot?”

“Um… grandpa Lucky Mint and grandma Sugary Myth, both unicorns, I think. I also have an uncle, but I only met him once, and don’t know his name.”

“One moment, please.” Celestia stuck her head out of the door and had a muffled conversation. When she was done, she turned to Dinky with a cheeky smile, and then a golden aura surrounded the filly. “I have sent some messengers out into the city. Perhaps we will find your grandparents before Twilight remembers the last detail. For now…”

Dinky started to float through the air, worried as to what was happening until she was set down again. A giggle came from her as she held onto to Celestia’s neck, peering around the side to see where they were going as she rode on the Solar Princess’ back.

Canterlot Castle guards, guests, and staff all paused what they were doing to do a double take as one of their rulers trotted past with a filly on her back like nothing was out of the ordinary, not that they would question her actions.

Although she had seen quite a bit of the castle, her new position offered Dinky a better view, her head twisting and turning she noticed things in alcoves that any adult pony would see, but too high and not interesting enough for a foal to pay attention to.

She was a bit put off when her view was suddenly obscured as they entered a side corridor, one she had noticed only the servants seemed to use. Still, she kept her questions to herself and peered around the new location, then starred forward as clanging from a room further down made her ears flicker.

It seemed the noise was unexpected to Celestia as well, as she stopped her walking and cocked her head, looking towards where the noises were coming from. Slowly trotting forward, wings raised to protect and hide the filly upon her back, she poked her head through the doorway.

Dinky tried to peek through the white feathers blocking her view as to what made Celestia start to giggle, and she was lifted from her back onto a table, where she looked around. They were in one of the kitchens, where the cupboards had been rooted through, items left on the side and open, and a mess everywhere. When her eyes met those of the pony responsible, she let out surprised gasp.

“Prince Blueblood, what did you do?”

“...I was just trying to make a sandwich.” The stallion rolled his eyes as Celestia giggled again, so he decided to talk to the only other pony that hadn’t seemed to take leave of their senses, coming over to stand in front of Dinky. “But I don’t think this is the right kitchen. All I can find is dessert ingredients.”

Dinky turned to look at Celestia with wide eyes and a hopeful smile, doing her best ‘please’ expression. “Can… can we make muffins, Princess?” The filly flattened her ears back as well, dipping her head whilst staring up at the white mare.

“Well… I don’t see why we can not make some. Blueblood?”

“Sure, sounds good.” He grinned at Dinky when she let out a squeal of delight, running across the countertop to where the supplies lay. Blueblood helped her grab them and several bowls, a baking recipe book appearing before them in a golden flash, and he flashed a grateful smile over his shoulder at his aunt. When he handed the book over to the filly, it was pushed away by her who simply shook her head with a smile.

Content to sit on the sidelines, mainly to keep her coat clean due to the meeting with her court she had later that day, Celestia watched her nephew and the filly with a smile. She didn't even chide them when they purposefully left the lid off of the mixer, splattering the walls with cake mix.

Soon enough there were several batches being placed into the ovens, with a lot more waiting on the side. Turning her nearly-mouthwatering gaze from the treats, Celestia surveyed her impromptu bakers. One simply had some flour on their muzzle, whilst the other…

“Blueblood… perhaps you should take a moment to wash up?”

Giving a chuckle, the stallion nodded in agreement and whispered something into Dinky’s ear, causing her to giggle, and then he left the room. After wiping the mess from her face, Dinky hopped over to Celestia and sat against her side, closing her eyes and humming away to herself. Celestia lay her stomach to the floor and wrapped her wing around Dinky, pulling her close, and closed her own eyes as well, ears and nose alert for signs of the treats being done.

“Well, don’t you look happy?”

Celestia’s eyes snapped open and darted to the owner of the voice, breathing a sigh of relief when she saw it was Blueblood, who was now flour-free. A glance at the clock showed her nearly half an hour had gone by, and she looked down to Dinky to find she had drifted off next to her.

She gave her a nudge, the filly waking and looking around the room, then gasping as she saw Blueblood opening the first oven. Jumping onto a chair, Dinky used her magic to carefully take each muffin from the baking tray and set it on the cooling rack, Blueblood then putting the tray into a large sink for washing later.

Just as she was checking over the muffins, Dinky saw a white hoof from the corner of her eye, and, remembering what Blueblood had whispered to her, slapped it away with one of her own and turned around, glaring at the shocked Princess Celestia.

“No touching! They have to cool down first!”

The alicorn pouted at the filly whilst somehow simultaneously glaring at her nephew, who was having trouble taking the next tray out as his body was shaking, the stallion trying to keep himself from laughing.

Celestia stepped back and sat down, crossing her forelegs and turning her head away, watching them with one eye. Dinky was keeping a close eye on her now as they took the remaining cooked muffins from the ovens and placed the second batch in.

Testing one with a hoof, Dinky nodded to Blueblood who in turn nodded at Celestia, the mare jumping up in excitement like a foal on Hearth’s Warming morning. She almost skipped over to the filly but held herself in check, head high as she approached.

Taking a muffin within her magic, Celestia raised it to her muzzle and took a deep breath, some strange form of recognition entering her mind, as if she had had these before. She hid the confused frown she felt coming and took a bite of the muffin, chewing slowly. It seemed that voice in her head was onto something, as the taste further cemented the feeling she was missing something.

Giving a nod of approval to her bakers, Celestia stepped back and watched Dinky carefully whilst chewing on the muffin. These muffins… there’s only one mare I’ve ever met that made them like this, and she disappeared from the Gala… shortly before Blueblood started his search! Conjuring the image of the mare from her memories and the picture on the back of the spare copy of The Canterlot Guardian, she lost focus on the world around her.

Soon all she could hear was the sound of chuckling from her nephew and giggling from the filly, and that’s when, like a runaway Canterlot Express against the end of the line, it hit her, her head snapping up with her eyes wide.

“Blueblood...there’s...” Something strange blew past her ears, which could not be wind as this room had no windows and only one door which was closed, and she thought she heard a whisper, something about the ‘time not being right’, and to ‘wait a little bit longer’.

“Aunt Tia?”

Shaking her head and coming back to reality, she looked over to see Blueblood staring back with worry, Dinky watching from behind him. In some strange way, she could see a slight resemblance, yet what she now realised was the deep magic of Equestria talking to her, like it had done eons ago when instructing her to make the prophecy of Nightmare Moon’s return, and it already knew what she now did… and even she could not ignore its instructions, so put on a gentle smile and lifted her muffin back up.

“You and your assistant did well, young Dinky. Perhaps I should fire the royal baker and hire you instead?”

Dinky blushed and turned away, mumbling to herself as she continued to inspect her creations, Blueblood smiling at his aunt before doing the same.

Oh Blueblood...

A three storey building stared down and tried its best to weaken the resolve of the single earth pony stallion stood just outside the gateway to its grounds, a briefcase over his back instead of saddle bags.. He looked up, seeing a wrought iron gate head with ‘FOAL PROTECTION SERVICES’ in the works. The two gates were open, the concrete yard devoid of any other signs of life.

It truly was a dismal place, going against the government department that was housed there, yet this had been its home since its inception. Giving a deep sigh, the stallion stepped through the gateway and up the steps at the front of the building, where he found the first pony in the building; a rather angry looking unicorn security guard.

“Hey! You’re not an FPS agent! You can’t be here!”

“And a good day to you. My name is Hutch Jubilee, and I am here to represent the Ministry of Finance during their investigation. Will you allow me entry now, or do I have to come back with some guardsponies in order to carry out this royal order?”

“R-royal order?”

“The Minister is a prince, remember.”

“O-of course, sir. If you can just wait over here, I’ll go fetch the pony that will be assisting you.”

The security guard quickly trotted down one of the corridors, Hutch taking a deep breath once he was alone. He spotted a seating area, but decided to remain where he was. It was only a few moments later when the guard came back with an older pegasus mare in a suit.

“Mr Jubilee?”

“Yes.”

“I am Breezy Haze. This way please.” The security guard seemed to lose a bit of composure as Hutch walked by, the mare leading him to the first floor and into a rather spacious room. “We were in the middle of reorganizing the offices when we were told to halt all work. It may take some time to find forms that you require.”

“Just any and all forms that detail the expenditure of your funding for now. I know they’re not lost, as you are required by law to have them accessible at all time, including moving locations.”

Hutch allowed himself a small smile at Breezy’s shocked reaction, clearly not expecting a young pony like him to be experienced enough to know what he was talking about. Regaining her composure, the mare nodded and pointed to a clear desk, then moved to one of the filing cabinets and rolled it over.

“Here is every monthly expenditure sheet of the FPS for the last ten years. All others are held in the Canterlot Archives, just like every other department. Anything else you need? Perhaps a cup of tea?”

“No thank you, I shall be fine.”

The mare nodded once more and left the room, Hutch sitting at the desk and pulling out a thick folder from his briefcase, followed by opening the filing cabinets. Starting with the most recent file, he worked from the bottom up, noting every bit and where it was spent.

Outside the room the pegasus mare watched him work, her eyes narrowed. She wasn’t angry that he was here to carry out the investigation, but because while most of the FPS representatives, she actually cared about the foals; there were some that only took the job because they needed money.

“So, who’s that?”

The mare jumped in shock and turned around, about to shout at the pony that startled her, but she let out a shocked gasp instead.

“M-miss Vain! That’s the investigator from the MoF.”

“I see.” Moving up to the door, Amber took a good look, noting everything she could. His back was to them as he worked quickly and efficiently, moving from one sheet to the next. “He’s kinda cute. Shame. Give him everything he asks for, got that?”

“Y-yes, Miss Vain.”

With that the unicorn mare left the area, heading up to her office. The pegasus, whose office was right next to where Hutch was working, made her way inside, looking at the forecast budget and trying to work out how to put bits where they belonged. So engrossed in her work was she that it took the gentle tapping of a hoof on her desk to get her to look up.

“Where are the bits?”

“M-mister Jubilee! What are you accusing me of?”

“You deal with the budget.” He chucked a sheet of paper onto her desk, which was marked with her name at the top. “You know what’s going on.”

Not saying a word, the mare stood from her seat and walked out of the room, waving Hutch after her, and looking around all the time. She led him down to the ground floor and into a door hidden in the staircase panelling, which revealed another set of stairs down into a basement. Once down there, she clicked on a light and faced Hutch.

“Yes, I know what is going on. Others do too, but none of them had the guts to be a whistleblower. Listen kid, if you really want to help, then looking through all of those records won’t help. The keeper is one of the top management team’s lackeys, and does anything they say for an extra bit.”

“Why has nopony said anything before?”

“Because the last one that tried to do something has never been seen again.”

“You mean…”

“Don’t know, never found a body. I don’t think it’s Miss Vain, she’s only been CEO for three years, and bits started to drain away before then.”

“What was she before CEO?”

“No idea, she wasn’t here. Look, this box,” Breezy slid said box out from under the table, which housed several files. “Contains copies of all of those documents you just looked at. Perhaps you could take them back to the Ministry, and get another set of eyes on them?”

“I think that might just be a good idea. Thank you for helping.”

“I’m doing it for the foals, that’s all.” With that, she led him back upstairs, where he waited with the security guard whilst she got his briefcase. A few moments later he was trotting out of the doors with the files secured, the mare breathing a sigh of relief. She turned around and stopped dead in shock for a moment, then held her head high. “Miss Vain.”

“Well well, it seems we have our money drain. You know it’s illegal to copy official documents for personal use. What was he doing here, helping you divert more funds?”

“I don’t know if you’re in on this or not, Vain, but it’s going to be found out soon!”

“Yes, it will, by those three. All yours, boys, take this criminal away. Oh, and you might want to intercept that stallion before he sells those files or something. And when you do catch him, please destroy them.”

“As you wish, Lady Vain.”

Breezy Haze turned to find a squad of Royal Guards waiting behind, wing shackles at the ready. She gave one last glare at Amber, then turned and walked away with the guardsponies. Amber watched her go with a smirk, then turned to the security guard, who had seen the whole exchange.

“Whether you continue to exist is dependant on your next answer; what did you just see?”

“You… coming in the front door, Lady Vain?”

“Good answer.” With that she lightly trotted back up towards her office, ready to deal with any other fool who thought they could best her.

It’s okay Derpy, everything will be okay…

“Canterlot Station! Arriving in ten minutes!”

Derpy’s thoughts came to a halt when she heard the conductor yell out her desired destination. Releasing a sigh, she slowly got up from her seat and strapped her saddlebag onto her torso. When she looked out of the window, Derpy could see the city approaching fast.

When the train finally came to a standstill, Derpy walked towards the nearest door opening for the passengers inside, entering the busy station of Canterlot. Seeing the exit to the city, Derpy started walking toward the large door, dodging ponies to the best of her ability. Feeling slightly claustrophobic, Derpy started to canter to get away from the crowd.

Finally outside, Derpy looked up to see the time on a tower overshadowing the station. Knowing what time the school trip was due to get the train back to Ponyville, she knew that Dinky would soon be on her way, and, as much as she loved her daughter, wouldn’t mind some time with them alone. I guess it'll be alright, and if not, I’ll buy her something nice… a smile slowly crept onto her muzzle, her decision final.

Trailing through the streets, Derpy arrived at an apartment complex near a well known bakery, the very same one that she used to work at. Things haven’t changed much around here… Derpy trailed off as she was lost in nostalgia for a moment before blinking and heading towards the other building. As she entered the complex, she trotted happily down the corridors until she reached her destination, grabbing the metal rings that was attached to the wooden frame and used it to slam the door three times.

Derpy’s ears twitched when she heard hoofsteps from the other side of the door, which opened to reveal a mint green unicorn stallion with a dark brown mane and a mint candy for a cutie mark. “Hi, daddy…”

Lucky Mint gasped before he grinned cheerfully as he gave his daughter a bear hug, nearly choking the life out of the mare. “My little filly! Good to see you again.” Lucky said as he pecked Derpy’s cheek before letting her go, laughing a little before cocking his brow at his daughter wheezing for air. “You okay?”

“I’m fine…” Derpy uttered out, clearing her throat before straightening herself. “May I come in?” She asked politely, despite knowing her father’s answer.

“Like you have to ask.” He gestured her to come inside, closing the door before following her to the living room. “Take a seat, I’ll be right back!” Lucky chuckled before rushing up out of the room. “Honey! Come and see who’s here!”

Dad! Derpy groaned as she rested her face to her hooves, feeling a combination of embarrassment and joy. When she lifted her head, she was greeted by the sight of a unicorn mare with a pecan coat, mahogany mane and a sugarcane cutie mark looking down on Derpy with moist eyes. Before Derpy could say another word, she was enveloped in the mare’s magic and brought into another hug.

“My little Derpy!” Sugary Myth spoke soothingly as she nuzzled her daughter before dissipating her magic. “This is a nice surprise,” Sugary said as she sat down next to Derpy. “If we’d have known you would be coming, we’d have tidied up the place.”

“Mom, it’s okay…” Derpy waved her hooves as she smiled sheepishly. “Really, my place is messier than this.” Derpy said humbly, remembering how her parents had bought her house for her in Ponyville when Dinky came into the world.

Sugary blinked for moment before she looked around every corner of the room. “Where’s my beautiful granddaughter by the way?” She asked curiously, a hint of mischief tainted in her voice.

“Oh, she’s at the castle right now. She was on a field trip with her class.”

“That’s nice, but then why didn’t she return with the other foals?” Sugary asked curiously, surprised to see her daughter looking away as her smile disappeared. “Did something happen to Dinky?” Sugary voiced raised a little as she began to fear the worse.

Derpy turned her attention to her mother, shaking her head a little as she sniffed. “No, there’s nothing wrong with Dinky…” Derpy whispered, barely audible as she looked down avoiding her mother’s gaze.

“Sweetie,” Sugary spoke as she caressed her daughter’s cheek, slowly raising her chin. “Please tell me… what happened?” she begged her daughter.

Scrunching her lips, Derpy let out a sigh before she spoke again. “Remember when I told you and dad about Dinky?” Derpy asked her mother rhetorically. “And remember when you asked me who the father was and I didn’t know his name?”

Sugary’s eyes dilated, almost as though she foresaw what her daughter was going to say. “Did you find out who he is?” Sugary asked, a fusion of relief and anger flushing over her. “Please tell me you didn’t go out looking and found him frolicking around—”

“Mom, no!” Derpy rested her hooves on her mother’s shoulders, calming the elder mare before continuing. “He came looking for me... “ Derpy said as she removed herself from her mother.

Perplexed by what Derpy had just said, Sugary’s mouth went agape before closing as she shook her head. “Pardon? Why did he come looking for you?”

“Who came looking for who?” Lucky asked casually as he came from the kitchen carrying a tea tray with his magic. “What did I miss?” He questioned his wife and daughter, only to be greeted by silence. Frowning as he placed the tea on the table, he saw Derpy’s crestfallen face and sat down on the opposite end of the sofa. “Can you tell me what happened?”

“The stallion came back.” Sugary replied flatly, nuzzling Derpy gently when the latter was looking down upon the ground.

Stallion? Wait… Him!? Lucky clenched his teeth, remembering the fateful day when his daughter came to them revealing she was pregnant. Even though he was over the moon at the prospect of becoming a grandfather, finding out that the father of Derpy’s future daughter ditched her nearly sent him into a rage to find the one responsible for breaking Derpy’s heart. “Where is that good-for-nothing son of—”

“Dad!” Derpy exclaimed, abruptly silencing her father. “It’s not like that. He came looking for me because... “ Derpy paused for a moment before sighing again. “Because he still loves me…”

“Huh?” Lucky uttered out as he looked to his wife for an answer, but was greeted by a shrug from her. “What do you mean, he still loves you? Wasn’t he the one to walk out on you when you woke up in the—” Lucky closed his mouth abruptly, afraid he might have spoken too much. “But do you still love him?”

Derpy closed her eyes momentarily before opening them up again slowly, releasing a single tear from her eye. “I mean, my mind is telling me ‘no’ but my heart says otherwise. I don’t know whether to believe him or not, nor do I know if it’s all some cruel joke after so long....” Derpy continued to babble on, more tears cascading from her eyes with each word. “But I’m… I’m...”

“Sweety?”

“I’m scared.” Derpy confessed with a whisper, barely audible to her parents. She felt a pair of hooves bringing her into an embrace, which she returned and rested her head on her mother’s shoulder.

Sugary rubbed her daughter’s back as she nuzzled her head soothingly. “Let it all out Derpy,” Sugary said as she continued to hold onto her daughter. When she felt Derpy’s head leaving her shoulder, Sugary released her grip and placed her hooves on her daughter’s. “Sweety, does he know about Dinky yet?” Sugary asked out of concern, only to be answered with her daughter shaking her head. “I think the first thing you should do is tell him about Dinky.” Sugary stated, firmly graspifng Derpy’s hooves.

“I will… when she gets here, I will tell her who her father is,” Derpy replied, wiping her tears from her face.

“By the way, who is the father?” Lucky asked curiously, leaning in to hear his daughter’s answer. If it’s some grunt guard, he’s going to have a few choice words from me!

“Prince Blueblood.”

A deafening silence fell upon the room, only to be broken by Lucky dropping his tea cup on his saucer shattering it. “W-what did you say?” Lucky stuttered, oblivious to the tea that was staining the couch and the broken china that was scattered around him. Before he could get an answer, the front door’s lock clicked and opened revealing a beige unicorn stallion with a donut cutie mark coming inside.

“Derpy!” Donut Joe beamed as he walked towards the group and hugged his little sister. “Now this is a nice surprise.” Joe ruffled his sister’s hair, eliciting a giggle from Derpy.

“It’s good to see you again, Big Joe,” Derpy greeted him with his nickname, nuzzling him when he stopped messing with her mane.

“Good thing you’re here, had some messengers from the castle just now asking about mom and dad.” Joe said as he looked to his parents.

Both Sugary and Lucky looked at each other before returning their gaze at their son. “Why would Princess Celestia ask about us?” Lucky wondered, feeling a little dread. I hope we’re not in trouble!

Derpy gasped, realizing why the messenger were asking about her parents. “It must be Dinky,” she thought out loud, placing her saucer and cup on the coffee table. She looked up to the clock over the fireplace to see nearly an hour had gone by, and there was no still sign of her daughter. “There must be something wrong!” Derpy quickly pecked her mother and father. “I love you mom, love you dad!” she spoke fast as she flared her wings and took off from the couch, flying over her brother. “I’ll see you later, Joe!” she called out to him, running out of the door and not bothering to close it behind her.

Just as she got her bearing right to fly to the castle, she accidently made a head on collision with another pony. Groaning from pain, she rubbed her head to soothe the soreness. “I’m so sorry!” Derpy apologized as she squinted her eyes, barely making out a stallion in light armor who was hardly affected by the crash.

“I’m alright, ma’am.” The stallion replied with a grunt voice, clearing his throat before he spoke again. “Perhaps you can help me, I’m looking for two unicorns who go by the name of Sugary Myth and Lucky Mint.” he asked her politely, yet with a tone of professionalism in his voice.

“Those are my parents,” Derpy replied evenly as the pain settling down after running its course. “Tell me, what do you want from them?”

“We just wish to know their residence so that we can notify them about their granddaughter.” the messenger answered Derpy’s question before smiling. “But seeing as they are your parents, the foal in question must be your daughter?” he asked, receiving a nod from the mare. “Then why don’t I escort you to the castle grounds, since I believe that’s where you were heading?”

“Thank you very much,” Derpy said as she and the messengers took wing towards the castle.

“I didn’t know there were so many statues in the gardens,” Dinky said as she was amazed by the number of stone figures she and Blueblood had walked past, the latter telling her the story of each one of them.

Blueblood suppressed a laugh as he looked down on the filly. “Well my aunt does take a lot of effort to immortalize ponies that have left a big impact on Equestria.” they continued to walk slowly through the green scenery. His gaze landed on an empty spot next to a few other statues, where the infamous Discord was once located after the Elements of Harmony petrified him again not so long ago. Why Auntie Celestia decided to pardon that beast, I will never know…

“Some foals in my class say that these ponies here did horrible things and were turned to stone as punishment for their crimes…” Dinky shuddered at the thought of being petrified, living forever yet no freedom of movement at all.

As he rolled his eyes, Blueblood sighed just before he shook his head. “That’s just a silly superstition, Princess Celestia would never do that to a pony at all,” Blueblood stated to Dinky, a soft smile forming on his muzzle when he saw her relax. “That was only Discord who received that fate, as far as I know... “

“But then why is Discord free?” Dinky questioned Blueblood, remembering a few pranks around the school that were done by the lord of chaos, ones that did not please Cheerilee at all.

“That is something only Princess Celestia knows…”

They came to a stop near a water fountain where a few birds were bathing, and Dinky tried to get a closer look at them. Taking one step forward, all the birds flew away, leaving a dejected Dinky behind.

“Sorry about that, the animals here are rather shy,” Blueblood said as he came to sit next to Dinky, remembering the gala a few years ago when a pegasus mare tried her best to get the affection of the critters, in the most bizarre manner. “By the way, those muffins you made… were the best muffins I ever tasted,” Blueblood said randomly, catching a glimpse of Dinky blushing before looking away giggling.

Dinky looked up to Blueblood beaming. “My mom taught me how to bake them, but I’m not as good as she is.”

“Still, you could give some of the best bakers here in Canterlot a run for their money with those muffins.” Blueblood joked as he shared a laugh with Dinky, not hearing the flapping of wings coming towards them.

“Dinky?”

When he heard the voice of Derpy, Blueblood’s laughter stopped abruptly as he turned around to see the mare he loved standing behind them. What surprised him even more was the shock he saw in her eyes when she looked back at him and Dinky.

“Oh hi, mommy!” Dinky greeted her mother, running towards her and nuzzling her chest. “What’s wrong, mom?” Dinky asked her mother, who did not acknowledge her daughter’s presence as she stared at Blueblood.

Derpy blinked before she looked down on Dinky, her pupils shaking a little as she breathed erratically. “Dinky… do you remember when you asked me about your... “ Derpy couldn’t finish the sentence as a lump formed in her throat. She tried to swallow it, but her actions were futile.

Mommy… wait! Dinky! Is she my—?! Blueblood connected the dots in his head, causing him to fall onto his haunches as he was now in shock too by the discovery.

“When I asked about?” Dinky repeated her mother’s words, trying to figure out why her mother was acting this way. “You mean when I asked you about who my daddy was?” Dinky remembered questioning her mother about the rather sensitive topic. “Wait…” Dinky looked back at Blueblood, thoroughly inspecting him. White coat, golden hair, bright blue eyes… and a compass rose cutie mark! Dinky jaw's went agape, remembering the description her mother gave her about her father, Blueblood being an exact match.

Turning her body towards Blueblood, Dinky’s eyes traveled upwards until they met Blueblood’s. Her lips started to quiver before her mouth opened to speak. “Are you... “ Dinky paused, her eyes watering as she sniffed. “Are you my daddy?”

Blueblood looked to Derpy and saw the mare nod slowly, causing him to return the gesture to the filly before him. “I am…” Blueblood answered Dinky, his own eyes becoming misty from the revelation. I’ll understand if she hates me for this… I deserve it for— Blueblood’s thoughts halted when he saw Dinky charging towards him, crying openly as she collided against him.

“Daddy!” Dinky cried out, nuzzling Blueblood’s chest as she shed tears. She tried her best to hug him, but his chest was too broad for her to envelop him. Instead, she felt herself being brought into an embrace by the stallion that was her father.

“Dinky…” Blueblood whispered with quivered lips as he was now too releasing a river of tears from his eyes, nuzzling the filly with his eyes closed. I’m a father… I’m actually a father! Blueblood thought to himself, a little overwhelmed by this new discovery but more overjoyed than afraid. He felt his coat being soaked by Dinky’s tears, but did not care as he was too happy to care about such trivial things. Blueblood continued to rub his head against Dinky’s mane, staining her with his own tears.

As he continued to hold onto the filly like she was the most fragile thing in existence, Blueblood failed to see Derpy standing at a distance with a wide smile and her own eyes becoming a waterfall at the scene she was witnessing.

Unbeknownst to the three ponies, Wise Words observed the beautiful moment from the other side of the gardens. Reaching for a tissue in his pocket, he wiped the tears from his own eyes as he smiled proudly at Blueblood. Tis truly the best thing that could have happened to you, Master Blueblood… Wise Words turned away from the scene, wanting to give them privacy. Wise Words let out a laugh as he smiled fondly. I think Princess Celestia and Luna will be over the moon when they find out about this… And just think when Princess Cadance and Captain Shining Armor hear about this When he entered the castle, a sigh escaped from him as he frowned in concern. I just hope they won’t have to deal with… them.

Author's Note

And so Dinky finally meets her father...

Chapter 9

Thank Faust this is the last pony I have to see today…

Celestia was a brilliant actress, able to hide her true emotions from others. Especially during the grueling hours of the Day Court, where she had to listen to some of the most ludicrous proposals ever. Only once or twice a week did a matter of genuine importance come her way, such as a farm suffering from lack of rain affecting their crops or a town plagued by freakish disaster and in dire need of help.

In front of Celestia’s throne was a stallion named Sly Cur and a flipboard, showing all the positives of his proposal, and he used a cane to slam at each point as he discussed his plans with the princess. “... And so, your highness… in closing with my presentation, I believe that with extra income we can really—” Before he could finish his speech, the doors of the throne room opened wide, interrupting the stallion.

His pale yellow coat stood on end as he gritted his teeth, and he turned around sharply to see who disturbed him. “Who dares to—” Sly paused when he saw Prince Blueblood standing in front of him, with mare and filly by his side. What’s he doing here? I thought he was suppose to be in Ponyville? Who’s that pegasus freak with him? Sly cocked his brow when he took a good look at the mare before him, who had the oddest eyes he had ever seen.

“Thank you for that wonderful presentation, Sly Cur… I shall get back to you on my judgment involving it.” Celestia finally spoke, looking past Sly to her nephew.

"But your highness—"

"That will be all," Celestia interpolated, looking to her guards who escorted Sly out of the throne room. Once they were alone, Celestia turned her attention to Blueblood. "My dear nephew... how may I help you?" she asked him innocently, though her subconscious knew exactly what was going to transpire.

Blueblood’s eyes glanced over to Derpy and Dinky before he approached his aunt. Here goes... "Auntie... I would like to introduce you to Derpy…” Blueblood gestured to the mare standing to the side, and she stepped closer to him. “She is the one who—”

“You!” Celestia barked out immediately, flaring her wings and glaring down upon the party. She walked towards them, locking her eyes on Derpy, who was quivering violently as she cemented herself to Blueblood. “You’re the one…”

“W-what?” Derpy uttered out, her eyes shaking under the duress of the princess’ stare.

“You’re the one who went missing all those years ago.” Celestia replied, her wings spread wide with her eyes were still latched onto the poor pegasus. Celestia’s frown suddenly turned into a wide smile as she folded her majestic wings back.

A deafening silence surrounded the room before it was broken by Derpy. “Huh?” Derpy released herself from Blueblood, her jaw slightly agape by the statement Celestia gave her.

“I have so missed your baking,” Celestia replied, her eyes looking skywards in nostalgia. “There are very few ponies whose baking skills leave an impression on me, especially those muffins you crafted back then.”

“T-thank you, your majesty,” Derpy said, still dumbfounded by Celestia’s words. Before she could say anything else, Dinky stood in front of her and stomped her hooves to gain the attention of Celestia.

“Of course they’re the best, my mommy makes the best muffins in Equestria!” she proclaimed proudly as she grinned.

“Well, it looks like you already know Derpy, auntie,” Blueblood said as he wrapped a foreleg around Dinky and pulled her to his chest. “Dinky here is her daughter… and I am her father.”

Although she already knew, Celestia used the facade of outward emotions perfected over centuries to show her surprise with her mouth agape as her pupils widened. Imperceptible to anypony unless they were looking directly at her horn, Celestia crafted a message upon the paper sitting on a desk in front of a pony out of sight.

After reading it, Raven nodded to herself, got up from her seat, and left via a side room to spread the word like her princess had asked.

Celestia looked to the company before slowly approaching Derpy and lowering her head to be on eye level with her. “So you’re the mare who my nephew loves?” Celestia asked softly, receiving a nod from the pegasus before her. A gentle smile caressed Celestia’s features as she reached out to Derpy and embraced her, her wings covering the grey mare. “You are most welcome as part of this family,” Celestia said, soothing Derpy’s worries as she felt the pegasus’ quaking ceasing.

“What about me?” Dinky asked innocently, drooping her head a little as her ears folded against her head.

Celestia turned her attention to the filly next to Blueblood as she released herself from Derpy. “How could I forget you, my adorable niece…” Celestia cooed as she lowered her head even further and softly nuzzled Dinky, who giggled in response. “And I must say, your mother taught you well.” Celestia winked at the blushing filly.

The doors of the throne room opened again, this time with Princess Luna trotting inside with a perplexed look on her face. “Sister, I was just told that we have a new family member in our midst…” Luna trailed off when her eyes landed on Derpy and Dinky, looking at the way the filly was pressed against Blueblood’s side. “Would you kindly tell me what’s going on?”

Movement to the side drew the group’s attention, where one of the guards stood. “My apologies, your majesties. We have apprehended two ponies in connection to the prince’s investigation. Their names are…”

His pace quickening through the streets, Hutch Jubilee couldn’t shake the feeling he was being followed. There was still more than half of the distance back to the Ministry of Finance’s offices, and he was unsure if he’d be able to get back safely. Spotting the glinting of armour of a Royal Guard, he moved over to the pony.

“Excuse me! I… I need help.”

The stallion, a unicorn, raised an eyebrow at Hutch, then gave a nod. There was a flash of light and the earth pony gasped out loud, for now there were shackles around his hooves. His briefcase was taken from his back by a pegasus guard that had appeared at his side, and the earth pony guard that completed the squad started to firmly guide him down the street.

“Wait, tell me what’s going on!”

“You have been apprehended in connection with a fraud case. Now remain silent, you’ll have your chance to give a statement at the castle.”

Hutch did as he was instructed, ears splayed back as he marched through the streets. He could hear voices that he recognised, and a glance showed several of his classmates; he knew then that his career would be over.

It didn’t take long to reach the white citadel that was the heart of the city, the small group using an entrance to the side. This led Hutch and his captors right into the dungeons, every cell he passed empty, save for one; he immediately recognised Breezy Haze.

She stared back in shock as the guards placed Hutch into the cell opposite her, opening his briefcase onto a desk to the side, the earth pony guard heading through a door behind it. The unicorn and pegasus took several moments to browse the files, the pegasus giving a cry of triumph before handing a stack of papers over to the unicorn.

“Let’s see here, monthly expenditure for Foal Protection Services. Well, seems like we’ve got our culprits.”

“Should we incinerate the files, sir?”

“No, they are evidence.”

“But wasn’t the instruction from Lady Vain to…”

“I don’t know about you, but I take my orders from the Princesses, not some stuck up noble. As I said, it seems like we have our culprits, but we still need to interrogate them.”

The earth pony returned, setting a tray of food in front of both cells, then walked away. Seeing Breezy was scared, Hutch waved at her and smiled, motioning to her tray. He grabbed his own, surprised to see it was not just stale bread and stagnant water, but a nice salad and goblet of cool apple juice.

As they were eating, the unicorn guard trotted in front of their cells and sat down, watching them both carefully. He floated the pile of files over, looking through them, then turned towards Hutch. “So, a pony from the Ministry of Finance is in cahoots with with a pony from Foal Protection Services, and have been caught with illegally created documents. Either of you have anything to say?”

Seeing that Breezy was going to remain silent, Hutch stepped closer to the bars and smiled at the guard. “My name is Hutch Jubilee, and I am doing a temporary internship with the Ministry, something Canterlot Business U has done for years. As to those documents, if you could please deliver them to the Minister of Finance, they will assist in his investigation.”

The guard raised an eyebrow at Hutch, then stood and walked from the room, the two other guards following. After another glance at Breezy, Hutch decided to let the mare rest, moving over to where his own bunk was, laying down and staring up at the ceiling.

As there was no clock in sight, it was hard to tell how much time passed, even though there was sunlight streaming in through a high up window, which had bars reinforcing it. The slow clip-clop of hooves made Hutch’s ear flick, the stallion listening intently as they came close, until they stopped. Assuming it was a guard, he lazily rolled over, his eyes going wide when he saw who was stood outside his cell.

“Now, I understand and know that the dorms at CBU are not that good, but surely they are better than the Canterlot castle dungeons?”

“Minister, did you get the files?”

“I did, but how did you end up in here?”

“It was Lady Vain. Well, she at least had me arrested.” Blueblood looked over his shoulder, at the mare in the other cell. “Forgive me, your majesty, for interrupting. I am Breezy Haze, the one who informed your ministry about the bits going missing.”

Blueblood rubbed his chin for a moment, then lit his horn, metallic clanking filling the room as the doors to their cells unlocked and opened. He stood up and began to walk away, then turned as he noticed the pair remained in their cells. “Well, come on then. I’m not going to carry on my investigation down here. Let’s go up to my office.”

The three of them left the cellblock and stepped into the castle proper, where several guards were gathered around something. Upon Blueblood clearing his throat, they all quickly moved back to their assigned stations for the day, revealing a smirking pegasus mare and a blushing unicorn filly.

The two of them joined the group, and they all went into a separate wing, entering the offices of the Ministry of Finance. A quiet murmur went down the corridors as they passed, and went through a large set of double doors at the end.

“There you are my boy! It’s about time you got in, we have work to do, as I understand it.”

Hutch looked for the voice, seeing a unicorn stallion sat upon a couch to the side, a unicorn mare laying down with her head in his lap, one of his hooves rubbing at her stomach. The stallion cocked his head as the small group filled in, then smiled when Blueblood walked over.

“Vice-minister, I thought you were in the Crystal Empire?”

“It’s been two weeks, Blue, and they are quick to catch on. Now, how about introducing us to your entourage?”

“Of course.” Blueblood turned back to his group, lifting a hoof and pointing it at the unicorn couple. “Everypony, this is Fancy Pants, the Vice-minister of Finance, and his wife, Fleur Dis Lee.” He looked to them, indicating two of his group. “This is Hutch Jubilee, our current intern, and Mrs Haze, an ally from the FPS.”

Blueblood smiled as he stood and walked over to where the pegasus mare waited, lifting a hoof in one of his own as he stared into her eyes. “This… amazing mare is the love of my life, Derpy Hooves.” He leaned in closer, bringing a blush to her cheeks as he kissed her softly, making the filly below them giggle. This of course drew Blueblood’s attention to her, and he snapped her up in his forelegs, giving her gentle nuzzle. “And this is Dinky… our daughter.”

“...could you say that again please?”

This should do. Wise Words thought to himself as he observed Blueblood’s suite that he had just finished tidying up for him and his visitors. When he left the quarters, Wise Words sighed in relief as he wiped the sweat from his brow with a tissue.

Working under pressure at my age… Wish chuckled heartily as he tucked the tissue back into his pocket. Just as he finished, Wise’s ears perked to the sound of hoofsteps coming towards him. He looked to see Blueblood walking towards him with the mare and filly by his side. A gentle smile emitted from his muzzle as he straightened himself for the prince. “Master Blue…” Wise bowed courteously.

"Ah! Wise, I would like to introduce you to somepony..." Blueblood gestured to Derpy by his side. "This is Derpy Hooves, the only mare I’ve loved..." Blueblood said with a fond smile, noticing Derpy’s cheek were still dyed in crimson.

Wise Words' smile faintly stretched a little more as he lowered his head once more to her. "Greetings..." So I finally meet the mare whom Blueblood gave his heart to. “T’is good to finally meet you, Ms. Derpy.” He raised himself to meet Derpy’s eyes with his.

“N-nice to meet you too, Mr W-wise…” Derpy replied in a stutter, still overwhelmed by all the ponies bowing to her as they walked through the passages of the castle whilst following Blueblood.

“And this is Dinky, my beautiful daughter...” Blueblood turned his attention to the unicorn filly, still wearing a smile on his face as he looked down to see Dinky beaming at Wise Words.

She is quite adorable… reminds me of her… Wise Words’ smile slightly diminished with his eyes softening as his thoughts turned darker for a moment. Before anypony could notice, Wise cleared this throat before he spoke again. “We meet again, Little Miss…” Wise remarked with a cordial chuckle. Before anymore words could be said, the wall clock at the opposite end of the passage struck to indicated a new hour has arrived, it now being three in the afternoon.

Derpy gasped as she placed a hoof to her head, clenching her teeth as she panicked. “I forgot about the train schedules!” she exclaimed as she turned to Blueblood. “The last train to Ponyville leaves at six, but that means we’ll get back around midnight…” Derpy trailed off as she flattened her lips whilst frowning a little.

“Then why don’t we stay here for the night?” Dinky spoke up, gaining the attention of the adults around her. “We can just sleep over here and catch the afternoon train back home!” Dinky suggested as she looked to her mother and father.

“That’s a good idea,” Blueblood agreed as he ruffled Dinky’s mane, eliciting a giggle from his daughter. “But it’s up to your mother. What do you think?” He asked Derpy, seeing the pegasus remaining silent.

Well we could always go to my parents… but there’s not enough room for me and Dinky. This castle is huge though, but… Derpy’s eyes wandered as she looked to Blueblood. Maybe we could.... “I guess we could…” Derpy finally answered with a sigh, taken by surprise when Dinky cheered, before she turned to her mother with the most adorable face she could muster.

“Can… can I stay with daddy for the night?”

After being expelled from the throne room due to the prince’s interruption, Sly Cur remained in the castle, hoping that some time dealing with her nephew and some stupid mare who most likely was there to demand payments for a bastard foal would wear down Celestia, giving him a chance to re-pitch his proposal to her.

Or so he thought. Having taken his time to walk through the castle on the off chance he was called back, Sly easily picked up on the sudden buzz that had taken over the staff, everypony he saw whispering something to another servant or guard.

Slightly frustrated that he couldn’t hear what was being said, Sly stepped out of the nearest exit, blinking as he noticed he had done so into an area he hadn’t entered before. Deciding that he’d rather make his way through the gardens instead of going back into the building behind him, he began a slow trot.

“ALL RIGHT YOU BUNCH OF COLT-CUDDLERS, LISTEN UP!” The sudden shout caused Sly’s ear to flicker, and he stepped around a long bush to find a single stallion in gilded armour facing row upon row of identical ponies. Sly shook his head as he realised he was walking past one of the Royal Guard training areas. “IT IS MY GREAT PLEASURE TO INFORM YOU OF A NEW DEVELOPMENT HERE IN CANTERLOT CASTLE!”

Sly started to trot away, but the guard continued to speak… or rather shout.

“AS YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED, THERE IS A PEGASUS MARE WITH A UNICORN FILLY WITHIN THE CASTLE GROUNDS! WELL, THEY ARE TO BE AFFORDED THE SAME LEVEL OF RESPECT AS THE PRINCESSES THEMSELVES.”

Stopping, Sly looked back over his shoulder, an eyebrow raised. There was also a filly with Blueblood, and that made Sly all the more curious, so he cantered back over to the bush, hoping to hear more. Without asking however, that was going to be hard, but he found an unlikely ally as one of the ponies in the front row stepped forward a little

“Sir? Do we know why this is to happen?”

“Yes, we do, corporal.” The stallion in charge looked over his troops once more. “THE MARE IS QUITE OBVIOUSLY THE FILLY’S MOTHER. HER FATHER, HOWEVER, IS PRINCE BLUEBLOOD!”

A murmur spread throughout the guards, but Sly had heard enough. Turning around, he did his best not to look like he was in a hurry, until he walked through the castle’s east gate, where he broke into a gallop.

Ponies in the streets of Canterlot moved out of the way of the fast moving stallion, who passed through the top two levels of Canterlot before the strain in his muscles caused him to slow down. Resting for a moment against one of the street lights, Sly caught his breath, then turned to the house to his right.

A house was an understatement, the building was a mansion, several ponies tending to the garden giving Sly a nod as he trotted up the path. He didn’t knock on the door, pushing it open and heading to the room immediately on his left, finding the pony he wanted to see waiting with a glass of whiskey hovering in their magic.

“You look like you’ve just run here from Manehatten,” came a mare’s voice.

Sly just gave a small chuckle, locking his eyes with hers. “Haha, guess you don’t want to hear what I know then…”

“If there’s something you know that I don’t, SC, then it’s not that important.”

“No, you’re right… something like Prince Blueblood having a foal, a good nine or ten years old from what I saw, isn’t important. I’m going to get a drink. Have fun, AV.”

Amber Vain watched Sly walk away, then gave a growl and sent her glass flying into the fire. “A foal? How did this get past me? No matter… I can use this to my advantage. Now, who do I know that will spread the word quickly... ”

Chapter 10

“It’s very beautiful out here…” Derpy idly commented as she and Blueblood sat on the balcony outside of his study. As she gazed at the city lights, she thought about the stallion next to her. When she turned her attention to Blueblood, she found him looking at her with appreciating eyes, causing her to blush for a moment before sharply adjusting her head away from him.

Blueblood couldn’t help but laugh, remembering Derpy doing the exact same thing ten years ago when they first met. And she’s still as beautiful… Blueblood turned to the semi-busy metropolis below. A frown formed on Blueblood’s face when a thought came to his mind. “So… Dinky… when is her birthday?” Blueblood asked curiously, his eyes fixed on the lights in the distance.

“In a few months…” Derpy trailed off, taking a large gulp before she sighed and she looked at Blueblood again. “So, after all this time… you were looking for me.” Derpy asked hoarsely, the last word barely coming out as a squeak.

“Yes.” Blueblood¨s eyes locking with hers.

Don’t worry mommy, I’m still here and and I’m sure daddy is looking for us too. Derpy teared up a little as she remembered her daughter saying those words not long ago when she asked about her father. Sometimes I wonder if I really am an idiot… Quickly wiping the liquid from her face, Derpy blinked for a moment as a question came to her mind. “You were looking for me all this time… why didn’t you look in Ponyville?”

“I did… but you weren’t there, so I went looking around the other cities if there were any traces of you… yet you were no where to be found.” Blueblood replied defeatedly as he lowered his head.

“So there were no others after me?” Derpy asked curiously, albeit fearfully as she instinctively leaned in closer to hear Blueblood’s words.

Blueblood shook his head vigorously as he raised it. “Never…” Even though a lot of mares have tried to court me during the years. “There’s only one mare that I will love and she’s sitting right next to me.” Blueblood said truthfully as he smiled fondly at Derpy.

Derpy let out a gasp as she felt her cheeks burning, finding it difficult to breath. She found herself blinking uncontrollably as she was overwhelmed by Blueblood’s words, which had struck a chord in her heart.

“But what about you?” Blueblood redirected the same question her.

“No, I was too preoccupied with finding a way to support myself and raising Dinky to actually think about it.” And I still couldn’t let go of you… Derpy snorted out a laugh as she rolled her eyes. “Besides, I’m not exactly the prettiest mare walking in Equestria today.”

Blueblood cocked his brow at Derpy’s statement. “Who told you that?” He asked her, looking at her as though she sprouted another head.

Derpy shrugged as she looked away, her smile slowly vanishing. “Just some ponies… some peers and some neighbours…” Derpy whispered. Even though they were single themselves. Before Blueblood could reply to Derpy’s words, she began with another question. “So what’s going to happen now?”

“Pardon?”

“I mean… where do we go from here?” Derpy questioned Blueblood as she shuffled her hooves. “It’s not like you can just come back after all this time and expect me to be embraced by you especially when—” Derpy paused abruptly as she caught her breath. “I’m sorry, there I go rambling again.”

Blueblood wanted to hold onto Derpy at that moment, but restrained himself as he bit his lower lip. “It’s okay… I mean, just a few hours ago I find out I’m a father to a filly who I ran into a couple of times in my search for you and I’m still overwhelmed by it…”

“You know, a part of me just wants to smack you so hard for leaving me alone on that morning, yet another part of me just wants to kiss you and let you take me... “ Derpy’s lips quivered a little as she looked down. “Yet most of all… I’m scared,” she admitted as she sagged her shoulders, but gave a shudder as she felt Blueblood’s hoof resting on her.

“Then let’s be scared together…” Blueblood spoke softly as he scooted closer to Derpy, just until his body was barely touching her wings. As they sat alone in the night with the stars shining down on them, both ponies looked up the majestic night that was present.

Derpy’s eyes widened suddenly when another question entered her mind. “Blue…” The stallion acknowledged her in turn as he turned his head to her. “There’s something else I need to know.”

“Of course, what is it?”

“Why…” Derpy began but paused as she gulped down her fears. “Why did you leave me there at the hotel that morning?”

“I… well, I went to buy…” Blueblood went to reach into his saddlebags, then realised he wasn’t wearing them, giving a small chuckle as he smiled at Derpy. “I have something for you, but it’s… we need to get to know each other a bit more before then, if that’s okay with you?”

Derpy nodded before she smiled demurely at Blueblood, leaning in to connect her lips with his for a moment before letting go. “I’d like that,” Derpy said, her cheeks becoming crimson again after she gave him the gentle kiss. She couldn’t help but giggle at Blueblood whose face turned red from the sudden affection he had been given. “What about Dinky? She’ll want to know you more and I don’t want her heart broken if—”

“There’s no way I’m going to abandon my daughter,” Blueblood placed a hoof on Derpy’s mouth to silence her as he smiled reassuringly to her. “She’s my daughter and my blood, and I will not forsake her no matter what... I promise, I will find a way for this to work between us… all of us,” Blueblood said softly as he removed his hoof from Derpy, before he pressed his lips against hers.

“So, Mr Wise… how long have you worked for my daddy?” Dinky asked curiously as she was trotting alongside the elder stallion in the hallways.

Wise Words chuckled as he looked down on the filly with an amused smile. “I have been in service to the master's family just prior to him being born,” Wise Words casually replied, seeing Dinky giggling at his answer. “But before I served for the House of Platinum, I was in the Royal Guard, and reached the Captain of the Solar Guard before I chose to retire.”

“So you were like Prince Shining Armor?” Dinky asked excitedly, her eyes still fixated on Wise.

“Technically he is a Prince-Consort now, but yes… like the former Captain Shining Armor.” Wise Words looked up to see a few guards bowing at their presence. Only a couple of hours later, and they recognize her as a Princess of Equestria… remarkable how fast everything works these days. Wise Words thoughts came to a halt when he saw Dinky’s face forming a frown. “Is there something wrong?” he asked politely as he came to a stop with Dinky doing the same.

Dinky slowly raised her head to face Wise again. “I just hope mommy and daddy will be okay.”

“I’m sure that they will work things out,” Wise comforted Dinky as he ruffled her mane, eliciting another fit of giggles from the filly. “Let me tell you, your father never gave up in his search for your mother,” Wise Words said as he saw Dinky becoming more curious.

“Really?”

“Oh yes… your father never gave up on her, and I have a feeling that she has not given up on him either.” Wise nodded at Dinky as he smiled. “Love will always find a way in the end, if you believe,” he said sagely, cocking his brow at Dinky as she suppressed a laugh.

Dinky cleared her throat before she beamed at Wise Words. “You sound like one of those bards telling love tales.” Dinky remembered a certain mare with a lyre playing at a concert in Ponyville, most of her songs being that of love. As Dinky and Wise walked onwards, Dinky’s attention turned to a large doorway. “What’s in there, Mr Wise?”

“That’s the throne room, the Night Court will start soon,” Wise said as he looked to the entrance. A shame not many ponies seek council at the Night Court...

“Say, Mr Wise… can we go inside, please? I didn't really have time to look earlier.” Dinky asked politely, blinking once to turn her eyes as watery as she could muster, resembling that of a puppy’s. “Please….”

This one is clever, using my greatest weakness against me… Wise sighed as he shook his head, chuckling as he opened the door with his magic. “After you, Miss Dinky.” He gestured her to go inside, waving his hoof towards the opening.

“Yay!” Dinky cheered as she quickly went inside, immediately looking around in wonder at the size of the throne room. When she spotted the empty thrones, Dinky cantered towards them, stopping just before the steps. She tapped her chin for a moment before she grinned broadly, climbing her way up to take a seat in one.

It’s kinda boring, sitting on a big chair like this… I wonder why Diamond Tiara goes on about every foal wanting to sit on the Princesses’ throne? Sitting up straight, Dinky pointed her muzzle to the ceiling and waved a hoof at the door, clearing her throat. “Send in the next pony!”

Both Dinky and Wise Words were surprised when the throne room doors opened as the filly’s shout echoed around the room, then her eyes went wide as Luna walked in. Her horn was glowing, and the candles changed from the usual warm fire to cool blue, and she cocked her head in confusion when she looked towards the thrones. “Pray tell, why is Dinky upon Our chair?”

Before Wise Words could answer her, Dinky jumped off Luna’s throne and pouted as she looked down in shame. “I’m sorry… I was just curious... “ Dinky apologized to Luna, not seeing the gentle smile upon the alicorn.

“T’is alright, my dearest niece…” Luna raised Dinky’s chin with a tender hoof. “You did nothing wrong being here, your presence is always welcomed,” she said soothingly with half-lid eyes. When she removed her hoof from Dinky, the little filly let out a yawn that she quickly covered with both hooves. “Though I believe it is your bedtime now.” Luna nodded to Wise Words who walked towards them. “I wish you a good night, Dinky.” Luna lowered her head to Dinky’s, nuzzling the filly.

“You too, Auntie Luna!” Dinky answered as she nuzzled back, not seeing the blush that was etching upon the princess’ face. As she started to walk with Wise Words towards the door, Dinky’s eyes caught sight of a stallion next to her aunt, whose yellow eye looked back at her.

Feeling intimidated, Dinky started to lean towards Wise Words and looked away from the guard. Dinky’s eyes drifted again to his direction, where she noticed the leathery wings and the blank flank on the guard. He’s scary! Dinky thought as she looked away, finally relaxing as she left the room, leaving Luna behind with her guard.

“She fears me…” The stallion sighed as he walked alongside his princess towards her throne.

“Give her time and she will see you for what you truly are,” Luna reassured him as she took her seat, adjusting her wings to increase her comfort. She ignited her horn with magic, conjuring a scroll before her that she read from. Giving a nod as she finished reading it, she used her magic again to dissipate the scroll before turning to her personal guard. “Now then, have somepony rouse my sister near the end of Night Court… I need to discuss something with her.”

The guard saluted to Luna as she gave him her order. “Yes, Night-mistress!” Then he walked into a shadow and disappeared from sight.

Scarlet eyes roamed over the large gathering of mostly unicorns together in one of the most prestigious ballrooms in Canterlot, coming after the castle of course. Running a hoof over her sun-orange dress, Amber Vain slowly moved forward in the line of other noble ponies to greet their hosts for the evening. It took her a few minutes to get there, and when she did, the waiting mare pulled her into a loose embrace.

“Lady Vain, darling, it has been too long.”

“It certainly has, Lady Crust, and I’m happy to be back.”

Pulling away, Amber joined the rest of the ponies moving around. As she expected, the small talk of the evening surrounded the news from the castle, but she kept her own thoughts to herself as she greeted her fellow ponies from the upper class. Spotting the refreshments table, she started to make her way over, but was stopped when another mare stepped in front of her.

“That’s a nice dress you’re wearing, Amber.”

Amber stepped back and bowed her head a little, letting her eyes roam over the other unicorn. For an elder mare, she kept up an attractive physical appearance, not a sign of grey in the purple parts of her mane. Unlike most of the nobles, she simply wore a red sash to designate her status, which was draped around her light grey coat, and her light arctic blue eyes still sparkled with youthful mischievousness

“Dame Velvet, you honour me.”

“You honour yourself, given the philanthropic work that you do. Come, walk with me.” Amber did as she was asked, trotting along beside the mare, who was heading to a booth at the side of the room, where an azure stallion with a dark blue mane and amber eyes sat waiting. “You know my husband, Night Light, of course.”

Amber nodded politely to the stallion.

“And I don’t think you’ve actually met formally, but this is my daughter, Twilight Sparkle.”

Unsure why she had been singled out to meet a Dame’s daughter, Amber slowly turned her eyes to the other side of the booth, looking at the younger mare. I know that name from somewhere, but where… Let’s see, lavender coat, indigo mane with pink and purple stripes, and a horn AND wings! Amber bowed lower than when Dame Velvet approached her.

“Princess Sparkle, it is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Please, just call me Twilight. Come, join us for a drink, won’t you?”

For some reason, Amber grew wary, as it was not every day royalty asked a pony to spend time with them without prior appointment. Still, she slid into the booth next to Twilight Sparkle, whilst Dame Velvet sat next to Night Light, resting her head against his shoulder.

Realising there wasn’t anything with which to sate their thirst, Amber was about to offer to collect the drinks when a giant earth pony walked over, a silver tray upon his back. Amber let her eyes wander over his massive muscles, and down to his taut hindquarters. She waited until he placed the tray down and moved away slightly, turning to Twilight just as she took a sip from her drink.

“Well, the help has certainly improved in quality since last I visited Jet Set and Upper Crust.”

Twilight tried to gasp at the same time as to drink, almost choking as it went down the wrong hole, and she began to cough, expelling the drink onto her father, who was clearly unamused. Giving an awkward giggle, Twilight levitated a napkin over and began to clean the stallion up, whilst looking pleading at her mother, who stared back with a cheeky smile.

“Twilight, why don’t you call him over before he gets our food?”

Amber was very confused as to what was going on as Twilight’s horn flashed once, Amber looking at Twilight’s father to see he didn’t understand things either. A moment later the earth pony appeared once more, this time from the other side of the booth, sliding in next to Twilight.

Amber’s instincts told her now would be a good time to leave, but it would be considered extremely rude to do so, even worse to ask for permission, so there she stayed as Dame Velvet smiled at the earth pony, Night Light glared, and Twilight Sparkle gulped a few times.

“Mom, dad, I’d like you to meet my special somepony, Big Macintosh.”

Amber wanted to crawl into the deepest, darkest hole she could find, now realising how much of a social faux pas she had just made, but it seemed to be overlooked thanks to the other news. She watched as Night Light silently motioned the earth pony to follow him, then got up from the booth, Dame Velvet giving a slightly disappointed sigh. She then turned her gaze upon Amber.

“So, Miss Vain, as the conversation subject tonight seems to be relationships, how is that stallion you’re after?”

“Oh, he’s fine,” she replied happily, though internally she was screaming. I bet he’s more than fine with that bastard foal of his right now. “I still haven’t plucked up the courage to talk to him though, at least not again.” I can’t believe that lower class mare that tried to gain Blueblood’s affection three years ago made this dress, nor that she is highly recommended by both Fleur and Sapphire Shores.

“Well, perhaps my daughter can give you some advice on how to woo him? Worry not, we will not ask you to tell us his name, but perhaps you can give us a few hints, hmm?”

Amber lifted up the silver goblet in front of her, taking a large sip of the red wine contained within as she considered Dame Velvet’s proposal. It is highly unlikely Dame Velvet has not heard the news from the castle… but still, Princess Sparkle was a highly sought after mare, even before her crown.

Dame Velvet is rumoured to have had hundreds of suitors vying for her horn in marriage. Maybe they can help. Setting her goblet down, Amber smiled at Dame Velvet, then to Princess Sparkle. “I am in your debt. Please, I’d appreciate any help I can get.”

Katakans, ponies that had become lost in the forgotten legends of Equestria, large ponies with leathery wings and eyes with large irises and small pupils, made for a frightful sight. Mostly nocturnal, they survived by their base desires, to eat and procreate, which they did so heartily.

At least, until Luna stumbled upon one of their colonies on the isle of Dragmire in the South Quiet Sea during the year after her return, when she explored most of the known world to see for herself how things had changed. Unlike the nearly overwhelming majority of academics’ opinion, Luna knew the truth, and was pleased to see the descendants of her ancient guards had indeed survived into the new world.

She observed them for several weeks, watching as the mares selected their mates based on one category; how well they were endowed. Unfortunately, the generation she discovered knew nothing of her nor the world outside their colony, and when she presented herself to them, hundreds of Katakans turned their eyes upon her with a savage hunger. She was forced to defend herself, wiping out that colony, but leaving one survivor who had become injured, yet stayed out of further conflict with the alicorn. With his help, she found other colonies, and succeeded in reaching an understanding with them.

Shaking her head, Luna gave a wistful sigh as she looked at the throne room doors, which had remained shut all evening. As per usual, Luna’s night court received no visitors, the throne room containing the Lunar Diarch and several of her reinstated guards. Unless a pony knew where exactly to look in the darkened room, these large ponies remained hidden from sight within the shadows, their golden eyes occasionally reflecting the blue flames that flickered on every pillar.

Turning her bored gaze from the still doors to the space just to the right of her throne, Luna studied the only visible Katakan, her Lunar Corps Captain, and she marveled at the muscle bound pegasus stallion. Singling him out from the other Katakans was a black patch over his left eye, the only thing he had lost when Luna wiped out his colony.

Although Luna was in his blind spot, she knew the stallion had other senses that allowed him a complete view of the room, thus when her gaze drifted towards his flank, she was not surprised when his wing blocked her view and he let out a small growl. Luna pouted, but knew it was a moot point as even if he could see her facial expression, he’d ignore it.

A sudden high pitched squeak followed by a sickening crunch drew Luna’s gaze to one of the far corners, where she could hear slow chewing coming from, and it brought a smile to her face. Not only were the Katakans amazing guards, they also made for excellent pest control, especially when it came to rats.

“Bastard,” came a deep, gravelly voice from Luna’s side, the Katakan stood there speaking his mind. “I was gonna eat that one.” Luna said nothing, closing her eyes and smirking as she leaned back on the throne, breathing lightly; contrary to what most ponies thought, Luna was not awake throughout the night and slept for most of it. She only dozed lightly for a few moments before her ear flicked at the sound of sniffing. “Night-mistress, your sister approaches.”

Luna sat up just as the doors to the throne room opened and Celestia stepped in, her normally flowing mane and tail hanging limp around her, purple pyjamas covering most of her white body. Celestia trotted up the steps to the thrones and settled into hers, looking at her sister with tiredness in her eyes.

“Why did you summon me at this hour, Lulu?”

“We must discuss your decision, Tia.” Luna looked around the room, then turned to the stallion to her right. “Deadeye, leave us.” He gave a nod, then thrust one of his wings out and waved it at the door. Nine other Katakans, four of them female, stepped from the shadows and bowed to the alicorns, then turned and left. Once the doors closed again, Luna looked to Celestia with a frown. “Word has already spread throughout the city as to Blueblood’s concubine, as they are calling her, and the ponies are demanding to know who she is.”

“It’s not like I told Raven to put it in the Canterlot Daily,” Celestia replied with an annoyed huff, having had to fend off requests for a meeting from many nobles during the rest of her day court and during her evening meal with some of them. “It is possible that somepony overheard the news and either could not recognise the secrecy or keep such joyous news to themselves.”

“You knew, didn’t you,” Luna asked accusingly, narrowing her eyes at her sister. “You knew the filly was his daughter, and yet you said nothing. What kind of aunt are you?”

“Luna! How dare you say such things!” The blue alicorn saw tears forming in her sister’s eyes, and she turned her gaze away in shame. “If you must know, I did not make the connection until a couple of hours before Blue found out himself. You know even we can not go against the deep magic of Equestria without dire consequences, and it told me to wait a little longer.”

“I… I am sorry, Tia. Knowing some of the things Blue has had to deal with over the years, I can’t but get the idea of somepony using sweet Dinky as a weapon against him or her mother.” Luna accepted the embrace of her sister when she felt hooves around her, leaning against Celestia’s side.

“I have the same feeling, but if they do, we shall set Deadeye onto them, right?” Celestia turned her gaze to the empty room. “You can come out, I know you are still here.” A strange black mist seeped from the shadows, darkening even where the light touched, and it took a few moments to coalesce into the physical form of a pony. Stepping in view, the one eyed stalling bowed before the two alicorns. Giving her sister a nuzzle and a wink, Celestia stood and trotted towards the doors, pausing to look over her shoulder at her. “You should get to bed, Lulu. There might be someponies that need you in their dreams.”

“You are right, Tia. Good night.” Once her sister was out of view, Luna turned her gaze upon her still present captain, her features turning into a soft glare. “Deadeye, for disobeying orders and eavesdropping, you shall come with me into the dreamscape.”

Running as fast as she could, a unicorn filly made her way through the ruins of Canterlot City. There were no other ponies present at all, but things lurked in the shadows, and her only safe haven were sporadically spaced street lights. Coming across one in the middle of an empty square, Dinky Hooves leant against it and caught her breath, red eyes staring at her from the darkness, along with a single golden one.

Just like all of the other areas she rested in, the light began to flicker, and she built up her courage for another long sprint to safety, but she didn’t know how long she could keep it up. She waited until the last moment possible before taking off at a full gallop, knowing that the creatures would soon be upon her.

Her path led her into part of the gardens of Canterlot Castle, one that held a special meaning to her, and it was here that she hoped to find help. When Dinky arrived at a certain spot, the light was already beginning to flicker, yet the two ponies she hoped to see were not present.

“Mama? Daddy? Where are you?”

Her only answer came from the shadows that now surrounded her, shrieks and growls that got closer as the light above her began to fade. When it went out the creatures moved, the red eyes coming in fast, but there was no sign of the golden one.

Dinky screamed as she felt something cover her body, recognising the feel of a wing, but no feathers were present at all. She could hear the sound of fighting around her, but that soon died down, and the light above her returned, the wing on her back gone, but she was still not alone.

Dinky stepped back with a frightened gasp as she beheld a pony like being, with one weary golden eye looking at her, the other covered with a black patch. Its fur was dark grey, the mane and tail two tones of blue. Upon its body was silver and blue armour, the chest piece having a single blue eye.

Instead of claiming its prize of Dinky, it simply lay down on the grass and lowered its head. “Have no fear, for I am here to serve you, my young princess.” The voice was deep and masculine, yet somewhat calming to Dinky, who stepped a little closer.

When she did, she noticed several bloody marks down his side, and that he was panting heavily. A loud shriek from the shadow behind her caused her to bolt forward, squeezing between the stallion’s forelegs. Even when the light went out again the shadow creatures did not attack, a terrifying peace that seemed to last for hours settling in.

Once the area was illuminated once again, Dinky saw another stallion and a mare that she easily recognised, and the stallion holding her tightly let her go. She immediately ran to the others and jumped into their outstretched forelegs, sobbing loudly.

Sitting up with a scream, Dinky looked around to see she was where she had fallen asleep. Her fur was damp with sweat and the strange memories still fresh in her mind. She let out another scream as she felt hooves wrap around her and she was pulled against a pony’s chest. It took her a moment to collect herself, but when she did, she looked up to see a pair of worried blue eyes staring at her.

“Dinky?”

“I… I had a bad dream, daddy,” came a shaky response as Dinky’s tears began to fall into Blueblood’s chest.

“Want to talk about it?”

“T-there were things with r-red eyes and one w-with a gold eye. I-I couldn’t find y-you or mommy. The g-gold eye protected m-me from the red e-eyes.”

Single gold eye… protecting a filly… Thank you, auntie Lulu. “It’s alright, you’ll meet him in the morning. Now come, forget the bad dream, and let’s get back to sleep. I won’t let anything happen to you whilst you’re with me.” Blueblood leant down and kissed Dinky on the cheek, the filly nuzzling him in return. He kept her close to his chest as she drifted off again, waiting until she was in deep slumber before he lay himself back down and closed his own eyes.

“Your kind came from the shadows, therefore the shadow creatures of the dreamscape can hurt you. I am sorry, I should have remembered,” Luna said as she applied some antiseptic cream to the deep cuts in her captain’s side. Once his wounds were clean, she laid dressing over the top and wrapped a bandage around his barrel. “Take the rest of the night off, and sleep with my blessings, Deadeye.”

Luna lay a gentle kiss upon the forehead of the exhausted guard, then stepped from his quarters and nodded to the two Katakans stood outside the door. They returned the gesture, watching as their Night-mistress entered through a set of double doors, each one etched with a half moon, signifying who the room belonged to.

The Katakans in the corridor moved into the shadows, disappearing from sight.

Author's Note

The Katakans is the name we chose for Luna's guards, as show in Luna Eclipsed.
Just a reminder, we're using this as our map

Chapter 11

Dinky waited patiently as the stallion acting as her escort slipped a set of ear defenders on her head, checking to ensure they were snug. Once he was happy, he grabbed his own pair then pushed open a large metal door, letting the filly step in first.

She looked around in wonder at the surprisingly cavernous space, then her gaze was drawn to one of the larger machines as she saw a flash. Looking above it, she saw a unicorn stallion send a jolt of magic into a second machine, which rumbled to life.

This caused the air in the room to grow thick, and Dinky’s horn began to tingle but she didn’t find it harmful, more like a tickling sensation. Seeing her escort step next to her, they began to walk around the room, never getting in the way of the ponies at work, but they all paused their tasks to bow politely at the filly.

Feeling a nudge, Dinky turned to look at her escort, who pointed towards a window. Giving him a nod, she made her way over and looked out of the room. From her new vantage point, she could see one of the SS Dreamcatcher’s engines, the vessel beingPrincess Luna’s private aircrusier.

Dinky gasped when the engine changed position, turning so that the flame coming from the back was pointed downwards as well as backwards. She felt her stomach get unsettled for a moment, turning with a wide smile to the stallion behind her, who nodded back the way they had entered.

She gave a final look around the room, which was the last on her tour of the Dreamcatcher, then headed back to the large metal door. She stood still as the door was closed and her ear protection removed, then beamed up at her escort.

“This ship is amazing. Do you get to travel on here all the time, Mr Deadeye?”

“Not always, my young princess.” Deadeye smiled at Dinky when she giggled, knowing she was still not used to her new title. It had taken most of the weekend, at least when their paths crossed, for the stallion to convince the filly that he wasn’t going to eat her, and she had followed him around when ever she could afterwards.

Thus, when she asked to look around the Dreamcatcher, Luna had happily sent him with her. “If our tasks are not urgent, we use the trains. Now come, we’ll be landing soon, so let’s get you back to your parents.”

“Okay…” Deadeye led Dinky back to the nearest stairway and up to the main passageway, which ran from stem to stern of the Dreamcatcher. They reached the main deck, where Deadeye picked up a thick cloak and wrapped it around Dinky, then pushed open the door the outside of the ship.

Upon going outside, Dinky saw they were just passing Dragon Mountain, and it was getting higher. Spotting her parents near the front of the ship, Dinky went to run over, but a hoof being placed in front of her and a raised eyebrow from Deadeye made her stop. “Please, princess, be careful out here. The winds are stronger than you think.”

Giving him a nod, Dinky place herself between the stallion and the ship’s wall, slowly shuffling along until the wall ended. Fortunately for her, her father turned and saw her, using his magic to float her over and place her onto his back.

“Hello, Dinky. Did you have fun?”

“I did daddy. I really like this ship!” Giving a nod, Blueblood turned back to face the direction they were travelling, Derpy reaching up and making Dinky giggle when she ruffled her mane. The filly’s eyes went wide when she saw the lights of the town below in the distance, having never seen her home from such a height before. “Wow… Ponyville’s beautiful.”

“Not as beautiful as my two mares,” Blueblood casually remarked as he turned and kissed Derpy’s cheek, making the mare blush brightly, much to Dinky’s amusement. A sudden rumble went through the ship, Dinky holding on tightly to her father’s neck. Several minutes later it stopped, and that’s when Dinky noticed the Dreamcatcher had gone silent. “Well then, let’s get you two home.”

Hopping down from Blueblood’s back, Dinky ran in front of him and looked up at him with her eyes wide and ears splayed back. “But… does that mean you’ll be going back to Canterlot tonight daddy?”

“No, I won’t be. But I need to give your mother some space to think about things. I’ll be staying at the library with Twilight Sparkle, so anytime you want to come see me and it’s okay with Derpy, then you are most welcome.”

“Oh… okay.” Dinky watched as the crew carried her and Blueblood’s luggage down the gangplank, as well as a few bags of presents her grandparents had gotten her. Once it was all placed at the edge of the field where the Dreamcatcher had landed, the three ponies thanked the crew for the ride home and stepped to the side, watching as the aircruiser raised itself into the air. Heaving a cavernous yawn, Dinky blinked and looked around. “Um… where exactly are we?”

“A little ways outta town, youngin’.” Stepping from behind a tree with a lantern, Applejack smiled at the group, but that fell when her eyes locked onto the stallion. “Er… Blueblood… is… is Derpy ‘ere the one you were lookin’ for?”

Returning her smile, Blueblood pressed against Derpy’s side whilst wrapping a foreleg around Dinky and pulling her to his chest. “She most certainly is, Applejack, and please, call me Blue. All of my friends do.”

“Ah see. Well, Ah’ll take y’all to the path that leads to town. T’ farm can be a mite dangerous at night.” Seeing the pile of things they had to carry, Applejack walked across the field a little into the darkness, returning a few minutes later with a cart hitched to her back. “On second thoughts, Ah think Ah’ll help ya back to town. An’ Blue? Just call me AJ, like mah friends do. Oh, an’ the next time y’all wanna land an airship, don’t do it round ‘ere, Ah need mah beauty sleep.”

“But you’re pretty without it, Miss Applejack.”

Blueblood chuckled at the farm mare’s red cheeks from the comment of his daugher, using his magic to lift the bags into the cart. He then lifted Dinky onto his back and fell into step next to Derpy as Applejack began to pull the cart. The short journey was silent, but he didn’t mind, just being near the one his heart had yearned for and his daughter was enough.

Soon they stopped outside a two storey building, Derpy giving a frown as she looked at one of the windows, which was showing illumination from behind the curtains. “That’s strange, I’m sure I turned all of the lights off.”

“Wait here, I’ll take a look,” Blueblood said as he passed the nearly asleep filly to her mother. His horn glowed a little as he pushed open the unlocked door, which caused Derpy even more concern,and he stepped into the house. He returned a few moments later with a grin on his face. “I’ll let you see for yourself.”

Now curious, Derpy brushed past Blueblood and made her way to the lit room, which was her lounge, and she couldn’t help but giggle at what greeted her. Upon her couch in the most unmarelike pose imaginable and snoring loud enough to rival that of an express train, Blossomforth remained blissfully unaware that the homeowners had returned.

Derpy stepped forward slightly and sniffed the air, blanching when she smelt her friend’s breath, which proved to be a sign there’d be no waking her in such a state. Having had Blossomforth stay many a night after a drinking session, Derpy just shook her head and moved back into the hallway, where Blueblood and Dinky were waiting, the luggage already piled in the hall. “It’s alright, I’d rather Blossomforth crashed on my couch instead of flying home. Now Dinky, say goodnight to your father, it’s time for bed.”

Dinky went to argue, but the stern glare from her mother struck down her words before she could say anything. Just as she was about to turn around, she let out a gasp. “Mom, your communibity service tomorrow… you won’t be able to come to school, will you?”

“Community, Dinky, community service, and no I won’t be able to. I’m sorry.”

Derpy was surprised to see Dinky wasn’t upset by the news, watching with a raised eyebrow as the filly turned to face her father. “Daddy...we have this thing at school called Family Appreciation Day. Mommy was gonna come, but she can’t make it… so can you come?”

Blueblood thought about it for a moment, then looked at Derpy and saw the hopefulness in her eyes. Not only will it make Dinky happy, but Derpy too. Plus, more time with my daughter. Looking down, he gave Dinky a nod. “I’d love to come, just tell me what time I need to be there.”

“Eleven o’clock usually, but it might run a bit late.”

“I’ll be there ten minutes before, just to be safe. Now, I believe your mother said it was bedtime?” Dinky gave a groan, but readily accepted the hug and kiss from Blueblood, even if she made the embrace longer than it needed, and it didn’t help the stallion was reluctant to put her down as well. After a few minutes, Blueblood eventually put Dinky down, and she beamed up at him.

“See you tomorrow then, daddy! I love you.” Dinky bid Blueblood farewell, pecking his cheek and giggling at her father’s dumbfounded face.

“I… I love you too, Dinky.” Blueblood watched in adoration as the filly ran up the stairs, unaware Derpy’s gaze was on him until he felt a gentle kiss on his other cheek. He blinked and stepped back in surprise, putting himself outside once more, his eyes landing on the mare. “So… I guess this is good night?”

“Yeah… listen, why don’t you spend the afternoon with Dinky tomorrow? I get the feeling that’s what she’ll want to do,” Derpy suggested, a warm feeling filling her up when Blueblood nodded. Leaning out of the doorway, she nuzzled the stallion affectionately, then slowly closed the door, falling against it with a happy sigh.

Outside, Blueblood hummed happily as he headed towards the library, but in his distracted state walked snout first into the cart.

“Blue… ya might wanna watch where yer goin’,” Applejack casually remarked with a snicker.

“Ha ha, AJ. Let’s just get back to the library before Twilight decides to send your brother to find me because I’m ‘late’.” Upon hearing the wagon screech to a halt, Blueblood to see Applejack had a frown on her face. “Something wrong?”

“...why would mah brother be at Twi’s?”

“Quiet down now class, please…” Cheerilee trailed off as she instructed her students in front of the classroom, pleased to see all of her studies listening to her as silence emitted from them. “Now then, Dinky, I believe your mother is coming in today?"

“Well… she can’t make it.” Dinky sheepishly replied as she looked away from her teacher’s gaze.

Cheerilee sighed before she shook her head. “Dinky… you should have told me before we started school today.” Cheerilee told her feeling a combination of disappointment and sympathy, knowing about the community service Derpy received not so long ago.

“But Miss Cheerilee, I have another family member for my presentation!” Dinky beamed as she got up from her desk, making her way to the exit of the schoolhouse and leaving a confused Cheerilee behind.

After a few seconds, Diamond Tiara snorted as she rolled her eyes. “Great, she gets to play hookey now while we have to sit here!” Diamond sneered as she glared towards the door, ignoring the reprimanding gaze of her teacher. Before Diamond could say another word, she felt something wet hit behind her head, immediately causing her to yelp in disgust and surprise. Reaching a hoof to retrieve whatever it was that hit her, she saw a small paper ball in her clutches; a spitball. Immediately turning around, she saw a few foals snickering at her and Pip radiating a smug grin. “Why you—”

“Sorry about that!” Dinky came rushing into the class, followed by a unicorn stallion who was smiling with half lidded eyes at her enthusiasm.

“That’s okay Dinky… but can you tell us who this gentlecolt is?” Cheerilee asked curiously, as she eyed the stallion next to Dinky with a little wariness. I think I recognize him… but from where?

Dinky beamed again as she stood in front of everypony and gestured to the stallion. “Everypony, I’d like to introduce you to Prince Blueblood, the Minister of Finance for Equestria… my daddy!” Dinky exclaimed the last word with all the glee she contained in herself, not realizing everypony’s jaw went agape at her words.

“That’s a good one!” Diamond Tiara cackled in her seat, pounding her hoof on her desk as she tried to regain her composure. “So your dad’s a prince… that’s rich!”

Just as Dinky was about to retort, Blueblood placed a gentle hoof on her shoulder before leaning down to her ear. “Leave this to me…” he whispered in her ear, then stepped forward to address the foals. “I assure you, little lady… this is no joke.” Blueblood replied to Diamond Tiara, clearing his throat as he continued. “I am indeed her father, and the Minister of Finance for Equestria.”

“No way!” Scootaloo shouted out from her seat, her wings flaring as she literally jumped forward. “So you’re, like, in charge of financial repairs?” She asked curiously, her ears flickering to the sound of Sweetie Belle groaning.

“Financial affairs…” Sweetie Belle corrected her friend.

Scootaloo rolled her eyes as she looked away. “Whatever.”

“To answer your question, yes I am in charge of handling the assets of Equestria and the bills proposed to our office…” Blueblood trailed off, pausing when he saw the blank stares of the foals before him. “In other words, when a pony requests funding from the government, we are the ones they come to.”

Apple Bloom raised her hoof before she spoke. “But yer also a prince too?” She asked Blueblood curiously, receiving a nod from him. “Ah thought royalty don’t do work like that.”

Blueblood chuckled before speaking again. “Even princes and princesses need to do work, especially in helping the ponies of Equestria.”

As Blueblood continued with his explanation of his responsibilities, Pip leaned towards Dinky’s desk. “Is he really your father?!” He asked his friend, only to receiving vicious nodding from her.

"Yes!" Dinky whispered loudly, maintaining the grin on her face whilst Pip's pupils dilated. "What's wrong?"

Pip shook his head vigorously before he gave a nervous laugh. "Nothing..."

“... Are there any questions?” Blueblood asked the class as he finished his speech, greeted by the waving hooves of numerous foals. He cocked his brow when Diamond Tiara raised hers lazily, with a blank stare on her face. “How about you, the one with the toy tiara?”

A round of laughter came from all the foals, even Cheerilee suppressed one as best as she could. Why you..! Diamond Tiara huffed before she spoke. “No really… is this a joke?” She asked Blueblood as she smirked a little in satisfaction of her remark.

“... Are there any constructive questions from anypony here?” Blueblood ignored Diamond Tiara as he looked around to the other foals. He noticed the filly turning red as she started to shake in her seat, no doubt furious about her words being neglected. “You there… Sweetie Belle was it?”

Sweetie Belle grinned before she lowered her hoof to speak. “That’s me yes! Is it true you’re a direct descendant of Princess Platinum?”

“Why yes… In fact, my aunts Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are also—”

“Oh c’mon!” Diamond Tiara shouted out as her rage took her over, as she jumped out of her seat and marched right up to Blueblood. “You can’t just ignore my words and instead answer to some dumb blank flank who isn’t worth a bit in life! Do you even know who my daddy is, huh!?” The earth pony filly barked out her words that were tainted in venom as she stared up at the prince before her.

Blueblood smirked before shaking his head. “His name is Filthy Rich, a well respected business pony… and the one who I will inform has to teach his daughter proper manners, especially towards her elders.” He lowered his head, closing his eyes once and opening them again to reveal a powerful glare that made Diamond Tiara fall on her haunches. “And hiding behind another pony’s status to inflict misery upon others… your words will never reach me.”

“Diamond Tiara, outside! Timeout till recess and detention after school for a month!” Cheerilee ordered the defeated filly, having had enough of her antics to last her a lifetime.

As Diamond Tiara slumped towards the door,she gave one last withering look at Blueblood before leaving the class. Another round of applause came from the foals, this time even louder. Silver Spoon was the only one not laughing, though a smug smile was present on her face as she reclined in her desk.

Scootaloo bumped Dinky’s shoulder as she grinned in joy. “You’re dad is so awesome!”

“I know right?!”

Cheerilee sighed as she rolled her eyes upwards, though smiling in relief at having some peace in the room for now. “Quiet down now class, please…” she clapped her hooves together, ushering the foals into silence. She turned her attention to Blueblood as she gestured a hoof towards him. “Please continue, your highness…”

Blueblood nodded before looking to the faces of the eager foals again. “Now then, as I was saying about Princess Celestia and Princess Luna…”

Poste Haste looked up from his desk as the back door opened for the sixth time in an hour, Derpy trotting with a happy smile, humming a cheery tune… and yet another empty mail sack. Like the active post mare herself a few days previous, Blossomforth was sleeping off the night before in the back room.

Looking around the office, Poste Haste gave a low whistle, for there was no mail left to go out, Derpy having delivered the entire town’s that morning alone. She had been exceptionally happy when she started that day, and after much pressure from both Poste and a hungover Blossomforth, told them what had taken place in Canterlot that weekend.

“Anything left, boss?” Derpy asked as she hung up her bag on the wall rack.

Shaking his head, Poste turned to Derpy and sighed. “Nope, you’ve outdone yourself today. It’s finishing time for you anyways, so you’d best get over to town hall.” Poste waited until Derpy left the building, then got out of his chair and stretched his back. After hanging up a sign stating the post office was closed for lunch, the stallion crept into the back room as silently as he could. Pleased moans from a surprise massage soon filled the building.

