All in the Family

Chapters

Applejack
Rainbow Dash
Fluttershy
Pinkie Pie
Spike
Rarity

Applejack

Applejack trotted in from the fields. Her legs felt weary, but she forced herself to keep walking. She had finished saying good-bye to her friends. The apple trees were bare, their fruit harvested and collected in baskets. With her friends by her side she had easily gathered the harvest. She sighed when she saw the sink full of dirty dishes. Applebloom wasn't yet old enough to do them without spilling them on the floor and Granny Smith (bless her heart) was so forgetful she often wandered away from half-eaten meals, the dirty dishes collecting on the table till either Applejack or Big Mac tended to them. She walked over to the sink and turned on the faucet. Just as she picked up a sponge she felt a nudge at her side. Big Mac was standing at her side. He stared at her, and then turned off the faucet. He then fixed her with a glare that spoke volumes.

"Nope."

Applejack sighed again. She figured this was coming. "Look, I know. I've learned my lesson. I'm overworked as is and I've made plenty o' mistakes because of it. I riled up those bunnies and they stampeded over town and I hurt RD cause I wasn't payin' attention when I was helpin' her and don't ya know I feel guilty as is about that so don't you dare go tryin' to make me feel worse cause I will buck you right in the-"

"You could have killed yourself."

The words were said with a coldness that chilled Applejack. It was a calm, simple fact calmly stated. Only someone who knew him could tell how upset he was. The clenched jaw, the controlled, swishing of his tail. Applejack restrained a fillyish instinct to gallop away and hide from her angry big brother. She still took a step back from the very large stallion.

"Yeah, I could have. I'm real sorry, I'll never do it again. What more do you want me to say?"

"You almost died cause of that silly stubbornness of yours. All cause you were too stubborn to listen when I tried to warn you."

Applejack took yet another step back. "I said I was sorry, stop yankin' my bit about this!"

Big Mac turned his head. Something glinted in the afternoon light. Applejack's eyes widened.

"Big Mac…are you cryin'?"

He blinked several times. "That ain't important."

Applejack felt like finding a hole to crawl in. And I thought I couldn't feel MORE guilty.

"I should have stopped you. I should have done something. If you had gotten hurt…I've lost too many already."

The veiled reference to their absent parents made Applejack choke up. "I…can you forgive me?" She asked, leaning into the fur of her big brother's chest.

"Eeyep." He said, softly nuzzling her. Big Mac didn't talk much. Often what he said or did carried more meaning than what appeared at face value. Applejack knew this nuzzle meant, "I'm here for you, don't ever think you're alone. I love you."

Applejack looked back towards the sink.

"Nope." Big Mac grunted.

"I need to get back to bed since I ain't slept in four days and even for an earth pony that's pushing it?"

"Eeyep." He turned around and lowered his back.

"Oh you have GOT to be kidding me."

"Nope."

She clambered onto his back and rested her head on his soft mane. His soft, comfortable mane. He carried her off to bed like when she was a filly and too tired to get there herself. She fell asleep with her face in his mane before they got to her bedroom.

Rainbow Dash

She was Rainbow Dash. She wasn't afraid of anything. She was a legend a thousand times over. She had faced down mad gods, kicked a dragon in the face and brought back one of her best friend's from the brink of a psychotic breakdown. She had pulled off the legendary sonic rainboom and was the fastest Pegasus in all Equestria. The only reason she hadn't been flat out declared a Wonderbolt was because she hadn't yet passed her twenty-first birthday. When she did, she wouldn't be surprised if she became a captain right off. She didn't fear anything. Things feared her.

So, why was she standing in front of this damned door, her hoof raised in the air, just about to knock on it, shaking? She was Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash didn't shake. She gave the lightest of taps on the door. She didn't wait for a reply. Her hooves left the cloud and then she was off, soaring through the sky. Shame and guilt and an inwardly directed anger welled up inside of her. She bucked every cloud she came across till the sky was clear for miles. Still she flew, faster and faster, till sweat was pouring down her brow. Her lungs begged for air, but she didn't even begin to slow.

Stupid, stupid, STUPID! She cursed herself as she flapped her wings. She almost slammed into a mountain, veering up at the last minute. She knew she'd have to calm herself. Angry flyers made stupid mistakes. She slowed her flying, spreading out her wings and letting the wind flow between her feathers. She floated over the hills letting the wind blow away her worries, focusing only on the cocoon of air all around her.