Out in the streets of Ponyville, Derpy happily trotted along, a wide smile on her face. Strangely, ponies fell silent as she walked by, lowering their heads a little. Choosing to ignore the curious issue, she forged on, arriving at Town Hall.

Entering the building, she saw it had changed from her last visit, now decorated for the coming Harvest Festival in two weeks. Not knowing which way she had to go, Derpy chose the only corridor with a light to enter, walking slowly down it.

“Ah, Miss Hooves.” Turning to face the voice with some slight hesitation, Derpy sighed in relief as she faced Typecast, who was stood in the doorway to one of the offices. “Please, come join me for a moment.” The stallion waved Derpy over, stepping back into the room, and she followed, setting herself down on a chair opposite Typecast.

“Is… is this going to take long? I have somewhere to be.” Derpy asked, fidgeting slightly.

“No, not at all. It is my understanding that Dinky’s father has been located, and,” Typecast slid two sheets of paper across the desk, along with a quil. “In accordance with Equestrian law, he now has to repay all of the bits that have been provided through the FPS.”

“Well, I could just give the money back,” Derpy said after reading over the paperwork.

“That… is a very complicated process, Miss Hooves,” Typecast replied, taking his glasses off and scratching the bridge of his nose. “One that is even more so right now with the official investigation by the Ministry of Finance.”

That made Derpy perk up, and she slid the papers back to Typecast, the sheets remaining unfilled. “A sum of a hundred and twenty eight thousand, two hundred and twelve bits would seem enticing to a pony willing to take money from Silver Lining, wouldn’t it?”

Frowning, Typecast closed the door with his magic, a click following in the silence letting Derpy know it was locked. “And how would a mailpony down here in Ponyville know of what is going on all the way in Canterlot?”

“Simple,” Derpy said with a hint of smugness, but mainly with pride. “As you clearly said a moment ago, Dinky’s father has come forward. He also happens to be the pony in charge of the Ministry of Finance.”

Typecast worked his jaw a few times, trying to figure out a way to respond, but no words came to mind. Standing from his chair, he walked to the door and unlocked it, holding it open for the mare. “If you could ask Prince Blueblood to visit me at some point, I am certain we can come up with a plan of action to catch the ponies responsible.”

“Thank you.”

“Well, they still need to set up your tasks for the sentence…I’ll inform them about you coming in.” Typecast said to Derpy, seeing her off as they both walked towards the door. “Have a nice day, Miss Hooves.”

Derpy nodded to Typecast as she walked away, giving a wave to him. “Thank you again, Mr Typecast.” She bid him farewell as she trotted back into Ponyville proper, stopping when her stomach let out a rumble. It’s a bit later for lunch and too early for dinner… maybe I should go get a cake for now...

“Let me ask you again, Twily… how long have you been together?” Shining Armour asked his little sister for the hundredth time since he found out she was in a relationship with a stallion he didn’t know.

Twilight groaned as she sat on the couch adjacent to her brother’s leering eyes. “For the last time, over a year now Shiny…” She replied in frustration, frowning at her brother interrogating her.

“And you couldn’t bother telling me about this? I’m your brother for pony sake!”

Is he serious? Twilight cocked her brow as she pursed her lips at him before she replied. “This coming from a stallion who only tells me he’s going to get married in a day and I have to plan out the wedding?!” She retorted bitterly at Shining, softening her eyes a little when she the guilt on her brother’s face.

“T-that’s not fair, Twily... you know that was—”

“But she has a point, dear…” Cadance’s melodious voice came from the kitchen as she walked out with a tray of tea and biscuits held in her magic. “Besides, if Twilight’s happy with this stallion… I see no reason to object.” She winked at her little sister-in-law, releasing her grip from the set of china.

“Thank you!” Twilight exclaimed as she sighed in relief, happy that Cadance was taking her side in this ridiculous argument.

Cadance levitated a frame towards her, containing a photo of Big Macintosh kissing Twilight. “Also, he is quite the catch and a very lucky stallion to have you in his life.” She said with a giggle, seeing her sister-in-law’s blush becoming a darker shade of red.

“Still, I’d like to—”

“Shining, I forgot the sugar in the kitchen… mind fetching it for me?” Cadance planted her lips to her husband’s cheek as the grin on her muzzle grew even bigger when he was gone from the room. Almost instantly, Cadance jumped from her seat and landed next to Twilight, beaming mischievously. “So, how far have you gone?!”

Twilight’s eyes boggled before she could speak again. “C-Cadance!” The alicorn spoke through her teeth, fearing her brother would hear them from where he was.

“It’s just us ladies here,” Cadance giggled as she leaned her ear closer to Twilight. “Come now… I’m dying to know here.” She said as she eagerly awaited the alicorn’s answer. She heard a sigh before words were whispered from the younger mare’s muzzle, followed by an everlasting grin on the elder mare’s. “Oh my! No wonder you radiated so much when we saw you.”

And here I thought you were more wholesome…”Just don’t tell Shiny about it please!” Twilight begged Cadance, displaying her puppy eyes on the elder mare as she did when she was younger and still foalsat.

“My lips are sealed, besides…” Cadance looked back to the kitchen, seeing no sign of Shining. “If he pesters you about that, ask him what we did before he proposed to me.”

Before Twilight could respond to Cadance’s words, she heard the door of the library being opened and closed, indicating somepony’s arrival. Must be Spike, I thought he would be home later cause of Ruby… Her thoughts were cut when she saw Blueblood entering the room, with Dinky on his back. “Oh! Hi Blue!”

“Hey Twi, how was your—” Blueblood was cut off when he felt a pair of hooves encircling him, bringing him into a tight hug before he was released. He was surprised, yet happy to see who it was that embraced him. “Cadie?”

“Blue! It’s been a while.” Cadance nuzzled her cousin before removing herself from him. “What are you doing all the way down here?”

Blueblood shrugged, feeling Dinky hiding her head in his long mane. “A lot of stuff has been happening lately, you see—”

“Hey Blue!” Shining called out as he walked out of the kitchen, bumping his hoof against the other stallion’s. “Great to see you again, been too long what with...” His words trailed off when he noticed the head of a foal sticking out from behind Blueblood. “Hey, who’s the filly?” He asked curiously.

“Oh yes, she’s—”

“You’re foalsitting? Well I’ll be…” Shining shook his head in disbelief, before he winced as he felt Twilight’s elbow sticking into his ribs.

I guess Auntie Tia hasn’t told them yet… Blueblood chuckled as he looked back, nudging the filly softly as she stuck her head from behind. “This is Dinky, my daughter.” He said proudly, though Cadance and Shining were silent after he said that. He lowered his back enough for the filly to jump off. “Go on, say ‘Hi’.”

Dinky shuffled her hooves as she nervously looked up to the princess of the Crystal Empire and her husband. “Um… Hello…” she barely uttered out, leaning into her father’s leg as she tried to hide her face from the onlookers.

After a few moments of silence, Cadance was the first to step forward, her eyes never leaving Dinky. “She’s…” she began to speak, only for a high pitch scream to follow as she kneeled down to be on eye level with the filly. “Oh my gosh, Blue! She’s adorable!” The alicorn exclaimed, though confused when the filly was scooting further away. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to startle you…”

Mustering all the courage from within, Dinky stepped out into the open again. When she looked at Cadance, calmness began to surge through her as a smile began to etch onto her muzzle.

“Woah woah!” Shining blurted out, bringing the attention of the others unto him. “If she’s your daughter… does that mean you found… her?” The stallion asked Blueblood, shocked to see him grinning as he gave a nod to reply.

“Indeed so, and her name is Derpy by the way.” Blueblood said before he looked to Cadance and Dinky, as they were getting acquainted with each other.

Cadance’s ears perked to the name of the mare Blueblood loved for over a decade, causing her to rocket upwards and approach her cousin with yet another hug. “I’m so glad you finally found her! I would like to meet her.”

“If you’re staying overnight, sure.” Blueblood shrugged, suppressing a laugh at Cadance’s cheer. “Would also give me more time to tell you everything that’s happened.”

And it gives me more time to teach this filly my special greeting! Cadance looked down to face Dinky, beaming at the irresistibly cute filly. Her eyes lingered to Shining who stood next to her, with her muzzle coming closer to his ear. “Shining, I think it’s time we discussed something… in private.” She whispered to him sultry, her eyes glistening as she looked at her husband

“Huh?”

As Cadance and Shining were talking on one side, Blueblood took the chance to speak to Twilight with Dinky by his side. “When did they arrive here?” He asked her, as he glanced to the married couple.

“This morning, after you left,” Twilight responded before she smiled at Dinky. “You’ve got to tell me about your Family Appreciation Day presentation. I bet the foals were all surprised when you came in. Reminds me of a certain presentation where Granny Smith had to fill in the spot for Applejack when she couldn’t…” The lavender pony trailed off when she saw the colour drain from Blueblood’s face. “Blue?”

Oh no… “Um, Twilight… about Applejack…” Blueblood swallowed a lump forming in his throat before he could continue. “I may have told her something about you and Big Macintosh last night…”

“You didn’t—”

The door of the library banged open, revealing an orange earth pony mare standing in the doorway. “Twi, we need to talk about something…” Applejack said as she marched towards her friend, ignoring the others as she advanced forward.

“... Applejack, come back here righ’ now!” Big Macintosh came running in, stepping in front of his sister to bar her way towards Twilight. “This is getting ridiculous how ye—” The red stallion froze when he saw Shining Armor and Cadance were present. Aw ponyfeathers!

The entire library was silent, with everypony looking at each other as though some kind of catastrophe was about to transpire. After the tense moment, Dinky tugged on Blueblood’s tail to gain his attention. “Why don’t I show you Sugarcube Corner, daddy?” Dinky insisted as she pulled her father out of the library, leaving the others behind.

“So…” Shining began to talk menacingly as he glared at Big Macintosh, initiating his own form of interrogation. “So you're the stallion who’s dating my baby sister?”

Big Macintosh felt Twilight pressing against him, no doubt offering him silent support as he was faced with a former Captain of the Royal Guard. The red stallion sighed as he closed his eyes, opening them again to reveal a spark of defiance as he faced the unicorn.

“Eeyup”

Chapter 12

“So, Dinky… what’s Sugarcube Corner like?” Blueblood asked his daughter, wondering why the filly wanted to show him to a particular store he had yet to visit in Ponyville. The only thing the stallion knew was that the establishment housed one of the Elements of Harmony.

Dinky, who was reclining on her father’s back, opened her eyes to reveal them to be the size of pinheads. She gasped as she turned her head sharply, looking at Blueblood as though he had transformed into a changeling. “You mean you never went to Sugarcube Corner and tried one of Pinkie’s cupcakes!?” The filly asked her father, only to receive a shaking head from him. “Really?” She asked again, dubious at her father’s words.

“Really, I mean… haven’t really had time to explore the whole of Ponyville, what with looking for your mother.”

“Oh…” Dinky trailed off with her eyes looking upwards in thought. If Pinkie hasn’t met him yet and he hasn’t seen Sugarcube Corner yet either… that means he hasn’t had a party yet! The filly began to titter as she pressed her hooves against her muzzle, suppressing her laughter.

Blueblood’s ears perked at the sound of his daughter’s giggling. “What’s so funny?” He asked Dinky, cocking his brow at the filly clearing her voice.

“Nothing!” Dinky blurted out, her eyes darting from one corner to the other.

Not willing to press the matter further, Blueblood only shrugged as he turned his attention back to where he was walking. “So Sugarcube Corner is one big bakery?” He asked Dinky.

“Well yeah…”

“Have you ever tried to sell your muffin recipe to them?”

“No… they make their own.” Dinky answered as she rested her head against her father’s neck. “But they’re not as great as mommy’s muffins.” The filly added in as Blueblood continued walking.

Blueblood grimaced a little as he lowered his head in shame. “To be honest, I’ve never tasted one of your mother’s muffins before.” The stallion mused, his ears perked the sound of Dinky letting loose a gasp.

“How can you not have had one of mommy’s special muffins!?” Dinky asked Blueblood as though he were insane.

“Well… I…” Blueblood couldn’t find a proper answer to his daughter’s question. As he trailed off more, he could feel Dinky’s eyes boring into him from behind, causing him to sweat a little. Once they were in front of a building that looked to be made of gingerbread, he felt the filly jump off his back and saw Dinky run off into the distance. “Dinky?” He called out to her, but his words fell on deaf ears. The stallion stood there for a moment before he heard wings flapping from above, causing him to look up to see Derpy.

Once Derpy landed in front of Blueblood, she looked to where Blueblood’s eyes drifted to. “Where’s Dinky going?” She asked curiously as she scratched her head in confusion.

“I don’t know… I just told her I’ve never tried a muffin made by you before and she just ran off…” Blueblood answered her honestly, receiving a titter from Derpy. Before the stallion could respond to the mare’s laughter, Dinky came back with a paper bag dangling with her teeth acting as a grip.

“Here you go, daddy.” Dinky spoke through her teeth as she gave the bag to Blueblood, smiling as her father took a look at what was inside.

So this is one of Derpy’s muffins? Blueblood took a hold of the muffin with his magic, the aroma immediately invading his nose as he brought it closer to his muzzle. Once he took a bite out of it, Blueblood froze as the taste lingered in his mouth. Oh my gosh… He sank his teeth into it again, a smile etched onto his muzzle as he swallowed the lump of food. “That’s the best muffin I’ve ever tasted.”

Derpy could not help but blush as she turned her head away. “T-thanks,” the mare said bashfully as she heard Dinky giggles and felt Blueblood’s eyes looking at her.

“Let’s go inside!” Dinky rushed towards the entrance of Sugarcube Corner, waiting impatiently for both her parents. Once Derpy and Blueblood stood behind her, the little filly pushed the door open, only to be met with darkness on the other side. “Hey! Why’s it so dark here?”

Once Blueblood and Derpy were inside with their daughter, the door behind the closed with a snap, causing Dinky to yelp and huddle close against her parents. “Where’s the lights?” The filly asked out loud, about to head towards a switch she knew was on the wall. But before she could, somepony beat her to it.

“SURPRISE!!!”

What the?! Blueblood looked around is shock as the lights went on, revealing a multitude of ponies inside the establishment. He saw a number of banners and ribbons decorating the room they were in, along with party streamers and tables littered with food and refreshments. What caught the stallion’s attention were the words hanging above the ponies; ‘Happy Welcoming/Reunion of Family Party’.

“Hi!” Pinkie Pie came bouncing towards the trio, beaming ecstatically as she circled around. “I hope you like this party! I had to wait for a whole week before I could host you one Blueblood! Or do you like Blue? You can tell me. I mean I would have hosted one for you on the spot, but my floppy ears and springy tail told me I should wait until you met a certain pony again! But who would have thought it was Derpy? And then it hit me, you two were in love! And little Dinky was also your—” The pink mare couldn’t continue as her mouth was blocked by a certain white unicorn mare coming from behind.

“Pinkie Pie! Let them enjoy this celebration, will you?” Rarity said as she held the pink mare in her magic, receiving a nod before she released her friend from her magic.

“Okay…” Pinkie said slowly before she grinned widely again. “Let’s party!” She shouted out loud, receiving cheers from the ponies around her as the music started playing. The pink earth pony mingled in with the crowd, leaving Blueblood and the others behind. Before the stallion could say anything, Dinky rushed towards a group of foals her age, nuzzling one colt in particular.

Just as Blueblood was about to ask who this colt was, he felt Derpy’s hoof rest upon his shoulder, causing him to turn around and see the mare shaking her head.

“Leave her be,” Derpy instructed Blueblood as she pulled him towards one side, where they were greeted by a friend of the pegasus mare.

Blossomforth approached Derpy, nuzzling her friend before looking at Blueblood with cautionary eyes. “So, um… it’s nice to see you again, Mr Blueblood…” The pegasus said politely, forcing a smile as she chuckled nervously.

“Please, just call me Blue,” Blueblood replied evenly as he shook her hoof.

“Here’s your drink, Blossom…” Poste Haste said as he arrived with two drinks held by his wings, giving one to the mare then pressing against her side and draping his free wing over her back. Seeing the slightly confused look he was getting from Derpy, he gave a quiet chuckle. “Yeah… guess it’s time to make it official, huh?”

Derpy guided Blueblood around the room, introducing him to some of the ponies she knew well, whilst Pinkie and Rarity kept an eye on the special guests to make sure everything went well. “Well now, this certainly is an awkward experience…” The white unicorn mare commented as she took a bite of the cake she was holding.

“Don’t worry! I got it all planned out… just need to last a few more minutes until Applejack and Twilight happen.”

“What do you mean?” Rarity questioned her pink friend as she looked around the party and saw no sign of the said alicorn and earth pony. “Where are those two anyway?”

“So when were you going to tell me!?” Applejack barked out as she sat opposite Twilight, the table between littered with mugs long empty of cider, which she and the alicorn had been imbibing since the start of the party. Ah knew she couldn’t handle her alcohol, not after last cider season… Applejack shivered at the memories of her friend’s antics that day.

Twilight took a swig of her full mug before slamming it onto the table, her cheeks becoming red as she started to let loose a series of hiccups. “I whas gonna tell ya when I fout it was the rit time!” The alicorn blurted out as her vision became blurred. “And why are ya complaining abou’ meesh getting a coltfriend?! Didn’t ya say I had to open up more?”

As the two mares continued arguing, their respective brothers stood at the back of the room, observing the scene. Shining planted his hoof to his face as he let loose a sigh. So, it’s not just Cadance that is an embarrassment as a princess when drunk. The unicorn stallion’s attention turned to Big Macintosh, who didn’t seemed phased by it at all.

“Your sister sure has a high tolerance…” Shining said casually as he continued to look at his sister’s deteriorating state.

Big Macintosh only nodded before taking a sip of ale before speaking. “Eeyup… but this is nothing compared to what mah granny can take.” The red stallion commented as a shiver went down his spine, a vague memory coming back to him when Granny Smith out drank the stallion one evening. “But listen, Shining… about me and yer sister—”

“Hey, I’m sorry about sounding like a jerk back at the library.” Shining interrupted Big Macintosh as he smiled at him. “Still as an older brother, can’t help but worry about my LSBFF. That means—”

“Little Sister Best Friend Forever.” Big Macintosh finished the sentence, chuckling a little as he shook his head. “Twily told me all about the abbreviations you and her share.” The red stallion informed Shining.

Shining Armour rolled his eyes as he smirked. “Of course, but you seem like a good stallion for my sister.” The white unicorn pounded Big Macintosh shoulder as he laughed. “So I approve of you.”

“Thank you.”

“However…” Shining’s eyes narrowed as he glared at Big Macintosh. “If you even think of breaking my baby sister’s heart, I will break your spine… understood?” The stallion questioned the other, keeping his eyes locked on him.

Big Macintosh nodded stoically as he kept his eyes on Shining. “Over mah dead body will Ah break her heart.” The red stallion clarified. Before anymore words could be spoken between them, Twilight’s cackling began to emit from the table where she and Applejack were seated.

“Ya look ridiculous Jackie!” Twilight laughed uncontrollably as she began to see doubles of Applejack staring at her in disbelief. “That’s such a nice nickname for my little sister! From now on, you’re my little Jackie!” The alicorn’s head fell to the table, where she continued to giggle fiercely.

“Ah beg yer pardon, Twiligh’... but Ah’m three years older than ya.”

Twilight’s head rocketed upwards as she snorted with her eyes beginning to twitch. She looked around her surroundings and began to tear up as her lips started to quiver. “I forgot Spike again!” The alicorn started to bawl her eyes out as she got up from the table and tried to exit the building, but couldn’t stand straight.

“Silly Twilight!” Pinkie came just in time to catch the alicorn from falling. “Spike’s right over there!” The pink mare pointed to the baby dragon speaking to a pink unicorn filly. “See, you didn’t forget your b—” The earth pony’s words became abruptly when her friend charge towards the two adolescents.

Twilight scooped Spike immediately when she reached him, embracing him in her arms as she cried into him. “Shpike, my baby!” The alicorn wailed as she stroked the dragon’s spines and nuzzled him furiously. “I’m sho shorry! I’ve been a bad mother to yous. Pleash forgive me! Mommy loves you so much!”

Somepony bury me please! Spike was frozen in embarrassment, only able to return the hug he was forced into by Twilight. He did indeed love her as though he were her son, but for him to be in such a position in public was borderline humiliating. Just as the alicorn started to kiss his forehead, the mare was gently pulled away by both Pinkie Pie and Big Macintosh.

“Oooh, Biggie! Not in front of the children~” Twilight cooed to her coltfriend as she was placed on his back, her eyes closed slowly as she was being carried away by the red stallion. “Yous should be on tops of me!”

After a few moments, Ruby trotted next to Spike with concerned eyes as she placed a hoof on his shoulder and started to shake him. “Are you okay, Spike?” She asked curiously, albeit worriedly. Not getting a response, the filly planted her lips against his cheeks to bring the dragon back to his senses.

“Huh?” Spike’s eyes blinked rapidly as he blushed deeply, with Ruby doing the same. “Where’s Mo-Twilight?”

Ruby giggled before she nuzzled her dragon. “She’s been taken home, by your daddy.” The filly teased Spike with a mischievous smiling present on her muzzle. Before he could retort, the filly dragged him off to the dance floor, where they both started to dance to the music.

This night has become one of the most random parties ever… Rainbow Dash shook her head in disbelief as she witnessed Twilight’s drunken fiasco. So far, she had seen all but one of her friends, and if there was one pony to find somepony else at a party, it was Pinkie. Rainbow spotted her getting glass of punch, trotting up behind her.

“Say Pinkie…” the party planner turned and faced her prismatically maned pegasus friend, giving a nod. “Have you seen Fluttershy?” Pinkie pointed to one of the corners, Rainbow’s gaze following the outstretched hoof, her eyes going wide.

Sat in a stallion’s lap, Fluttershy had her back the room, blocking the stallion’s face with her own head. Movement a little lower drew Rainbow’s stare down, where the stallion was gently stroking one of Fluttershy’s wings, which were hanging limply down. With a scowl on her face, Rainbow began to work her way over, at least until Pinkie jumped in front of her.

“Oh no you don’t! There hasn’t been a ‘new foal party’ for a while, and I won’t let you ruin it!”

Humming happily as she walked along the streets of Ponyville, Amethyst Star was looking forward to her night of foalsitting. It had taken some time, but eventually the Cake twins let others besides their parents and Pinkie Pie look after them, Amethyst included. The Cake twins were fun enough to look after, but Amethyst enjoyed one particular filly more than the others, yet she hadn’t seen her for a few days yet.

Giving a sigh, Amethyst turned a corner and her eyes settled on Sugarcube corner, where they went wide. There was a steady trickle of ponies going in and out, meaning there was a party going on, and that she wasn’t actually needed, but there had been no message to say so.

With a confused frown, Amethyst joined the ponies going into the building, looking at all the occupants. Spotting Mrs Cake sat in one of the booths with Pound and Pumpkin she began to make her way over, but another filly stepped into her path, a massive grin on her face.

“Amy! Amy! You’re here!” shouted an ecstatic Dinky, nearly bouncing in place.

“Hey there Dinky. What’s going on?” Asked the teenaged mare, seeing none of the usual banners hanging when Sugarcube Corner hosted a party, so it wasn’t somepony’s birthday. Amethyst felt tugging on her foreleg, letting Dinky lead her through the crowds, over to where a unicorn stallion was waiting, and her first thought upon seeing him didn’t stay in her head. “Oh Celestia… so hot!”

“That’s my daddy you’re talking about there, Amy.” Dinky uttered, walking over to her father and reaching up to hug him around the neck. “Daddy, this is Amethyst Star, my foalsitter. I just call her Amy.”

It was a good thing Amethyst had a pink coat, since her cheeks would have stood out when the stallion bowed and took her hoof in hers, giving it a kiss.

“A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Star. My name is Blueblood.”

Oh Celestia, Luna, Discord, and anypony else! His voice! That was the thought that managed to stay inside her head, but on the outside she had no expression save that of wide eyes and open mouth, which made Blueblood chuckle as he looked to Dinky.

“It seems your foalsitter has frozen. Would you mind getting her a drink?” Whilst his daughter ran off into the small crowd, Blueblood gently nudged Amethyst towards one of the booths where Derpy was sitting with Blossomforth and Poste Haste, the unicorn stallion nudging the seemingly out of it mare into an empty space. “I thought Dinky would be here by now. I’ll go look for her.” With that, Blueblood turned and slipped into the crowd.

Little did he know that Dinky had indeed retrieved a glass of punch, but she had been waylaid when a colt stood in her path and bowed, offering her his hoof. Which is why the glass that was in her magic was now resting on a table, and she was pressed against Pipsqueak’s side, the colt’s foreleg wrapped around her.

Looking around, Dinky watched as the guests mingled, throwing smiles her way when they looked over. Slight movement in the corner nearest to them drew her attention, where she saw Fluttershy with her wings spread wide, her muzzle pressed against a stallion’s. Dinky briefly wondered what it felt like, and a moment later she pulled away from a confused Pipsqueak.

Blushes formed on their cheeks as Dinky placed a hoof on Pip’s, slowly leaning closer to him. Her eyes closed, her heart pounding and her stomach fluttered, then she could feel his breaths on her muzzle, knowing they was almost there. So when she was pulled away it was easy to understand her confusion, opening her eyes to find herself encased in a blue aura and facing her father, who was looking at her with a slight scowl.

“And what exactly is going in here?” Blueblood asked, turning his gaze to the quaking colt. His features softened when he hear Dinky sniffing, looking back to see she had tears building.

“You…” Dinky sniffed before her tears began to cascade from her eyes. “You ruined my first kiss!” The filly shouted out, causing Blueblood’s magic to dispel. Once she was back on the ground, the unicorn filly ran out of the building, leaving Pip and her father behind.

“Your drink, Lady Vain.”

“About damn time!” the mare snapped, glaring at her family’s head butler, but the stallion simply didn’t react, standing to the side to await further instructions. “White Glove, fetch me today’s Canterot Guardian, then take the rest of the night off.”

“Of course, Lady Vain, and thank you.” It was a matter of seconds before the paper was in Amber Vain’s hooves, White Glove not even looking back as he hurried from the room. If she noticed him go, Amber didn’t say anything, anger in her eyes as she stared at the front page, which had the headline being a quote from Blueblood himself; ‘A Prince, His Perfect Pegasus, And Their Pony Princess’,

The whole paper, aside from the radio schedule and sports section, was full of the Canterlot elite and their speculation as to who exactly the pegasus mare was. Several had made comments about her eyes, but nothing that they could prove, and most had simply been about how adorable his daughter was.

If that wasn’t bad enough the middle page was a full spread picture of the happy family, with the Princesses standing right behind them. The next several pages were full of more photos, the filly laughing and playing with the two alicorns, as well as several guards, including a one-eyed Katakan.

“Filthy half breed… her pegasus blood will ruin her magical abilities.” Amber threw the paper into the nearby fire, watching with glee as the photographs slowly burned. One caught her eye, Blueblood holding the filly whilst the pegasus mare watched on. The first area to go on that one was the pegasus, an idea forming in Amber’s mind as she stared at the remaining ponies. “...of course! It’s so simple!”

Jumping to her desk, Amber pulled out a sheet of paper and started to write frantically, frowning a little when she looked her idea over. To pull this off, she’d need to call in some pretty big markers, or offer them to ponies of lower status than herself, but in the end…

“You will be mine, Blueblood, one way or another, but you will be mine!”

Blueblood looked to Derpy for support, but the intense glare he got instead made him shiver. Turning away from her, he set one hoof on the stairs, then slowly ascended to the first floor. It was easy to find Dinky’s room, for her name was placed on the door in letters surrounded by stars, and the stallion gave a gentle knock.

“GO AWAY!”

Giving a sigh, Blueblood pushed the door open and trotted in, seeing Dinky scowl at him for a moment before rolling over and putting her back to him. Walking over, he sat on the bed and placed a hoof on her back, and he was shocked when she reached around and knocked it away. Still, he was there to make peace, and thus he presented his offer.

“Dinky, I am sorry about earlier. Look at it from my perspective, I do not know that colt, and I find you two like that. How would you react?” A little bit of relief filled the stallion as his daughter reacted in a slightly more positive way, giving him a shrug. “I want to make it up to you Dinky, and if you like this colt, then I want to meet him.”

Dinky finally rolled over to look at him, her eyes puffy and tear streaks down her cheeks. Hanging his head a little, Blueblood opened his hooves and waited, smiling when the filly came into his embrace. He was about to continue when he felt a none too gentle hit from a hoof on the tip of his muzzle.

“Don’t you do that again, daddy,” Dinky said as she laid her head on his shoulder, wrapping her forehooves around his neck. “Or I’ll hit harder. When do you want to meet Pip?”

“Well… there’s a really big party in Canterlot next week, one that important ponies attend. And if this… Pip is important to you, he’s important to me. Think he’ll go?” Blueblood asked, giving his daughter a gentle nuzzle.

He felt her nod weakly, realising that the filly’s day had been very long and the exhaustion had finally caught up. He held her until her breathing was light, then set her on the bed and pulled the covers over her, giving her a gentle kiss on the forehead. “Good night, my little princess.”

Leaving the room, Blueblood gently closed the door behind him, not surprised in the slightest to find Derpy waiting for him. They went down into the lounge where two glasses of wine had been poured, and a crackling fire started. Although not as bad as winter, the autumn evenings were getting chilly, so Blueblood accepted the silent invitation to stay the night. Twilight certainly wasn’t in any state to worry about her guest’s whereabouts.

Having already established there was no spare room, Blueblood hopped onto the couch and lay back a little, expecting Derpy to take one of the two matching chairs. Instead, she climbed on top of him, her back against his chest, giving a happy sigh when his forehooves wrapped around her barrel.

“So, Dinky… you’ve invited her to the gala?” Derpy asked in a somewhat tired voice. “But what about me? Do I get to attend?”

“My perfect pegasus, you never need an invite to come to the castle. In fact, and I am loathe to tell you this, but you are expected to be there, even though we have only just found each other in the past few days.” Blueblood gave Derpy a gently squeeze, nuzzling the back of her head. “If you don’t want to go, you don’t have to.”

“N-no, I’ll go. Just… just promise me you’ll not disappear on me again,” Derpy said quietly, a hint of fear in her voice. Blueblood went to answer, but decided to show her instead of telling, rolling her over so that they were barrel to barrel.

He stroked her cheek with a hoof, then slid it behind her head and tugged her down gently, passionately kissing her. She wrapped her forehooves around his neck and held him there, letting out a pleased gasp when they parted, a pleasant warmth filling her body as she lay her head under his chin.

The two remained there in silence, watching the fire’s destructive and hypnotising dance, the unicorn occasionally floating their drinks over so they could have a sip. Eventually the glasses became empty and the fire began to die down, Derpy sliding from Blueblood and stretching.

Blueblood went to ask if she could spare a blanket when he saw her outstretched hoof, which he took with a soft smile, extinguishing the last of the flames with his magic. He followed her back upstairs and to the door just past Dinky’s, which opened to reveal a decent sized room with a double bed.

Derpy climbed in first, holding the covers up and tapping the space next to her. With a nervous swallow, Blueblood silently closed the door behind him then joined the mare on the mattress, letting her slip into his hooves. She kissed him softly on the lips then nuzzled under his chin, laying still. Blueblood couldn’t think of anything to make the end of his night even more perfect than it already was.

Chapter 13

Entering that 'not asleep, not quite awake' stage of the morning, Blueblood went to squeeze the mare in his hooves a little tighter, but didn’t feel her there. His eyes shot wide open in a panic as he looked to the space next to him, which was now empty. No… oh no…

He didn’t even look around the room to check where he was, jumping from the bed and running along the hall. In his haste he didn’t notice the top of the stairs, missing the first few and making loud bangs as he fell down them.

Once his impromptu fight with the house was over, he lay still to let his head stop spinning. When it did, his blurry vision was centered on the top of the stairs, where a little head was looking down at him with a grin.

“Silly daddy, you walk down the stairs,’ Dinky said with a giggle.

Blueblood laughed at his own accident as he stood up from his fall. When Dinky came downstairs, he scooped her up in his arms and nuzzled her gently. “Good morning, sweety.” He greeted his daughter, receiving more giggles from the filly.

“Morning daddy!” Dinky replied in kind as she kissed Blueblood cheek. The stallion in turn blushed a little, causing the filly to titter. “Let’s go have some breakfast!” The filly suggested as she was was placed on the ground and rushed towards the kitchen.

I’m so lucky to have a daughter like her… Blueblood mused to himself before entering the kitchen, finding Dinky seated at the table and Derpy dishing out breakfast, with her back facing him. A grin graced his muzzle as he sneaked behind the pegasus, planting his lips against her neck.

Derpy gasped as he felt the kiss on her fur with her cheeks becoming red. She turned to face Blueblood, smiling softly as she leaned to his ear. “Not in front of Dinky.”

Blueblood blinked before he turned his attention to his daughter. “Dinky, I’m gonna kiss mommy now.” The stallion stated before he looked back at Derpy and planted his lips onto hers. He opened his eye just for a moment to see the filly face covered with her hooves as she looked away and giggled shyly.

To heck with it… Derpy deepened the kiss as she wrapped her hooves around the stallion’s neck. Once they parted their muzzles from each other, the mare continued to hold onto Blueblood as she smiled demurely at him. I could get used to mornings like these. A sudden carnivorous growl caused the mare to blush furiously before letting go for the unicorn.

“Shall we eat?” Blueblood suggested as he cocked his brow, receiving a nod from Derpy. As they took their seats, the stallion took a bite of his flapjack before looking at his daughter. “So what will you be doing today, Dinky?”

Dinky shrugged at her father’s question. “Just school stuff, nothing really big planned today.” The filly answered plainly she finished her cereal. “Might spend some time with my friends.” She added in as the thought of a certain colt she liked entered her mind. “What about you, daddy?”

“Me?” Blueblood repeated Dinky’s question and received a nod from her. “Well, I still need to get feedback from a certain case involving ponies stealing money…” He mentioned casually as his eyes drifted to Derpy, who understood everything he said. “But, until then… I think I’m gonna get my stuff from Twilight’s and move them here.” His gaze fell on the pegasus mare again. “If that’s okay with mommy…”

Instead of words Derpy chose to answer with action, leaning toward him and kissing his cheek softly. “Only if you will stay…” the mare said softly as a smile emitted from her, before the stallion returned her affection in kind. Both adults heard Dinky sigh in adoration as she saw her parents displaying their love for each other. Just as the filly was beaming at what she saw, the clock struck the hour, alerting the, of the time.

“Oh no, it’s eight!” Dinky panicked as she catapulted herself from her chair, immediately grabbing her saddlebag that was resting on a table just outside the kitchen. She came back to where her parents were, having strapped the saddlebag onto her body.

“Gotta go!” The filly said before she kissed both Blueblood and Derpy on their cheeks. “I love you, mommy! I love you, daddy! Bye!” The filly shouted out as she galloped towards the front door, leaving the house to go to school.

After a moment of silence, Blueblood opted in doing the dishes for Derpy as she prepared herself for her day at the postal office. Once he was done, the stallion walked to the living room and found a pegasus mare wearing a post-pony’s hat and a saddlebag. “Ready for today’s work?” He asked her curiously as he stepped towards her and nuzzled her softly.

“All set,” Derpy winked at him before both walked out of the house and locked the door behind them. “Well, I’m off now… and stay out of trouble.”

Blueblood cocked his brow at her before he chuckled in kind as he shook his head. “Shouldn’t I be saying that to you?” The stallion asked her, grinning as he got a blush from her. The cheeks burned brighter when he decided to kiss her gently. “I’ll see you later.”

“You too.” Derpy replied before taking flight, leaving Blueblood behind as he waved her goodbye. Alone on the road, the stallion set his eyes on the large tree in the centre of Ponyville, where Twilight’s residence was located. Once he reached the door, he gave it a knock impulsively before sighing in realization. It’s a public library! I don’t need to knock.

Entering the library, Blueblood’s ears perked to a strange sound. Silently closing the door, he turned around and glanced at the couches, having to cover his mouth with a hoof to stifle his giggles with what his sight beheld.

On her back, mouth wide open with drool dripping to the couch and tongue hanging out, a wing limp and falling to the floor. Her mane was a complete mess, her hooves were all tangled, and her snoring could rival that of the hoofstomps from a Royal Guard parade through the streets of Canterlot. Truly, Princess Sparkle was a perfect example of Equestria’s royalty.

“Morning…” Spike groggily said as he walked down the stairs and yawned for a moment before rubbing his eyes to clean out the dust in them.

“Hey Spike, slept well?”

Spike shrugged as he grinned weakly. “Since Mo-Twilight got me a new bed and let me have one of the spare bedrooms, been sleeping great…” The dragon trailed off when he saw the alicorn in her state, sighing in frustration. “Good thing Princess Celestia gave me a recipe for a special hot chocolate in case something like this happened. Want some?” He politely offered Blueblood some of the beverage, yet the stallion immediately shook his head.

“N-no thanks, Spike!” Blueblood answered hastily, doing his best to hide the grimace of memories that flooded his mind. Wildfire Chilli Hot Chocolate… Twilight doesn’t know what she’s in for…

Cautiously approaching her front door to see who had knocked, Derpy came face to face with a large stallion, one of the ponies that made up the Lunar Corps, and she was secretly relieved that it was not her community service supervisor, who had still not decided upon her tasks.

The stallion was was not wearing any armour, was covering his back with a black cloak, and had a pair of very dark goggles over his eyes. Derpy was a little worried, for she hadn’t seen one attied as such before, and it wasn’t until he bowed did she relax a little.

“My princess, I bring greetings from Canterlot,” the stallion said, still not getting up, but his voice made Derpy realise she had nothing to be worried about.

“Captain Deadeye, this is a surprise. Please, come in,” Derpy said as she stepped back, allowing the Katakan to enter her home. Thanks to the curtains still being drawn in the lounge, the light levels were quite low, so Deadeye reached up and pushed his goggles out of the way, revealing his face without the eyepatch, causing Derpy to gasp a little in both shock and horror when she saw the scar on the left side of his face. “Oh my…”

Deadeye cocked his head, his one eye going wide as he realised what it was, reaching into his cloak for his patch and donning it. “My apologies, princess. When I have my goggles on, I forget my patch is not needed.”

“And why do you wear the goggles, may I ask?” Derpy inquired, intrigued by the stallion’s unusual eye protection.

“The sun hurts our eyes,” Deadeye replied with a shrug. “My kind have been subterranean for nearly a millennium, and we have adapted as such. It will take many generations for us to walk the day without our goggles but until then, we will use these gifts of our Night-mistress.”

Derpy nodded, enjoying hearing more about these ponies. Whilst in Canterlot she had read what they had in their archives about the Katakans, but most of that was speculation which had yet to be updated, so she was happy to get her knowledge from the source. She led him into the lounge and pointed to the couch, wincing slightly as it creaked under his large frame.

“So, Mr Deadeye, what is your business here? Not that I mind you visiting, Dinky seems quite taken with you,” Derpy said with a small giggle. Whilst she knew where her daughter’s sights lay, she also knew that, for some reason, a lot of fillies dreamed of a stallion from the guard for their own… something which the poster in Dinky’s closet attested to. “I think… she may have a slight crush on you.”

Deadeye’s ears perked a little at that, but the rest of him chose to ignore it as he looked around the room once, then to the mare sat opposite him. “I have been assigned to inspect how secure your domicile is.” It was when he noticed the frown on the mare that his usual stoic stance changing as his ears flattened against his head. “With your permission, of course princess.”

“Well… I don’t see why anypony would do anything like that to us,” Derpy said, frown hardening a little. “But okay. Whatever it takes to keep Dinky safe.” Standing up, Derpy then proceeded to show Deadeye around her home, from the loft space down, the stallion making notes on a bit of paper, and the tour ended up in the basement. “This is the last room. We don’t use it for anything, as you can see.”

The room was indeed empty, but something else caught Deadeye’s attention, the stallion walking along one wall with his ear pressed against it. He stopped in one corner, where his eye found a crack, and upon listening closer he heard scurrying, turning back to Derpy. “Excuse me for a moment, princess.”

Derpy had heard from Blueblood about the Katakans’ unique form of magic, just like every other race of pony, but she had yet to see it until now. A smile came to her face as Deadeye’s body seemed to turn into a cloud of fine black dust, swirling around.

The cloud moved to the wall, where it slipped through the crack and the stallion disappeared from the room. Through the wall, Derpy could hear scratching, growling, and squeaking, which went on for several minutes until it went silent once more.

The mist-like shadow started to pool back into the basement, slowly building up the shape of a pony, coalescing back into the form of Deadeye. Derpy’s smile fell to an expression of disgust when she saw the long, thin tail hanging from his mouth.

Deadeye cocked his head in confusion at the mare, until he realised what her gaze was locked on, slurping the tail up like it was a strand of spaghetti, swallowing his mouthful. “My apologies, princess. We Katakans are omnivores, and you had rats soon to break through.”

“So… you ate them?” Derpy asked, backing away slightly, something that Deadeye noticed immediately.

“You have nothing to fear from me, my princess, we do not eat anything bigger than, say, a rabbit.” That seemed to do the trick as Derpy relaxed, Deadeye making a note of the crack in the wall on his paper, then pointing to the steps when he was done. “Well… our Night-mistress enjoys a little nibble.” Derpy stopped in her tracks, turning to face the stallion with a coy smile on her face. His eyes went wide when he realised he said that out loud. “Please forget I said that, princess.”

She gave a nod and made her way out of the basement with the stallion following, both a little surprised to see Blueblood in the lobby, a pile of luggage next to him. He took one look at Deadeye and nodded, then frowned at the response.

“Prince Blueblood, your aunts send their regards,” Deadeye said, his right forehoof remaining firmly pressed against his head, offering the unicorn a salute.

“Captain Deadeye, you know I don’t like that,” Blueblood said flatly, shaking his head at the grin he received as he walked over to Derpy and nuzzled her softly. “Hope your day was well.” The stallion briefly kissed her lips, receiving a giggle from her. “So what was going on in the basement?”

Derpy pursed her lips as she took a glance at the other stallion, who looked away from the pegasus’ leering eyes. “Let’s just say, I won’t need to call pest control in the near future now.” The mare grinned for a moment as she addressed the Katakan. “Deadeye, could you please pick up Dinky from school for me? I would like to have some alone time with my prince.” She asked politely, giving a wink to Blueblood.

“Huh?” Blueblood uttered out before he turned around to ask Deadeye what Derpy meant, only to be met with an empty space where the katakan stallion had stood.

Ah hope Twily’s okay… Big Macintosh mind wandered as he cantered towards the library, his memory of last night vivid when he had to escort his special somepony back to her home. Hopefully these will make her feel better. The stallion looked back at the saddlebag he was wearing that housed a packet of the alicorn’s favourite fruit; strawberries.

Big Macintosh opened the library door to give himself access, where he was greeted by the groaning of Twilight Sparkle lying on the couch with her head looking up towards the ceiling and her eyes puffy red. Once the stallion saw his mare in this condition, he proceeded towards her and stopped just close enough for his face to loom over hers.

“Biggie!” Twilight smiled briefly, before cringing in pain as she felt an immense headache taking over her mind. “What did I do last night?” The alicorn asked curiously as she looked up to her stallion. “Spike won’t say…”

“Let’s just say mah sister put ya through a test and ya passed.” Big Macintosh replied as he took a seat next to Twilight and lifted her head slightly to have her rest on his lap. As soon as the alicorn was comfortable enough, the stallion started to caress her mane. “Still, ya don’t look that bad as ya did last night.”

Twilight blew him a raspberry, only to receive another sting in her head, causing Big Macintosh to laugh at her misfortune. “Oh shutup… I’m only like this cause Spike gave me something called Wildfire Hot Chocolate.” The alicorn said as she looked to where the staircase was, where Spike disappeared to after he finished making lunch for her, Shining and Cadance. They’ve been awfully quiet…

“He just looking out for his ma,” Big Macintosh spoke sagely as he decided to nuzzle his mare. Just as he raised his head, he saw Spike walking down the stairs, albeit very slowly. “Hey Spike, how’re ya…” The stallion’s words trailed off when he noticed the dragon’s eyes were staring off into the distance, focused on nothing in particular .

When Twilight saw Big Macintosh staring at the staircase, she looked up to see Spike walking towards them and taking a seat at the opposite couch. “Hey Spike, did you tell Shiny and Cadie about… Spike?” The alicorn cocked her brow when she saw the dragon give no response to her words at all. She got up from her lying position and walked towards her baby dragon, the throbbing pain in her head forgotten. “Something wrong?” She asked him as she took a seat next to him, encasing her wing over his shoulder and pulling him in closer to her frame.

Just as Big Macintosh got up from his seat, his ears perked to the sound of hooves walking downstairs. He looked to see the guilty faces of Shining Armour Cadance, both of their features burning red. The earth pony stallion glanced at Spike and back at the married couple, who looked at the dragon with sympathetic eyes. “What did ya do?”

Shining bit his lower lip as he tried to form words to reply. “Well… Spike, he… told us that lunch was ready… but he also…” the white unicorn stuttered as he swallowed a lump in his throat. “We were busy and…”

“Shiny, what happened?”

Instead of Shining answering, Cadance cleared her throat before speaking on behalf of her husband. “What he’s trying to say is that Spike walked in when we were… busy.” She finished explaining, the last word coming out as an audible whisper.

The sound of a pin falling could be heard as the library descended into silence. Oh no! Twilight gasped when she finished processing the information she was given, immediately wrapping her hooves around Spike and nuzzling the little dragon.

“I’m just gonna show Cadance around town!” Shining quickly said as he took hold of his wife’s hoof and both were out the front door, leaving the others behind.

“Spike, what you saw there was just something… natural. You see, when a stallion finds a mare very very attractive and... ” Twilight tried to explain as best as she could, but failed miserably. Come on memories! Bring back mom’s speech!

Big Macintosh sat next to Spike as he looked down on him with caring eyes. “Spike, when a stallion and mare love each other very much and trust in each other a lot, they share that love by…”

The ringing of bell broke the peaceful silence around one of Ponyville’s buildings, preceding the happy shouts and squeals of foals finally free from that dreaded establishment known as ‘school’. Among them, although much quieter than the majority, was a young unicorn filly who was doing her best to ignore the snickers coming from behind her.

Having already arranged with her friends what their after school activity would be, Dinky made her way over to the swings and hopped onto one, not bothered by the lack of motion from it. She only had to wait a few moments for Twist, Rumble, and Pip to come around the corner of the schoolhouse, the filly blushing slightly when she saw the earth pony colt.

“My Princess Dinky,” Pip said as he bowed to her. If was the first words he had spoke to her way all day, and they made Dinky’s cheeks light up fully, causing the other two to giggle. The unicorn filly’s cheeks burned violently as the pinto colt took a hold of her hoof and kissed it, receiving more laughter from the others. Just before the group could head off to their desired location, another voice filled the air.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t the fake princess and her dumb court,” Diamond Tiara sneered as she locked eyes with Dinky. Pip went to respond, but then he noticed Snips and Snails stood behind Diamond and Silver Spoon. “Tell me, has daddy been telling lies to every other pony he’s met? As if the real Prince Blueblood would ever glance at a blank flank like you!”

Diamond Tiara smirked triumphantly, thinking she’d won, but when she looked up Dinky was holding a hoof to her mouth to silence her giggling. “Hey, what’s so funny? Come on, let’s teach these losers a lesson!” Diamond took a coupled of steps forward, stopping when she noticed her friends had backed off. She followed their gazes down to her hooves, and she let out a scream when she saw her shadow, which had taken on the form of a swirling whirlpool.

From it rose a fine dark mist which encompassed the earth pony filly, who sank to the ground and covered her face with her hooves, whimpering quietly. She could sense something larger than herself standing nearby, something predatory, but she refused to look. She even curled up tightly when she heard its voice.

“It’s been so long since I had a juicy filly,” it said, followed by the sound of lips being licked. “My Princess Dinky, may I eat her?”

"No Captain Deadeye!” Dinky said quickly, watching as Diamond turned to face her, causing the unicorn to get a smirk of her own. “You'll get sick eating a spoiled pony like her!"

"I see…” said the stallion, as it was most certainly a male voice, and Diamond finally summoned the courage to turn around. She immediately regretted it, her eyes staring into the drooling jaws of a scary looking pony. The stallion snorted once, causing her to whimper once more. “In that case... get lost, brat. Go home to your parents."

From the Ponyville schoolhouse’s playground shot four different coloured blurs, all screaming about a ‘monster trying to eat them’. After watching them go, Deadeye looked to Dinky with his ears splayed back. “Night-mistress will not be happy with me for that.” He then turned his gaze to the other three foals, narrowing his eye. “And what of you? Are you here to lay false claims against Princess Dinky?”

Even though he was frightened beyond belief, Pipsqueak stepped closer until he was barely a hoofstep away, raising himself to his full height and glaring at Deadeye. “We would never do such a thing to our friend, and I should like to teach you some manners!”

Deadeye let out an amused chuckle as the colt rose to his hind hooves and raise his forehooves up, like he was at a boxing match. The stallion had to admit to himself that he was impressed, for having the ability to hold such a stance for that duration at the colt’s age was a rare thing indeed. “There is no need for that, colt, I am merely looking out for my Princess Dinky.”

“Oh,” Pip said as he dropped back to the ground. He remained silent for a moment, then looked up at Deadeye with a smile. “So… you’re a Katakan, right? Of the Lunar Corps?”

At first Deadeye was confused, wondering how the colt knew of his kind, but after seeing the happy smile on Dinky, he lay down to the floor, both so he was eye level with the foals and to seem less intimidating. “That is correct, I am a Katakan.”

That was it, a slew of rapid fire questions from Dinky’s friends were shot to the stallion, who did his best to answer, the unicorn filly giggling happily as she watched him become flustered from the surprise interrogation. It might not have been how she planned to spend her afternoon, but she wasn’t going to take her friends’ fun away.

Suddenly, an idea came to Dinky as she beckoned Deadeye who leaned downwards to her his princess’ words that were communicated to him via a whisper to his ear. When the little filly removed herself from him, a grin was present on the Katakan’s face that exposed his razor sharp teeth, intimidating the other foals present. He closed his smile and lowered his body to the ground, stretching his leathery wings wide, allowing the unicorn filly to jump onto his back.

“What are you waiting for?” Dinky gestured to her friends to climb aboard, with Pip being the first as he eagerly followed. Soon all four foals were on Deadeye’s back, which was surprisingly spacious enough for all of them.

Deadeye rose from the ground and looked over his shoulder to face the group of foals. “Hold on tight, little ponies…” He smirked as he turned back his head, crouching a little before taking flight. As soon as the Katakan was airborne, he accelerated his speed by flapping his wings a few times, receiving shrill screams from the foals on his back as though they were on a roller coaster.

Author's Note

The Lunar and Solar Guards are like the police, whilst the Lunar and Solar Corps are the military.

Chapter 14

The sound of screaming foals caused the ponies in the streets of Ponyville to look up, just as a large black shadow passed overhead. They looked between each other and saw the mutual confusion, turning to follow the flying thing. It led a large crowd to the local park, where they saw it was a large, strange stallion when he landed.

Some of them slowly backed up, but stopped when they watched the stallion lower himself to the ground and three very happy foals jumped from his back, turning to help a fourth, and very shaken, foal down.

Seeing there was nothing to be worried about, the crowd slowly started to disperse, but some remained, curious to see how the event would unfold. The stallion stood up and turned, noticing his audience, looking to Dinky with a cocked head. “Are they always like this?”

“No, not really,” Dinky replied as she rubbed Pip’s back, the colt moaning away as he lay on his side in the grass. “They normally run away from strange things. Maybe they remember seeing Katakans during Nightmare Night.”

The was the sound of a pony coughing a little, causing Deadeye to snort in amusement as he looked at the crowd once more. “If you wish to be a guardspony, master Pipsqueak, you must get used to such events. Having a weak stomach will do you no good.” Deadeye’s ear flickered a little as he heard the sound of a pony violently expelling the remains of their lunch.

Whilst the three friends looked after their fourth companion, Deadeye noticed a stallion heading right for him, and he didn’t look too happy to see the Katakan. Movement behind and below the stallion drew Deadeye’s gaze, where he saw the pinky filly from the school yard, letting out a low growl when they were close enough, making them both pause in their steps.

“Excuse me sir, might I have a word?” the stallion asked, quite amicably and civil, which put Deadeye on guard; in his experience, ponies that spoke well like that were not to be trusted. Using a foreleg, the stallion nudged the filly into the open and gave Deadeye a small glare. “My daughter here told me what happened with you at the school. I demand you apologise.”

Deadeye remained silent, eyeing the stallion carefully. He noticed the filly begin to shake a little out of the corner of his eye, snorting once in annoyance as his gaze met that of the stallion’s, uttering his response. “No.”

“Let me rephrase that; I am Filthy Rich, owner of Barnyard Bargains,” Filthy Rich could see the other stallion was not impressed by that statement, and it was when his eyes settled onto the group of foals he had another idea. “Diamond Tiara tells me that you threatened her after school. Is this true?”

“Your name means nothing to me,” Deadeye said as stepped towards Filthy Rich with a growl and spread his wings, knocking his cloak aside to reveal his guard armour, the white crescent moon shining brightly in the afternoon sun. “And as to your daughter, she is nothing more than a bully. I merely used a language she’d understand.”

“I… I see,” Filthy said, his brow furrowing a little as he turned to look at his daughter. “You know, your stance is rather aggressive, and I don’t recognise that armour at all. Why should I believe you?” He failed to notice Diamond Tiara slowly backing away from the small meeting, and she managed to slip into the crowd.

“This, Mister Rich, is the armour of the Lunar Corps, and we answer only to our Night-mistress, Princess Luna.” Deadeye said, finally stowing his wings and relaxing a little. He waved Dinky over to him closer and patted her back gently. “Dinky here is indeed the daughter of the mare Derpy Hooves and Prince Blueblood. She has royal blood flowing through her veins, which your daughter does not believe to be true. Now go, deal with you foal and correct her misconceptions before she gets into further trouble.”

Filthy nodded, then turned and walked away. The crowd parted to let him through but didn’t reform, the ponies bowing to the floor like a Mexicoltan wave as a pink alicorn walked towards Deadeye, her white unicorn stallion husband trying to keep a straight face as he walked behind her.

“Captain Deadeye,” the mare began, not showing any hint of fear as she stepped in front of him. “Whilst I cannot fault you for protecting young Dinky here, I do not condone your attempts to goad a concerned parent into a hoof fight with you.”

“I did no such thing, Princess Cadenza, I merely informed him of the truth,” Deadeye replied nonchalantly, turning to look over his wards. Pip was finally on his feet, his eyes wide, and Deadeye could see more questions brimming within the colt. Cadance stepped past him to talk with the foals, Shining Armour coming up next to him, and Deadeye gave a small chuckle when he sniffed the air. “You could at least shower first, Gleaming.”

“That was one time!” Shining shouted, going to glare at the Katakan, but chuckling instead when he saw the grin he was being given.

“I wonder if Spike is alright?” Twilight thought out loud as she looked up to the stairs, where Spike disappeared not too long ago, leaving her and Big Macintosh alone in the living room. “You think that explanation we gave him was too… graphic?”

Big Macintosh sighed as he shrugged. “Well… it was better than telling him about the ‘birds and bees’... a poor analogy if Ah do say so mahself.”

“I suppose... “ Twilight trailed off as she got up from the couch, feeling the numbness in her hooves before she willed them back to their senses. “Sorry Big Mac, but do you mind if I—” Her words were cut off when a hoof was pressed to her muzzle.

“Say no more, the little guy needs yer attention more than me now.” Big Macintosh finished his sentence as he got up and planted a gentle kiss on Twilight’s lips. “Ah’ll see ya later.” The stallion walked past, but stopped when he felt a slight sting on his flank. He looked back to see alicorn’s tail mischievously swinging with her grinning at him. “Very funny…” He said before he turned around and playfully swatted her rear, eliciting a yelp from the mare. “Now get going, yer boy’s waiting.”

Twilight rolled her eyes before seeing Big Macintosh walk out of the library, leaving her with her baby dragon upstairs. After ascending to the first floor and walking along the balcony, Twilight began trotting upwards on another staircase she had recently built in, leading to Spike’s new bedroom. Once she was in front of his door, she gently knocked on it, only to find it slightly ajar.

“Spike?” Twilight peered in his room, seeing the baby dragon lying on his bed with his head facing away from the doorway. The alicorn opened the door further to let herself in, gently placing sitting on the edge of the bed. “Are you okay?” She asked meekly, not expecting to get a reply.

“Just dandy…” Spike grumbled as he turned to face the alicorn, frowning deeply before sitting up right. “I finally know now where foals come from…”

Twilight caressed Spike’s spines as she looked down on him. “It’s not that bad… really, it’s just something you learn sooner or later. Just unfortunate you had to see it when Cadie and Shiny were—” Her words were cut off when she heard screaming and turned to see the dragon covering his ears.

“I’m trying to forget what I saw! Please!” Spike groaned as he removed his claws from his ears, grunting as Twilight giggled at his antics.

“Just trying to lighten the mood.”

Spike looked away from Twilight’s cheerful face. “Yeah well, thanks… mom.” The dragon quickly closed his mouth with both claws, but it was too late. The room was silent for a few moments before the alicorn spoke again.

“What... what did you just call me?” Twilight stuttered slightly as she asked Spike, her chest becoming tighter as she waited for a response.

“I called you ‘mom’, okay?” Spike replied as he looked away with his arms crossed and his eyes moist. “I’m sorry if you don’t feel that way about me, but that’s how I feel about you…” He trailed off as he turned to face Twilight, who was staring at him without even blinking. As he sighed, he shook his head. “Again, I’m sorry for—” Twilight wrapped her arms around the dragon and pulled him into an embrace, where she commenced nuzzling him slowly.

Twilight lifted her head from the dragon’s and sniffed as she looked down on him with tear threatening to spill from her eyes. “Never apologize for saying that,” she said as she kissed his forehead gently before caressing his cheek with her hoof. “Spike, if you really feel that way about me, I don’t mind you calling me your mother.”

“Really?” Spike asked, only to receiving a nod from Twilight. A joyous smile was soon present on the dragon’s face, before he leaned into the alicorn’s chest as he tried to return the hug she was giving him at that moment. “Thanks… mom.”

Just as Twilight was to speak, another voice interrupted her, which came from downstairs. “Spike?! Are you home?” A young filly’s voice called out to the dragon, who went rigid when he heard her.

“Ruby!” Spike fidgeted as he clenched his teeth and fumbled with his tail. “Mom, do you mind telling her I’m sick with… the cutie pox!” The dragon suggested, smiling nervously only to receive a blank stare from Twilight.

“Just go… nothing bad will happen to you or her now, okay?” Twilight pushed her son off the bed with her head gently, giggling when she saw the dragon pout at her as he walked to the door. As she sat there on the dragon’s bed, she could hear Ruby speaking about seeing a movie at the cinema with Spike. When she walked downstairs, she found herself alone in the library.

I guess I should write to Princess Celestia about Spike… see if she can give me the proper documents. Twilight thought to herself, before a flash of light appeared above her. When she looked up, she saw a piece of parchment slowly floating down to her. Once she grabbed the letter with her magic, she began to read it slowly with a grin emanating from her muzzle.

The Gala Tickets! I have to send them to my friends… Twilight took a few of the tickets and levitated them just above her horn, where they started to form a circle in the air. Six envelopes joined them, the golden sheets of paper slipped into them. Twilight focused her magic further, the envelopes starting to shimmer before disappearing from sight.

Good thing I learned how to do this in case Spike isn’t around... Twilight’s head began to fill with thoughts of what it would be like to have a proper family for Spike, wondering if Big Macintosh wouldn’t mind being called ‘dad’, seeing how well things had gone for Dinky. The alicorn turned and looked out the window, giving a sigh. I wonder how Blueblood and Derpy are doing?

“I think ponies are staring at us, Blue.” Derpy whispered to her stallion as they both walked down the main road of Ponyville, the mare leaning against him as they continued trotting along. Blueblood looked over his shoulder to see someponies smiling at them, seeing Amethyst staring at him and Derpy with accepting, but slightly envious eyes.

“At least this isn’t Canterlot. If you’re royalty, the paparazzi take any chance they can to get a picture of you,” he replied, smiling at his daughter’s foalsitter. Fortunately since auntie Lulu brought back the Katakans, we haven’t had any desperate fools breaking into the castle for a mere photo, lest they wanted to meet the Lunar Corps…

“Well there’s only one photographer who is known for being a little intrusive here in Ponyville, but he won’t be taking pictures of us.” Not since Cheerilee had words with him about respecting others’ privacy. “Besides, it’s not like anything big happens here in Ponyville.” As soon as she said that, both ponies stopped in their tracks. Blueblood and Derpy looked to each other, blinking twice before laughing merrily at the words the mare had just spoken. “Oh! I almost forgot… Typecast asked me to inform you about meeting him… regarding the investigation.”

The stallion’s ears perked when the investigation was mentioned, causing him to furrow his brow for a moment as he sighed. “I guess I’ll have to meet him then,” Blueblood said as he looked up, with his eyes becoming fixated on a building behind Derpy. A smile soon formed on the stallion as an idea came to his head. “In the meantime, why don’t I treat you?”

“Huh?” Derpy cocked her head before she was dragged by Blueblood to the Spa that was right behind her. When they entered, they were both greeted by the mares in charge of the establishment.

“Welcome!” Both mares bowed to the newly arrived ponies, raising their heads and beaming when they saw who they were exactly. “Ah, Prince Blueblood! Eet’s so good to have you come in again. ‘ow may we be of service to you?”

Blueblood shook his head as he smiled politely at the mares. “I’m not here for myself today,” he answered as he turned his attention to Derpy. “I’m here to spoil my mare with your treatment.” He said he grinned at the pegasus’ blush.

“Awww…” Both spa ponies sighed before Aloe cleared her throat. “And what treatment package will she be ‘aving?”

“Platinum,” Blueblood answered immediately, receiving a gasp from Derpy. “What? Can’t a stallion please his mare?” He asked her rhetorically, kissing her on her lips briefly before walking to the door. “I’ll see you when you’re done with your spa package.” He winked at the pegasus before leaving the building.

Just as Derpy looked back to where the spa ponies were, she was pulled into another room by the same two, where a large bath was present. She saw two other mares were already present in the tub, who did not open their eyes to the noise of other ponies coming in.

Once she was in the bath, both spa ponies made their way to a side door. “We will come and get you once we ‘ave everything ready, darling. Enjoy~!” Aloe and her sister walked out to another room, leaving Derpy in the bath.

“Derpy, darling! So good to see you here.” Rarity beckoned her hoof towards the pegasus. “Scoot a little closer dear.”

“Okay,” Derpy complied as she moved closer, sitting next to Rarity before sighing as the bath began to massage her senses. It’s been forever since I had a spa session… always so expensive.

“Quite rare to see you here,” Rarity commented casually, before she waved her hooves frantically. “N-not that I wouldn’t mind seeing you in here more! It’s just with—” The unicorn’s words were cut off when Derpy raised her hoof to silence her.

When she lowered her hoof, Derpy sighed again before she spoke. “Rarity, it’s okay… this is much a surprise to me. Blue just brought me in her to—” A loud gasp escaped the unicorn mare, causing the pegasus to cock her brow in confusion.

“That is so sweet of him! To treat you to a relaxing spa treatment... “ Rarity trailed off when she blinked a few times before looking at Derpy. “Say, what package are you on?”

“Platinum.” Derpy replied, receiving a giggle from Rarity.

Blue won’t recognize her when she is done with her package! Rarity’s thoughts were cut off when a bright purple light flashed from above them. The unicorn squinted her eyes a little, able to make out two envelopes. Just as they began to fall, a grey blur shot into the air and caught the envelopes, creating ripple that splashed against the unicorn’s face.

Derpy stood on the tub’s rim with both envelopes in her mouth before she shook the water out of her wings and levitated just above the bath to see who the letters were for. “Hey Rarity, Fluttershy… these are for you.”

“Oh…” Fluttershy got up from the bath and took hold of her envelope, opening it to find a ticket inside. “Ah, it’s a ticket to the Gala.” She said, her eyes looking upwards as she remembered her first gala experience, which caused her to shiver from the memory.

Rarity took hold of her ticket and scanned it thoroughly, with a grin escaping her features as she used her magic to tucked it away in her saddle bag, which lay across the room. “Seems like we got extra tickets… for dates.” The unicorn said the last word with a little mischief tainted in her voice. “Wait… what about you Derpy, aren’t you going to the gala?”

“Well, Blue has already invited me and he says I don’t need a ticket… so I guess that’s why I didn’t get one of those letters.” Derpy dropped back into the water, reclining against the tub’s edges. “I guess all I need right now is a dress for the Gala, good thing I have a few in my closet from—” Her words were cut off when Rarity pushed her hoof against her muzzle.

“Not. In. This. Lifetime!” Rarity gritted her teeth before she removed herself from Derpy. “There is absolutely no way you are wearing an old dress to the Gala, especially when you have been reunited with your soulmate!” The unicorn swooned as she looked upwards dreamily. “It’s the most romantic thing ever, to be reunited with a long lost love of your life… and I will not have you pervert it with wearing old dresses. You are getting a dress from me, for you are going out with style!” When she finished, she used her magic to left the pegasus in the air and began walking towards the exit, before she was stopped by Fluttershy who had to bite on Rarity’s tail to hold her in place.

“But Derpy’s platinum package is not ready yet… you wouldn’t want her to miss a gift from Blueblood, would you?” Fluttershy spoke through her teeth, letting go just as Rarity paused. The unicorn then turned and jumped back into the water, Derpy splashing in a moment later..

Blueblood walked through the corridors of town hall, oblivious to the curious stares he was receiving as he searched for one department in particular. Spotting a sign above one of the doors, Blueblood approached and knocked on the door, waiting until a voice bid him enter.

Stepping into the room, he saw a unicorn stallion stood at a filing cabinet, his horn glowing as he looked over some paperwork. Blueblood took one of the two empty seats on one side of a desk, looking around the office. “So, Derpy said you wanted to speak to me?”

Blueblood’s voice caused the other stallion to turn around, looking at Blueblood with a raised eyebrow as he slowly trotted to his desk and sat down. “Prince Blueblood, welcome. My name is Typecast. The reason I asked for this meeting is I believe I can help your investigation.”

Typecast opened the top drawer of his desk and pulled out a half full bottle of amber liquid plus two tumblers, pouring the drink into them and pushing one to Blueblood who picked it up in his magic. The pair took a sip and both sighed in appreciation of the taste, Typecast locking his door with magic before continuing.

“I know where the bits are going.” That got Blueblood’s attention, the prince putting his drink down and nodding for Typecast to go on. “My predecessor here in Ponyville, she was investigated for fraud several times, but there was never any solid evidence. Well… now she’s one of the higher ups of FPS. I suggest you start there.”

“The name,” Blueblood said, now quite angry but keeping it in check. “What was the name of your predecessor?”

“Shimmer Spark,” Typecast replied, giving a shrug. “There was always something wrong with her. Still, you have a decent lead now. Shall we drink to success?” He asked, lifting his glass with magic.

Blueblood did the same and knocked his glass against Typecast’s, the stallions downing the rest of the drink in one go. Hearing the door being unlocked, Blueblood nodded to Typecast and stood up, going to leave the room. He was about the close the door behind him when Typecast’s voice made him pause.

“Oh, Prince Blueblood?” Typecast waited until the prince turned around, giving him a grin. “You owe us a hundred and twenty eight thousand, two hundred and twelve bits… and three half crowns.”

Blueblood’s eyes went wide and his ears splayed backwards as he heard the amount. ...Auntie Tia is going to kill me.

Derpy stepped into the streets of Ponyville alongside Rarity, feeling a small breeze playing with her still slightly wet mane. The pair trotted through the town, the pegasus noting that she seemed to be get more looks than usual, and she did her best to ignore them until they reached their destination.

“Well, here we are darling,” Rarity said as she opened the door to her home and business, letting the pegasus in first, turning the lights on when she followed. She indicated where she wanted her guest to stand, then turning to gather her supplies.

Waiting on the podium, Derpy watched as various types and colours of material began to swirl around the room, each item surrounded by a light blue glow. Every now and then one would float over to her and press against her coat, the unicorn mare working with a eyebrow raised in concentration.

Not getting any natural inspiration, Rarity grabbed one of her latest fashion magazines and began to flick through it, growing increasingly frustrated as nothing seemed to fit. That is until she ran across a picture of Blueblood himself, the stallion dressed in his best formal wear for Princess Cadence’s birthday. Looking between his clothing and what she had available, an idea began to form in her head, selecting one particular colour and material and draping a length over Derpy’s back, along with one that would compliment the main body of the dress when used for the trim.

After checking the magazine again to be sure of her choice, Rarity set her chosen material down on her work bench and picked up her tape measure, stepping towards Derpy. The unicorn began to size Derpy up, from her withers to her dock, and added her tail. She took note of where to make slits for Derpy’s wings, then moved to measure her forelegs up to the elbow, and her rear legs to the hock.

“Okay darling, you can get down now. Come into my lounge, I want you to see some preliminary designs.” Just as the pair were about to step into the next room, the ringing of the bell above the main entrance caught their attention, the pair turning to see who the visitor was, Rarity giving a happy gasp. “Coco, darling! Just in time!”

The light-amber grey earth pony barely had time to utter a greeting herself before she was dragged by the unicorn towards Derpy, the trio entering the lounge. Indicating to her guests to take a seat, Rarity trotted through another door, leaving the others in an awkward silence. Thankfully she returned a few moments later, three glasses filled with red wine on a tray in her magic, and she passed two to her guests.

“Coco, I know you came for a social visit, but how would you feel helping me on a sudden project?” Rarity asked, seeing the spark of curiosity in her friend’s eyes as Coco looked over at Derpy. “You see, Derpy here is attending the Grand Galloping Gala this weekend, and will be the guest of honour. It’ll be up to us to make sure her attire is up to scratch, as it were. So…”

“Sure, that sounds fun. Do you have any designs yet?” Coco asked, getting a head shake in response. A smile came to her face as she looked over Derpy’s form, a hoof reaching into her bag and drawing out a sketch pad. “I do my best work when no inhibitions are there,” she said, just before downing her glass in one go.

Picking up a pencil in her mouth, Coco began to work rapidly, making several sketches in mere minutes, each one taking in Rarity’s magic so the unicorn could appraise them. Derpy just sat there, happy to let the other two mares work, watching as the designs were separated into two piles.

She jumped in slight shock when Rarity gave a triumphant cry, a single sheet held in front of her. Derpy tried to get a look, but Rarity pulled the paper away. “Ah ah ah, this is a surprise for you, Derpy. You can’t see it until it is ready, and seeing as I will be going as well, final adjustments can be made on the day.”

“Oh… okay. Well, thank you Rarity, for your generous gift,” Derpy said as she stood up, stretching her legs. “I best get home so that I can start our dinner.” Coco and Rarity got up as well, walking the pegasus to the front door. Upon opening it, all three were surprised to come face to face with a brown stallion, his hoof poised to knock, but instead of greeting him Derpy offered a glare. “Mr Rich…”

“Miss Hooves,” Filthy said as he stepped back and allowed to pegasus mare past, watching her go with her head held high. Once she was out of sight, the stallion turned back to the other mares, his ears splaying back as he saw the unicorn’s less than amused face. “I think I know what it is you wish to say, Miss Rarity, and that is something I wish to speak with you about myself.”

“Let us speak in private. Come inside,” Rarity said, letting the stallion in. She gave a nod to Coco and pointed to the stairs, the earth pony returning the gesture and heading up them with her luggage in tow. Rarity led Filthy to the desk she had recently installed in her showroom, the pair sitting down on opposite sides of it. “Well?”

“Before we begin, Miss Rarity,” Filthy said as he glanced over his shoulder to where the base of the stairs was. “Who was that young mare?”

“Oh no, Rich,” Rarity warned as she used her magic to make him face her once more, giving him an icy glare. “You get any thoughts you have about Coco out of your head and speak to me about the reason you came here; your bully of a daughter.”

“Yes… Diamond…” Filthy said as he nervously rubbed the back of his head with a hoof.

As he sat on his favourite chair in his room, Wise Words was again enjoying music being played via the gramophone that was located at the edge of the room. A new song started to play, one that brought the unicorn out of his reverie as the notes started to bring back memories. Memories of a life that had seem so different to the one he lived now.

Wise Words pushed himself off his chair and walked over to a stand where an assortment of photos were located. The stallion looked at each one thoroughly, many of them containing himself and Blueblood from when the prince was still a colt. A proud smile graced his lips when he thought of his master, who had finally found the mare he gave his heart to.

When his eyes drifted to a very old photo, Wise Words took a hold of it, carefully bringing it closer. In the photo was himself when he was still a young stallion, with a auburn mare holding a filly who had the most beautiful red eyes. As he stared at the frame, the stallion was unaware of the buildup of tears forming in his eyes as he continued to blink.

Wise Words hugged the photograph close to his chest as tears began to slide down his cheeks. There were very few who knew of this mare and filly, and that select group, with the exception of one alicorn, were not much longer for the world.

Melody… I know you’re out there somewhere, and one day I’ll see you again…

Chapter 15

As the schoolhouse’s bell rang to signal the end of the last period, the doors burst open as a torrent of foals rushed outside. Dinky and Pipsqueak trotted down the path leading to Ponyville. When they reached the outside of the gate, the unicorn filly saw her father standing there looking up at the clouds.

“Hey Pip…” Dinky trailed off as she shuffled her hooves in the dirt. “Do you mind if I—” she was cut off by a hoof pressed against her muzzle.

Pip nodded before he spoke. “Just go already, we’ll see you tomorrow Dinky.” the colt replied to the filly as he grinned. The smile soon turned into a furious blush when the unicorn pressed her lips against his cheek.

“Thanks Pip! Have a good day! Say 'Hi' to your parents for me!” Dinky shouted out as she galloped towards her father, with a grin plastered to her face. “Daddy!” Dinky called out, causing the stallion to turn towards her. Once she was close enough, the filly rose to her hind legs and nuzzled her father, who returned the gesture.

“Hey sweetie, how was your day?” Blueblood asked his daughter as he ruffled her hair.

Dinky giggled as she swatted her father’s hoof away from her head before she beamed at him. “It was okay, kinda boring to be honest.”

“Let me tell you something, about three quarters of a school year is always boring.” Blueblood whispered into Dinky’s ear as he grinned. When he lifted his head away, he kneeled down to the ground and motioned his head to his back. “Hop up.” the stallion said.

“Okay!” Dinky complied and jumped onto her father’s back, the latter raising himself from the ground with his daughter on him. As they walked down the path to the orchards, the filly rested herself against her father’s incredibly soft hair. So warm… “So where are we going, daddy?” the filly asked the stallion as she scooted closer to his neck and held onto it.

Blueblood craned his neck to face Dinky. “We’re going to Sweet Apple Acres… I need to discuss something with Miss Applejack, regarding a certain party.”

“Did somepony say party!?” Pinkie Pie’s head popped out of the ground as though she were imitating a mole, right in front of Blueblood and Dinky. The stallion had to brace himself as he stumbled in shock as he stared down at the pink mare.

“Pinkie… what are you doing?” Blueblood asked, cocking his brow when he got a giggle as a reply from the mare.

The earth pony ducked her head back into the hole, bringing out a bag filled with round objects. “Truffle hunting! Apparently I have a nose for sniffing them out! Got myself about fifty so far.”

Did she say… fifty?! Blueblood’s eyes nearly fell out of his sockets as he looked at the bag Pinkie had. The stallion swore he saw a white truffle amongst the other fungi. “Pinkie… you know how much a truffle goes for in the right market?”

“Duh!” Pinkie rolled her eyes before she beamed again. “How do you think I’m able to host so many parties and also help out my friends and family?” She asked Blueblood rhetorically, then her smile dropped from her face with her eyes widening and her pupils shrinking. The mare’s ears started to flicker and her mane straightened before puffing up again. “Oh my gosh! It finally happened!”

“What happened?” Blueblood asked, but got no response from Pinkie.

The pink mare pulled out a soldier’s helmet from oblivion and placed it firmly on her head, then saluted Blueblood. “There’s a party that must be set in motion! I must be off! Allons-y!” Pinkie dived her head back into the hole, which was then filled with dirt from the inside.

Just as Blueblood and Dinky looked at each in confusion and bewilderment, Pinkie’s head popped up again from behind him. “Oh! I’ll make sure to drop off some of the white truffles I just found at your place. I don’t know why, but Canterlot goes crazy for those. Bye!” The mare ducked her head back into the ground, leaving the other two ponies behind.

Only in Ponyville… Blueblood thought to himself before he started walking again with Dinky resting against his neck. The stallion spotted apple trees in the horizon, causing him to speeded up his trotting to a canter, which seemed to stir the filly from her reverie.

“Huh?” Dinky’s eyes fluttered open, followed by a gasp as she blushed furiously. Did I just fall asleep on daddy’s back? She giggled as she rubbed the back of her head, spotting Applejack bucking an apple tree.

When the last apples fell from the branches of the tree, Applejack wiped the sweat of her forehead before she picked the fallen fruits from the ground and placed them in her baskets. When she was about to get the last one, she was surprised to see it enveloped in a magic aura and levitated to the others. The earth pony turned her attention to the caster, seeing Blueblood with Dinky on his back.

“Well howdy Blue,” Applejack greeted the unicorn stallion and walked over to him. “Heya Dinky…” the earth pony mare cocked her head to see the filly on Blueblood’s back.

“Hi Miss Applejack,” Dinky replied as she waved her tiny hoof at the older mare. “How many apple trees you got left?”

Applejack shrugged as she grinned at the filly. “Just a few more, then Ah’m done for the day.” the mare turned her attention to Blueblood before she spoke again. “So what brings ya down here to my humble abode?”

“Well, I heard from Twilight that you haven’t sent an RSVP regarding your invite to the gala…”

“Yeah, ain’t really interested in tha’ anymore… too many snobs who don’t appreciate good quality treats from the Apple Family... “ Applejack blinked, then chuckled as she sheepishly averted her gaze. “No offence.”

Blueblood smirked as he nodded. “None taken… though you were trying to sell eateries at a party where all the food is provided by the chefs at no extra cost…” the stallion cleared his throat before continuing. “But, that’s something I wish to discuss with you… how would you be interested in being charge of the kitchen at this gala? I remember you prepared the cuisine for my cousin’s wedding.”

Well… Ah guess Ah could… fer a friend… “Wait,” Applejack raised her hoof, but then stopped and lowered it back to the ground. “What’s the catch? Do Ah need to make all them fancy snack with them complicated shapes and small sizes to them?”

“Not at all… your kitchen, your rules for that evening… just make us the best the Apple Family can produce.” Blueblood grinned before he raised his brows as he looked upwards. “Oh yes, almost forgot… you will also be compensated for doing this.”

“What’s constipated?” Dinky asked curiously as she climbed onto her father’s head and looked down into his eyes.

Applejack couldn’t help but giggle at the sight she was seeing. That’s so adorable… “Compensated, it means Ah’ll get some reward… what exact rewards Ah don’t know.”

“Bits,” Blueblood replied almost immediately before he leaned into Applejack’s ear and whispered into it. When he removed himself from the mare, he was surprised to see her ears droop to her head’s side and her eyes nearly bulged out in shock.

F-five… thousand… bits… tax free! Applejack began to mumbled incomprehensible words before her eyes started to swirl and she fell to the ground as she fainted, luckily caught by Blueblood’s magic.

“Daddy.. what did you say to Miss Applejack?” Dinky asked as she peered down on the unconscious earth pony.

Blueblood shook his head, then he used his magic to lift Applejack and the apples in the air, before walking to the farmhouse with Dinky on his back still. “Let’s just say… I made her an offer she can’t refuse.”

It seems everything is in order… Celestia thought to herself as she read the report concerning the preparations for the upcoming Grand Galloping Gala. Were it any other gala, she wouldn’t be overly concerned with the attention to detail. This year however, was very different. This event would mark exactly a decade since her nephew Blueblood had met Derpy, the night he found true love, something she had only seen in a few other ponies.

A knock on the door alerted the princess to the presence of a pony outside. She had a feeling she knew who it was, since she invited him earlier to her room. “Come in.” Celestia called out as she sat on her pillow. When the door opened, a gentle smile caressed the princess’ muzzle when she saw Wise Words coming in. “Wise, thank you for coming…”

“My pleasure, Princess... “ Wise Words bowed to Celestia before he raised his head from the ground. “How may I be of service?”

“Wise, you know when we are alone, you can call me by my first name.” Celestia said as she shook her head with a soft smile still present.

Wise Words sighed as he nodded. “My apologies, old habits die hard… especially for a stallion my age. Back to my question…” The stallion trailed off, waiting for Celestia to answer him.

“Well…” Celestia shuffled her hooves as she darted her eyes from one corner to the other with a grin on her face. “Could I trouble you to brew some of your delightful tea, please?” the princess asked as she beamed whilst giggling like a filly asking for a cupcake from her parents.

A snort briefly escaped Wise Word’s mouth before he quickly covered and cleared his throat. “Of course, Celestia. I’ll be right back.” the stallion replied as he suppressed a laugh seeing a string of drool come from the princess’ mouth, and he walked out of the room towards his.

After a few minutes away, Wise Words reentered Celestia’s chambers with his own fine china and teapot levitating in the air thanks to his magic. Once the princess gestured a seat to him did the stallion place his tools on a table before him.

“I snuck some cake from the kitchen whilst you were out preparing your tea.” Celestia grinned with her tongue poking out slightly.