…

"Daddy, Daddy, I'm doing it! I'm flying!"

"That's my girl!"

The elder Pegasus floated just under the little filly. She fell as her wings gave out and he caught her on his back. She smiled, wrapped her hooves around his neck and rested her face in his mane.

…

Dash softly landed on the hill. The wind had washed her mind of her guilt and anger for only a moment. She couldn't stop thinking of her father and every thought of him was like a thorn of guilt piercing her heart.

…

"The fires of friendship lives in our heart,

As long as it burns we will not drift apart…"

The smell of cinnamon cookies baking wafted through the house. Little Dash sat between her parents as they all sang the familiar carol. The winter wind whipped snow around their cloud-cottage, but between her parents she felt safe and warm.

…

She growled again. She kept having those stupid dreams about her dad. This morning she had woken up with tears in her eyes and that Hearth's Warming Carol stuck in her head. The winter was coming and Hearth's Warming inched ever closer. And every passing night the dreams became more intense. She wondered if she could get an audience with Luna. She had flown so far out. Getting to Canterlot shouldn't be a problem. As usual, the minute the thought sprang into her mind she put it into action. She was halfway to Canterlot before she started wondering about the logistics of getting an audience with the younger princess. The spires and flags of the great city were coming into view when she decided she didn't care about no logistics. Logic and reason had never stopped her before. She landed before the palace gates.

"Halt!" Called out a guard. "State your business."

"I'm Rainbow Dash and I need to see Princess Luna."

The two guards exchanged a look. "For what reason?"

Dash pawed nervously at the ground. "It's personal."

"You are an element bearer, correct?" One of the guards asked. "Loyalty if I'm not mistaken?"

"No, I'm the element of awesomeness." Dash responded, grinning.

The guard gave her a stern look.

"Sheesh, I was just kidding. Yeah, I'm loyalty."

"The princesses have ordered us to always give priority to any element bearers. Come with me."

The guard led her to the castle and through several winding halls till the pair reached a silver door with a golden crescent moon on it. The guard knocked on the door.

"Your Highness, Rainbow Dash is here to see you."

The door opened revealing a small, blue alicorn. She smiled warmly at the Pegasus.

"Welcome, Rainbow Dash. Please, come in."

Dash followed Luna into her room. The room was filled with bookshelves. A single desk was placed to one side with a set of scrolls placed on it. Luna trotted to her bed and sat down, motioning for Dash to do the same.

"What troubles you, Lady Dash?"

"Well, lately, I've been having these dreams. And I know you helped Scootaloo out with her nightmares."

"Describe these dreams." Luna said.

"I'm falling in them. And my dad is reaching for me. But I can't get to him. He disappears and…I fall into darkness. It's totally lame."

Luna gave her a questioning look. "What is your relationship like with your father?"

Dash looked to the ground. "We had an argument cause I did something stupid. We haven't talked in two years. At first it was cause I was mad at him, but then…I guess I feel bad about it."

"Your subconscious is trying to tell you to mend your relationship with him. I am nearly immortal as is my sister and our family. You are not. If you miss your chance to reconcile you will regret it."

Dash gulped. "I know. But I'm afraid. I said some things that were pretty unforgivable. Mom keeps saying he misses me, but…"

"Lady Dash, I stole my sister's cake, read her diary and tried to overthrow her and plunge the world into eternal darkness. The minute I was defeated she offered me unconditional mercy. Because that's what families do."

"I'm just…I'm afraid, alright?"

Luna was quiet for a while. "When I was brought back I was consumed with guilt. I just wanted to stay in my room and not come out. My sister spent an entire day in bed with me. She refused to leave my side. I spent an entire day in her embrace." She grinned. "The next day she got impatient and dragged me out of bed by my tail. She refused to give up on me. Because she really had forgiven me. If we could reconcile after the falling out we had I'm certain you can reconcile with your father."

Dash thought about the princess' words. "Yeah, you're right." She stood up. "Thanks for the talk."

"Anytime, Lady Dash."

…

Once again Dash stood at her father's door, memories of the last time she stood here playing out in her mind. She knocked on the door and, with every ounce of willpower she had cultivated in her long career as an athlete, forced herself not to fly away.

"Okay, who keeps knocking on my d-Rainbow Dash?" The Pegasus stallion that answered the door asked. He had the same rainbow mane as the younger Pegasus though he had a darker colored coat and was taller. He also looked older.

Older than when Dash had last seen him. It'd only been two years, but she didn't remember the wrinkles around his golden eyes.

"H-hi, Dad."

Rainbow Blaze swooped her up in his wings. She stood in the embrace, surprised, but then hugged him back.

"It's been a long time." She murmured, laying a head on his shoulder. If anyone asked she got something in her eyes in that moment and that's why she suddenly started crying on her father's shoulder while he cradled her in the embrace of his wings. He wiped away her tears, then his own.

"Please, come in." He said, as if afraid she would vanish if she didn't step inside immediately. As she walked inside she noticed not much had changed in the past two years. There was still the same old coffee table, the same old sports posters, the same old pictures of her parents and herself when she was a filly sitting on a shelf. She smiled at one where she was standing on her dad's head. She was certain she was the cutest filly ever.

"Make yourself at…" He trailed off. An awkward silence descended. She was home, her home as it had been her ancestor's home as far back as anyone could remember. She felt both completely at ease here and completely out of place.

"I guess I should say sorry." Dash started, staring at the ground.

"It's okay, Dash. I shouldn't have yelled at you back then. I guess I was wrong." He said.

"No you were right. I couldn't get anywhere without a degree from a flight school. I had to go back. I'm actually in a program right now. You and mom were freaking right and I was a freaking idiot. But you raised me so I guess that shouldn't surprise you."

"You're not an idiot Dash. You may have made a bad decision, but that doesn't make you an idiot. Besides, it's not like you aren't accomplished. I heard you became an element bearer and won the best young flier's competition. I'm proud of you."

Dash smiled. "Yeah, I guess I did turn out pretty awesome. Thanks to you."

The awkward silence returned.

"You could have visited me, y'know." Dash said.

"I thought you were mad at me."

They both looked away from each other, shuffling hooves.

"Oh for Poseidon's sake. Let's just admit we were both stupid. Wanna go for a fly?" Dash finally asked.

"That's my girl." Blaze said, grinning. They both walked out and spent the rest of the day showing off their flying stunts to one another.

(A/N-Nerd cred to anyone that can guess why I had Dash swear by Poseidon.)

Fluttershy

The first thing Thundercloud had thought upon seeing her daughter was how fragile she looked. How terribly small and delicate she was. As if she might shatter like glass at any second. She had a yellow coat like her mother, a contrast to her father’s green. Her mane was pink, a much lighter shade than her father’s red. It’d probably mixed with the genes for her mother’s white mane. White and red made pink. Just like Thundercloud and Rainsquall’s love made her. The nurse had held her delicately as she was led to an incubator at intensive care. Her birth had been a miracle. Thundercloud had been eight months pregnant. That morning she had gotten up and realized she was badly cramping. Then her water broke. Rainsquall had flown her to the hospital, nearly breaking the sound barrier to get her there. Fluttershy, named after her ancestor the last queen of the Flutter Ponies, was born three months early. For a month she was in intensive care as magical healing energies worked to keep her alive. For a month, she stubbornly clung to life while all her parents could do was wait and pray. Her breathing grew more regular and after a month she could breathe on her own. Neither of her parents could bear to part from her and Thundercloud slept with Fluttershy on her breast, wrapped up in her wings. Up until she was seven years old Fluttershy slept within the embrace of her parent’s wings. Every now and then Rainsquall would suggest that Fluttershy should learn to sleep by herself and gently encourage her to do so. Sometimes she would too and would receive great praise for it. But then there were nights when she would come into her parent’s bedroom, her eyes red with tears, and tell them that she’d had a nightmare. Thundercloud’s protective instincts would take over and she’d scoop Fluttershy up into her hooves and hold her close to her. Then Rainsquall would wrap his wings over both of them and they’d nestle together.