A filly at heart...Wise Words sighed with a gentle smile before he poured the tea into Celestia’s cup as he placed it on a saucer and passed it to the princess. Once he made himself comfortable did the stallion enjoy his own cup of tea and a slice of cake, eying the mare who had emptied her cup the moment she got it. “You know… you’re suppose to drink it slowly…”

“I can’t help it… it’s just so good!” Celestia replied as she used a napkin to wipe the residue of left over tea on her lips. For as long as she knew Wise Words, he had never shared his secret of his tea recipe which he learned from his travels long ago, just as she has never found out the secrets behind the Apple Family’s famous crumble dish.

Wise Words’ eyes lingered to a stack of papers on Celestia’s desk. “I see you’re being more proactive than usual with the upcoming gala.” The stallion said.

“Well we all know this gala is going be special,” Celestia replied as she took a tiny sip of her second cup of tea, trying her best not to down the contents. “I want everything to be perfect for my dear nephew.”

“You’re treating this as though it’s a wedding.” Wise Words said.

“Maybe, but do you remember that one evening long ago…” Celestia asked the stallion, both of them remembering the despair-ridden state Blueblood was in after finding the one mare he gave his heart to vanished without a trace. She remembered how she cradled her nephew as he wept uncontrollably in her shoulder that day. Since then, she swore she would do her best to not have any of her family suffer like that again.

Wise Words grimaced as he nodded. “Agreed…” the stallion said as he drank some tea to quell a lump that was forming in his throat.

“Besides… I want him and Derpy to have the best night we can offer them.”

“Don’t forget Miss Dinky.” Wise Words reminded Celestia as he chuckled.

How can I forget such an adorable little filly? “Of course, I do believe she is bringing along a date with her… a certain colt you met and discussed your past role to.”

“Ah yes, Master Pipsqueak… interesting little colt, I can tell he has potential be a fine guard… maybe captain if he so wishes.” Wise Words rolled his eyes upwards as he remembered the conversation he had with the colt about being a guard of Equestria. As he lowered his head, his smile vanished slowly as he spoke again. “Speaking of our guests… there is something that concerns me greatly for the upcoming gala.”

“And what may that be?” Celestia asked.

“We both know… about Blueblood’s past suitors who seeked him in the past…” Wise Words replied as he took a bite of his cake before speaking again as he swallowed it. “I fear that this may be a dangerous environment for Miss Derpy and Miss Dinky.”

Celestia nodded as she spoke again. “The thought has occurred to me, so I asked my sister for assistance…” the princess trailed off, as he frown soon turned into a smile. “She said she would place her strongest in charge of protection for Derpy and little Dinky.”

“You mean Deadeye?” Wise Words asked, knowing that the said Katakan formed a bond with Dinky and would most likely be very protective of her and her mother should harm come their way.

“No, somepony even stronger.” Celestia replied with a grin.

Wise Words eyes squinted for a moment before he raised his brow and his jaw went agape. “You mean… her?”

Lying against her father’s neck, Dinky had a high up view of Ponyville as they trotted back into the town, and it brought a large smile to her face. Something above drew her attention, and she looked up just in time to see a chariot pulled by two Katakans fly past, with several more escorting it.

“Hmm, seems like Auntie Lulu has come for a visit.” Upon feeling a tug to turn in the same direction as the chariot on his right ear, Blueblood gave a chuckle and did as his daughter asked, following it. When he got closer, he saw a large crowd had formed, pushing his way through to see Luna with a glare on her face, and the Katakans around her were all mares, each one wearing darkened goggles. “Dinky, you’re in for a treat. It’s not often that there’s a public display of Katakan… politics.”

The crowd opposite them parted and three ponies approached Luna, a unicorn, an alicorn, and a Katakan. Shining Armour stood still with Deadeye whilst Cadance moved to Luna and had a hushed conversation. Once they were done, Luna turned to the nearest Katakan to her, the mare much larger than than both the lunar alicorn and her sister in build.

Understanding the silent signal, the mare’s wings fluttered as she stepped up to Deadeye and glared at him. Shocked gasps filled the crowd, and one filly got angry, as the mare punched Deadeye right on the muzzle and sent him sprawling to the ground. Blueblood didn’t have time to stop his daughter jumping down from his back and running between the two Katakans, a glare of her own aimed at the mare.

“Leave him alone!” she shouted her horn glowing slightly. The mare back up a little, then crouched down with a raised eyebrow.

“Do not get involved in things you don’t understand, foal,” the mare said, trying to step around Dinky, but the filly kept getting in her path. “Remove yourself from my way or I will move you myself!”

“If you touch my daughter, not even Luna will be able to save you from me!” The crowd around Blueblood parted and he stepped out, the Katakan mare giving a quiet whimper as she looked at the ground. “I know what Deadeye did yesterday, and I know this was the Katakan punishment for his transgression. Do you think he deserves more?”

“This was merely for the filly at the school,” the mare said defiantly, looking at the one eyed stallion still on the floor, his ears splayed back. “He still has to pay for how he treated the stallion. Speaking of which…”

Blueblood turned to the side, seeing one of the other Katakans escorting an earth pony stallion into the small circle. She led him right to where Blueblood was stood, saluted the other mare, then took her place back next to Luna. Grabbing Dinky with his magic, Blueblood pulled the struggling filly away and moved away from the other three, holding her close to his chest as he let her watch.

Deadeye finally moved, rising to his haunches and holding his head high, earning a growl from the mare, but he didn’t back down. Snorting, she turned to the earth pony. “Mister Rich, isn’t it?” A nod. “Deadeye, you know what is expected of you now.”

“A Katakan does not apologise,” came the curt reply.

“You said it yourself when we were rescued by the Night-mistress!” the mare shouted angrily, her wings flaring in anger. “We have to adapt our culture to be assimilated back into the world! And that includes apologising! Now swallow your pride and arrogance, and apologise for your actions!”

“If you are so big on our culture changing to fit with the rest of the Equestria,” Deadeye said with a slightly condescending tone. “Then why did the Night-mistress bring only mares, and Shadowbolts at that, instead of a few stallions to deal with me? Is it because you don’t want to accept we are now equals, and your seats of power no longer exists?”

From where she was forced to sit and watch, Dinky saw Luna’s horn glow and Filthy Rich was pulled from Deadeye and the mare just in time, as she dove at him, teeth bared and aiming for his neck. Deadeye responded in kind, meeting her lunge with the pair ending up on the ground, trading bites and blows as they fought.

“Daddy why don't you help him?” Dinky asked pleadingly, looking up at Blueblood with wide eyes.

“This is their way, Dinky. If you’re going to spend time in Canterlot Castle, it is best you learn as much about them as you can as early as possible.” There was the sound of a collective ‘oooh’ from the crowd as Deadeye was thrown onto his back, the mare jumping onto his barrel, with her rear hooves planted somewhere painful. “This, Dinky, is a Katakan debate… and Deadeye is losing.”

Dinky watched as the stallion tried to raise his head and nip the mare’s foreleg, but she just smacked his muzzle once more. He tried three more times, leaving a bit longer before each attempt until he let out a huff and lie still. Dinky couldn’t help but giggle when the mare leant down and licked his muzzle, causing him to groan.

The mare removed herself from Deadeye and set him on his hooves, them kicked his rump and made him move over to where Filthy Rich was stood, the Katakan’s ears splayed back as he sighed. “Mister Rich, I hope you can find it within yourself to forgive me for my attitude earlier this week. I have dishonoured myself, my kind, and my Night-mistress.” Deadeye knelt down and spread his wings wide.

“Daddy… what’s he doing?” Dinky asked in wonder.

“He’s offering the one he wronged the chance to punish him,” Blueblood replied, stroking his daughter’s mane. “If Mister Rich stamps on Deadeye’s wings, he is shamed. If he instead,” he paused as Filthy bent down, took one of Deadeye’s hooves, and pulled him back up to stand. “If he does that, then Deadeye is forgiven and his honour restored.”

Once the two stallions finished speaking with each other, they walked over to Blueblood and Dinky, Filthy Rich crouching down so he was eye level with the filly. “Dinky, I need to know. Is my daughter really a bully?”

Dinky’s eyes darted back and forth as she tried to decide how to answer. She felt a nudge from behind and looked up to see her father give her a nod, then dropped her gaze to the ground. “...yes, she is. Not only to me, but most of the foals in my class. Applebloom and her friends have it worse. When Diamond is with Silver Spoon hardly anypony stands up to them.”

“I… I see. Thank you, Dinky.” Filthy stood back up and gave a sigh, turning to look at Deadeye. “I must take my leave now, I have a wayward daughter to deal with. Have a good afternoon.” The trio watched as the stallion left the small gathering, his head held high.

Seeing that the event seemed to be over, the crowd started to disperse, all but three Katakans taking to the sky. The larger mare that had gotten into the scuffle with Deadeye walked over, making the stallion yelp when she lightly slapped the back of his head.

“Hey!” Shouted Dinky, getting the mare’s attention once more. “Enough! A-as your princess, I… I say stop hitting him!” The Katakan looked down at her, making the filly shiver when she was given a grin, the mare’s fangs on clear display.

“I have higher authority over him than even our Night-mistress.” The mare turned to Deadeye, rubbing her cheek against his. “Isn’t that right, Deadeye?”

The stallion groaned as he lowered his head, pouting at Dinky. “My princess, this is Nightshade, captain of the Shadowbolts and the one in charge of all Katakans… she also happens to be my mother.”

Dinky looked between the widely grinning mare and the downcast stallion, noticing a slight resemblance, and she remained silent for a moment… then fell to the ground and began rolling around with laughter. She eventually calmed down slightly, pointing a hoof at Deadeye and trying to speak between her snickers. “Y-you got told o-off… by your mommy!”

Deadeye turned to Nightshade and glared at her, whispering angrily. “I hate you.”

"I know..." Nightshade replied as she kissed her son's forehead, giggling at his pouting face. “And I love you too.”

Standing still as the tape measure worked its way around her body, Amber Vain looked around the room, her eyes glossing over the many different designs that were currently flooding the Canterlot fashion circle. This year it seemed to be form fitting outfits that were all the rage, which is why she had to be remeasured to make sure hers fit perfectly.

This will catch his attention, even with that pegasus whorse present. If she even comes, which I highly doubt she will. Damned commoners, they belong under us, doing our bidding without complaint.

“And we’re done here, Miss Vain.”

Amber shook her head clear of thoughts, turning to the white unicorn mare that was just stepping away. Fleur’s was always busy at this time of year, which is why Amber had booked this appointment months in advance, ensuring to keep her schedule clear.

“Hmm… clashing or complimenting colours?” Fleur asked, bringing out several rolls of fabric and holding them against Amber’s sage green coat. “Any preference?”

“Just one that makes me stand out,” Amber said, her eyes roaming over the rainbow floating around her. “I have a pony’s eye to catch.”

“Ah yes, your mystery stallion. Well I wish you luck. Speaking of,” Fleur said as she piled several rolls onto a side and put the others away, motioning to a paper resting on the side. “What about Blueblood? Finding out he has a daughter after ten years. It’s barely been a week, yet you can see the love he has for her.”

“Yes… it is adorable,” Amber said, gritting her teeth. Sly Cur will distract the mare, and that will give me the opportunity to get at Blueblood… but what of the filly? I may have to contact Dark Star. Yes… I can use her to my advantage if I play this right…

“Well, this will be ready tomorrow. Would you like it delivered?” Fleur asked, having selected the fabrics and shades she would use.

“Delivered would be preferable, I still have work to do over the next few days.” Amber slipped into her saddlebags, floating a small pile of bits over to the other unicorn. “I shall see you Saturday.” With that she left the shop, briefly glancing at the castle. Summons to the Ministry… I need a drink first.

A smile came to her face when she saw a quaint looking tavern. What luck… it’s open early, and Dark Star is probably still in there. Trotting into the building, Amber looked around, her gaze settling on a large lump on one of the benches. She used her magic to open the pony’s eye lid, smirking when the yellow irised, reptilian pupiled orb twitch a little before settling on her.

“I have a business proposition for you, if you’re interested…”

Chapter 16

The view out of the window changed from rolling fields with the occasional village to thick forest on either side of the track, bringing a smile to one stallion’s face as memories of when he was a foal running through them with his parents bubbled to the surface.

Giving a sigh, Blueblood tore his gaze away from the outside world, knowing that it would be at most two hours before they arrived in Canterlot. Looking around the private carriage, a small smile came to his face when he saw Dinky, who was asleep under her mother’s wing, the mare dozing on the bench as well.

Seeing Derpy shiver, Blueblood lit his horn and floated down one of the blankets from the racking, covering the mare and their daughter. I know we wanted time, but even after a week, I know in my heart what I must do. Standing from his seat, Blueblood walked over to Derpy and began to gently brush her mane, removing the stray strands that had fallen in front of her face. So beautiful…

“I remember the time I thought of myself in her position.” Blueblood turned with a frown to the voice, then smiled softly as Rarity stepped into the compartment. “Even I can see the love you have for her, clear as day, and I cannot feel anything but happiness for you.”

“Thank you, Rarity.” Blueblood returned to his seat and tapped the space next to him, Rarity taking the invitation. As she came closer, he noticed she seemed to have slight bags under her eyes and her mane was a little disheveled. “Are you okay? You look a bit tired.”

“Oh, just a late night doing final adjustments for my friends’ dresses,” Rarity said, shocking Blueblood when she lay sideways and place her head on his leg. She covered her mouth with a hoof to hide her tittering when she saw his expression. “I assure you, this is nothing more than using you as a pillow. I’ve seen mama bear angry, and do not wish to be on the receiving end of that.”

Blueblood nodded then looked to Derpy, surprised to see she was now awake and staring back. The pegasus mare wore a blank expression as she took in the scene, and after her brain registered who the other mare was, smiled to the stallion.

Loud mumbling from the corridor caused them all to turn, catching the shadow of a wide brimmed hat moving by the window. Blueblood and Derpy watched in confusion whilst Rarity just giggled. “She’s been like this since this morning,” the unicorn mare said, sighing. “I think you broke her with that offer, Blue.”

“Well, it’s a good job her brother will be there to help her with the preparations,” Blueblood replied, looking at the wall between theirs and the next compartment, knowing that the massive earth pony stallion was in there with Twilight Sparkle and Spike. “Besides, she will have others working under her, so won’t have to do all of it on her own.”

The group fell silent as the train rattled on, the woods outside thinning out as it began the steeper part of the climb to the capital city of Equestria. Looking out of the window, Blueblood saw glinting gold reflecting in the air, caused by the armour of pegasi guards as they patrolled the sky. Given the event planned for the next evening, he easily understood why there seemed to be extra guards on duty.

He spotted a small grotto in the foothills of the mountain, and began to daydream, having been there with a few friends during his college days. Heh… Shining Armour trying to impress Cadance, but she had to save him from drowning. Such a hidden treasure… I should take Derpy and Dinky… and maybe just Derpy sometime.

A loud yawn drew his attention back to the other bench, where Dinky blinked slowly as she hugged her mother’s wing closer to her. Her gaze lazily drifted around the compartment until it settled on Blueblood, and seeing him caused her to awake fully, jumping from her lying position into his lap, which Rarity had vacated just in time.

“Morning, daddy!” the filly nearly shouted, reaching up to wrap her forehooves around the chuckling stallion’s neck. After giving him his morning hug, she looked out of the window to see they were now at the same height as Cloudsdale, which was the midway point for pegasi between Ponyville and Canterlot. “Oh wow, are we nearly there?”

“Yes, Dinky,” Blueblood said as he pulled the filly close against his chest. “It won’t be long now.” Giving another yawn, Dinky snuggled down against her father and closed her eyes, the stallion staring down with adoration in his eyes. My sweet little Dinky… I am so ashamed I haven’t been there for you… but from now on, I will be, day or night.

Even the click of a camera going off didn’t make him look away, nor did he notice that Rarity had traded places with Derpy until he felt a kiss on his cheek, turning to stare into the mare’s shimmering golden eyes, righting her mistake by softly kissing her lips, another click of the camera filling the room.

“Good morning travellers. We will be arriving in Canterlot within the next twenty minutes.” Blueblood sighed as the voice of the announcer came from the corridor, the stallion wishing he could have longer with his… Are they my family? Longer with Derpy and Dinky just relaxing like they were. “The weather is nice and clear, and the temperature is a nice two hundred and ninety nine Coltvins in the Mountain City right now. Please enjoy your stay.”

Rarity was the first to move, using her magic to get all of the luggage down as Blueblood was still holding a tired filly. They heard thudding from next door, knowing their companions in there were getting ready as well. Not much longer later the rocky scenery disappeared as the train passed through a long tunnel, which ran through the outer wall to the city.

The train slowed down, and once out the other end of the tunnel was surrounded by several large warehouses, before slowing even further as it entered the station. When it finally came to a stop, Blueblood transferred, amidst much struggling, Dinky to her mother’s back and picked up their bags, letting the two mares go first before making his way onto the platform.

“Are you sure? I can carry my own belongings if it is too much.”

“Not at all, madame. I assure you, this is nothing.”

Blueblood chuckled when he heard the second voice, turning to see Wise Words hefting not only Rarity’s, but also Twilight’s groups luggage, and he knew it wasn’t even testing the elder stallion’s abilities. “Rarity, trust me. You won’t win this argument.”

“Fine,” the female unicorn huffed, then stepped closer to Wise Words and gave him a peck on the cheek. “Thank you for your kindness, sir.” It wasn’t often Blueblood got to see something that made Wise Words freeze for a moment, but it made those times when he did all the better.

“Still got it with the mares, eh Wise?” Blueblood asked, getting a glare in return.

“You are needed at the Ministry of Finance as soon as possible, Minister,” Wise stated flatly. He wasn’t so much as angry with the prince, more annoyed with himself for not expecting the friendly taunt. “I shall ensure your belongings get to the castle. Miss Derpy, may I escort you?”

Derpy looked over her shoulder at Dinky, then remembered a promise she made on her last visit to the city. “Actually, there’s something we need to do.” She turned to Blueblood, nuzzling under his chin. “We’ll see you later, okay?”

“Sure,” Blueblood replied, returning the nuzzle. He then looked up and kissed Dinky’s forehead, making her giggle. “And you behave for your mother.”

“I will daddy!” the filly shouted, a wide grin coming to her face as Blueblood winked at her and lifted Derpy’s muzzle, kissing the mare passionately. He left her gasping when they broke apart, the stallion giving a nod before turning and walking towards one of the exits.

Dinky and Derpy said their farewells to the rest of the group on the platform then headed to another of the large doorways, in a different direction Blueblood had gone. Neither took note of Big Mac trying to pull his stubborn sister from the carriage.

As the company dispersed from the train station; Twilight, Big Macintosh, and Spike began to walk down the main street of Canterlot. A few ponies bowed in the presence of the princess, yet also glared at the earth pony stallion. The alicorn mare groaned as she trotted onwards, ignoring the snide remarks made about her stallion, who remained stoic inspite of the obvious insults.

Big Macintosh noticed Spike was lagging as they were walking, prompting the stallion to crane his neck down to the dragon and lift him up and place him onto his back.

When she saw her stallion performing such a kind act, Twilight couldn’t help but smile warmly at the scene. "So what should we do first? We could go to the museum!" she suggested as she walked alongside Big Macintosh with Spike on the stallion’s back.

“Shouldn’t we go tell your parents the news first… mom?” Spike asked.

Twilight giggled as she blushed sheepishly at her boy’s question. “You’re right, we should stop by them first…” she said as her eyes lingered on Spike as he began talking to Big Macintosh about certain sights around Canterlot. I wonder what mom and dad will say when I tell them they are grandparents?

Since the baby dragon's revelation, Twilight had written to Celestia about altering the guardianship papers regarding Spike. When the paperwork was finalized, the dragon had officially been deemed as the son of the Princess of Friendship.

“... and Donut Joe sells the best donuts here in Canterlot. He also makes good hot chocolate in case you—” Spike paused for a moment when he saw Big Macintosh looking down at his chest, which was for one of the rare times bare, the stallion missing his signature yoke. “What’s wrong d-Big Mac?” the little dragon asked, quickly correcting himself from using a word he thought would upset the stallion.

Big Macintosh looked back at Spike and gave him a smile, rubbing at an itchy spot of fur that hadn’t been exposed to air in a long time. Ah really should remember to take it off at night. “Sorry Spike, just feeling a little exposed here without mah pappy’s yoke.” Ah know Granny’s looking after it, but still…

“I’m sorry you had to leave it behind, but Rarity said it would ruin your suit.” Twilight stated, leaning her head to the stallion’s chin and nuzzling it. “Besides, it gives me a chance to do this.” The alicorn planted her lips on Big Macintosh’s neck, kissing it and biting on it softly.

“Eeyup.” Big Macintosh replied, reaching for Twilight’s ear and nibbling on it gently. Both ponies paused when they Spike groaning on the stallion’s back, doing this best to cover his eyes and ears but to no avail. “I think we should continue this in private…” the stallion whispered to his mare, earning a nod from her.

Poor Spike… Deciding to take her stallion’s advice, Twilight shook her head and resumed her trot, a grin appearing on her face as a mansion came into view at the end of a small cul-de-sac the group had just entered. “Well, we’re here.” she said as she looked at her stallion, whose eyes nearly dropped out of his sockets, causing her to giggle at his reaction.

“You used to live here?” he asked Twilight, who nodded in response. Ah know Twilight’s parents are nobles… but Ah never thought they were this wealthy.... Just as he was about to speak again, Spike got off his back and made his way to the double doors, where he rang the bell twice.

The doors opened to reveal a scarlet unicorn with ebony mane in a maid outfit. “Good afternoon, how may I be of ser—” her words were cut off when she saw Spike beaming at her, causing her to forsake her professional image as she let out a high pitch scream and scoop the dragon up in her hooves. “Oh my gosh! Spike! Oh I missed you so much!” she exclaimed as she administered a barrage of kisses on the dragon’s face before nuzzling him furiously.

“I missed you too, Poppy.” Spike replied as he hugged the mare before he let go of her.

Poppy Merry’s eyes landed on Twilight and Big Macintosh. “Twilight!” she called out to the princess, walking over to her and enveloping her in a hug. “You’re becoming more and more beautiful everyday…”

Twilight blushed as she looked away from the maid. “Poppy…” she said meekly, earning a giggle from the scarlet mare.

“And who’s this magnificent stallion?” Poppy asked as she eyed Big Macintosh, who was trying to suppress his laughter at the sight he was seeing.

“This is Big Macintosh, my special stallion.” Twilight answered as she walked next to the stallion and nuzzled his naked neck.

As she looked at Big Macintosh and back at Twilight, Poppy’s grinned expanded as she tittered at the couple. “I always knew you would find yourself a proper stallion Twilight, especially one as handsome as he is.”

“Poppy? Who’s at the door?” a mare called out as she walked towards the entrance, gasping when she saw her daughter. “Twilight!” Twilight Velvet ran up to her daughter and embraced her. “If I knew you were going to visit, I’d—” her words were cut as her daughter’s hoof was pressed against her lips.

“Mom, it’s okay… we just thought we’d drop by since we’re going to the gala tomorrow.” Twilight said as she removed her hoof from her mother.

“Oh alright,” Velvet replied before she turned Spike. “And how’s my favourite baby dragon?” she asked as she lifted him from the ground and nuzzled him before putting him back down.

Spike smiled broadly at Velvet before he hugged her leg, causing her to crane her neck to reach his head. “I’m good here, Miss Velvet,” he replied. When he removed himself from the mare, he saw her turn her attention Big Macintosh.

“And how are you, Big Macintosh?” she greeted him, surprising the stallion with a hug.

Big Macintosh felt fortunate that his fur was red, or else his blush would have been seen by everypony present. “A-ah’m doing well, Miss Velvet…” the stallion said, but froze when the elder mare glared at him.

“None of that ‘Miss Velvet’ nonsense here! When you’re in my house, you call me ‘mom’. Is that clear?!” she ordered Big Macintosh, who meekly nodded to her words. “Now then, let’s go inside.” she said, being the first to enter the household with the others following her in.

Once the doors were closed by Poppy, Velvet lead her guests into the living room where she gestured each of them to sit on a lavish couch whilst the maid went to fetch tea and biscuits for them. “I’ll be right back, just going to fetch your father.” she said before disappearing from the room.

After Poppy came in with the tea, Night Light and Twilight Velvet entered the room with the stallion marching right up to his daughter. “Twilight!” he greeted her with a nuzzle and a kiss on her forehead. “This is a pleasant surprise.”

“We thought we’d drop by and tell you… about some important news.” Twilight mumbled as she shuffled her hooves, looking away from her parent’s peering eyes.

“Did Big Macintosh propose?” Twilight Velvet asked, leaning forward with a wide grin on her face. He did ask our permission when we first met. When she saw her daughter shake her head, the mare cocked her brow before she gasped. “Oh my gosh! You’re pregnant!”

Twilight Sparkle spat out the tea she had in her mouth with such velocity it created a rainbow. “What?! No!” the mare cheeks burned furiously as she regained her composure and wiped her mouth clean from the residue. “Well… it has to do with family…” she continued with her eyes lingering on Spike who trying his best to suppress his laughter.

“What is it then?”

“What Twilight is trying to say, is that she adopted little Spike here as her son.” Big Macintosh chimed in, taking a sip of his tea as silence took invaded the room they were sitting in. The stallion could swear he heard something break in the other room Poppy walked into earlier after leaving the refreshments for them.

Twilight Velvet and Night Light turned to each blinking before they looked back at their daughter. Their eyes drifted to Spike who was playing with his own tail as he nervously. “Spike? Is this true?” the mare asked him.

“Yeah…” Spike trailed off as he continued to fumble with his tail, gulping down a lump that was forming in his throat. “It’s true, Miss Velvet… I’m—” the little dragon yelped as he was pulled towards Twilight’s parents with magic before he was brought into a group hug.

“That’s ‘grandma’ to you Mister!” Twilight Velvet said as she nuzzled the baby dragon. “And no more Mister Night Light either, he’s grandpa now.” she continued as she started to tear up with a trembling smile.

Night Light nodded as he ruffled Spike’s scales. “That’s right... “ the stallion replied. “Who would have thought our daughter would be the first to give us a grand foal? Oh, grand-dragon.” the stallion corrected himself as he grinned. “I mean I can’t blame Shining for the amount of times he’s tried to—” he was cut off as the baby dragon pulled away from the group hug and ran away into another room, covering his ears as he babbled something incomprehensible to the others. “What was that about?”

Twilight sighed as she planted a hoof to her face. “Sorry, Big Mac… do you mind?” she asked her stallion, receiving a kiss to her cheek before he got up and walked to where Spike headed off, leaving her alone with her parents. “Well, Shining and Cadance came to visit this week and they…”

As he reached the gates leading to the castle, Blueblood was greeted by two guards who stood by the entrance, both nodding in the presence of their prince. The stallion stepped into the castle and began making his way down the corridors, his ears perked to the sound of murmurs and whispers as he walked past other ponies inside. Entering the offices of the Ministry, he greeted his workers cheerfully as he approached the double doors at the back of the room.

Once he reached the doors and opened them, he caught sight of two stallions already seated inside. Both ponies stood up when they saw Blueblood enter the office. “Ah, good to see you again my boy…” Fancy Pants greeted Blueblood as the latter made his way towards the other.

“Good to see you too, Fancy.” Blueblood replied. “Good afternoon, Hutch… I hope things weren’t too stressful here whilst I was gone.”

Hutch shook his head as he grinned at Blueblood. “Aside from Lady Vain being gobsmacked about me being as free as a bird, the work here has shown progress, albeit with some bumps in the process.” the earth pony noted, reaching for his saddlebag and pulling out some files. “These are the records of the interview we conducted with Lady Vain.” he said as he passed them on to the unicorn stallion.

Blueblood used his magic to flip through each paper he was reading, his frown intensified as he continued. “Are these accurate?” he asked Hutch, receiving a nod from the earth pony stallion. “So you’re saying that Shimmer Spark has spontaneously disappeared?”

“More likely, she made a run for it… once we realized somepony was keeping bits for themselves.” Fancy Pants remarked, adjusting his monocle as he looked at Blueblood. “I have sent someponies to locate her whereabouts as we speak.”

“Good... “ Blueblood trailed off as he finished the report and handed it back to Hutch. “Anything else to report?” he asked Hutch.

Hutch shook his head after he placed the files back into his saddlebag. “Aside from Lady Vain claiming she has no idea of the embezzlement going on, nothing right now.” he said. “I just find it strange how a mare like that can ever be in charge of an organization responsible for the well being of foals.”

“My boy, there are someponies who would do anything as long as it contributed to their avarice.” Fancy Pants replied as he shook his head with a weary sigh. “Even though it saddens me how far someponies will go just to get that one extra bit in their wallets at the end of the day.”

Blueblood nodded as he listened to his predecessor’s words. “Still it’s a good thing that there are ponies out there stopping them, like us.” the stallion said as he looked to Fancy and Hutch. “I’ll take over from here and investigate this myself… in the meantime, why don’t you take a few days off Hutch? You’ve certainly earned it after what you’ve been though.”

“Thank you, Sir…” Hutch replied as he smiled.

“If I remember correctly, your mother will be making an appearance at this gala, am I correct?” Blueblood asked, receiving a nod from Hutch.

Hutch scrunched his lips as he looked away and forced a smile. “Yes... “ the earth pony trailed as he rubbed the back of his head. “Though she has already sent forth her supplies for the gala.”

“That’s good to hear,” Blueblood replied, heading towards the doors and opening them to let his colleagues out first. “Oh, Fancy… mind if I have a word with you?” he asked the other unicorn before he departed.

“Of course.” Fancy replied as he stayed behind whilst Hutch walked onwards.

As both unicorns waved farewell to Hutch who turned a corner, Fancy was the first to speak after he cleared his throat. “So what can I do for you, my boy?”

“You know I am as old as you, Fancy?” Blueblood remarked as they both walked through the passages. “We were even in the same class together in college… you, me and Shining Armour.”

“The three ‘White Knights’ we were…” Fancy interjected as he and Blueblood laughed in nostalgia. “I still remember when Shining was still socially inept, whilst dreaming of becoming a captain of the guard just like his grandfather…”

Blueblood chuckled as he looked upwards. “And then he met my cousin and had a new dream in his life… yet so did she.” the stallion said as he remembered the two ponies when they started dating.

“And right after we finished college, I was married to my highschool love.” Fancy grinned as his eyes softened in nostalgia, remembering seeing Fleur in a magnificent wedding dress she crafted herself as a final project at the end of the year, which also elevated her in the fashion industry. “I can’t wait for our filly to be born.”

Blueblood’s ears perked when Fancy mentioned the baby. “So it’s confirmed you are going to have a filly for a first born?” The stallion asked his friend.

“Indeed… just like you.” Fancy replied as he grinned. “Is your daughter going to attend the gala tomorrow?” he asked

“She will, but I am unsure how long she’ll stay up.” Before Blueblood could expand on his statement, his ears flickered to the sound of hoofsteps coming towards them. When he turned around, he saw a white unicorn mare approaching them slowly.

“Darling…” Fleur greeted Fancy with a kiss on his lips. “I need your help with a few things.” she said, gasping as she felt a kick to in her abdomen. She looked down to her swollen stomach, smiling demurely at it. Her attention turned to Blueblood who was standing next to her husband. “Ah, it’s good to see you again Blue.”

“Likewise Fleur,” Blueblood greeted the mare, his eyes lingering to her stomach. “How many months more to go?” the stallion asked.

Fleur looked back at her abdomen before she turned back to Blueblood. “Roughly four months.” the mare replied, giggling as her husband placed an ear on her stomach. “Fancy…”

“Shh… I’m hearing our daughter speaking…” the stallion teased his wife as he squinted his eyes and pressed his ear firmly to Fleur’s stomach. Fancy was surprised when he felt a bump against his head, causing him to flinch away from it.

“I’ll see you both at the gala tomorrow.” Blueblood bid farewell to the couple, making his way outside of the castle. I wonder where Derpy and Dinky are right now?

“Thanks for your order, come again,” Donut Joe said, smiling to the pony on the other side of the counter. The only ‘customers’ left in the shop after the lunch time rush were his parents, most other ponies having headed back to work. Turning away from the counter, Joe set a fresh batch of donuts into several ovens and the dirty dishes into a large washer.

Hearing the bell above his door ringing, Joe turned around to greet the pony, but his mouth remained open with no sound as he saw an empty space. The sound of a foal giggling brought a smile to his face, for he knew that laugh even after only hearing it once, the stallion crouching down behind the counter.

He slowly shifted along to where there was a gap which allowed access to the kitchen, and when he poked his head around the side, he saw a unicorn filly doing the same. When their eyes met, they slowly moved back, then out into the open again. They did this several times, until when Joe went out the filly didn’t, the stallion frowning in confusion.

Something then landed on his back, giggling, and he looked over his shoulder into the beaming face of the filly. “Uncle Joe!”

Joe rolled over, holding the filly in his magic until she was on his chest and he could wrap his forehooves around her. “Lil’ Dink! What are ya doing here on your own?” the stallion asked, slightly worried.

“I’m not, momma’s here too!” Dinky replied, pointing her hoof to the seating area. Tilting his head back, Joe had an inverted view as he saw Derpy sitting between their parents, smiling over at him. “Oooh, and I found my daddy!”

“That’s great, Dinks,” Joe said as he sat up, hugging the filly tighter before setting her down and getting up, then walking over to Derpy and embracing her too. He leaned in a little closer so that Dinky wouldn’t hear his whispers. “Does the prince know?”

He felt Derpy nod then pulled away, helping Dinky into one of the high seats then sat down himself. Lighting his horn, he brought over two metal teapots, pouring a cup of coffee for his sister and one of hot chocolate for his niece. Ignoring Derpy’s glare, for she knew what was next, Joe topped Dinky’s drink with whipped cream and marshmallows.

“So, sis, back in town for some time?” Joe asked, watching as Dinky tried to take a sip of her drink and came away with cream on the tip of her muzzle. “Last visit was pretty quick.”

“Yeah, we’ll be here until Sunday lunch time,” Derpy replied, watching as Dinky tried to lick the cream off, Sugary Myth shaking her head with a sigh before picking up a napkin in her magic and using it to clean her granddaughter’s face. “Speaking of… are you doing anything tomorrow night?”

Lucky Mint and Sugary Myth looked between each other then turned to their daughter and shook their heads, Joe following a moment later and making Derpy smile. The mare turned and routed around in her saddlebags, pulling out a nearly plain white envelope, a half moon-half sun symbol where the address should be.

“Derpy, what’s that?” Lucky asked, recognising the mark from the official business edicts that had come from the castle.

“I, and by extension, you, are invited to attend the Grand Galloping Gala… as the guests of honour tomorrow night.” Derpy grew slightly worried, for the family sat around her remained silent, Dinky looking between them with another blob of cream on her nose. “Where are you going, dad?” Derpy asked when Lucky stood from his seat and stretched his back out.

“If we’re going to be in front of the snobs, I want to look good,” Lucky said as he nuzzled Dinky. “I need to get some silver polish for my medals.” He moved closer to Derpy and pulled her in for a hug, kissing her forehead. “I’ll see you two later, okay?”

He walked out of the shop, leaving the other four behind. Looking over at his counter, Joe took note of what else needed baking when an idea suddenly hit him, and he turned to Derpy with a grin. “Say sis… how about making some muffins for the shop?”

Instead of the mare answering, her filly did for her. “Yeah, let’s make some of momma’s muffins!” Dinky shouted, jumping from her seat and running into the kitchen, where the sounds of pots and pans being banged together came from.

Giving Joe a sheepish smile for her daughter’s seeming mistreatment of the cooking utensils, Derpy followed after Dinky and grabbed a spare apron, wrapping it around her body. “Okay Dinky, let’s give some of the snobs from Canterlot a reason to smile.”

Having left Dinky with Princess Luna, Derpy slipped through the doors one of the castle staff had just led her to. The room she emerged into was quite spacious, almost large enough to host a party if one so wished. She stepped further in, mesmerised by the decor of the room.

She didn’t notice the door being closed behind her, nor the stallion making sure that his hooves made no sound as he approached her. Once close enough, he cleared his throat, making the mare yelp in surprise and jump into the air, wings flapping wildly.

“You!” Derpy said harshly, glaring at the grinning stallion. “How could you do that to me?”

“Well, it has been nearly an exact ten years since you did that to me when we met,” Blueblood replied, giving the mare his best puppy dog eyes. When she drifted back down to the ground he pulled her close and nuzzled her cheek. “I trust you had a good day?”

“Yes, we did. I’m not sure if my parents believe me about you, but they’ll see the truth tomorrow,” Derpy answered, sighing as she tried to press closer to Blueblood’s chest, but he moved back. She looked at him with a frown, but that changed when she saw the sparkling of his eyes. “W-what are we doing here?”

Blueblood didn’t answer, instead the next sound in the room came from the side a piece of classical music playing. Taking Derpy’s hoof in his own, Blueblood slowly rose up to his rear hooves, bringing the mare up with him until they were barrel to barrel. “Place your hooves around my neck.”

Derpy did as she was told, feeling the stallion’s wrap around her back, the pair swaying back and forth. Taking careful steps, Blueblood moved the two of them around the room, doing nothing too strenuous as Derpy got used to moving on two legs.

“Very good, Derpy,” Blueblood said as his horn glowed a little. “Now we can begin properly.” Taking her left forehoof in his right, her extended their legs to the side and pulled her closer against him. “Don’t look at your hooves, look at me, and you’ll be fine.”

Derpy nodded just as the music changed, following the same theme but with a higher tempo. Next thing she knew, Blueblood began to glide across the floor with her, their rear hooves tapping the ground in time with the faint beat from the music.

At first it was just moving about, but after around twenty minutes Blueblood added more, using their momentum to spin Derpy in place as he moved around her, placing her back in his hoof and stepping away. Derpy knew in the back of her mind that he was giving her a dancing lesson, but all she could focus on were the two blue orbs staring back at her.

Hearing the music reaching its crescendo, Blueblood pulled Derpy closer and gave one final spin, before finishing with a dip, leaving Derpy looking at the room upside down, the stallion using the opportunity to close in and kiss her neck, making her giggle.

“Well, your hoof work could do with some more practice,” came a voice to the side, and when Derpy was allowed to stand on four hooves once more she saw it belonged to Rarity. “But you’ve done well for a beginner. Now, it’s rather late, so I think we should all turn in for the night.”

“Agreed,” said Blueblood, going to take Derpy’s hoof when it was slapped away by a an aura of light blue magic, causing the stallion to turn to the other unicorn. “Miss Rarity?”

“I require Derpy to be well rested tomorrow, which means a night without frivolous activities,” Rarity said sharply, facing away from Blueblood. “Save them for tomorrow night. Now, be a good colt and run along.” Seeing he wasn’t moving, Rarity gave him a moment to give Derpy a parting kiss then picked him up with her magic and forced him from the room, slamming the door shut as she turned to Derpy. “Now then my dear… the real part can begin!”

Derpy was confused as to what Rarity meant, until Twilight and Applejack appeared from another doorway, several bottles of wine held in the alicorn’s magic.

Outside the room, Blueblood pulled his ear away from the door and gave a sigh. Whilst he wanted to spend more time with Derpy, he was happy that there were some mares in the castle with whom she could have fun with.

He began to make his way back to his quarters, going just three corridors before he ran into an lost looking pony. “Big Mac, are you all right?”

Mac turned to look at Blueblood, giving a sigh. “Ah can’t find Twi anywhere. She said she’d be in her… our room.”

“...blame Miss Rarity.” As soon as he said that, Blueblood saw Mac knew exactly what he meant. “Tell you what, why don’t I show you one of the castle’s many secrets…. Celestia’s private bar?” The two stallions stared at each other in silence, then began snickering as Blueblood motioned for Mac to follow and moved down one of the other corridors.

Sitting on her throne, Luna giggled like a filly as Dinky ran from one pillar to the next, screaming in delight and laughing from a near invisible assailant. As the alicorn also had shadow magic, she could see Deadeye’s ‘essence’, watching as the stallion dived into the shadows to creep up on the filly.

He’d occasionally get her, the room then being filled with Dinky’s giggles as Deadeye held her still and tickled her ribs.

Luna’s ears shot up as she saw another Katakan’s essence sneaking up behind Deadeye, yet all of the other guards on this particular shift were visible. The alicorn knew the other hidden pony, but was unsure exactly who it was until they became corporeal and pounced at the distracted stallion.

“Now, little princess,” Nightshade said with a giggle, her forehoof pressed against her son’s chest and keeping him on the floor. “This is how you deal with a Katakan foal.”

It took all composure every other guard could muster for them not to burst out laughing as Nightshade lowered her head and began to blow raspberries on Deadeye’s stomach, making the stallion laugh as his limbs flailed about in an ineffective attempt at breaking free.

Nightshade, after several minutes, relented in her assault, stepping away from Deadeye, yet the stallion remained lying on his back. This proved to be a bad idea as Dinky quickly trotted over to the prone stallion and jumped on his chest, filling the room with his guffaws once more as she sent her hooves over his ribs.

Letting up her assault on the stallion, Dinky ran towards the thrones and jumped up next to Luna, an area she classed as a safe zone. She watched as Deadeye rolled over and shook himself off, glaring at snickering coming from some of the other guards. Remembering a little bit of what she was told about the Katakans, Dinky looked between Deadeye and Nightshade before turning to the mare she was pressed against. “Auntie Luna?”

“Yes, little one?” Luna replied, looking down at Dinky with a soft smile.

“If Captain Deadeye was the only Katakan you found at the colony,” Luna’s smile faltered a little as the filly’s question brought forth memories of the alicorn's reunion with the species, but she managed to keep her attention on Dinky instead. “Then how is his mother here?”

“Oh, that’s easy. When Katakan colts came of age, before I found what had become of them after a thousand years, it was common for them to seek out other colonies.” Luna saw the confusion on Dinky’s face, but with not knowing just how much she knew couldn’t really tell her why. “It is like a pony moving to another town to set up a business which was already present in their home.”

“I… I think I understand,” Dinky said as she watched Deadeye walk around the other guards, inspecting their uniforms and talking with them. The filly giggled as the stallion paused when he saw the next guard had been replaced with his mother, shaking his head. As Nightshade skipped ahead of his path again, another question formed in her mind, and she turned to face Luna. “How come you didn’t tell Captain Deadeye off?”

“‘tis simple, Captain Nightshade was present.” Seeing the confusion on Dinky’s face, Luna’s horn began to glow and she made the several images of ponies appear. “The guards you have seen before are the Lunar Guard, they deal with minor disputes.” Luna pointed at the next image. “The Katakan, or most of them, make up the Lunar Corps, who take care of more… intense situations. Deadeye is the captain of the Corps.”

“And Nightshade?” Dinky asked as she looked at the spectral pictures, the third having several Katakans but in different uniform to the others, and the final one containing Nightshade.

“She is the captain of the Shadowbolts. After hearing from my sister how the Bearers of Harmony met, the idea of the Shadowbolts intrigued me,” Luna said, giving a sigh. “Alas, I found nothing when I looked into it. So I made my own. Nightshade, being both the captain and a Shadowbolt herself, ranks higher than Deadeye. If she had not been present in Ponyville, then I would have dealt with him myself.”

Luna sat up straight when several of the Katakans began growling and moved from their assigned spots, Deadeye and Nightshade amongst them. Wrapping a wing around Dinky, Luna pulled the filly closer to her side as she watched more of her guards move into the room, a small smirk playing at her mouth as soon as she saw it was mainly Shadowbolts.

Turning from the seemingly empty space they were glaring at, Deadeye and Nightshade quickly trotted the throne, the mare looking back over her shoulder as Deadeye gave his report. “Night-mistress, that was shadow magic. A Katakan was probing the castle’s defenses.”

“Then dispatch patrols, apprehend anypony wandering the halls this late at night,” Luna commanded, Deadeye nodding to another guard who slipped into shadow-cloud and disappeared from the room. “Deadeye, get Dinky back to her parents, and do not leave Blueblood’s quarters ere the sun rises.”

“Yes, Night-mistress,” Deadeye said, whipping his hoof to his head in a salute, then looked to Dinky. “Come, my princess.” Kneeling down, the stallion let the filly climb onto his back before heading for the doors, two more Katakans joining at his sides as they left the throne room.

Luna waited until the doors were closed before clearing her throat and getting Nightshade’s attention, the Katakan unusually spooked with her ears splayed against her head. “Something wrong?”

“I am… unsure, Night-mistress,” Nightshade replied, frowning. “I know that shadow essence… but it is impossible. That Katakan is dead.” Or I at least hope he is.

Chapter 17

The Grand Galloping Gala. The most prestigious event if all of Equestria, if not the world. Only accessible by invitation, it was steeped in tradition, a time when the nobles used to gather to discuss the politics of the day, until one pony brought some wine from a far off land with them, and the event eventually turned in the high classed party it was known as today.

The current event was being held in the less used larger ballroom for the first time in a century, the only entry from the castle interior a grand staircase at one end, which commanded the middle of the room, and had a small set of stairs on either side; mares coming in from the left and stallions on the right.

Of course, there were still some nobles who used to event in their attempts to further their own plans, one such mare lavishing the attention that was being afforded to her. Amber Vain ate up all of the compliments on her new dress with smiles and thanks, but on the inside she just wanted them to be done so she could start the first phase of her plan. She breathed a sigh of relief as Princess Celestia’s herald appeared on the staircase, the crowd instantly falling silent.

“Presenting Our Radiance, Her Majesty Princess Celestia, and Our Moonlight, Princess Luna,” the stallion half said-half shouted, the alicorn sisters appearing in a flash of gold and blue respectively, nodding to the room after their guests bowed. The herald waited for the princesses to descend the stairs, then quickly glanced to his sides to ensure the order of his introductions had not been changed at all. “Presenting Our Love Eternal, Her Majesty Princess Cadance, and her husband, Prince-consort Shining Armour.”

The pink alicorn and white unicorn stepped into view, moving down to the the mezzanine and sharing a nuzzle, then descending to the ballroom floor pressed against each others side. The herald waited for them to finish greeting ponies before clearing his throat, his chest swelling with pride for his next introduction. “Presenting for the first time to the court, Princess Dinky, and her guest, Master Pipsqueak.”

That got Amber’s attention even more than the princesses appearing, her eyes narrowing slightly as the unicorn filly drew her gaze when she appeared, being escorted by Captain Deadeye, who was dressed in his best uniform. Giving a quiet huff, she looked across at this ‘Pipsqueak’, her eyes doing opposite and going wide when she recognised him. That damned colt from the Wonderbolts derby! Blueblood, you have a lot to answer for, bringing those even lower than servants here!

Amber then looked at the chaperone of the colt, now worried about her plans; she was one of the few nobles who not only knew who the mare was, but knew what Captain Nightshade was capable of. As the group made their way down the staircase, Amber forced them from her mind; the filly played no part in her plans, just the mare that had yet to appear… for now. She focused her gaze on the left of the stairs as she noticed the herald preparing to speak again.

“Presenting Our Lady of Harmony, Princess Twilight Sparkle, and her consort, Sir Macintosh.”

“Ah ain’t no ‘sir’, sir,” replied the stallion, whilst Twilight’s face turned to one of horror. It then changed to one of sheepishness as polite laughter set in, the crowd falling silent once more as they awaited the herald to announce the last of the important guests, but the stallion simply bowed towards the princesses and left the stairs to the right.

As he did so, he was passed by another pony, who carried himself with the air of somepony who had found all they wanted from life. Blueblood stood and surveyed the room, dressed in a blue dress jacket with gold trim and collar, the colours of House Platinum, which reached just far enough down his back to keep his cutie mark in view. Spotting his aunts, he dropped to one knee and inclined his head, then stood back up.

“Good evening, my fellow nobles,” he said loudly, catching Dinky’s adoring gaze and throwing her a wink. “You have already been introduced to my daughter, little Dinky, and it does me great honour to introduce you to her mother, the Lady Derpy.” Blueblood turned to his right and the guests’ left, bowing once more.

From the entry there came the pegasus mare, taking shaky steps as she moved towards the stallion. She kept her eyes locked with his, and that helped her fight down the nerves of being in a room full of ponies whose social status was much higher than her own, and it was easier this time around thanks to the stallion she now stood in front of.

Blueblood, having seen her in her dress for the first time when she appeared, was frozen. A slightly lighter blue than what adorned him, the dress flowed down her back and covered her tail and rear legs. There was a saddle-esque shape on her back, with holes allowing her wings to come out, and it was completed by a piece that come between her forelegs and covered her barrel. Her forelegs were covered by long blue gloves, adorning her hooves were golden shoes, and around her neck hung a band of pearls.

Suddenly becoming aware of all the eyes on her and of the fact that the gala would not continue without them, Derpy bent a knee and bowed to Blueblood, both of them then standing. In a move they had been practicing all morning, Blueblood took her left forehoof in his right and pressed against her side, the pair walking down the stairs.

When they reached the bottom, the whole congregation, including the princesses, bowed before them, looking to Derpy expectantly. Blueblood had told her they would expect her to say something, and had said to just speak what was in her heart, but those were not the words that came from her mouth. “I… I need a drink.”

The gathered nobles glanced between each other, confused at first until one started to snicker, more following until the room was filled with laughter. Waving a hoof, Blueblood signaled them to rise, then pointed Derpy towards the refreshments table, the nobles parting to allow them passage, some following her and others turning their attention to either each other or the two foals stood in front of the alicorn sisters.

All but one mare, that is. Amber Vain was the only one who didn’t join in with the mirth that had filled the room, and she ignored all of the main points of focus as she slipped through the crowd. Spotting her brother, she walked over and nudged his side, then nodded towards the refreshments table.

Giving a sigh, Sly Cur made his way over, but unlike his sister he was genuinely interested in the mare, wanting to know more about her. It seemed the crowd he eased his way into had lost their tongues, as they were all staring at her without saying a word, so he stepped forward and cleared his throat. “My Lady Derpy, my Lord Blueblood, might I borrow your Lady for a few moments?”

Blueblood turned to see Derpy looking at him, her eyes asking his advice, to which he nodded and gave her a gentle nuzzle, eyes on her as she slowly trotted forward towards Sly, the other nobles closing in behind her path. Sly isn’t that bad, he just has some braindead ideas. I just hope his sister won’t accost...

“Well, hello Prince Blueblood.”

Faust damn it! Turning around, Blueblood found himself looking upon Amber Vain, a constant thorn in his side for as long as he could remember, although, and he hated himself for it, he had to admit to himself she did look quite radiant tonight. He’d humour her for a few moments, then figure out some way to get away. “Lady Vain, always a pleasure,” he said, the last word dripping with sarcasm, but the mare ignored it if she noticed.

“Isn’t it? So, have you given any thought to my proposal?” Amber asked, filling herself a glass of punch. “Of course, I’d let you have your bit of fun on the side, Celestia knows everypony here is doing it.”

“I do not think you understood me the last… I’ve lost count how many times,” Blueblood said as he looked up at the ceiling, showing her and the other nobles how bored he was getting with her. “But I am not interested, and I have never been interested. I am sorry, Lady Vain but you yearn for something that is out of your reach. If you’ll excuse me.”

Amber watched as Blueblood slipped into the crowd, feeling the heat in her cheeks from both anger and embarrassment. How DARE he blow me off in front of everypony! If you want to play hardball, Blueblood, you will regret it! Turning around, Amber stalked off, the other ponies moving out of her way. She made her way up the stairs and along the corridors until she left the castle proper and the grounds afterwards.

Moving into a back alley, she approached the pony she had told to wait there for her, pulling out a pile of bits from the purse she carried. “Two hundreds bits. I want to know that bitch and her little half-blood’s movements in Ponyville. Watch them for a week, report back to me, and I will tell you when to strike. And when you do, what will you do?”

“Capture, not kill unless no other choice is given. Take to family mansion,” replied the pony in the shadows.

“Good. Now go, whilst they are here you can get the layout of that hicktown.” Amber watched with a smug smile as the pony gave her a nod and flashed her a fang-filled smile, their body fading into a fine mist and then they were gone. She then left the alley and galloped home, glad to find her parents had gone out.

Soon she was back in the streets, adorned by a golden cloak and her saddlebags, then made her way towards the train station.

Placing her hoof upon the colt’ back, Nightshade calmed some of her ward’s excitement. A glance to her left showed the young princess was Pipsqueak’s polar opposite, hiding from the ponies she didn’t know behind Deadeye’s forelegs. Catching her son’s eye, Nightshade threw him a wink and blew him a kiss, causing the stallion to narrow his gaze at her.

Several of the nobles came closer, wearing soft smiles as they looked to the unicorn filly, the mares fawning over the way she tried to hide herself further. Not liking the attention that was being given to her in the slightest, Dinky tapped Deadeye’s leg, waiting for the stallion to lowered his head to her before speaking. “Can we go somewhere else? There’s too many ponies here.”

Deadeye leaned over to Nightshade and whispered the request in her ear. Just as she was about to reply, she caught movement to the side in her eyes, and she looked over to see Princess Luna summoning her. Leaning over, she whispered her response to Deadeye, “To the upper garden with them, like we planned.”

The stallion gave a nod, waiting for his mother to leave before stepping between the foals and covering them both with his wings, getting disappointed ‘awws’ from a few of the mares. “My apologies, my lords and ladies, but Princess Dinky has requested some air. Fear not, she shall return soon.”

Kneeling down, Deadeye allowed Dinky and Pip to climb on his back, the filly hiding her face in his thick mane as he carried them to the far end of the hall. Slipping through the open double doors there, he ignored the torch-lit plaza and turned to a set of steps to the right, taking his time. When he got to the top, he chuckled when he heard a gasp behind him, knowing Pip had spotted the other Katakans stood around.

Moving to one of the benches by a fountain, Deadeye crouched a little to allow the foals to slip off his back. Once he was unburdened, he made his way over to where a table was set up, grabbing a cup of water and nodding to the Katakan who had just come on break.

Over on the bench, Pipsqueak barely sat still, his head turning every which way as he noticed more and more Katakans. Dinky simply gave a sigh, knowing how much the colt was interested in them ever since seeing Deadeye collect her from school. “Is something wrong?” Pip asked, turning to look at Dinky.

“I… thought there’d be more foals here. But it’s full of prissy ponies who just want to stare at me,” Dinky said loudly, throwing her forehooves into the air. “I don’t like being stared at!”

“Even by me?” Pip giggled when Dinky’s cheeks turned pink, and she quickly averted her gaze from him. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“You didn’t,” Dinky replied, using the colt’s moment of pause to slowly lean over, gently pressing her lips to his. It was only a light touch, but she bit her lip and smirked when she saw the flustered state she had let Pipsqueak in.

“Princess Dinky?” The filly looked around to see had spoken her name, her gaze settling upon on the unicorn mare she had seen with Celestia several times. “I apologize for interrupting, but Princess Cadance is looking for you.”

Dinky gave her a nod, quickly kissed the still stunned Pipsqueak on his cheek, then hopped down from the bench, following the mare back into the ballroom. So distracted was the colt that he didn’t notice the pony coming up next to him until a hoof was placed his back.

“Your first kiss with her?” Deadeye asked, getting a slow nod in reply. “How was it? Did it meet your expectations?”

Pip frowned a little, then looked up at the stallion. “It was… wet.”

So this is what a Katakan guard looks like…

Just as his wife decided to treat herself with a few tarts at the table, Lucky noticed a Katakan royal guard standing just by the entrance leading to the gardens. He walked towards the stallion and began to thoroughly inspect the Katakan. I’ve never seen one up close before…

“Is there a problem, Sir?”

Lucky’s thought were interrupted by a stallion’s voice from behind, causing him to turn around. “Oh no, nothing’s wrong at all, I was just—” he paused when he saw who he was addressing. “Captain Wise?”

“Fluke?” Wise Words replied immediately, before he cleared his throat straightened himself. “I mean, Sir Lucky Mint… it’s good to see you again.” the elder stallion bowed a little in the presence of his former subordinate.

What the? “I should be the one to call you ‘Sir’, Captain… you technically outrank me, since I retired as a private when you were still my commanding officer.” Lucky replied, frowning a little when he was greeted with a laugh from Wise Words.

“That was a long time ago, Lucky… many things have changed since.” Wise said as they both began to walk amongst the crowd of ponies. The older stallion noticed the younger unicorn limping, causing the former to grimace. Though somethings don’t… “I take it that injury still affects you?”

Lucky cocked his brow a little before he looked down to where Wise was gazing. “Oh! Oh this old thing, not as much as it did the past when I had to retire… still a few spasms from time to time and occasional spikes of pain, especially in the cold.”

“I’m so sorry…” Wise replied solemnly, looking away from Lucky.

“Captain, we’ve been over this… It wasn’t your fault, it was the zebra that tried, and failed, to spear Celestia on that so called peaceful mission,” Lucky responded. “Anyhow, I’m just curious… if you’re not in the guard anymore, what are you doing at the castle?”

“After I retired, not long after you, I became a butler for House Platinum…” Wise Words said as they faced the dancefloor. “After Prince Noble Heart and Lady Silver Lining’s untimely demise, I became the guardian of Master Blueblood.” he finished and looked to the stallion who was dancing with Derpy in the centre of the dancefloor.

Wait a second! “Blueblood as in the Prince and Minister of Finance Blueblood?” Lucky uttered out, turning his attention to where Wise Words was looking.

“The same.” Wise titled his head. “Is… is something the matter?”

“Well as long as he doesn’t break my daughter’s heart,” Again… “Then no, nothing is the matter at all.”

It was Wise’s turn to be surprised as his pupils dilated ever so slightly before he spoke again. “I beg your pardon? Is Lady Derpy your daughter?”

“Sure is,” Lucky replied proudly, grinning at his former commanding officer. “Sugary Myth and I adopted her after I retired.” he said as he turned to Wise, who started to laugh and shake his head.

“Even at this age, life throws so many surprises at me…” Wise said as he sighed with a smile. “Who would have thought your daughter would be the one to capture my master’s heart?”

That and more… “By the way, how is your family doing?” Lucky asked Wise, but stopped when he saw the elder stallion’s eyes looking downwards and becoming a little moist. “Captain?”

Wise quickly wiped the build up of tears from his eyes before he cleared his throat and tucked the tissue back in his suit’s pocket. “My apologies… just memories. To be honest, I don’t know… I haven’t seen my wife or child in over three decades.”

“Oh… I’m so sorry.” Lucky uttered out, looking away in shame before he felt a hoof on his shoulder.

“Be at ease, you didn’t know…” Wise assured Lucky, before both of them looked to the couple still dancing. After a few moments, the elder stallion looked around yet saw no sign of the pony he was looking for. “I wonder where Lady Dinky is?” he asked out loud.

Lucky furrowed his brow as he too began to scout out the ballroom. “I don’t know… but she was with some colt earlier.”

“Ah yes, Master Pipsqueak… admirable little colt, if I do say so myself.”

“So long as he doesn’t do anything funny to my sweet little grandchild…” Lucky said before his eyes landed on Sugary Myth, who was walking towards him with a frown upon her face. “What’s wrong, Sugary?” he asked when she finally came to a halt before him.

Sugary shoved a hoof against his chest. “Who do you think you are just leaving me all alone?!” she barked out at Lucky, causing him to sweat a little.

“It’s my fault, Sugary…” Wise Words intervened, causing the mare to lower her hoof and turn to the older unicorn. “I was just having a friendly conversation with your husband.” The mare narrowed her eyes at both stallions, leaning in close.

“You’d better behave yourselves, I know what you colts are like when you get together,” Sugary warned, then gave them both a warm smile and trotting off back into the crowd, the two stallions letting out the breaths they didn’t even realised they were holding.

“So…” Lucky began, looking towards his friend. “Silver Lining… that’s the name of an orphanage here in Canterlot. That’s where we got Derpy from.”

“It was renamed after the fire at the Platinum household,” Wise said, giving a sad sigh. “Lady Lining made many reforms as the head of FPS, including using her own funds to renovate that very orphanage.”

“Now that’s a mare deserving to be called a noble. A drink to her memory?” Lucky asked, giving Wise a wink as he pulled out a silver flask from inside his jacket...

Chapter 18

Hutch stared after the receding Blueblood for a moment, then turned his gaze to the buffet table. The treats that intrigued him were the apple and cherry muffins, using his mother’s cherries and apples from Sweet Apple Acres. He picked one up and had just taken a bite when somepony behind him spoke.

“How do ya like them?”

Turning around, he saw an orange earth pony mare looking at him. A quick glance at the red brooch shaped as an apple on her dress was enough to tell him she was the mare who made them, and he chewed for a few moments then swallowed. “Pretty good,” Hutch replied, taking a smaller bite. “It’s the first time I’ve seen these items used together.”

He was about to ask the mare how she had gotten hold of his mother’s cherries when another female voice rose above the chatting of the party goers. “Hu~utchy!” His ears splayed against his head as he turned to face the mare, then frowned when he saw her looking between him and the orange mare. “Well look at that, you an’ Miss Applejack already met!”

“How many times have I asked you politely not to call me on my nickname in public, mom?” Hutch asked her, his voice flat and his face staring blankly at her.

Cherry Jubilee giggled at her son’s words before she hugged and nuzzled him. “Can’t a mother show her handsome son who she hasn’t seen in a long time some affection?” she asked, then turning to Applejack, who was staring at the two in disbelief. “What’s wrong Applejack? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Applejack went to say something, but quickly shook her head. “N-nothing! Ah’m actually surprised yer here in Canterlot, Dodge Junction is mighty far from here.”

“Well, I was invited by Princess Celestia to this event courtesy to my cherries being used in the making of these treats.” Cherry replied as she took a bite of an apple and cherry crumble, beaming at the taste she was experiencing. “And I can tell you made these.” she said.

Applejack nodded before she replied with a grin. “Ah sure did.”

“Of course you did. I know when an Apple has made a dish just by tasting it. If you haven’t found a stallion yet, you’ll keep one when you do!” Cherry tittered at the orange mare’s burning cheeks before she gestured for Applejack to come closer, which she did, and immediately the cream earth pony mare leaned into her ear and whispered.

“My darling boy is free you know, and I saw how you were eying him earlier.” she said, Applejack lowered her head and removed her trademark stetson, covering her glowing face with it. “Oh! But I have to go and greet the Princesses! I’ll leave you two alone now.” Cherry said as she planted a kiss on her son’s cheek. “Ta ta…” she said before she walked off to where Celestia was and started a new conversation with her.

After a few moments that seemed to last forever, Hutch finally cleared his throat before he spoke again. “I’m so sorry about my mother… she can be quite a hoofful.” he said as he shook his head.

Ah should know… Applejack chuckled as she adjusted her hat back on her head. “That’s alright, sugarcube. So yer from the Jubilee family?” she asked Hutch, noticing he had the same mane colour as his mother yet a different coat. Her eyes lingered to his flank, where she saw a pair of cherries with an infinity mark in the back. A tiny smiling crept onto the mare’s face as she focused on him.

He sure has got a nice fla— Applejack’s eyes dilated as she snorted, abruptly looking away when her face heated up again. What the hay is wrong with ya Applejack! Ya just met him and already yer fantasizing about him! Even though he seems like an awfully kind, handsome to boot stallion—

“Everything alright?”

Applejack let out a gasp, jumping into the air and surprising all the other ponies who were close by. “Ah’m alright,” she quickly replied as she straightened herself.

“Alright, as for your question Miss... I am indeed a Jubilee.” Hutch said as he bowed a little to Applejack. “Currently enrolled at CBU, and partaking in an internship under the care of Prince Blueblood.” he said, a smile etched on his face when she saw the mare cocking her brow.

“So what, yer training to be a prince?” Applejack asked, frowning a little when she was answered via laughter from Hutch.

Hutch cleared his throat again but still wore his grin. “Heavens no, it’s just something CBU does, normally a placement in a working position at the Ministry of Finance.” he answered her, diminishing his broad smile to a smaller one. “I’ve always been good with numbers, yet not with farm work."

"Funny, ya look like ya can handle yourself well on a farm."

"Looks can be very deceiving in life, Miss Applejack." Hutch replied, arching his brow when he saw the faintest blush on her.

Darnit! "Just call me AJ sugar, all my friends do." she said as she took a bite of her apple and cherry crumble.

“Weren’t you a participant in the Canterlot Rodeo some years ago?” Hutch asked her as he too was savouring the taste of some of the bonne bouche before him. “If I remember correctly, you were one of the best contestants.”

“Yeah... “ Applejack trailed off as she lowered her piece of crumble and looked at Hutch. “How did ya know that?” she asked him.

Hutch shrugged as he swallowed a treat he was chewing on. “My mother sent me a letter, does it once a week to keep in contact. Always speaks of daily events during the week. She spoke of a ‘very independent and hardworking mare from Ponyville” who helped her out on the farm, who was also in the rodeo that year.” he trailed off, giving off a snort as he laughed. “Makes me miss the days when I was in rodeos…”

“Ya took part in them rodeos too?” Applejack became intrigued, unconsciously stepping closer towards the stallion.

“Mostly second or third place in my high school, didn’t have much time to perform in rodeos again when I enrolled in Canterlot University. Not a lot of spare time when you’re currently studying in Accounting and Finances.”

Applejack’s smile diminish as she furrowed her brow. “Oh…” she trailed off as she backed away from Hutch. “So ya still in school?” she asked him, scanning his body again and noticing she was a little shorter than he was.

“Indeed,” Hutch replied. “Hopefully be finished with my Masters in two years,” the stallion said before his ears perked to the sound of a new song playing, with the other ponies making their way to the dancefloor. “Aren’t you going to dance?”

“If Ah had a date, Ah would have loved to, but alone… that’s not going to happen.” Applejack said before she saw Hutch offering his hoof to her. The mare looked to the hoof and to his face, seeing a rather charming smile grace his features.

Might as well… “Since we’re in the same boat, would you care for a dance?” he asked her politely.

After a few moments of silence, Applejack blinked to reveal demure eyes and a soft smile emitting from her muzzle before she placed her hoof onto his. Might as well… “Sure thing, Sugarcube…” she replied and both her and Hutch trotted to the others dancing in the centre of the ballroom.

Not far from where Applejack and Hutch had their conversation, Cherry Jubilee and Princess Celestia eyed the two ponies with interest, the former grinning triumphantly at what she saw. I knew it… my boy’s such a charm when he meets a mare like Applejack…Her eyes lingered until they landed on Blueblood and Derpy, who were still dancing slowly to the music resonating across the room. “You must be very happy for your nephew.”

“You have no idea,” Celestia nodded as she sipped on her glass of wine, enjoying the view from the back row. “And I do approve of the mare he has chosen to be with.” she said, seeing Derpy smiling and wearing one of the most beautiful dresses she has ever seen, something that doesn’t happen often. I just hope nothing bad happens to her or little Dinky…

Cherry cleared her throat before she spoke again. “By the way, where is your sister, Princess?” she asked, looking around the ballroom and not seeing any sign of Princess Luna.

Having left the ballroom and made their way out onto the balcony that ran around the roof of the room, Luna and Nightshade walked past several other Katakans until they were looking down over the gardens. Staring out over the city, Luna let out a sigh. “I am slightly disappointed in you, Nightshade.”

The Katakan mare let out a small whimper, but said nothing and waited for Luna to continue.

“I thought you were more thorough, that you would have checked for a body. Why did you not?” Luna asked, looking at Nightshade with a frown.

“Dark Star was near death when he fell, his wings were useless and he could not shadow dive,” Nightshade replied with a slight shrug. “How, if it was him the other night, he managed to survive, I cannot even guess at.”

“Next time I send you on such a task, I do not expect you make a half-flanked attempt at it. It matters not he was your brother, Dark Star committed atrocities supposedly in my name. If it is him, I expect you to finish the job this time… or I will be finding a new captain for my Shadowbolts. Do I make myself clear?” Luna asked, now glaring at Nightshade.

“As crystal, Night-mistress,” Nightshade said as she bowed her head. Luna snorted and turned away, looking down into the gardens. Following her gaze, Nightshade saw Dinky and Pipsqueak on one of the benches by a fountain, her son just off to the side. A small smirk came to her face, and, even if it clashed with their previous conversation, she couldn’t resist the temptation to tease. “So, Luna… when are you going to take a stallion for yourself?”

“N-Nightshade!” Luna said in high pitched voice, looking at the Katakan with wide eyes and blushing cheeks. “It would not be proper.”

“My son is single, I’ve seen the way you look at him.” Nightshade’s grin got wider as Luna’s blush deepened. I knew there was something that colt wasn’t telling me. “A Katakan stallion can go for hours, you know.”

“That is enough, Nightshade,” Luna snapped, not meeting the Katakans gaze. “Who I do or do not have relations is between the other party and myself.” The pair fell silent, looking down at the foals below them. Both mares began to smile as the filly slowly moved her muzzle towards the colt’s.

As the music slowly died down, Derpy sighed inwardly as she removed her head from Blueblood’s shoulder, not wanting to let go of her stallion. When she felt her stallion slowly pull himself away from her, she had the urge to cling onto him as though he was the only one to offer her sanctuary.

“Say, Derpy… mind following me outside?” Blueblood asked her.

Immediately giving him a nod, she walked alongside Blueblood, instinctively leaning close to him as a soft smile decorated her face along with tinted cheeks. Derpy could swear she heard a few ponies already conversing with gossip about her.

Just as they reached the entrance leading to the gardens, a pink mare swiftly blockaded their way to the outside world. “Hey! The party is just getting started.” Pinkie Pie moaned at the couple as she pouted. “Why are you leaving now?”

“We’re just going to the gardens Pinkie.” Derpy tried to explain to her, but her words didn’t get them past their living barrier.

“Aww c’mon! There’s still so much to do and I still have to show you how to do the—” Pinkie’s words were cut off when Blueblood placed his hoof on her mouth and removed it once the earth pony stayed silent.

Blueblood smiled before he gestured Pinkie to come forward. When she did, he leaned into her ear and started to whisper something that Derpy could not hear. As he finished, the pink mare beamed before giving a salute.

“No problem! You spend as much time as you need in the gardens! I will not let a soul leave the premises no matter what. Cross my heart,” Pinkie placed her hoof on her chest and drew a cross on her heart. “Hope to fly! Stick a cupcake in my eye!” she finished as she poked her eye, giggling before bouncing away.

I will never understand Pinkie… Derpy cocked her brow as she turned to Blueblood. “What was that about?”

“Just her being herself?” Blueblood answered her as he laughed. “Let’s go.” he said as he took a hold of her hoof and exited to the gardens.

Pinkie Pie bounced to Princess Celestia, who was standing next to Wise Words as they shared a drink. “Um, Princess… mind if I ask if we can make this music a little ‘livelier’?” she requested to the princess, beaming in anticipation.

“An excellent idea,” Celestia answered as she smiled at Pinkie. “Wise, do you mind relaying to Octavia and the others?” she asked the stallion.

“Of course.” Wise bowed to Celestia before he made his way to the orchestra players, approaching a dark grey earth pony mare playing the cello. When he finished relaying the request, the mare nodded with a soft smile and turned to her fellow musicians. Once they understood what was asked of them, the band started to play a new piece, that was indeed faster and more extravagant than the last piece.

Sounds like we’re missing a really good song… Derpy’s thoughts trailed off as she walked alongside Blueblood in the gardens. Her breath hitched in her throat when she saw he had led her to a different area than her previous visit, but one that had changed her life nearly a decade ago.

“Say, Blue… why are we leaving the party?” Derpy asked her stallion, but was answered only by a smile and him stopping in his tracks. Blueblood sat down and beckoned her over, taking her hoof in his, the mare looking around with wide eyes. “This is—”

“The place where we first met…” Blueblood finished her sentence, leaning his muzzle to her ear before he nibbled on it, causing Derpy to giggle. “I still remember how you greeted me back then…’It’s a beautiful night, isn’t it?’” the stallion mimicked the pegasus, doing his best to sound like a mare.

Derpy cocked her brow as she grinned at the unicorn. “And you yelped and jumped in the air like a little filly on Nightmare Night.” she snickered as she imitated Blueblood from when she first met him.

“I did not!” Blueblood rebutted Derpy’s words, furiously blushing as he looked away from the laughing mare. She’s not ever going to forget that, is she? He slowly turned his head back to her when she finally stopped laughing and looked at him with half lidded eyes. He was then greeted by a pair of lips pressing against his, before he melted into the kiss and brought his hooves around her neck.

As they continued, Blueblood lay his back on the grass with Derpy against his chest. Once they disconnected from each other, the mare rolled off of him and scooted closer against his side, resting her head against his shoulder as she lay a foreleg over the stallion’s barrel. Her eyes looked up to the night’s sky, where the stars shined brightly down upon them. Since Princess Luna’s return, the night really has become more beautiful…

“I think I saw a shooting star just now,” Blueblood spoke randomly as he pointed to a cluster of stars.

“Did you make a wish?”

Blueblood shook his head as he nuzzled Derpy’s. “I don’t think I need to wish for anything right now at this point,” he said as he turned his gaze to Derpy. “Not when I’m with the most beautiful mare in Equestria…”

Derpy tittered at his words as she blushed with a soft smile. “Flatterer.” she said as she playfully shoved at his chest.

“Yet you don’t object to that, do you?” Blueblood smirked as he kissed her burning cheek, eliciting a giggle from her. His smile dropped though as he raised himself to sit upwards, with his back facing Derpy’s face. “Well… there is one wish that I have, but it’s not exactly something I can ask a shooting star.”

“Blue?” Derpy pushed herself from the grass until her back was free from the ground and she reached a hoof to her stallion’s back. “What is it?” she asked curiously as a frown formed on her features in concern. She thought she saw a box of some kind for a moment in the clutches of the unicorn as she tried to look over his shoulder. What’s he hiding?

The answer was given to her as Blueblood turned around and showed her a black jewelry box, slowly opening it to reveal a necklace with a blue diamond attached to it. Derpy’s pupils dilated as she stared in awe at the beauty of the heart-shaped gem, before her stallion cleared his throat to bring her attention to his eyes.

“My wish is to be with you and Dinky forever… will you grant me this wish?” he asked her, his lips giving a slight tremor in anticipation.

Oh my gosh! Derpy gasped as she placed a hoof to her open mouth, her eyes returning to the diamond necklace. She tried to think this through, but her heart was beginning to control her body as her lips started to quiver and her eyes became watery from the sincere request Blueblood had just asked her. She looked into his eyes again, removing her hoof from her muzzle as she emitted the brightest smile she could muster, as tears of joy freely flowed from her eyes.

“Yes!” Derpy uttered out before she literally shoved her muzzle against Blueblood’s, who returned the embrace with as much vigor. After a few moments more of kissing, she finally released herself from him and lowered her head as he placed the necklace around her neck, reinforcing the bond between them.

As she looked down on the diamond dangling from her neck, her vision was blurred as more tears leaked from her eyes that she tried to wipe away in a vain attempt. “It’s so beautiful…”

“You’re beautiful, Derpy…” Blueblood replied as he placed his hooves around her neck and brought her in closer, his muzzle just mere centimeters away from hers. “I love you…” he whispered to her.

Derpy sniffed before she placed her hoof on his cheek and gazed into his eyes demurely before she replied. “I love you too…” she said as she slowly brought her lips to his, embracing her fiancé and lover under the moonlight.

Yes! Celestia mentally cheered as she looked upon the couple from the bushes. If Luna saw me like this now, she would never let it go… she said to herself as she climbed out of the bushes and trotted back to the ballroom, using her magic to clean herself from any leaves that may have been stuck on her. Now we just need organize a venue and a date for it… oooh! This is going to be so much fu—

“Tia.”

Celestia snorted and stopped dead in her tracks as her thoughts came to a halt, and she saw her sister and Nightshade standing in front of her. The latter had a grin on her face as she shook her head and tsked at the princess.

“You’re lucky they didn’t find you, Princess.” Nightshade spoke as she looked over Celestia’s shoulder and saw the couple in the distance reveling in each other’s embrace and in complete obliviousness to their surroundings. “Your technique needs more finesse and you give off too much sound in your hoofsteps when—” she stopped talking when Luna raised her hoof.

“That’s enough, Nightshade.” Luna said as she eyed the Shadowbolt captain, who bowed before stepping away from the sisters. “Tia, that was very uncouth of you to spy on your nephew like that…I may watch ponies in the night, but only to a certain degree.” she reprimanded her sister.

To be lectured by my younger sister… Celestia sighed in defeat as she nodded. “I know, Luna… it was just a spur of the moment thing.” she insured her sister, her ears twitching when they heard hoofsteps coming from behind them. “I suggest we make ourselves scarce before they find us.”

“Agreed.” Luna replied as she and Celestia both flew into the sky with Nightshade following suit.

Looks like things have gone smoothly tonight… Now if only my son would be more courageous and do what Prince Blueblood did tonight… Nightshade thought to herself as a grin formed on her face. Maybe I should give a little push to him or the Night-mistress. A sigh escaped from her muzzle as the trio landed on the balcony on top of the ballroom, Nightshade looking around for any other pony lingering the castle ground. I just hope I’m wrong about that presence I sensed the other night…

“Nightshade?” Luna called out from an open door. “Will you join us?” the princess asked her captain as she beckoned her to come in.

“Of course, Night-Mistress.” Nightshade answered Luna as she walked to the door before she looked back one last time to the night sky and the gardens below.

I pray I’m wrong about this… Please let it not be him…

Chapter 19

After dinner was eaten, Dinky found herself on a stool in front of the kitchen sink, her tongue poking out as she carefully lifted a plate in her magic, sent a sponge over it, then rinsed it and placed it in the drainer.

Ever since Pip had invited her to sleep over at his house, Blueblood had been quite strict with Dinky the past week. Extra chores around the house, no playing until her homework was done, and other such things. She didn’t mind though, as her reward would be worth it. So, with a happy hum, she stuck her hoof into the warm water and swirled around, finding nothing and pulling the plug out.

Hopping down from her stool, Dinky scampered out of the kitchen, up the stairs, and into her bedroom, where she came to a skidding halt. Her mother was already there, packing a set of saddlebags with some of Dinky’s pyjamas. Turning to her daughter, Derpy slowly raised an eyebrow. “Tell me again why I shouldn’t be worried.”

Dinky sighed, then gave a small giggle. “I told you mom, we’re going to do some stargazing, then spend the night in his treehouse. His mom will be with us all time… besides, I’m too young for any of that.”

“And how do you know about… that?” Derpy asked, fearing the answer.

“Uh, I like science, remember?” Dinky replied, rolling her eyes. “That includes biology.”

“True… but you’ll understand my concerns when you’re a mother,” Derpy warned, smirking when she saw Dinky’s worried expression. Derpy glanced at the clock next to Dinky’s bed, giving a gasp then turning around and finished her packing, then gently placed the bags on Dinky’s back. “You’d best get a move on, and have fun.”

“I will mom, see you Sunday,” Dinky said, rising up to wrap her forelegs around her mother’s neck, giving her a kiss on the cheek. She then pulled away, running from her room and down the stairs. Blueblood was stood in the hall, and Dinky paused to hug and kiss him too, calling out her goodbye over her shoulder as she ran out of the door, not hearing his reply.

The streets of Ponyville in the early evening were sparsely populated, just the odd pony here or there, none of them blocking the fast moving filly as she made tracks across town. She had only been to Pip’s a few times, but knew exactly how to get there from her home. So when she came across an impromptu street party in her way, she skidded to a halt, cocking her head.

“Princess Dinky, what troubles you?” came a male voice from behind the filly, causing her to spin around. Her heart was pounding, both from the exertion and surprise, but she took a deep breath before smiling at the pony, who was wearing a black cloak with the hood down.

“Um… I know you’re a Katakan, but you’re not wearing any armour…”

“Ah. My name is Dark Star,” said the stallion, giving her a friendly smile. “I am here on orders from the Night-Mistress and Captain Deadeye. They want me to keep an eye on you. Now where are you going so late at night on your own?”

“I’m on my way to my co… friend’s, but I dunno how to get there other than this way,” Dinky said, pointing her hoof at the crowd in her path.

“There’s an alley over here, Princess,” Dark Star said with a nod of his head. “It loops around. I can take you down there if you wish?”

“That would be lovely, thank you Mr Star.”

Giving her another smile, Dark Star waited for Dinky to enter the alley and walk down it a little before reaching into his cloak with a wing. Once he was certain nopony could see them, he jumped forward, sticking a syringe in Dinky’s flank.

The filly gave a yelp from the slight pain, turning to ask Dark Star what was going on, but she couldn’t form the words and her vision was blurry. Dinky then began to feel tired and heavy, like her hooves were made of lead, and her body went numb. The last thing she saw was the golden eyes of Dark Star.

Checking he was still in the clear, Dark Star gently rolled Dinky into a sack and placed her on his back. He grabbed a scroll from inside his cloak, using his hoof and a nail to attach it to a wall. Moving out of the building’s lights that were shining into the alley, he faded away into a fine mist, taking the filly with him.

“You know, this is more complicated then I remember!” Blueblood moaned as Derpy lay sprawled over his back, the stallion’s hooves supporting the weight of them both.

Derpy giggled and kissed his cheek. “Unicorns aren’t exactly built for this.” she teased him as she stretched a hoof towards an arrow that pointed to various colours. When she gave it a spin, she watched until the arrow finally landed on a random target. “Right Forehoof Green!”

Here goes! Blueblood pressed hard against his left foreleg’s hoof and lifted his right forehoof to a green spot not far from him. He smiled in glee as he was about to reach it, but dread soon followed when his left foreleg started to wobble. Pony feathers! Before he knew it, he fell onto his back and Derpy landed on his chest as she cheered and laughed at the same time.

“I win!” Derpy shouted out as she laughed hysterically and blew a raspberry at Blueblood. “That’s two for me and one for you.”

“You cheated!” Blueblood said.

“No I didn’t”

Blueblood cocked his brow as he stared at Derpy. “You used your wings, and that’s cheating.”

Derpy pouted as she looked back at her wings, still tucked into her torso. “I didn’t use them.”

“Yes you did.” Blueblood said mischievously before he reached for Derpy’s wings and subjected them to a fury of tickles. As he continued with his onslaught, he felt his fiancée squirm in his hold as she tried to escape, whilst laughing uncontrollably.

“S-stop!” Derpy pleaded as she tried to get out of Blueblood’s grip, yet her attempts were in vain as he continued to tickle her. She tried to tickle him in return but found it difficult as she could barely concentrate. Finally when she felt his hooves releasing her sides, she let out a huff as she sighed in relief.

Just as Derpy was about to get off from Blueblood’s chest, she was caught off guard again when he planted his lips against hers. As the surprise subsided, she melted into the kiss and rested her body upon her fiancé who wrapped his hooves around her torso. When she felt her stallion’s hooves reach for her flank, she momentarily removed her lips for his muzzle and smiled demurely down upon him. “Let’s take this to our room…”

“Okay.” Blueblood answered and both he and Derpy got up from the ground and made their way to the bedroom. Just as he was about to close the door behind him, a knock on the front door stopped the couple from secluding themselves in the separate room.

Who could that be? Derpy thought to herself as she walked downstairs to answer the door. Upon opening it she saw a brown pinto unicorn mare with white patches adoring her body with a cutie mark of a constellation.

“Oh, Autumn Star... Hi,” Derpy greeted the mare, yet frowned a little when she saw the concern on the other mare’s face and she finally noticed a little colt standing in front of the unicorn mare. “Pip? What’s going on here?”

“Is Dinky here with you?” Autumn asked.

Derpy shook her head and furrowed her brow even deeper. “No, she’s suppose to be with...” she said as she switched her gaze from Autumn to Pip.

Autumn shook her head as her ears drooped slowly. “We were expecting her about an hour ago, but she hasn’t arrived at our house… so I wondered if she forgot about the sleepover tonight—”

“But she’s not the kind of filly to ditch a friend!” Pip interjected, scrunching his lips as he looked down to the ground.

“She’s not the kind of filly to run away, is she?” Autumn asked Derpy.

“No, never!” Derpy shouted out before she covered her mouth with her hoof. “She’s would never run away from home.”

“Derpy,” Blueblood called out as he walked toward the front door. “Everything okay?” he asked her.

Derpy shook her head as her lips quivered. “Dinky’s missing.” she uttered out as a tear streaked from her eye, causing Blueblood to hold onto her. Before she knew it, more tears escaped from her as she tried to contain them.

As he held onto Derpy, Blueblood pupils dilated in shock as his jaw dropped open and he stared at Autumn. His mouth slowly closed as his eyes narrowed and a frown appeared on his face.

“Autumn, can you and Pip take Derpy to the local guard and report this please?” Blueblood asked the unicorn mare as he let go of Derpy.

“What are you going to do?” Derpy asked Blueblood as she looked up into his eyes, but was answered by a brief kiss from him.

“I’m going to Twilight… my Aunts need to know about this.” he replied as he walked out the door. “I’ll see you at the guard’s station when I’m done!” Blueblood called out as he galloped towards the library.

“...and then she said ‘I’m a pony, that’s why I have a long face!”

Canterlot Castle’s throne room erupted into laughter as the yellow stallion gave the punchline to his joke, smiling as the twin sisters upon their thrones nearly fell from their seats as they struggled to contain their mirth. Gathering her composure first, Luna wiped a tear from her eye and smiled at the stallion. “Thou art truly good at thy profession, Mr Sandwich. We would greatly appreciate it if thou wouldst perform at the party we have arranged.”

“It’d be my pleasure, your highness,” Cheese Sandwich said as he bowed low. “For now, I have a show to put on at Canterlot’s Comedy Store, so I’ll take my leave.”

Luna nodded, smiling widely as one of her Katakans guided him out of the room. Now that she had managed to calm down somewhat, Luna levitated two glasses over, one being taken in the golden glow of her sister’s magic. A sudden pop made them both blink, a scroll appearing in green flame.

Grabbing it with her magic, Celestia took a sip of her wine as she unrolled the scroll and began to read it over. Everypony in the throne room jumped when her magic cut out and her glass fell to the floor, smashing into bits and the liquid inside soaking into the carpet.

“Celestia, what is it?” Luna asked, frowning when the scroll was shakily floated over to her, getting worried as her sister’s magic never faltered in such a way. Ah, a note from Blueblood. What has he said that has spooked Cele… Her thoughts cut off when she saw the main passage, the alicorn pausing for a moment. She then jumped from her throne and forced the room’s doors open with her magic. “SHADOWBOLTS, TO THE DREAMCATCHER!”

The Royal Canterlot Voice echoed down the corridors of the castle, most likely waking those from the day staff who had already fallen asleep, but Luna did not care. Turning to her left, she floated the scroll in front of Deadeye, who quickly scanned the document. With a snarl of anger the stallion slipped into the shadows, leaving Luna with a rather grim looking smile on her face.

Inside one of the barracks that was hidden within the inner walls of Canterlot Castle, nearly a hundred Katakas were sitting at long wooden benches, enjoying their evening meals. Each and every one paused and looked to the centre of the room as a black mist appeared, coalescing into the form of Deadeye. The one-eyed stallion took a single glance around the room then headed towards the doors. “First platoon, with me. We’re due on the Dreamcatcher five minutes ago!”

A third of the Katakans groaned quietly, but still stood and followed their captain out into the training grounds where the airship was docked. Once his group were on board and he checked for the presence of the Shadowbolts, Deadeye made his way to the wheelhouse and told the pilot in no uncertain terms to make for Ponyville at full speed.

When he stepped back onto the deck, the thirty Katakans of first platoon were waiting, silent as they stared at him. To the side were several mares and stallions in purple full body armour, Nightshade stood in front of them and placing a helmet onto her head. Spotting her son she gave him a nod, and he turned to face the regular Corps. “Katakans! We have received a note from Prince Blueblood. His daughter is missing!” Deadeye felt pride over his Katakans as they all began to growl angrily at the news. “We will be in Ponyville within half an hour at full speed. Before we even land, I want you down there and searching for any sign of Princess Dinky.”

Every Katakan, except the Shadowbolts, had their manes and tails billowing in the wind as the Dreamcatcher sped away from Mount Canterlot, twin streaks of magical fire billowing from behind. From below the airship would have seemed like an angry dragon hurtling through the skies, but what it carried was much, much worse.

Very soon the lights of Ponyville came into view, and Katakans started dropping from the Dreamcatcher in twos. Deadeye, Nightshade, and the Shadowbolts waited until they were near the centre of town before jumping over the side of the airship, diving straight down and stopping once they were close to the ground.

As soon as his hooves touched the ground, Deadeye marched up to the house they had landed in front of, staring harshly at of the two guards stood outside. “Report.”

“No sign of the filly, nor any sort of scuffle, has been found in the town sir,” the guard replied, shaking slightly as he faced off against the angry Katakan. “The captain and the other guards are still out looking. She told us to stay here in case somepony tried something against the parents,” he quickly tacked on, taking a deep breath when Deadeye stepped back.

The door being opened drew their attention, Blueblood stood in the light. He took one glance at the scene and then stepped out, being followed by a unicorn mare. “Captain Deadeye, this is Autumn Spark, Pipsqueak’s mother. She is the one that told us about Dinky missing,” he said as he surveyed the Shadowbolts. “Come, let us walk to route to their home.”

Giving a nod, Deadeye, Nightshade, and the Shadowbolts followed Blueblood and Autumn as they slowly trotted down the streets, the Katakans looking, listening, and sniffing for any sign of the missing filly. As one the Katakans began to growl when they passed one alley, Deadeye and Nightshade pushing their way through the others.

The stallion sniffed at the air, his eye narrowed as he looked around. “There is shadow essence here… but I did not send a Katakan. Mother?” he asked, turning to the mare.

“I did not order it either. Whoever this pony is, he is not of those in service to the Night-mistress,” Nightshade said as she moved into the shadow, half of her body turning to mist. Deadeye watched with a little jealously, as it was an ability he did not possess, that of perfect control over the shadow magic. “It is as I feared…. the Katakan was Dark Star.”

Deadeye snarled and struck out with a hoof, leaving a hole in the brick wall to his side. “When I see him again, I am going to rip out his throat!” The stallion said, looking at his hooves. It was then he saw a note of paper, and he picked it up, reading out the writing aloud. “‘If you want your daughter back safe, you will agree to my mistress’ terms.’” Deadeye passed the note over to Blueblood. “Does this mean anything to you?”

The unicorn took the paper with a frown, a number of names coming into his mind as who the mastermind could be. “No. Any number of ponies could be behind this,” he said, giving a dejected sigh.”

“I just hope Dinky is not injured,” Nightshade said, looking Blueblood in the eye. “Shadow diving with those who do not have shadow magic is very risky at best, even more so to… say a unicorn foal...”

“Wake up! Wake up, you little tramp!”

As soon as she heard the cacophony of a mare screaming at her, Dinky eyes opened to find herself in a dark room. When she tried to stand up, her back collided with steel, causing her to yelp from the pain and cold that emanated from it. The filly’s head looked to every corner, and she saw metal bars surrounding her. On closer inspection, she could see wine barrels stacked on top of each other.

“Hey!” The same mare barked out to Dinky and slammed her hoof on the cage, causing it to rock as it suspended in the air thanks to a rope tied to it. “I’m talking to you, you little horseapple!”

Dinky tried her best to back away from the leering amber unicorn mare, but was stopped by the metal bars behind her. “Who are you!? Where am I?!” she shouted out.

Before Amber could retort, Dark Star stepped out of the shadows with a malicious grin on his face. “Where you are now doesn’t matter… who she is, is my client.” he answered Dinky, pointing at the elder mare. “By the way… the task is over, you should pay up now.” he said as he exposed his canines at the amber unicorn.

“The task is over when I say it is over!” Amber snapped as she pointed a hoof at Dark Star, who only cocked his brow at her. “Fine!” she spat out and levitated a bag of bits to the Katakan. “But only half now! The rest later… are we clear?”

Dark Star inspected every bit in the bag before he nodded. “Crystal,” he said before his ears twitched, causing him to look to the stairs. “Looks like we have company…”

“Who—” Amber asked as she looked to the stairs, where a pale yellow unicorn stallion stood still. “Sly, what are you doing here?” she asked him.

“Getting some wine, what do you think?” he replied sarcastically, not even glancing at Dinky as he walked past the cage she was in towards racks full of bottles. Amber watched him with a frown as he stood their humming, then selected a bottle with his magic. As he turned around, Sly’s eyes met Dinky’s, then he looked to his sister. “Amber… there’s a filly in a cage.”

“Your point?” Amber asked harshly.

“I just hope you know what you’re doing,” Sly said giving Dinky a sideways glance. “Oh, and the cooks said dinner will be ready in about ten minutes.” With that, he walked up out of the basement, leaving Amber and Dark Star alone with the filly once more.

“I’ll pay you double to make sure nopony else comes down here,” Amber said as she faced Dark Star, getting a grin and a nod in return. Turning back to Dinky, Amber tapped the edge of the cage, laughing when the filly backed away. “You’re the perfect bargaining tool. If your father doesn’t meet with my request, then he’ll be getting bits of filly in the mail!”

With that, Amber and Dark Star left the wine cellar, turning the lights out as they went. The stallion went a different way to the mare, more than likely to find his prefered type of meal, whilst she made her way into the dining room. Amber expected to see Sly sat down and waiting, but he hadn’t arrived yet. Probably off with the scullery maid again. Taking what would have been his seat at the head of the table, Amber impatiently tapped a hoof on the thick wood.

Several minutes passed, the mare now annoyed, and she turned to face the open door to the kitchen. “Hey! Hungry noblemare in here!” No reply came, and it was then she noticed the sound, or rather lack of, coming from the kitchen. Pushing her chair back with a growl, Amber stomped into the kitchen, abate to berate the staff when the empty room caused her to stop in shock, the words she thought echoing in the silence. “...where is everypony?”

His heart was pounding in his chest, his leg muscles burning, and his lungs hurt from lack of air. Sly Cur ignored all of these as he galloped his way down the streets of Trottingham, one destination in mind. Even if he failed in his current task, the fact he had told the household servants to flee before certain doom was visited upon them made him feel better about himself.

Sly kept to the lit paths instead of using the alleyways as a shortcut, as he might be ambushed by his sister’s lackey if he used them, and he didn’t want to take that chance. Skidding around a corner, Sly caught sight of what he was after, sleek airships held in a large docking structure above Lake Starswirl.

Ignoring the larger airships, Sly slowed to a canter and approached the gangplank of a medium sized vessel. The pony stood there noticed him coming, raising an eyebrow at Sly. “Can I help you, sir?” The stallion asked.

Sly paused for several moments, catching his breath and then falling to his haunches, looking over at the airship. “How… how fast can she… get to Canterlot?”

“Canterlot from here?” the pony replied, rubbing his chin with a hoof. “If we had a full compliment of unicorns on board, an hour. We’re at half crew, but if they pushed hard, we’d probably do it in an hour and a half.”

“I need you to take me to Canterlot, specifically the castle, right now!” Sly almost shouted, going to step on board when he was surrounded by a pale yellow aura and lifted into the air. His eyes went wide when he was turned around and saw who it was that had captured him.

“Now I am rightly confused. Doesn’t your family have its own airship?” Fancy Pants asked with a hint of amusement.

“Amber has Blueblood’s daughter!” Sly blurted out, grunting when the other unicorn’s magic cut and he was dropped to the floor.

“What?! Then why aren’t you going to the guards?!” Fancy bellowed, glaring at Sly.

“She has a Katakan helping her…”

“Captain,” Fancy said, turning to the pony watching with a frown. “We make for Canterlot with all haste. Make sure there are no shadows large enough to hide a pony in any section of the ship. We’re going to need another Katakan to fight a Katakan.”

Chapter 20

Fighting back her tears, Dinky tried again. A pale blue aura began to form around her horn, slowly growing in intensity. She pointed her horn at the latch on the cage, letting the magic free. Instead of popping the lock like she wanted to, the magic was reflected back at her, hitting her horn and causing her to wince from the shock she received. It was the same if she tried to physically open the cage, both of her forehooves now very numb.

Dinky didn’t have anything left to give, her stomach was protesting about being empty, and her lips were dry. So when the door to the basement opened and filled the room with light, she didn’t even move, nor did she when the cage door was opened.

“Eat and drink,” Amber said, placing some bread and a cup in the cage, then closing it back up. “I’m going to give your father one day to respond… then he gets your horn.” Stepping back, Amber watched as the filly reached a shaking hoof towards the food, pulling it towards her and taking a small bite. “Good girl. If you keep quiet, you can have some more later.” With that, Amber left the basement, plunging it into darkness once again when she closed the door.

Something about the room changed as the filly ate, but she didn’t know what it was until something bumped her cage, and she saw a shadow moving amongst the shadows, and there was only one pony it could be. Sure enough, a moment later she heard Dark Star’s voice. “It’d be a shame if we had to kill you… I could find some uses for a cute filly like you.”

Dinky whimpered and moved away from where she heard the voice, but it didn’t put much more distance between her and the stallion. He just continued to circle the cage, giving a chuckle. “Of course, not just yet. I’d say you’re about ten… so all I’d have to do is keep you for several years. But… Miss Vain pays the bills, so she sets the rules.”

Dinky had no trouble believing that Amber would allow him to do so instead of killing her, but with no way to free herself, she had to think of other ways and means. Summoning her courage, Dinky sat up and looked to where she thought Dark Star was standing, frowning. “I-if you’re doing this for money… my d-daddy has lots! More than her!”

“True, I am doing it for the bits,” Dark Star replied, stepping close enough that Dinky could see the yellow of his eyes. “But I can not return to the services of the crown, as my life would be forfeit. There is no place else I can use my abilities, so here I stay. But what of you? A unicorn born to a pegasus… would you not prefer parents of your race? You could have that if your father takes up Miss Vain’s offer.”

“My daddy will never agree to that!” Dinky shouted out, now angry. Her horn flared with bright light, causing Dark Star to howl in pain and cover his highly sensitive eyes, the stallion stumbling around the room. Dinky’s horn was still glowing when he tried to open an eye, but it just made him wince and hide again. “My daddy is going to kick your ass!” Dinky screamed at Dark Star, a triumphant grin coming to her face when he ran up the stairs from the basement instead of shadow-diving to leave.

Turning around, Dinky reached for her cup, giving a sigh before parching her dry throat, the light from her horn finally dying down.

Spike walked into the living room carrying a tray of cups and teapot, with a plate of biscuits on the side. Twilight and Big Macintosh sat on a couch opposite Derpy and Blueblood as they awaited a reply from the princesses. As he placed the tray at the centre table, the dragon couldn’t help but sigh when he saw the crestfallen eyes of the guests.

“Thank you, Spike.” Twilight said as she used her magic to levitate the pot and cups and pass them to her company.

“No problem…” Spike replied as he yawned and rubbed his eyes.

The alicorn smiled down upon her son as she shook her head. “Spike, I think it’s time for you to go to bed now… it’s getting late.” Twilight said, taking a sip of her tea.

“No no! I’m not tired! Just tell me what to do next and I’ll—” Spike’s words were silenced when Twilight got up from her seat and placed her hoof on his mouth.

“Spike, I don’t want you to jeopardize your health just to help me, okay?” What kind of mother would I be if I let my boy work himself to death just to help me out? Twilight slowly removed her hoof and received a nod from her son.

“Okay... “ Spike replied and extended his arms to hug his mother around her neck, who in turn returned the gesture and nuzzled him. “Night, mom.” he said and turned to Big Macintosh who was still seated on the couch. “Night, Mac.”

Big Macintosh looked to Spike giving him a nod. “Night, Spike.”

As he turned to the Derpy and Blueblood, Spike’s words were muted when he saw the couple’s faces. He turned to Twilight, who only shook her head. The dragon sighed before he walked up the stairs, leaving the four ponies in the living room.

Just as Twilight was about to return to her couch and wait for Celestia’s reply, a steady flashing red light above the basement door drew her attention, causing Twilight to run towards it. As she ran down the stairs, she was greeted by one of her many devices being active, the machine magically connected to her equipment in Canterlot, supported by relay stations along the rail road. Twilight carefully studied the display, then gasped when she saw what the alert was for, galloping back up to the living room.

“Blue! Come quick!” Twilight called out to the baffled unicorn stallion.

When he and Twilight were down at the basement, Blueblood looked around the room and cocked his brow at the contraptions that littered the place. “What’s all this?” he asked the mare.

“Remember when I came to the Ministry to apply for funds regarding a project to detect any strange magical occurrences in Equestria?” Twilight asked Blueblood.

“Of course, The Alicorn Amulet incident…” Blueblood remembered Twilight’s fully detailed explanation as to why she made the request.

Twilight pointed to the screen. “It seems a few of the relays have detected something… but I can’t tell where from here… I need to go to Canterlot to find out more!” she said before she ran back upstairs, leaving Blueblood in her wake.

The alicorn rushed to the entrance of the library and opened the door to find two Katakan guards stationed in front of the library as ordered by their captain. One of them turned to see Twilight emerging from the building. “Is something the matter, Princess?” he asked her

“I need to speak to Captain Deadeye please, it’s an emergency.” Twilight said.

“Yes Princess!” the guard saluted and dived into the darkness, leaving the other guard and Twilight behind. A few moments later, the guard returned with Deadeye at his side.

“You called, Princess?” Deadeye asked her Twilight.

Twilight cleared her throat before she spoke. “Yes, I need to get to Canterlot as soon as possible please.” she asked the Katakan, who furrowed his brow and flattened his lips in thought before he answered her.

“We’ll take the Dreamcatcher to get to Canterlot… but I insist we take Prince Blueblood and Lady Derpy along with us, for extra protection.” he replied to Twilight.

“Yes, that would be for the best…” Twilight trailed off and walked into the library with Deadeye following suite. “Blue?” she asked the stallion who was standing alongside his fiancée. “We’re going to Canterlot now.”

Blueblood frowned at Twilight’s words. “Who’s ‘we’?”

“You, Princess Twilight and Lady Derpy,” Deadeye replied before the alicorn princess could. “For your own safety, I recommend you and your fiancée be relocated to Canterlot for the time being.”

“I’m sorry, but I must decline…” Blueblood replied. “If there’s a chance that the kidnapper may return then—”

Deadeye snorted as he stomped his hoof to the ground. “If it was Dark Star, he would never return, especially when he has done something like this... This is for your protection, your highness… If you please?” he stood aside, giving enough room for Blueblood to walk through.

“My answer is—” Blueblood yelped when he felt his tail being pulled by his fiancée, who had it latched in between her teeth. “Derpy! What are you doing?” he blurted out, only to be dragged to the outside of the library.

“We’re going.” Derpy spoke through her teeth, ignoring Blueblood’s protests as she exited the library, leaving Twilight and Deadeye behind.

That was unexpected… “Shall we go?” Deadeye asked Twilight as he stood between the door’s entryway.

“Just a moment…” Twilight trailed off as she walked to Big Macintosh, who walked towards his mare. “I’m sorry, Mac… I need to go to Canterlot right now for urgent business, and I don’t know how long I’ll be gone… do you think you can—”

“Watch Spike for you?” Big Macintosh finished her sentence. “Eeyup.” he said as he nuzzled Twilight, stealing a nibble from her ear. May give me some time to spend with the little fella… Heavens knows Ah’m goin’ be that boy’s pappy soon…

Twilight sighed in relief and placed a gentle kiss upon Big Macintosh lips. “Thank you…” she said. “I’ll try to be back as soon as I can.” she winked at her stallion, and made her way out of the library with Deadeye following her.

When the company reached the Dreamcatcher, Twilight surprised at the speed the airship rose into the air, the wind make her mane billow around. Even though it was an hour trip to Canterlot, the flight itself felt like a few minutes to the passengers. When the Dreamcatcher finally landed just out the main palace structure, the passengers were greeted by Princess Luna.

“Blue, Derpy…” she greeted her nephew and his fiancée as they exited the aircraft. “I received news from Deadeye that you would be coming … but he was rather murky as to the details…”

“I’m sorry about that Princess Luna,” Twilight said as she flattened her ears. “I needed to come to Canterlot because some of the sensors placed around Equestria have reacted to a presence of strange magic…” she said.

“Come. We can discuss more inside.” Luna gestured her guests to follow her inside. “So the sensors… have finally picked up something, Twilight?” she asked her fellow alicorn, as Luna was one of the few ponies who knew the exact reason why the beacons were set up across Equestria. “That explains why you came… but as for my nephew and Derpy…”

Twilight shrugged as they walked through the halls. “It was Deadeye’s idea, for ‘extra protection’…”

Ah… My captain would do something like that… “I see,” Luna replied just as they stopped at a door in between a corridor she, Twilight, Blueblood and Derpy were walking in. “I believe this is where you set up all the equipment for the beacons.”

“Yes, this is it, thank you Luna…” Twilight replied and looked back at Blueblood. “We’ll take it from here.”

Just as Twilight said those words, Derpy let out a loud yawn which she quickly covered up. “I-I’m sorry.” she said as her eyes went from her fiancé to the princesses.

“Derpy, Twilight and I will handle things from here… you go and get some sleep, please.” Blueblood said as he kissed her cheek. “I’ll be there soon, I promise.”

Derpy blinked before she looked to Twilight, who nodded as though she knew what the mare was about to ask her. “Alright,” she replied and returned the kiss by planting her lips to Blueblood’s. “Don’t keep me waiting.” she whispered in his ear, then walked off with Princess Luna to their chambers.

Twilight and Blueblood entered the room to find a similar flashing red light on a large monitor. The mare approached it and used her magic to stabilize the machine, looking at the monitor to see a cluster of red lines on a long list, each one a specialised sensor which something had happened to. The mare looked down the highlighted ones to see why they went off. “Look at this… some of the sensors overloaded!”

“I beg your pardon?” Blueblood asked, stepping up next to Twilight. As he did, Twilight grabbed a large book with her magic and floated it over. She mumbled to herself as she looked through, Blueblood watching with a frown. “How can they have overloaded?”

“Ordinary magic wouldn’t do it, so it could be another artefact,” Twi said, comparing the sensors that had been set off with the list of where they had been placed. “Or… an emotion-caster. Given what I found out when researching magical mythical machines, I’d say it was probably the latter.”

“So, do we know where it is?” Blueblood asked as he worked at resetting the system. Another overload might help them pin down the location.

“It looks like it came from the Trottingham area… but it could be anywhere in the city to a radius of ten miles out,” Twilight replied, frowning hard. “But we checked Trottingham thoroughly. There aren’t any emotion-casters there…” she trailed off until she saw Blueblood’s face. “I’ll look into this more, you can go to bed now.”

Blueblood blinked as he heard Twilight speak, breaking off his train of thoughts. “But what if you need me to—”

“Derpy needs you more than me right now, especially with what’s happened…” Twilight said firmly. “Trust me, I’ll be fine.”

The stallion sighed in defeat. “Alright, I’ll see you on the morrow. Good night.” he replied to Twilight and left the room, briskly trotting towards his chambers, in order not to keep his fiancée waiting too long for him.

A maroon mare was making her way to her home in the middle of the night, with the moon being the only source of light to guide her path. The city of Trottingham was not a relatively safe city, especially when alone at night. Constant vigilance was her only means to protect herself from any would be criminals. The mare sighed when she left the vicinity of the city walls, her own home being on the outskirts since the living conditions were not as expensive as they were in the inner city.

A smile crept on her face when she neared her home, but soon dropped when she saw an eerie darkness not far from her. She quickly hid behind a tree and saw the darkness form into some kind of portal, where two ponies wearing regal armour appeared. They resembled tall pegasi, but their wings were leathery and their ears almost bat-like. She could see fangs projecting from their muzzles. The mare’s eyes squinted just a little when she saw them walking away from the portal, where a normal little earth pony colt emerged from it. The two demon-like ponies seemed to be oblivious to the colt’s presence, and to hers.

They must be from Tartarus! They’re going to sacrifice the poor colt! I must tell the others! the mare galloped away from the two unsuspecting Katakan ponies, who were now busy scouting the area they were in now.

“He was here… I can still smell that foul stench of his…” Deadeye sneered as he sniffed the air and growled as he glared into the distance. “He could have masked his scent easily… instead he leaves it roaming in the air like an invitation!”

Nightshade furrowed her brow as she placed her hoof on her son’s shoulder. “Easy… We’ll get him before he can do anything. Even if he was not the one to take Princess Dinky, we have an opportunity here.”

Deadeye sighed as he flexed his neck muscles. “Still, I can’t sense what direction he went from here.”

“Maybe he went to the inner city?”

“That’s a good point, Pip.. but we need to—” Nightshade paused as she blinked and turned to her son whose eye dilated slightly. They both turned around and looked down to see Pipsqueak standing behind them, with a fierce look of determination in his eyes.

Pip’s confidence started to diminish when he looked up to the Katakans’ eyes. “Um… Hi?” he waved at the two guards, emitting a nervous smile. I’m so dead…

“Pipsqueak!” Nightshade shouted out and lowered his face to be on eye level with the colt. “What are you doing here? How did you even get here?!” he questioned the earth pony.

The colt pointed to where the portal was just moments ago. “I just jumped in when you made that portal… felt weird, like I was falling for a long time and—” his words were cut off when Nightshade lifted him up from the ground and inspected his entire body. “N-Nightshade!” Pip blurted out as she lowered him to the ground.

Nightshade sighed in relief. He’s not injured in anyway, that’s good to know… still... Her eyes opened to reveal narrow pupils that glared down upon the colt. “That was very dangerous of you Pip! You should consider yourself lucky you’re not hurt… shadow-diving is dangerous to non-Katakans! What were you thinking?” she scolded the colt, who was sniffing as he looked down to the ground.

“I-I just wanted to help rescue Dinky from those bad ponies... “

Just as tenacious as a Katakan foal… Before Nightshade could respond to Pip’s words, Deadeye picked the colt up and placed him on his back.

“We can discuss this later… we have to find find Dark Star… and hope he is the one who took Princess Dinky.” Deadeye said as he sniffed the air again. “Pip’s right… there’s a faint trail leading to the inner city. Let’s go.” he instructed his mother and both of them started to trot towards the entrance of the city. When they reached the gates, a unicorn used his magic to emit a light that shined down upon the trio.

“Halt I say!” the guard shouted out. “Foul beasts! Leave this city or be taken down!”

Deadeye looked to his mother with a flat face as he cocked his brow. “Did we not come here to brief the local guard about us?” he asked Nightshade.

“No… for some reason Trottingham was overlooked. Perhaps because it is closer to the capital than most other places…” Nightshade replied.

“Do you hear me, demons!?” the guard shouted out, though he was quivering and starting to sweat as the supposed beasts walked closer to the gates.

Nightshade walked close enough to be an inch apart from the petrified guard, her yellow eyes staring deeply into his. “I am Nightshade, Captain of the Shadowbolt and this is Deadeye, Captain of the Lunar Corps… we are under orders to locate a missing member of the royal family,” she whispered to the guard, who only nodded dumbly as though he were hypnotized. “Now, will you give us passage into the city… or do I have to submit a formal report on your actions to Lieutenant Silk Spinner?”

The guard etched a nervous smile smile as he shook in fear. “N-no need for a report, Ma’am… y-you’re clear to enter,” he replied and stepped aside to give enough space for Nightshade and Deadeye to walk past.

“Thank you very much…” Nightshade winked and grinned at the guard before she and Deadeye were in the city.

Pip looked back at the guard who fell on his haunches and started to shake uncontrollably. The colt shook his head before he turned to Deadeye’s ear. “Your mom’s scary…” he whispered to the Katakan stallion.

“Try fighting her… now that’s frightening…” Deadeye whispered to the colt on his back, his eyes never leaving his mother who was walking in front of him. I still have a long way to go before I’m even on par with her...

News of the shocking event in Ponyville the previous day had quickly made its way around the castle, spreading to servants and guards alike. So the somber mood that had enveloped everypony throughout the morning was easy to understand. Above all else, the servants avoided one wing in particular, only one stallion brave enough to venture down the halls which was sparsely populated by guards.

Of course, Wise Words had seen Blueblood upset before, but this… this was a whole new level. Stopping outside a set of double doors, Wise took a deep breath and then pushed his way in, not even bothering to knock. As he expected, there was a glass on the main coffee table in the room with a little amber liquid in the bottom, but there was no sign of the bottle.

Looking around, Wise gave a sigh when he noticed a dark mark on one of the walls, with shattered glass on the floor below. Setting the tray of food hovering in his magic down on an empty surface, then began to clean up the small mess. He was almost done when a creak caused his ear to flicked, and he looked over his shoulder towards the bedroom door. The pony who emerged was not the pony he was expecting, even though he knew they were in there.

“I was going to do that,” Derpy said, squinting in the light. Behind her, Wise could see the bedroom was nearly pitch black. Derpy stopped and sniffed the air, her stomach rumbling a moment later to inform her it was empty, the mare giving wise a sheepish smile. “Sorry. Haven’t eaten since last night.”

“Which is precisely why I brought you some food, Lady Derpy,” Wise replied, gesturing to the trays he had provided. Lifting the lids in his magic, Wise revealed a full cooked Prench breakfast, along with two glasses and a pitcher of orange juice. “Will the master be joining you?”

Groaning came from the doorway, Derpy and Wise turning to watch as Blueblood emerged, dragging his hooves with his head hanging low and his ears flat. In a way that seemed more like muscle memory than awareness, Blueblood trudged over to the table and sat next to Derpy, placing one of his hooves over hers.

The meal was eaten in silence, and once finished Derpy made her way to the bathroom as Blueblood remained in his stupor even as Wise cleaned around him. Once Derpy returned, Blueblood left, Wise standing to the side as he watched the mare sit on the couch, frowning when he saw her hooves making a stroking motion.

Overcome with curiosity, Wise slowly walked over, the object in Derpy’s grip revealed to be a plush doll of an alicorn, but it was none of the four he knew of. Derpy slowly turned her head, tears rolling down her eyes as they lock with Wise’s. “I-it’s Dinky’s. Blue bought it for her during the week, and we’ve hardly seen her without at home.”

Wise nodded, about to say something when there was a quiet knock on the door. Knowing Blueblood wouldn’t hear it and not willing to let Derpy open the door, Wise made his way over and opened it himself. Derpy couldn’t hear what was said, giving a gasp when a pair of arms wrapped around her from over the back of the couch and squeezed gently, the mare leaning back and nuzzling Blueblood’s cheek.

“...very well, tell them they’ll be along shortly,” Wise said as he closed the door, then turned around, looking Blueblood in the eyes. “They’ve got a match for the writing…” Wise, for a stallion of his age, deftly jumped to the side as both Blueblood and Derpy reacted as if a pegasus had shocked them with a lightning cloud. “... on the note.”

By the time Wise made it to the throne room, he could hear his master’s voice, raised, angry, and the content much more vulgar than anything Wise had heard from any of the trips he had taken on board an Equestrian Royal Navy vessel. As he approached, two more ponies escorted by guards appeared from another corridor. Wise, being a butler, could wait for the two nobles to see Celestia before entering. That was his mistake.

“YOU!” came Blueblood’s billowing voice, followed by both Princess Luna and Celestia calling for their nephew to be still and calm down, but even that was drowned out by the sounds of scuffling. Rushing into the throne room, Wise took the scene at a glance.

The two guards who had escorted Fancy Pants and Sly Cur were protecting Fancy Pants, the princesses were holding Derpy firmly between them, and the other guards in the room had formed a ring around something, but Wise’s view was blocked. Pushing his way through, Wise Words’ eyes went wide when he say Sly Cur lying on his back, Blueblood standing above him.

But the shocking part was seeing Blueblood’s foreleg pressing down on Sly’s throat, the sound of struggling breathing coming from the pinned stallion, but none of the guards seemed to what to intervene.

“WHERE THE HAY IS YOUR SISTER!?!?” screamed Blueblood, spittle flying down at Sly. “I KNOW SHE HAS MY DAUGHTER!” Blueblood raised his other hoof and began to bring it down, Sly scrunching his eyes shut.

The impact never came, and he opened his eyes to see an older stallion had blocked the strike, causing Blueblood to blink a few times before looking around. When he glanced down, he snorted once then stepped back, the guards closing around Sly as he lay coughing and hacking, trying to ignore the burning in his throat.

“Somepony get him some water already!” Wise ordered, nudging one of the guards, who gave a small yelp, then charged out of the throne room. Slowly turning around, Wise Words leant down so he was barely an inch away from Sly’s muzzle, his face not showing any emotion whatsoever. “You’d best get talking… or I won’t stop him next time.”

Pushing himself up, Sly took several deep breaths, the guard arriving with a glass of water which Sly slowly sipped down. Once he was done, he thanked the guard and took a single step forward, looking straight at Derpy. “I would have been here sooner had Fancy Pants’ airship not suffered a magical mishap. I am not here to make things worse,” Sly turned his gaze to Blueblood. “Your daughter is being held at my family’s home in Trottingham… but Amber has a pony called Dark Star helping her.”

Upon the name being said, all eyes turned to where several Katakans were standing, now growling away. Swallowing his fear, Sly averted his gaze and instead looked at the floor. “I have no doubt my sister used me as well, but I will still bear any punishment you decree.”

“We shall deal with you when we have Dinky back,” Celestia’s voice called out, a glare stamped on her muzzle. “For now, you shall be our guest, but you can not move freely around the castle. Guards, take him to a guest room.” A group of four guards formed up around Sly and escorted him out. Once he was gone, Celestia looked towards Blueblood as she released Derpy, the pegasus bolting forward and grabbing Blueblood in a tight embrace, one that was hastily returned. “I know what you are planning nephew, and as much as I should, I will not stop you. In fact, I am going to send the Lightbringer along with the Dreamcatcher to Trottingham within the hour.”

Luna, who had been silent, closed her eyes, everything from the base of her neck backwards turning to a fine mist. Her eyes shot open, revealing completely black orbs, wisps of shadow floating around her. “An hour may be too late. I am sensing three shadow-essences within the city boundaries. But they are far apart. Go now nephew, go and be reunited with your filly.”

Making a mental note that thanks his aunts profusely when they returned, Blueblood gave a tug on Derpy’s hoof, and the mare gave him a nod, then they galloped from the room together.

Chapter 21

Trudging along darkened corridors, one unicorn stallion scowled to himself as light projected by his horn shone on the floor before him. Why the hay do I have to pull a weekend night shift? I could be in a mare’s bed right… his thoughts stopped when he saw a light on in the employee’s lounge, his ears perking at the sound of movement from inside.

He slowly walked over and pushed the door gently open, his eyes going wide as he saw a mare just making a fresh pot of coffee. “Uh, shouldn’t you be in jail?” he asked.

“Actually,” the mare started, not even bothering to turn around. “I left there the same day after spending some time with the Minister of Finance and his family.”

“Oh… well what are you doing here now?” the stallion asked, suddenly remembering he was the duty guard for the building and there shouldn’t be anypony in on a weekend. “Didn’t they suspend you?”

“No, Amber Vain did,” the mare said as she poured the coffee into two cups. “But the board of directors haven’t heard from her for a week now, and as she didn’t inform anypony of a holiday, they decided it was time for a management change. So, I am here to get my government department back to why it was founded; to help foals. I’ll be here most of the weekend, so pass it on to the other guards, please.” She watched with a smirk as the guard processed what she had told him, his ears falling flat.

“O-of course, Bre… Miss Haze,” the guard said, relaxing when Breezy picked up a cup in her wing and point at first to the other one them at him with her free feathery appendage. Trotting over, he lifted it in his magic and took an appreciative sip. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Breezy studied the stallion, sure she had seem him somewhere else… “Don’t you work for the FPS as well?” she asked.

“I did some agency work a few years back, just some low level filling,” he answered.

“Good… I need somepony who isn't on the inside of FPS to help,” Breezy said, downing the contents of her cup. “If you’d be so kind when you get off duty, find me the personnel file for one Miss ‘Shimmer Spark’, and don’t worry, you’ll be compensated for your time.” With that, Breezy left the employee lounge, leaving the guard to ponder over her words.

With a thick cloak over her back, Derpy stood at the prow of the Lightbringer, watching as the Dreamcatcher led the way. Unlike Luna’s vessel, which looked just like a pleasure craft unless a pony knew what kind of crew it had, the Lightbringer was an instrument of war. She now understood the slight feeling of dread that ran down her back when Celestia said that name, and when she saw the ship, Derpy had to pause so her mind could take it in.

Twice as wide as the Dreamcatcher and three times as long, the Lightbringer was crewed by some of the best ponies in service to the crown. Along its hull on pivotal mounts were large barrels, which Derpy found out when asked were immensely powerful focusing lenses for unicorns, turning even the weakest foal’s weakest magical outburst into a destructive power that could topple any mountain. With the threat looming aboard the Lightbringer, Derpy finally began to understand why races such as the griffons and minotaurs had worked tirelessly to uphold the peace between their nations.

If ever its armaments were not enough, its decks could hold a full battalion of Solar Corps soldiers, ponies Derpy didn’t know even existed until that very morning. And it was how the Lightbringer was currently crewed, the sounds of swords, spears and other weapons being sharpened lost to Derpy as she stared ahead, not looking at the Dreamcatcher, but to where it was leading them, two of Princess Celestia’s personal guards, Praetorians, stood a respectful distance away from her.

“Well… it’s been some time…” Derpy whipped around at the voice, her eyes going wide and her mouth dropping open. “Still fits, if a little tight,” Blueblood said as a blue glow loosened a strap across his chest. That was not what had drawn Derpy’s attention though, as Blueblood stepped towards her, heavy hooffalls thudding through the deck.

From crest to dock, the unicorn stallion was covered by multiple layers of strange black metal, which formed an armored suit without restricting any mobility. Upon each pauldron was a silver flower, and hovering behind him was a full helm, which would leave none of him exposed when he put it on.

“You… but…” Derpy started, but she couldn’t put her thoughts into coherent words. She stepped closer to Blueblood and lift a hoof, gently pressing against the black metal. She let out a surprised gasp when she felt warmth instead of cold, something that went against all her high school physics and flying experience for their current altitude, yet that was the case. “What… how…”

“Platinum Knight armour,” Blueblood said as he leaned forward and gently nuzzled Derpy. “The original unicorns of this world came from far north, even further than the Crystal Empire, so had to endure much harsher climes. They were tribes constantly at war until one tribe, instead of killing of their enemies, took in the defeated ponies and added them to their own ranks.”

“But…this armour. It looks new and old at the same time,” Derpy said as she took a closer look, now seeing the scratches and dents that marred the metal. “And it’s seen battle.”

“It is a family heirloom that was kept at the castle,” Blueblood said, then suddenly dropped his gaze to the deck. “I… used to sneak into my family vault and try it on when I was a teenager, imagining myself leading the charge against the enemies of Equestria. ‘Prince Blueblood, vanquisher of evil and Knight of Equestria!’” he said, throwing his arms wide.

He expected ridicule, especially from the Solar Corps, but all he got was Derpy giggling as she turned to press against his side, nuzzling under his chin. “You’re my knight, and Dinky’s too,” Derpy said, letting out a sad sigh. “...but why are you wearing it?”

“Because I am going to lead the charge to get our daughter back,” Blueblood replied, the tone of his voice and the resoluteness of his words telling Derpy there would be no discussion on the matter. Metal hitting the deck caused them to both turn around, Blueblood cocking his head. “Captain, is that…”

“You bet yer arse it is. Pardon my Prench, m’lady,” said a very large pegasus with a scar going from his left eyebrow to his right cheek. “For all we know, that… word that cannot be repeated in polite company has Trottingham under her hoof. I ain’t gonna let the lady go anywhere near there without knowing she’s got this on,” he said, turning his gaze to Derpy.

Derpy looked from Blueblood, to the captain, to the pile of the metal on the deck. Meeting Blueblood’s blue eyes with her golden ones, Derpy made her decision. “...suit me up.”

What do I do now?

Sly lay on the guest room’s bed and stared at the ceiling for hours. With two guards standing outside the room, his current accommodation felt more like a prison cell.

Maybe that’s where I’m going next? Sly thought to himself as he emitted a sigh. A part of him felt like they were being genuinely kind to him for relaying news about the filly’s whereabouts, yet he could not rid himself of the notion that they were merely pampering him for a sentence in prison, or worse.

Just as he furrowed his brow whilst looking up at the ceiling, an image of the scared filly appeared before Sly, causing him to flinch as he sat up on his bed. The mere memory of her sent a shiver down his spine. He knew Amber would do anything to attain her goals; but to actually abduct a foal, one who belongs to the royal family, was just beyond madness.

It’s not like I could have saved her when right there… not with that Katakan around! Sly’s thoughts came to a halt when he heard the door open, and saw not only the two guards coming in, but also Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. He cocked his eyebrow when he saw the princesses carrying what looked a tray with a teapot and biscuits on it.

“Comet, Rock… you may take your leave, we wish to be alone with our guest.” Luna said as she turned her head to the two guards, who saluted to their princess. Once they closed the door behind them, both princesses turned their attention to Sly. “Do you wish to join us for tea?”

Like you’re giving me much of a choice. “Okay…” Sly shrugged before he got up from the bed and took a seat where Celestia and Luna were. When the elder sister poured tea into a cup and passed it onto him, the stallion stared at it as he took a hold of it. It’s not like this is poisoned… Or could there be a truth serum in it? I told them everything I knew, it’s not like I’m working as a double agent for my deranged sister! Still, why the buck are these two treating me so nicely—

“Is something the matter, Sly Cur?”

Sly shook his head as he sipped his tea. “It’s nothing…” he trailed off for a moment and blinked. “Actually, there is something I want to know…” he paused for a moment as he looked down at his own cup of tea, feeling the eyes of Celestia and Luna upon him. “Why are you being so nice to me?” he asked them.

“Would you prefer it that we treat you with hostility?” Luna questioned him.

“Well, no… but given this situation, am I not supposed to be in prison now?”

Celestia let loose a sigh before she replied. “You did nothing wrong, my little pony… Even if you think you were at fault for what happened to our niece.”

“Tell that to your nephew.” Sly replied, his neck still in pain thanks to Blueblood nearly choking the life out of him.

“We apologize for that,” Luna interjected herself into the conversation. “You must understand, our nephew is very protective of his family… especially when it comes to his daughter. I’m sure you would have done the same had it been your sister that was taken from you.”

Sly huffed as he looked away from Luna. “She would sell me out if it meant getting a foothold into the elite of Canterlot.” he said. “She’s not even my real sister.”

“How do you mean?” Celestia asked, now curious to Sly’s words.

The stallion, having finished his drink, poured himself a cup of tea before he continued. “I think I was around five or six when she and her mother moved in. A couple of years later, Shimmer Spark became my step mother when she married my dad.” Even though she didn’t really love him...

A spray of tea was sent across the table, causing Sly and Luna to turn to Celestia, who was staring wide eyed at the stallion. “Did you say just Shimmer Spark?” she asked, getting a confused nod in return. Oh no!

“Tia, what’s the matter?” Luna asked her sister, whose eyes were darting back and forth as she mumbled to herself.

“I’m sorry Luna, Sly, but I must go. There is a pony I must ensure is not present when Amber Vain is brought in!” With that, Celestia disappeared in a flash of golden light, leaving two very thoroughly confused ponies behind.

Glancing over at the clock on the mantlepiece, Amber Vain gave a snort then got out of her chair, Dark Star following. She opened the door to the basement, pausing a moment to pick up a small gold band, then descended the stairs. Using the light or her horn, Amber approached the dangling cage, noting the filly appeared to be asleep, making her task much easier.

Quietly opening the cage, Amber sent the ring inside and left it hovering above Dinky’s horn. “Wake up!” the mare shouted, banging the cage with her hoof. As it pushed Dinky away, her horn touched the golden band, which slid down her horn to the base, an inscription flashing red once. “It’s time. Dark Star, get her out of there.”

The Katakan nodded, reaching a hoof into the cage. Dinky backed away and tried to summon her magic like before, but instead she felt pain pierce her skull. She gave a whimper and collapsed to the cage floor, which was enough for Dark Start to get a grip on her.

Pulling her out, Dark Star gently picked her up in his mouth by the scruff of her neck, careful not to break her skin with his fangs. He followed Amber back up the stairs and into the mansion, walking through it until they emerged into the front yard.

Dinky gasped when her eyes landed on a table, which had a rather large, sharp-looking knife set on it . She began to struggle to get free from her captor, but any strike she managed to land seemed to have no effect. Approaching the table, Dark Star dropped Dinky onto it and placed his hoof on her back, keeping enough pressure on her to make sure she stayed down.

“Well little one,“ Amber said as she lifted the knife in her magic, turning to face the frightened filly. “It seems daddy doesn’t love you after all. Now hold still… this is going to hurt enough as it is.” Amber placed the blade edge down just above the base of Dinky’s horn, about to raise it up to strike when a loud and very, very angry growl caught her attention.

Her eyes went wide as they settled upon two Katakans who had appeared from nowhere, instantly recognizing the one eyed stallion that was Luna’s captain. Before she could react, Deadeye leapt at Dark Star, the force of the impact sending both stallions through the brick wall and into the mansion.

With Dark Star removed, Amber was left defenceless against Nightshade, who was charging right at her, but then the unicorn mare spotted something behind the Katakan. With a quick flash of her horn, she transported the colt to the ground next to her and lifted a second knife in her magic. “One more step, and the colt gets it!” she said, nearly screaming in anger.

Nightshade skidded to a stop as her eyes focused on Pip, then she began to pace back and forth, snorting angrily as she glared at Amber.

“You don’t get it do you?” Amber asked, giving a laugh that could be considered a disturbed cackle. “I’ve won!” The blade above Dinky’s horn was raised into the air, but Amber paused, blinked, and looked up. Her ears splayed backwards as she saw a small airship with Luna’s mark drift overhead, followed by a much larger vessel, twin blazing suns marked on either side of the prow.

The sky was filled with black dots, like a colony of bats at dusk, but Amber knew that was not the case. One of the blurs headed towards the ground much faster than any of the others, light glowing from the body. With a large tremor that nearly made the unicorn mare falter, the falling pony hit the ground, send up mounds of dirt.

The sound of a heavily armoured hoof on gravel filled the now silent garden, Amber’s eyes going wide at the black clad unicorn, then she scowled when she saw the two platinum roses on the pauldrons. “Well well… look who came for the show!” Amber said in the most condescending voice she could.

“Let her go, Vain, and I promise we’ll just have you tried for her abduction,” Blueblood said, his voice given a deep echo to it thanks to his helm. He took one step forward, but Amber lowered the knives a little, causing him to stop in place.

“Abduction? This is purification!” Amber cackled as she grinned uncontrollably and her eyes started to water when she saw Blueblood give her an icy glare. “Once this mongrel is gone, I’ll rid Equestria of that tramp that’s poisoned your mind! A pegasus actually being a princess of Equestria?! That’s just sick! It’s destiny that you and I be together! I know because this what I was born to do—” her words were cut off when a hoof collided with the side of her face, dispelling the magic that held the knives in place. Fortunately, neither found their mark, clattering harmlessly to the ground.

Amber’s body flew until she was stopped by a wall, her cheek burning in pain and her back aching thanks to the collision. She looked up to see the one who dared to attack her, only for her to seethe in hatred. Standing just before the filly was the tramp who had nearly ruined her chance with her beloved Blueblood.

“Get away from her, you bitch!” Derpy snarled as she flared her wings to the fallen unicorn. Her ears perked when she heard Dinky’s muffled cries, causing her to turn around and see Blueblood comforting their daughter as she cried in his chest. Her eyes lingered to Nightshade who had Pip on her back, the latter surprisingly quiet. “Blue, Nightshade… get Dinky and Pip out of here.” she instructed her fiancé, who only nodded once.

“What about Vain?” Blueblood asked as he pointed to the unicorn, who was now struggling to stand on her hooves.

Derpy’s eyes landed on Amber as her glare intensified when the unicorn mare tried to attack again. “She’s mine.” she said as she flew towards her target.

Why that good for nothing little! Amber roared as she charged towards Derpy, using her magic to grab hold of the nearest object, which happened to be one of the knives. “Just die, you worthless defiler of Equestria! Your kind does not belong with Royalty! You defy my destiny and must pay!” she shouted out as she sent the knife flying, but missed when the pegasus simply side stepped.

Amber gasped when Derpy suddenly appeared before her, the latter’s eyes burning with rage until a hoof impacted against her chest, with another hitting underneath her chin. As she staggered back in pain, she tried to use her magic to attack but failed when her opponent decided to buck her hard against her torso, sending her flying again.

“I don’t give a flying feather about your beliefs on destiny or even what you want out of life,” Derpy said as she continued to walk towards Amber. “Because you made the worst mistake in your sad pathetic life…”

“My life is not pathetic!” Amber retorted as she grinded her teeth and tried to focus her magic into eliminating the mare who dared defy her. “I control the lives of those blasted foals who pretend they are the future of this country! I am the one who decides their destiny! And who are you to tell me that my life is sad?! You’re kind are just thieves who deny their assigned destiny to—” she was silenced again when Derpy charged towards her, causing her magic to dispel as she lost concentration.

Knowing she didn’t have time to resort to what little battle magic she knew, Amber rose to her hind hooves and tried to punch Derpy in the face, but the pegasus saw the attack and stopped her charge. As the unicorn’s hoof came forwards, Derpy stopped and spun around to her left with the grace of a ballet dancer, her own forehoof raised.

Her hoof connected with the back of Amber’s head, knocking the unicorn back to four hooves, but Derpy had already started her next attack, her left rear leg meeting the underside of Amber’s chin and sending her back up into the air. Amber tried to protect her head, but that left her barrel open for attack, which Derpy took full advantage of, hitting several times in quick succession.

“Like I care what you have to say!” Derpy shouted as she assaulted Amber, now aiming a flurry of hooves at her face as the unicorn tried to protect her body. “You abducted my daughter and tried to kill her,” she paused when she saw the unicorn’s face was becoming swollen.

“And nopony, no matter who they are, hurts my family and gets away with it!” Derpy finished her speech with a roar as she thrusted her hoof against Amber’s horn, shattering it upon impact. The unicorn, now with a broken horn, did not scream in pain. She was already unconscious from the pegasus mare's attacks.

Derpy winced as she massaged her hoof, only to stop when she heard the sound of hoofsteps coming towards her. She turned to see three Solar Corps soldiers coming over, one of them carrying a magic restrainer. They paused when they saw Derpy standing over a battered and hornless Amber Vain.

"I guess this won't be needed?" the pony holding the restrainer asked, receiving blank stares from his colleagues.

"Can somepony get me an ice pack, please?" Derpy asked politely as she held her hurt hoof in the air, grinning at the soldiers.

With the danger now passed and Amber Vain taken into custody, Blueblood stripped from his armour, almost instantly being impacted from both sides at the same time once he was out of it. One was a small body, pressing firmly against his side, the other larger, a pair of wings being wrapped around them all. Movement to the side caught his attention, and he looked around to see Pipsqueak slowly moving closer. Beckoning him over, Blueblood added the colt to the loving embrace, feeling his daughter shift around so that she could be next to Pip.

“Where is Deadeye?” came Nightshade’s voice, causing Blueblood to look over then follow her gaze, to where a large hole had been formed in the side of the mansion. “Where is my son?” The katakan mare went to look, but after moving one hoof she stopped, jumping in front of Blueblood and the others, spreading her wings with a snarl.

From inside the hole a bloodied hoof appeared, the pony it belonged to dragging themselves out. As soon as a muzzle came into view, Nightshade knew it was her son. There was a loud, pained groan from the hole, Deadeye managing to find his hooves, but when he stepped out into the the twilight light, Nightshade’s eyes went wide.

With his right forehoof raised from the ground, the stallion stumbled forward on three legs. His mouth was covered in blood, but Nightshade could see no wounds on him, and fully believed that he had fulfilled his promise.

Deadeye made it about halfway to the five ponies before he collapsed, Nightshade frozen in shock when she saw the wounds his folded wings, which now lay splayed out, had hidden. She didn’t even notice the filly and colt run past her.

“Deadeye!” Dinky screamed as she galloped over to the downed Katakan, whose breathing was shallow and his eyes closed. Ignoring the mess on his face, Dinky leant in close and nuzzled his cheek, tears freely flowing from her eyes. “Come on Mr Deadeye! Wake up!” the filly wailed.

She heard a groan and stepped back, smiling when Deadeye’s eye fluttered open, focusing on her. Taking a few deep breaths, the stallion returned her smile, reaching out to gently touch her cheek with his good forehoof. “Dark Star… will bother you no more.” The stallion then went limp, his eye rolling shut.

“Deadeye! Get up!” Dinky shouted, shoving the stallion. “A-as your princess, I command you to wake up!”

Behind her, Blueblood stood watching with a sobbing Derpy next to him, whilst Nightshade watched on with her emotions hidden, but she could not stop the tears from rolling down her cheeks...

Author's Note

Chapter 22: Warning - Dark Content

“Do you think they were successful in rescuing Dinky?” Sugary asked Wise Words as they walked towards the castle from their apartment, the latter having told them about the events that had transpired not so long ago in Ponyville.

Wise sighed as he shook his head. “If only I knew, Sugary…”

“If I didn’t have this bloody limp, I would have come out of retirement and—!” Lucky paused when he saw the glare his wife gave him, silencing him and forcing him to look down abashed, only for his wife to nuzzle him.

Just as they arrived at the gate entrance, the trio felt the earth rumble as a shadow passed over them. As they looked up into the sky, they saw the Lightbringer flying low towards the docking area. Wise, Sugary and Lucky quickened their pace in order to reach the ship as soon as possible. Once they reached the now docked behemoth, they saw a few soldiers of the Solar Corps marching out of the main side hatch surrounding Blueblood and Derpy, with a sleeping Dinky riding her father’s back.

“Derpy!” Lucky called out to his daughter as he galloped past the Solar Corps soldiers. When he embraced his daughter, he paused when he saw her flinch in pain. “I’m sorry!” he retracted himself from her, and saw the bandaged hoof. “What happened?”

Before Derpy could answer her father, the voice of a mare screaming was heard from the entrance of the Lightbringer. Amber Vain was dragged out in chains by two soldiers, who ignored her cries as she barked out orders at them.

Dinky’s eyes shot open when she heard her kidnapper’s voice, causing her to gasp and hide from her presence, which proved to be difficult with her being on her father’s back.

“It’s alright Dinky, she won’t harm you or any other pony ever again…” Blueblood comforted his daughter as he gazed upon the prisoner with a combination of rage and pity.

“Release me this instant you brutes!” Amber snapped at the soldiers, her eyes moving back and forth one pony to the other, an intense glare on her face as if she was trying to set them on fire by her gaze alone. “Do you have any idea who I am!? I am Lady Amber Vain! Soon to be Princess of Equestria! You are all flies to me! I am the destiny of this simple kingdom! Who are you to—” her words were cut off when one of the soldiers lit his horn and placed a magic muzzle over her mouth to silence her as she was dragged away.

It can’t be… Wise Words thought to himself as he stared in disbelief at the deranged mare. He looked around to see none of the ponies in the current party were looking his way, giving him enough time to slip away unnoticed.

Sugary grimaced when she saw the base where Amber’s horn use to be. “How did that happen?” she thought outloud, her answer given to her by her daughter who raised her bandaged hoof. Looks like all those lessons in self-defense Lucky taught her paid off… She furrowed her brow as she looked around. "All of this for our granddaughter?”

Before anypony could answer her, the Dreamcatcher slid into its berth, barely stopping in time. The deck was awash with agitated Katakan soldiers. Sugary noticed two Katakans carrying a stretcher with a heavily wounded stallion, whom she recognized as Deadeye. Her eyes then went wide as she saw a certain colt Dinky had introduced to her the day after the Gala sitting upon a Katakan mare's back.

“Get him to the hospital wing immediately! If they need a blood donor, find me at once!” Nightshade ordered the soldiers, her own eyes misty as she tried to not cry in front of them.

“Yes Ma’am!” the soldiers acknowledged her command and carried Deadeye off.

Pipsqueak’s eyes never left Deadeye’s body until he was taken inside. “Is he going to be alright?” he asked Nightshade meekly, not receiving an answer from the mare. When he smelled something foul in the air, his eyes landed on a saddlebag that seemed to be carrying something round.

Before he could enquire as to what it was, Nightshade flew to Blueblood and his company. Once she reached them, she lowered her back to let Pipsqueak off from her. “I must take my leave now, the Night-Mistress will want to hear about this,” she said before turning to Blueblood and bowing to him. Once she flared her wings to fly again, she was approached by Dinky who had jumped off her father’s back.

“Thank you for everything, Nightshade!” Dinky nuzzled the Katakan’s leg until the mare lowered her head to the filly’s level.

“You’re most welcomed, my princess…” Nightshade smiled fondly at Dinky and took flight, not wanting the filly to ask what she was carrying in her saddlebag.

Blueblood sighed as he looked on to where Nightshade flew off to. I hope Deadeye will be alright… “I think we should—” he paused when he saw another figure coming towards them from the air, this time a white alicorn, who seemed to be in a rush.

“Blue!” Celestia called out to her nephew as she walked towards the group. When she saw Dinky, she immediately nuzzled her. “I’m so glad you’re safe.” she said as she released her. When she looked to Derpy and her injury, she gasped and moved closer to her soon to be niece-in-law. “You’re hurt.” she said as she gently took hold of the hoof with her magic. “We need to get you to the doctor at once.”

Once her hoof was free from Celestia’s grasp, Derpy nodded and gave a slight yawn which she covered with her sore hoof. “I think so too… that and a nice warm bed for me and my family…”

“Wise, could you—” Blueblood paused when he looked around to see where the elder stallion was. “Wise?” he called out as he looked around, but he was nowhere to be seen. Where could he have gone? Just as he turned to his aunt, he saw the distress in her eyes. “Auntie?”

Oh no! Celestia gulped and looked down to the company. “I am so sorry, but I must go now! I will be back as soon as I can!” she said as she galloped to the castle. Please Faust! Don’t let him see her like this!

“Sir… are you sure you should be down here? This dungeon is currently housing a—” the guard’s voice was silenced when Wise Words lifted his hoof in the air.

“I know full well who this prisoner is… hence why I must be down here.” Wise Words replied dryly as he lowered his hoof, walking past the guard and into the dungeon. The room itself had only one cell, where a unicorn mare was seated in with her head held up high and constant grin on her face.

Wise Words sighed as he grabbed a stool from the corner and placed it just in front of the cell, taking his seat as he gazed upon the mare, her scarlet eyes in particular.

“I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw you in chains... I still can't believe all of this. You, of all the ponies in the world, actually being the daughter I missed so much..." Wise Words sniffed a tear that was building up. "How could you have done this? Did she drill some form of indoctrination in your mind that made you do this? Or was this just your own will, Melody?"

Amber lowered her head to face Wise Words, her grin never dissipating from her muzzle. She cocked her brow before she speaking. "How do you know that name?"

“I know it because I gave it to you the day you were born and I held you in my arms for the first time,” Wise said, frowning slightly when he noticed the mare’s eyes had narrowed a little whilst her grin had gotten wider.

“Are you proud of your little filly, father?” Amber asked, giving a cackle. “Mother told me about you. How you left your own nobility behind and went lower than even the rats! Psh, a butler was no father for me! When I get out of here and take my rightful place at Blueblood’s si—”

Wise stomped his hoof, silencing the mare, and he stood with a sigh. “It does me well, to know you are still alive, Melody,” Wise said as he placed the stool back in the corner, turning to face the mare once more. As much as he tried, the stallion couldn’t stop the tears from falling. “As for becoming a butler, it meant I could spend more time with you, but I doubt you remember all of the dollhouses I built for you. Goodbye, Mel… no, she is dead. Goodbye, Amber.”

A deafening silence emitted from across the dungeon, with both ponies staring at each other for the longest time. With nothing else being said between them, Wise turned and began the trek from the cells, pausing when he heard the mare behind him gasp.

“I remember those things alright!” Amber screamed, the sound of her chains rattling. Wise looked back over his shoulder to see her pressed up against the bars, sneering at him. “I took great delight in smashing them to pieces when I found out you abandoned me!”

Wise Words said nothing as he began to walk up the stairs and away from the cell, each step felt slow as he furthered the distance between himself and the mare that was not even a shadow of his daughter.

Emerging out into the castle grounds from the dungeons, Wise Words made his way over at one of the balconies and looked at the gardens before him, his mind and heart in turmoil from what he had just experienced.

Behind him, on her way to the cells herself, Princess Luna stood with her mouth wide open. To her, Wise was one of the strongest ponies going emotionally, so to see him like this… The sound of wings flapping and then hooves on the concrete caused her to turn as Nightshade landed and trotted up to her, her eyes looking upon the the butler.

There was a wet sounding thud as Nightshade dropped the sack she was carrying at Luna’s hooves, staring the princess in the face. “A present, from my son. Now if you’ll excuse me, I am needed elsewhere.” Having said her piece, Nightshade turned from the princess and walked over to where Wise Words was looking over the gardens.

Princess Luna’s eyes softened as she looked on to the crestfallen stallion before her ears perked to the sound of another pony coming to her. She turned to see her sister walking rather fast to her, only to pause when she saw Wise in the distance.

Before Celestia could act, she was barred by her sister’s hoof as it pressed against her chest. The elder mare looked to Luna, who shook her head in silence and turned to look at Wise Words again.

Neither princess said anything as the Katakan mare sat next to the unicorn stallion and, in a display of uncharacteristic softness, nuzzled under his chin and pressed close against his side.

Pain; something nopony wants to feel, yet it has purpose. It tells the body when something is wrong, or when there is danger, or alerts a pony to the fact that they are still alive. It was to tremendous pain in his barrel that one stallion awoke. Slowly opening his eye, the stallion winced and let out a hiss, for the room he was in was illuminated brightly.

Something moved against his side, and he tried to let out a growl, but all he managed was a grunt of pain as his injuries flared up again. Whatever was against him moved away slightly, and he heard a quiet gasp, then a click.

“It’s okay, you can look now,” came a small voice. He opened his eye once more, finding the room to be in total darkness now, but that didn’t affect his vision at all. Looking to his right, he saw his foreleg was in a cast and raised into the air, and as his gaze traveled further down his body he saw bandages wrapped around his barrel, continuing on under the sheet that covered his lower half. “D-deadeye?”

Deadeye’s vision was drawn to his side, where he saw a horn glowing softly, the light low enough to not hurt his eye, and he could see the light amber of the eyes of the caster reflecting in the glow of the magic. “Prin…” the stallion tried to speak, but his words were cut off as he began to cough violently.

Somepony eased him into a seated position using magic, propping him up with the pillows, a cup of water being floated in front of him, which he knew from experience not to drink too fast. Not seeing anypony else other than Dinky in his vision, Deadeye turned to his left, where he found a pair of red puffy eyes with blue irises staring back at him. Before he could speak, the pony wrapped their forehooves around his neck and pulled him in closer, pressing their lips against his.

When they broke apart, they both turned to glance at the giggling filly, who hid her face by lying next to the stallion once more. Now that his eye had adjusted to the light levels, Deadeye looked around the room, his vision lingering on a small bag hanging from a pole which had a tube running down into his bandaged right foreleg; both were filled with a red liquid.

"'tis fortunate your sister was back from her own mission, as your mother was insisting we drain her of blood to save you," Luna said, leaning in to nuzzle the stallion. "You gave me quite the scare, coming back like that. And when you are better I shall thank you properly for the gift you brought me," she added with a wink.

"Night-mistress..." Deadeye started, his voice raspy, and he took another drink of the water held aloft in the alicorns magic. "Luna, I failed you. Look at me, a poor excuse for a Kata—" Luna cut him off by placing a hoof over his mouth, glaring at him.

"You are not my captain because you are the strongest, nor the brightest at times," Luna stated, doing her best not to join the snickering filly. "You are my captain because, time and again, you've proven your sense of doing what is right against what is ordered. You are an example, one that all Katakans should look to be like."

Deadeye knew her expression meant there would no arguing, so he simply nodded and lay back down. He looked to the door as it was opened, a teenage Katakan colt coming in. Unlike the stallion, this pony was one of the few who had been given and taken the choice to become a scholar; this particular colt was under the stewardship of Luna's personal assistant.

He moved to one of two chairs in the room, Luna moving away from the bed to sit next to him, giving him a nod before looking at Deadeye. "I wish to let you rest for as long as you need," said Luna, her voice with an official edge to it. "But we must know what happened between you and the formerly alive Dark Star."

Deadeye looked down to see Dinky staring back at him, and he was about to ask her to leave when the door opened again. Lucky Mint slowly entered and approached, reaching a hoof to his granddaughter. "It's time for bed sweetie," he said. "Come on, let him rest."

Dinky tried to give Deadeye her best pleading look, but the stallion just shook his head. "This is not something you should hear, my princess," he said, ruffling her mane. She gave him a pout, then reached up and gently placed her forelegs around his neck, whispering 'goodnight' into his ear. She then turned and climbed from the bed onto her grandfather's back, the stallion leaving the room and closing the door behind him.

Taking a deep breath, Deadeye began his report. "As soon as we entered the mansion grounds, I knew we were in the right place. As we approached the door, our targets came out. I took the initiative and focused on my unc... on the stallion, jumping at him..."

Although he was subjected to a sudden and strong force, Dark Star did not cry out in pain, even when he was flung to the stone floor of the mansion’s lobby. Standing up, the Katakan stallion looked to his assailant and and began to laugh. “Oh my dear little nephew, how you’ve grown!” Dark Star said. "Tell me Deadeye, how is the big blue bitch doing?”

With an angry snarl Deadeye leapt at Dark Star, his fangs bared and aiming for the elder stallion’s neck. Dark Star simply stepped back and brought up his right fore hoof, leaving it in Deadeye’s blind spot. As he expected, the angry pony was too focused on what he wanted to see it, letting out a grunt when it his his muzzle. Stepping back, Deadeye cracked his jaw and began to growl, the two stallions circling one another.

“You’ve improved a lot, at least in your stance and offence,” Dark Star said as his wings fluttered. “But what about in defence?” He charged at Deadeye, who turned his body so that his side would take the brunt of the blow, but Dark Star was counting on that. Using his own wing, he lifted Deadeye’s out of the way and exposed the soft flesh of his barrel. Baring his fangs, Dark Star slammed his muzzle against Deadeye’s side and pulled his head down, leaving long gashes which began to well up with blood.

Dark Star was about to attack again, but his vision was momentarily filled with stars as Deadeye’s hoof collided with his face, sending him sprawling backwards. Licking the blood from his fangs, Dark Star gave a low chuckle, an evil grin on his face. “I see… let them get an attack and then retaliate,” he said. “Well, your form is good… but what of your shadow-magic?”

Deadeye’s eye widened as Dark Star, from his neck back, turned into mist, which swirled around like whirlwind. Not bothering to follow suit, Deadeye instead charged at his uncle, but couldn’t get close enough to attack. Dark Star didn’t have that trouble, using his shadow form to batter at his nephew, leaving at minimum scratches and at maximum deep cuts in the younger stallion.

Forced onto the defensive, Deadeye backed away and watched the swirling mist for any form of pattern, but it was too random. Faced with no other choice, he copied Dark Star and half of his form faded away, but his chest and forelegs remained in their corporeal state.

With manic laughter Dark Star charged forward, claws forming on legs made from shadow, which swiped at Deadeye. The one-eyed stallion howled as the claws dug into his left side, leaving several deep gashes behind, from which blood began to flow freely. One of the claws caught his right fore hoof, the shadow-claw crushing down around it; bones broke.

Jumping back, Deadeye watched Dark Star carefully, the Lunar Corps captain panting heavily as his wounds burned. His eye widened as he spotted one place his uncle had left undefended, but it was very risky.

Taking a deep breath, Deadeye returned Dark Star’s charge, the shadow- claws tearing fur and skin from Deadeye even as he pressed forward. Deadeye was light headed as he entered the area in front of his uncle which the shadow-claws had been ignoring, and that is when he took his chance.

Baring his fangs with a snarl, Deadeye sunk them into Dark Star’s throat, holding on even as the elder stallion returned to his normal state and began to thrash about, kicking and punching his nephew in desperation.

Feeling Dark Star growing weak, Deadeye too returned to his corporeal state and fell to the floor, but his fang’s grip never faltered. The stallions crashed down, Deadeye using the deadweight of his forehoof to keep Dark star’s head down.

Biting down harder, Deadeye pulled away. He felt resistance and began to chew his way through the muscle, being rewarded a few moments later by the flesh he had bitten being torn free. Spitting the meat from his mouth, Deadeye turned his gaze to the twitching form of the pony formerly known as Dark Star, a rapidly growing pool of crimson liquid coming from his throat.

Trying to stand, Deadeye fell to his side and grunted in pain, for his wounds there had no chance of healing on their own. Turning from the body, Deadeye’s fading vision settled on the hole in the wall he had created. Putting out his good forehoof, Deadeye began to pull himself across the floor, not knowing or caring if the blood he splashed through was his or Dark Star’s.

All that mattered now was seeing if Princess Dinky was safe.

“Oh! Sweet flying feathers! That’s the spot!”

As she lay on the bed in Blueblood’s suite, Derpy was treated to a massage from her fiancé. With her back turned exposed and her wings spread, she felt her stallion’s hooves work their way across her wings’ joints, relieving them of the tension that build up from her fight with that wretched mare.

When Blueblood removed his hooves from her body, Derpy immediately rolled onto her back to face him. “Where did you learn to give a massage like that?” she asked him, her eyes flustered as she felt strangely rejuvenated from his touch.

Blueblood shrugged as he grinned. “Actually, this is my first time…” he trailed off, pausing when he heard Derpy giggle. "What?"

"It's nothing." Derpy replied as she waved her bandaged hoof, causing her to flinch in pain. I thought those painkillers the doctor gave me would have kicked in by now…

“Careful,” Blueblood warned her. His eyes lingered on the hoof for a moment in awe. “Still amazed you actually broke a horn with just one punch…” he trailed off, taking notice of Derpy’s lit cheeks.

“Well with some deliveries, you need to be strong…” Derpy tittered as she remembered delivering sofas and other large parcels to ponies. “That and our little girl was in trouble, and I wasn’t gonna let her get away with what she did.”

That mare’s punishment has only just begun… Blueblood thought grimly as he rested his head on his fiancée’s legs. “The important thing is we have our baby back.”

“Is she still in the hospital wing?” Derpy asked, receiving a nod from Blueblood. The mare scrunched her lips as she sighed. “I hope Deadeye is okay…” she thought out loud as she remembered the state he was in.

“He is… one of his sisters was around to donate blood.” Blueblood replied.

Derpy lifted her back from the bed and turned to Blueblood as she cocked her brow. “One of his sisters?” she asked him.

“Captain Nightshade has a big family.” Blueblood shrugged as he chuckled.

“That’s a relief,” Derpy sighed, making a mental note to do something special for the recovering Katakan stallion. “So what happens next?” she asked Blueblood as she rested her back on the luxurious bed again.

Blueblood grinned as he raised his head from Derpy’s legs. “Well, I’m going to have a word with Twilight about planning the wedding, since she’s the best organizer out there… then I’m going to treat you and Dinky to something special… before that though, I think I need to do something…”

“And what’s that?” Derpy asked.

“This.” Blueblood replied, immediately pressing his lips to her stomach and blowing hard against it. Derpy squealed as she laughed at the sudden action, trying her best to push her stallion off with her good hoof, but to no avail. When she felt a pair of hooves tickling her ribs, she closed her eyes as she laughed and tried to free herself from her stallion’s hold.

“B-Blue!” Derpy uttered out but her words were muted once he pressed his lips against hers. She melted into the kiss and moaned as she caressed his teeth with her tongue, begging them to open up. Once they did, she felt his tongue dancing with hers.

After a few moments of kissing, they parted their lips from each other. Blueblood stared into her beautiful half-lidded golden eyes as he smiled down upon her. “I love you…”

“I love you too…” Derpy caressed his cheek with her uninjured hoof before she pressed her lips against his. Her eyes fluttered to a close as she wrapped her hooves around his neck, bathing in the warmth of his embrace.

Chapter 23

Pacing back and forth in Blueblood’s chamber, Derpy waited for any news about her daughter. Guards had been sent to the letter writer’s home to retrieve her, but she wasn’t there, only a single older stallion, who had said he didn’t know where the writer was. Derpy didn’t know who this ‘Amber Vain’ was, nor what she or Dinky had done to earn her spite.

The door creaking open drew her attention, and she turned to see Blueblood enter, the stallion seeming exhausted. As he came closer, Derpy noticed red splotches dotting his coat and she ran over to him, placing her hoof on one of the spots. “It’s wet,” she said in surprise, turning Blueblood's muzzle to face her. “Is… is this blood?”

Blueblood snorted and pulled away, heading over to his drinks cabinet, where he forewent using a glass, picking up a large bottle of amber liquid and gulping some of it down. After taking his fill, the stallion set the bottle down with a sigh, turning to face the mare.”...s’not mine.”

“Then whose?” Derpy asked, frowning when Blueblood took another guzzle of booze. “Whose blood is it?”

With an angry snarl, Blueblood launched the now half empty bottle into the wall to his side, Derpy gasping in shock. “Does it matter?” he asked angrily. “She messed with my family so I messed with hers. All he had to do was tell me where she went!”

“Blue… what did you do?” Derpy backed away slightly, her eyes moving from the unicorn to the bedroom door.

“I roughed her father up! I don’t know how much,” Blueblood admitted, giving a mad cackle. “But it’ll teach her a lesson when she comes home and finds his broken body!”

Derpy had heard enough, running into the bedroom and slamming the door shut behind her, ensuring to lock it. Silence reigned for a few a few minutes, and then there was a gentle knock on the door.

“Derpy?” came Blueblood’s voice, now quiet and worried. “I… I’m sorry about that. I don’t know what’s come over me. I… I am going to talk with my aunts. Please… come join us when you’re ready.”

She heard his hoofsteps move away, followed by the door to the suite opening and closing, the mare letting out the breath she was holding. She then walked over to the bed and flopped down on it, crying herself to sleep.

She awoke a few hours later, looking out of the window to see the sun had begun its descent. Standing from the bed, Derpy stretched out then walked over to the door. She took a deep breath then reach a hoof to the handle, pushing open the door to see the lounge area empty.

A glance at the clock told her it was the evening meal time, and she briefly wondered if Blueblood had left her to rest… or just plain ignored her. Making her way from the chambers, a small blush grew as every guard she passed saluted at her, until she reached the throne room.

The table was set and plates piled with food, four of them, but the three ponies sitting there had not started. It took Derpy a moment to realise they were waiting for her. She slowly trotted over, slipping into the vacant chair opposite Blueblood, who averted his gaze when she looked at him.

Just as Derpy was about to begin eating, one of the castle staff came rushing in, galloping over to the table. He dropped an open box in front of Blueblood and then backed away, shaking slightly.

Raising his eyebrow, Blueblood lifted the box up in has magic and hovered it over the table, then turned it upside down. There were two loud thuds and a quieter one, all diner’s losing their appetites as they looked down.

Upon the table sat the heads of two ponies, both Katakans, one mare, one stallion; hers with two eyes, his with one. In between them sat something long, thin, and bluish-gray. Reaching a shaking hoof out, Derpy gently prodded it, letting out a scream as the severed horn released some of its stored magic in a flash of light.

Derpy suddenly found herself in her own home, but the place looked like it had been deserted for months, a glance out of the window showing the contents of the flower box there had wilted and died. The inside wasn’t much better, a thick layer of dust coating all of the furniture, and the couch… well, it’d be easier to just get a new one and burn the old.

Moving from her lounge into the kitchen, she saw the sides littered with plates, on top of which sat rotten leftovers. It was like they simply brought new plates from each meal. The stench hit Derpy’s nose and she almost lost the contents of her stomach, the pegasus quickly leaving the room.

Moving to the stairs, Derpy warily picked her way up them, for several large holes had appeared. She approached her bedroom, pushing the door open to find an utter mess. Her bedding hadn’t been changed nor the bed made, and the smell coming from in there was worse than the kitchen.

Closing the door, Derpy turned and walked over to Dinky’s room, preparing for the worst. She was surprised to see nothing in the room had changed, the room neat, tidy, and clean. Sitting at a desk in the room was Dinky, Derpy letting out a deep sigh as she walked over.

Her eyes went wide as she approached, for Dinky reached up and itched at her bare forehead, a little lump where the filly’s horn should be. With a strangled cry Derpy snatched Dinky into her hooves, holding her daughter tightly against her chest as the tears began to fall.

“Mommy,” came Dinky’s voice, but it was empty, lacking the usual life in the filly’s words. “Why? Why didn’t you and daddy save me?”

Derpy held the filly out so she could look at her face, seeing that her eyes matched her voice, empty looking and soulless. Derpy looked down at the filly’s desk, giving a gasp, for a newspaper there had the headline ‘Prince Blueblood happily announces his wife Amber Vain is carrying his foal’. The light in the room suddenly went out, a mad cackle echoing from the walls.

“Stupid pegasus!” came Amber Vain’s voice seemingly from everywhere at once. “I told you I’d win!”

Derpy’s screams were drowned out by Amber’s howling laughter...

Derpy’s head shot upwards as she screamed with her eyes red from the build up of tears. She started to hyperventilate as she looked around to see she was in a dark bedroom, with the moon being the only light that shined through the window. When she heard a groan coming from her side, she turned to see Blueblood looking at her.

“Derpy?” Blueblood rubbed his eyes to remove the gathered rheum and raised himself up to sit upright on the bed. “What’s wrong?” he asked her and tried to reach out a hoof to her.

When she saw the hoof approaching her, Derpy yelped and pushed herself off the bed, glaring at Blueblood. “This is all your fault!” she suddenly shouted, running over to the door and pausing to look over her shoulder. “You stay away from us!” With that, she ran from the room, ignoring the calls from the stallion for her to stop, Derpy muttering to herself as she went. She didn’t even notice several of the guards leave their stations and gallop after her.

Down several of the corridors she ran, turning this way and that to ensure the stallion had no chance of following. Just as she turned a corner, her entire body slammed against something hard. She fell on her haunches and rubbed her sore nose before she looked up to see the face of Princess Luna looking down on her.

“Derpy, are you alright?” she asked the pegasus as she helped her back up to her hooves. Luna saw Derpy’s eyes were kind of glazed over, and leaned closer to hear the quiet words the pegasus was saying.

“Dinky, horn. Dinky, horn. Dinky, horn. Dinky, horn,” the words repeated as Derpy trotted in place, her gaze jumping from one shadow to another. Movement behind Derpy drew Luna’s attention, some of the guards having caught up. Giving them a nod, Luna lifted Derpy in her magic and set her on her back, the pegasus still mumbling away even as her hooves wrapped around the alicorn’s neck and held on tightly.

Perhaps a nightmare… Luna thought to herself as she trotted along the corridors. It didn’t take her long to reach her own chambers, where the Katakans standing guard favoured the mares with confused frowns. Stopping at her door, Luna turned to the mare standing there, who went rigid in place. “Find Prince Blueblood and tell him where his fiancee is,” she ordered her guard, who saluted her and dived into the shadows.

Stepping into her room, Luna set Derpy down on her couch and climbed up next to her. She waited patiently for the pegasus to speak, but too soon did the silence become uncomfortable. Taking a deep breath, Luna opened the conversation. “Did…. were you plagued by a nightmare?”

Derpy gave a slight nod, but her muttering never ceased. Growing concerned for the pegasus’ mental state, Luna lit her horn and formed a small image in front of her. “Look, my dear Derpy,” Luna said, pointing a hoof at the image. “Little Dinky is fine, and with your parents.”

Slowly, both of Derpy’s eyes focused on the image, then lost their slightly manic look. Derpy shuddered once then burst out sobbing, burying her muzzle in Luna’s shoulder.

“I must apologize for not being present to deal with your nightmare…” Luna trailed off before she cleared her throat to speak again. “I was within another nightmare that had to be dealt with for the sake of Equestria… but that does not excuse me not being there to help you, especially since you are a part of my family now.”