Thundercloud wanted to protect her. She wanted to keep her safe so that she’d never have to face all the evil in the world. It wasn’t really unusual for children to sleep with their parents. It was fairly common among earth ponies and unicorns, a bit rarer among pegasii. What was unusual was the number of things Fluttershy was afraid of. She was nearly impossible to potty train as she was afraid of the sound the toilet made. Rainsquall came up with the idea to bribe her with cookies and one of them had to stay with her in the bathroom right up until she was five years old. She was afraid of the dark and when she decided she was too old for sharing a bed with her parents they had to buy her a night light because she would wake up screaming. She was afraid the shadows were coming to get her.

She was afraid of crowds and in public would press her face against Rainsquall’s leg or Rainsquall would hold her.

She was afraid to go to school and had to be half-dragged, half-scolded and half-coaxed to get her there. Not that they scolded her too frequently or Gods forbid punished her because even something as mild as being sent to the corner would result in her being afraid of her parents for a while and hiding in her room.

She was afraid to fly and that was where Thundercloud put her hoof down. A pegasus that was afraid to fly was a pegasus that was afraid to live. Rainsquall protested, but Thundercloud was insistent. Fluttershy would learn to fly whether she wanted to or not. So one day when she was six Thundercloud gathered up the filly in her forearms and told her they were going flying. She clung to her neck. As long as she was in her mother’s hooves she felt safe. That seemed to be among the few places that she felt safe at. When they reached a cloudbank she

unlatched Fluttershy from her neck and held her around the sides.

“Spread your wings.” She urged.

She nodded hesitantly. Never one to disobey her mother she spread her wings and for a while they drifted in the air, the wind whistling and tickling their feathers as they soared together.

Slowly, Thundercloud let her go. For one too brief, glorious second Fluttershy flew by herself. She glided upon the winds, occasionally fluttering her wings like the Flutter Ponies of old. For a moment she floated with such grace that it seemed that the royal line of Flutter Valley had been reborn in her being.

“You’re doing it, Fluttershy! You’re doing it!” Thundercloud shouted, her heart swelling with pride.

That’s when Fluttershy realized her mom wasn’t holding her. Her wings snapped to her sides and she began to plummet like a rock. Thundercloud shot after her, catching her long before she could hit the ground. She was bawling and buried her head in her shoulder.

“M-mommy, please don’t ever do that to me again!”

She held her. “Fluttershy…you have to learn to fly. You’re a pegasus.”

It was the most obvious thing in the world. Unicorns did magic. Earth ponies farmed. Pegasii flew.

“Th-then I don’t wanna be a pegasus.” Fluttershy whimpered.

What could she say to that? “But, you are a pegasus.” She repeated.

She said nothing. Thundercloud realized the whole thing had been a mistake. She took her by an ice cream shop then they headed home. When she was seven she’d have to go to flight school anyway.

If they thought getting her to regular school was hard, flight school was even worse. They literally had to drag her there. Finally, Thunderclod lost her temper and made another mistake. One morning Fluttershy was crying and pounding her hooves on the living room floor in the midst of a full-blown temper tantrum while Rainsquall tried to convince her to go to flight school. Finally, Thundercloud had had enough.

“Fluttershy, you are GOING to flight school-either without a spanked behind or with one if you don’t stop this tantrum right now.”

Rainsquall shot her a horrified look.

“H-honey, you can’t mean-”

“I do.”

Fluttershy stopped crying and stared at Thundercloud in a state of shock. Of course, she knew what a spanking was. She’d seen other fillies and colts get spanked, but her mommy had never done anything like that. Of course, she had never thrown a tantrum like the one she’d just thrown. Thundercloud gave her a hard look. That’s all it took. She stood up.

“O-okay. I’ll go. I’m sorry.”

She ruffled her mane. “There’s a good girl.”

She shyly smiled.

It was her worst mistake. For a month she apologized for everything and kept her tail folded so it protected her rear end. Like she was

afraid she was going to be randomly spanked. She hadn’t even spanked her. She’d just threatened to. How would she have reacted if she’d gone through with it?

She apologized when she spent too long in the bath.

She apologized when she got a B- in spelling.

She apologized when someone stumbled into her (‘I shouldn’t have been in your way, sorry.’)

Thundercloud soon got tired of it. She wanted to protect her and seeing her afraid hurt her to her core. One day she told Fluttershy she wanted to speak to her in private. They went to her room. She held her in her lap and promised that she would never lift a hoof to her. They

hugged and she did become noticeably less nervous.