Derpy just pressed closer to Luna, and she held the mare until her crying quieted down into small whimpers. “Are you feeling a little better?” the alicorn asked the pegasus, getting a weak nod in response. “If… if you feel up to it, do you wish to tell me what happened exactly?”

Derpy tried her best to recount the events that occurred in the nightmare, though she was interrupted at times thanks to her sniffling. As she finished, she looked up to see Luna still looking down upon her.

“Most ponies don’t realize this… but nightmares have a purpose in one’s life.” Luna said as she closed her eyes slowly. “They help us with addressing current issues and showing us the potential dangers in our lives… Such as your daughter nearly being embraced by death or being crippled for life.”

Luna rested her hoof on Derpy’s chin. “However, nightmares should not be lingered upon for too long… for if a pony should dwell on their fears, they are left vulnerable in the end.” As I was back then…

Derpy’s ears flattened as Luna said that, a knock on the door alerting the two mares to a visitor. Not bothering to wait for Luna’s approval to enter, the door opened and Blueblood stuck his head in, his face awash with worry. Seeing him open his mouth, Luna shook her head and her horn glowed softly, the mare in her hooves suddenly falling limp.

Luna then waved Blueblood over, gently placing the now slumbering Derpy atop his back, using a hoof to turn his muzzle towards her. “I shall look after her during her sleep for the remainder of the night, but during the day… that task falls to you. Go now, return to your chambers,” Luna said, giving both of them a kiss on the cheek, eyeing them as Blueblood slowly walked out of the room.

For what you’ve done… you’re getting a visit. Luna thought to herself, then had a little giggle. And Tia doesn’t even have to know! With a deep breath Luna closed her eyes, slipping off to sleep instantly in an ability honed over her long years of life. There was one other mare she’d be seeing tonight.

As the sun’s beams shined through the open window of their bedroom, Blueblood’s eyes opened to see Derpy sleeping peacefully in his arms. Just as he caressed her cheek, he saw her eyes flutter open and locked her pupils with his. When he saw her pupils shrink and felt her try to push herself away, he held onto her and brought her into an embrace.

“Shh, it’s okay Derpy… it’s okay…” Blueblood whispered into her ear, continuing to say those words as though they were a mantra. As he felt the mare relax in his arms, he let go of her slowly and turned to see her looking down in shame with quivering lips and moist eyes.

Derpy raised her head a little to lock her eyes with Blueblood’s, only for to look away again. “I’m so sorry…” she muttered, only to have her fiance look at her in confusion.

“You didn’t do anything wrong, if it’s about—”

“But I did!” Derpy interrupted as she raised her voice, only to close her mouth with both her hooves and blush. “I said those awful things to you last night… just because I had some stupid nightmare…”

I wouldn’t exactly call that nightmare ‘stupid’... and I must thank Luna for showing me it after we came back here. Blueblood sighed before he nuzzled his mare softly. “Derpy, I don’t blame you for what happened last night… especially with what has happened lately.” he tried to reason with his fiancee, only to have her wrap her hooves around his neck and plant her face into his shoulder. The stallion turned his head and felt her cry.

“I’m so scared Blue…” Derpy confessed as she lifted her head from his shoulder and sniffed, only the tears wouldn’t stop streaming. “I’m scared about our filly… I mean, what if something like this happens again to her?! What if she gets herself killed by some crazed lunatic or some noble wants to have her way with her and—” she was silenced when her stallion planted his lips against hers.

Blueblood removed his muzzle from Derpy and nuzzled her cheek. “If our baby becomes the target of some conspiracy, we’ll face that together as a family…” he trailed off as he sighed. “I’m also scared for her, and for you my love,” he said as he removed himself from her. “But, we shouldn’t let fear of the future dictate our lives.”

“Wise Words once told me ‘Yesterday is history, tomorrow is mysterious… but today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.’” Blueblood quoted his butler’s words that he had said not so long ago.

A small smile emitted from Derpy muzzle as she leaned into Blueblood’s, kissing him briefly before speaking again. “Why do you always say the right things to me?” she asked him as she leaned her forehead against his, avoiding his horn.

Blueblood shrugged as he stared into her eyes. “I don’t know…” he answered Derpy, nuzzling her cheek again, the both of them climbing from the bed and walking out into the main room. “Shall we go down for breakfast?” he asked her.

“Not yet…” Derpy trailed off as she grabbed a hold of Blueblood and pulled him over to the couch, sitting him down then following and laying her head in his lap. “I want you with me right now,” she declared as she reached up and put a hoof around his head, lowering his muzzle to hers.

The stallion nodded and reached his hoofs to her wings, giving them a massage as they embraced each other. Just as their lips connected, a knock on the door stopped them from proceeding. Derpy groaned as she stared at the door and rolled herself over, Blueblood gently stroking her mane before calling out, “Enter...”

Trotting through the castle halls, Luna looked in every strange location she felt a shadow essence. Ever since she and her sister had left Nightshade and Wise Words staring out over the gardens, Luna hadn't seen nor heard anything from either pony. So, there she was wandering around, before the sun had even risen, trying to find her Shadowbolt captain.

Walking along the corridor that ran past the entrance to the wing where Blueblood had his chambers, Luna stopped and cocked her head, looking down the corridor. She felt several dozen shadow essences outside the castle, but only one inside. Knowing that neither her nor any of her Katakan commanders had ordered a guard to be inside her nephew’s chambers, Luna turned from the main passage with her horn glowing.

The rooms on the first two floors were empty save one, where Sly Cur was currently residing. Making her way up to the third floor, Luna felt the shadow essence grow stronger. The trail led to the door opposite Blueblood’s, Luna pausing and blinking in confusion, then teleported to the hall. She slowly raised her hoof and knocked thrice on the wooden portal, hearing hoofsteps on the other side coming closer.

The door swung open to reveal a mare that rivaled the princess in size, her yellow slitted eyes going wide when she saw the visitor. Stepping into the hall, Nightshade gently closed the door behind her, looking at Luna. “Night-mistress, how may I be of service?”

“How is he?” Luna asked, looking back at the door Nightshade had just emerged from. “I imagine he is taking it quite hard.”

“He is… adjusting,” Nightshade replied, giving a sad sigh. “He… made a decision last night, and I offered my thoughts on the matter.” Seeing Luna open her mouth, Nightshade shook her head. “He confided in me, and I will not betray his trust, to you or anypony.”

Luna worked her mouth a few times, before closing her eyes and smiling softly. “I understand, Nightshade. You are given leave to be there for him… much like you were yesterday.”

“Somepony had to do something, Night-mistress,” Nightshade said, giving a shrug. “Could… could you see if the prince is up? This is something he wants to do as soon as possible.”

Giving Nightshade a nod, Luna faced the other door and knocked loudly, then pushed the door open slowly. Taking a look around the room, she saw Blueblood sitting on the couch with Derpy sprawled across him, her head in his lap. “Good morning nephew," Luna said as she entered, quietly as to not disturb the peace that filled the room. She had a feeling it would be broken soon enough.

Once she had entered the room and pushed the door to, Nightshade entered the other room once more, looking around at the luggage that had been placed by the door. Movement caught her eyes as Wise Words emerged from his bedroom, wearing a faded old brown suit. “You do not have to do this,” Nightshade said, hoping the stallion would listen to reason.

Wise Words just gave her a small smile, then trotted from his room with Nightshade following. They could both hear hushed voices from Blueblood’s room, which stopped when Wise knocked.

“Enter,” came Blueblood’s voice.

Taking a deep breath, Wise pushed the door open and made his way in, stepping in front of the prince. There was a tense silence, the younger unicorn knowing something was wrong, but he couldn’t comprehend what until the elder stallion spoke. “Prince Blueblood, I have been in your service for over thirty years. I was present when you were brought home from the hospital the day you were born,” Wise said as he floated out a white envelope from his suit pocket. “We’ve shared many laughs and our worries over the years, which is why with deep regret, I officially tender my resignation. Goodbye, Master Blue.”

Bowing his head, Wise turned and began to walk towards the door, not meeting Nightshade’s gaze as she stared at him. He had just made it to the exit with his head outside the room when a quiet voice from behind made him stop. “Wise, wait,” Blueblood said, gently easing Drepy from his lap. He got up and walked over to the doorway, his ears splayed back. “Please, don’t go…”

“I can not continue to serve you, knowing what my own flesh and blood has done,” Wise said, giving a sad sigh. “I am long overdue for retirement anyway.” He went to continue on his way, but was blocked by Blueblood stepping in front of him.

“She may be yours biologically, but her heart and mind are nothing of the filly whom I use to run in my family gardens with,” Blueblood said, his face showing no emotion. “This other mare, Amber, is not your daughter Wise, and none of this was your fault.” Floating the letter over, Blueblood looked at it carefully as he thought what to say next. “I… will accept your resignation as my butler… but please… don’t go…”

Wise saw Blueblood’s expression change, one he had last seen when he had visited the hospital with the prince as a colt, his face full of fear and uncertainty. “Master Blue…”

“You’re my friend, Wise, and nothing will ever change that. And,” Blueblood thought about his words, making sure to choose the right ones as not to offend the older stallion. “You… you’re the closest thing to a father I’ve had… since… since,” Blueblood couldn’t hold back any longer, his head lowering as tears ran down his cheeks and to the floor.

Seeing the younger unicorn couldn’t come up with anything else to say, Derpy stood up from the couch and walked over, giving Blueblood a supportive nuzzle before looking at Wise Words. “I…” It was the first time she had spoke to the now ex-butler since learning the truth about Amber Vain, and she momentarily felt angry at the stallion, but that was quickly overtaken by shame for feeling like that at him at all.

Taking a deep breath, Derpy pulled away from Blueblood and threw her forelegs around Wise’s neck, holding on tightly. “Now try to leave,” Derpy whispered into his ears, a small smile coming to her face when she heard him give a quiet chuckle. “Please don’t go… the idiot behind me,” Derpy said, loudly and clearly. “He’s going to need more guidance.”

“Hey! I am not an idiot!” Blueblood grumbled, frowning at the back of Derpy’s head. “Well, not all the time.”

Giving a sigh, Wise Words raised a foreleg and returned Derpy’s embrace, not fighting his own slowly falling tears. “I… I guess I can stay for sometime,” Wise said, pulling away from Derpy. “And it would be nice to move around the castle whilst not looking for something to clean. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must put my things back.”

“Allow me,” Luna said as she trotted past, easily lifting up the several suitcases in the hallway as Wise followed. “I shall discuss it with my sister, but I think we can return your noble rank to you.” Luna saw Nightshade out of the corner of her eye, the Katakan mare sporting a wide, toothy grin. Even Luna tried not to shudder at the sight of Nightshade’s sharp fangs.

Nightshade followed Luna and Wise into his chambers, the alicorn taking the luggage into the bedroom. When she came back, she gave the stallion a smile as she walked towards the door. She paused and raised an eyebrow at Nightshade, but said nothing and left, closing the door behind her.

Nightshade bowed at Wise Words, causing him to raise an eyebrow in confusion. “Earl Wise Words, I am glad you decided to stay,” she said, hiding her giggles well when she heard him gasp.

“How do you know that is my noble rank?” he asked, as his raised eyebrow switched places with the other.

“I am captain of the Shadowbolts,” Nightshade said, standing back up and shrugging. “I make it my business to know the history of everypony who is or was employed here during my time.”

“You can still call me ‘Wise’, Nighty,” the stallion said, shaking his head. He turned towards his room but spun around again when he felt the mare move close behind him, seeing her face right in front of his. “N-Nightshade?”

“I am so very glad you stayed, Wise,” Nightshade whispered with a sultry growl. Wise Words only had time to raise his eyebrows as she pounced. Wrapping her forelegs around the stallion, she swept him up into the air, kicked the bedroom door shut with her rear hoof, and landed on the bed with the stallion below her. All of this happened in less than five seconds. “So very glad indeed,” Nightshade said with half lidded eyes, lowering her muzzle...

“Um, Princess… What’s all this for?” Dinky asked Twilight as she sat on a stool in the latter’s laboratory, having an odd looking helmet attached to her head and her horn connected to a cord that connected to the headpiece.

Twilight sighed inwardly as she calobrated the machine on the other side of the room. I wish Spike was here… “Just call me Twilight, Dinky… and to answer your question, this is used to read unique magic.” the alicorn explained as she walked towards the filly. “Unicorn magic won’t necessarily affect this machine, but there are a few cases in which a unicorn’s magic is different from others…”

“Oh?” Dinky tilted her head, trying to comprehend Twilight’s words as best as she could.

“There are some unicorns born with an ability that makes their magic more powerful from others… how that happens is with them being influenced by their emotions.” Twilight trailed off, giving pause when she saw Dinky’s blank stare. “In other words, the magic becomes stronger when a certain emotion triggered.”

Dinky blinked as she looked at the alicorn in confusion. “So, you’re saying that my magic may be different?”

“It very well may be… since I believe you may be an Emotion-Caster.” Twilight answered the filly as she turned a few knobs that were situated on the helmet. “Those are the names we give those unicorns and alicorns that have that ability.”

“Are you one of them, Twilight?” Dinky asked the mare.

Twilight nodded as she removed her hooves from the helmet. “Yes I am..." she replied to Dinky, her smile diminished as she sighed again. “Now, before I start the this test, I need to get a baseline reading of your normal magic, so I want you to focus and channel magic. Can you do that?” she asked the filly, receiving a nod from her. “Good… begin.”

Dinky clenched her eyes closed and started to conjure whatever magic she could muster. A dim glow started to emit from her horn, soon becoming brighter with each second. Her ears perked to the sound of the machine beeping on the other side ofthe room, with Twilight reading a scroll that ejected from it.

“Hmm… above average for a foal her age…” Twilight muttered under her breath as she turned to Dinky. “Alright, we’re going to another test now Dinky.” she told the filly as she walked towards her. “This will feel a little weird, but please bear with it.”

“Okay…” Dinky replied, her eyes still closed with her horn aglow.

The alicorn cleared her throat as she lowered her horn to the headpiece. “Starting test in three, two, one…” Twilight said and ignited her horn with magic, that soon encased the helmet with in a bright lavender aura. After a few seconds, she removed her horn and looked at Dinky with a combination of curiosity and concern.

Dinky looked around the room and shrugged before multiple images flashed before her eyes. She gasped when she saw herself and Pipsqueak as they sat alone on a bench outside the night of the Grand Galloping Gala. A blush came to her face as she watched herself leaning towards the colt and gently press her lips to his.

Twilight watched with wide eyes as Dinky’s aura lightened a few hues. “That’s…” Twilight started as she looked at the next print out. “This is similar to love magic! I’ve got to get you and Cadance together some time to see how you compare! Quick, another test!” she said, her horn flashing and the image changing.

This time, her Pip was being chased in the Trottingham forest by the very Katakan that had abducted her and nearly killed Deadeye; the monster Dark Star.

“Leave him alone, you creep!” Dinky shouted out at the images, not realizing that the helmet on her head had started to react. The machine’s lights began to flash, with a scroll of paper being ejected from it.

Twilight grabbed hold of the paper and read its contents. “So she is an Emotion-Caster too! This is so exciting!” she cheered to herself as she turned to Dinky. “Alright, I’m going to shut the machine off now—” her words were cut off when one of the machine’s lights exploded, causing her to yelp and look at the now malfunctioning contraption.

“I said leave him alone!” Dinky gritted her teeth in rage, with her horn accumulating more magic as though she were trying to launch a spell at the image. The headset started to wobble on the filly’s head, emitting smoke from the top of where the wires were connected.

“Dinky! Stop!” Twilight called out to the the filly, but to no avail. The alicorn saw the unicorn’s magic intensify, releasing itself in the form of a blinding light that filled the entire room.

Once the light faded, Dinky blinked and looked around and found the visions gone, replaced with thick black smoke coming from several machines, including the one on her head. She saw Twilight coughing whilst trying to get rid of the vapours, yet found it difficult with her magic being interrupted by her coughs. The doors burst open to reveal two ponies of the Solar Guard, both of them looking around the room until their eyes landed on the princess.

“Princess Twilight,” one of the guards spoke to the alicorn before he looked around to see the destroyed machinery. “What happened here?” he asked when his eyes landed Dinky.

“We were just conducting an experiment,” Twilight answered as she finally cleansed the room of the black vapours. When she looked at the now broken machine, she sighed and shook her head as she analyzed the condition of the contraption. A shame that had to happen… I don’t think Blue will give me funds for a third one.

“I’m sorry…” Dinky trailed off she she lowered her head and flattened her ears to the side, looking down to the ground in guilt.

Twilight turned her attention to the filly, slowly walking towards and lowering her head to meet her eyes. “It’s okay Dinky,” she said. “It’s just a machine.” she continued as she removed the helmet from the unicorn’s head.

“Did I… Did I do all this, Twilight?” Dinky asked the alicorn as she looked at the broken machinery and the broken glass that lay scattered across the room.

“Let’s get you back to your parents and we’ll discuss what happened here,” Twilight replied as she used her magic to pick Dinky up from the chair and placed her on her back, making her way towards the two guards. “Can you get a clean-up crew in here?” she asked them politely, receiving a salute from both of them.

“Yes Princess!” Both barked out and trotted down the hall towards an unknown destination.

Twilight walked the other way and looked back at Dinky, who had fallen asleep on her back. Magic exhaustion… She must have used most of her magic in that one spell… Just as she turned her head to face the path she was walking, her eyes landed on Blueblood and Derpy.

“Ah, Twilight… how is she?” Blueblood asked the mare, waiting patiently as Twilight raised his daughter from her back and deposited her carefully to his.

“About that… Blueblood… I think we need to talk…”

Chapter 24

The few times he had woken up through his infirmary stay made Deadeye immensely grateful towards the pony who had invented morphine, for the sensations from his injuries had dulled down to a slight tingle. He didn't bother to open his eye when he heard the door opening, assuming it was just one of the infirmary staff coming to check on him.

"...and that should do it," came a young male voice which Deadeye had not heard in some time, but one that was all too familiar to him.

"If you've marked me down for an enema, again," Deadeye said as he sat up and focused his gaze on the end of the bed, where a young Katakan stallion stood looking at Deadeye's medical notes. "Then not even mother will be able to help you, Riptide."

"Aww come on big half-bro, don't be like that," Riptide responded with a grin."I was just putting you down to have your head pulled outta your rump. Anyways, glad to see you're doing better."

Deadeye just snorted and lay back down, closing his eye. "Report."

"The unclean is most certainly dead," Riptide said, all traces of humour gone from his voice. "Mother even brought back his head as proof. I don't know why you were worried about him still breathing. After all, you tore a hole in his throat."

"The Night-mistress is strange," Deadeye said, cracking open his eye to see Riptide giving him an inquisitive stare. "She wants to, I do not know, thank me in a special way for it."

Comprehension dawned on Riptide, his grin returning but much wider this time. "So, you finally let the truth out, huh? I imagine mother has asked a lot of questions?" he asked, slowly backing away.

"Mother assumes, but I have not confirmed," Deadeye said and instantly regretted it, for Riptide turned and went to run out of the door. Deadeye tried to follow him and rolled from the bed, but that made his wounds flare with pain, and he hadn't even gone two steps before collapsing to the floor.

Fortunately, he was not alone in stopping his younger brother, and he looked up to see a Katakan mare of similar size to himself holding a pouting Riptide by the scruff of his neck in her mouth. Unlike nearly all other Katakans, she had a mane and tail full of red hair instead of the dark blue, and her coat was a bit more grey then the usual grey-blue.

She stepped into the room and kicked the door shut behind her, dropping Riptide to the floor and holding him down with one hoof, acting like he wasn't even there as she stared at Deadeye. "Good, you're out of bed. You've been lying there long enough," she said in a surprisingly soft voice; Deadeye knew she was anything but 'soft'.

"Thank you Cloudburn, for both this and saving my life," Deadeye said, slowly raising himself back up. He tried to walk, but his right foreleg was still broken, so he had to hobble around on three legs.

"I can't lose you Deadeye; we’re twins, it'd be losing part of myself," Cloudburn said as she helped him back onto the bed, using a rear hoof to trip Riptide as he tried, and failed, to escape. “You, stay. And you,” she said as she turned from glaring at Riptide back to her full-brother, something uncommon amongst the Katakan race. “Are most likely hungry. Would you like help to walk?”

“No… no thank you,” Deadeye said, taking a deep breath. Seeing he was concentrating on something, she stepped away from the bed, dragging Riptide with her. Both of their eyes went wide as Deadeye’s legs turned to shadow mist and remained in such a state, something he had never managed for more than half a minute at a time. “It is surprising how simple something becomes with one’s life on the line.” Deadeye turned his gaze upon Riptide once more and let out a low growl.

“Oh Faust no!” Riptide said, charging for the corner of the room where the light did not reach.

“We got fresh meat in the mess, I’ll be back soon,” Cloudburn said, giving a big grin to Deadeye, then she chased after their younger sibling, disappearing within the shadows after him.

“Twilight, will you please tell me what is going on?” Derpy asked the alicorn princess as they both walked towards the throne room.

“I will, once we’re with the others,” Twilight replied, not bothering to look at Derpy as they neared their destination.

Derpy tilted her head. “Others?” she asked Twilight, but her question was not answered when they finally arrived at the doors leading to the throne room. Once they were inside, the pegasus saw her fiance and both of his aunts discussing something, yet she could not discern what it was from where she was standing.

When both mares approached the others present in the room, Princess Celestia beckoned one of her guards to come closer. “Could you please leave us be…” she asked the guard politely, who merely bowed at his princess’ words.

“By your command, Princess…” the guard replied gruffly and turned to the others present in the room. “Move out!” he shouted to them, all acknowledging his words as they begun to stream out of the room in a single line.

Once they were gone, Princess Luna’s eyes landed on Derpy, who had taken a seat next to Blueblood. “I see you’re wondering why we’re all here, our dearest niece,” she said to the pegasus, who only nodded in response. “It has come to our attention that your daughter has quite the rare gift…”

Rare gift? “What do you mean?” Derpy asked Luna curiously, only to turn her head to Twilight who cleared her throat to speak.

“Remember when I ‘borrowed’ Dinky to run some tests?” Twilight reminded the pegasus. “Well, it turns out Dinky’s magic is very special,” the alicorn said as she smiled broadly. “It turns out your daughter is an emotion-caster.”

Derpy cocked her brow and scratched her head in confusion as she stared at Twilight. “What’s an emotion-caster?” she asked the alicorn.

A smile emitted from Twilight’s muzzle before she cleared her throat again. “An emotion-caster is a unicorn who can channel even greater magic via the influence of a trigger emotion. The magic casted from said unicorn varies from the kind of emotions they are feeling, but mostly…” her words trailed off when she saw Derpy’s eyes started to spin from the explanation.

“In other words, an emotion-caster is a unicorn who can use special magic…” Blueblood said to Derpy, who shook her head and turned to her fiance.

“Oh!” Derpy blurted out. My little muffin’s that special? She thought to herself as she looked to everypony in the room. “So what’s going to happen now?” she asked no pony in particular.

Twilight cleared her throat again as she grinned in glee. “Well, I was thinking… maybe we could have Dinky attend Canterlot’s School for Gifted Unicorns, she suggested to Derpy and Blueblood, giving pause when they looked at each other in thought. “But… of course this would be next year only, since the semester has already started and—”

“Twilight,” Celestia interrupted her former student as she raised her hoof. “While I would gladly recommend any foal into joining the school… In this case, I must respectfully object to Dinky enrolling.”

A deathly silence filled the room once Celestia spoke her words, only to be broken with Twilight blabbering incomprehensible words. “I-I I mean… what?!” the lavender mare blurted out as she starred in disbelief at her mentor. Did Princess Celestia just say ‘no’ to a gifted foal… “But Princess! Dinky’s—”

“Let me finish,” Celestia cut off Twilight’s words. “An emotion-caster such as Dinky would require special tutelage… from another emotion-caster, of which there are no lecturerers confirmed as such at the school," she explained to the young alicorn. “Before you suggest that I take her on as my student, as I had done with you… my schedule as of late unfortunately does not allow me to take a foal under my wings.”

“Besides…” Luna continued. “Do you think it wise to separate a foal from her friends and family, especially when she has just created a bond with her father?” she asked Twilight rhetorically.

Twilight’s ears flattened to her sides as she looked down after Luna’s question. She furrowed her brow a little when a thought came to her. “So we should find an emotion-caster who could mentor Dinky, somepony we can trust, somepony she trusts, preferably one near Ponyville and…” her words died down when she felt the eyes of all other ponies looking intently at her.

“I think a solution to our problem has presented itself,” Celestia smiled softly at Twilight. “And I think you would be the perfect mentor for Dinky.”

Me!? Twilight pointed a hoof to her chest, with her pupils shrinking to the size of pins as her mouth became agape. “Me… a mentor!?” she uttered out before she got up from her seat and started to pace around the throne room. “B-but don’t I need special training to be a mentor to a foal!?! I mean this is great and all, this is something I’ve always wanted to do! But so sudden, I mean—!” her words were cut off when she felt Celestia’s hooves embrace her and stop her movements.

“I understand how you feel Twilight, with such a new responsibility… but I have faith that all will be well,“ Celestia’s soothing words eased the younger alicorn’s worries. “If you need help of any kind with mentoring, be not afraid to ask me or any other of your old teachers.”

“Alright…” Twilight trailed off as she nodded at Celestia’s words.

As she looked at the two alicorns talking about her daughter, Derpy felt a sense of relief as she sighed. Well my muffin always wanted to have a personal tutor teach her magic… and now Twilight is going to teach her… She turned to look at Blueblood, whose eyes were also looking at hers. “So I guess she won’t be taking lessons from you?”

“Hey, Dinky may have Twilight as her mentor… but that won’t stop me from teaching my daughter a thing or two about magic,” Blueblood replied as he nuzzled his mare, who returned the gesture in kind.

“Pray tell,” Princess Luna’s voice brought the others attention to her. “Where is little Dinky?”

Stepping from the train, Amethyst Star looked around in wonder, for the photographs she had seen of Canterlot’s grand station were nothing compared to the real thing. The ceiling of the building was high overhead, with lots of golden chandeliers hanging down, all of which was supported by thick marble columns.

Because of her distracted state, Amethyst didn't take note of the ponies waiting to get on the train, at least until the first bump came. She then found herself remembering a night out to see a famous DJ, and the mosh pit there as she battled through a multitude of ponies going about their day.

Eventually she got away from the platform, finding herself a bench where she could catch her breath. After sitting down, Amethyst checked her saddlebags to make sure there was no damage, especially to the gift she had stored in there. Just as she was about to stand and begin the walk to her destination, a strange black portal opened on the wall in front of her.

She barely ducked in time as a bat-like pony, smaller than the ones she had seen around Ponyville the past few days, appeared from the portal and jumped over her. A larger pony followed, their massive hooves snapping the bench Amethyst had just been sitting on in half. She watched as the commuters causally moved out of the way, as if this was a normal occurrence as the larger pony chased the smaller one around the station.

"Can't catch me sis!" The smaller one shouted, revealing itself to be a stallion, as he slipped down a much too narrow side passage for the larger mare. Amethyst heard the growl from two platforms away, the mare stomping her hoof in seeming frustration, but Amethyst could see the other end of the passage... her eyes going wide just as something black shot up from the ground and slammed into the stallion's chin, sending him sprawling to the ground.

As much as she wanted to watch some more, somepony brushed against her, causing her to turn and just catch a dark blue wing tip leaving her saddlebag, a small white box held in the feathers. It only took a moment for the wheels to start turning, but when they did... "STOP, THIEF!" Amethyst's voice easily rose above the crowd, and deep rumbling in the concrete floor caused her to turn and see the large mare charge past her.

"We'll get it back," the mare said quickly, Amethyst barely hearing it before the mare carried on, skidding to take a tight corner. "Faust damn you Silent Gale! Get back here!" With that the mare disappeared, leaving Amethyst blinking in confusion.

"When she says 'we', she means her." Amethyst turned to find the stallion stood next to her, rubbing his chin, then he gave a quick look over. "Sorry about almost hitting you then. Wanna get a bite to eat?"

"Not really," Amethyst said flatly, immediately walking away from the stallion, sighing to herself when she heard him following her. The next twenty minutes of her journey were painful for her, as the stallion kept pace and constantly asked her questions, mostly about something that would basically construe a date-like event, and he ignored the fact she was ignoring him. Amethyst breathed a sigh of relief when she saw her destination, walking right up to one of the guards. "Excuse me, but could one of you tell this colt I am not interested in speaking with him?"

The guard she was speaking to looked behind her and smirked briefly, before regaining his composure and throwing a hoof up in a salute. "Commander Riptide, please leave this mare alone, sir!"

Amethyst turned with wide eyes to face the stallion, who had just returned the salute with his wing. "I can certainly try, but you know me sergeant. I like a challenge!" he said, throwing Amythest a wink.

She just rolled her eyes and turned back to the guard, pulling a scroll from her bag and floating it in front of him. After reading it over, the pegasus nodded to the unicorn of the squad, who opened the gate and stepped out of Amethyst's way. "Third corridor to you right, second floor, fourth door on your left. Would you like a guide?" the guard asked.

"No thanks, I’ll be fine,” she replied, stepping into the castle grounds. As she walked up the path, Amethyst saw a small amount of the ponies employed there, which amounted to nearly a hundred gardeners… and that was in one section. A glance over her shoulder showed this ‘Riptide’ keeping pace, the large grin still plastered across his muzzle. Suddenly stopping, Amethyst whirled around and stomped her hoof in frustration, then pointed it at him. “Will you just leave me alone you freakish bat pony!” she shouted.

She instantly knew she said something wrong as the grin disappeared and Riptide’s ears splayed backwards. But what really hit home was the trembling lip and the tears building in the corner of his eyes.

Before she could say anything, another one appeared, Amethyst recognising this one from the little fight a few weeks ago in Ponyville. He said nothing as he hobbled over to the younger stallion and wrapped him with a wing, holding him close. “Keep it together, Riptide. Sobbing from an insult is no act for a Shadowbolt. And you, young miss,” Deadeye said, turning a one-eyed glared upon Amethyst. “We are called ‘Katakans’, something you would do well to remember.”

Amethyst desperately wanted to apologise, but she remembered what the larger stallion said before he was forced to do such to Filthy Rich; ‘A Katakan does not apologise.’ She at least went to try, but Deadeye walked into the castle with Riptide before she could; the younger stallion kept his gaze averted from her as they went.

Shaking off her shame and sudden feeling of dread, Amethyst turned and entered the castle, recounting the directions in her head. The last thing she wanted was to embarrass herself again. Coming across the room she needed, she knocked on the door and entered, her eyes going wide.

The room was like any other office, a large desk commanding the floor space with decorations and equipment filling it up. But it wasn’t this that surprised Amethyst. No, it was the fact that on the other side to the table, a little to the side, sat a now stone-faced Riptide, and next to him was the mare she had seen beat Deadeye.

“Greetings, Miss Star,” the mare said gesturing with a hoof to the empty chair in front of the desk, the unicorn hastily following the instruction. “My name is Nightshade, and this is Riptide, one of my commanders.” Neither young pony told her they had already met. “Now, I assume you’ve heard about events that transpired this past weekend. Because of this, I have taken it upon myself to personally meet anypony that is often left alone with Princess Dinky… of which there is only you.”

Swallowing nervously, Amethyst gave a nod, her eyes drawn to Riptide as he opened up a folder and slid a couple of papers to Nightshade. The Katakan mare took a moment to read them over, not looking up as she spoke again. "It says here you originally come from Stalliongrad, and moved to Ponyville with your mother ten years ago."

"That's correct," Amethyst replied, wondering what else the folder held; only her very best friends in Ponyville knew where she was from.

"There is no mention of your father," Nightshade said, finally looking at Amethyst. "Tell me, where is he?"

"Last I heard, he's in a penal colony off the coast of Neighpon," Amethyst said, giving a shrug. "And to be honest, he can stay there for all I care. From what little I remember he wasn't a nice stallion." Amethyst's eyes widened a little as she watched Nightshade pick up a quill with her shadow-magic and add a note to the folder.

"What is your current marital status?" Nightshade asked, the off-on-a-tangent question from the last catching Amethyst off guard.

"I, uh... I'm single right now," she said quietly, rubbing her forehooves together as she stared at the table. She wasn't concerned about what questions were asked, right then she just wanted to hear Riptide's voice. She got what she wanted.

"Have you ever been in trouble with the law?" the stallion asked, Amethyst lifting her eyes to meet his stony gaze. "We may have information on you, but that doesn't mean it is complete."

Amethyst swallowed nervously, hoping her next answer wouldn't result in her being barred from seeing Dinky again. "Yes... yes I have," she admitted, looking at the tabletop once more. "It was at a club when I went to see Vinyl Scratch. A mare bumped into me and made me drop my drink. I'd had a few already..."

"A fight broke out?" Nightshade interrupted, getting a small nod in return. The Katakan mare jotted something down in the file, then lifted her gaze and locked eyes with Amethyst. The young unicorn found she couldn't look away, not only from some slight fear, but also, for some reason that eluded her, she didn't want to. "Please wait outside a moment, Miss star," Nightshade suddenly said.

Blinking away her confusion, Amethyst got up from her chair and left the room, closing the door behind her. As she stood there, she became aware of somepony watching her, and she turned round to find several Katakans giving her a not-so-friendly look. Just as she was about to say something, the door behind her opened and Riptide appeared, jumping over her. He spread his wings to hide her from the other Katakans' sight, giving a growl.

Amethyst wasn't sure why at first, but then the others started to back away, disappearing from the corridor. Riptide said nothing as he pointed to the room where Nightshade still remained, and then he too walked off. Taking a deep breath, Amethyst entered the room and slid in opposite Nightshade once more.

"After careful consideration," Nightshade began, taking note of Amethyst's reaction. "I see no reason whilst you can not continue to serve as Princess Dinky's foalsitter." Nightshade stood up, Amethyst following as the large mare headed for the door. "My son has been assigned to watch over her, so I am sure you will be seeing more of him."

"Oh? Captain Deadeye?" Amethyst asked, cocking her head. "Will he need somewhere to stay?"

Nightshade turned to Amethyst with a raised eyebrow. "Deadeye, my first born son, is captain of the Lunar Corps and the Night-Mistress' personal guard. He will be remaining here." Nightshade began walking once more, calling over her shoulder, "and no, Commander Riptide will not need housing. That has already been arranged."

Amethyst's ears splayed backwards as she processed what Nightshade just said, but by the time her brain had caught up the Katakan was gone. Remembering the route given to her, Amethyst began to retrace her steps, but she took a wrong turn and ended up on one of the raised walkways, overlooking the castle's large maze.

As she stepped out of the castle structure, Amethyst let out a deep sigh, not quite sure why she had been worried when she had received the summons to the castle. Nightshade, although seemingly intimidating at first, was pleasant enough, and Riptide... Amethyst wasn't sure what to do there. Spotting the young stallion further down the walkway and staring into the maze, she slowly walked up to him, stopping several feet away.

"C-Commander," she began, only to lose her will to speak when he turned to look at her, his eyes unfocused, the spark of life Amethyst had seen in them when they first met now gone.

"Cloudburn retrieved this for you," he said, knocking the little white box the thief at the train station had taken from her, then he began to walk away. "I... shall see you around Ponyville, Miss Star." They way his voice sounded made Amethyst feel shame like she never had before, and as Riptide spread his wings and hopped over the low wall, all she managed to do was pick the box up and put it back in her bag.

Apologizing would have to wait, as there was a little filly around the castle who she desperately wanted to see.

"Are you sure you know where we’re going?” Pip asked Dinky as they trotted through the garden’s maze, the latter having grown tired of being inside of the castle for most of her stay.

Dinky rolled her eyes as she looked at the available paths opened to them. “Well I was only here once with my dad…” she replied as she looked upwards and remembered the day she finally met her father. I wonder if I can find that koi pond again? At least they don’t scare off when you approach them…

“I want to see the statue of Discord again,” Pip said as they passed a number of statues, all posing in extravagant stances as they displayed their special talent to the world. One large spherical statue caught the colt’s attention, and as he got closer he saw the creatures on the outside were griffons, attacking the lone pony in the centre. Pip let out a gasp and his eye’s widened as he suddenly realised the pony in the centre of the attack was a Katakan. I wonder who he was?

“It’s not there anymore… apparently Princess Celestia freed Discord,” Dinky answered Pip, calling the colt away from the statue, as they neared an area where a fountain was located. When she looked into the water, she saw a number of koi fish swimming lazily around.

Pip cocked his brow as he stood next to Dinky. “Why would Princess Celestia do that?” he asked the filly, who only shrugged at his question.

“I don’t know… my dad doesn’t know either.”

“Maybe Princess Celestia likes Discord?” Pip suggested as he snickered. It would blow the minds of ponies everywhere… Celestia and Discord in love… I don’t think Princess Luna would like that very much though…

Dinky’s eyes darted as she grimaced at the words Pip had spoken. “I don’t even want to think about that!” she replied, but gagged when the thought of her new aunt kissing Discord crawled into her mind.

Thinking it best to change the topic, Pip rolled his eyes upwards as he tried to come up with something else. “So… um, I heard you did some ‘test’ with Twilight?” he asked her casually.

“Well… she wanted to test my magic out… turns out I’m something called an ‘emotion-caster’,” Dinky replied as she and Pip began to walk the maze again. “She seemed rather happy about it, even though I destroyed her lab…” the filly’s ears drooped, but perked when she heard the colt whistle.

“Maybe she’ll take you on as her student… teach you all about magic and maybe you’ll become an alicorn too!”

Dinky turned her head to look at her torso, furrowing a brow a little. Me with wings… I would be able to fly with my mom in the skies… The filly shook her head and blinked furiously. “It would be nice, but I don’t think Twilight would have the time to teach me magic.”

Pip shrugged, not sure how to answer Dinky’s words. When he looked before him, he stopped in his tracks as they approached a dead end. “Um… Dinky, do you know where the exit is?” he asked his friend, cocking his brow when he saw her giggling as she rubbed the back of her head.

“I’m pretty sure it was this way,” she replied as she looked around for another route. “Let’s go over there!”

“Alright… race you!” Pip said as he ran past Dinky, laughing as he galloped onwards.

“Hey! No fair!” Dinky pouted as she ran after Pip, who proved to be the faster of the two. As she chased her friend, she started to become tired as sweat formed on her forehead and she began to pant. She got to a fork and paused momentarily before taking the left path. Her ears perked when she heard the colt’s laughter from the other side.

As Dinky turned around to go back, one of her hooves misstepped and she fell to the ground hard. Pain surged through her body, but most of the agony originated from her leg. She lifted her head up and tried to stand up again, but failed when she felt a spike of pain as she stepped on her hind leg.

“Ow!” Dinky shouted out instinctively as she landed on her haunches, sniffing as tears built up in her eyes. Just as she wiped her eyes clean, she heard hoofsteps coming towards her and saw Pip standing before her.

“Are you alright?” Pip asked Dinky, who shook her head. “Where does it hurt?” he asked her as he walked closer to her.

Dinky pointed to her leg as she scrunched her lips. “There… it hurts a lot…” she tried to stand again, but the pain was too much for her. I think I need to tell Pip to get some help— Her thoughts were interrupted when she was picked up and placed on the colt’s back. “P-Pip! What are you doing?”

“I’m going to get us both out of here,” he replied as he began to walk onwards, slowed by the weight of a filly on his back. Just need to find out which path to take… Pip looked around when he got to a four-way crossing. “Bugger! Which way do we go?” he exclaimed shortly before turning his head to Dinky.

“I don’t know…” she replied meekly, with a blush evident on her face. Can’t believe I’m being carried by him! “I think we need to take the path closest to the castle…” she suggested to Pip, who took a glance at the she was pointing to.

Pip began to trot towards the path, but paused as he neared it. “Wait…” he said and turned around to face the opposite opening and galloped as best he could with Dinky on his back.

“Pip! You’re going the wrong way!”

“Exactly!” Pip grinned as he fastened his pace, careful not to have Dinky fall off his back. The path they were on presented no other paths for them, yet they were no nearer to the exit.

Dinky groaned as she lowered her head against Pip’s back. “I really think we’re going the wrong way! Let’s just turn back and—” her words were cut off when she saw they were indeed out of the maze, with the castle before them.

“I knew it…” Pip said as he placed Dinky back on the ground gently before resting on the ground, exhausted from carrying the filly through the maze. As he raised his head to sit upright, he felt a pair of lips pressed against his cheek. His face reddened as he turned to see Dinky smiling coyly at him.

“Thank you for getting me out of there,” Dinky giggled when she saw Pip’s flustered face.

Just as Pip was about to reply, both foals’ ears perked to the sound of hoofsteps. They turned their heads to see a zaffre unicorn stallion with silver mane coming towards them, his brow furrowed when he saw Dinky’s leg.

“Are you alright?” Sly asked the foals as he neared them, stopping just a meter away from them when he saw Dinky’s wary eyes. Can’t blame her for looking at me like that…

“I-I hurt my leg in the maze…” Dinky replied as she looked up at Sly, who merely shook his head with a soft smile.

Foals will be foals… Sly sighed and used his magic to levitate both Pip and Dinky onto his back. “Let’s get you sorted out,” he said to the filly as he turned his head to face her and her friend.

“Um.. thank you…” Dinky said as they approached the castle’s entrance, where a Katakan mare appeared with a scowl on her face; Dinky was momentarily confused, because with simply adding an eyepatch and changing the mare’s mane colour, she could have easily been mistaken for Deadeye.

“Sly Cur, may I ask what you are doing with Princess Dinky and Master Pipsqueak on your back?” Cloudburn asked the unicorn stallion, her eyes glaring at his. I know the Night-Mistress told us he wasn’t involved in the abduction, but I’m not taking chances…

Before he could answer her, Dinky spoke up from behind his back. “We were just playing in the maze and I got hurt… Pip couldn’t carry me all the way, so Mr. Sly helped us out,” she said to Cloudburn, who softened her eyes when she looked at the filly.

Cloudburn sighed as she turned her attention to Sly. “Very well... “ she replied as she walked towards a frozen Sly. “I’ll take it from here,” she said as Dinky and Pip were both deposited on her back and she gave a brief bow to the stallion before walking back into the building with the foals. “Princess Twilight Sparkle wishes to speak to you, Princess Dinky.” she informed the filly. “Your parents are there too.”

“Am I in trouble?” Dinky asked Cloudburn.

“Not that I know of, Princess…” Cloudburn replied as she smiled back at Dinky, who looked at her with squinted eyes and a furrow brow. “Something the matter?”

Dinky titled her head. “I’m sorry, you just look a lot like Captain Deadeye,” she said, surprised by Cloudburn chuckling.

“That’s no surprise, he and I are twins after all.” Cloudburn replied as she gave a toothy grin to the foals, who were staring at her in awe. Suddenly she was barraged with a multitude of questions from the foals, ranging from whether she was in the Lunar Corps or in the Shadowbolts to how many other siblings she had. Before she could answer any of the questions, they reached their destination with the throne room’s doors opening before them.

Cloudburn knelt down, Pip jumping down from her back then helping Dinky down after him. The filly leant against the colt as they began to walk forward, stopping when a gust of air rushed over them. Pip slowly looked up, his eyes going wide with fear as he stared into the angry face a pegasus mare.

“What,” Derpy started, her voice flat and dangerously quiet. “Did you do to my daugher?”

Chapter 25

"...and if I hear anything about wandering hooves, I will not be happy."

Blueblood looked over to the couch opposite him, where Derpy had just finished lecturing Pipsqueak on what was and what was not acceptable for when he was alone with Dinky. The colt couldn't get away, as he was held firmly against Derpy's side by one of her wings.

Hearing a groan, of which there had been several since leaving Canterlot, Blueblood looked down to his daughter, who had buried her head against his chest and was slowly shaking it. The stallion thought he heard whispers of 'make it stop' from her, but he found the whole situation amusing, yet he kept his mirth well under control.

The door sliding open drew both his and Derpy's attention, a unicorn mare entering. Amethyst got onto the couch on the other side of Pip, her horn glowing as she floated a white box over to Dinky, then turned to face Derpy. "Um, Miss Hooves? I know she's still young, but I saw these and thought Dinky might like them."

Turning from Amethyst, Derpy watched her daughter carefully as her horn glowed, the filly opening the box; she had begun lessons with Twilight, the first of which was finer control of levitation. Setting the lid down on the seat, Dinky reached a hoof in and there was the sound of ruffling paper, then the filly gave a gasp. "Thank you Amy," she called out as jumped to the other couch, wrapping her forehooves around her foalsitter's neck. After a few moment, Dinky pulled away and looked at Derpy. "Momma, when we get home..." the filly trailed off.

Looking towards Blueblood, Derpy watched as he took the contents of the box in his magic, a pair of medium sized stud earrings being shown to the room. Turning them around, Blueblood stared at the blue gems, then glanced over at the necklace hanging around Derpy's neck. "Miss Star," he began, locking eyes with Derpy. "These are ice diamonds. How much did you spend?"

"Well... I have enough left to survive," Amethyst replied, looking out of the window. "I just might have to take on some extra foals if I want to survive comfortably."

Just as Derpy was about to chastise Amethyst for spending so much on their daughter, whether or not the pegasus knew exactly how much, the train began to slow down. All of the compartment’s occupants looked to the windows to see a thick forest save one, Blueblood simply getting up and levitating half of their luggage down. “Well come on then,” he said, turning to his family and two guests. “We’ve only got a few minutes to get off the train.”

Derpy opened her mouth to speak, but she said nothing as Blueblood winked at her. Giving him a nod, she ushered the two foals from the compartment and into the corridor, passing by several royal guards. As she neared the door to the carriage, she saw a ramp had been attached to the train allowing her easy egress, and there were a few more guards next to the tracks.

“Lady Hooves,” one said as he approached, bowing his head a little. “Everything is either set up or ready to set up, and your guests have already arrived.”

“What guests?” Derpy asked, cocking her brow at the guard just as Blueblood stepped out, coming up next to Derpy and pressing against her side.

“It’s a surprise,” he said, turning to face the guards. “Thank you, you may take your leave now.”

“But… your highness, I must protest that order,” the lead stallion said, his eyes wide with panic. “For your aunts’ peace of mind, they have assigned us to watch over yo…” He was cut off as Blueblood raised a hoof.

“It is fine, trust me,” Blueblood assured the guards, then began trotting towards the forest that lay ahead of him. “I know these woods like the back of my hoof, and nopony will be sneaking up on us here.”

Celestia will have our heads for this… and Luna our minds... thought the guard, but he relented and stayed in place as Blueblood and his entourage disappeared into the tree line. Pulling the ramp away and placing it back in the train carriage stowage, the guards jumped on board to assist their companions left with the rest of the luggage.

Back in the forest, Derpy stared at the back of Blueblood’s head as they walked on for nearly thirty minutes, the stallion carrying most of the luggage whilst Amethyst had some and Dinky carried her own; the filly was doing well with her levitation. Alongside Derpy trotted Pip, the colt’s eyes wide with wonder as the thoughts that plagued all colts in such locations ran through his head; a good place for a den, strong trees for some form of swing and the like.

“Um… Mr Blueblood?” suddenly came Amethyst's voice, causing the group to stop. “Is this place really safe? I get the feeling we’re being watched.”

Looking over his shoulder, Blueblood saw Dinky’s eyes darting around in fear, the stallion leaning down to give her a nuzzle. “It’s the animals, sweetie. Go on ahead, we’re nearly there,” he said, the filly giving a nod as she walked forwards once more. Blueblood waved Derpy past as well, Pip following the mare, leaving the prince alone with Amethyst. “Thirteen trees back, on the left.”

Amethyst counted back the way they had come, staring at the one she was told to look at. At first she saw nothing, but then something black, a shadow within a shadow, moved across to the other side of the path they had been walking. “So we are being watched!” she said in alarm, turning to glare at Blueblood. “You sent the guards away!”

“Be calm, Miss Star,” Blueblood said with a chuckle. “That is just ‘The Shadow’. He’s been assigned as Dinky’s protector, so of course he’d follow us. Now come, we really are nearly there.”

“‘The Shadow’”, Amethyst whispered to herself. Guess that’s another name for Commander Riptide… Shaking the thought from her head, Amethyst turned and trotted after Blueblood, noticing they were coming up on a clearing. As she got closer, an angry male voice made her ear flicker.

"You're in a lot of trouble, colt," it said, Amythest easily working out that the ire was being directed at Pipsqueak. "Do you know how worried we've been?"

Breaking into the clearing, Amethyst took the scene at a glance. To her left, hidden amongst the trees, was a medium sized log cabin. To her right was a small lake, the waves gently lapping against the shore near the teenage unicorn, water flowing in from a small waterfall on the far side.

In between these points was the source of the voice, a tan unicorn stallion with a dark brown mane staring at a pinto earth pony mare with a blonde mane. Upon looking under the mare, Amethyst saw Pip hiding from the stallion.

"Really, dear you need to calm down," the mare said, nudging Pip out in front of her. "You should be proud of our little colt, trying to rescue his princess."

A giggle to her left caused Amethyst to turn, seeing a heavily blushing Dinky being embraced by Derpy, the pair sitting just in front of the log cabin. Blueblood appeared behind them, without the luggage, giving Derpy a nuzzle before walking over to stand next to the mare. "Silver Spark, right?" Blueblood asked the stallion, getting a nod in return. "Pipsqueak did a foolish, but very brave thing. Be happy he is still here."

Giving a sigh, Silver Spark lowered his head and trotted over to Pip, pulling him into a loose embrace, which the colt slowly returned. Seeing his words had the effect intended, Blueblood headed back towards the cabin with Pip and his parents following.

Amethyst looked towards the building to see Derpy and Dinky had already gone inside, so began to make her way over. She paused a moment, looking in the direction she felt eyes upon her from. She briefly considered inviting Riptide into the cabin with them, but given the name Blueblood had used for him, Amethyst believed he would refuse the offer anyway.

Putting the young Katakan out of her mind, Amethyst went to join the two families already inside.

With the current disarray plaguing Foal Protection Services, they had reached out to other government agencies for help. Which is why one unicorn stallion and one earth pony stallion walked down the corridors of Silver Lining orphanage, the very place where this turmoil began.

So far the two stallions had checked in with the present population, seventeen foals in a building that could house upwards of seventy. “You know, I think we could make things easier,” Fancy Pants said, turning to face his companion. “From what we’ve gathered so far, Silver Lining could house all orphans in Canterlot and have room to spare.”

“But Vice Minister, what if there is a sudden influx of orphans?” Hutch asked, looking at the unicorn with a raised eyebrow. “If you move all of them here, I suggest retaining a few others facilities just in case we need them.”

Fancy Pants stopped his walk and said nothing, then suddenly burst out laughing, turning and placing his hoof on Hutch’s shoulder. “My boy, I think you are too smart for business,” Fancy said, grinning widely. “I know of a post that will most likely be available when you finish your studies. The current holder should be retired then.”

“Then why should I finish my studies if I’m too smart for business? That doesn’t make sense!” Hutch exclaimed, now thoroughly confused.

“Because the post requires it,” Fancy said as he started to walk again. “After all, if the pony that deals with the princess's personal investments doesn’t understand business, then what good are they at the job?”

Hutch came to a sudden stop, his eyes going wide as what Fancy had just said registered thrice with his brain, yet he still couldn’t comprehend it. Had he just been offered the chance to become the Crown Investor? “But… but what all the ponies who have more experience?” Hutch asked, scrambling to catch up as Fancy turned a corner.

“There aren’t any, I’m afraid,” Fancy answered, giving a sigh. “A post like this doesn’t openly advertise for replacements, the outgoing pony selects a possible candidate then offers it to them. and you my boy… you’re on several pony’s watch lists already..” Emerging into the lobby, Fancy looked around for one pony in particular, and upon spotting her he trotted over. “Ah, Miss Haze!”

“Vice Minister, Mr. Jubilee,” Breezy said, smiling at the pair. “What can I do for you?”

“My companion here has had the most wonderful idea,” Fancy said, giving Hutch a wink as a clipboard floated over in his magic to Breezy. “Tell me, what do you think?”

“Hmm…” Breezy looked from the clipboard and to Hutch several times, rubbing her chin with a hoof. “If we keep Tender Care's Home For Foals and Green Acres open, then we can use them for back ups. Selling the rest off, for remodelling or the land, would reduce our costs for several months.”

Before the trio could continue conversing, a dark blue pegasus stallion with a darker blue mane entered the building, waving over to Breezy who returned the gesture. From inside the building came the sounds of excited foals, who all charged at the stallion and brought him down, dog piling on top of him.

The stallion just laughed under the pile of hooves trying to cuddle him, easing himself up. “Let me be, ye little rascals.” he said, his yellow eyes sparkling with mischief as he stared down at the foals. “Now now, ye know the rules.” One by one the foals lined up in front of him, the stallion reaching into his saddlebag and pulling out a small box of sweets for each foal.

Fancy and Hutch were curious, as they had seen the files of everypony that worked at Silver Linings, and this stallion was not one of the staff. Still Breezy said nothing as the last foal in the line, a filly who looked to be around five or six, approached the stallion. “Ach, sorry lass,” he said, pulling out his hoof with nothing in it. “It seems that I miscounted. But I might have something else for ye instead.”

As he was reaching to another compartment, a shadow charged in behind him. Fancy and Hutch stepped back as a Katakan mare jumped at the stallion and crashed into him, the pair sliding along the floor. A portal appeared around them and they both disappeared.

Shouting came from just outside, Fancy, Hutch, and Breezy running to find out what the commotion was. In the middle of Silver Linings’ courtyard was the pegasus stallion, lying on his back, the Katakan snarling down at him with her hoof on his chest. Before any of the three could intervene, the filly ran out and started kicking the mare.

“Leave him alone, you meanine,” she shouted, managing to knock the hoof from the stallion. He then sat up, reaching into his bag again. From inside he pulled out a small plush dog, setting it on the ground between the mare and the filly.

“O’ fair Cloudburn,” the stallion said, locking his eyes with the mare’s. “‘tis a cold heart that would separate a filly from her birthday present, don’t ye agree?”

Giving a snort, Cloudburn looked at the filly to find big eyes and a trembling lip, then turned her gaze away. The filly screamed in excitement, giving the stallion a quick embrace before grabbing the plush, then she charged her way inside. “It is still stealing, Silent Gale,” Cloudburn said, narrowing her gaze at the stallion as she slowly moved towards him. “And I must still stop you.”

“Why?” Gale’s sudden question caught Cloudburn by surprise, and she halted mid-step. “Those sweets was being thrown away, and I found that toy in the streets. So why shouldn’t it go the the ones who need it most?"

Now growling in frustration, Cloudburn closed the distance and placed her face right up to his. She suddenly lifted a hoof and punched his shoulder, knocking him over. “Don’t let me catch you again, Gale, or I’ll have to take you in… whether I agree with you or not.” With that, Cloudburn moved into the shadow of the walls and disappeared from sight.

Looking over at the group watching him, Gale gave a wave then slowly trotted back into the streets, Breezy giving a sigh. “I can bring up foals with no parents into those that will be good, hard working citizens, but I could never control my own colt,” she said, turning to head back inside, with Hutch and Fancy following.

Upon returning to the lobby, Breezy saw that the little scuffle had knocked a photograph down, but Hutch picked it up before she even tried to bend down. Looking at it, Hutch saw a familiar mare, though somewhat younger, who was standing next to a bed which housed a unicorn filly. "Is this you, Miss Haze?"

"Indeed it is," Breezy said as she took the photo and looked at it, smiling fondly at the memories it brought forth. "This is the day that Canterlot Orphans' Facility Number Twelve, as it was known back then, was opened." Breezy placed a hoof next to the filly, her eyes starting to brim with tears. "There isn't a day that goes by where I don't miss our sweet little Silver Lining..." Clutching the picture to her chest, Breezy shuddered. "Excuse me," she said, before running off down one of the corridors.

Turning with a frown, Hutch looked at Fancy, trying to work out how to tactfully ask this question. There wasn't a way to do so, so he simply asked bluntly. "Wasn't the minister's mother called Silver Lining?"

"Indeed she was. Come, we're done here for today," Fancy said, the two stallions heading out of the building. "It caused quite a scandal, when Prince Noble Heart chose an orphan for his wife. From what I've been told, and you won't see this in the history books, there were several duels because of it."

Fancy fell silent as they emerged into the streets, the pair walking several blocks until the unicorn gestured at a coffee shop. As soon as they sat down, a waitress came over and took their orders, fulfilling them moments later. After taking a sip of his drink, Fancy let out a sigh then looked at Hutch. "Lady Lining, a title by marriage, never forgot her roots. But before her marriage... it was not a good time."

"What happened?" Hutch asked, now very intrigued.

"Oh, what the norm back then was for the nobles of Canterlot," Fancy said, waving a hoof dismissively. "Threats, kidnappings, assassination attempts... whatever they could do to keep them apart. But the mistake came when one stallion, who was the most likely to have his daughter marry Noble Heart, tried to kill Lady Lining himself."

Fancy paused to take another drink, noticing several other ponies listening in. He didn't mind, for the more who knew the truth the better. "Now most of the nobles had somepony to do such things for them, but this stallion, he liked the hooves on approach. Might have succeeded too, if it weren't for the fact he did it right in front of Princess Celestia herself."

"Wait... if I'm working this out right," Hutch said, furrowing his brow. "Then that means that the noble..."

"Was the last pony put to death by order of the crown," Fancy finished, giving a shrug. "Celestia had to do it. The 'commoners' of Canterlot, ponies my fellow noble seem to forget they'd be nothing without," Fancy said a bit louder, smirking as several heads turned away in embarrassment. "There was outrage. Mobs formed in the street, several nobles were attacked... Celestia had to do something, but she did not make the decision. After careful investigation, it turned out this stallion had had several political opponents removed, all by his own hooves. We still had the death penalty at the time, and the courts found him guilty."

"I can think of one mare who deserves that fate," Hutch said as he looked past Fancy, the unicorn turning around. From where they were sat, they could see part of the castle, which happened to be the high security wing of the dungeons.

"And if we are to act on those instincts, we would be no better than her," Fancy said, shaking his head. "Trust me, Amber Vain's fate will be much worse than simple death..."

How long has it been… since I’ve been to this place…

Wise Words sighed as he stood in front of an old manor, located on the border between the noble courts and the middle class area in Canterlot. The building itself was unattended, the walls covered in vines and and the colour drained from it as though it had been sapped of all life. The stallion could only imagine the state of the mansion on the inside, since he hasn’t set a hoof in it for nearly three decades.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Nightshade asked him as she stood next to Wise Words, clad without her Shadowbolt armour. The only things she was wearing was a simple cloak and her special goggles, which allowed her and other Katakans to function during the day without being blinded by the sun’s rays.

“If I am to give this manor to Master Blue, I must first inspect the building myself,” Wise replied as he walked towards the front door, with Nightshade following his lead. Once he got to the entrance, the stallion reached a hoof to the knob and turned it, expecting resistance with the rust that must have built up over the years.

Wise opened the doors, only to be greeted by dust that invaded his nostrils, causing him to cough profoundly at the particles that bombarded him. Once he was able to open his eyes without irritating them, the stallion looked around to see everything in its place, albeit with the dust blanketing over the various objects.

I knew Wise came from a wealthy family… but this! Nightshade starred in awe at the grandeur decorations and art pieces as she and Wise walked through the manor. The Katakan saw a number of portraits, each of a stallion who shared a resemblance to her stallion, yet they were not of him. Must be his ancestors...

When they walked into a large lounge, his eyes landed on a portrait that hung above the fireplace. Even with the dust covering it, Wise knew what was on the painting. He made his way towards it, using his magic to remove it from the wall. Once it was off, the dust started to fall as though it were water cascading from a waterfall.

A stray tear fell from Wise’s eye as he looked upon the portrait; the family painting of himself, his wife and daughter. The stallion looked remarkably younger, wearing his old captain armour from the Solar Guard. His wife wore a pristine turquoise dress that complimented her eyes as she emitted only a small smile to the painter. Their daughter Melody stood in front of them wearing only a white dress, yet she looked enthusiastic as she beamed.

When he felt a hoof touch his shoulder, Wise quickly wiped away the tear and placed the portrait against the wall, positioned so that it would to not fall over. “I’m sorry… old memories…” he apologized to Nightshade, who only nuzzled him. Once she retracted herself from him, both began to walk towards another room, which was marginally smaller than the living room they were in just now.

“Is this a study?” Nightshade asked curiously as she looked around to see an assortment of books in shelves and a desk that stood out from the other objects in the room, as it had no dust covering it. “Is that desk—”

“Magically sealed, yes,” Wise finished Nightshade's sentence as he walked towards the said desk. “Before I departed, I used an enchantment to store away certain belongings,” he said as he focused his magic on the desk. After a few moments, he stopped and reached a hoof to open it, only for it to not work. That’s odd… Wise thought as he looked down upon the desk with puzzled eyes.

Nightshade cocked her brow as she looked at Wise and then at the desk. “It won’t open?” she asked him rhetorically.

“Yes... “ That can’t be right… Only I can open this desk when the enchantment is on… Unless… “Somepony has meddled with this enchantment, it’s been changed,” Wise said as he stared down at the desk.

“Can you still open it?” Nightshade asked.

Wise cocked his brow as he hummed and tapped his hoof to his chin. “I might, but it may take a while before—”

He was cut off by Nightshade slamming her hoof against the desk, nearly shattering it into pieces. Wise blinked as he saw his journal lie upon the floor in pristine condition. “Um, thank you…”

“Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best,” Nightshade grinned as she wiped her hooves clean of any dust or shards of wood.

Indeed… Wise shrugged as he lifted the journal and opened it. His eyes scanned over a few passages he wrote since he retired from the guard.

Journal entry - Nine sixty seven of Her Majesty’s Light… Starting today, I will be the head butler for Master Noble Heart and Lady Silver Lining. It may seem like a demotion, as I was Captain of the Solar Guard, but I see it more as a chance to connect with my family better. Faust knows Shimmer has been howling at me for not paying enough attention to her nor our daughter, Melody. Sometimes I feel that Shimmer and I are drifting apart more and more lately, yet I still love her with all my heart. And Melody, she has become such a bundle of joy. If I stayed Captain, she might grow up never knowing her father.. and that is something I cannot permit…

Wise flipped a few pages as his eyes began to grow moist.

Journal entry - Nine seventy two of Her Majesty’s Light… Shimmer has left me, with our daughter. It happened so suddenly… It was like the love we had for each was just a facade… She yelled at me for ‘converting to a commoner’s life’. I tried to reason with her, but she left with our daughter… I didn’t even give chase... I was that gobsmacked. I don’t even know where they went… This house feels so empty now…

As Wise Words read out of the journal, Nightshade’s eyes lingered to where the desk was. “What’s that?” she asked as she pointed to another item that had been stored within the desk; a number of scrolls bind together with string.

“They’re not mine,” Wise Words replied as he grasped onto the collection of scrolls, pulling at the string to release them. He picked a random scroll and unfurled it, taking a look at what was written on it.

Dear Lady Spark

I just received your request… and the way you want your target to ‘vanish’... Quite gruesome, even by my standards. That will cost you extra, and double if another soul should be taken with the target.

I’ll write to you again when my job is done,

Storm Pyro

Wise Words cocked his brow as he inspected the letter, which seemed to be only a copy. “Shimmer, what have you done?” he asked himself in whisper, fearing the next scroll would answer it for him.

As he took a hold of the scroll, Wise inhaled deeply before exhaling slowly. He unfurled the letter and began to read it slowly, his features turning to that of horror when he saw the words.

Dear Lady Spark…

It’s done, Silver Lining’s dead. But I also had to take out her husband, Noble Heart. So you’re going to have to pay me double for the job. You know what will happen if you don’t pay me…

You have three days, and don’t think about ratting me out to the glorious sun-hole… my tracks are covered, yours aint.

Pay with coin or your life,

Storm Pyro

The stallion dropped the scroll and fell on his haunches as his eyes began to water and his breathing became short. He felt the gentle hooves of Nightshade and could feel her eyes looking at him with concern. His own were staring at the letter with shrunken pupils as though it were the greatest abomination Equestria had ever housed.

“Wise?” Nightshade spoke in a rather soft voice as she looked at the letter and back to her stallion.

Master Heart… Lady Lining… The fire… All planned out… By Shimmer!

“Wise!” Nightshade called out to him when she did not get a response, only to be brought to silence when she saw his eyes had become faded as he frowned.

“Nightshade…” Wise began to speak grimly as he slowly got up from the floor. “Take these scrolls to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna immediately,” he ordered the Katakan mare, who only stood there for a few moments before giving a nod and taking a hold of the said scrolls.

She opened a portal on the other side of the room and began to walk towards it. Nightshade turned around to see Wise Words standing still where he was. “I’ll be right back…” she told him before she entered the dark portal and vanished from the room, leaving the stallion behind.

Wise Words’ eyes began to circle the office as he began to feel nauseas. He began to walk out of the study, yet each of his steps felt heavy as though he was pulling something from behind.

When he finally reached the living room, he began to laugh uncontrollably as his back leaned against the wall and he began to sank his haunches. The laughter soon turned to into sobbing. He placed his hooves on his face as he cried into them. Memories of his time serving Noble Heart and Silver Lining began to play in his mind, along with a young Blueblood.

He began to remember the funeral, where the young Blueblood cried against Wise Words as they began to bury the caskets of Noble Heart and Silver Lining. Celestia was present too, with her weeping at the losses of two souls who bettered the lives of so many.

Wise Words elbowed the wall as he clenched his teeth in rage, tears still streaming down his face. He lowered his head as his closed his eyes and began to mumble to himself. “I’m so sorry… I’m so sorry… Master Heart… Lady Lining… I’m so sorry… Master Blue…” his words became quieter, before he opened his eyes to reveal a deep rage. He stood up from the ground with unusual vigor, walking towards the fireplace where a claymore was on display; the family heirloom of the House of Word. He ripped it off from its resting place with his magic, and kept it suspended in the air as he stomped towards the door, banging it open as he clenched his teeth in furious anger.

You will pay!

“Do you think Blueblood and the others are safe?” Celestia asked Luna as they both enjoyed a pot of tea with biscuits in the former’s chamber. The white alicorn sighed as she sipped on her cup, her thoughts swayed to Wise Words who had left earlier with Nightshade.

Luna nodded as she swallowed a lump of biscuit in her mouth. “I have sent Riptide to keep an eye on them for us… and knowing his skills, we have little to worry about,” she smiled at Celestia, who returned the smile in kind.

“I suppose so…” And this is just what they need, especially Derpy… Faust knows she deserves rest and relaxation… Celestia’s ears perked when she heard a knock at the door, causing her to turn her head to face the wooden structure. “Come in…” she answered. When she saw Nightshade walking in with a few scrolls, she looked behind the Katakan mare. “Nightshade, surprised to see you here… where’s Wise Words?”

“He’s back at the manor…” Nightshade trailed off as she approached the two princesses and passed on the scrolls to Celestia. “He told me to give these to you straight away…”

Celestia lifted one of the scrolls and began to read it once it was unfurled. As her eyes began to scan over the piece of paper, her pupils started to shrink until she reached the end of the parchment. She immediately reached for another scroll and read through it rapidly before dropping all of them in shock.

“Tia?” Luna called out to her sister with concern. When she didn’t get a response, she took the liberty to read the scrolls that were littered on the floor. Before she could reach the first sentence though, Celestia’s voice interrupted her progress.

“Luna… go to the cell of Amber Vain and begin the interrogation… We must know where her mother is…” Celestia’s hollow voice filled the room, causing her sister to cringe. The alicorn got up from her seat and walked to her desk, where she began to write a letter at speed that not even the best scholars could muster. When she was done, she used her magic send the scroll to an unknown destination.

“Pray tell, sister… why have you sent a letter to Twilight Sparkle?”

The white alicorn turned to her sister. “I didn’t. I sent a letter to him… since I believe we’ll need his help in getting everything from that wretched mare.”

The room’s silence was so intense, one could hear the falling of a pin. “Sister… you don’t mean to use him for a mere questioning?” Luna asked Celestia as she too got up from her seat.

“I do… for he will surely break that mare.” Celestia gave a grim smirk before it dissipated back to a frown. “Now, my dear sister… I think you should go and perform what needs to be done.”

Luna only nodded as she walked towards the door. “Come Nightshade, I will need your assistance with—”

“Night-Mistress,” Nightshade interjected, bowing her head. “I know my duty comes first before anything else, but just this once… may I please return to Wise Words’ side?” she begged Luna as she keep her head low. “I think he is in a very fragile state right now.”

“Yes, of course… Please go to him.” Luna replied to Nightshade as she was reminded of Wise Words. When she saw Nightshade disappear through a shadow-portal, she turned to her sister with a furrowed brow. “What will you do sister? Wait for… him?” she asked Celestia.

Celestia shook her head as she closed her eyes. “No…” she responded and opened her eyes that glared to open space. “I have to see somepony… pay them a little visit, ” she spoke the last word grimly, walking to the windows and swinging them open. She turned to her sister who was standing at the doorway. “Let me know the progress when I return.” She spread her wings and flew out the window, towards the city of Canterlot.

Storm! Celestia scolded in her head as she flew over the suburban ring, looking for a specific part; a gated community where retired guards would live out the remainder of their lives should they choose to. Once she found her target, she flew towards what seemed to be a security gate with two guards standing by. They immediately bowed to her once she landed, with one quaking in his hooves. “Rise, my little ponies…” Celestia’s maternal voice rang in their ears, compelling them to obey.

“Princess Celestia, this is a surprise…” One of the guards spoke as he looked up to the white alicorn, emitting a nervous smile. “How may we help you today?”

“You may help me by telling me where a certain retiree is living… Storm Pyro.” Celestia drew in a deep breath as she tried her best to control her anger.

One of the guards nodded as he smiled casually. “Oh, Lieutenant Pyro… he’s in apartment twenty one ten,” he pointed his hoof to the street leading right. “You’re the second pony to come and visit him today… normally he doesn’t get any visitors…”

“Second?” Celestia asked.

“Yes… another retiree just came in, Captain Wise Words, said to give his old subordinate a gift, looked like a giant sword of some kind… sure looked to be in a hurry, but who am I to—” his words were cut off when Celestia galloped past him, leaving him to blink at empty space. “What was that about?” he asked his fellow guard, who only shrugged.

Please let me make it in time! Celestia screamed in her mind as she galloped past many houses, some of which had ponies coming out of them to see their princess running as though she were in the Equestrian Games.

She looked around frantically and found the house she was looking for. Her joy soon turned to horror when she saw Wise Words walking towards the door, with a claymore in his magical grasp and about to hack the door without the inhabitant’s knowledge.

“Wise!” Celestia called out to the stallion, who froze just as he was about to slam the claymore into the door. “Stop what you’re doing!”

Author's Note

Wise Words' moment inspired by this:

Bonus Chapter

That should do it! Spike smiled proudly as he sealed a letter and wrote the recipient's name on it. “Now just to show this to mom,” Spike said as he got up from his desk and walked out of his room. When he was at the bottom of the stairs, he looked around until he spotted Twilight Sparkle in the living room reading a book as she reclined on the couch.

“Hey, mom…” Spike called out to his mother as he walked towards her, seeing her raise her head from the book and smile at him. “I finished it,” he said as he raise the letter in his air.

Twilight saw the letter and used her magic to levitate it to her. Too bad it’s sealed, otherwise I would have checked for it myself… but this is his work, and I don’t want to spoil it… “Good work Spike,” she replied as she gave it back to him. “I’m sure this will work when—” she trailed off as she heard the front door opening, a large red stallion walking in with a basket held with his mouth.

“Oh hi Mac!” Twilight greeted her stallion as she got up from the couch and made her way towards him. When the basket was placed on the table, she proceeded to plant her lips against his his and nuzzle into his neck afterwards. “Surprise to see you here.”

“Well Ah thought Ah’d come by and show ya something,” he said as he removed the cover from the basket to reveal ripe strawberries.

Before Spike could enquire about the fruit, Twilight gasped as she grasped one of the strawberries with her magic and inspected it thoroughly with a large grin on her face. “Are these from the hydroponic experiment you and I did?!” she asked Big Macintosh, who nodded with a soft smile on his face.

“Eeyup,” Big Macintosh replied using his signature catchphrase.

“It’s the middle of Autumn… how could you have fresh strawberries?” Spike asked curiously as he picked one up and bit into it, unleashing the flavour and freshness in his mouth.

Twilight cleared her throat after she too had tasted one of the strawberries. “Well, normally yes… but with hydroponics, it is possible to grow fruits and vegetables that would normally be grow in a certain season,” she said as she walked to Spike. “What hydroponics does is to grow plants using liquid or gravel as a substitute to soil,” she finished her explanation and looked down to her son, who was staring at her blankly.

“In other words, it uses water instead of the ground to make plants grow,” Big Macintosh simplified Twilight’s explanation as he chuckled.

“Oh I get it now!” Spike smiled at the stallion, not noticing his mother planting her hoof to her face as she groaned. “Wait… so that big greenhouse you and Mom were working on last year… that’s where you grew these?”

Big Macintosh nodded as he helped himself with a few strawberries. “Eeyup…” he trailed off as he winked at Twilight. “That’s also when yer Mom and I found each other,” the stallion added in as he nuzzled his mare, giving her a quick nibble on her ear.

“Oh, you!” Twilight giggled as she pecked his cheek, stopping when she saw Spike’s back turned to them, most likely not wanting to see their display of affection. Her eyes lingered to the clock and immediately she gasped as she removed herself from Big Macintosh. “Oh no! I’m going to be late, for my spa date!”

The alicorn ran towards the door, only to stop abruptly and turn back to plant her lips against Big Macintosh’s. “I’ll see you later,” she spoke to him before turning to Spike and giving him a hug and a kiss on the forehead. “I’ll be home by sunset,” she nuzzled him and leaned to his ear. “Mommy loves you very much,” she whispered to him in a maternal voice and ran out of the library, leaving the males behind.

Big Macintosh shrugged as he shook his head and smiled at the space where Twilight was a moment ago. Something never change… His attention turned to Spike who was also looking at him. “So Ah take it ya don’t have anything planned fer today?” he asked the dragon, who shook his head in response. A small smile crept onto the stallion’s muzzle and he proceeded to pick the whelp up and place him on his back. “Then Ah guess we’ll have to do something together,”

“What do you mean?” Spike asked as he and Big Macintosh walked out the library.

“Ever been bowling, Spike?” Big Macintosh asked Spike, who was clinging onto his neck as he trotted down the street. “Been a while fer myself to be honest,”

Spike shook his head again. “Never,” he admitted to Big Macintosh.

“Well this should be interesting…”

The boy’s a fast learner… Big Macintosh thought to himself as he and Spike walked back to the library, with the latter resting on the stallion’s back.

“Bowling’s… difficult…” Spike muttered as he slouched on Big Macintosh’s back, exhausted from the activity he and the stallion did earlier.

“Well you did beat me,” Big Macintosh replied as he chuckled. “Still surprised how ya were able to keep up with the others though,” he said, remembering how they joined a game with three other stallions, who were town wide renowned pros at the game.

Spike shrugged as he sighed. “Beginner’s luck,” he said as they entered the library and he got off the red behemoth’s back. He stretched his muscles as he yawned before looking up to face Big Macintosh’s eyes. “But I had an awesome time today,”

“Glad ya did,” Big Macintosh replied as he bumped his hoof against Spike’s claw. “Ah don’t think Twi’s back yet, but ye’ll be okay on yer own right?” he asked rhetorically as he walked towards the exit.

“Wait! Big Mac!” Spike called out to the stallion, whose hoof was touching the door knob as he paused to the drake’s words. “I want to give you something,” the dragon said as he walked towards desk and reached for the letter and gave it to the stallion.

What do we have here? Big Macintosh opened the letter and began reading it, gasping at the words.

“Big Macintosh, I never had a father figure in my life... but ever since you and Mom have been together, you've taught me so much and spent a lot of time with a me too... and that's why I came to see you as my father... I guess what I'm trying to say/write to you is, I love you dad…

Happy Father’s Day,

Spike.”

When he finished reading the letter, he looked down at Spike with his hoof shaking and his breath becoming short. “Spike…”

“I’m sorry if you don’t feel that way about me… but that’s how I feel about you, and Mom told me I say it sooner than latter… or write it in this case.” Spike said as he looked into the stallion’s eyes that were shaking. “Again, I’m sorry for—” he trailed off when Big Macintosh’s hooves encircled him and brought him into the gentlest hug a stallion his size could muster. What surprised the dragon more was the fact that the stallion was shaking.

“Never apologize for speaking yer heart out, Spike…” Big Macintosh trailed off as he sniffed, a few tear drops falling onto the dragon’s head. “I love you too… my boy…”

With that, Spike returned the embrace as best he could, leaning into Big Macintosh as he closed his eyes. He felt more teardrops landing on his head, causing him to look up. “Is that liquid pride?” he asked jokingly, receiving a laugh from the stallion.

“E-eyup!”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to get you a gift for—” Spike’s words were muted again when Big Macintosh lowered his head to nuzzle Spike.

“Ya already gave me the greatest gift of all, Spike… fer being my son, that’s perhaps the best gift of all,” Big Macintosh said as he smiled softly down at the dragon, whose eyes were becoming moist from the words.

“Dad…” Spike said as his lips trembled and he buried his face into Big Macintosh’s chest.

As the stallion held onto his son, Twilight stood by the opened door with a hoof against her muzzle as she was weeping tears of joy.

Walking slowly through the woods, Blueblood watched his daughter running through the tall grass and around thick tree trunks. He couldn’t help but smile as she got to be an excited foal once more, free of the fear from the dark events the weekend prior. Looking up as he broke into a clearing, Blueblood saw the sun had passed its zenith, meaning that he and Dinky had been away for a good seven hours.

Fortunately they had taken a picnic with them, which they had eaten just before noon, the stallion chuckled as he remember the way the filly curled up against him after taking her fill and drifting off to sleep. He had followed a moment later, and when he woke up decided it was time to head back.

Bringing his gaze back down to eye level, Blueblood found he was alone, but he wasn’t worried. As he expected, he heard the sound of Dinky giggle’s, and he walked around a tree to find the filly trying to hide from him. Using his magic, he made the filly squirm and squeal as he tickled her ribs, easing off and letting her get a safe distance away.

The two resumed their journey, soon arriving into the clearing that housed the pool and the cabin. Even though it was mid autumn, the weather still made it feel like the height of summer, thus when he got close enough, Blueblood shed his saddlebags and waded into the water, letting the cool liquid wash over him.

“Um… daddy?” Upon hearing Dinky’s voice, Blueblood turned around, see the filly looking at the water, a strange look in her eyes.

“Why don’t you come on in?” he asked, sinking down so that only his head was above the water. “The water’s refreshing.” Blueblood knew something was wrong when Dinky looked away with her ears splayed back, and it took him a few moments for the wheels to click into gear.

Dinky looked up as she heard movement in the water, Blueblood having come closer in the shallows and offering her a hoof. Taking the offered limb, Dinky slowly walked forward until all of her hooves were in the water. “I don’t know if I…” she began, only to be cut off when Blueblood leaned down and kissed her forehead.

“I’ll be with you all the time, sweetie,” he said reassuringly, giving her a soft smile. “I won’t let anything happen to you.” With a deep breath Dinky began to move deeper into the water, until it was just below her chin. She felt her father’s hoof slip under her stomach, and she looked up to see him give her a nod. “Just imagine you’re running for now,” he advised.

Closing her eyes, Dinky did just that, putting one forehoof out followed by the other, and kept going. When she opened her eyes a few moments later, she was a quarter of the way into the pool, and with a giggle she kept going.

Blueblood supported her as she got used to the movements and how to turn herself in the water, then he suddenly removed his hoof. Dinky at first panicked, but when she tried to turn and approach him he just backed away, the smile never leaving his face.

Wait a minute… I’m swimming! Dinky suddenly realised, smiling back at her father as she calmed down, the splashing from her fierce attempt to paddle to Blueblood disappearing. She began to practice turning in the water, going round and round the stallion and doing small widths. Eventually she ended up on her father’s back, her chest heaving from exhaustion as she laughed happily and wrapped her hooves around his neck.

“Hold tight, Dinky,” Blueblood suddenly said, turning towards the deeper parts of the pool. “And take a deep breath.” The filly did as told, sucking in a lot of air a moment before Blueblood suddenly lurched forward, diving under the water. Dinky slammed her eyes shut as they went under, feeling the water tugging at her coat and threatening to pull her from her father, but she held on tight.

Taking a chance, she opened her eyes, surprised at the clarity of the water, everything around her now bathed in a strange shade of blue, the world below the water looking totally alien. A few bubbles escaped her mouth as she giggled when she looked at her father, who was having no trouble moving through the water. Just as Dinky’s eyes caught sight of some fish, Blueblood began to rise quickly, breaking the surface where the filly gasped for air.

Swimming in a small circle where he was, Blueblood looked over his shoulder at his daughter, taking in her beaming smile and finding another reason to love her. His thoughts darkened briefly as how close he came to losing her crossed his mind, but he shook the thought away and turned back to the shore, the stallion having seen Derpy sat there watching.

As soon as she could, Dinky ran to her mother and jumped into her hooves, laughing wildly. “Momma, I was swimming! Did you see?” she asked excitedly.

“I did, and I’m very proud of you,” Derpy replied as she nuzzled the filly. “And I’m sorry I couldn’t find the time to teach you before.” Leaning down, Derpy cast a glance at Blueblood, her eyes drinking in the way he shook the excess water from his body. Focus, Derpy, focus. “Dinky, head on inside and get dried. Amethyst is waiting for you,” Derpy said, releasing the filly, who just gave a nod and scampered off towards the cabin.

“Did I do something wrong?” Blueblood asked as Derpy stalked towards him, her face clear of any hint as to what she was thinking. The stallion’s answer came not in words, but in the form of a passionate kiss, which left the stallion breathless when Derpy pulled away.