Then there was the day she came home crying. This was nothing new, but this time a new problem had come up. Rainsquall and Thundercloud both held her as she cried about the bullies that had ridiculed her.

“I-I’m never going back even if you do spank me!” She shouted, an unusually forceful statement for her. Thundercloud believed her.

“I’ll talk to the bullies. I’ll make them go away.” She promised. And she did. She found the three colts and publically chastised them for their disgraceful behavior. During school hours on school grounds. That too was a mistake. Fortunately, the police pony only gave her a warning. Unfortunately, the bullying only got worse. It only ended when a rainbow maned filly took it upon herself to place Fluttershy under her protection. After that nopony dared bother her. Rainbow Dash protected her more than she ever could and the two fillies soon became nearly inseparable. She’d have been jealous if she wasn’t so happy that Fluttershy had finally found a friend.

The years passed as they are in the habit of doing. Fluttershy grew up and went to live on the ground to tend to animals as was her destiny and special talent. They still saw each other though and Fluttershy visited once a week.Thundercloud began to hear strange reports about her daughter. That she had become one of the legendary Element Bearers, that she had faced the dreaded Nightmare Moon and that she was now a recognized national hero. She decided to visit her to discover the truth for herself. A month had passed since he had last been to her cottage. Nothing about it had changed. It was as peaceful and tranquil as ever. Fluttershy was outside sipping some tea. She ran up to her mother and Thundercloud hugged her.

“Mama, I didn’t know you were visiting!”

“It was spur of the moment, Flutters.” Thundercloud said, using the pet name she had for her and hugging her back. “I understand you

have some exciting events going on?”

Fluttershy nodded. “Oh yes! Mrs. Woodchuck is expecting.”

“That’s nice. Not what I was asking about.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. What were you asking about?”

“I read in the newspaper that you’ve become an Element Bearer. That you fought Nightmare Moon.”

Fluttershy nodded. “Oh, that happened too. I do hope I don’t have to do anything scary like that again. Though I met these wonderful mares.”

Thundercloud smiled. “I’m glad you’ve made some new friends. Can we go inside?” She said. She sat down at the little table Fluttershy had

set up.

“Oh, where are my manners! Let me get you some tea!”

Fluttershy trotted inside and returned a few moments later with a cup of tea.

“Were you scared?” Thundercloud asked.

“Oh, yes. Very much so.” Fluttershy said as she handed Thundercloud the tea.

“But you went and faced her anyway. That was very brave of you.”

“Oh, thank you. I did it for my friends.” She blushed slightly. “And, um, that and I thought ‘Well, Fluttershy, your mother will be very disappointed in you if the world gets plunged into eternal night and you’re too scared to stop it.’”

“Really?”

Fluttershy nodded. “I’ve always wanted you to be proud of me.”

“Fluttershy, I am proud of you. So proud.” She sipped the tea. “I’m just glad you turned out so well after all the mistakes I made.”

“Mistakes? I don’t think you made any mistakes raising me if you don’t mind me saying so.” She sounded genuinely surprises.

“How about that time I tried to take you flying, dropped you and hoped you’d magically learn to fly?”

Fluttershy giggled. “Well, you did catch me. And I had to learn some time. It wasn’t your fault I was too scared to.”

“Or how about the time I nearly spanked you when you refused to go to flight school?”

“I thought you were bluffing.”

“I don’t bluff.”

“I was being a brat. Besides, if you hadn’t forced me to go to flight school I’d have never met Rainbow Dash or learned to fly. I’d probably still be a friendless, grounded pegasus.”

“That’s true, but do you actually like to fly?”

“Oh, yes. Not too high or too fast of course, but sometimes I like to feel the wind on my wings. It can be relaxing.”

“Especially when you get catch a nice thermal.” Thundercloud commented.

“Hmm, those are nice.” Fluttershy agreed.

“Okay, there was the time I showed up to your school and threatened those bullies then got security called to me.”

“Haven’t you ever wondered why I stopped complaining about flight school after that? It’s because I knew you were there to look out for me.”

“So, I guess I really was a decent mom.”

“The best.” Fluttershy said. “All those things you mentioned as mistakes are things I think of as good memories. Things that showed me how much you love and care about me. Even if some of them were scary at the time. Looking back you were strict because you cared about me. Because sometimes, pardon my language, I needed a swift buck to the rump.”