“Go inside,” Derpy whispered, stepping to the side so Blueblood could pass. Now curious, the stallion did as told, passing a smiling Amethyst and Autumn as they exited the building, saying nothing. Upon entering the cabin, Blueblood heard movement in the lounge, but took a moment to use a towel just inside the door to dry off.

“Dinky?” he called, entering the room, where his eyes went wide. Next to the lounge fireplace a single chair had been set up, with a table next to upon which rested a glass, a bottle of amber liquid, and a white envelope simply marked ‘daddy’.

Wary of any possible pranks that might be coming, Blueblood trotted over and picked up the envelope, opening it up. Inside he found a card, the outside of which was a hoof drawn picture of himself and Dinky, sitting watching the setting sun; it was clear his daughter was no artist, but Blueblood didn’t care, it was perfect the way it was. Opening the card, he read the message inside out loud.

“Daddy, whilst I wish you could have been with me and mommy from the start, I am really happy you are here now. You’re the best father a filly could hope for.

Happy father’s day, lots of love,

Dinky.”

Blueblood reached up a hoof and wiped his eyes clear of the tears that had gathered, turning around to see his daughter in the doorway. Waving her over, he climbed into the chair and sat back, lifting Dinky with his magic and setting her down next to him, holding her close with a hoof. “Thank you Dinky, I love you too,” he said, giving her a gentle squeeze.

The filly said nothing in response, lighting her horn and taking the bottle in her magic, pouring some of it carefully into the waiting glass. She then passed it to her father, who gladly accepted it, before she pressed against his side. Dinky tried to fight her eyes closing, but it had been a long day, and the exhaustion soon won out.

Hearing soft snores, Blueblood looked down his side at his slumbering daughter, not bothering to wipe the tears away this time.

Chapter 26

With her hind hoofs shackled to the chair legs and her forehooves to the arms, Amber Vain could do little more than look around the room. Which was downright annoying, for the stump where her horn had been was very itchy, and she desperately wanted to give it a scratch. Her attention was drawn to the only door into her little room as it opened, a pegasus stallion and a Katakan entering; neither looked too happy to be there.

“Let’s take another crack at this… Vain, I am going to make this perfectly simple; I want you to tell me where I can find you mother, Shimmer Spark,” the pegasus said as he stared at Amber Vain with puffy red-rimmed eyes. “It’s been three whole days now… surely you wish to leave right?” he asked rhetorically, yet the only answer the unicorn mare gave him was to spit in his face.

“Like I’m going to tell you anything! Why don’t you go back to bucking some clouds in the sky or shove them up your rump? Since that’s all you pegasi are good for!” Amber sneered at the stallion as she bared her teeth. The pegasus just sighed and slowly backed away from her, causing her to grin triumphantly until a Katakan guard approached her.

“Where is Shimmer Spark?!” the Katakan barked at Amber Vain with a growl, glaring. When the stallion didn’t get a reply from her, he sank his teeth into her arm, blood oozing from his mouth. Why the buck do I have to be with this waste of life and sacrifice my sleep?!

Amber only laughed hysterically as she squirmed in her seat. “Aww, didn’t the little puppy get his bone from his master?” she faux cooed at him as she stifled a laugh. “Like I’m going to tell you anything about my mother… I bet she’s out there right now getting what she needs to have me released! She’ll even help me win Blueblood!”

As she continued blabbering whilst looking up at the roof with a smile plastered on her face, White Fang approached pegasus. “This is getting us nowhere, Fyrefly!” the Katakan whispered to the pegasus as they eyed Amber. “She won’t listen to reason or… force. What do we do?”

“Patience, White Fang… We’ll have to wait for him to arrive…” Fyrefly trailed off as he shuddered at the mere thought of him.

White Fang sighed as he rolled his eyes. “If only the Night-mistress would allow me to give this mare what she truly needs, we’d have the answers in less than a minute."

"We have our orders until the Princesses say otherwise when they arrive."

"Where are they by the way? What could be more important than the interrogation of this..." White Fang looked back at Amber who had started to whistle a random tune. "Mare."

I guess he hasn't heard the news yet... Fyrefly scrunched his lips before he replied. "They're addressing another matter," he said. "Hence why he is coming.”

"Is Blueblood coming!?" Amber asked as she tried to job out of her seat in excitement. "I hope he brings me roses..."

White Fang growled at Amber as he turned sharply to her. "Shut your muzzle tramp!" he barked at the restrained mare, only to receive a raspberry from her. Does she even know the position she is in right now?

“I bet he’s finally seen reason and cast away that stupid mare and the little shit!” Amber cackled as she bobbed her head, oblivious to the large figure that appeared over her. “In fact, I think he will—"

"Not be the pony who you'll be seeing."

Laughter started to emit across the room, causing everypony present to turn their heads in every corner to find the source.

Fyrefly grimaced as the laughter became clearer. "He's here..." he trailed off when he looked up to see a draconequus floating over them.

"Discord," White Fang said as he glared at the draconequus. "You're late."

Discord merely chuckled as he landed on the ground. "Fashionably late, my little Katakan," he replied as he clicked his talons to conjure a nail file. "Had to get prepared for what Tia asked me... though I must say, a lot has changed since my little holiday."

"First I find out that there's not one, but two new princesses of Equestria! And one of them is a very adorable little filly!" Discord squeed as he clapped his paw and claw together. His smiled turned into a frown when he suddenly turned to Amber. "And you tried to kill that sweetie! That's brutal and cruel, even by my standards..."

Both Fyrefly and White Fang turned to each other, with the former grimacing at what was to come. "Did the princesses inform you about—"

"What needs to come out of this mare's mouth? Indeed," Discord replied as he cracked his digits and grinned. "You boys are dismissed... get some sleep, her flank is mine."

Amber suppressed a gulp as she tried her best to not make eye contact with the craziest abomination of Equestria. "I'm not going to tell you anything!"

"If I had a bit for every time I heard those words, not even my own house would be big enough to hold them all," Discord yawned as he stretched his body. "Now then..." the draconequus' face started to morph into the shape of Blueblood, which Amber beamed to in delight.

"Shall we begin..." Discord said using Blueblood’s voice, only to shape shift his face again to form a demonic version with his voice also changed. "My pretty!?"

Fyrefly and White Fang immediately left the room and closed the door, hearing only the malicious laughter of Discord. “I wonder how he’s going to make her squeal?” White Fang pondered out loud as they were walking out of the cells, ignoring a fiery red pegasus stallion who was banging on his cell’s bars demanding to be released.

“He has his ways…” Fyrefly replied dryly as they turned the corner, only to straighten his posture when he saw Princess Luna approaching them with Nightshade by her side. So too did White Fang.

“At ease,” Luna said as she waved her hoof, turning to the Katakan before her. “Progress on the prisoner, White Fang?”

Before he could answer, the door to the room behind them opened, and a rather disgruntled Discord walked out. Ignoring the two guards, he marched right up to Luna and knelt down so that he was eye level with her, narrowing his own. “Your sister promised me some fun,” he said, sounding bored. “That ball of crazy in there doesn’t know where her mother is.”

“You… you broke her already?” Luna asked in astonishment, too surprised to see the looks of annoyance stamped on Fyrefly and White Fang’s muzzles.

“Broke her?” Discord said with a chuckle, his regular grin making its return. “She’s been broken for years. I just had to fix a few parts. But I’m much more interested in something else…” Clicking his fingers, Discord caused a bright flash, Luna having to scrunch her eyes shut. She felt his magic wrap around her, and when she chanced her vision once again, she found herself floating above the castle’s gardens. “Now this is something, wouldn’t you agree?”

Following his gaze, Luna looked down to the ground, where she saw a blue unicorn struggling to free himself from some guards. Storm Pyro! But… this is three nights ago! Luna tried to work out what was so special about the scum below her, but Discord floated himself through the castle walls, dragging the alicorn with him. Luna then worked out he was simply reviewing past events, and had taken her with him, which meant...

“Night-mistress, is the horn ring really necessary?” Nightshade enquired as she fought to hold Wise Words still, the unicorn glaring at Storm Pyro whilst he was placed into one of the cells. “I am sure he will be fine.”

“Nightshade, my sister had to blast him with magic! Sent him through a wall but he still tried in his venture,” Luna snapped, but calming down instantly; if it had been her instead of Celestia that had gone after Storm Pyro, there was a good chance she would have allowed Wise Words to achieve his goal. “Now please, take him back to his chambers and keep him there, by any means!”

Snapping his fingers again, the vision faded, leaving Discord and Luna sat upon the castle’s roof. “Sooo…” began the draconequus, leaning heavily on Luna’s back. “Since when has Tia got actively involved like this?”

Luna gave a huff, flaring her wings to knock him away then taking to the sky. “Tia did what she had to to protect Wise Words, otherwise he’d be tried for murder himself… no matter if his cause was most just.” Luna went to fly towards her chambers, but Discord’s voice made her pause a moment.

“I keep forgetting that you two are actually related to the Platinum line by blood. Have a good night, Lu-Lu,” he said, waving her off. The mare gave a nod and then she was gone, Discord giving a small chuckle. “Don’t think I didn’t hear you in the gardens, little princess… and I think it’s time I showed you why aunt Tia keeps me around…”

“How many of these invitations have you made, Pinkie?” Blossomforth asked the pink mare as she looked at the stack of letters on the counter, which nearly reached the roof.

“One for everypony in Ponyville,” Pinkie replied as she walked out of the kitchen carrying a tray of cupcakes on her back. “By the way, thanks again for doing all this,” she said to Blossomforth as she passed on one of the baked treats to her.

Blossomforth shook her head as she smiled. “No problem, and this is for my friend afterall,” Who I miss a lot… the pegasus mare sighed before she took a bite of the cupcake, soon beaming at the taste that exploded in her mouth. “Wow! These are great Pinkie… is this a new recipe?”

“Oh, that’s just something Cheesy wrote to me,” Pinkie said as she ate on herself. “He sends me lots of things through the mail.”

That would explain the trampoline...Blossomforth finished her cupcake before she spoke again. “So wish Derpy was here to help me out with these,” she muttered as she looked at the stacks of invitations with wary eyes. "I think I'll have to make two trips for this Pinkie."

"No need for that," the voice of a stallion came from behind Blossomforth, causing her to beam as she turned around to see Poste Haste standing at the doorway.

"Boss," Blossomforth said as she approached her stallion.

"How many times have I told you not to call me 'Boss?" Poste asked her as he came closer towards her.

"Force of habit," Blossomforth planted her lips on Poste's and kept it there for a few moments before she removed herself from him. "Darling."

Poste shook his head as he grinned. "What am I going to do with you?"

"You can help me with these first," Blossomforth pointed to the invitations as she smiled mischievously. "Then a nice lunch would do..."

As the pegasi couple continued talking, Pinkie couldn't help but admire the ponies as she smiled softly. I sense a few parties coming this year for those two... The pink mare's smile started to diminish a little as another stallion entered her mind. I sure miss him a lot... We still write to each other, but I so wish he would— her breath started to become short as she collapsed to the ground, with her eyes becoming moist and her heart pounding against her chest.

"Pinkie!" Blossomforth ran towards her fallen friend, with Poste following suit.

This Pinkie sense... It can't be! Pinkie Pie gasped when she saw the silhouette of a stallion standing at the entryway, wearing a poncho over his light brilliant gamboge body and a fedora that covered most of his curly deep brown hair.

“Hey!” Cheese finally said after an intense silence. “Why is my Pinkie Pie crying on the floor?” he asked as he slowly walked towards the three ponies, his eyes locked onto the pink mare’s.

Almost immediately, Pinkie launched herself from the ground and flew towards the earth pony stallion as she smiled and cried simultaneously. “Cheesy!” she called out to him just as she wrapped her arms around him and sealed her lips against his. When they finally parted to breath, the pink mare giggled as she caressed her stallion’s cheek. "I missed you so much..."

"I missed you too Pinks..." Cheese replied as he nuzzled her nose.

Both Poste and Blossomforth stared at the earth ponies for a few moments before the pegasus mare finally spoke. "Pinkie... since when have you and Cheese Sandwich been—"

"An item? Ever since he came to Ponyville, told me his cutie mark story, confessed to me and promised to write to me from his travels!" Pinkie replied as she held onto Cheese with both her arms around his neck.

Poste and Blossomforth looked at each other with the former shrugging. "Think we better go right now," the stallion whispered in his mare ear.

"Good idea," Blossomforth said before she and Poste picked both stacks of invitations up from their resting place. "We'll see you later," she said to Pinkie.

"Okay! Thank you again..." Pinkie replied as she showed both pegasi off. Once she and Cheese were alone, she faux frowned as she approached him. "So why didn't I get a letter from you saying you would be coming to visit?"

Cheese sighed as he removed his fedora from his head. "That's because I'm not going to be writing anymore..."

As fast as light, Pinkie's curly mane straightened as she froze. Her lips started to quiver as her ears drooped and eyes began to moisten. "W-why? Did I do something wrong? Don’t you love me anymore? Did you find somepony else? Did you—” the mare’s words were muted when Cheese placed his hoof against her muzzle.

“I’m not going to write anymore, since I’m staying,” Cheese said as she smiled softly, removing his hoof from Pinkie’s lips.

“Staying? For how long?” Pinkie asked as she titled her head and furrowed her brow.

“As long as you’ll have me,” Cheese winked at Pinkie, but blinked when he saw her tearing up again. “What’s wr—” he gasped when the mare planted her lips against his, with her tongue begging entrance as it caressed his teeth. He opened his mouth slightly and immediately his tongue made contact with hers, the taste of cotton candy filling his taste buds.

When Pinkie finally removed herself from Cheese, she pulled off her best smile with red eyes from the tears. “You really mean it?!” she asked him. When he nodded in response, she sniffed once before she nuzzled against his neck. “Wait!” she barked out and stared at his eyes as she ripped away from him. “What about your parties around Equestria!?”

“My skills will still be deployed, just here in Ponyville with you,” Cheese said as he grinned. “Besides, my Cheesy Sense told me that I must return to Ponyville and be with the one mare who showed me my talent…” he slowly approached her as he placed his hoof against her chest. “And be with the mare I gave my heart to.”

Pinkie’s cheeks burned brightly as she placed a hoof to her mouth and beamed at Cheese’s words. Rather than use words, she proceeded to nuzzle him again. She sighed joyfully when she felt him return the gesture, feeling his breath against her fur. Her ears perked when she heard multiple hoofsteps coming towards the kitchen they were in.

“Pinkie, we’re back! Sorry for leaving you all alon—” Cup Cake’s words became muted when she saw both the mare she loved as a daughter and Cheese Sandwich together in an embrace. “It’s good to see you again, Cheese…” the elder mare said as she walked towards the pair, with her husband Carrot Cake following suit.

"Well now, this is a surprise... nice of you to come visit," Carrot said as he bumped his hoof against Cheese's.

"I'm not visiting... I'm staying," Cheese replied.

Both Cakes looked at each as they blinked before turning to Cheese. "You're staying? Where?"

"He's making Ponyville his home!" Pinkie bounced around the kitchen as she giggled. "And I know just where he'll stay," she said as she stopped before Cheese and dragged him out the kitchen, leading him up the stairs.

"Where are we going?" Cheese asked.

Pinkie pressed her hoof against his lips. "Shh! We don't want to wake up the twins..." she said, as they both tipped hoof towards a room at the end of the passage. Once the pink mare opened it, she pulled her stallion inside and shut the door behind. "Welcome to your new room!"

“Uh, Pinkie… this is your room…” Cheese trailed off as he looked around the bedroom, seeing streamers and clothing lying on the ground with a bathtub at the back and her pet alligator Gummy at the window, looking out to the skies.

“Duh! But this is now our room!” Pinkie cheered as she hopped past Cheese and landed her haunches on her bed. “Guess where you’ll be sleeping?” she asked coyly as she batted her eyelashes, waving her hoof to him to come nearer.

Cheese gulped as he took a few steps forward. She’s so beautiful when she does that! The stallion sighed as he sat next to Pinkie on the end of the bed. “I’m guessing here too?” he asked innocently.

“Correct!” Pinkie replied as she pulled Cheese into a hug and lay on the bed with him, with his head on her chest. “You’ve got to tell me what you’ve been doing lately… since the last letter you wrote to me was you throwing a party for Coco Pommel.”

The stallion’s cheeks burned as Pinkie caressed his hair with his head on her torso. “Oh yeah, you told me she’s a friend of yours,” This world is very small...The stallion’s thoughts drifted as his eyes started to become drowsy. He couldn’t help it since the mare’s body was as soft as a very comfortable feathered cushion.

“Wait!” Pinkie suddenly jumped out of bed with Cheese falling to the ground. “We can’t snooze snooze yet! I’ve got a party to plan for my friend!” the mare yelled as she ran out of the room, only to enter it a second later again. “Cheesy… can you help me with planning this party please?”

“For the new little princess? Dinky I presume?” Cheese grinned as he moved his brow up and down. “The Princesses asked me in Canterlot if I could give my assistance for the planning,” he said as he kissed Pinkie. “So let’s plan the best birthday party for the new princess,” he continued as they both walked down the stairs, with him being behind the pink mare. What he didn’t notice was the gleeful grin the mare before him was displaying on her face.

I sure hope his Cheesy Sense tells him what I really really really really really want!

With everypony else in bed, Amethyst Star carefully made her way up to the upper pool of the grotto, just above the waterfall. She was careful to watch her step, not for her but for the item held in her magic. Reaching the point where the ground leveled out, she took a moment to catch her breath, then slowly walked towards the stallion sitting not too far from her. "Commander Riptide," she began, only to be interrupted by the stallion.

"I'm sorry, Miss Star, for the way I treated you back in Canterlot," Riptide said, giving her a sideways glance; she couldn't see his eyes as he was wearing the darkened goggles. "I... am not normally like that, and I still feel disgusted I had to act in such a way."

“It was mother’s plan, to see how you’d react in a… disagreeable situation, and being the dutiful soldier, I obeyed,” he said with a sigh. "And my brother was not happy that I went along with it." Riptide turned to face the mare, who gasped and lifted a hoof to her mouth as she saw the cut on his face; a step closer to the stallion and she saw it had not been treated properly, an infection already setting in.

"What… why did he do that?" Amethyst asked, her eyes not leaving the wound.

"Katakan discipline," Riptide said with a shrug, returning his gaze back to the cabin below them. "I am not as strong as my brother, both in body and heart. I should have refused the order, told her what I really thought… but I didn’t.”

“So… when you appeared at the train station, it was planned,” Amethyst said, taking a couple of steps back. “Just how long have you been watching me?”

“Actually, that was pure coincidence. I just used the situation to my advantage, as my brother taught me," Riptide replied with a quiet chuckle. "Again, I am sorry for putting you through such an experience." Seeing the mare frown, Riptide allowed himself a small grin. "‘A Katakan does not apologise', right?" A nod from the mare. "When Deadeye came of age, he left for another colony. The one he found... was not very big on forgiveness. In that place, after a disagreement ended, it was rare for there to be somepony left to apologize to."

"That's... that's horrible," Amethyst said, even if it meant she understood the one-eyed stallion's seemingly callous attitude a bit better.

"We are getting better as a race," Riptide commented, ruffling his wings. "Some of us just take longer."

"About that..." Lifting the item she had brought up with her over to the stallion, Amethyst removed the lid, letting a powerful aroma fill the air, one that made Riptide's stomach growl eagerly; Blueblood had told her it was unlikely Riptide had eaten anything in the three days they had been at the grotto. "I... I thought that actions would be better than words, but still, I'm sorry for calling you a... a..." she couldn't bring herself to say it again.

"I have already forgiven you, Miss Star," Riptide said with a small smile, before turning to the pot in front of him and licking his lips, but he avoided planting his face into the broth as the mare continued.

“If you don’t mind me asking, why did that… name affect you so?”

“Going against what you have seen of me so far, I once had a special somepony,” Riptide said, giving a regretful sigh. “Our breakup… was not very civil. I ended up being run out of that town with a mob following me, calling me a demon, and… and a bat pony. All because I walked in on them with another colt.”

Amethyst made to speak, but the smile that came to the stallion’s face bid her hold her tongue. “I went back, along with my mother and several other Shadowbolts after the Royal Wedding. Turns out the town was the changelings’ harbouring area, so we did what we had to, and we rightfully earned the name ‘demon’, but ever since the incident, most have taken offence to our kind being called bat ponies, and those that do are immediately suspected of being a changeling. Did you know that their carapaces are quite crunchy?” he asked with chuckle, his stomach growling once more and causing him to look at the highly aromatic contents of the pot. “Speaking of which…”

A wave from Amethyst's hoof was enough for him and he heartily dug into the broth, his eyes going wide as the taste of meat graced his tongue. It has been too long since I had rabbit... but how did she manage to cook it so perfectly?

"My father... he taught me," Amethyst suddenly said, the mare watching the Katakan with interest. "It was one of the good things he did."

"Is that why you hide it?" Riptide asked, making her eyes go wide in shock. "I saw, when you were in the pool with Princess Dinky earlier. Your... um, wig came a bit loose."

Giving a sigh, Amethyst sat down and lit her horn. To anypony who might have been watching, it would have looked she removed her own tail, but the mass of hairs she set down were not natural. "My father... was a hippogriff. This is his gift to me," she said as she flicked out her real tail. It was almost a perfect griffon's tail, but a little thicker and the hairs matched her mane colour. "I'm sure you can work out why he's in a Neighponese prison now."

Riptide just nodded, returning to his meal as he looked at the mare in a new light, unaware she was doing the same to him. Perhaps... I could have just asked him to stop, I was rather rude now that I think about it. I mean, he wasn't as pushy as some of the teenage colts in Ponyville. Amethyst suddenly gave a gasp, startling Riptide who began to look around for danger, but the mare simply made her way quickly, but carefully back down the rocks.

Confused, the young stallion watched her return to the cabin, and took a deep breath then closed his eyes. When he opened them again, and if it weren't for the goggles, anypony that looked into Riptide's eyes would find a swirling black mist, causing them to panic and run. The truth of the matter was he was simply using his special kind of shadow-magic, which went along way to earning his nickname; using the shadows inside the cabin to see what was going on inside.

Amethyst's magic however interfered with his ability, and all he could do was watch as her own shadow moved around the kitchen, before she returned outside. Shaking his head and returning his vision to normal, Riptide made sure to keep an eye on her as she made her way back up to him, the path no longer illuminated by the setting sun.

Approaching Riptide, coming closer than she had previously, Amethyst set down a bowl of water and a small green bag. "This might sting a little," she said, levitating a cloth from the bag. She dipped it in the water then floated it towards the cut on the stallion's face.

To his credit, Riptide simply hissed quietly as the cloth pressed against the wound, Amethyst gently scrubbing at him. She suddenly paused, seeing that the cut went under the strap of his goggles, realising he must have been in some pain for the past few days. "Commander, I know it might hurt your eyes, but can you remove your goggles please?" she asked. The answer she got was not what she expected.

"Actually, our eyesight is best at sunrise or sunset," Riptide replied as he lifted a hoof up to his face. "You’re in for a treat, Miss Star." Riptide waited a few moments for the sun to be in the perfect position, then lifted his goggles from his eyes.

Amethyst was very confused at first, but that turned to amazement as the setting sun's rays hit the stallion's eyes. Instead of wincing from the light, Riptide remained still, Amethyst watching with her mouth wide open as his yellow slitted eyes slowly changed, becoming a swirling pool of gold. The mare wordlessly went back to cleaning the cut, then covered it with a small piece of gauze; it was a special kind, using the fur to stick but not ripping any off when removed.

Lost in the stallion's eyes, Amethyst slowly stepped forward until she was just in front of him. He was a little taller than her, so she had to raise her head as she aimed her lips to his. She was suddenly blocked by one of his hooves, frowning at him in confusion. "I'm sorry, Miss Star, but despite our previous interaction, I must disappoint you. I'm... not into mares," Riptide said.

Amethyst's eyes widened ever so slightly, and she pulled away, blushing and stammering madly as she trotted in circles. Riptide watched her for a moment and then caught her hoof, turning her to face him. "That was, admittedly a poor one, a joke, Miss Star."

Now, Riptide was fairly adept at reading ponies, but he still missed the signs, ending up a moment later upon his back with the mare glaring down at him and her hoof on his chest. "That wasn't funny!" She didn't give him a chance to respond, pressing her lips firmly to his. She pulled away when she felt something poking at her, a smirk coming to her face. "Must have been sometime since you were with a mare. I suggest you get in the water and cool off."

With that Amethyst turned around and walked away, but not before whipping her real tail across Riptide's muzzle, the stallion too stunned to move. When he finally did, it was only a hoof to his chest, in attempt to calm the rapid beating of his heart.

What is this magic she has over me?

Sitting next to Pip at the breakfast table, Dinky ate her toast with strawberry jam as she watched her parents, having not failed to notice the really happy smiles plastered on their muzzles. It wasn't that she didn't know what they were doing, but that they had woken her from her dreams, involving a lazy Sunday afternoon with the colt next to her.

Finishing her mouthful, the filly asked a question that had been gnawing at her mind. “...am I gonna have to share my room?”

Autumn Star’s mothering instincts kicked in at the same time as Derpy’s, and she used that moment to usher Pipsqueak away under the guise of packing his things so they wouldn’t be late. Once they were gone, the pegasus mare turned to her daughter and frowned. “What do you mean, sweetie?” she asked, giving Blueblood a glance, but he just shrugged at her. “Why would you need to share a room?”

“Well, you and daddy share a room, and then there’s my room,” Dinky said, looking down at the table top. “We don’t have any other bedrooms… which means if I get a brother or sister, then they’ll have to share my room, right?”

It was then both Derpy and Blueblood understood, the pair beginning to blush madly as they tried to look, unsuccessfully, anywhere but each other. Giving a sigh, Derpy turned to her daughter and put on a soft smile. “Well, your father and I have been discussing it… there’s plenty of space to add some more to the house,” Derpy said, reaching across the table and ruffling Dinky’s mane. “We’d just lose some of the garden.”

The filly considered her words, then gave a nod and continued with her meal. It was silent for a few moments until Dinky spoke up again. “Soo… when you and dad are, you know, busy, do you think… you could be a bit quieter?” she asked, causing Blueblood to burst out laughing, but he soon went silent when he saw Derpy’s glare.

“We’ll… try sweetie,” he said, taking his now empty plate and putting it in the sink. “If not, I’m sure Auntie Luna can lend us some of her stuff.” Suddenly realising what he said, Blueblood glanced over his shoulder, noticing both Dinky and Derpy had looks of curiosity on their faces. “When… when you’re older, Dinky. Now go make sure your stuff is packed, we’ll be leaving soon.”

Dinky nodded and finished her breakfast, then darted towards her room. Blueblood collected the last of the dirty plates from the table and began to wash them, pausing when he felt Derpy brush along his side, nuzzling his cheek. “Now we’re alone, why not tell me just what kind of items she has?” she asked, causing Blueblood to swallow nervously. Leaning closer, he began to whisper into her, noting with amusement the way her wings slowly spread as he described several pieces of equipment, leaving the mare breathing heavily with her mouth wide open.

Taking the invitation, Blueblood pressed into a passionate kiss, one that was returned with just as much vigour. When they pulled away, Blueblood turned back to the sink, using his magic to give Derpy a light slap on the flank as she walked away, causing her to gasp and bolt forward.

“Come on dad! Save it for the bedroom!” Dinky’s voice suddenly said, and the stallion's ears splayed back as he looked to the doorway, the filly cringing as she looked between him and Derpy. “I wonder if Twilight can teach me any memory erasing spells… I could do without remembering this,” Dinky muttered as she walked away, going to find safe haven with her foal sitter, well away from her two gross parents.

Chapter 27 Author's Note

Time skip! Two weeks

There is a scene in this chapter which some people may not like, but we invited several readers to look it over, and those that got back to us approved of it... enjoy.

Chapter 27

With a shaky hoof, one pink filly poured some tea into a cup under an intimidating stallion's watchful gaze. "W-would you like some more, Mr Deadeye?" Diamond Tiara asked, trying to be brave and look him in his one eye, even if his mostly scary look was ruined by the pink curlers in his mane.

"No thank you, Miss Tiara," the stallion said, placing a hoof over his cup. "I have had enough." Giving him a nod, Diamond filled two more cups and slid them over to where two other fillies sat waiting. An awkward silence reigned for several minutes until the unicorn in the room took a sip of her drink, gave a happy sigh, then looked towards their host.

“Thank you for inviting Twist to tea, Diamond Tiara,” Dinky said, trying not to giggle at the stallion. When the poofy maned earth pony had entered Diamond’s room, none of them said anything, but all three joined in for some fun when Dinky picked up the first curler. “So, um, about your… change, may I ask what happened?”

Diamond said in thought for several minutes, surprising her guests by doing nothing to hide the tears that slowly crept down her cheeks. “My… birth mother came for me when you went away. She had something from the courts which gave her legal custody of me…”

“Forgive me for saying so,” Deadeye interrupted, cocking his head. “But you do not sound happy about that at all.”

“Well, I know now where I get being a bitch from,” Diamond said harshly, making the other two gasp at her casual use of such a term. “She only wanted me to increase her revenue, as she had just started a venture into foals’ clothes. Oh, and Di… Princess? Thank you, for approaching me in school the other day,” Diamond said, hoping she had corrected herself in time to avoid admonishment from the Katakan.

“You’re very welcome, Diamond,” Dinky replied, sharing a glance with Twist. “We’d noticed you and Silver Spoon didn’t seem to be hanging out as much, and thought you could do with a change of scenery. Oh, and call me Dinky. Leave that princess stuff for the stuffy ponies in Canterlot.”

A laugh, not hollow or fake, escaped Diamond Tiara, leaving Dinky with a bubbly feeling. As the three fillies fell about snickering, the door cracked open and a mare poked her head in. “The scones are cool enough now if you’d like some,” she said.

“Y-yes please,” Diamond managed to squeeze out between giggles, the amber-grey mare entering and setting down a tray of the baked treats, along with two small dishes; one contained clotted cream, the other strawberry jam. Glancing at Deadeye, the mare raised a hoof and covered her mouth, hobbling from the room on three legs so as to keep her mirth to herself. Getting herself under control first, Diamond Tiara grasped a knife in her fetlock, then noticed the inquisitive stares of the other fillies. “That was Ms Pommel. She and daddy have entered business with each other.”

“Excuse me, Miss Tiara,” Deadeye said, just as she was about to spread some jam on her scone. “But you are doing that wrong. Everypony knows it is cream first.”

“Maybe for a neanderpony such as yourself,” Diamond remarked with an eye roll, Dinky and Twist grinning at her. “Jam first, then cream!”

“Cream first!”

“Jam!”

“Cream!”

“Jam, and if you argue with me more, I’ll ask Dinky if we can give you a you a proper makeover!” Diamond said loudly, her guests’ smiles growing even larger as the stallion looked at them.

“...it’s still cream first.”

“Dinky, can we?” Diamond asked, getting a nod in return. The host of the day almost skipped as she made her way over to a large vanity and hopped onto the counter. She turned and waved the stallion towards her, but he just looked away, and it took Dinky grabbing him in her magic to get him where Diamond wanted him. “Now then… let’s make you pretty~!”

It had been two hours since Coco had taken the treats up to Diamond and her guests, even if one had been staying with them for a few days now. It was getting near dinner time, she had already ensured Filthy Rich was finished in his work, and was just about to go get the fillies when Deadeye walked into the kitchen.

Coco took one look at him and fell to the floor laughing, tears of mirth rolling from her eyes. Deadeye just sighed, flattening his ears. “The girls are just washing up,” he said flatly. “And yes, I know that orange lipstick and eyeshadow are my colours. Now excuse me whilst I go find a dark place in which to sulk.”

With that, he left the kitchen, pouting at the three giggling fillies that passed him on their way in.

“Still have the blindfold on, sweetie?” Blueblood asked Dinky as he walked down the main street of Ponyville, with the filly sitting on his back. The stallion turned his head slightly to see that his daughter was indeed still wearing the fabric over her eyes.

Dinky groaned as she reclined on Blueblood’s back. “It’s still on dad… where are we going exactly?” she asked him, but received only a chuckle from him. The filly huffed as she sat on his back, with her hoof etching closer to her blindfold.

“Don’t even think about it.”

How did he… Dinky sighed as she lowered her hoof, forming a frown as they continued onwards. “Dad, can’t you just tell me what the big surprise is?” she asked Blueblood.

“What kind of surprise would it be if I just told you what it was?” he asked Dinky rhetorically, receiving no answer from her. Just you wait Dinky, this one’s huge… Blueblood stopped when they reached their destination. "We're here sweetie... you can look now."

Finally! Dinky literally ripped the blindfold off her eyes, squinting them a little when the sun beamed down upon them. She got off from Blueblood’s back and looked up to where he was looking, only to see their house. “Dad… this is our home.”

“Notice anything different?” Blueblood asked Dinky, who in turn looked at the house thoroughly from where she was standing.

Dinky furrowed her brow as she tilted her head and continued to stare at the house. She raised her eyebrows when she looked up. “Hey… the house looks a little bigger…” she said as she counted the windows, another one being added to how many there were before. Dinky looked up to Blueblood, who smiled as he returned her gaze.

“Shall we go inside?” he asked his daughter, not waiting for an answer as he made his way towards the front door. Blueblood beckoned Dinky with his hoof, whilst maintaining a gentle smile on his muzzle. “Come on then, what are you waiting for?”

The filly shrugged as she walked towards the door, passing her father as she went inside. Everything looks the same... Her thoughts trailed off until her ears flickered when Blueblood’s voice emitted from behind.

"Why don't you try looking upstairs?" Blueblood suggested as he pointed to the stairs. With that, both father and daughter began their trek upstairs. When they reached the top, the stallion saw Dinky look around in confusion as she scratched her head. “Figured it out yet?” he asked the filly.

Wait! Dinky’s eyes dilated when she noticed that the top floor, was indeed bigger. She rushed to where her room was, but found two doors instead of one. “Dad… why are there two doors?” she asked Blueblood, but had a feeling she knew the answer already.

Blueblood chuckled as he pointed to the right door. “That’s your room, Dinky… and the other is a spare,” he replied, the filly proceeding to open the door leading to her room. The stallion was soon greeted to the sound of his daughter gasping, followed by a scream of delight as she looked around her new room.

The room itself was bigger, and everything was brand new in Dinky’s room. From the bed to the desk and even her wardrobe which she had opened to find new dresses in there. She turned her attention to the new bed, where her alicorn plushie was located. She giggled as she jumped onto the mattress, feeling the everlasting softness as she lay on it. Once the excitement died down, she looked around her room again to take in all the new features, until her eyes landed on her father.

“Well, what do you think?" Blueblood asked Dinky as he walked towards her. His answer came in the form of a gesture, when the filly embraced him and nuzzled against his neck as she hugged him.

"It's perfect!" Dinky replied as she looked up to meet Blueblood’s eyes. "Thank you daddy..." she said beamed at him, with her eyes tearing up as she sniffed.

Blueblood returned the smile with his own set of tears, proceeding to plant his lips on Dinky’s forehead. "Love you, sweetheart," he said and scooped her up to place her on his back again. "But we still got a lot of things to do... promised your mother we would meet her at Sugarcube Corner."

“Okay!” Dinky replied as she held onto Blueblood’s neck as he left the bedroom with haste. Once they were outside, the stallion decided to speed his trot up to a canter. He turned his head slightly to catch a glimpse of the filly’s smile as she rested her head against his mane.

As they reached Sugarcube Corner, Dinky jumped off her father’s back and looked around to see a few ponies walking by. "Hey... where's mom?" she asked Blueblood, who only shrugged in response.

"Most likely inside..." Blueblood replied as he simply smiled and pointed a lazy hoof to the door.

Dinky blinked before she sighed and went inside, only to be greeted by darkness. The way behind her became dark too as the door shut tight, leaving her in the abyss. “Hey, where’s the light?” she asked out loud. She walked back a little to try and find the switch to the lights, fumbling her hooves on the wall. When she finally found it, she turned the lights on.

“Surprise!”

The filly yelped as she jumped in the air, turning her head in all directions to see the room filled with ponies. She looked up to see a banner with the words ‘Happy Birthday Dinky!!!’ written in glittering ink. As she absorbed the sight, she felt a gentle hoof rest upon her back, causing her to turn around to be faced with her parents who were looking down upon her with gentle smiles plastered on their faces.

“Happy Birthday, Dinky…” Derpy said as she nuzzled her daughter softly, soon joined by her fiance who nuzzled both of them.

Dinky was speechless as she looked up to her parents. Just as she was about to say something, her ears flickered to the sound of foals calling her name. She turned to the source, finding her friends waving at her next to a giant cake. She quickly turned her attention to her parents, who nodded as they knew what she was about to ask.

“Go on ahead, Dinky… we’ll be right here,” Blueblood said to his daughter, who immediately ran towards the group of foals. The stallion’s eyes drifted to Derpy, whose eyes were misty as she looked upon her daughter being with her friends. The unicorn proceeded to nuzzle her cheek, earning a smile from her.

Just as Derpy was about to say something to her stallion, a pink mare’s head suddenly appeared in the space between Blueblood’s and hers, causing the pegasus to yelp in shock. “Pinkie! Don’t do that!” she reprimanded the earth pony, who cocked her eyebrows in confusion.

“Do what?” Pinkie asked Derpy.

“Nevermind…” Derpy replied as she shook her head.

Pinkie beamed as she giggled at the couple before her. “So what do you think about this party huh!? Cheesy and I really tried our hardest to make this the bestest birthday party for Dinky. Especially with what she’s been through lately, poor girl must have been so sad! I just hope this will help her with recovery and—” the mare became silent when Derpy pushed her hoof against the earth pony’s muzzle.

“It’s perfect Pinkie,” Blueblood said when Derpy removed her hoof from the earth pony. “I couldn’t have asked for better…” he trailed off when he looked around the room. “Where is Cheese by the way?” he asked her.

“Over there!” Pinkie pointed to the foals, who were currently being entertained by Cheese Sandwich’s antics. “Oh! Did I tell you we’re living together now?!” she asked Blueblood and Derpy, who in turned stared at her in disbelief. Just as the couple were about to exchange words with the party mare, Applejack came towards them wearing a wide smile on her muzzle..

“Hey Blue… so what did yer girl think about her new room?” Applejack asked the stallion as she stood alongside her friends whilst enjoying an apple crumble she was holding with her front hoof. Good thing we were able to finish decoratin’ the rooms given how much time we had…

Blueblood chuckled as he nodded. “You should have seen the look on her face, she was over the moon…” the stallion replied as he turned to look at Dinky speaking to her friends, and standing awfully close Pip.

“And now we get down to business!” Pinkie interjected as she furrowed her brows, with a gleeful grin forming on her muzzle. “The wedding."

I knew she would bring it up... Blueblood sighed as he nodded his head. "We want the wedding to be soon. If you mares want to help, that be very—"

"What do you mean 'if we want to help'?!" Pinkie blurted as she frowned at Blueblood. "We're definitely going to make this the best wedding ever, right Applejack!?" she asked her friend, who nodded in agreement. “Buuut I think Derpy and Blueblood should help Dinky opening up presents now,” Pinkie interjected as she dragged the couple towards the filly, who was still being entertained by Cheese Sandwich. When the filly was scooped up by her mother, she was placed on the grey pegasus back and carried towards her presents, with her stallion following behind her.

As Derpy lifted Dinky from her back, she placed her on the ground where all were stacked and grouped together. Soon the filly’s friends came to her side as she lifted the first present that lay right in front of her, which came from Twilight. The filly carefully opened it to reveal a book with the title “Foal Magic, Basic and Advanced Spells First Edition”. The filly beamed as she held onto it, tempted to begin reading it right there. She stopped however, as she knew she had other presents to open.

“Thank you, Twilight…” Dinky said to the alicorn, who stood alongside Big Macintosh as they watched Dinky open up another present. The filly tittered when she saw this present came from her Pip, and it felt really light. She unwrapped it carefully and smiled broadly at what she saw, which was a pink scarf.

She held the pink scarf in her hooves, which was soft to the touch. Dinky noticed a few rough edges on the clothing and looked at Pip curiously. “I made it myself,” he shrugged as he looked away. He was soon brought into a hug by his fillyfriend, followed by a soft nuzzle.

“Pip, you’re the best...” Dinky said and planted her lips against his cheek, giggling at the blush that began to form on the colt’s face. The filly turned around and made her way to the presents again, unaware of the goofy grin the colt was emitting on his muzzle. Her eyes caught glimpse of a rather small present that lay alone from the group of presents, with a letter attached to it. She took hold of it and opened the letter.

“A gift from…” Dinky squinted her eyes as she read the letter that was attached to the present. “Auntie Tia and Auntie Lulu!” she beamed as she opened the package, finding a black box inside it. She opened the lid carefully, and gasped.

“What is it Dinky?” Diamond Tiara asked her friend, looking to her side where Pip and Twist were. All three friends looked into the box that the unicorn filly was still holding, their jaws agape when they saw the contents.

A pendant rested at the bottom of the box. The pendant itself was decorated with a turquoise gem, that seemed to be glowing dimly. Dinky reached a hoof inside and picked it up carefully, inspecting it as she admired its beauty. “Wow! It’s pretty!” she beamed as she tried it on, looking down upon it as it rested against her chest.

That’s a runekey... Blueblood thoughts raced as he stared at the pendant his daughter was holding. It seems my aunts have decided there is a treasure now worth using one… and it will make finding Dinky if she is taken again much easier.

"...and worse, you show no remorse," Luna said out loudly, glaring down at the blue stallion before her. She was seated upon her throne, the one next to her empty, and the room was filled with ponies; nobles, commoners, legal workers... and a lot more guards than necessary. "You should be thankful, Storm Pyro, that my sister has changed several laws. Once upon a time, killing a member of the royal family would have seen you gutted and paraded through the city streets with your entrails hanging out."

The gathered audience shuddered at the thought, some of the guards joining them, whilst Storm Pyro met Luna's gaze with calm apathy. The few Katakans in the throne room simply grinned at the mental image. "Death Is too good for the likes of you," Luna continued, standing up. "Therefore you shall receive life imprisonment, with no chance of parole, but that is not all. Where your sentence will be carried out is a new facility, and you will come to fully understand your crime. Silent Gale!" Luna suddenly called, the dark blue pegasus stallion slinking from the crowd; the Katakan taking the place usually occupied by Deadeye's glared at him, for she hadn’t even seen him enter the room. "Escort this... this beale uv cred to the Nightmare."

"Aye, yer majesty," Silent Gale replied, bowing his head slightly, before looking at the alicorn with a grin. “An’ if I may, yer majesty, words like that shouldn’t come out of a filly’s mouth.” With that, Gale turned around and roughly shoved Storm Pyro, but the unicorn wasn’t given an ounce of sympathy as he was pushed out of the room, the doors closing behind them a moment later.

“This court session is adjourned,” Luna announced, stamping her hoof once. “Please return for my sister's session in one hour precisely.” The spectators all bowed and filed out of the room, Luna turning to head towards a side room when there was a voice from behind her.

“Night-mistress, what was Silent Gale doing here?” Cloudburn asked, frowning in confusion.

“He is a member of Celestia’s Novas,” Luna said, now curious. “Do you know him?”

“Him? That pickpocket is one of the crown’s most trusted agents?” Cloudburn nearly shouted, the mare shrinking back when Luna turned to glare at her. The Katakan then went on to explain what she knew of the stallion and his habits, Luna turning and walking away once more.

“I am happy you let him go,” she said over her shoulder. “We need more charitable ponies like Silent Gale these days. Yes, I know it makes him a Robin Hoof,” Luna cut Cloudburn off before she could make the comment. “But what he does is good. Can you imagine being a foal in this world, with nothing to guide you?”

Cloudburn fell silent as she followed Luna into the side room, a private chamber that contained only one other pony. Knowing that the two would want their privacy, Cloudburn stopped outside and closed the door, Luna walking over and flopping down on to the cushion pile next to her sister. “It is done,” she said, giving a sigh. “I really do not want to do the next part…”

“BB will understand,” Celestia said, draping her wing over Luna’s back. “It will bring painful memories back, but when he learns why, I think he will bear them with his usual calm demeanour.” Luna gave a nod, the sisters falling into silence for a time, disturbed by a knock that came not from the door, but the ceiling, Celestia looking up with a sigh. “Discord, you may enter.”

Phasing through the stone, the draconequus appeared with a frown, sitting down in front of the alicorns. “So, I was doing some digging in your files, and came across this,” Discord said as he set down a scroll in front of the alicorns. “It’s interesting, don’t you think. One Silver Spark, born to Bright Spark, and father to a young colt named Pipsqueak. He also happens to be Shimmer Spark’s cousin. And not only that, but his father was the one who tried to kill Lady Lining!”

“Luna, quickly!” Celestia said. “Send word to Riptide, get Dinky away from Pip’s fam..” she was cut off, due to her lips being magically sealed, and she turned to glare at Discord, who just grinned back at her.

“No need to be hasty, I’ve already looked in on him. He wasn’t very receptive to me when I mentioned his cousin. Something about bucking me to the moon and back if I ever mention her name again? Anyway, I tried again, like you asked Tia,” he said, getting the solar princess’ full attention, snapping his fingers to give her back the ability to speak. “It is as I thought. Young Melody was subjected to forbidden magic. Why, we’ll only know that when we find her mother. Which, if she’s using magic even you two dare not, means I will be of no use finding her.”

“Did you at least ascertain what kind of spell was used?” Celestia asked, sounding hopeful.

“I did, and it was not pleasant. Shimmer Spark used blood magic,” Discord stated, Luna and Celestia recoiling in shock. “But this particular spell… well, from what I understand of it, can be reversed.”

“Reversed? Discord, no riddles, no pranks, nothing of the sort,” Celestia said as she stood and marched up to him, placing a hoof on his chest. “Please explain what you mean.”

“This spell involved the infusion of Shimmer Spark’s blood into the young filly’s so she could take control of her will. The way to reverse it…” Discord gave a sigh, and for the first time in many thousands of years, looked uncertain. “We’d need another of her blood donors.”

Celestia’s eyes went wide as she realised what that meant, and with a golden flash she was gone from the room, teleporting to one of the castle suites. Nightshade was in there, startled by the unexpected visitor, but Celestia ignored her as she marched up to the stallion who was sitting in a chair and staring at the floor. “Leave us,” Celestia commanded, Nightshade giving Wise a supportive nuzzle as she left.

“Why?” Wise suddenly said, his voice still laced with anger that hadn’t subsided over the past two weeks. “Why didn’t you let me do it?”

“Because it would have only caused you more strife, Earl Wise.” The stallion’s ears twitched, as Celestia only ever used his title when she wanted his full attention, even long ago and in front of other nobles. “I… I am unsure how to say this without causing you more heartache, but… if… if there was a way for you to have… Melody back… would you?”

“Twilight Sparkle tried time travel, it didn’t work out so well, you remember,” Wise said with a chuckle, reminded of the guards he overheard talking about the event afterwards. “So there is no other way…”

“Actually, there might be,” Celestia said, moving to look into his eyes. “But I will need you, Melody will need you. Can you at least try?” Wise looked away, to the only photo that he had taken from his old mansion, one of him in a hospital room’s chair and holding his foal.

“What would you have me do?” he asked. Celestia just beckoned him to follow, but before he got out of the chair, the ring limiting his magic was removed. A sigh of relief escaped the stallion, and as they took a slow walk through the castle corridors Celestia explained to him what Discord had to her.

Upon arriving at the throne room, Celestia found those invited for these special court session waiting for the doors to open. “My little ponies,” she said, getting their attention. “There has been a change of plans. Please, leave us be for now, we will summon you if things do not work as we hope.”

With a flash of her horn, she teleported herself and Wise into the throne room, where Luna and Discord were waiting. There was also a squad of royal guards, and in the middle of them was… “Daddy!” Amber Vain’s crazed voice made Wise flinch, and she began to try to get free from her chains. “Let me out, I want to go play with my Blueblood again!”

“Guards, leave us. Nopony is to enter the throne room until myself or Luna says otherwise,” Celestia commanded, the ponies in golden armour giving each other confused looks before bowing and leaving the room. Looking to her side, Celestia glared at the Katakans who remained in place, but all it took was a nod from Luna and they too left. “Discord, begin.”

“Very well. Celestia, Luna, move back,” Discord said, approaching the middle of the room. “You there, Wordy, need to be closer.” Wise Words followed the draconequus’ instructions, stepping just a few hoofs nearer him and Amber. “And now… we begin…”

Discord started to chant, a strange language whose words echoed eerily as the throne room grew dark. Wise Words and Amber Vain were lifted into the air by an unknown force, the stallion looking at the floor to see a red circle below him and the mare.

“Is he taking me to my Blueblood? Oh thank you Discord!” Though the notion to do just that crossed his mind and amused him a little, even Discord’s chaos had its limits, so he ignored her and continued the ritual.

A slight grunt escaped from Wise Words as a cut opened on his foreleg and a tendril of blood seeped out, but it didn’t drip to the ground. Instead, it followed the runes on the floor to where the circles met, the flow stopping a moment later from Wise Words small wound, and whatever force holding him aloft gently set him back down.

The throne room was filled with pained screaming as his blood made contact with Amber’s body, sliding through her fur up to her head, where it used her open mouth to enter. The mare then fell silent with her eyes vacant, but looking in Wise Word’s direction. The stallion wanted to look away but found that he couldn’t, the time spent staring at one another lost to both of them.

A sudden dark red flash broke their mutual gaze, Wise blinking his eyes clear. When his vision was restored, he saw the throne room had returned to its natural light levels, and Amber was now in a heap on the floor. The mare let out a groan, rolling around and trying to sit up.

Thinking it didn’t work, Wise turned and began to walk away, but a moment later he heard a very quiet, and extremely frightened voice. “W-who are you? Where’s my momma? Where’s my daddy?!”

“Calm yourself, I am Princess Celestia. Come, tell me your name…”

“It’s… it’s Melody,” the voice said, along with some sniffing. “I-if you’re the princess… then where is my daddy!? He’s your cap… cap… boss pony!” Wise stumbled in his hoofsteps, slowing down. The voice… sounds slightly different, but it’s her. Chancing a glance, Wise looked over his shoulder only to meet the mare’s gaze. “Daddy! But… you’re old! NO! SOMEPONY WAKE ME FROM THIS NIGHTMARE!”

With that shout, ‘Amber’ began to sob louder, thrashing in her chains, and rolling away from any who would try to help her. It took Discord’s intervention, a quick snap of his fingers, and the mare was asleep. The three ponies in the room looked between each other, none of them knowing what had happened, looking to the one who might actually have a clue.

“It is done,” Discord said, turning to Wise. “You have your daughter back… but only in mind. I’m sorry, I truly am, but that is all we can do. Now if you’ll excuse me, that spell took a lot of energy. I think this is a nice place to lie down.” He did just that, collapsing to the floor a moment later.

Sending Luna to check on Discord, Celestia approached Wise Words and placed a hoof under his muzzle, tilting his gaze up. “This is going to be a tough time, for both of you. Are you certain you want to follow this path?”

“She’s… maybe older, but I have my daughter back,” Wise said, looking to the mare still bound and unconscious. “Can… can she be taken to my suite? I want to be there when she wakes.” Celestia gave him a nod, also looking at the mare that was Melody once again. Shimmer Spark… I thought I put an end to this with your uncle’s life. I hope you have not corrupted any others with this forbidden magic...

Blueblood froze as a shiver went down his spine as while walking alongside Amethyst and Derpy, who was carrying Dinky on her back.

The elder mare furrowed her brow when her fiance stopped walking and saw him shivering for a brief moment before he straightened himself. “What’s wrong, Blue?” Derpy asked her stallion as she looked back at him.

“Nothing, just a chill,” he replied as he shook his body a little, careful not to drop any of the presents he was carrying with his magic. When they started walking again, he made sure to increase his pace to be alongside Derpy, who decided to lean against Blueblood as they were walking. Their ears perked when they heard a soft snoring coming from behind, causing them to turn their heads to a sleeping Dinky.

Guess today’s party tired her out… Derpy giggled as she looked upon her daughter, which was echoed by the unicorn mare following them, several presents hovering in her magic as well. “So Amethyst… how are things between you and Riptide?” Derpy asked, knowing the two had spent some time at the cabin together.

“Oh, things are going well… we just decided to stay friends,” Amethyst replied as she continued walking towards Derpy’s house. Once they were outside the building, the pegasus mare walked in first with her stallion following suit. “Where should I leave the presents?” Amethyst asked Blueblood, who took hold of them all with his own magic.

Blueblood smiled as he chuckled. “I’ll handle it,” he replied to Amythest. “Thank you for coming to Dinky’s birthday, she needs all the friends she has right now.”

“Wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” she giggled as she walked off into the distance, leaving Blueblood alone at the front porch. Once he was inside, Derpy stood on the stairs with a demure smile on her face.

She looked down on her stallion with half-lid eyes as she motioned for him to come upstairs. “I’ll be waiting in our room…” she trailed off as she turned around, swishing her tail from side to side.

Blueblood wasted no time in marching upstairs, but halted once he reached the top. His eyes lingered to Dinky’s room, where he made a detour first. Poking his head inside, he saw his daughter fast asleep in her new bed. She had the covered pulled tightly as she instinctively embraced them for warmth, whilst smiling as she dreamed; the alicorn plush was wedged between her hooves and under her chin. “My beautiful daughter…” the stallion whispered as he tiphoofed towards her, stroking her head and planting a kiss on her forehead.

Once he was outside his daughter’s room, Blueblood made his way towards the main bedroom, where he noticed the lights were dim with the curtains closed and a sweet fragrance drifted in the air. When his eyes landed on the bed, his jaw nearly dropped with his cheeks becoming tinted red at the sight before him.

Derpy lay upon the bed with her back lying on the mattress as she batted her eyelashes alluringly at Blueblood. She wore navy striped socks on each of her legs, becoming ever more captivating to the stallion before her. She motioned Blueblood to come forward. “What do you think?”

And it’s not even my birthday… “Beautiful…” Blueblood grinned as he walked slowly towards Derpy, climbing onto the bed and crawling towards his mare as he eyed her hungrily. Once his lips were mere inches away from hers, he kissed her deeply and felt her hooves encircle his neck, dragging him down with her.

Once they released each other to catch their breath, Derpy scooted backwards until she sat upright with her back against the bedframe. “I’ve got a special gift for you…” she told Blueblood, who only cocked his brow at her.

“What is it?” he asked curiously, only to receive a giggle from Derpy as she rubbed her stomach soothingly. Blueblood cocked his brow a little until a thought came to his mind. “Are you?” he asked her, and received a nod from her..

The stallion gasped as he stared at Derpy, whose eyes became moist as she smiled demurely at him. Blueblood beamed as he started to cry, peppering the mare with kisses to her face as she held onto him.

“Our family’s becoming bigger…” Blueblood said inbetween kisses and tears. When he lifted his head away from Derpy’s face, he saw her own eyes staring into his as she continued to smile at her love.

“And you’re with me now…” she trailed off as she sniffed, caressing his cheek. “Forever.”

Chapter 28

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Chapter 29

With the new school year starting today, and having begun the process of withdrawing from his position at the Ministry of Finance, Blueblood stepped out into Ponyville’s bright early morning, his eyes lingering on the town clock which informed him it was half past seven. Turning around, the stallion closed and locked the door, as he was the last to leave the house, and began his trek to the edge of town.

Still within Ponyville's limits but a good five minutes away from the next nearest building was a simple two story house, a three foot oak fence around it. It was here that was Blueblood’s destination, and his travelling companion was waiting for him at the door. “Good morning, Melody,” he called out, seeing the filly-mare perk up at his voice.

“BB!” Melody shouted, running to him and throwing her forelegs around his neck. “I’m so excited, I’ve never been before!” Blueblood gave her a few minutes to get the energy out of her body, taking the saddlebags that were floated over to him in an orange glow in his own magic, setting them down on Melody’s back. This caused her to gasp and run back to the door, where she nuzzled the waiting Wise Words. “Bye bye daddy, see you later!”

“Have fun, my darling,” Wise replied, waving the pair off. It had been a month since the stallion and his daughter had moved to the town, and they both found it very pleasant, even though it took Melody a few days to even step outside the house. Apart from Dinky, she still had to make some friends though.

As Melody walked alongside Blueblood, humming happily to herself, the stallion thought back to the first time he had met ‘Amber’ and wondered if Melody was watching from in her own head like with so many other things she had talked to the town psychiatrist about.

“Melody? Is that you?” Blueblood asked as he approached the mare, but she just turned around and glared at him. “Melody? It’s me, BB!” Strange, she looks the same.

“I’m sorry, your majesty, but my name is Amber,” the mare replied, giving a shrug. “I do not know of any ‘Melody’.

“Oh, my apologies, Miss Amber ,” Blueblood said, glancing around the room. “Would you care for a drink?”

“Sure, why not?” Amber said, the two making their way over to the refreshments table...

Blueblood shook his head clear of the memory, turning to find Melody staring at him. He gave her a smile and continued their walk, Melody following after him. To help with her low social skills, Blueblood planned their route to take them along the outskirts of town, where there were less ponies for her to see, and the ones that were out were ones she had already met.

“Well, good mornin’ to you two,” came Applejack’s voice, causing them both to look over. The farm mare was heading into town, a fully loaded cart ready for a day’s apple selling. Melody squeaked in surprise, hiding behind Blueblood, but Applejack just chuckled. “Shoot Melody, Ah ain’t that scary am Ah?”

“N-no, Miss Applejack, I was just surprised,” Melody replied, looking over Blueblood’s shoulder. “Um, good morning, Applebloom,” she said, seeing the farm filly sitting on the cart. Upon hearing her name, she jumped down and walked over, waving back at her sister.

“Welp, Ah’d best get t’ market,” Applejack said, starting to pull the cart once more. “BB, Ah got somethings Ah wanna discuss with ya later.”

“Sure thing, AJ. Come around about two.” Goodbyes were said and the ponies once more began the walk to their destinations. For Blueblood and his companions, this was a single story red building with a bell tower, which had just started ringing, calling the morning’s students to class. “Best get you introduced then, Melody,” Blueblood said, giving the clearly nervous pony a nuzzle. She perked up a little bit, speeding up to a trot so she wasn’t late on her first day.

As they approached the school yard, a white blur shot past them, Blueblood recognising it as a nearly late Sweetie Belle, but she had come from a different direction than her home. Turning around, Blueblood went to see who had walked her to school, and his eyes went wide when he saw the pony standing there.

“Am-Amber?”

Melody turned, took a few seconds, then gave a scream and jumped behind Blueblood, shivering against his side. Blueblood was not prepared for this eventuality, not even knowing that Sly Cur was in Ponyville, nor how to go from there.

Sly however went to take a step forward, but stopped when he saw Blueblood’s horn glowing faintly, the prince’s eyes beginning to narrow. “Her name is Melody,” Blueblood said firmly, a forehoof scraping at the dirt. “She is the daughter of Earl Wise Words. Now what are you doing here?”

“I… I’m looking at opening a new mine here, the old diamond dog site,” Sly replied, swallowing nervously. “So… the rumours, from Canterlot… they’re true?” he asked, getting a nod in reply. “Then for all those years that… thing that was my half sister…”

“Wasn’t real,” Blueblood stated flatly, now growing impatient. “Are we going to have a problem here, Sly?”

“No… no, not at all. Um… Melody?” Sly relaxed a little when the mare eased half of her face out from hiding, though she still didn’t look at him, and she only caught half of what he was saying. “... understand you have some memories, and they may be a bit jumbled, but…”

“Brother…” she said quietly, frowning as she tried to think clearly. “No, half brother. Momma married your dad.” Stepping out from behind her living shield, Melody slowly walked over to Sly, looking him over. She lifted a hoof and gently prodded him, but jumped back with a shock. “You’re real!” she exclaimed, suddenly beaming happily.

“Uh, come again?” Sly asked, with Blueblood looking on, both stallions equally confused.

“Real, you’re real,” Melody repeated, nodding her head. “I… wasn’t sure what was real and what was fake with… her in here.” Melody motioned to her head. “But you are… and thank you. Without you, she’d still be in here.”

Blueblood finally let his magic die down as Melody gave Sly a quick hug, then walked into the schoolhouse. “What will you do now?” the prince suddenly asked, getting Sly’s attention.

“I... I think it would be best if I met with Earl Wise, had a chat,” Sly replied, giving a slight bow. “Have a good day, your majesty.” With that he headed back towards town, leaving Blueblood to approach the school, where he heard Cheerilee’s voice coming through the open doorway.

“Now, before we begin lesson, we have a new student joining us today. Her name is...”

“I’ll be back home late afternoon, okay?” Derpy said to Blueblood as they stood in front of Rarity’s boutique.

“Sure you don’t want me with you whilst you are getting your new dress?” Blueblood asked his fiance, only to receive a giggle from her as a reply.

Derpy caressed his cheek as she looked into his eyes. “You know it’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride’s dress before the wedding, and Rarity won’t stand for that if you came in with me…” she planted her lips onto his briefly as she smiled.

“I suppose,” Blueblood said as he too returned the kiss, only releasing it after a few moments had passed them by. “I’ll see you back at home,” he waved Derpy farewell as she walked to the front entrance of Rarity’s boutique, with him walking back into town alone.

Derpy reached a hoof to the front door and knocked on it gently, with the sound emitting to the other side of the entrance. Her ears perked when she heard hoofsteps approaching from behind the door, before it opened to reveal a white unicorn mare.

“Derpy, darling!” Rarity greeted the grey pegasus mare with a brief hug. “So good you could make it today!” she said as she stood aside and motioning the other mare to come in. “I’ll be with you in just a moment, just had tea with one of my business partners,” she said as she looked back at the kitchen, a blush forming on her cheeks which she quickly shook off.

The blush was noticed by Derpy, who cocked her brow at the unicorn mare and emitted a small grin as she looked at Rarity. “Sounds to me this is more than just business…” she giggled as she teased her friend, who return the blush with a vengeance.

“I-I I could never!” Rarity blurted out as she tried to straighten herself. “I-I mean, it’s not proper to seek such things in the workplace!”

Before Derpy could ask about the mysterious stallion, she heard hoofsteps coming from the kitchen and saw the stallion in question walking to the front portal where the two mares were located.

“Hey Rarity, I just wanted to say—” Sly Cur words were cut off when he saw Derpy standing next to his host. Both he and the pegasus remained silent until the other mare cleared her throat to gain their attention.

“Derpy, this is Sly Cur and he is the CEO of…” Rarity trailed off as she saw the pegasus’ eyes never leaving the stallion. “Have you two met?” she asked her friend curiously.

Derpy was about to open her mouth to speak, but Sly beat her to it. “Well you see, I met Princess Derpy at the gala a few weeks ago… where I also had the pleasure of meeting you,” he added in with a wink to the white unicorn, who radiated a momentary blush.

“Well, I’m not a princess…” Derpy replied as she trailed off.

“Not yet, but soon…” Sly grinned as he bowed a little and started to walk to the door, only to stop when he passed Derpy. “Oh yes! I almost forgot…” he began to walk to Rarity and took a hold of her hoof. “Just to let you know we’ll be having guests for dinner tonight.” he said to the white mare.

Rarity waved a hoof as she smiled at him. “Oh that’s alright. The more the merrier for this da-dinner!” she quickly amended her sentence before a certain word could be heard. Darnit Rarity! Get your act together with this one!

“Great! I’ll see you later tonight,” he lifted her left forehoof to his lips, causing Rarity’s cheeks to burn violently at the gesture. “Have a good afternoon,” he bid the white unicorn farewell, and bowed his head a little as he passed Derpy. “And to you as well.”

When Sly left the building, Derpy cocked her brow at Rarity. “Dinner already?”

“It’s purely for business,” Rarity huffed as she held her head up high. Though I wish it was just me and him there… The mare cleared her throat and erased any other thoughts about Sly. “So, now…” the mare clapped her hooves together in glee as she grinned. “Let’s make the best wedding dress ever!” she guided the pegasus to her fitting room, which was already littered with a number of fabric rolls and all other sorts of clothing. “So sorry for the mess, just my little sister and her friends trying to be ‘Cutie Mark Dressmakers’.”

Derpy giggled at the thought of the three trouble-makers trying to create a new dress. “And it didn’t go so well?” she asked Rarity rhetorically, only for the unicorn to roll her eyes and shake her head. “I suppose saying to them to be patient isn’t exactly helping?”

“And it just entices them to exercise even more radical schemes to get their cutie marks…” Rarity sighed as she took hold of her red-rimmed glasses and placed them on her. “I just wish Sweetie Belle could see her talent lies in music… that voice of hers, she would be globally famous just with that!” she looked up to the roof dreamingly as she pictured her younger sister on stage, singing to the audience and wearing a dress made by the white unicorn. “Speaking of fillies, how is your daughter doing?”

“Oh she’s good… she’s having her first magical defense lesson today,” Derpy replied as she stood still whilst Rarity began to take measurements of her body. I hope I didn’t put on too much weight thanks to all those parties…

Rarity removed her measuring tape and nodded as she rolled it back up into place. “That’s nice to hear, who is her instructor?”

“Twilight,” Derpy replied as she stepped off the stand and peered over Rarity’s shoulder when the latter was busy sketching the new wedding dress. “Um, Rarity… why are you making my dress white?” she asked the unicorn mare curiously, stepping back a little when the latter looked at her as though she had sprouted an extra pair of wings.

“Whatever do you mean, darling? A wedding dress ought to be white… as tradition has it.”

“But Rarity… I don’t want my wedding dress white,” Derpy replied to the unicorn mare, surprised to see her friend falling to the ground wailing.

“This cannot be!” Rarity shouted out to the heavens as she reached a hoof into the air with her eyes tearing up. “Is this some kind of new fashion scene that’s happening in Canterlot!? Or in the whole of Equestria!? I thought Suri Polomare’s idea of black wedding dresses was outrageous! Has she actually succeeded with that? A wedding shouldn’t be a time of mourning! A wedding needs to be a celebration of love and union! I-I,” the mare broke down crying as she curled up her body into a fetal position. As she sniffed she felt a hoof touch her back, causing her to look up at the grey mare’s gentle smile.

She helped the unicorn to stand up from the ground and sighed as she dusted her off. “It’s just that it wouldn’t be traditional, since I have had Dinky.”

Rarity’s watery eyes suddenly stopped dripping as she blinked with realization coming to her. She opened her mouth a little before she suddenly closed it, relaxing her shoulders as she smiled.

“Oh yes… I completely forgot,” she admitted as she giggled and rubbed the back of her head. “Well then, I suppose I should come up with a different colour that is not white,” she paused for a moment before kneeling down on the floor and placed her forehooves in front of her as though she was praying to the pegasus. “But please don’t make me make your dress black!”

Is she serious? Derpy thought to herself as she raised her eyebrows at Rarity. “Rarity, this is my wedding… not a funeral,” she said as she shook her head. “But, I wouldn’t mind my Gala dress to be my wedding dress…”

“Darling! You can’t just have that thing be your wedding dress. Unless…” Rarity paused momentarily as she rubbed her chin with her hoof in thought. “Hmmm…” she hummed as she looked at the sketch. A gasp escaped from her mouth as she beamed in delight. “Idea!~” she sang out and went back to her sketch, scribbling down upon it with haste. “Derpy, do you mind if you can fetch your prom dress for me please?”

“Of course, I’ll be right back,” Derpy replied as she spread her wings and flew out of the boutique, leaving Rarity alone to her devices. The unicorn grinned in glee as she performed the finishing touches on her sketch.

Rarity chuckled as she held the finished project in the air with her magic. “I’m going to make the best wedding dress ever!”

Although most of the class were way ahead of her, Melody discovered, much to her joy, that she was a fast learner. Already that morning she had mastered her ten times table, rapidly catching the curve of the class, but she was struggling a bit with her literacy. So when Cheerilee told them it was time for recess, Melody was happy for the break.

Stepping out into the schoolyard, she saw her classmates had already formed into groups, most wary of her for some reason. Melody had hoped to spend some time with Dinky, but saw her standing next to the colt that was in the last of the memories from before ‘Amber’ was removed from her, so she kept away.

Finding a shady spot under a tree, Melody sat down and set out a bit of paper she had brought with her. Taking a pencil in her mouth, she started drawing what she could see, starting with the buildings. It didn’t take long for her to have a picture that could have been mistaken for a photograph, and she was about to start putting the foals in when a shadow blocked what little light she had.

“Well well, how are you doing... Stumpy?”

Melody looked up to see a grey earth pony filly staring down at her, a sneer on her muzzle. “So, where did they find you? It had to have been somewhere special.” The filly peered around at Melody’s side, then began to giggle. “Oh, another blank flank huh? Is that because the other you isn’t in there anymore? You know, the smart one?”

Melody knew exactly who this filly was talking about, as her father had been to speak with Cheerilee, and it was decided to let the foals know the truth, lest one of their parents find out and start panicking. Melody went to speak, but it seemed the filly wasn’t done berating her, and she clenched her eyes shut in an attempt to stop the building tears from falling.

“Pitiful, that’s what you are. A grown mare, having to go to school? Perhaps you’re the part that should’ve been disposed of, and the other one left in that stumpy head of you...” Whatever the filly was going to say next was cut off by a sudden yelp, Melody opening her eyes to see another filly had stepped in, this one purple furred and wearing a tiara on her head.

“Stop it, Silver Spoon!” Diamond Tiara stated clearly, glaring at the other filly. “You have no idea what she’s been through, and you never could!”

“Oh my, how gallant!” Silver Spoon sneered, walking around her former friend. “Has Diamond got a little crush on somepony?”

“Silver Spoon, I’m warning you... leave her alone!” Diamond said with a growl.

“I don’t think she’s your type, DT,” Silver said as she walked up to Melody. “She doesn’t even have a cutie mark, the stupid blan...” Melody kept her eyes open and saw what caused the yelp this time, her eyes going wide as Silver Spoon raised a hoof to her cheek, which had just been slapped hard.

Melody had heard about these two fillies, and was very surprised to see one standing up for her. Unfortunately, she wasn’t the only one to witness it. “DIAMOND TIARA! INSIDE!” Boomed Cheerilee’s voice, causing the filly to lower her head. “You too Silver Spoon!” As the pair made their way towards the building, keeping out of each others reach, Cheerilee approached Melody. “Are you okay? Did they doing anything to you?”

“No miss,” Melody said quietly, sniffing and rubbing her eyes. “Actually... um Diamond defended me from Silver.”

“Did she now?” Cheerilee asked quietly, now curious. “We’ll talk about it later, for now, recess is over. Come on, let’s go back inside.” Melody gave a nod, now happy that she had been sat next to the filly with the tiara, well away from the one who had tried to bully her.

“You know, you don’t have to attend my magic class today dad…” Dinky trailed off as she rode on Blueblood’s back as they made their way to the library.

Blueblood glanced back at his daughter. “Well I know I don’t have to, but I want to see how this lesson goes,” he said as he nuzzled his daughter, who returned the gesture in kind. “Besides… your mother is busy handling the wedding dress, and I’m not allowed to see it until the big day.”

“Oh alright,” Dinky sank back into her father’s mane as he continued walking towards their destination. Once they reached the tree house, the filly jumped off her father’s back and opened the door to reveal the inner workings of the library, with Twilight sitting at one of the tables with a stack of books next to her.

The alicorn’s ears perked to the sound of the door opening and closing, causing her to turn around and emit a smile when she saw Dinky and Blueblood. Before she could greet either one of them, she saw the filly running towards her and crouch a little when she was near her. Why is she crouching? Unless...

Twilight crouched herself and started to skipping in her place, with Dinky doing the same. “Sunshine! Sunshine!” both called out and crouched again as they covered their eyes. “Ladybugs awake!” both filly and mare revealed their eyes to each other. Both sat on their haunches immediately and clapped their hooves together. “Clap your hooves, and do a little shake!” Both ended off waving their flanks to each other, resulting in the alicorn and unicorn filly giggling. “Did Cadance teach you that?”

“She sure did! Told me I should greet you like that,” Dinky paused as she drooped her ears. “Or don’t you want me to?” she asked Twilight, fearing she may have tainted the special greeting she and Cadance had formulated since the lavender alicorn was a filly.

“Why would I not want you to use that greeting?” Twilight asked Dinky. “It’s just a thing Cadance and I made years ago… besides, since I’m going to be your teacher in magic, I think this is a good way to bond as teacher and student.”

Dinky beamed in delight at Twilight’s words. “Okay! So what are we going to do today?!” she asked as she hopped where she was standing, excitement taking her over as she looked up at the alicorn princess.

Twilight opened her mouth again to answer the filly, but paused when she saw Blueblood standing behind Dinky. “Oh! Hi Blue,” she greeted the stallion with his prefered nickname. “Here to see your daughter’s lesson?” she asked the stallion as she levitated some of her books to the ground next to the filly.

“Well yes… unless you think I should go.”

“No no no no!” Twilight frantically waved her hooves to stop Blueblood leaving. “I don’t mind you being here… in fact, I think you can help out with Dinky’s lesson,” she said as she opened the one book on top of the stack on the table and brought it before her. With a nod, she quickly shut the book and looked down to where the filly was. “Right, so today’s lesson will be… defense. Now I hope you have been practising your levitation?”

Dinky nodded furiously and clenched her eyes shut as she focused her magic to encase the book that was lying beside Twilight. Once the book was engulfed in her golden aura, she lifted it and placed it back onto the table.

“Very good Dinky,” Twilight nodded in approval at the filly, who was approached by her father who proceeded to ruffle her hair playfully as he chuckled.

“You’re just as talented as Twilight was when she started out,” Blueblood said as he proudly smiled down upon Dinky, who swatted her father’s hoof away as she blushed furiously.

“Dad!” Dinky moaned as she pouted her lips, with her cheeks still burning from Bluebood’s words.

Twilight giggled at the sight before her, seeing father and daughter interacting. Her thoughts turned to Spike and Big Macintosh, who were currently at Sweet Apple Acres helping Applejack out at the farm. The alicorn suppressed a laugh when she remembered how the orange mare reacted when her son addressed her as ‘Auntie Jack’.

Her thoughts were interrupted when she felt her stomach growl in hunger, causing her to rub it instinctively and arch her brow as she looked down on it. Guess after this I need to get some lunch… Her ears perked when she heard the sound of Dinky’s voice calling her.

“Sorry, Twilight… I was just curious about today’s lesson…” Dinky spoke as she finished practising her levitation and minor transfiguration with a button that was turned into a pin.

“Oh yes!” Twilight said as she emitted a blush of her own and used her magic to bring one of the book Dinky placed on the table. Once it was before her, she opened it up and skimmed through the pages until she found the page she was looking for. “Ah! Here we are…” she squinted her eyes and nodded as she read the words. “Right, so… this spell that I’m going to teach you will repel objects away from you.”

Dinky tilted her head as she digested the words. “So, kind of like an insect repellent?”

"Exactly," Twilight replied. "Only instead of it taking effect later, this spell will emit an aura that will work instantaneously to safeguard yourself," she continued speaking as she read from the book. “Um, Blue… do you mind if you stand before Dinky please?” she asked the stallion, who proceeded to step forward and face his daughter.

“Like this?” he asked Twilight.

Twilight nodded and turned her attention to Dinky. “Now, this spell to work... I will need your mind to be clear and think of one of the happiest moments you’ve ever had,” she said as he stepped back a little to give the filly and stallion some space. “With that happy thought, I want you to envision you pushing Blue back with everything you got. And don’t worry,” she used her magic and a stack of pillows appeared from behind Blueblood. “Your father will not be harmed.”

“Okay!” Dinky replied as she closed her eyes and tried to make her mind blank. Once she was thinking of nothing at the moment, she tried to find a recent memory that was happy for her. My first Father’s Day with daddy… she remembered the day where Blueblood had helped her learn to swim and where she and her father swam together as the latter dove in the cabin’s pool, swimming amongst the fishes.

Once she had the happy memory in her head, Dinky began to focus her magic and visualized her pushing away the pony before her. Even with her eyes closed, she could tell her horn was shining brightly with the light emitted from it and her eyelids shielding her sockets as best as they could. She felt her horn ache in pain, causing her to release all the magic she had into pushing Blueblood away from her.

Dinky opened her eyes to see Blueblood still standing in front of her, with his hair frazzled from the spell she used just now. The filly looked down dejectedly as she fell onto her haunches with her eyes becoming watery.

“D-Dinky!” Twilight called out to her student and walked towards her, placing a tender hoof on her shoulder. “Don’t feel bad about this, please… this spell isn’t exactly easy to master,” she said to the filly, who lifted her head to look up at the alicorn.

“I’m sure if you--” Blueblood paused abruptly when he smelt something burning. He took a sniff in the air and cocked his brow. “Hey Twilight, I think you left the oven on.”

Twilight shook her head as she turned around to face the stallion. “It can’t be, I didn’t leave the oven o--” she gasped and nearly screamed when she saw Blueblood’s hair. “Blue! Your mane’s on fire!” she shouted out as she pointed a hoof to the stallion, who looked up in confusion and let out a scream of his own as he tried to put it out.

“Put it out! Put it out! Put it out!” he chanted as he tried to roll on the ground to put the fire out, but to no avail. As Twilight generated a bucket of water to splash the inferno, Dinky stood there with shock on her face and her eyes streaming.

“Daddy!” she called out to her father, who was now nearly bald and his scalp charred from Dinky’s spell. She rushed over to him as he sat on the ground. “Are you okay?” she asked him, only to receive a nod a wry laugh from him.

Blueblood touched the top of his head, feeling a stinging sensation as he did so and no hair. “Well… I guess that’s one way of doing self defence,” he chuckled at Dinky, who stared at the head in horror with her lips trembling. “Are you okay?” he asked his daughter, who only handed him a tiny mirror. He looked into it, and gasped when he saw the state of his hair.

“I’m so sorry I made you bald daddy!”

Chapter 30

“...and that’s how Shining confessed to me,” Cadance finished her story as she and two other ponies were sitting underneath a makeshift fort, with Dinky and Melody looking in admiration at the pink alicorn.

“Wow…” both mare and filly replied in unison.

Cadance levitated a muffin that lay in a basket, something Derpy had left for them whilst they were away. Taking a bite from it, the pink alicorn’s taste buds reacted instantly as the contents of the mere bite was being savoured before regretfully swallowing it. No wonder Aunt Tia praised these muffins so much!

“It was really nice of the Auntie Tia and Lulu to let me have a sleepover at the castle,” Dinky said as she looked around the bedroom that was Cadance’s when she was still living there. The whole room looked like any other room in the castle, save for a few ornaments from the alicorn’s days as a student of both high school and college.

“Well this is as much your home as it is theirs…” Cadance trailed off just as she felt and heard another rumble in her stomach. That foal must be hungry… She looked down demurely at her ever growing stomach.

Melody drank some hot chocolate and turned to the unicorn filly. “So Dinky, where’s your coltfriend? I thought Pip would have liked to be here for the sleepover…”

“Pip’s away with family this weekend….” Dinky trialed off as she looked up at the decorations of their make shift bed fort in the room. Though I wish he could have been here. We didn’t even have a proper sleep over since-- The filly stopped her thoughts with a quick shake of her head, avoiding the gaze of Melody.

“Something wrong?” Melody asked Dinky as she cocked her eyebrow.

“N-nothing!” Dinky replied quickly, doing her best to remove the blush from her face. “Um, Melody… was there ever a colt you liked a lot?”

Melody sighed as she nodded her head, slowly looking up to the roof. “Yes… there was this one colt that I liked a lot in school, a shame I don’t remember his name anymore…” she said as she emitted a faint smile. “I was going to see him again, but after I went with my mom... “ she sniffed and began to tear up, clenching her eyes closed as she lowered her head. The unicorn mare felt a wing caressing her back and looked up to see Cadance, who proceeded to nuzzle her softly.

“It’s okay Melody…” Cadance cooed to the other mare. “It’s over now,” the pink alicorn lifted her head from the unicorn mare’s. Just as she was about to speak, her ears flickered to the sound of hoofsteps approaching the trio from the other side of the room.

“Something the matter?” Deadeye asked as he looked between the three ponies, pausing momentarily as he looked down upon Melody’s tear stricken eyes.

Cadance shook her head at the Kakatan captain, who had been assigned to watch over the three of them whilst the others were out on their escapades. “Everything’s fine Deadeye… but we could some snacks…” just as she spoke the last word, her stomach emitted a carnivorous growl which was heard by all the ponies present.

“I’ll be right back,” Deadeye replied as he grinned at the blushing alicorn, turning around to dive into the shadows.

“Deadeye!” Dinky called out to the captain, who froze before he plunged head first into the abyss. “Why not join us when you come back? We were just about to give each other makeovers,” she finished her sentence, beaming as she spoke the last word. It was fortunate of the stallion that his face was turned away from the filly’s direction, else she would have seen him grimace at the suggestion.

The stallion turned around slowly and forced a smile on his face as he chuckled. “I’ll pass on that, my Princess… I still need to patrol the castle grounds and get reports from my Corps.”

“Awww…” Dinky pouted her lower lip as she drooped her ears. “But you looked so cute when my friends and I did you a makeover, Auntie Lulu even said so,” at the mention of Princess Luna, Deadeye’s cheeks reddened to a violet shade just as he dove into the shadows. The filly’s ears turned to Cadance’s giggling. “Why are stallions like that?”

“Give yourself a few years to figure that out Dinky,” Cadance replied. “So, who wants to play Truth or Dare?”

How long has it been since I’ve been to Las Pegasus?

Blueblood looked out the window of the train’s carriage, where he and a few other stallions were seated in. The white unicorn saw the energetic city coming into view, with its neon lights shining from nearly every building that was visible to them.

“This will be my first time, going to Las Pegasus…” Big Macintosh said as he too stared out of the window from his seat. The red stallion was always curious about the city and its attractions, something that his Orange relatives were always attracted to for their vacations. “Ah just hope Twilly and the others are having fun too.”