“Fluttershy, I…I don’t know what to say. Thank you.”

“I didn’t just say it to make you feel better.” Fluttershy said. “I know I’m a scaredy-pony, but you were the one that encouraged me to be brave, to face the world. I should be thanking you.”

Thundercloud hugged her and Fluttershy hugged back.

'Oh, Fluttershy, my little pony, what did I do to earn such a wonderful daughter?' She thought to herself.

Pinkie Pie

Twilight was in her library engaged in her favorite activity. Arranging books. While most found it a dreary task, she enjoyed it. She loved the feel of books, the smell of ink and paper, the calm peace of ordering them in their proper place. She was a mare of order. Order and peace. These were concepts she valued. Although, since coming to Ponyville she had learned the value of friendship, of spontaneity and even the occasional, chaotic fun. She placed Stargazer’s Starry Guide to Stars next to In Search of ExtraEquine Life. The shelf dedicated to astronomy and all the mysteries of the vast cosmos were now complete. Just as she was about to move on to the section on weather magic a pink blur zoomed into the library.

“What the f-”

“Twilight ya gotta help me! Ya just gotta!” The pink blur stopped bouncing around long enough for Twilight to recognize it as her friend Pinkie Pie.

“Pinkie, what’s wrong?” Twilight asked, taking hold of the equine enigma. “Is it serious? Do we need the Elements?”

“I don’t know what to get Mommy for her birthday!”

Twilight blinked. Pinkie Pie was looked like she was on the verge of tears as she blurted that out. Her shoulders shook, her mane was frizzier than usual and her eyes were bloodshot.

“Er, calm down Pinkie. I’m sure your mom will like anything you get her.” Twilight said, trying to reassure her.

“But what if she doesn’t?! What if she hates it?! That won’t make her happy, it’ll make her sad! And if words get out that I can’t make my

own mother smile I’ll never throw another party again!”

And I thought I had mommy issues. “Well, you are the best party pony around. I mean finding a gift for your own mother shouldn’t be hard for you. When is her birthday party?”

“Tonight.”

Twilight’s jaw dropped, then she winced at Pinkie’s hurt expression.

“Pinkie, I’m sorry. I just got surprised.”

“I’m a bad pony.” Pinkie whimpered.

Twilight gently stroked the earth pony’s mane. “Hey, that’s not true. You’re a good pony and a good friend. You always make me happy anyway.”

Pinkie gave a small smile. “Really? I…I always thought you thought that I was annoying.”

“I did at first, before I got to know you.” Twilight said. “Before I learned the magic of friendship. But your laughter has gotten me through a lot of bad days. I would like to help you through this just like all the times you’ve helped me.”

Pinkie smiled. “Thanks.”

“How about I go get you some hot chocolate? Does that sound nice?”

Pinkie nodded and Twilight went to her kitchen. She rummaged around in the cabinets before finding the hot chocolate. She liked the beverage, but she mostly kept it for those days Pinkie showed up. Pinkie showed up quite a bit, actually. While all the Element Bearers were her friends she seemed to have something special with Pinkie. She got a pot, filled it with water and put it on her stove. Then she dumped the chocolate powder into two cups. A spark of magic set the water boiling.

“Ooh, that is so cool!” Pinkie praised as she trotted into the kitchen.

“Yeah, it’s a pyromancer spell the Princess taught me. She didn’t trust me with pyromancy until recently.”

“What kind of pie?” Pinkie asked.

“No, pyro. It means fire in ancient Pegasan-pegasii are surprisingly good at manipulating that element because of their control over lightning. Pyromancy is any kind of spell having to do with fire. Celestia, of course, is the foremost expert on it.” Twilight would have rambled on indefinitely, but she decided the water had boiled enough. She poured two cups of hot chocolate and handed one to Pinkie. They sat down at her table.

“I was meaning to get Mama a gift, but things slipped away from me. I was planning Trixie and Gilda’s wedding-”

“How are they by the way?”

“Not back from the honeymoon yet. And then Applebloom had a birthday and Diamond Tiara had a birthday and Silver Spoon had a birthday and Dashie had a birthday and Mr. Waddle had a birthday and you had a birthday and Fluttershy had a-”

“So, a lot of birthdays?”