“Judging by their company, I can safely say that they will most certainly have a fantastic time in Canterlot,” Wise Words answered Big Macintosh as he reclined in his seat..

Blueblood turned his head away from the window and looked to his other side where his soon to be father-in-law was seated. “So…” the white stallion began to speak, pausing for a moment as he tried to find his words. “Mr Mint, were you ever in--” his words were cut off when Lucky glared at him venomously.

“That’s ‘dad’ to you!” Lucky replied to Blueblood, who only nodded in response. “And yeah, the last time I was in Las Pegasus was when I celebrated my retirement from the guard,” he turned his attention Wise Words. “One of the few times I saw you legless, Captain.”

“Didn’t I tell you not to call me that anymore, Fluke?” Wise replied at his former subordinate. “And that was a one time only…” Something the guard apparently haven’t forgotten… even Shining Armour knows about that night… he sighed in defeat as he smiled.

Big Macintosh raised his hoof as he looked between the two elder ponies. “Beggin yer pardon, Wise… but where does this ‘Fluke’ name come from?” he asked curiously.

“Well, when you join the guard… the drill sergeants would often pass down nicknames to new recruits to better distinguish ourselves from each other… or in some cases just downright embarrass us. Mine was ‘Fluke’ just cause I was able to pass my courses with ‘bare necessities’,” Lucky rolled his eyes as he reclined on his seat.

“Better than the name I received,” Wise grumbled as he looked to his side.

“And what was that, Wise?” Blueblood asked him as he cocked his brow in curiosity. He remembered Wise Words telling him about his time in the guard, mostly as bed time stories of his heroic actions when he served his aunt as a captain.

Wise Words thinned his lips before he sighed again. “Wise Arse…”

Lucky snorted as he did his best to suppress a laugh, which he tried to seal with a hoof on his lips. Just as he released his hoof from his mouth, the train started to slow down with the sound of screeching brakes emitting from the outside. Finally!

As they left the train with their baggage, Wise Words was surprised to see Big Macintosh carry his luggage. “You know, you really do not have to carry all of our bags…”

“Ah don’t really mind, besides don’t wanna have ye strainin’ yer backs with these,” Big Macintosh replied as he happily trotted onwards, leaving Wise Words to sigh in defeat as he shook his head.

Blueblood turned to the company as he walked in front of the group. Tonight’s going to be one heck of a night… I wonder if Derpy’s having fun?

The sound of several mares giggling came from behind the Katakan guards stationed at the front entrance of Canterlot Castle, the pair turning around but seeing nothing and shrugging it off as they returned to their duties. Their eyes widened as Princess Luna and Celestia trotted past them, followed by Princess Derpy and several other mares, all grinning widely. Captain Nightshade brought up the rear, glancing at the stallions briefly before rejoining the group.

Derpy was enjoying a good buzz already, having been sampling the castle’s fine wines since the evening meal, leaning into Blossomforth as they trotted down the streets of Canterlot. She knew they were drawing a lot of stares and she was a little worried about the attention, but knew somewhere in the shadows would be several Katakans watching over them.

“Here we are,” Princess Luna suddenly said, slowing to a stop outside what looked like a factory that was closed for the night, except there were two large stallions dressed in tuxedos and, for some strange reason, sunglasses. “We hope you all enjoy tonight, this is one our favourite hangouts.”

Although there was a small queue, which happened to be mostly mares, nopony said anything about the group that was allowed right in, the doors being opened just for them. “Ah, your majesties, welcome back!” said a unicorn stallion happily, Derpy’s eyes going wide at the pony who rivaled Big Macintosh for size and muscle, only clad in a tight pair of shorts resembling a tux with shirt cuffs around his fore hooves. “I see you’ve got a bit more company tonight... no matter, we’ll just add another table to your usual place. This way please!”

Derpy found she couldn’t keep her eyes off the stallion, earning a giggle and a nudge from Blossomforth, passing through another door which led to a large room, a stage at one end and a bar at the other, lots of tables in between. They were guided to where two catwalks came into the room, a couple of tables joined together in the middle of them, and that is where they began to sit down, giving them the best view; Luna and Celestia’s seats were lowered a little so ponies sat behind could see.

“Last one, Derpy, then it’s onto the soft stuff for you,” Blossomforth said sternly, raising an eyebrow as she looked to her friend’s stomach, her expression softening a little. The mares looked around as excited chatter caught their attention, the crowd outside having been let in. “Seems like this place is popular... Can’t wait to see it at last.”

Derpy said nothing as she took a small sip of the luminous blue cocktail that was slid in front of her, what felt something akin to a small jolt from a thundercloud making her shiver and flutter her wings. The lights began to dim, the gathered crowd and the alicorns letting out enthusiastic cheers as the room went dark.

One by one spotlights came on, illuminating a single stallion each, dressed in several outfits; firefighter, guardpony, construction worker. There was even a Katakan wearing something one would expect to find somewhere like Dodge Junction. It was then Derpy understood just what kind of establishment they had entered, a blush slowly spreading across her cheeks as deep bassy music began to feel the room, the stallions starting to dance along to the beat.

Though she was spoken for, Derpy didn’t feel guilty enjoying the show, and she didn’t know what way to look when a stallion moved down each catwalk, stopping by their table and beginning to remove their outfits. She caught sight of a unicorn in the back, white coat and blonde mane, but a second glance showed her it wasn’t Blueblood, but now he was in her mind and all she could think of was him putting on a private show for her.

Eventually though the stallions ran out of objects to remove, gathering on the central stage, and rising up on their rear legs with their fore hooves resting on their hips, revealing themselves to a colossal cheer. The lights snapped off, but Derpy could see the stallions leaving the stage, her rear legs crossed over.

A single light snapped on, pointing at their table, causing them all to close their eyes. “Mares and Gentlecolts, we have a very special guest here tonight!” came a voice over the speakers. “We’d like to extend our extra gratitude for Equestria’s latest princess for attending tonight’s show! Princess Derpy, please join the gentlecolts now behind you!”

Derpy spun around, seeing the two stallions from outside stood in front of her. She glanced to her side at Celestia, who just smiled and nodded, then got out of her chair and followed the stallions towards the stage as the audience cheered. Derpy saw a single chair in the centre of the stage, sitting in it with apprehension, which only grew as a blindfold was slipped over her eyes.

Though her breathing became heavy she kept it under control, ears flickering as she heard a couple of ponies moving around the stage. A new track started to play and the blindfold was slowly lifted by magic, revealing to Derpy the Katakan from the group, now dressed as an Equestrian Navy officer, who gave her a wink and started to sway with the music.

Back at the table, Nightshade turned away and groaned. “Ugh, I can’t watch this.”

“Be pleased,” Luna said. “Swift Edge brings joy to these ponies. Not all of your offspring are cut out to be part of the Lunar Corps...”

“Come on my sweet! Show me some love!” Donut Joe licked his lips eagerly as he sat in front of a slot machine, having spent nearly all his bits on it. Once it stopped spinning, two images of bits showed alongside an image of Sombra. “Darn it!” the stallion cursed his luck and reached for his wallet for more coin. He felt a hoof grab him from behind and force out of the chair. “What the--” he blurted out and saw Lucky’s face from behind. “Dad! I’m so close to winning!”

“Sure you are,” Lucky replied dryly as both of them walked to where the others were. “Now come on, we’re gonna miss the show,” the older stallion grinned in glee as he and his son walked past the number of ponies in the casino, towards a separate theatre. What set this theatre apart from the ones back in Canterlot were the mares performing there.

Lucky squinted his eyes as he and Donut made their way to the front row seats, trying to locate the others. “There they are,” the older stallion said as he and his son made to the two empty seats next to their friends.

“Ah, there you are,” Wise Words spoke softly as Lucky and Donut became seated. “We were worried you were going to be late.”

“Had my son not grown an addiction for the machines back there, we have been here much earlier…” Lucky remarked as he cocked his brow at Donut, who only rolled his eyes and looked away as he crossed his hooves on his set. “You have to know when the stop with those.”

Donut Joe groaned as he placed a hoof to his face. “Dad, it’s not like I go out and do this every night…”

“True, but you get addicted to pretty much anything these days… you really need to find yourself a hobby, or even a mare for crying out loud.” Lucky replied before he looked around the venue, wondering if there were any food stands nearby. Those pints I had earlier are starting to make me hungry…

Just as Donut Joe was about to respond to his father’s words, the entire theatre’s lights became dim. After a few seconds, a stage light shined down upon a lone stallion dressed in a tuxedo, with his curly light brown mane nearly hiding his horn. “Ladies and Gentle-colts! Welcome to tonight’s spectacular event at the Grand Mirage!” The presenter bowed at the audience who clapped their hooves once he delivered his welcome speech.

“Now for tonight’s show, you’re not going to believe this… in fact, I don’t believe it! We have a very special talented mare here tonight who is going to perform for our hearts contents, and for our ‘other contents’,” he said, with a few of the single stallions giggling at his words. “Enough words from me! It’s time we bring out the real show!” A drum roll started to play, with the crowd becoming silent.

“I wonder who’s here tonight?” Blueblood whispered in Wise Words’ ear, who only shook his head and shrugged as he kept staring at the stage.

“Let me introduce you all… The Great and Alluring Trixie!”

Blueblood and Wise Words looked at each other as they both cocked their brows in the confusion when they heard the name, having heard it previously from Twilight Sparkle who the mare was. The spotlight shined down again upon the curtains right at the back of the stage. Slow saxophone music started to fill the air just as a hind leg stretched out from the curtain’s opening, soon followed by the whole body of a light blue mare with silver mane wearing a full burlesque dress.

It is her! Blueblood stared at Trixie who was beginning to take her stockings off slowly, wearing a seductive grin as she winked at the crowd who was cheering at her.

As the music played on, Trixie began to slowly walk towards the audience whilst swaying her hips. With every swing, the stallions whistled and cheered at the mare. Once she was at the edge of the stage, she looked down at the front row seat, and threw one of her stockings at the stallions gawking at her. The item of clothing landed right on top of Donut’s face.

“Looks like you got a souvenir from tonight, Joe!” Lucky chuckled as he kept looking at the stage, not noticing his son was in a trance.

She’s beautiful… Donut Joe thought to himself, slowly taking off the stocking that was resting on his mane. His eyes kept following the swinging curves, taking in every detail of her outfit to her wand and a crescent moon-shaped magic aura cutie mark. Just as he was examining her mark, he saw Trixie take off the whole dress from her body and throw it in the air, with the mare swinging her tail at the crowd before her.

The clothing itself landed again on the Donut’s face, obscuring his vision of Trixie. “Damn!” he cursed himself and rushed to get the dress of his head, momentarily halted by his horn getting stuck in one of the hems. Just as he got it off, a flash of light blinded him briefly, causing him to squint his eyes. When the brightness subsided, Trixie was gone.

Everypony stamped their hooves to the ground, cheering at the show they witness. There was only one who did not, his crestfallen face staring blankly at the stage. Donut sighed and shook his head in defeat.

“Come on, Joe!” Lucky grabbed his son by the shoulder and pulled him off his chair, with the other stallions already leaving the venue. “We still got a lot to do for tonight!” the elder stallion grinned, chuckling as they trotted onwards.

“Yeah… sure…” Donut Joe replied, looking back at the stage and seeing the bits of clothing lying around where he was seated. I wonder if I’ll see her again?

To most ponies, Tartarus was a place of evil, fire, and demons... and they were correct on two points. Yes, there were demons, many of them, and lots of fire... but the citizens of the underworld were not inherently evil. Most of them would actually be polite and courteous, unless you had done something in life which resulted in you arriving via a long drop into a central chamber.

Several of these ‘demons’ crowded around the statue of a unicorn, whose face was a mix of anger and pain. None of the demons knew who he was or what he were doing there, and had spent the time since his arrival figuring out where to put him. The creatures were all so distracted by the statue that none of them noticed another being arrive, and when the first one saw him, it let out a high pitched squeal, the demons all fleeing upon hearing it.

“Yes, run whilst you can,” Discord said as he looked around at those fleeing, then settled his gaze on the statue. “Well, so much for that promise Tia... So, Storm Pyro? I know you can hear me in there.” He knocked on the unicorn’s head, then placed his ear to the stone. “Hmm... sounds painful.”

Stepping back, Discord clicked his talons, a flash coming from the statue, followed by a sharp intake of breath. “H-help me!” begged Storm, looking up at Discord, but the draconequus just scoffed and picked the stallion up.

“I’m not here to help you,” he sneered, lifting Storm to his face level. “I am here because a promise was made to me, and it was then broken.” With another click of his talons the two were gone from Tartarus, arriving in a barren wasteland, where Discord dropped Storm to the ground. “Over that way you’ll find shelter and some food. It’ll keep you alive, for however long you want to live, but that’s about it.”

“Wait!” Storm shouted, looking around him. “How far am I away from Equestria? Can I make it back?”

“Ever heard of ‘The Breach,” Discord asked, getting a head shake for an answer. “It lies at the furthest known point of the world from Equestria. You will never return there. Now if you don’t mind, I have a stone to pick with an alicorn. Goodbye, scum.”

With a final click of his talons Discord was gone, leaving Storm Pyro alone in an unknown land. A howl came from the opposite direction Discord had pointed out to him and he didn’t wait to see what it was, getting to his hooves and galloping away.

Author's Note

Sorry for the delay folks :pinkiehappy:

Chapter 31 Author's Note

This is a bit of a fun chapter, but all events are canon. We have a few more and things will get serious again. :trollestia:

Chapter 31

Waking with another pony in his hooves was a regular occurrence for Joe, but this morning felt different. It might’ve have been the fact he could see a blue horn in front of him, which was strange as he didn’t really go for unicorns, or it could have been the fact he couldn’t remember leaving the casino last light.

Extracting himself from the bed, Joe yawned and trotted into the bathroom for a glass of water, finally catching sight himself in a mirror. Whoa... looks like I had a rough night of it... wait, what’s that?

Lifting a hoof to his horn, Joe brushed his mane aside, his jaw dropping open. Around his horn sat a gold ring, but this wasn’t a magic inhibitor. No, this was, to a single stallion, something much worse. Being distracted by his new jewellery, Joe failed to notice the mare had joined him until she pushed him out of the way and stuck her head in the sink, turning the cold tap on.

Leaning over her, Joe tried to look at the mare’s horn, but her mane, now soaking wet, covered her head. He waited for her to pull back, but when she did she ignored him, heading back into the bedroom, where she stopped dead. “...this isn’t Trixie’s home.”

“It’s not my hotel room either,” Joe remarked, causing the mare to jump around with a scream. The two stared at each other in silence, Joe trying to work out where he had seen her from, but his memory was still hazy. He watched as her eyes slowly moved up his head, and he was reminded of the ring around his horn.

“Oh sweet Celestia,” Trixie said, shaking her head and stepping closer. As she did, Joe caught sight of gold around the base of her horn as well, but he didn’t get a chance to say anything as Trixie glared at him. “Have you no shame? Making Trixie sleep with a married stallion! Where is your wife?”

“Actually,” Joe started, scratching the back of his head and smiling sheepishly. “I think we’re married.” Trotting over, Joe placed his horn next to Trixie’s, and, sure enough, there was a spark of magic between the rings, a sign of a unicorn wedding. “See?”

Trixie jumped back with a gasp, then ran into the bathroom and looked in the mirror, giving another scream. Joe could hear her muttering to herself for several minutes before she re-emerged, looking at him with a cocked head. “Trixie is married to you... and Trixie doesn’t even know your name, or what you do.”

“Name’s Joe, I’m a baker in Canterlot,” he replied, sitting to his haunches. “So, I guess we go get this annulled now?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. His eye went wide as Trixie stepped closer and nuzzled him, slipping between his hooves.

“Trixie...doesn’t think so, not yet,” came a quiet voice, the mare shifting against him. “Trixie... would like to know what it’s like.”

Giving a chuckle, Joe wrapped a hoof around Trixie and hugged her close, returning the nuzzle. “Well, so would I. Come on, I’ll introduce you to some of my family who’s in town.”

“Not yet,” Trixie stated, lifting them both onto the bed with her magic, pressing close against Joe’s chest. “More snuggles first.” Joe just nodded, paused for a moment, the lay a soft kiss on her lips before pulling her head under his chin, closing his eyes.

The last time Blueblood woke up with a pounding head his life changed for the better, for that day he discovered a new lead which took him back to Derpy and the discovery of Dinky. Last time he awoke on his mattress, but this time the surface underneath him was cold and hard, the sounds of everyday life filling his ears as ponies and carts went by; the only conclusion he could draw was that he was outside.

He went to massage the pounding in his temple with a hoof, but found he couldn’t move either of his fore hooves. Slowly opening an eye, the stallion looked above him, wincing as the sun shined down upon him almost directly. Okay, it’s either just before noon or just after. Now, why can’t I move?

Looking to where his forelegs were restricted to, Blueblood saw a street light between them, very confused. It was only when he tried to move his hooves again did he realise what was going on, a chain on the other side of the post attached to cuffs around each fetlock. “What on...”

A sudden camera flash drew his attention, and he saw a pony with the offending item looking at him... with more on the way. His eyes going wide, Blueblood started to tug at the chain and cuffs, but that just made them tighter and a lot of noise as more cameras took his picture.

After several minutes of panic Blueblood relaxed a little, putting his audience out of his mind as he tried to think of a way out. It became obvious when he looked up and saw the tip of his horn, making him chuckle. He gathered a small bit of magic and then launched it at the cuffs...his jaw dropping open as the spell simply bounced off the offending items.

As his other senses came back, he felt something a little off about his body. He looked down, being surprised for the third time upon finding an emerald green corset around his waist, and his legs sporting a pair of black stockings, with matching panties.

Turning away from the small crowd that had gathered, Blueblood got another shock to the system, seeing a sign saying ‘Photographs with Equestria’s Newest Princess!’, along with several photos of him in the position he had awoken in with random ponies sat next to him. With a deep sigh he resigned himself to his fate, but his mood perked up when he saw two of Las Pegasus’ finest coming towards him.

“Sir, you are... in violation of...” one started, doing her best but failing to hold back her snickers. “...Las Pegasus local... law thirty-two.” The mare shoved a hoof in her mouth and turned around, leaving her partner to finish off.

“The law states that whilst certain activities are not illegal in the city, doing it in public is,” the stallion said, pulling out a set of hoofcuff keys and unlocking one of them, Blueblood sighing with relief… until the cuff was snapped shut over his hoof again, without the lamp post in the way. “I’m afraid you’ll have to come with us to the station...”

Bloody Tartarus… I haven’t felt like this since my retirement…

Lucky groaned as he lifted his head from the icy floor he rested on, rubbing his eyes to clear his blurry vision from the dust that gathered in his lids. The elder stallion looked around until his eyes landed on the bathroom’s door, where the sound of loud snoring emitted from. The stallion stood up from the ground, wobbling and nearly falling backwards as he tried to maintain his balance.

Once he found his footing, Lucky’s ears perked to the sound the hotel door opening, with two stallions coming inside. One of them was Blueblood, who was holding his right ear with his eyes squinted as he grimaced. The other was Wise Words, who had a disapproving scowl on his face, something that was as rare as a blue moon.

“What the hay happened to you?” Lucky asked Blueblood, who was still massaging his ear.

“Something you will most likely see in the newspapers,” Wise grunted in response as he narrowed his eyes on Blueblood. “You should be fortunate enough I was able to coerce the guards in not filing a record on you.”

Blueblood finally lowered his hoof from his head. “You didn’t have to pinch my ear all the way to the hotel like some foal,”

“Be grateful that’s the only punishment you’re getting from me for that little stint,” Wise Words replied as he sighed. I just hope this doesn’t put a strain on their relationship.

“Where are the others?” Blueblood asked Lucky, wanting to change the topic of his morning’s escapades. Before the latter could answer, the door to the bathroom opened and revealed groggily Big Macintosh on the other side. The others gasped when they saw him.

He wore what looked like a wedding dress that barely fit him, with his hair perfectly tied in pigtails and wearing make up that was spoiled and looked smudged on his face. Big Macintosh also sported glittering shoes with heels on each of them. How he has able to stand on them in his current state was beyond anyone’s guess.

“Big Mac…” Lucky began as he cocked his brow and scanned the red stallion’s body. “Where did you get that wedding dress?” he asked as he pointed his hoof to the dress, that was beginning to tear when the behemoth tried to take a cautious step with the heels he was wearing.

“Well,” Big Macintosh grunted before he fell onto his haunches, with his hind legs’ heels caving in and shattering. “Ah think this here dress belongs to…” he paused for a moment until the front door opened to reveal Donut Joe and Trixie. “Her.”

Donut Joe felt Trixie etch closer to him and could feel her shiver, not from cold but from intimidation from have the other stallions gaze upon her. “Um… dad,” the stallion began to speak to Lucky, was staring at the pair with a blank expression. “Say ‘hello’ to my wife, Trixie.”

What the… Lucky tried to focus his eyesight, and sure enough, he saw rings on the horns of his son and his official daughter-in-law. The elder stallion sighed and planted his hoof to his face as he shook his head. “Your mother is going to have a field day with this…”

Rolling out of bed with a yawn, Celestia glanced at the clock over her mantlepiece, then lit her horn. The clock was one she had made a thousand years ago, to remind herself when to lower and raise the sun and the moon, and she'd given Luna a similar one when she came back.

Opening her balcony doors with her magic, Celestia turned her tired eyes to the east and started to raise the sun, feeling the moon being lowered by her sister at the same time. An early morning autumn breeze made Celestia shiver, and even wrapping her wings around herself did nothing to help.

Returning into her bedchambers, she levitated a purple robe over to herself and wrapped it around her body, closing her eyes for a moment. As she trotted past her bed, she noticed a few odd lumps, and lifted the duvet from it.

I think those five guards can have some extra time off... Shaking her head, she went into her bathroom, at in front of the mirror, and started to brush her mane. My, I look off colour... perhaps a little pink. Has Luna dyed me again?

Giggling, she raised a hoof to her cheek, but her mirth drained away when she realised what had happened. Her coat hadn’t been dyed, the pink was her skin. Somepony had shaved off all of her fur. A scream tore forth from her mouth as she darted from her chambers, making the guards stir.

Down the corridors she ran, ignoring the snickers from servants and guards alike, making her way over to another tower, where she was certain the culprit was hiding. The two Katakans stood by the double doors marked with crescent moons took one look at Celestia and made what was probably the wisest choice of their lives; they quickly left their posts and disappeared down the corridor.

Abandoning all protocol, Celestia reared up and slammed her forehooves onto the wood, cracking it a little and forcing them open, the alicorn stomping inside. “LUNA!” she shouted, making her sister shoot up in her bed. “What did you to me this time?”

Blinking herself awake, Luna took a good hard look at her sister... and burst out laughing, falling back to the mattress. “Oh dearest sister, hath though started a new fashion trend?” Luna’s bed was side on to the door, so Celestia couldn’t see the other pony in the room, at least until Deadeye raised his head and lay it over Luna’s chest.

“...did somepony turn up the sun for extra tan?” he asked, raising an eyebrow at Celestia.

Silence hung in the room for several tense moments before Celestia’s eyes widened upon seeing Luna’s pillow. Pulling it out from under her sister, Celestia turned it sideways and watched as white pony hairs began to fall to the floor. “Luna!”

Luna just gave Celestia a smile, using her magic to put away the hair clippers that lay on the side. She then pushed Deadeye from the bed and got up herself, trotting over to her sister and nuzzling. “You know how I get when drunk... but still, I’m sorry.” A rumble from the stallion’s stomach caused both mares to giggle. “Breakfast?” Luna asked.

“Breakfast,” Celestia agreed, both mares heading to the door whilst Deadeye just grumbled from the heap he’d become on the floor.

“No!!!” Twilight screamed as she ran out of the room, immediately going into the bathroom to wash her coat and mane, that had surprisingly turned red. It was not just her coat that was red, but her mane had also become red with streaks of black flowing through it.

No matter how hard she tried, the dye wouldn’t come out of her coat or mane. “Oh my gosh! This isn’t happening! What’s Biggie going to think?! What’s my baby going to say?!” Twilight cried as she scrubbed her whole body over again. C’mon! Please get it out!

“I love it how poison joke can go so far in pranks…” Nightshade snickered as she ate her toast with Derpy, both enjoying breakfast to the fullest as they did not overindulge like the other mares did. Still… I can’t beat the Night-Mistress in terms of being mischievous…

“I wonder how long it will take her to figure it out though…” Derpy muttered as she munched on her muesli, her eyes lingering to her stomach as he a smile crept onto her face. I can’t wait until you come into the world… The grey pegasus looked up to the Katakan mare when a thought came her head. “Um, Nightshade?”

Nightshade eyes locked onto Derpy’s. “Hmm?”

“Do Katakan partake in weddings?”

The question caught Nightshade off guard as she snorted on her coffee. “Well,” the Katakan paused as she collected her thoughts. “Katakans don’t normally follow events such as what the three pony tribes do… even though the Night-Mistress encourages integration of cultures between our kind and yours,” the Katakan smiled and continued once she finished her plate of breakfast. “Even though we normally don’t do weddings, there are a few Katakans who have decided to pursue marriage with the one they love.”

“It must be difficult, trying to fit in and maintain your culture as best you can,” Derpy replied as she trailed off, savouring her breakfast with each bite.

“I suppose, though we are fast learners and capable warriors,” Nightshade grinned, exposing her fangs to Derpy who shivered at the sight of them. “Though, even with the Night-Mistress’ assistance, we still feel some things for us shouldn’t change. Like eating meat for instance.”

“I see,” Derpy said.

Nightshade giggled as she looked around, not seeing other ponies coming downstairs. “Besides, the Night-Mistress will insist on my son for a wedding… whether he likes it or not.”

Derpy tittered as she covered her mouth with her hoof. “That will be interesting to witness…” the grey pegasus replied as she imagined Luna in a wedding dress and Deadeye in a tuxedo or in his decorative army suit. “Say, Nightshade…” Derpy furrowed her brow as another thought came to her. “Can Katakans and other ponies have babies together?”

“Of course,” Nightshade replied. “We’re just as biologically compatible as ponies are with griffons, dragons and buffalo to name a few. Even an alicorn can breed with a Katakan.” Not to mention I want some grand-foals from the Night-Mistress before I go… The Katakan mare’s ears perked when she heard Twilight Sparkle crying hysterically from a room to the side. I think I need to have one of my Shadowbolts escort her to the spa…

Just as Derpy was about to get up from her seat, Sugary Myth and the Royal Sisters entered the room and took their place at the table to indulge themselves in breakfast. The grey pegasus’ eyes nearly bulged out when she saw the state Celestia was in. The once white alicorn now resembled a giant turkey with a flowing mane. The grey pegasus did her best not to fall onto the floor in a fit of laughter.

“My, my,” Nightshade whistled when she gazed at Celestia, who wore a deep scowl on her face as she poured herself tea.

“Nightshade… don’t start with me now,” Celestia grumbled in return as she gulped down her cup of tea in one shot.

Derpy cleared her throat as she kept the laughter at bay, and looked around the table in curiousity. “Has anypony seen Amy?” she asked the others, only to be met with silence and a few who shrugged at her question.

“Now that you mention it, she wasn’t in her room when I checked earlier… I thought she was here,” Sugary replied as she scratched her head.

“I think I may have a notion to where she is,” Nightshade replied, her voice surprisingly dry. “If you will follow me, Derpy,” the Katakan captain motioned the grey pegasus to follow her, leaving the others to their own devices.

“Where are we going?” Derpy asked as they entered a chamber in the castle, and saw Swift lying awake on the bed, looking up at the ceiling, Amethyst sleeping with her muzzle tucked against his neck.

Swift lowered his face to see the shocked face of Derpy and a glare from Nightshade. “Good morning mother,” the stallion waved lazily to his parent. “Morning Princess.”

“Swift, have you actually done what I think you have done to our friend here?” Nightshade interrogated her son as she walked in closer to the bed, taking a few sniffs in the air for any odours.

“Of course not, I would never take advantage of a mare that intoxicated,” Swift replied as he turned his head to a still sleeping Amethyst. “She didn’t want to be alone during the night and I provided her some comfort… though the things she mentioned about Katakan stallions being the ‘best’ really perked my curiosity.”

Amethyst opened her eyes and saw Swift next to her, holding her close in bed. The unicorn mare smiled demurely at him, though she was feeling a slight pain in her head thanks to the previous night. She did not notice the other two mares in the room as her eyes were closing again, until she heard one of them cough.

The mare yelped and jumped out of bed with haste. “N-nightshade!” Amethyst blurted out as her pupils shrank and darted from one corner to the other. “This isn’t what it looks like!”

“Just come to breakfast, will you?” Nightshade said plainly as she walked out with Derpy following suit.

Once they were alone, Swift got up from the bed and stretched his limbs as he yawned. “I hope you had a good time last night,” he spoke to Amethyst, who relaxed once the presence of Nightshade was no longer in the room.

“We didn’t actually… you know…” Amethyst tried to ask, only for Swift to shake his head with a gentle smile. “Oh good, I must have sounded like a real idiot last night though.”

“Actually, you gave me a reason to visit Ponyville in the near future,” Swift replied as he walked towards Amethyst and pressed his lips against hers. He felt her immediately sink into the kiss with her releasing a low moan just as he released his muzzle from hers. “Now what say you we go and meet the others, Amethyst?”

The mare giggled as she walked alongside the stallion. “Please, call me Amy,” she replied as they left the bed chamber together.

Chapter 32

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Chapter 33

Standing on the dais of the throne room, cleared of the two stone thrones, Celestia and Luna watched as the guests started to fill the room. There weren’t a lot of ponies, just those considered family and friends of the bride and groom, yet the conversation between the sisters was not about the happy ceremony.

“So,” Luna said, adjusting the forest green dress adorning her body. “Tell me again about these blood magic users.” Her head cocked as she looks her sister.

“After we... fought, a small group of ponies, mostly unicorns, showed up at the castle, demanding an audience,” Celestia said as she turned to look over the city through the window. “They said it was not fair for one pony to control the sun and moon on their own, wanted me to return it to the unicorns. When I refused, told them that they did not have enough power even combined, they got violent. A few days later, I received a letter.”

“All it said is ‘We will take what belongs to us’, so I ignored it. A few months later, several of the castle staff and some of my... close friends started acting differently,” Celestia closed her eyes, letting out a deep sigh. “After careful investigation, I discovered they were under control through blood-magic. The same group were the ones who demanded return of the sun and moon’s control.”

“I take it you hunted them down, sister?” Luna asked with a grim smile, knowing how they used to handle blood-magic users once long ago.

“Yes... but I did not kill them. I simply had the core of their horns surgically removed. They could no longer use magic.” Opening her eyes again, Celestia shook her head. “Perhaps I missed one, what happened to Melody feels the same as before... but we’ll talk more about this later. Right now, we have a wedding to perform.”

As soon as she said this, she nodded to a guard, who returned the gesture and then disappeared behind one of the many wall hangings; this one just happened to cover the entry to one of the throne room’s antechambers.

This is the day… Blueblood’s thoughts raced as he peered through the curtains, separating him and his best stallions from the throne room. The room itself was now converted into a wedding alter, all thanks to the precise planning of Twilight Sparkle and her friends who were already seated with the other guests.

I just hope no pony tries to ruin this day… They still haven’t found that Shimmer Spark yet… What if Derpy gets cold feet and runs off… What if--

“You’re sweating again.”

Blueblood shook his head as he heard Fancy Pants speak, who was dressed in his best suit for this occasion. The suit was a tuxedo adored with an insignia of a lotus on the chest pocket, the symbol of the House of Lotus he belonged to.

“Relax, this is isn’t a trial… it’s your wedding.” Fancy said as he patted his friend’s shoulder and chuckled.

“Right…” Blueblood trailed off as he readjusted his collar on his own dress suit.

Shining placed his hoof on Blueblood’s other shoulder as he smiled at his friend. “What could possibly go wrong during a wedding?” he asked his friend, only to be met by a blank stare. Shining emitted an awkward laugh as he removed his hoof from his friend. Oh… I should not have said that…

“Well with all the guards around and all the princesses at this here wedding, Ah don’t think we need to worry about some hoodlums mucking thing up,” Big Macintosh said. The red stallion looked down on to his tuxedo, which looked plain compared to the other stallions in the room aside from a white lily in the chest pocket protruding from it.

“Are you going to ask Twilight the big question here?” Shining asked Big Macintosh, wanting to change the subject of their current conversation.

Big Mac shook his head, though curled his lips into a smile when he pulled out a black small box. “Ah’m gonna wait until tonight when we’re in our room alone… don’t wanna ask her in front of an audience. Ah think Tremor’s gonna do the same,” he said as he placed the box back where it came from, his face falling into a look of deep thought.

“Something on your mind, Big Mac?” Shining asked the red stallion, having noticed him staring into empty space.

Big Macintosh waved his hoof dismissively as he shook his head. “Nothin’, nothin’...” He replied to Shining, and turned to the clock on the wall. “Ah wonder how long we are going to have to wait fer?”

“Not too long, hopefully…” Fancy Pants said as he peaked through the curtain, catching a glimpse of his wife already seated at the groom’s side aisle seats. I just hope my Fleur will be okay… the amount of paparazzis trying to sneak a picture of her carrying our daughter has become ridiculous. He sighed and let go of the curtain, turning back to the other stallions.

“How’s Fleur doing by the way?” Shining asked curiously.

Fancy curled his lips as he smiled. “She’s well, not long to go now.”

“Have you thought of a name yet?” Shining asked.

“Not yet, we will closer to the time…” Fancy said, looking upwards to the roof. “Though a few names have formed in our heads, regarding ones from our family or outside ours,” Fancy furrowed his brow a little as he turned to Shining. “Speaking of foals, have you and Cadance…?”

Before Shining could answer, the curtain of the antechamber slowly opened to reveal an elder white stallion entering the room, with him also wearing a navy dress suit with golden linings and multiple badges on his uniform. “Sorry to interrupt,” Wise Words said as he strode in into the room. “Do you mind if I have a moment alone with Blueblood?” he asked the other gentlecolts in the room, who silently nodded to his words and walked out of the room. Once the curtain was ‘shut’, Wise gave his fullest attention to Blueblood. “You’re a spitting image of your father… except for your eyes. You get them from your mother.”

“You mentioned that to me already…” Blueblood lips curled to form a soft smile, soon disappearing when Wise Words walked up to him and started de-dusting him from top to bottom. “Wise, you don’t need to do this,” he said to the elder stallion, though he didn’t mind the gesture from the pony he considered a father.

Wise Words sniffed as he blinked uncontrollably, his eyes becoming moist as he removed his hooves from Blueblood. “O-old habits die hard I suppose,” he replied, giving off a short laugh. He was caught off guard when the other stallion reached out an arm to him, bringing him into a firm yet gentle hug. Wise returned the gesture in kind, giving a nuzzle of his own.

“You think my parents would be proud of me?” Blueblood asked Wise Words as he released himself from the elder stallion.

“I know they are…” Wise Words spoke as he placed a hoof on Blueblood’s shoulder. “Know that I am also proud of you, having raised you and being there by your side since the beginning, Blue,” he said to the younger stallion. The curtains raised for a pegasi guard with magically enchanted white coat to enter the space where the two stallions were.

The guard saluted to the former captain and the prince as he kept his stoic face. “Your highness, it’s time,” he said in a gruff voice, a faint smile emitting from his face.

Both Blueblood and Wise Words looked at each other and nodded, then walked out into the throne room, where the former was guided to stand just adjacent to Celestia. Once he took his place, his eyes locked onto the throne room doors with the music from the orchestra of the troupe that played at the Gala performing in pony. Once they stopped, the doors opened slowly, with the white unicorn stallion drawing in a sharp breath when he saw the love of his life.

Sitting perfectly still, Derpy hummed happily to herself as one of the castle staff gave her mane the finishing touches, then set a blue bubble-shaped pin just in front of her left ear to make sure her hair didn’t come undone. Derpy was then present with a mirror, her breath hitching in her chest as she saw her reflection, the mare who had just finished moving over to check on the bridesmaids’ manes.

“You look really pretty, momma,” came a small voice from beside Derpy, who looked down at her daughter with a smile, picking her up into a hug. Dinky giggled and nuzzled the mare, pressing as close as she could. “...I wish this day could have come years ago.”

“So do I muffin, so do I,” Derpy replied, giving the young unicorn a kiss on the forehead, setting her down again. “Go find your friends sweetie, it’s nearly time.” She watched Dinky scramble off with a smile, then turned to the other two ponies in the room. “...so, what do you think?”

Lucky Mint said nothing, burying his muzzle in his wife’s mane and sniffling, whilst Sugary Myth simply rolled her eyes. Stepping away from her husband, she moved to sit in front of Derpy and took a hold of her hooves. “Beautiful, as you always do. Derpy,” she said, knowing she had her daughter’s full attention when both eyes focused on her. “I need to ask this... it’s been only six months since you met him again. Are you sure?”

Closing her eyes, Derpy took a deep breath. It wasn’t the image of her and Blueblood that made a smile come to her lips, but every smile she’d seen on her daughter's face whenever she was with her father... plus the times when she and the stallion were alone, which made her blush a bit too. When her eyes opened once more, they blazed with fierce determination, and it was with that she answered, “More sure than I know the sun will rise again tomorrow.”

Smiling and nodding her approval, Sugary glanced at the clock then gave Derpy a kiss on the cheek. “It’s time... Mrs Blueblood.” Both mares giggled at that, then Sugary stepped away, poking her husband in the chest. “Save your tears until afterwards,” she said, then slipped from the room.

Giving a chuckle, Lucky wiped his eyes then stepped over to Derpy and offered her his hoof. “Ready, darling?” With a deep breath she nodded and took his hoof, the small group moving out of the side room to stand in front of the throne room doors. At the front were the flowerfillies, followed by Derpy’s bridesmaids, and then herself and her father at the rear. Lucky leaned over and gave Derpy a kiss on the cheek. “I love you, my dear.”

Derpy giggled and nuzzled her father. “I love you too, dad.” All that was left was waiting for the right music to start, which did a moment later, the throne room doors slowly parting...

Once the throne room doors opened, three fillies cantered towards the altar where the groom, his best stallions and spaces for the bridesmaids were situated. Leading the trio was Dinky; in an aquamarine coloured dress as she, Twist and Diamond Tiara scattered flowers across the path they skipped on. When they finally reached the altar, the music changed and everypony seated turned their heads as they stood up.

Derpy walked down the aisle with Lucky Mint by her side, the former’s eyes locking onto the gaze of Blueblood. An everlasting smile was placed onto the lovers’ muzzles as they continued to look into each other’s eyes, their eyelids refusing to blink. Just as the grey pegasus reached the spot where her love stood, she turned to her father who kisses her cheek and passed her hoof to Blueblood’s waiting one, then took his seat next to his wife. As soon Lucky was seated next to Sugary, the chorus halted with the groom and bride facing Celestia.

“Friends and beloved, we are gathered here today to bear witness and celebrate the union of Prince Blueblood of House Platinum and Derpy Hooves of Ponyville. In the span of an annum, their love has bloomed into something greater than even these castle walls could contain.” Celestia paused for a moment, with her eyes wandering to an ever-smiling Dinky.

Celestia cleared her throat before continuing. “Once they have lost each other, but as love always finds a way… they have found each other again. Even though the road was not always smooth for these two souls, their love prevailed and has reached to this point, where they now forever bind their love in union,” she finished off her speech, signalling for Derpy and Blueblood to look at each as they turned to one another. “Now we shall listen to the vows each of them have written for the other…”

Blueblood shifted on his hooves. He began to reach for the letter in his coat pocket, but decided to speak from his heart and memory instead. “Today, as I give myself to you. My mind, my heart and my soul I give to you… with my commitment being as strong as ever,” Blueblood said, looking into Derpy’s eyes. Raising his hoof, he pressed it to Derpy’s as she mirrored him..

“I take you as my life, no... as my eternal partner, my eternal best friend and my eternal lover. I will never leave you nor forsake you for anypony else. I will spend all my days by your side, and beyond. We will share this love, now and forever…” Blueblood’s voice trailed off, his vows finished, he did his best to not release the tears of joy that were about to leak from his eyes.

Derpy tittered as a few tears escaped her eyes, not letting her hoof down as it continued to touch Blueblood’s. “Today I make the most sincere promise one heart can make to another. From this day until forever; I vow to be your constant love and support, your devoted partner, lover and my best friend…” She paused for a moment, forcing her breath to calm.

“To allow myself to grow and learn alongside you, through your remarkable love for me. I vow to be your sanctuary, to be your place of comfort and calm. To have faith when our journey may seem in vain, and when it becomes challenging. When we face adversity, we will never do so alone. Because today I promise you, my love and my best friend, that I will never give up, that I will always have faith in us. I will always love you forevermore…”

When silence fell between the two lovers, Celestia turned her attention to Pip, who was wearing a foal-sized tuxedo and standing next to Dinky, whose lips were trembling and her eyes were cascading endlessly. “May we have the ring and bracelet please?” she asked the colt, who walked over with two boxes balancing on his back.

Using her magic to encase each object in an golden aura, Celestia raised them from Pip’s back and opened each one simultaneously. Reaching inside, she pulled out a wedding golden ring for Blueblood and a wedding golden bracelet for Derpy. The alicorn closed her eyes for a moment and both objects apparated onto each of the respectable ponies.

“Love will always find a way…” Celestia began to speak to the ponies in front of her. “Only until certain events happen did I fully understand what those words meant. Even in the face of adversity or challenges, as long as there's love between ponies, a path will always be shown to those who have faith. The way may be clouded, and the road may be rough… but as long as ponies keep their promises to each other, no force in this life or beyond can alter the love that links us together.

“It is with these vows, ring and bracelet,” Celestia placed a hoof around the still-connected hooves of the lovers. “That I officially declare you husband and wife.” she blinked twice as she removed herself from the pair. “You may now kiss the bride.” she instructed Blueblood, who wasted no time to press his lips against Derpy’s own.

A thunderous applause followed soon afterwards, though it did not deter the married couple as they still remained in place with their lips together. Only after a few moments did they reluctantly release and look upon the many ponies in their lives congratulating them. Derpy turned to Blueblood, who was already looking at her. With a nod from her, they both walked down the aisle with the ponies at the end of the rows throwing confetti into the air as they pass through.

Once the newlyweds were out of the throne room, Pinkie Pie wiped the tears of her face thanks to a handkerchief Cheese Sandwich offered her. “Enough of the waterworks! It’s time to party!” she yelled out before rushing outside with her stallion following suite, along with the other guests.

Only Celestia, Luna and Wise Words remained behind as they stared out into the open doors leading to the outside world. “Now this was a good wedding…” the navy alicorn said as she stood next to her sister.

“It was…” Celestia trailed off as she looked to Wise Words, who just smiled softly at the scene he had just witness. “Shall we go before the guests worry about us?” she asked her sister and faithful ex-captain, who followed suit behind them as they entered the reception festivities.

After the carriage ride through the city, which passed by and paused at Silver Lining’s, unbeknownst to Derpy, who took time to talk with each foal there, the newlyweds finally arrived back at the castle. The sun’s light was just a few rays over Dragon Mountain far in the west now, Luna’s moon rising slowly in the east.

Stepping from the carriage first, Blueblood turned with a smile and offered his wife his hoof, who took it with a smile, nuzzling and kissing his cheek as she passed. He then picked up his daughter and helped her down, whilst Pipsqueak hopped out on his own. The two foals pressed against each other, tails entwined as they headed up the pathway to the castle, which was lined by a full honour guard stood so rigid one would be forgiven for thinking they were simply statues.

“Do you think they know?” Derpy asked as she slipped up next to her husband and wrapped her tail in his as she nuzzled his cheek, the pair following the foals down the vanguard that was in place for them. “They are both clever for their age.”

“True, they are,” Blueblood said with a chuckle, returning the nuzzle. “But let them keep their innocence... in a few years they’ll start to lose it anyway.” He smirked as Derpy shook her head at that, the couple continuing into the castle and back into the throne room, which now had a long U-shaped table set out. The pair moved down one side each, greeting guests as they passed, until they arrived at the seats in the middle.

They shared a quick kiss before Blueblood pulled out the chair for Derpy, who smiled and sat in it, the stallion joining her a moment later. The gathered guests followed, and as soon as the last pony sat down did the room become a hive of activity, the castle staff bringing in the chosen meal.

As she was eating, Derpy noticed one pony in particular looking her way, their expression seemingly a mix of jealousy and something she couldn’t quite place. The pegasus mare gave a little wave and smiled as Melody looked away with a blush, then she leaned over to her husband, whispering into his ear. “I think we should talk with her again before we leave.”

Blueblood nodded his agreement, looking over at his foalhood friend to see Wise talking to her already. The rest of the meal went by with conversation and laughter, especially from the newlyweds when they spotted Dinky and Pipsqueak feeding each other; of course, the wedding photographer got a perfect picture without them noticing. Once every plate was almost or completely empty, the servants came and cleared them away, a stallion the other side of Derpy stood, the room falling silent.

Nodding his thanks, Lucky Mint smiled at his daughter and son-in-law. “Mares and gentlecolts, I thank you for coming today. Most of you don’t know me, even though we’ve talked briefly. My name is Lucky Mint, and I am Derpy’s father. When she first told me who the father of Dinky was, I couldn’t quite believe it. I was well prepared to come marching up here to give some grunt a couple of lessons,” he said, raising his forehooves into the air. Several ponies chuckled, all ones who had guard experience.

“But over the past couple of months I’ve had a chance to get to know the prince, and all I can say about him is that it wouldn’t matter what his title was, he’s the kind of stallion that would give all for my daughter, and I am happy knowing she is safe with him. Blueblood, I have on small piece of advice for you.”

“Early in your marriage you will find it difficult to get the last word in any discussion. With time, though, you will learn how to always get the last two words in every discussion; just make sure the words are: 'Yes dear.'” Lucky caught the glare thrown his way from Sugary, but chose to ignore it for now as most of the stallions in the room laughed, though quite a few of the mares did too.

As he sat back down, Blueblood stood up, waiting for the sounds of mirth to die down. “Thank you, Lucky... but I could just end the argument with a royal order.” The unicorn blinked when Derpy smacked his forehoof, but he just blew her a kiss and continued. “We’d like to thank you all for joining us on this most happy day. There are... several ponies who I wished could be here today, and I’d like to do something a little different than the usual groom’s speech. I would like you... to join me in a silent toast to those who could not be here with us today.”

As one, every adult in at the large table raised their glasses and bowed their heads; the foals, most likely not understanding why, joined in though. After a full minute, Blueblood took a sip of his champagne and the others followed, then he set his glass down again. “Thank you.” A grin came to his face as Derpy passed him a small box. “Now then, there are some ponies without whom this wedding would not have run as smoothly as it did, and we have a little something for each of you to say our thanks. First up, Miss Applejack...”

One by one he called up all those he’d personally requested to help with the wedding, finishing with a bouquet of flowers for a Dinky and a box of candy for Pip, and once all the gifts were giving out Blueblood once more thanked his guest... then took a deep breath as one of his fellow unicorns stood and smiled sweetly at the guests.

Ignoring the glare from the pink alicorn at his side, Shining Armour looked over at Blueblood and winked. “Well, what can I tell you about the groom? I’ve known him since the first year of high school; he’s handsome, intelligent, witty, charismatic... sorry, wrong wedding.” The first part got some polite laughs, and an elbow in the ribs from Cadance, but he continued on. “Anyway I read somewhere that a best man speech shouldn’t take any longer than it takes the groom to make love. So ladies and gentlemen, I give you Prince Blueblood!” Shining raised his glass at his friend, took a sip, then sat down to more laughter, and heavy blush from Derpy who knew better.

Another unicorn stood, making Blueblood relax, as he expected Fancy Pants’ speech to be so much... nicer. Then his face fell when he remembered who the biggest prankster in school was. “So,” began his friend, making the prince sink into his chair a little. “What can you say about a stallion who came from humble beginnings and is now quickly rising to the very top of his profession based solely on intelligence, grit and the willpower to push on where others might fail?”

Pausing, Fancy licked his lips, smiling devilishly. “A stallion who is beginning to distinguish himself amongst his peers and where no‐one can say a bad word against him? Anyway that’s enough about me. I’m here to talk about Blueblood.” The stallion waited for the laughter to die down before continuing, his expression one of less mirth now.

“Most of us know the things BB has been through, and to turn out as such a stallion as he has shows a strong heart and stubborn will... the latter of which we,” he pointed to himself and Shining Armour, “have a gift for Lady Derpy to help break. It’ll be waiting in your room. And you my dear, have landed one of the most considerate and upstanding stallions I have ever known. I wish you both a long and happy marriage.”

Polite clapping and murmurs of agreement filled the room, then came the next stage of the wedding, though it was out of order; Derpy and Blueblood had decided this so as not to have ill guests. Instead of cutting the large cake sitting between the tables, the couple stood once more and moved down to the open area of the room, rose up onto their hind legs, holding each other close and waited.

A moment later the music started and thus they began their first dance as married ponies, left alone for a few minutes before other couples joined them. They had just finished their second song when they sensed a pony stood near them, turning to find Melody blushing hard and staring. Smiling softly, Derpy stepped from Blueblood, hugged the other unicorn mare, then nudged her towards her husband, who was also smiling.

As Derpy went off to speak with the guests, Blueblood slowly moved around the dance area with Melody, giving her a soft nuzzle. It was a perfect opportunity for him for two reason; ask how she was, and a request only known to him and his wife. “How have you been this week Mel? I’m sorry I’ve not made time to see you.”

“It’s okay, BB,” Melody replied, laying her head on his shoulder. “I’ve been okay, it’s getting easier now.” She gave a happy sigh, then pulled her head back and looked him in the eye. “Um... I... want to ask something. Before, you were like my little brother. Can.... you be my big one now?”

Blueblood blinked, then smiled and kissed her forehead. “Of course... sis. Now I have something to ask you too. You know what a godmother is?” He got a nod in reply. “Good... Derpy and I were wondering... would you like to be our foals’ godmother.” He was expecting a stunned silence or a simple yes, not the excited squee her got, followed by a tight squeeze around the neck. Their dance finished and Melody bounced away to tell her father the news, shaking in excitement. Derpy returning to husband with a giggle.

“She said ‘yes’, I take it?” she asked.

“I think it’s safe to say that,” Blueblood replied, kissing his wife’s cheek. “Come on, let’s gets this cake cut before Pinkie explodes,” he said, pointing the the mare vibrating hard and staring at the cake. Walking over was the signal for everypony to return to their seats, and once they had, the newlyweds picked up a knife and made the first cut together, smiling into the camera facing them.

After a few pictures were taken they cut off two slices and moved out of the way as Pinkie came over to cut the rest up for the guests, Cheese assisting her. Sitting at their places once more, Derpy and Blueblood picked up their slices, offering them to one another. The pieces slowly got closer, but as they were staring into each other's eyes, neither noticed a dark blue aura surrounding the cake... and were mashed against their muzzles.

At first they were confused, but simply glancing at the other made them laugh, and they decided to throw all formalities out the window, cleaning each other’s muzzle off... with their tongues. Most of the guests saw this and laughed too, all except one, who buried her head under her hooves. “Ugh, can’t they wait until later?” Dinky mumbled to herself, but the filly’s wish wouldn’t come, as the night was young, and it wasn’t about to end any time soon...

Author's Note

Yes, we know what you’re all thinking...

Chapter 34

Standing on the dock where the Dreamcatcher was normally birthed, Deadeye chuckled a little, looking down at the filly next to him. Dinky was bouncing from hoof to hoof as she too awaited the airship's return. He’d normally attempt to calm her down, but there was a reason she was so highly excited. “You know you could have gone with them,” he commented, looking back to the open skies as a speck appeared on the horizon.

Dinky nodded and leaned against the stallion, whose wing came around her and held her close. Having spent most of the past several months at the castle, Dinky had decided she was going to officially have another uncle, even if like Donut Joe it wasn’t by blood. “I know uncle D,” she said, wiggling to get comfortable. “But it was important for mommy and daddy to be alone.”

Spotting a bench to the side, Deadeye moved over to it and pulled Dinky into his hooves, the filly giggle as she nuzzled her way under his chin, only her head visible above his wings. The stallion flicked his ear at a camera going off, but didn’t react to it like he used to, letting the pony that took it escape without harm.

“I think Princess Dinky is making you soft, bro,” came a voice from behind and above the pair. Another Katakan was lying on the hedge, lounging on his back, no longer hiding. Riptide had messed up his assignment of hiding in the shadows, but that was to confront the changeling back in Ponyville. “A few months ago, that pony would have to get the camera removed from their rump.”

Deadeye said nothing as Dinky giggled, the trio falling silent as the speck in the distance got bigger. All of a sudden Deadeye’s ears perked and he started to look around, frowning. From the castle came Princess Luna, but even with the smile there was something off about her. The stallion soon realised what it was as she ignored him and instead hopped onto the hedge to nuzzle Riptide. “I thought I told you not to pose as the Night-mistress, bug.” Deadeye said with a low growl.

A flash of green light revealed the changeling that had been discovered posing as Dinky, now smaller than Riptide. She leaned down in front of Deadeye, upside down, poking her tongue out at him before being pulled up into Riptide’s hooves, the younger stallion nuzzling and kissing her cheek.

It didn’t take long for a low hum to once more awaken Dinky’s excitement, the filly hopping down from her place in Deadeye’s lap and approaching the red line painted on the concrete of the dock; this was to mark the edge of the safe area whilst airships were arriving or leaving. A few moments later the Dreamcatcher was alongside and powering down as the crew started to secure it.

Both Deadeye and Riptide stood, the latter coming down from the hedge, having sensed something rather impossible aboard the vessel. “You feel it too, don’t you brother?” the younger pony asked, cocking his head as the ramp to the ship was put in place by the dock crew.

“Yes, I do,” Deadeye replied. “But how? We are the only ones who the Night-mist...” He was cut off as what seemed like a flood of shadow swept down the ramp and right at them. Both he and Riptide felt themselves pushed back, and though both were strong, could not stop themselves being pushed onto their backs. Deadeye gave a wince as something bit his ear, then roared out in anger.

The shadow-mist stopped moving and slowly started to form into coherent shapes... leaving the two brothers surrounded by Katakans, nearly all foals, a couple into their teenage years. Slowly, Deadeye sat up, looking around him as the young ponies stared back and growled. Giving a chuckle, the stallion growled back with much more force, cowing the youngsters... who then moved back in, only this time to whimper and press against the two stallions.

Dinky giggled at the spectacle, especially at how soft Deadeye was being with them; she had after all once seen him kick a younger Katakan for simply getting in his way, so she assumed it was because they were not used to him. Turning back to the ship, the filly smiled widely as the two ponies she was waiting for appeared, ready to dart forward when what she saw made her pause.

Blueblood was no worse for wear, smiling happily as he left the ship, but that couldn’t be said for the mare pressed against his side as best as she could be. One rather important change had happened to Derpy, and that was her stomach had swollen quite large, the mare around nine months along now.

They stopped in front of their daughter, where Derpy slowly sat down and gently pulled Dinky into her hooves, nuzzling and kissing the filly, whilst Blueblood hugged her from the other side. Saying nothing, Derpy took her daughter’s hoof and placed it to her belly, where nothing happened... then Dinky gasped loudly as she felt a kick, then more. She then hugged her mother’s stomach gently. “Welcome home, mommy and daddy, and little one in here,” she said.

“Thank you Dinky, it’s good to be back,” Derpy replied, followed by a yawn, the three of them then getting up to head into the castle. As they did, Riptide managed to break away from the rest and follow, the changeling coming too. Of course, Blueblood and Derpy noticed, pausing and staring at it. “Dinky?”

“Hm? Oh,” she exclaimed, running over to the changeling and pulling it over to Blueblood and Derpy. “Mommy, daddy, this is Fluffy, she’s my new friend!” Though they were a little worried given what they knew, the fact that neither Riptide or Deadeye seemed to not be bothered calmed them a little.

For now, they just smiled politely and nodded, heading back towards the castle and inside, leaving Deadeye with the Katakans they had returned with. As he looked them over, he was joined by another pony, all the young ones turning and growling at them. Deadeye growled back once more, then trotted over to where the real Princess Luna stood and nuzzled her with a whimper, telling the foals she was the one in charge... then they did the same as they had to he and his brother, pouncing on her, but to snuggle close, not seemingly attack her.

Having been given a week off from her extra studies from Twilight in order to spend time with her parents, Dinky once more found herself entering the tree house in the centre of Ponyville, but she wasn’t alone. She didn’t actually walk into the building, as she was on her friend’s back, the changeling smiling widely.

“Fluffy, Dinky, you’re back!” came Twilight’s excited voice, the mare’s head appearing from behind a stack of books. “Okay, time for you to go.” The filly and changeling were confused until they heard Twilight giggle, then saw Big Mac stand from behind the pile; there were that many books he too was hidden.

He smiled at the pair as he passed, and as soon as the door was closed, Dinky set about helping Twilight reshelve the books; she noticed they were all fiction, mostly romance, but chose to say nothing. Once the task was completed, the three of them trotted down into the basement, where Dinky sat in a chair in the middle, Twilight started to fiddle with her machines, and Fluffy found herself a nice comfy cushion to curl up on.

“Okay, Dinky,” Twilight started, moving to fit a few bits to Fluffy; heart rate monitor, temperature and the like. “Today we’re going to see how Fluffy reacts to a new emotion. We already know how changelings react to love, and anger didn’t go too well...”

Dinky nodded her agreement, whilst Fluffy looked away with a little shame; it’d taken them nearly a day to remove the smell of vomit from the basement, even with magic. Whilst waiting for Twilight to finish, the filly started to breathe deep, an excise they found helped, as it let her clear her mind and make it easier to summon a memory to fit that emotion.

“Okay... jealousy is today’s emotion,” Twilight said, her ears folded back a little. “We won’t use the projector for this one, so don’t worry about it.” the alicorn moved over to her machines once more and turned them on, nodding to Fluffy, who uncurled herself and stood. “When you’re ready, Dinky.”

Giving a nod, Dinky brought forth a memory easily, one where she was with her mother having a picnic several year ago. The memory itself wasn’t a bad one, but for the chosen emotion, Dinky focused on the things in the background... namely the other foals that were there with their mothers and fathers. Although Dinky now had her father, it was difficult not to forget how it felt watching the others.

Almost immediately her horn began to glow as she summoned and held her magic like Twilight taught her, but not her usual blue, the slightly different shade that indicated love magic, the yellow of happiness, nor the red that came forth when she was fueled by anger. No, this time it was a shade of green, which Twilight stared at for several moments before gasping.

“That’s... the same colour as changeling magic!” she exclaimed, looking to Fluffy for an answer, but she wouldn’t find any from the nymph. If anything, Fluffy was even more confused, staring with a cocked head at Dinky. Twilight did not some changes though, namely Fluffy’s eyes and wings had lost their mostly pink hues and moved a bit closer to that of the ones she remembered from Canterlot, as well as a change to her body. “Dinky... stop.”

Blinking, Dinky pushed the memory away, looking over to her mentor. “Is something wrong?” she asked, before looking at Fluffy and gasping, covering her mouth with her hooves. Her friend, who had been slightly smaller than her mother, now stood taller than Twilight, every part of her body larger. “T-Twilight?”

“She’s... a queen,” Twilight whispered to herself, before quickly jotting down as much as she could, a tape measure in her magic roving around Fluffy’s new form to see how much she had grown. Once she had enough data, Twilight looked over to Dinky. “Dinky, let’s give her some happiness.”

The filly was more than ready to help her friend, bringing forth the memory of her tea party with Melody and Cadence. Her horn glowed yellow, and her eyes remained focused on Fluffy. All the while this was going on, the changeling just stood there, then a moment later began to shrink, until she reached her normal size. “What... what happened?” she asked, looking around confused.

“You... grew to the size of a queen,” Twilight stated, looking over her notes. “It seem that magic powered by envy and changeling magic is very similar or the same... which would explain why Chrysalis was so strong when she first became Cadence...”

Dinky noticed Fluffy wince at the name of the changeling queen and glanced at Twilight, finding her deep in her notes. “We’re going to get some air, Twilight,” she said, not waiting for an answer before nudging Fluffy up the stairs and to the door, where they moved to a bench on the other side of the street. “So... wanna talk about it?” the filly asked after a few moments of awkward silence.

“Queen Chrysalis,” Fluffy replied, almost spitting the title. “Is the reason my hive is gone. We refused to ally with her when she came after Canterlot, so she dealt with us the only was she knew... I don’t know if there are anymore... or if I’m the last.” Fluffy let out a small sniffle, then smiled when she felt Dinky press against her side.

“I’m sorry about your hive... but Ponyville is your home now,” Dinky said matter-of-factly. Fluffy looked around the town, seeing nothing but curious gazes coming her way, along with a few waves, but no signs of hostility. “This town welcomes those with nowhere else to go, it gives them a place to belong.”

“Thank you, Dinky,” Fluffy said, hugging her friend close, wrapping her wing around her as the pair sat peacefully in the spring{Season} sun... at least until an explosion from the library caused them both to roll their eyes and giggle.

“Are you sure you don’t need help with that, Derpy?” Blueblood asked his wife as he tailed after her in the kitchen, where she was finishing a batch of freshly baked muffins.

Derpy groaned and thinned her lips, carrying the tray with her oven glove-covered hooves as she hovered as best as she could with her wings. “Blue, I’m fine…” she replied and placed the muffins on the table. Once it was safe to remove her gloves from her fetlocks, she massaged each of them as they ached, not from the weight of the muffins but from the added storage on her body.

She looked at her stomach, with a smile gracing her lips at the swollen protruding belly. Soon…

Blueblood followed Derpy’s eyes and they rested on her stomach, which bared their unborn foal. A grin appeared on his face, giving his wife a kiss on her cheek and placing his ear to her stomach, where he heard the heartbeat of their child pounding vibrantly. A bump from the stomach’s side caused the stallion repel himself from his wife, eliciting a giggle from the latter.

“Somepony is excited,” Derpy said as she rested her body on a recliner that was given to her by her very generous aunt-in-law, Princess Celestia. “Blue…” she called out to her husband, waving her hind hooves to him. “Do you mind if you--”

“Of course,” Blueblood cut her off, using his magic to hold her legs up and proceeded to massage his wife’s hooves. Hearing his wife moan in joy made him smile, knowing he was penetrating the right spots of her ache. A thought crossed his mind, followed by a grin and he placed his lips to her hoof.

Derpy gasped as she felt Blueblood’s lips to her hoof, causing her to retract her legs away from her husband. “Don’t kiss that,” she mocked lectured him to his playfully pouting face. “Kiss this,” she motioned to her lips, and soon she was embraced by her love’s tender lips.

“You know,” Blueblood hesitantly removed his lips for Derpy, his lips curving into a smile as he admired his wife’s faux pout. “It’s interesting how life turned out for both of us.”

“What makes you say that?” Derpy asked.

Blueblood shrugged. “Just over a year ago, I was the Minister of Finance and endlessly turning down mares from left to right as they tried to gain favour with me… but now, here I am…” his words trailed off as his eyes lingered to the hallway, where the Platinum Knight armour stood. “...the Commanding Officer of the Ponyville Guard, settled down with a family that’s growing and in love with the most beautiful mare in Equestria.”

When he finished his sentence, Derpy could only curve her lips into a soft smile. She reached her hooves to Blueblood’s face, pulling him just a centimeter away from hers. “You really know what words to use on me…” she replied and launched her muzzle to his, enveloping his lips with hers.

As she deepened the kiss between them, a sudden surge of pain caused her to withdraw reluctantly from Blueblood’s presence. She felt her womb constrict, followed by a sudden leaking of fluids from her. “Oh my gosh! It’s time,” she told her husband calmly, beckoning him to lift her from the ruined recliner. I hope that doesn’t stain…

“Holy Fetlocks!” Blueblood exclaimed, using his magic to lift his wife up mid air and rushing to the door, which he slammed open with his front hoof. The stallion galloped onwards, ignorant of his wife’s protests and of the onlookers of passing ponies.

“Blue! Put me down!” Derpy ordered her husband, but to no avail as his magic refused to dissipate.

Blueblood shook his head as the hospital came into range. “No time!” he barked back, not noticing the withering glare Derpy was emitting. Once he reached the hospital, he unceremoniously slammed the doors open and rushed to the front desk where Nurse Redheart was seated.

“We got an emergency!” Blueblood shouted to the nurse, almost instantly shushed by the other staff of the hospital. Before he could get another word in, the stallion felt a sudden pain appear on his head, causing him to flinch and cancel his magic. He gasped, fearing he would drop Derpy, but noticed she just levitated downwards to the ground using her wings.

“Blue, please…” she chided her husband, turning her attention to Nurse Redheart when her stallion was finally quiet. “But yes, the baby’s coming,” she told the nurse, who sprang into action and called for a wheelchair for Derpy to sit in. Once she was settled, both her and Blueblood were taken to a private room.

Once Derpy was placed on the bed and Blueblood was seated by her side, the former started to sweat as she felt more pain coursing through her thanks to the constrictions. “I’m going to get the epidural ready. Doctor Horse will be with you two shorty,” Nurse Redheart said and left the couple alone.

“Okay,” Blueblood held Derpy’s hoof, his own lips quivering as he saw his wife in pain. “Just breath in, and out… in and out. In and out…” he continued to chant the words as though they were a mantra, until he felt her hoof leave his and grab his neck.

Derpy bared her teeth at him as she seethed in pain. “Blue, I love you. But if you say I should breath in and out one more time… you will not be breathing the next morning!” she released him from her grip, almost immediately feeling guilty when she saw him in a wrecked state. “I’m sorry, honey… but everything will be fine, okay?” I better make it up to him later on…

The door of the room opened with Nurse Redheart and a unicorn stallion with a cream caramel coat with flaxen mane and a cutie mark that resembled a cardiograph monitor. He wore glasses along with a uniform and a stethoscope over his neck.

“Ah, so the time has finally come,” Dr. Stable said as he walked towards Derpy, taking a chair and sitting right at the bottom of the bed, where he used his magic to spread her legs apart, something that Blueblood did not appreciate at all. “Calm down, Captain…no need to get upset,” he said. “Cervix is beginning to open slightly, good… Nurse, administer the epidural please.”

Once the doctor gave her the order, Nurse Redheart stuck a long needle into Derpy’s lower back, causing her to immediately ease as her pain diminished with each passing moment. “All done.”

“Excellent, now we’re going to push princess,” Dr.Stable said as he kept his eyes on the opening between Derpy’s legs. “And you’re going to hold her hoof for support, prince,” he continued, taking his eye off his target for a moment and looked to Blueblood, who immediately grabbed his wife’s hoof. “We’re going to push very hard.”

And so Derpy did. With every bit of strength in her, she kept pushing as hard as she could. It took a strain on her stamina though, even with the epidural erasing the constriction, pushing something the size of a watermelon out of a hole the size of a litchi took its toll.

“You’re doing great, love!” Blueblood decided to stand up from his seat and lean against his wife’s bed so that his head was next to hers as he held onto her hoof. “We’re almost there.”

“You’re more right then you know,” Dr. Stable replied as he saw hair popping out of the opening. “This is it, princess… push!”

Derpy screamed as she pushed, clenching her teeth and closing her eyes when she felt a searing pain run its course through her body, negating the anesthetics. She fell back onto the bed and panted heavily, only lifting her head when she heard the voice of her newborn foal crying.

“So what do you want to do today?” Pip asked Dinky, both of them walking from the school with their tails interlocked, saddlebags over their backs.

“Well I got to a lesson with Twilight today, more on my emotion magic,” Dinky replied, instinctively drawing her body closer to Pip and tittering when she noticed the blush on the colt’s cheeks. “Maybe you can join me? See how I do magic.”

Just as Pip was about to reply to Dinky’s invitation, the two of them felt a whoosh of air and looked up, surprised to see a frazzled Blossomforth diving towards them at high speed. The two foals had to backpedal a few steps back as the pegasus mare spread her wings to land on the ground with a thud.

“Dinky!” Blossomforth said, her whole face drenched in sweat. “You’re… mom…” she uttered each word as she tried to catch her breath from exhaustion.

“What about my mom?” Dinky asked curiously.

Blossomforth inhaled a large breath before she continued. “She’s in the hospital, she gave birth!” she beamed when she finished her sentence and scooped both foals up and placed them on her back. “Let’s go!” she spread her wings and took off, doing her best to stay stay airbound with two foals on her back. Luckily, years of parcel delivery with both light and heavy mail gave her the necessary muscles and stamina to perform this task.

Once Blossomforth landed before the hospital, she nearly collapsed from exhaustion as soon as the foals jumped off her back and ran ahead inside, not bothering to wait for their senior. “You… go… on… ahead,” she said in between breaths, with sweat pouring from her face.

Inside the hospital, Dinky turned her head to every corner, not knowing where her mother was situated.

“Can we help you, miss?” a unicorn nurse asked Dinky.

Dinky nodded her head furiously. “I’m here for my mother, her name is Derpy Hooves and--”

“Ah! You must be her daughter,” the nurse interjected and smiled softly at the filly. “And who’s this?” she looked at Pip, who stood next to Dinky for support.

“He’s my coltfriend,” Dinky immediately answered, ignoring the titter that the nurse was emitting.

“I see, very well. Please follow me,” she instructed the foals as she walked towards a corridor where the maternity ward was located. Once they came before a door, the nurse used her magic to turn the doorknob and opened it slowly.

“Excuse me?” the nurse called out to Derpy and Blueblood, the former still on her bed and the latter cradling a foal in his arms as he was seated on a chair beside her. “Your daughter has just arrived,” she said as she let the foals in, and nodded her head as she closed the door.

Dinky noticed how her father was beaming and streaming tears of joy as she held onto the foal, and how Derpy was smiling wearily at them. Once she walked up towards Blueblood, she peered her eyes to see the baby’s face.

“Hey Dinky,” Blueblood said, nuzzling his daughter but making sure his grip on the baby was firm as ever. “Say ‘hello’ to your baby brother, Cloud Pierce,” he looked down upon the colt in his arms.

Cloud’s fur was pearly white with golden blonde mane decorating his head. He looked like a miniature Blueblood, only lacking the horn. Movement from the back of the bundle’s blanket indicated that there were wings. When he opened his eyes to look upon the new face that was gazing down in awe at him, they revealed to be golden iris’, the eyes of his mother.

“Awww!” Dinky cooed at her baby brother, who giggled in return. The laughter soon turned to crying, and wailing as Cloud flung his hooves in the air.

“I think somepony is hungry,” Derpy said as she motioned Blueblood to hand Cloud over to her, which he did by using his magic to levitate him to his mother. “Um, Dinky… do you mind if you and Pip wait outside for a moment?” she asked her daughter.

Dinky’s face flushed for a moment, realizing what her mother was going to do. Taking Pip’s hoof with her magic, she pulled him outside of the room with her leading the way, leaving her parents alone.

Once the foals were gone, Derpy proceeded to allow her son to enjoy a meal that only a mother could provide to her newborn son. After he was done, the mare sighed as she held onto her colt who was dozed off. She looked up at Blueblood, who planted his lips against hers for a moment.

“You did it,” Blueblood said, nuzzling the mare of his dreams.

Derpy shook her head and returned the nuzzle, then turned her attention to Cloud. “No, we did it…”

Author's Note

One more chapter to go, then we give you the epilogue to our little tale... which has been sat ready for a few months now.

Chapter 35

Saturday morning, after the daily brief for the guards under his command, Blueblood sat at his desk and sighed. The dark oak table top in front of him was mostly clear, with a tray on either corner. The one to his right was empty, his outgoing tray... the one to his left, his ingoing, was almost overflowing. Here he didn’t have the luxury of somepony like Fancy Pants to help ensure his desk was clear, but after a year he’d gotten used to it.

He’d just opened the first report from the previous week when there was a quiet, kind of timid, knock on his open office door. Looking up, Blueblood leaned back in his chair with a smirk, waving his guest in. “You’re late.” His response was simply a squeak, the stallion rolling his eyes.

“That’d be my fault, Knight-captain,” came another male voice as Riptide stepped into Blueblood’s office, Fluffy the changeling hiding behind the young Katakan. “We kind of had a... longer stay in bed then planned.” Riptide stepped away from Fluffy, letting Blueblood see her... and her new golden uniform of the Royal Guard.

“It’s not a problem, Commander.” Leaning forward onto his desk, Blueblood’s smirk faded into a serious expression as he stared into Fluffy’s eyes. “I’m sure you’ve had enough of higher ranks shouting at you during your fast track training, and you’ll be pleased to hear I won’t be doing any of that unless you screw up majorly. Normally your first task would be to familiarise yourself with town, but you already know you way around. Any questions?”

Fluffy went visibly rigid at being spoken directly too, but after she felt Riptide’s wing brush her own and help calm her down, she took a deep breath and answered. “What exactly are my orders, sir? I mean, I’m not a combatant. I’d be useless in a fight.”

“You’re to assist Commander Riptide with Princess Dinky’s protection. If, and I stress the if, as Faust knows I won’t let anything happen to my daughter again, something were to happen, Commander Riptide will do the fighting. Your task, as he distracts any who attempt... something, is to get Princess Dinky and escape. Do you understand?”

Fluffy responded with an eager nod, lifting a forehoof to her head in a smart salute. “Yes, Knight-captain Blueblood.”

Though he hated being saluted still, it was part of his position now, so he returned the gesture. “Very well. Please wait outside a moment, I wish to speak to Commander Riptide in private.” Fluffy hesitated, as if she were a foal being deprived of a safety blanket, but followed the order without question. “I’m curious,” the unicorn continued when the door closed. “I assume your brother had a combat test for her?”

“That he did, sir,” Riptide, replied with a smirk. “She didn’t fight back once, and she outlasted him. Took days, but eventually he just collapsed from lack of food or water. We finally found somepony who could beat the Relentless.”

“I’m not sure which is worse for him, being out endured or being beaten by a changeling,” Blueblood said with a chuckle. “I’m going to assume that as his pride was wounded, he’s been holed up somewhere?”

Riptide nodded as he turned to leave. “Yeah, he found some caves high up in Canterlot mountain a while ago, has been turning them into a home for himself. Been in there for two weeks or so, even the Night-mistress can’t get him to leave.” With that, Riptide and Fluffy were gone, leaving Blueblood to resume his paperwork, at least for another hour or so.

After a glance at the clock, the stallion climbed from his chair and headed out into the town, smiling and waving to those he passed. Off in the distance he saw several of the town’s guards loading some ponies into a cart, a bunch of bandits who had been attacking travelling merchants. They soon surrendered when the stallion went to confront them in his Platinum Knight armour, what he was currently wearing sans the helmet.

It was his usual rounds of the town, checking in with the inhabitants for any issues as well as chatting to those he now counted amongst his friends, even finding a few moments to play some Hide and Seek with a bunch of foals. It was his turn to hide, but he made it easy, lying in a bush but only with his front half inside it. He chuckled when he felt a tickle on his back, recognising the hoof, as he only ever knew one pony who did that.

“Good morning, Mel,” he said as he moved from the bush, turning to hug the unicorn mare. “How are you today?”

“I’m good,” Melody replied as she returned the hug, then stepped back. “Seems like you’ve been slacking off, I remember your hiding skills making us think you’d run away when you were a colt.” Blueblood looked away briefly, muttering to himself, before turning back to his friend... his eyes going wide as he looked at her forehead. “...noticed, huh?”

“Y-yeah.” Blueblood’s shock turned to a smile as he gave Melody a friendly nuzzle. “It’s coming on nicely. I assume you’re getting lessons from Twi?”

“Yeah, Miss Sparkle is a great teacher, and her magic helps me sooth any pains.” Melody reached up to her where the stub of her horn was... and rubbed the rounded edge, which was now a couple of inches longer. “I spoke to that... um, his name. What was his name again?”

Blueblood pointed to a nearby bench, moving over to it and sitting with his friend as he waited for her to continue. He didn’t have to wait long. “Oh yeah, Discord! He explained that though he couldn’t return my mind as I was a filly when... it happened, but he did give me the ability to age mentally a bit faster. I’m now at around seventeen. He also said he’d done something to help my horn grow a bit faster than usual... but he didn’t do anything to stop the itching.”

Blueblood chuckled at Melody’s grumpy face, but he heard another laugh nearby followed by a snap of fingers... and Melody’s horn rubbing stopped immediately. The stallion looked over his shoulder, just catching sight of a white fur-tipped tail disappearing behind a building.

“I need to get going, I’ll be late for lessons,” Melody said as she got up, giving Blueblood a hug before trotting off towards the library. Blueblood waited a few moments before rising himself and personally escorting the merchant family to the guard station so he could ensure their safety and ask them a few questions... and raise hell with his guards in an attempt to find out why in Tartarus they had to wait so long to be found.

The crying of a foal could mean many things. Whether it be hunger or discomfort, it was always the duties of the parents to ease their offspring. So it was for Cloud, who was wailing at the top of his lungs in his crib.

“There there, Cloud,” Derpy said as she came into the baby room, scooping up her son and rocking him in her arms to ease his cries. “Mommy’s here, mommy’s here,” she chanted to her foal, which worked as her son ceased his wailing. “Who’s hungry?” she asked her son, nuzzling his muzzle and felt his tiny hooves caress her face.

Taking flight with her son safely secured in her arms, Derpy made her way to the kitchen where she placed her colt in a high chair. Once he was seated properly, she gave him a meal consisting of various vegetables, something that Cloud vehemently found revolting not too long ago

A knock on the door alerted Derpy, with her ears perking to the sound of a pony or ponies on the other side. She made her way to the entrance, opening it ajar to see two familiar alicorns standing on the opposite side with a few gifts held with their magic. The pegasus mare’s lips curled into a smile as she opened the door wide.

“Oh hi there… Pri-Auntie Tia, Auntie Lulu,” Derpy corrected herself quickly, still having the habit of calling her aunts-in-law by their titles. Before she could do anything, she was nuzzled softly by Celestia. “It’s nice to you here,” the pegasus mare said as she returned the nuzzle in kind. “I wasn’t expecting you today,” she said.

Luna tittered as she placed the presents on the table next to her. “Since my sister and I have a bit of free time, we thought we would come by and meet our beloved nephew,” she said as she looked around the room they were in. “By the way, where is Cloud?” she asked Derpy.

“Oh, he’s in the kitchen, just finishing up his meal,” Derpy replied to Luna, the former walking to the room where her son was, only to find Celestia was already there before them cooing at the baby pegasus.

“Who’s going to be as handsome as his dad?” Celestia asked Cloud softly, bringing her muzzle closer to the colt. The colt in question reached out his hooves to his aunt’s muzzle when she nuzzled his tiny head, eliciting a giggle from her. He’s just as curious as Blue was when he was a baby…

Luna chuckled at Celestia’s antics. “Is everything ready for Cloud’s birthday party?” she asked Derpy. Before she got an answer, two heads popped from behind the window with grinning faces on their muzzles.

“Did somepony say ‘party’?!” Both Pinkie and Cheese asked in unison as they look around in glee, only to find to mares placing their hooves on their faces. “Oops!” the pink mare giggled, her cheeks reddened as she rubbed the back of her head. “It’s our little Cloud’s birthday party soon,” she said. She suddenly gasped and turned her head sharply to her stallion. “We need to finish the cake!”

Cheese’s eye twitched at her words. “But we don’t know what Cloud’s favourite flavour of cake is…” he trailed off as he scratched his chin. “I can’t speak baby, but maybe you can, Pinks?”

“Please, do not disturb Cloud.” Luna interjected before Pinkie could say her piece. “Why not surprise him with a random flavour?” the princess suggested, noting the fidgeting front hooves of the Element of Laughter and her coltfriend.

“That’s a great idea!” Both ponies cheered and vanished from Luna and Derpy’s eyes. After a few seconds, Pinkie appeared before them again. “I’ll let you know when the party is ready, say ‘hi’ to little Cloudy for me!” she said and galloped away towards Sugarcube Corner.

Some ponies… Derpy thought to herself as she sighed. Her thoughts soon turned to her son, realizing there wasn’t any noise coming out of the kitchen. Not that she didn’t mind the peace and silence, but her motherly instincts kicked in and she made her way past Luna towards her baby’s location. When she came to the doorway, she stopped when she saw Celestia cradling the pegasi colt in her hooves with the latter soundly asleep.

Celestia’s gaze raised when Derpy came into the kitchen. “Oh, I was wondering where you were,” she said, rocking Cloud in her hooves. “He looks just like his daddy when he was a foal…” the princess said nostalgically as she gazed down at the sleeping colt in her arms.

“Oh?” Derpy asked. Stepping closes enough to touch shoulders with Celestia, she joined her in looking at the sleeping foal. “I don’t suppose he was fussy about eating carrots too.”

A snort of a laugh escaped Celestia before she could restrain it. The two adults paused a moment to see if the little one would stir, but when her remained asleep, Celestia grinned wide. “If it wasn’t green, it got thrown on the floor. He was three before I got him to try sweet potatoes.”

“And you were ten before mother got you to eat peas that were not mashed to paste first,” Luna smirked when she saw the cheeks of Celestia burn bright, with the latter thinning her lips as she made a sharp turn to her sister who was standing behind her.

“Hush now! Or do you want me to tell Deadeye about your first crush?”

It was Luna’s turn to blush as her eyes widened. “You wouldn’t dare!”

Before Celestia got her say, an abrupt crying resonated from Cloud as he was woken by the bickering of the sisters, who set aside their fighting to battle calming the foal back to slumber.

Arriving in the quarry that once housed a pack of Diamond Dogs, Dinky looked around with a frown. She wasn’t worried about being out here alone, due to the fact she wasn’t, and there were guards patrolling high in the air, but it was the fact her teacher wasn’t present, and it certainly did not fit for Twilight Sparkle to be tardy. “What’s going?” she said out loud.

“I don’t know,” Melody replied, looking around as well and not spotting any other living being on the ground, even animals. Her ears twitched and she turned as she heard a noise, some stones falling from a ledge a good hundred meters away from them. “I don’t like this. It feels like a t...”

Just as the words left her mouth, several flashes appeared at the edge of the rocky area, different colours of magic, all heading right to them. Though Melody knew the theory of protective and shield spells, there was no way she could make them with her horn in its current state. Fortunately, she didn’t have to.

Every single one of the magical attacks bounced off a red shield, hitting the rocks and causing small explosions, which threw gravel into the air in every direction, and that too didn’t make it to the two ponies. Melody looked down to see Dinky with an expression of anger on her face. After the filly took a few deep breaths, she roared with rage, her shield rapidly expanding, sending every loose rock and stone scattering away from them...

....until they met a blue, and much more powerful shield, which was sustained until Dinky’s ran out of power, the little unicorn panting for breath. Melody stepped in front of her, in order to protect her from any further attacks, but none came. Instead they were met with the clapping of hooves, turning to find a white unicorn stallion stood behind them, but it was not Blueblood.

“Well done, Dinky, that was an impressive shield you made,” he said as he walked over, the filly’s anger gone and replaced with extreme confusion, as this stallion should not be attacking them. “Even more so when those were the strongest battlemages I could gather for your test.”

Though Dinky was speechless, Melody was not, and she was livid, trotting over to the stallion and jabbing her hoof into his chest repeatedly “Just what in Tartarus do you think you’re doing?” she screamed at him, only holding from giving him a full on slap purely because of who he was. “Well? You think it’s wise to attack your own family, Prince-consort?!

The stallion just smirked, stepped past her, and approached Dinky, ruffling her mane. “Technically, I didn’t attack her,” Shining Armour replied. “They did.” Following his hoof, Melody saw several dozen ponies in the armour of the Solar Corps approaching. “The reason I didn’t join it was in case Dinky didn’t make a shield in time or strong enough.”

“I seem to recall giving you both lessons on combat magic,” came a female voice, Twilight Sparkle joining the group. “And the first rule of such was to ‘be ready for anything’. Dinky passed the test.”

“This... was a TEST?” Dinky yelled, glaring at Twilight. “I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED!” The filly’s horn started to glow red again, the air growing thick around them. It was clear Twilight had anticipated this possibility, as the blast of magic from Dinky was simply absorbed into the magic ether by a small portal from the alicorn.

“Yes, Dinky, and you might want to relax a little... the test isn’t over.” The filly was about to summon another shield around her, but paused when Twilight waved at the soldiers, who stopped around a hundred meters away. “We’ve seen your defensive skills, so now we’d like to test your offensive ones.”

“Oh...” came from Dinky’s mouth, as she turned to look at small glowing circles, sighing. She didn’t want to tell her teacher she’d been skipping the homework on this subject. “So... what do I do exactly?”

Instead of hearing Twilight’s voice, Dinky heard her brother. “Same as you did with your shield a moment ago, we just need to get you to focus on your target.” He pointed to one soldier, whose magic flared slightly and the target increased in brightness. “I want you to make a shield around that...”

Dinky calmed herself and did as instructed, easily tracking it when the soldier started to move it, but her shield sputtered and faltered at the next instruction.

“Good.... now crush it.” Shining frowned when he saw the target appear once more, looking down at Dinky and seeing the look of horror on her face. Sighing, he knelt down in front of her, giving her a soft smile. “I know... you probably don’t want to hurt ponies or other creatures. I don’t want to hurt them either. But... given what happened to you last year and your bloodline... one day you might have to.”

“I... I know,” Dinky said, shuddering at the memory, then nodding at the stallion. She called forth her shield on the target once more and made it smaller easily snuffing out the light from the soldier’s magic. From there, Shining led her through switching targets, both slowly and quickly, multiple targets, and, most importantly, how to hold back on the power of her attacks.

Soon the sun began to set, Shining smiling down at Dinky as the filly panted. “Well done, little one, you’ve done better than your dad during his first combat lesson,” he said with a chuckle, ruffling her mane. “Now for a fun test... How about some combat tag?”

After catching her breath and watching as the other soldiers along with Twilight smiled then started running, she looked up at Shining Armour. “Combat... tag?” she asked, getting a nod in reply. But before she could ask what it was, his horn lit up and she felt a small jolt of magic hit her rump. “H-hey!”

“Tag, you’re it!” Shining yelled before running away from the filly, laughing loudly. It took her a few minutes to realise how exactly this was a test, and that it could be fun. Knowing the rules didn’t allow her to go after the receding stallion, she instead turned her attention to one of the other armoured ponies and chased after him with a giggle.

Watching from high on a nearby hill, another unicorn smiled, the sounds of Dinky’s giggles and squeals as she ‘trained’ reaching his ears, warming his heart. He was joined by another pony, who watched with a cocked head and one eye. “She’s a natural, you must be very proud.”

“That she is, and yes I am, Cyclops,” the unicorn said with a smirk, looking at the pony next to him. He was surprised to see the other stallion dressed in a suit instead of his armour, then saw the displeased look stamped on his muzzle. “And.. what is this about, Deadeye?”

“The Night-mistress’ orders,” the proud Katakan warrior said with a huff, tugging at the dark jacket around his body. “She wants me formal for your son’s first birthday.”

“I appreciate it, my friend.” The two remained watching the little game in the quarry below until the sun finally disappeared and the group headed into town. “Best get back before them,” Blueblood said before starting a slow trot back to his home.

“Happy Birthday Cloud Pierce!” Pinkie cheered before blowing a party whistler and throwing confetti in the air, much to the colt’s delight. “Make a wish!” the pink mare stood in front of the baby, puffing in air into her lips but not releasing it, waiting for the colt to follow suit.

Derpy and Blueblood stood on either side of Cloud and blew to help their son extinguish the candles on his cake. Once the single, oversized candle was put out, a cheer from the background was released into the air. Both parents nuzzled and pecked their son’s cheeks, eliciting a giggle from their boy.

“Time to cut the cake,” Blueblood said as he used his magic to divide the cake into even slices, a icing-rich slice was picked up in his blue aura and placed on a plate then slid in front of the foal before the stallion got a piece for himself..

“Say ‘ah’,” Luna used her magic to lift a fork filled with a lump the cake to Cloud’s mouth, the latter gratefully accepting the piece that his aunt had given him. The alicorn beamed when she saw her nephew enjoy the delicacy, something she was about to enjoy herself. Only, when she reached for her fork, it was gone. She furrowed her brow and blinked, and looked up when she heard a stallion’s cough.

Deadeye grinned as he suspended the utensil in front of Luna. “Now it’s your turn,” he teased his lover and slowly placed what was on the fork in the mare’s mouth, the latter chewing on it slowly before she motioned the Katakan to come closer. Once he was close enough, his lips were sealed against hers.

“Hey Princess Luna, no time for love. We got a party to celebrate!” Pinkie shouted out and blew a party horn alongside Cheese Sandwich. Once they were done, everypony in attendance was seemed to scatter to different parts of the house as the party continued.

As the adults were enjoying the festivity, and once Cloud had finished his own cake, Derpy had placed him into a the playpen, where two other foals squealed and crawled towards him. One was an earth pony colt, by the name of Terra, and the other was a unicorn filly, Sapphire Glow, who was holding a ball. A moment later it was rolled to Cloud, who made a sound of joy, soon the trio having fun rolling it to each other

Dinky and Pip looked over the playpen where the foals were, with the former using her magic to bring Cloud closer to her. “How you doing, baby bro?” she asked the tiny pony, who was giggling in glee at his sister. “Look what I got for you!” she placed him down just by the barrier and used her magic to levitate a drum to him. When she placed it before him, she tittered at the confusion he displayed at the object. Using one of her hooves, she banged on the drum to make a sound.

The baby beamed at the instrument and followed his sister’s instruction by banging with his tiny hoof on it. Cloud then proceeded in using both of his hooves to hit the drum as hard and fast as he could, and with that created a rhythm of music from it.

“Where did you get that?” Pip curiously asked his fillyfriend.

“Zecora gave it to me. She said that babies love toys that make noise.” Dinky replied as she looked down upon her brother, who was soon joined by his friends as they were drawn to the drum’s music.

Meanwhile, Princess Luna cringed, her ears folding backwards at the cacophony of the foal’s music. Taking the opportunity to put a door between her and the noise, she slipped into the kitchen.

“Pray tell who thought a drum set was an appropriate gift?”

Zecora chuckled as she made her way to the princess. “I see your ears are quite sensitive to that of a foal’s melody. That would be I who got the little colt his first instrument to construct his own symphony,” she said.

Just as Luna was about to reply, Pinkie and Cheese zoomed past her to bring their own instruments, which ranged from a guitar to an accordion and joined the foal’s music, creating more ear piercing music.

Can’t those two ever behave like grownups? Luna groaned inwardly as her ears folding back as the noise continued. If those two ever have foals… she shuddered at the mere thought of miniature versions of Pinkie and Cheese terrorizing Equestria.

A spark jumped from Twilight’s horn, and the room fell into comfortable silence. Luna could still hear the foals clamoring, but it was a distant sound easily ignored.

“Noise canceling spells are very useful,” Twilight said with a smile as she floated a mug from the counter. “Coffee?”

Luna took a breath to shed her tension, then returned Twilight’s smile. “Yes, please.”

Shining laughed as Luna nursed her coffee. “You get use to it.”

“I’d prefer not to,” Luna said. Leaning back she made herself comfortable. “I rather enjoy the role of aunt. I get to spoil them, then go back to my quiet, foal-free home.”

Celestia grinned and snickered at Luna’s words. “Well, if you continue your not-so-private activities with your dear Deadeye, we might just wind up converting a guest room into a nursery..”

“Not if I use magic, sister…” Luna muttered and gazed down in thought. Though, it might be worthwhile to have a foal with him… she shook her head and regained her stupor. “But first, I need to get him to take a knee and propose… I’d rather be sent to Tartarus before I have to propose to him for a wedding.

“For that, you may need to take some initiative…” a new voice entered into the conversation, causing Celestia and Luna’s ears to perk and turn to an elderly white stallion unicorn, who was enjoying a slice of cake. “I would recommend you urge him on a date and drop subtle hints… or you can just get his mother to force him to do it…” Wise Words suggested with a snicker, knowing full well Nightshade could hear him...

Luna shook her head and sighed. “It may just come down to that…” she paused before continuing. “Pray tell, how have you been, Wise?” Luna asked the elder stallion.

“I’ve been one of the happiest ponies alive; I have my daughter back, I have a loving family through Blue, not to mention the most adorable filly I have ever met and I’m engaged to the most beautiful Katakan mare in the world… how could I not be happy?” he asked rhetorically to Luna, but his attention soon shifted to another mare who started to whisper in his ear.

“I would have you right here on this floor until you begged for mercy twice,” Nightshade said and nibbled on Wise’s ear.

Luna coughed to get Nightshade’s attention. “Behave… we are in the presence of foals here.”

“Apologies, Night-Mistress… I simply--”

“Everypony, can we have your attention please?!” Pinkie and Cheese yelled out to the crowd of ponies. “Let’s all gather around for a group photo!” the former squaled in joy as she pulled out a camera from thin air and stationed it on a stand, in front of gathering ponies.

Blueblood and Derpy were in the front of the group with Cloud safely held in his mother’s arms. Dinky and Pip were also in the front with their tails locked and beaming at the camera even though it did not flash yet.

“Alright everyone, say ‘Cheesepie’!” Cheese Sandwich and Pinkie Pie exclaimed and pressed a button to put the camera on a timer, almost immediately appearing in the back doing a funny pose.

“Cheesepie!”

Blueblood looked around the living room, which was spotless and devoid of any signs of a party that took place earlier. Well it was nice of Pinkie and Cheese to help clean up… Even though I will never know where Pinkie Pie found that magical vacuum cleaner… must be Discord’s doing...

Blueblood climbed upstairs and turned to open a door that lead to his daughter’s room, finding her fast asleep underneath her blanket with a soft smile on her face. He turned his attention to the opposite room, where his son was asleep and found him suckling on his pacifier in his crib.

Alright… Dinky’s in bed and so is Cloud… now where’s she? He thought to himself as he entered his room. He looked around and found nothing, but felt a cold breeze entering the room. Blueblood looked to see the balcony door open, and found his wife outside looking up at the night sky.

The stallion walked outside and sat next to his wife. “Aren’t you getting cold?” Blueblood asked Derpy, who merely shook her head with a soft smile on her muzzle. “What’s wrong?” he asked her.

“I’m just thinking…” Derpy leaned forward, staring up into the stars. “It’s only three years and my life has changed to dramatically…” Her smile was bright, with tears still formed in the corner of her eye. “Not only do I have Dinky, but I have you… and Cloud…” she continued only to pause as Blueblood sat next to her. A strong hoof wrapped around her, and she allowed it to pull her against his warm chest. “I don’t even want to think how life would have been if you hadn’t found me…”

“Even if it wasn’t on that day, I would still have looked for and found you,” Blueblood said, bringing his hoof to Derpy’s cheek and turning her muzzle to face his. In the quiet night, they shared a smile that soon became a kiss. The tender touch lingered till it became a passionate embrace, ending only when Blue blood pulled back to catch his breath. “But I am here now, and I will always be here for you and for our children.”

Derpy’s smile somehow managed to double as she blinked tears from her eyes. “I love you so much, Blue…”

“I love you too, Derpy.” Pulling his wife closer, he stared up into the stars she had been looking at earlier.

Derpy joined him in stargazing, soaking up the feel of his warmth and the silence of the night. She let out a sigh as she leaned against Blueblood’s chest, feeling his soothing heartbeat that in sync with hers as they gazed upon the beautiful night sky.

Author's Note

Yay! Finally out...

So sorry for the delay folks...

Epilogue - Ten Years Later...

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Prologue

“I’ll never stop loving you.”

Celestia’s sun shined brightly upon the land of Equestria, signalling the start of a new day. As the rays pierced through the curtains’ barriers of his chambers, Blueblood stirred and grunted as he rose to greet the morning. When he climbed out of his bed, Blueblood felt an immense ache in his head that he immediately responded to by groaning and rubbing his temple tenderly with his forehoof. He soon lost his balance though, falling onto the ground and causing even more aches to course through him.

“I see you had another eventful evening, Master Blue…”

A small smile crept onto Blueblood’s face as he looked up to see an old white stallion with a greyish blue mane in a business suit looking down on him. Blueblood carefully lifted himself up from the ground, taking hold of the glass of water his butler held out to him. “You could say that, Wise Words…” Blueblood trailed off, gulping down every drop of water before walking past Wise Words towards the water basin.

Wise Words went to work on making Blueblood’s bed, where he caught a glimpse of the blue diamond laying on the desk opposite where he was standing. Letting out an inaudible sigh, Wise Words knew the story of the heart all too well.

A myriad of memories flashed before him as his eyes caught the glare of the diamond’s shining exterior. From how Blueblood was brought to tears by the mare’s disappearance, to how he made a vow of finding her. He carefully set the jewel back into its case for safe keeping.

I hope that comes soon to you, Blue...

“Wise.”

Wise Words blinked numerously as he came back from his thoughts when Blueblood called out to him. Finished with his task, Wise Words walked towards Blueblood as he kept his posture but still smiled warmly at his prince. “Ready to head on out to breakfast, Master Blue?” Wise Words asked politely.

Giving Wise Words a nod, Blueblood groaned again as another surge of pain came to his head. “Yes I am, shall we?” He gestured to Wise Words, who opened the door and stood on one side to let Blueblood through.

“After you…”

When both stallions were walking through the passages towards the dining hall, Blueblood turned his attention to Wise Words. “Do I have any important appointments for today?” Blueblood asked curiously, a part of him hoping that today wouldn’t be a busy day seeing as he was still suffering from a self inflicted headache.

Wise Words levitated a sheet of paper and summoned a pair of reading glasses as they were continuing towards their destination. “The weekly assets have been taken care of yesterday by you and the international trade meeting date has been set for the 1st of October, which is in three months…” Wise Words trailed off as his eyes scanned the paper thoroughly. “At this present moment, a certain Suri Polomare requested an audience with you… in private.” Wise Words nonchalantly said the last word, sharing a blank look with Blueblood who only rolled his eyes.

“Some mares…” Blueblood muttered as he shook his head, gobsmacked at how far some ponies would go for satisfying their avarice. “Tell her I’m not interested… kindly though.”

“Be delighted to…” Wise Words conjuring a quill and drew a line on the paper before tucking it away into his suit’s pocket. The rest of the journey continued in silence, the elder stallion doing his best to hide his mirth at the prince’s state, but a slight smile tugged at his lips. It didn’t take long to reach the large golden doors to the royal dining hall. “I shall leave you to dine with your aunts in peace, sir. I shall be in my quarters if you have need of me.”

Blueblood just mumbled in response as he pushed the door open with his shoulder, magic being too much with his headache, and walked over to the table. He feebly smiled at the two alicorns watching him, then sat down between them, gently laying his head on the table top. A plate topped with a stack of pancakes covered in maple syrup slid in front of him in a pale blue aura, and he smiled up in thanks at Princess Luna.

“So, my nephew, how was the Canterlot Elite last night?”

Blueblood slowly finished his mouthful, then scowled slightly at Princess Celestia. If it wasn’t for the syrup dripping from his muzzle due to the fact he hadn’t bothered using a fork, she might have been worried, but her mouth kept twitching into a smirk. “Honestly, auntie, why must you make me go to these things? The only ones that are bearable are Fancy Pants and his wonderful wife, even if they did have to leave early.”

“Oh? Please, I would like to know why.”

“Well, they are expecting.” Both Celestia and Luna could tell by Blueblood’s voice and the way his shoulders slumped that his thoughts had turned to the unknown mare from near a decade ago. Since then, their nephew had to constantly deal with hanger ons, débutantes, and most of the time, gold diggers. Blueblood took a deep breath, letting it out with a sigh as a dark blue wing wrapped around him and pulling him closer to Luna.

“Worry not, my nephew. One day you will find her.” To most those words would have been hollow at best, but Blueblood had come to trust Luna’s intuition more than the Canterlot weather forecast. Not leaving the safety of his aunt’s wing, and feeling better, he spotted a newspaper and floated it over.

Silence reigned for a good half an hour, Luna continuously eating and Celestia sipping cups of tea whilst Blueblood worked his way through the tabloid until he hit the sports section. He didn’t normally read this part, but he had a good feeling about it today, so he worked his way through hoofball game reviews, odds on pet races, and then the back page sporting headlines. Today’s big sporting story was that Ponyville and its reserve team got through the tryouts for the Equestrian Games, and he looked at the pictures present.

He recognised the rainbow-maned mare at the centre as one of the rabble rousers from the Grand Galloping Gala a few years back, as well as the pink-maned pegasus trying to hide from the camera. Hovering behind them was the biggest pegasus stallion Blueblood had ever seen, and he blinked a couple of times in disbelief, before his eyes found the reserve fliers, a mix of mares and stallions…

Celestia and Luna looked up in shock as Blueblood jumped to his hooves and started panting, his eyes shaking as they were staring down on the newspaper.

“Blue?” Celestia called out to her nephew, using his nickname. “What’s wrong—”

Before she could speak another word, Blueblood immediately rushed from his seat and galloped from the dining hall with the newspaper trailing after him in his magic. The two mares glanced at each other, Celestia frowning slightly and Luna shrugging at what had transpired.

“That was… unexpected.” Luna said as she gazed to the entrance where her nephew had just disappeared to.

Celestia scrunched her lips as she was using her magic to levitate a fork to her mouth, carrying a piece of pancake. “I wonder what he saw…”

Wise Words was a stallion who prefered peace and tranquility in his life and given his age, he prefered the quieter and simpler things in life. So, during his free time, he would preoccupy himself with a novel, listen to the music of his gramophone or simply go out for a walk in the gardens.

Sitting comfortably on his personal wing chair in his quarters, Wise Words flipped a page of the book he was reading as he listened to the orchestra music playing in the background. Wise Words remembered meeting the musicians behind his favourite pieces, right after they went on a hiatus compliments of a ‘pink menace’ at the Grand Galloping Gala, but had since returned to playing the event after that particular pony did not appear at the next one. He could only chuckle as he shook his head, remembering a conversation he had with Princess Celestia as to the origins of the pink mare.

*SLAM*

The gramophone’s needle suddenly bounced from the vinyl disc, abruptly ending the music performance. Wise looked up from his book, getting up from his chair and placing a marker at the page he was busy reading. Straightening himself, he walked out of his room and knocked on Blueblood’s door firmly yet gently.

“Master Blue?” Wise Words called out before clearing his throat. “Permission to enter your room?”

The door clicked and opened slightly. “Granted…” Blueblood answered Wise Words dryly.

Wise Words entered the room, noticing Blueblood leaning on his desk and breathing erratically as though his supply of breath had been suddenly cut off from him. As Wise approached him, he heard the door close behind him whilst becoming locked again.

“Master Blue, whatever is the matter?” Wise Words asked Blueblood curiously, albeit concerned when he craned his neck to see Blueblood’s eyes red and his lips quivering still. The younger unicorn pointed a trembling hoof at his coffee table, upon which sat the day’s newspaper.

Wise trotted over and took a close look, noting it was strangely on the sports page, something the prince hardly ever read. It was then he saw the picture of the two mares and the large stallion, and in the background, a reserve flyer. From Blueblood’s descriptions, Wise immediately knew this was the mare, so he calmly walked over to Blueblood and sat down next to the shaking prince. “What are you going to do, sir?”

“I… I don’t know. What if she doesn’t remember me? Or worse, what if she does remember me, and thinks I ran out on her? She probably hates me!” Wise levitated the paper over and looked at the mare, then lifted it in front of Blueblood, who reached a hoof to her image. “But… what if she does remember me, and doesn’t hate me? Wise, what do I do?”

The elder unicorn sighed, looking across the lockbox resting on the prince’s private desk, the contents belonging to one pony only. “I think, sir, that you should follow your heart.” Wise stood up and trotted over to the door, pausing to look over his shoulder at the prince. “If you need me sir, I shall be in my room.”

Blueblood took a few deep breaths and rose to his hooves, looking at the picture with a smile. I’m going to Ponyville, but first… he took a sniff of his mane as it swung into his face, complete with the smells from the previous night. I’m going to get a shower.

It was a mere twenty minutes later when the prince emerged, nearly half the time he usually spent grooming himself, but today was not about keeping up appearances. He went to grab a suitcase when the newspaper still on his coffee table floated up in an orange aura, his eyes tracking it as it floated through the air and towards the door, where it slotted into the side pocket of his packed saddlebags, Wise Words stood next to it with a small package held in his hoof. “I had a feeling you would listen to what was important. Your tickets are ready, sir.”

“Sometimes I think you should be the Minister of Finance. You’re always doing such a good job organising me.”

Three months. I should be able to search a town of that size fully. Giving one last look at his room, Blueblood trotted over to the door and took the envelope, then lifted his saddlebags onto his back. “Well, Wise Words, I shall send you news as soon as I have some, and the next time you see me, I will not be alone.” He started to trot off down the corridor, but his steps faltered as his butler called after him.

“Sir, wait! You forgot something important!” Blueblood turned around to ask what it was, then smiled as the beautifully crafted wooden box floated over to him, and he carefully slid it into his bags, then smiled to Wise Words.

“Thank you for everything you ever do, Wise. I shall see you soon.”

The elder stallion watched as the prince rounded a corner in the corridor and disappeared. “Good luck… BB.” As soon as he was alone, Wise Words wiped away a tear with his hoof, and slowly trotted back into his room. He took his place back on his seat and resumed listening to his music, glancing up at a photograph next to the gramophone, showing himself many years previous.

Wise Words stood behind a unicorn couple, both dressed in the most expensive finery found in Canterlot, and in the mare’s hooves was a young unicorn colt. A smile came to Wise Word’s muzzle, and he pulled the photo close to his chest as he leaned back in his chair.

“Except for the image he has put forth, you two would be so proud of him. I know I am.”

Chapter 4

“Now remember, don’t charge around, lest another pony gets hurt… again.”

Dinky felt sorry for the three fillies and one colt who had to stay within Miss Cheerilee’s sight at all times, but the troublesome trio had already sent one museum worker to the hospital just prior to lunch.

Turning to her friend, Dinky blinked when she saw that Twist had already walked off with Rumble, leaving her to stick with Pipsqueak. Using what little magic she had she levitated her small clipboard in front of her and looked at the questions.

It was only to distract herself from the colt next to her, but as she looked down the list, she noticed that her answers wouldn’t provide much information. A sly peek at Pip’s paper showed questions that matched up with hers, meaning they’d have to work together.

“Shall we get started then, Dinky?”

She moved her gaze up a little and met Pip’s eyes, her cheeks turning slightly pink, but she still managed a small nod. Their task took them into one of the side rooms, where Rumble and Twist were flitting from display to display.

Deciding to get her answers then confer with Pip later, Dinky read the first question, then looked around to find the answer. Of course, that could be anywhere, so she had to read all of the information in order to find what she needed.

Her group’s task was to look at how the costs of living in Equestria changed throughout the years until the present day, something not many primary school foals would normally do, but Cheerilee thought it would be a good idea to get them to learn about saving money from as early as possible. They’d have the weekend after their trip to put together a presentation for the rest of the class the following week.

Finding her first answer on the fourth plaque she looked at, Dinky wrote down the information and went to move onto her next question when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She looked around to find Pipsqueak giving her a smile, holding his clipboard up for her to see.

Taking it slowly with her magic, she hid her face from him with them and willed the burning sensation trying to make its way up her face to go away. Once she had copied the information from his sheet to hers and vice versa, she passed back his work and went to find answer two when Twist came running over.

“Dinky, you have to thee thith!”

Not giving her unicorn friend a chance to ask what ‘this’ was, Twist grabbed Dinky’s hoof and pulled her past Rumble to the other side of the side room. Dinky looked up at the sign, wondering what was so important about the ‘Timeline Of Ministers Of Finance’, but she would trust her friend.

She found a more recent entry, dated some thirty years prior to Princess Luna’s return, a description of the life of somepony called ‘Peanut Brittle’, but that pony had long since passed. Dinky turned to Twist with a frown, but the red maned earth pony just grinned from a couple of photos down, beckoning the unicorn over.

Dinky did as asked, ignoring the the picture for now and instead looking at the description, reading aloud; “'Current Minister Of Finance Prince Blueblood has held the position since the relatively young age of twenty eight. Born in the Year Of Her Majesty’s Light Nine-Sixty Eight, the son of two unicorn nobles, right here in Canterlot.”

“He only knew his parents for a few short years, for just after his fifth birthday, tragedy struck when the family home was lost in an accidental fire. The young colt was left alone but for the family butler and one small glimmer of hope.”

“Our Radiant Majesty, Princess Celestia, took in her young nephew (please visit the royal bloodline display for more information), housing him within Canterlot Castle. She treated him no differently from any other foal and, with her guidance, he became one of the best Ministers Of Finance Equestria has ever seen.’ Twist, why show me this?”

“Look at the picture.”

Dinky cocked her head as she did so, seeing a young white unicorn stallion with blonde mane and blue eyes. She recognised him, but the suit he wore sitting at the desk made him look… wrong, like he didn’t want to be wearing it. But then she looked underneath at another picture, of the stallion slightly older and standing next to Princess Celestia, and Dinky let out a gasp of surprise as Twist nodded.

“Yeth, we had a princth buy uth ice creamth. Mithter Blue ith Princth Blueblood!”

A giddy feeling crept up the young unicorn’s back, a grin coming to her face as her horn glowed. Using a spare sheet of paper, she rapidly, but not neatly, copied the description down, then tried to copy a picture.

Her first couple of attempts failed, and she squeaked in surprise as another sheet of paper was slid in front of her, a near perfect copy of the images upon it. Dinky looked up to see who had passed it to her, blinking slowly as Pip scuffed a hoof on the floor and looked to the ceiling.

“You… um looked like you were having trouble. I hope you don’t mind.”

Dinky gave a delighted squeal as she darted forward and wrapped her hooves around Pip’s neck, and it took the flash of a camera going off to make her realise what she was doing. Twist and Rumble were snickering to the side, but they weren’t the only ones that saw.

“Oh look, Silver Spoon, little Dinky has found a coltfriend. A useless filly for a useless colt.”

“I know, Diamond. Let’s just hope they keep well away from us better ponies.”

Dinky tried to take her hooves away from Pip, but he held her in place as he glared at the two earth ponies that had just appeared. He could feel Dinky shaking, his anger rising because his friend was upset, yet his reply was calm and cold.

“Dinky has more worth than both of you put together. The only reason you’re well liked, Diamond, is because your father’s business brings a lot of money to the other foal’s families. And Silver Spoon… I don’t even know what your parents do. Face it, you two are nothing on your own.”

Twist and Rumble looked on in shock as Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon fought for something to say, but the pair just turned and walked away with their muzzles high. Pip waited until they were gone before pulling away from Dinky. He was about to ask if she was okay, but she spoke first.

“Thank you, Pip.”

Dinky moved with a blur, Pip holding a forehoof to his cheek where the filly that was now bouncing away had kissed him. He remained standing there for a few moments, just blinking, before turning towards Rumble and Twist with reddening cheeks.

Making the wise decision not to open himself up for teasing, Pip went to pick up his clipboard when he noticed it had gone missing. He looked around the floor for a few moments then glanced to where Dinky had returned to the section that held the information they were after, two clipboards held by her magic.

Rumble and Twist moved back to where they were working, whilst Pip slowly walked over to where Dinky was sitting, the unicorn humming happily. Swallowing nervously, the colt sat down quietly next to her as the twin quills in her magic scratched away, leaving matching trails of ink on the papers.

Edging his hoof closer, Pip froze when it hit Dinky’s, and she turned to look at him. Fearing that he had made her angry, Pip went to apologise, but Dinky just giggled and leaned into his side. There they remained, Pip occasionally helping when Dinky couldn’t find an answer, but otherwise silence settled over the young foals.

As he opened the door of the library, Blueblood was greeted by the sun’s rays shining down upon him. Taking a whiff of the fresh air, he began walking towards the market place, hoping to find more clues on the mare he was looking for.

“Blue!” Twilight called out to him, just before he ventured any further. “Where are you going?” Twilight asked him curiously, but had a faint idea of what he was going to do.

“I’m just going for a quick walk around the town.” Blueblood answered her plainly, giving off a light smile to Twilight.

Twilight cocked her head for a moment before blinking twice as she took in his answer. “Why don’t I come with you? I could show you around and maybe we could look for her toget—” Blueblood raised his hoof to stop Twilight from finishing her sentence.

“I appreciate your willingness to help me, but you have more important matters to deal with at the moment…” Blueblood informed Twilight, knowing about her studies and her new roles as a princess of Equestria. “You don’t want to leave all the work to your little boy now, do you?” Blueblood asked her as he smirked, receiving a nervous giggle from Twilight as she rubbed the back of her head in embarrassment.

“Oh alright,” Twilight replied as she sighed in defeat. “Have fun, at least…”

Blueblood waved to Twilight as he nodded. “Will do, see you later.” With that, Blueblood marched onwards to his destination. It sure is beautiful here… Blueblood thought to himself as he walked past through the road leading to the market, seeing all the variety of flowers in the gardens he passed along. I wonder what kind of flowers she likes?

“Darnit!”

As he was pulled out of his reverie abruptly, Blueblood saw the sight of an elderly mare pulling a cart with all her strength. Or at least, she was trying to. The sweat on her forehead was abundant as she pulled hard to get the cart moving, but it hardly budged to her will.

“Excuse me,” Blueblood immediately walked towards her, both shocked and amazed what this frail old mare was trying to do. “Excuse me, madam… but do you—”

“That’s Granny Smith to you, youngling!” Granny Smith replied proudly, coughing a little when she spoke her words.

Blueblood only nodded in response. When in Ponyville… “Granny Smith, do you need some help with that?” Blueblood asked politely as he pointed to the cart Granny Smith was pulling.

“Well ain’t that sweet of you!” Granny Smith chuckled as she unhooked the contraption from her back. “With my grandchildren out on deliveries, Ah thought Ah had to do all the work by myself today!” Granny stretched her legs, emitting cracks from the bones inside. “Ain’t seen ya around here… what’s yer name Sugar?”

“Blue.”

“Well the name suits ya, Ah’d say. Definitely came outta the blue to help a mare out.” Granny Smith cackled as she and Blueblood came to a stop just shy of the markets. Turning to her saddlebag, she pulled out a shopping list before inspecting it thoroughly. Squinting her eyes a little, she let out a groan just as she grabbed a pair of reading glasses from her bag. Old age! “Well, looks like we got our work cut out fer us!” Granny Smith beamed at Blueblood, who was still standing with the cart harnessed to his back. “Still think ya can help me out fer today, Blue?”

Blueblood shrugged as he smiled at Granny Smith. “I don’t see why not?” Besides, how difficult can it be?

My back is killing me!

After finally leaving the market square, Blueblood was now struggling to pull the loaded cart strapped to his back. Even though he was beginning to feel the strain, he tried his best to hide pain that was coursing through his body.

“Ya alrigh’ there youngin’?” Granny Smith asked Blueblood softly as she walked next to him, becoming slightly concerned.

Blueblood forced a laugh as he was clenching his teeth, wiping the sweat off his forehead before speaking. “I’m alright, thank you…” he trailed off as he looked towards the road they were now walking on. “How far is your destination from here?”

“Right there Sugar.” Granny pointed to the entrance of Sweet Apple Acres, with the red farmhouse coming into view. “Say. Ah never asked… ya like apples?” Granny asked Blueblood curiously as they neared the front door of the house.

“Well, apples are my favourite fruit,” Blueblood answered her honestly, but couldn’t help frown a little as he was reminded of a stunt he pulled back at a certain gala a few years ago. That took my best acting, considering how delicious those treats were...

Granny Smith cackled as Blueblood finished his words, helping him unbuckle the straps on his back. “Well, yer in luck… Ah’m making Apple Pie fer lunch today,” she leaned into Blueblood’s ears, giggling a little before speaking. “Recipe Ah haven’t taught my grandchildren yet.”

Reminds me of a certain butler I know. Blueblood thought to himself, being reminded of Wise Words and his special tea recipe, one which he hadn’t taught Blueblood yet. “So, um… Granny Smith?” Blueblood cleared his throat as he spoke. “Anything else you need help with?”

“Well ain’t ya sweet as a sugar cane,” Granny winked at Blueblood as she tittered. “Why don’t ya get some apples from me fer making some pie?” She pointed to the orchard, before giving him a basket that he took hold with his magic. “Also, some eggs from the chicken coup will be needed,” she handed him a carton for carrying the eggs. “And some milk from the ladies over there.” Granny finished as she placed a dairy milk can in front of him.

Blueblood cocked his brow a little as he looked to the equipment he was given, feeling a little dreaded with the new tasks. Well, it surely can’t be anymore difficult than dragging a cart from the market to here… “Right, I’ll first get the apples for you.” Blueblood replied as he picked the basket up from the ground before turning to face the acres and scanning it with squinted eyes. “Which trees are ripe at the moment?”

“Pick any, they all bear perfect apples. Just need to give the right buck.” Granny Smith told Blueblood as he went towards the orchard. “Good luck.” Granny waved him off before she went inside to the kitchen. Ah wonder if I should have told him about the Zap Apple Trees?

Reminder to self; stay away from dark apple trees.

Blueblood walked towards the other side of the orchard that wasn’t mysteriously covered in clouds, where the trees looked healthier. His coat was slightly sizzled and his mane was standing on end from trying to buck an apple tree that gave him a shock rather than fruits.

Coming to a stop in front of a tree, Blueblood looked up and saw to his delight large red apples dangling from the branches above. Focusing on his magic, he tried to seize the treasures it was bearing, but the aura barely formed around the orb.

Huh? Blueblood was stumped for a moment before trying to concentrate on his magic again, yet it wouldn’t work. I suppose I’m going to have to do this the Earth Pony way. Blueblood thought to himself, snorting a little in amusement as he smiled, remembering a certain letter from Twilight Sparkle about her Winter Wrap Up experience in this town.

Blueblood turned around, rearing his legs to buck the tree as hard as he could. Taking a few deep breaths, he pushed hard against the ground with his arms and kicked even harder with his hind legs on the tree’s base. Only one apple fell onto the grass.

“Oh c’mon!”

Grinding his teeth in frustration, Blueblood once again attempted to buck the tree for the apples it beared, but nothing left the branches. How strong do you have to be get a few apples from these blasted trees?!

After an eternity of kicking the same tree, Blueblood was finally rewarded with a few apples in the basket he was given. Blueblood huffed as he was sweating profoundly, barely able to get the basket strapped to his back. I hope these are enough for apple pies… At least the eggs and milk won’t be as exhausting as this.

I have a newfound respect for farmers across Equestria…

As he limped towards the farmhouse carrying everything he had gathered from his assigned tasks, Blueblood did his best to not let any egg fall to the ground as the basket was balanced on his back, with his mane ruffled and tarnished with feathers. He also made sure not to spill any milk that he had gotten from the cows, who were not very welcoming to a pony who wasn’t an Apple.

Opening the door leading to the kitchen, he found Granny Smith at the oven humming a tone as she was cleaning it thoroughly.

Granny Smith’s ears perked to the sound of hoofsteps behind her, a soft smile forming on her wrinkled face as she turned around. “Oh good, yer finally back. Just put all thei—” Granny gasped when she saw the state Blueblood was in. “Landsakes! What happened to ya?!”

“A few disagreements…” Blueblood mumbled as he placed the eggs, milk and apples on a table adjacent to Granny Smith. Blueblood nodded walking back to the door leading outside. “If that is all, I’ll be on my wa—” He was cut off when he was pulled back by an unknown force, that was revealed to be Granny Smith, the latter’s lips scrunched as she looked down in disapproval at Blueblood.

“Ya go straight upstairs to the bath and get yerself cleaned up!” Granny ordered him, before leaning into his ear. “The bathroom is on the right on top of the stairs.” She whispered to Blueblood, who nodded wordlessly at her. “And after that, ye come downstairs fer some lunch! Ah ain’t leaving any pony hungry, especially when they helped me out on my farm.”

Blueblood paused for a moment before trying to speak. “But Ii—”

“Hush now!” Granny put a hoof to his mouth, smiling warmly as she removed herself slowly. “Ya earned it, now git!” She shooed him off out of the kitchen, seeing him go up the stairs and into the right room. Poor fella, think Ah’ll give him some of the Apple Family Cream fer them bruises… Granny sighed before returning to the oven and looking to the supplies that Blueblood gathered for her. At least these are more then enough fer some good wholesome pie!

As Granny was done making the batter of the pie, she heard the front door of the house opening and closing, the sound of hoofsteps coming towards her. “Granny, Ah’m home!” A familiar voice called out to her, belonging to her granddaughter Applejack.

“Welcome back, Sugar.” Granny greeted Applejack as she placed the batter inside the oven and went over to nuzzle her granddaughter, who barely had a sweat on her yet still looked dishevel from her work. “Yer home mighty early…” Granny commented as Applejack walked towards the sink and poured herself a glass of water.

“Ah hope ye didn’t have a hard time with me and Big Macintosh away on deliveries.”

Granny Smith chuckled as she was beginning to set the table for lunch. “Well today was a lucky day fer me; a nice young stallion came to my rescue and helped me do my shopping. He also got some apples, eggs and milk fer the pie Ah’m baking now.” Granny winked at Applejack, who was tilting her head at Granny’s words. “He’ll be joining us fer lunch too.”

“Where is he?”

“In the bathroom,” Granny replied before sighing and shaking her head. “The youngin’ looked like he went through a hornet’s nest. He most certainly ain’t from Ponyville either…”

Before Applejack could ask any further, her ears perked to the sound of hooves coming from the staircase. When she turned to face the entrance of the kitchen, her jaw became agape when she saw the stallion that helped her grandmother.

Blueblood stared at Applejack for a moment, before waving nervously at her. “Um… Hi.” Blueblood greeted Applejack, feeling a chill course through his body as the mare continued to eye him suspiciously.

“What are ya doing he—” Applejack yelped when Granny started pushing her towards the table, forcing her to sit down before she could finish her sentence.

“Enough chit chat, it’s lunch time!” Granny Smith spoke out loud just as she approached Blueblood. “Blue, you sit over here.” Granny pointed to an empty chair, opposite Applejack.

As he took his seat, he felt the green eyes of Applejack still boring into him from the opposite side. Well, I guess she still remembers that night… Blueblood thought to himself as he looked away from Applejack’s glare, forcing a smile when Granny left them alone.

“So… um,” Blueblood began to speak, pausing as he fiddled with his hooves and looked to every corner of the room. “You sure have a fantastic grandmother.” Blueblood commented as he chuckled, but the laugh died when Applejack continued to stare at him.

“Why are ya here? In Ponyville of all places?” Applejack questioned him in a voice laden with hostility as she continued to leer at him, her teeth starting to grind. Don’t think Ah forgot about ya spitting in my face that night ya vermin!

Blueblood sighed as he sagged his shoulders, resigning to his fate. “I assume you remember that evening?” Blueblood rhetorically asked her, not expecting an answer. “Well about that…”

Dinky and Pip were sitting on one of the museum’s benches, pressed against each other’s side and looking over their work. They had told Miss Cheerilee where they would be, and the teacher had allowed them to scamper off.

They had actually finished working a short time ago, and were now just relaxing in each other’s company. The unicorn filly was pressed against the earth pony colt’s side, her forehooves wrapped around one of his.

Pip’s ear twitched as he heard a strange sound, a frown appearing on his face as he looked around for it. He didn’t see anypony around, and the noise went away, but came back a few moments later. Pip worked out where it was coming from and stared through a doorway, quickly stealing a glance a Dinky, and he decided to find out if he was hearing things.

“Do you hear that?”

Dinky followed Pip’s gaze, looking towards one of the side rooms and perking her ears. She then heard it, the sound of a pony crying, and a glance at the colt next to her showed Dinky he felt the same concern for the upset pony.

Pip was the first to get down from the bench, offering his hoof to help Dinky after him, then they slowly trotted towards the sounds of sobbing. It was coming from a section set years before the part they were studying, and they hadn’t seen any of their classmates in that area, yet they pressed forward.

The room they entered was quite dark, the lights dimmed down, but the sound of the upset pony was close. Dinky shivered as she pressed closer to Pip, but he just looked towards the sounds and cleared his throat.

“Um, hello? Is anypony there?”

A cool blue glow came from one of the corners, and the two foals spotted a unicorn mare, her dark blue coat almost black in the low light. The pair trotted forward slowly, and as they did so, more features came into view, mainly the wings upon the mare’s back, Pip recognizing her immediately.

“P-Princess Luna?”

The mare sniffled a few times, wiping her eyes with a hoof before she lay on the floor so that her head was level with them, increasing the glow from her horn to provide more light. As soon as her gaze fell upon them she gave a sad smile.

Pulling away from Pip, Dinky crept forward, still frightened of the mare from when she visited on Nightmare Night a few years ago. Luna watched with curiosity and the odd sniffle as the filly approached then gasped in surprise as the unicorn threw her forelegs around her neck.

“A princess shouldn’t be left alone when they are sad.”

Pip walked over and joined Dinky from Luna’s other side, the alicorn sitting up and holding them with her forelegs, wrapping her wings around them, just leaving their heads exposed.

“‘tis good to see you, young Pipsqueak.” Pip blushed as Luna nuzzled his cheek, and the alicorn then turned her attention upon the filly. “And whom is your friend?”

“M-my name is Dinky Hooves, your majesty.”

“Dinky Hooves. A pretty name for a pretty filly.”

“Why were you crying, Princess?”

The alicorn gave sigh, using her magic to put the lights back up to the full brightness. As she did so, a range of paintings on the walls came into view, the one she was sat in front of showed both her and Princess Celestia covered in safety gear normally worn by construction ponies, laying a large stone slab onto the ground.

“I come here every so often to remind myself what I have missed for the past thousand years. This is my sister and I laying the foundation of our first castle. It brought memories of happier times forward.”

Luna began sniffing again, Dinky and Pip squeezing her a bit tighter, making her smile once more. Luna started to hum, gently rocking back and forth, not stopping until she heard a snore. Turning the her right, she watched as Dinky moved a forehoof and scratched her muzzle, then shifted her head a little. A glance to Luna’s left showed that Pipsqueak was also asleep.

There the trio remained, the two foals sleeping peacefully with the lunar alicorn, until a rather energetic mare slid into the side room. Her green eyes darted around the room, until they settled on an unusual sight, and she raised a hoof to cover her snickers.

“Um Princess Luna? Could I have my students back now?”

“... and that’s when I decided to come to Ponyville.”

After telling Applejack everything, Blueblood took a few deep breaths as he was trying to remain composed. Closing his eyes for a moment, he opened them again to see Applejack look at him differently. Very differently.

Applejack had removed her signature hat from her head and was holding it against her muzzle as her eyes became moist by Blueblood’s words. She could tell he wasn’t faking the story about how he met the mare of his dreams, nor the love he still had for the said mare. “Gosh… ya really been through a lot?” Applejack asked Blueblood, but received only a slow nod from the stallion before her. Scrunching her lips, she placed the hat next to her before clearing her throat. “Well, Ah can understand now why ya acted like a jerk back then… and Ah forgive ya fer that... but if ya really didn’t like those treats—”

“Oh, believe me when I say this, those treats were the best food at that Gala. Took all my willpower to just get them to leave my mouth.” Blueblood laughed for a moment, surprised that Applejack joined in.

“So, Granny tells me ya helped out on the farm today?” Applejack asked him curiously as she was waiting for her grandmother. What’s taking her so long?

Blueblood groaned before he snorted out a laugh. “Yes… and to be fair, I’m not made for this kind of work.” He told Applejack, still feeling the stinging pain of trying to buck an apple tree without much success.

“Eeyup,” Applejack answered Blueblood, using her brother’s signature phrase whilst trying to imitate him. “It ain’t easy managing a farm this big, but we manage as family.” Applejack winked as she tittered. Her eyes landed on Blueblood’s arms, which were covered in bruises, causing her to flinch for a moment. “I take it the ladies at the barn weren’t welcoming to ya?”

“Not exactly a warm reception.”

“Sorry Ah’m late!” Granny called out as she brought in lunch via dining cart. “Had to look fer some of our cream fer Blue here.” Granny placed a tub of cream right in front of Blueblood before she gave her daughter and guest freshly baked pie. “Well? Dig in!”

The aroma of the delight invaded Blueblood’s nose when he took a whiff of it. He was able to lift a fork with his magic, carefully taking a piece of pie and placing it in his mouth. His eyes immediately dilated as his taste buds were conquered by the delicious treat. This is downright the most delicious apple pie I have ever tasted… I wish Wise Words was here to have a bite of this…

Derpy stared down at the mug between her forehooves, the amber liquid returning her gaze in defiance and offering a challenge. It was the first time in a decade that she had even looked at alcohol, as all it did was remind her of wonderful nights and crushing mornings, yet she was still on her fifth mug.

The pegasus mare sat next to her was on her ninth mug of cider, giving a happy sigh as she set her drink down. Blossomforth glanced sideways at her friend and coworker, sliding closer along the bench and wrapping a forehoof around her shoulders.

“So, you finally gonna tell me about him?”

Taking a deep breath, Derpy picked her mug up and took a deep draught, letting out a belch as she set the drinking vessel on their table, a few other patrons of the tavern looking over. All they received was a deathly glare, before Derpy turned away from them and lay her head upon her friends shoulder.

“He's sweet, caring, and has the most amazing blue eyes I've ever seen. He spent the night ensuring I was happy, and when our gazes met he ignored my eyes, looking at me instead.”

Blossomforth was surprised as Derpy eagerly reached for her drink and downed the rest, then got off of the bench, looking towards the door. She understood, Derpy had said she'd only come for a few, so the white furred mare quickly gulped down her drink and followed Derpy. The stallion behind the bar waved as they made their way to the front door, but Derpy stopped and her ears perked as she caught the conversation at another table.

“...and she hides the bottles from Dinky.”

“She's using her bits from the crown for her booze. Couldn't keep a stallion so now she drowns her sor—”

Nopony in the tavern expected the unicorn mare sat in the booth near the door to be punched full force on the muzzle, nor to be pulled from her seat and thrown to the floor. All conversation ceased and all gazes were drawn to the angrily snorting grey pegasus being held and dragged back by Blossomforth.

“Come on, Derpy, let's go!”

“NO, I WON'T TAKE THIS ANY MORE! I DO EVERYTHING FOR MY DAUGHTER, AND ALL OF MY MONEY GETS SPENT ON HER! I MAY MAKE SMALL MISTAKES, BUT IF ANY OF YOU EVER SAY BAD THINGS ABOUT HOW I TREAT HER, THEN I WILL MAKE YOU SORRY!”

She tried to continue her rant, but Blossomforth had managed to get her outside, where she now had her muzzle buried into Blossomforth's shoulder, sobs escaping into the night air. After a few minutes Blossomforth managed to get Derpy to stand and guided her through the streets to one of the houses.

Derpy was just sniffling as she stepped into the door and into her lounge, Blossomforth following. She frowned when her dejected friend climbed onto the couch and picked up a frame, so she followed and sat next to Derpy, looking at the photo.

“Derpy?”

“This was the happiest day of my life, when I had my little muffin, and it could only have been happier if he was there. Do... do you think he ever thinks about me?”

Offering a silent prayer for skipping out on the date with her potential coltfriend, Blossomforth pulled Derpy into a near bone crushing hug, giving her a supportive nuzzle.

“I'm sure he does, and if he doesn't then I'm going to kick his flank from here to Vanhoover.” A warm feeling welled up inside Blossomforth as Derpy giggled, setting the photograph back down and returning the hug. “So I gotta ask, what would you do if you ever saw him again?”

“I... I don't know. But he's the only stallion I've ever felt comfortable around. I... think I still love him, and I hope he still feels something for me.”

Blossomforth felt Derpy wiggling a little, and soft snores followed moments later. She was surprised to even persuade her friend to join her, as Derpy had worked double shift that day, so she must have been exhausted before they even left for the bar.

Carefully cradling the snoozing mare in her forehooves, Blossomforth carried Derpy to her room and set her down gently on the bed, pulling the covers over her friend. She planted a friendly kiss on her cheek then returned to the lounge, curling up on the couch like she had done on many a night where she was too drunk to fly to her cloudhome.

Who ever the hay you are, get your flank to Ponyville.

Side Stories 1: A Tremor in Ponyville.

Having a dead end job with no promotional prospects is enough to make anypony come to loathe the place they used to love. Which is why one young stallion got all of his bits, packed everything he owned, and waved goodbye to his parents. Once at the train station, he purchased a ticket that would get him and his belongings as far as possible.

He didn’t expect it to be on the other side of the country, a week’s journey by train to a village that, to him, was a stone’s throw away from the capital. The ticket price included meals for his trip as well. On the way, he read what information he could about the town, finding the name to be quite pleasant. Ponyville… new town, new start.

“...And zis is where you’ll be working for the time being. Any questions?” Aloe asked as she turned to face the young earth pony she was showing around the spa. He had come into the building seeking a job, carrying a Body and Spa Therapy diploma from the University of Vanhoover, so Aloe and her sister took him on for a trial period. Seeing there was no answer to her enquiry, Aloe gave the stallion a smile and stepped towards the door. “Your first client will be ready shortly, be gentle with ‘er.”

It wasn’t until the door clicked shut that the stallion moved, even if it was just his ear flicking, as he stared at the door on the opposite wall. A day’s trial without an interview! I haven’t even unpacked fully yet! he thought to himself, his hoof tapping nervously against the floor. And they’ve given me, from the sounds of it, a tough customer!

“Um… hello?”

Upon hearing the voice, the stallion focused on the other side of the bed, seeing a large bath commanding the area in which it had been situated. Looking over the rim was a yellow furred mare with her wet pink mane hanging around her face, her bright cyan eyes focused on the stallion who seemed frozen in place.

Am I in the right room? They… want me to treat such a beautiful mare on my first day!?!?

“It’s okay… I won’t, um, bite,” the mare said as she climbed from the tub, a convenient cloud of steam from the sauna hiding her as she slipped into a white robe. Walking past where the stallion was stood, his eyes followed her as she made her way over to the massage tables and hopped up.

“Oh Fluttershy, he’s like a rabbit caught in a carrot field at night.”

It was then the stallion noticed two more ponies in the room, a female unicorn who was already being massaged, and another earth pony stallion who was performing it. The mare from the tub jumped up onto a table next to the unicorn, laying down and looking at the new employee expectantly.

He slowly trotted over, swallowing the lump that had formed in his throat before speaking. “Uh… m-my name is T-T-Tremor, and I’ll be your m-masseuse for today.” He gave the mare a weak smile, and she then slid the robe down her back, revealing a pair of butter yellow wings. Taking the robe and placing it on a hook on the wall, Tremor took a moment to calm his nerves, then turned back to his first client.

“Could you, um concentrate on my wings please?” the mare asked, fluttering said appendages to the side and stretching them out. “They’ve been a little tense lately.” Giving her a nod, Tremor stepped to her right side and took the wing between his fore hooves, kneading at the lead join very gently. “Um… a little harder, if that’s okay with you?”

Well, he was there to give the clients what they wanted, so Tremor pressed on the muscle much firmer, a groan coming from the mare as he began to smooth out the knots. The world around him faded, and soon it was the him and the client, the mare moaning happily as he eased the tension in her body.

Once he was done with the right wing, he moved to the other side of the table and took the left wing in his grasp, starting off firmly on this one. Because he did so, it didn’t take Tremor as long to clear the wing of its knots, and he moved his hooves onto the primary flying muscles on her back.

Any and all tension returned as soon as he pressed down, the mare jumping up on the table with her wings spread wide, a bright blush on her face. Seeing what he did, Tremor panicked, trotting in place.

“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to!” With that, he turned and ran for the employees’ area, not looking back. He nearly slammed into his locker, but managed to stop just in front of it, his shaking hoof reaching to open the door. “You idiot! First day and you do something that means you’ll have to move!” After getting his saddlebags out and slipping them on, Tremor slammed the locker door shut, turning to leave when he jumped back with a yelp, as the pegasus mare was stood in front of him.

“Are you okay?” she asked, giving him a small smile.

“Y-yes… I-I’m fine,” Tremor replied, shaking lightly. Why is she in here? Has she already called the guards?

“I… I’m sorry,” came a quiet voice, which made Tremor frown as he looked at the mare, seeing tears brimming in her eyes. “It’s just… b-been some time since somepony touched me like that. Please… c-come back and try again?”

Tremor had no defense whatsoever against the pleading gaze he was being given, and he wordlessly slipped his saddlebags off then placed them back into his locker. Giving the mare a nod, Tremor followed her back to the treatment room, where he noticed the unicorn mare watching him with a coy smile, whilst the other attendee just raised an eyebrow at him.

Ignoring them, he returned to the table with the pegasus mare and waited for her to jump up, then placed his hooves on her back once more. “A-are you ready now?” Seeing the mare nod, Tremor pushed his hooves down, running them over the taut muscles, thankfully without the same reaction as last time, a small smile coming to his face as he continue the gentle massage.

When he was finished, Tremor looked down to speak to the mare but no words came when he saw her eyes closed and her chest expanded and contract slowly. Having never been taught what to do when a client fell asleep on him, Tremor turned to ask the other stallion what he should do, but both he and the other mare had disappeared.

Seeing that the other attendant had placed his cart away, Tremor went about packing his up, ensuring to remain quiet as not to disturb the slumbering mare. He pushed his cart into the storage closet, and when he returned to the main room he found the unicorn mare gently shaking his client awake.

The pegasus stretched out and yawned loudly, then gasped when the unicorn whispered into her ear. She got down from the bed and the pair left the room. Tremor glanced at the clock, seeing it was almost closing time, and that meant there shouldn’t be any more ponies coming in today.

Moving to another closet, Tremor grabbed a bucket and placed it under a hot tap, turning the water on. He added a little disinfectant, and once it was full, picked up a mop and moved into the main room. He started near the customers’ entrance, working his way slowly back to the storage closet.

After pouring the now dirty water away, Tremor closed the door to the treatment room and walked out another, which led to the staff lockers. Aloe and Lotus were letting their manes down, quite literally, as they removed their headbands, but there was no sign of the other stallion.

Giving a shrug, Tremor went to his locker and retrieved his saddlebags, turning to ask the twins what they thought, but they had already vacated the room. Now thoroughly confused, Tremor made his way down the employee only area the the office, where he found the other stallion sat behind a desk. Tremor gave a knock on the door, causing him to look up.

“Ah, the new colt,” the stallion said with smile, gesturing to an empty chair and waiting for Tremor to sit down before continuing. “I was a little concerned when Lotus came and told me about you. After all, you worked in a convenience store for three years after college, so I didn’t think you’d remember much…”

Tremor’s heart sank a little, a voice in the back of his head telling him how much of a mistake it was just leaving home like that.

“Having said that, the way you handled the situation with Miss Shy… very professional. Even Aloe and Lotus haven’t managed to send her to sleep. To that end, welcome to the team at Ponyville Day Spa.” The stallion held his hoof across the desk, letting the news sink in for a moment.

When it did, Tremor reached up with his own hoof and they shook, both ponies now smiling. Standing from his seat, Tremor went to leave when he suddenly realised something, turning back to the other stallion. “Um, when do you want me to start proper, Mr…?”

“Just call me Quake. And come in for eight am tomorrow. We’ll get you sorted with a proper orientation then.”

“Okay, and thank you for the opportunity.”

“You’re welcome, see you tomorrow.” Quake watched Tremor go, then gave a chuckle as he returned to going over the Spa’s takings for the day. Finally, I can take that vacation with that colt here… and I wonder if he’ll be Miss Shy’s personal masseuse. Celestia knows I’m too heavy hoofed for it, but that colt… he has a gift.

The first attempt had gone poorly, Fluttershy’s friend Rarity answering the door instead of the pegasus, and Tremor bolted, leaving the box of cream centered chocolates outside the door. The second one went even worse, Tremor needing a few days in hospital after falling down a bank into a massive thorn bush after a bear had chased him away from the lonesome cottage.

Attempt three he didn’t even want to remember and four... he gave up after seeing a few stallions in a scuffle over who was taking the mare out on that particular Hearts and Hooves day. In the end, they all got scolded by her and told in no uncertain terms to leave. That was nearly an exact year ago… and today was attempt number five.

Well, not so much as an attempt, as when Fluttershy and Rarity were leaving the spa the other day he kind of blurted out his thoughts, asking the pegasus out to dinner. He was quite shocked when she said yes, so distracted that Quake decided his best use for the rest of the day would be to ‘keep an eye on the lotions’; in other words, stick him in the back room until closing time.

That was two days ago, and now Tremor was dressed in a well fitting tuxedo courtesy of Miss Rarity, sitting outside the single cottage on the outskirts of Ponyville as he gave a solid knock on the door. He heard shuffling inside the house, but guessed it was one of the many animals he had seen there, so he took the moment to check the item that lay in his hooves; a bunch of fresh sunflowers, and he hoped that she’d understand the meaning behind them.

Several minutes passed, and the nerves he had been fighting down all day returned even stronger. Hearing the door’s latch come undone made Tremor snap out of the daydreaming he didn’t even know he was doing, the wooden portal slowly drawing back to reveal a picture of pure beauty that made his eyes go wide.

The front of Fluttershy’s mane, which was usually left hanging down and covering an eye, had been brushed to the side of her face with the end put into a curl, whilst the back had been place into a bun with white wings weave in. As the door opened further, the mare was revealed to be wearing a sky blue dress with leaf-like green trim and collar, completed by a pink butterfly over her chest.

Taking a deep breath, Fluttershy opened her eyes to gauge Tremor’s reaction, but the words that escaped her lips were not the same as her thoughts. “Um… I hope they tasted nice…”

“What did?” Only then did Tremor look to the sunflowers, only one of which still remained, and then he became aware of something stuck in his teeth. After seeing Fluttershy in such a radiant state, most would not find it possible for a pony’s eyes to go wider, yet Tremor’s did so as the full implication hit him. “Oh Faust… I’m sorry… I’ve ruined it before we even left.”

He dropped his gaze to the floor, but the sound of demure giggling made his ear flicker, and a hoof was placed under his muzzle, lifting it back up to see the mare smiling at him. “It’s fine, really. Um… I appreciate the thought.”

“Are you sure?” Tremor asked as he looked from the single flower to the mare and back. Giving him a smile, Fluttershy stepped forward and lowered her muzzle, cyan eyes sparkling with playfulness as she ate the last flower. She then took the stems from his hoof and threw them to a flower bed, where several insects surfaced and started to eat the leftovers.

“Shall we?” Fluttershy suggested, Tremor giving a nod and together they left the cottage behind. Tremor was going to book a table at one of Ponyville’s two posh restaurants, but thanks to a timely intervention from Rarity he saved quite a few bits, and instead of leading the mare into the town proper, their path took them to the edge of the Whitetail Woods.

“Um, Miss Fluttershy, could you close your eyes?” Tremor asked, the mare stopping in confusion. “I don’t me it like that! I just don’t… want to ruin the surprise is all.” Fluttershy gave him a nod and did as ask, feeling him take her hoof in his. They walked up one of the small rises, Fluttershy aware they didn’t descend at all, and a moment later they stopped moving. “Okay… you can open them now.”

When she did, Fluttershy let out a gasp of surprise at what she saw. Any other time, the checkered blanket and wicker basket would look normal, but the corners of the blanket were pulled taught by four posts, which were lodged into the ground and held three candles each.

Turning to the stallion at her side, Fluttershy, uncharacteristically for her, leaned in and gave Tremor’s cheek a gentle nuzzle, causing him to blush slightly. Giving a giggle when she pulled away, she followed his outstretched forehoof’s invitation to sit down.

The conversation was very minimal as they ate, as the two had known each other so long that the silence was both tolerable and enjoyable. As he looked around, Tremor noticed something was missing, then pulled out a bottle filled with dark liquid, a picture of an bipedal canine on the front.

“Is that…” Fluttershy blurted out as she moved closer to Tremor, not taking notice of the fact her side was pressed against his as she looked at the label. “It is! Canidian cabernet sauvignon! Where did you get this?” she asked, turning to face the stallion as he looked to her, their snoots bumping together.

“M-my parents sent it,” Tremor replied, his eyes lost in the shimmering cyan pools that stared back. Somehow mustering the courage to look away, Tremor popped the cork and filled two glasses halfway, offering one to the mare. “Have you had it before?” he asked, secretly happy that they had something new to converse about.

“Oh, no,” Fluttershy said quietly. “It’s very rare to get in the parts of Equestria nearest to Canida, so to see it here in Ponyville…” Instead of picking up her glass, Fluttershy leaned forward and lightly pecked Tremor’s cheek, giggling like a schoolfilly as the stallion went doe-eyed. She took a sip of her drink, then, whilst Tremor was still in a state of slight shock, shifted on the blanket so that she was against his side once more. “Thank you for sharing it with me.”

Tremor just nodded, the pair continuing with their meal. If one were to ask either of them how they were feeling at that moment, they’d get a reply of jumbled up words that made no sense to any but the speaker. Now he had something to talk to her about that he didn’t already know, conversation came easily. “So, you have an appreciation for fine wines?”

“Mmmhm,” came the reply as Fluttershy tucked into a slice of apple pie, washing it down with another sip of the wine. Silence hung in the air once more as Tremor tried to think of more wine related conversation, but the fluttering of Fluttershy’s wings drew his attention.

“How are they feeling?” he asked. “I saw you out there with the other pegasi creating the tornado, which is why I gave your wings extra attention during your last spa trip.”

“And you did an amazing job,” Fluttershy replied, letting her wings stretch out before she folded them back against her body. The mare then let out a gasp as the setting sun signaled it was time for the local firefly population to come out, Fluttershy watching with a smile.

Even though the mare was now distracted from their reason of being there, Tremor couldn’t bring himself to do anything that would make the serene look upon her face disappear, so he watched as the luminous bugs flitted about the sky as well.

They lay there for what seemed like half an hour when in reality two had gone by, Tremor only noticing when the light from the candles went out. Shaking his head, he turned to ask if Fluttershy wanted to do anything else that night, but she wasn’t next to him. He then became aware of something on his forelegs, and he looked down to find the mare’s head there, her eyes closed.

He shifted a leg slightly, causing the mare to stir, her eyes fluttering open slowly. “Oh… I drifted off. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be,” Tremor said with a smile. She stretched out and then rolled over, getting to her hooves, followed a moment later by the stallion. “Would you like me to walk you home, Miss Fluttershy?”

“That would be lovely, thank you,” she replied, looking around. “But what about all of this stuff?”

“Oh, it’ll be fine until tomorrow,” Tremor said with a shrug. “Mac will help me take it down then.” Fluttershy gave him a nod, knowing the two had become fast friends in a town that was mainly populated by mares, then helped him pack away what little food they didn’t eat back into the basket. “Well then, shall we?”

Giving him another nod, Fluttershy and Tremor began their walk back to her cottage, pressed against each other’s side. It didn’t take long for them to get there, Fluttershy giving a giggle when she saw the door open with a white bunny tapping its foot, arms crossed as it glared at her.

“Oh Angel, you knew I was going out,” Fluttershy said, leaning down to nuzzle the upset rabbit.

Standing up and turning around, Fluttershy leaned in and pressed her lips softly to Tremor’s, the stallion bringing a hoof up to stroke her cheek. Neither one wanted to break the kiss, but they had to breathe at some point, and the stallion was the first to need air, so he pulled away gently and beheld the beaming mare.

“I, um, had a wonderful time tonight, Tremor,” Fluttershy said, turning her head to the side slightly. “I… would… you like to do it again, perhaps at the weekend?” she asked.

“S-sure, I’d love to,” Tremor replied. Fluttershy darted forward for one last soft kiss before she closed the door. She then made her way up to her room whilst humming happily, stripped from her dress, and flopped onto her bed with a happy sigh.

Outside, a giddy stallion slowly began his trek back into town, a dopey smile on his face..

Where is she? Tremor thought to himself as he tried to locate his marefriend of two years in Sugarcube Corner, which had a constant stream of Ponyville’s population going in and out. The stallion was both surprised and impressed by Pinkie Pie’s ability to host and organize a party at a moment’s notice, yet he wondered if his marefriend was even present at the party.

I know she was feeling ill a few days ago and I insisted on her going to see a doctor… I just hope the diagnosis isn’t something terrible… Tremor grabbed two glasses of punch, balancing them on his back as he moved to where he had spotted a free chair in one corner, placing the glasses on a table. I guess it could be an injured animal or something… I’ll give her a few more minutes.

He watched as a grey pegasus mare led a white unicorn stallion through the crowd, and he was just about to reach for a drink when somepony jumped into his lap. After the momentary shock wore off, he found himself staring into the sparkling cyan eyes of his marefried. “Hey, Fluttershy,” he greeted her as he wrapped his forelegs around her back, one hoof stroking a wing.

“Hi Tremor,” Fluttershy replied before she slowly closed her eyes and leaned into his muzzle, where she planted her lips against the stallion’s. After a few moments of softly kissing him, the mare parted her lips and slid her tongue between his, dancing it across his teeth. She begged for entry, which he granted her after resisting a few moments.

Fluttershy’s wings began to spread wide once her tongue began to caress his, causing her to moan softly as she continued. I wonder what Rainbow Dash would think if she saw me like this… As she removed herself from her stallion to regain her breath, the mare placed her hoof on her stallion’s cheek before she leaned her mouth to his ear. “I want to show you something.” she whispered. “At my cottage.”

“Okay…” Tremor replied as Fluttershy got up from his lap and he stood up from his seat. Before he knew it, he was dragged by his marefriend towards the exit of the bakery. The stallion swore he felt a pair of eyes glaring at him from behind, but he was too scared to look back at who might have been staring at him.

Once they were outside, they began to trot towards the mare’s cottage. Even with a party going on, there were still a number of ponies out and about in Ponyville tending to the last of their work or merely relaxing in the early evening sun.

As they approached the cottage after crossing the bridge, Fluttershy and Tremor were about to open the door when it was opened violently from the inside, causing the pegasus to gasp before she looked down to see Angel Bunny on the opposite end.

Fluttershy cocked her brow a little before she widened her eyes in realization. “Oh dear, I forgot about dinner for my friends!” the pegasus exclaimed as she flew to the kitchen, returning shortly afterwards with a large bag of animal feed, which she distributed in numerous bowls that were littering the floor. “Dinner time!” she called out to the animals, who immediately rushed to their food and began devouring it.

Still amazes me how many animals live here...Tremor’s thoughts were cut off when Fluttershy flew over to him and pointed her hoof to the living room. As he gave a nod in acknowledgement, both he and the pegasus made their way to the other room, where it was surprisingly quiet. “So, what do you want to show me, Shy?” he asked when he took a seat on the couch.

Just as he sat down, Fluttershy gave him a large envelope before she placed herself next to him. Tremor looked at his beaming marefriend, giving a shrug before he opened the package and took out the contents. What he saw was an x-ray picture of some sort, though it didn’t show any bones. Instead, the image was cropped into a triangular shape, with a circle marked on and a tiny spot located in the sphere.

Wait… Tremor’s brained clicked the pieces together, causing him to sharply turn his head to Fluttershy. “Are you—”

“I’m pregnant with your foal Tremor…” Fluttershy replied as she smiled softly with her eyes becoming moist. The smile slowly faded away when she looked at her coltfriend’s reaction, which was utter silence and an unfocused gaze.

I’m… she’s… we’re…. having a foal?! Tremor’s pupils dilated as the last word was being processed in his mind, with a lump forming in his throat that he quickly swallowed before turning to Fluttershy. His shock immediately turned to concern when he saw her ears splayed backwards and her lips quivering.

“I…” Fluttershy sniffed as her eyes began to leak. I thought he would be happy about me having his foal… “I’m so sorry about all this…” the pegasus whimpered.

“Fluttershy, that’s not—” Tremor’s words ceased when his marefriend flew off from her couch and dashed towards her room, before she slammed the door shut. The stallion felt a sharp pain on the back of his head, causing him to turn around and Angel giving him an intense glare. Me and my stupidity!

Tremor walked up the stairs and stood outside the door of his marefriend’s bedroom. The stallion swore he could have heard her crying, but the sound was muffled by the closed door. “Fluttershy?” he called out to her.

“Just… go away…” Fluttershy replied from the other side, her weeping continuing as she remained in her room. “I’m so sorry about all this… I should have told you sooner…” she continued.

“Fluttershy… I’m not leaving you like this.” Tremor said as he rested a hoof against the door. “I was just surprised by the news, you know how I get with big surprises.” he spoke as he stared at the door, as though he was trying to see through it.

“You must hate me now, because of—”

“No! Faust no!” Tremor interrupted outloud, his own eyes starting to tear up from the mere thought of his mare believing he hated her. “Fluttershy, I could never and I will never despise you.” the stallion said as he leaned his head against the door. “Look, I was just surprised by all this… but this is actually wonderful.”

A moment of silence reigned down upon the cottage until Fluttershy sniffed again. “Really?”

Tremor nodded, even though it was futile with the door still closed. “Really… I mean, I came to Ponyville to have new beginning in life. But I didn’t think that in staying here I would fall in love, especially to a beautiful mare like you Fluttershy... “ the stallion continued, a small smile forming on his face. “Being with you is the best thing to have happened in my life… and it will be even better with our foal…” the stallion paused when he heard hoofsteps coming towards him, and the door slowly opened to show a bloodshot eye before widening enough to reveal the cream pegasus with a smile and teary eyes.

“Tremor…” Fluttershy said, pulling him into her room and wrapped her hooves around his neck before passionately kissing. “You really mean it?” she asked him after separating from him, receiving a nod from her special somepony.

“Absolutely,” Tremor planted his lips on Fluttershy’s nose before he leaned down to his marefriend’s stomach and softly kissed it before planting his ear to it. “And even though I’m a little scared, I’m happy to be the father of our foal.”

That was all Fluttershy needed to hear from him, as she pulled him up to her muzzle and connected to his again. As she was furiously kissing him, she again placed her arms around his neck and dragged him to her bed before both of them fell onto it, with her straddling him.

“Shouldn’t we head back to the party?” Tremor asked Fluttershy, his cheeks burned when Fluttershy lightly bit his neck.

Fluttershy began to nuzzle Tremor before she giggled softly, albeit mischievously. “I don’t think I want to go back to the party now with me looking like this.” she pointed to her face that was still tear stained. “Besides, I have an idea of how to celebrate the start of our family.” she said as she lowered her head and linked her lips to his and moaned in pleasure to the touch of her stallion's lips that caressed hers.

Just as Fluttershy began with her affectionate actions, Tremor returned the gesture in kind by stroking his marefriend’s wings and eventually flipping her over to have her on her back. Once he was on top, he grinned at the pegasus who wore a demure smile as a blush formed on her face.

I didn’t even know who the party was for anyways…

This is very… awkward…

In one of the compartments of the Canterlot bound train, Tremor sat next to Fluttershy, who was sleeping with her head rested firmly on his shoulder with his arm around her. Even though the embrace of his marefriend was more than welcoming to him, the scowling eyes of the cyan mare across from him sent shivers down his spine. I guess she hasn’t told her friends everything yet…

When they were nearing the city, Pinkie Pie opened the window of their compartment and poked her head outside, beaming as the train came closer to their destination. “I can’t wait for the Gala tonight!” she shouted out before cheering.

Thanks to the noise made by the pink mare, Fluttershy’s eyes hesitantly opened as she woke up and lifted her head from Tremor’s shoulder. “Are we there?” she asked as she rubbed her eyes and yawned.

“Yeah, we’re here.” Rainbow Dash replied, her eyes never leaving Tremor’s.

“Oh good,” Fluttershy said as a carnivorous growl came from her stomach. “Oh my, Tremor,” she turned her attention to the stallion. “Do we still have something in our lunch basket?” she asked him.

Tremor reached for the luggage that rested on top and pulled out a small box. Once he took his seat again, he scanned the contents before looking back at Fluttershy. “We just have marshmallows and mustard left.” he answered her, scrunching his lips as he knew what was coming next.

“Perfect!” Fluttershy took hold of the marshmallows and dipped each one in mustard, devouring them as quickly as she could. When she was finished, the mare noticed Rainbow gag at what she was doing. “What’s wrong?”

“Why the hay are you eating that?” Rainbow questioned as she pointed to the lunchbox and looked at it as though it were something very contagious. Before she could enquire any further, Pinkie Pie’s jumped out of her seat with a cheer.

“We’re here!” Pinkie shouted out as the train made a screeching noise and slowed down to a halt. She grabbed her own bags from above and threw Rainbow’s to her friend. “Catch Dashie!” she called out as she dropped the saddlebag, the pegasus having little time to react as she barely caught the object.

Tremor reached for his and marefriend’s luggage and opted to carry both of theirs. “Thank you.” Fluttershy whispered, planting her lips to his cheeks. Once she removed them, her ears flickered to the sound of Pinkie admiring the couple before her.

“Aww… you two are so cute together!” Pinkie Pie said, strapping her saddlebag to her back. “Race ya to the entrance!” she called out as she ran ahead, gaining a head start of the three remaining ponies.

Here we go… “Wait! Pinkie!” Rainbow shouted before she ran out of the cart, with Fluttershy and Tremor following her lead.

“So, what would like to do now?” Fluttershy asked Tremor as she leaned against her stallion whilst walking to the exit of the train station.

Tremor looked upwards for a moment before he turned his attention to Fluttershy. “Well, I suppose we could—” his words were cut off when Pinkie Pie suddenly appeared right between the couple.

“Tremy, I wanted to spend some time with Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash if that’s okay with you?” Pinkie asked as she smiled softly and moistened her eyes to resemble that of a puppy’s.

As he looked over Pinkie’s shoulder, he saw the tender smile of his marefriend, who gave him a nod before he answered. “Sure thing, Fluttershy and I will have lots of time tonight at the gala.” he said, covering his ears with his hooves when Pinkie cheered.

“Yay! We’ll see you at the castle Tremy!” Pinkie said, pushing Fluttershy against the stallion. “Now kiss and say ‘see you later’.” she giggled when she saw the blushes of the couple as she hopped to where Rainbow Dash was standing.

Both stallion and mare tittered as Tremor rubbed the back of his head, before his cheeks burned red again thanks to Fluttershy kissing him on his lips.

“I’ll see you at the castle, Tremor.”

“You too, Shy.” Tremor replied as he returned the gestured, keeping his lips connected to hers for a few moments before letting go and both walking to separate destinations with the mare simultaneously blushing and giggling.

When he was outside of the train station, Tremor took out his wallet from his saddlebag and took a look at how many bits he had. He sighed before he placed the woven wallet back inside, and started to walk towards the stores that were littered around Canterlot.

Hopefully it’s enough…

Why the hay is everything so expensive!?

Walking out of the latest jewelry store with his head hung low in defeat, Tremor sighed as he looked for any other jewelers that might be in his price range. What was I thinking coming to Canterlot with just a hundred bits? he thought to himself as he was walking towards the main road leading to the castle, only stopping when his eye caught the glare of a signboard.

Precious Little Rocks… Tremor read the sign that was decorated with silver paint and golden words. “Might as well,” he said as he shrugged, trotting to the rather small store that was dwarfed by the others next to it. When he was about to open the door, it blasted open in his face with an amber unicorn mare marching out as she huffed with a snarl on her face.

“Of all the jewelers in Canterlot! Who dares refuse money from a noble like me?!” she barked to herself as she cantered pasted a stunned Tremor who was lying on the floor, pressing his hooves against his sore nose.

Another unicorn mare, this time with platinum coat, stepped outside. “What a rude wench…” she said as she gazed at where the amber unicorn walked to. Her eyes trailed downwards until they landed on Tremor. “Oh my! I-I’m so sorry about that mare. Here, let me help you up.” she used her magic and helped the stallion back up to his hooves. “Do you need a bandage?”

“No thank you,” Tremor replied meekly as he finished massaging his nose.

“What may I help you with, Mr…?”

“Tremor, my name’s Tremor…” the stallion introduced himself to the platinum mare.

The mare nodded at Tremor as a friendly smile graced her face. “My name is Platinum, co-owner of Precious Little Rocks and master jeweler.” she said as she giggled after saying the last word. “Come on in, and take a look at our work.”

When he walked into the shop, Tremor was greeted by a variety of jewelry kept safe in stands next to. To him and any other pony, this was just like any other store, but the jewelery themselves were unique in that many of them were shaped in formations ranging from flowers to hearts. When Platinum walked past him, he saw her trotting to the counter before standing behind it, smiling at the new customer before her.

“See anything you like?” she asked Tremor.

“Everything looks so….” Tremor trailed off as his eyes lingered over every object displayed in the stands. “Beautiful….” he finished the sentence, chuckling as he rubbed the back of his head.

Platinum suppressed a giggle as she placed her hoof to her muzzle. “Why thank you, I design these jewels myself, and—” the sound of an object crashing to the floor ceased the mare’s speech, causing both to turn to the source, with a silver coated bald unicorn stallion wearing a woven headband with a few smudges on his cheeks.

“Sorry about that,” the stallion said, wiping the sweat of his forehead. “Dang fire ruby went and burst on me just as I was about to finally crack it.” he sighed before he grinned. “But I still got what I wanted!” he cheered as he levitated a star shaped ruby in the sky using his magic.

“That’s nice Silver,” Platinum rolled her eyes as she sighed. “But I’m busy with a customer right now, so could you—”

Silver snorted as he stowed the star ruby away. “Always embarrassed to have your older brother out in front of the store, huh?” he sneered at Platinum as he walked to the counter before he laughed and ruffled her hair. “Let me ask you, who’s the one who actually goes out of his way to get the gems and shape them for you to make them look pretty?”

“You.” Platinum groaned as she swatted his hoof away. “And we’re twins, you just had a head a start. Literally.”

“Yep.” Silver grinned smugly before he turned to Tremor. “So you’re a new customer, huh?” he asked the earth pony, leaning his head towards him and narrowed his eyes as he looked at the him. “You don’t have any relations to that little horse apple that was here earlier?” Silver yelped as he felt a sharp pain on his head. “What the?”

Platinum glared at her brother as she held her hoof mid air. “Don’t scare our customers or use foul language like that in front of them!”

“Grandpa Stone Cold taught us to always be honest and blunt as possible, and even you couldn’t stand that rotten tramp.”

“That’s beside the point!” Platinum retorted, shoving her brother to the door from whence he came. “Why don’t you go back and finished that order we got from Fancy Pants?! I don’t want to explain to him that my lazy brother can’t keep his promises. You understand?”

Silver blew her a raspberry as he saluted. “Yes yes… and by the way,” he turned his attention to Tremor. “Tell your friends about this place when you leave, it gets boring having only my nagging sister around,” he said to Tremor, laughing at the shock his sister was displaying before he closed the door.

Why that big, stupid, moronic! Platinum paused when she realized she was shaking her hoof in rage to the door. She chuckled as she regained her composure, taking a deep breath before she continued. “Sorry about that, family moments.”

“It’s alright.” Tremor waved it off, looking from the mare to the jewels on display at the counter. “These look amazing, I just don’t think I will be able to afford them.”

“The prices go from fifty to a hundred bits, special orders are negotiable of course.”

Tremor blinked before his jaw dropped. “Did you say a hundred!?” he repeated Platinum’s words, receiving a nod from her. “All the other places I’ve been to are were over a thousand or more bits.”

“They inflate their prices because they have to pay import prices on gems from places such as Dodge Junction or the Crystal Empire. We find our own gems and we only charge enough to make a decent profit.” Platinum explained as she pointed to each jewelry piece. “Any specific occasion for one of these?”

Tremor shrugged as he gave a small smile before speaking again. “Well, there’s this mare…”