“LOTS and LOTS of birthdays! And that’s not counting the weddings, anniversaries, welcoming parties, just because parties, friendly get togethers, my job at the bakery, fighting that meany Discord. I’ve been really busy!” To prove her point Pinkie slouched in her chair and gulped her hot chocolate.

“It has been quite a year hasn’t it?” Twilight reflected as she sipped her cocoa.

Pinkie forcefully nodded her head.

Twilight continued to sip the cocoa, meditating on the problem she’d been presented with. It was still early, around ten o’clock. There was plenty of time to solve the dilemma. Yet, she was used to dilemmas of the mind. Things that could be approached from a place of reason and logic. Cold facts without feelings getting in the way. This was a dilemma of the heart and the heart had its own rules. If it had been her she’d send her mother a card and might visit her.

Might.

“Look, Pinkie. I might not be the best pony to ask about this.”

Pinkie bounced in her seat. “But you’re the smartest pony in Ponyville!”

“Yes when it comes to magic. But not relationships or social interaction. Remember why the Princess sent me here in the first place? Rarity might be better at this than me, Applejack even. Besides I don’t get along with my mother.”

Pinkie gasped. “But…she’s your mom!”

“Yes. Yes, to my eternal regret and dismay I am the biological daughter of Twilight Velvet, but it just doesn’t mean anything to me.”

“But she gave birth to you!” Pinkie shouted.

Twilight shrugged. “And what has she done for me lately?”

“So, I guess I couldn’t ask what you got your mom for her birthday.”

“A card. Just like every year.” Twilight responded flatly.

“Do you…do you hate your mom?”

An uncomfortable silence descended on them.

“Tell me about your mother.” Twilight finally said.

“She’s sweet and kind and, oh, she bakes a lot! When I smell baking bread it always reminds me of her. And when I get sad-and I do get sad sometimes even if I am the Element of Laughter-I bake her cinnamon bread. Just the scent of cinnamon makes me happy, makes me remember her and the good times we shared. Me and Mama and my sisters used to spend a lot of nights baking. I loved being with her and my sisters, the baking, the talking and the laughing…there wasn’t much laughing or talking on the farm, but those moments were special.”

“You could buy her a baking pan.” Twilight said, trying to be helpful.

“She has a million of those!” Pinkie said then continued. “I also think of baths when I think of Mama. Kinda strange right? But when we got home from working she wouldn’t let us in till we got a bath. That included Daddy! She’d bring out a tub and if we didn’t want a bath she’d scoop us up and drop us in. It was big enough for two of us at most so we took turns.”

“You didn’t have running water?” Twilight asked, surprised.

“We were poor. Poor but happy.” Pinkie said. “I also remember when she would gather us around in the evenings and tell us stories. Granny Pie used to do it with her, but after she passed on it was just Mama. Daddy too sometimes when he felt like telling a story. And she’d sing to us.” Pinkie closed her eyes and began to sing a rhythmic tune. The melody was joyful and sweet. “It was long ago, in an age of woe, when brave ol’ Puddinghead his people led to a land of plenty…by his side Beautiful Platinum and Majestic Hurricane, together they marched through snow and rain…”

She trailed off. “I…um…can’t remember the rest.”

“The Fifteenth Song of Chancellor Puddinghead. It’s one of the longest.” Twilight said.

“You know it?”

“I studied Earth Pony folk songs. Isn’t it part of some huge epic?”

“Uh-huh. We’d spend all night singing different parts of it. Did your family ever do stuff like that?”

“We’d do it sometimes, holidays especially.” Twilight said. A smile tugged at her lips as she recalled sitting alongside her parents and brother singing the Celestial Hymns that recalled all the heroes and happenings of their race. It was among her happiest memories, leaning against her big brother as they clapped their hooves to the rhythm of the songs of Starswirl the Bearded or the great warrior Majesty. It was a poignant reminder that not all of her childhood memories were sad.

“I still remember all the songs she sang.” Pinkie mused. “And when I was thinking about leaving home ya know what she told me? ‘Pinkie, you’re a light. You don’t keep a light hidden at home. Go out and share that light with the world.’ I was so scared she’d be upset with me leaving, but she wasn’t. She and Daddy supported me every step of the way and still do. I still visit her every week.” She hung her head. “I still can’t believe I forgot her birthday.”

Twilight placed a hoof on Pinkie’s shoulder. “Look, I’m sure she’d forgive you if you told her.”

“Of course she would! That just makes it worse. She’s just so nice. What do you get the best mama in the world?”

“I wouldn’t know.”

“Seriously, Twilight, after this we’re having a long talk about your mom.” Her face lightened up. “Ooh, I can throw you two a party!”

“Um, she doesn’t like parties.”

Pinkie gasped.

“She does like cupcakes though. What does your mom like? Come to think of it, what did you get her for her last birthday?”

“A necklace and before that ear rings. She never wears them though. I mean she acts like she’s happy when I give them to her, but I never see her wear them. I was planning on getting her something new this year, but I can’t figure out what!” She pouted, her blue eyes suddenly watery and wide.

“You say she likes to sing?” Twilight asked wandering over to a bookshelf.

“Uh-huh! She used to be a traveling singer before she settled down with Pa.”

“Do you think maybe she’d like something to do with music?” Twilight suggested.

Pinkie squealed. “Oh my gosh that is a brilliant idea!”

“I have a music section right here.” Twilight said, guiding Pinkie to it. Pinkie looked through before coming to a book about guitar. A memory flashed into her mind, something she hadn’t thought of in years.

…

“I’m sorry, Mommy.”

“It’s alright. I’m not mad anymore. I’m sorry I yelled at you.” Sue Pie said as she glanced at the remains of what had been a guitar. Binkie and Pinkie had been playing ball when the ball had hurtled through the window. In addition to hitting a vase that vase had somehow hit Sue’s old guitar.

“I can buy a new guitar anyway.”

She never did.

…

How old had she been anyway? Four or five? She remembered Mama playing guitar for them, but after that incident Mama had just stopped playing. She sniffled.

“Hey, Twi. I just came up with something. Thanks, you’re the best.”

She hugged her unicorn friend who hugged her back. Pinkie bounced out the door, no longer in a state of panic. Her next stop was the music store where she found the perfect gift. There were still several hours left before her mother’s birthday, but she decided to get there

early and catch the train. As the train went further south the lush and verdant valleys slowly dwindled into a flat, grey expanse. This was the last frontier of Pony civilization, where their civilization met with Changelings and Diamond Dogs. It was a wild, barren place often hostile to any but the strong. Pinkie called it home. It was, after all, where her family had settled generations ago in an attempt to tame the wild land. No matter how barren and uninviting the grey and rocky fields they were still the fields where her sisters had endlessly worked and occasionally played. She had once said there was no laughing here. That wasn’t entirely true. The train pulled up in sight of her home town and she hopped off the train with her other passengers, her gift wrapped up and slung across her back. Her home town consisted of little more than a general store, a pharmacist, a saloon and three farms. Upon entering her family farm she was mobbed by her sisters.

“Inkie! Binkie! Maud!” She said, hugging them tight. “How have you two been?”

“Missing you!” Binkie said, letting go of her sister. “What have you been up to?”

“Well, there have been a bunch of parties that I’ve planned and did I tell you about Queen Meanie and Discord?”

“I had to go and look at him. He makes a most impressive statue.” Maud said in her flat monotone.

“I hope he stays a statue!” Pinkie said. She sniffed the air. “Is that chocolate?”

“We got a chocolate cake for Mama.” Binkie said. “It’s from Aunt Rocky.”

“It smells delicious!” Pinkie said. Her sisters followed her into the kitchen where many of her relatives had gathered. She was greeted and hugged by a bewildering assortment of aunts, uncles, cousins and then her parents. Everypony always wondered how she could memorize everypony’s name in town, but it was easy when she has a twelfth cousin twice removed that frequently showed up for family events. She laid down her gift in a pile with the other presents. There weren’t as many streamers or balloons as at a party she’d throw, but she hadn’t designed this one. Her ears drooped just a little. Not that she hadn’t been asked, but she’d been throwing three parties at once this week. If she’d cancelled one it would have hurt somepony’s feelings. Telling Binkie she couldn’t plan the party had felt like stabbing her own hoof. She had even started crying after.

'You ignored your own mother’s birthday party what’s wrong with you?!' Pinkamena shouted.

'Go away Pinkamena. I just wanted to make everypony happy, but…I missed somepony.'

'Your own mother. The mare that gave you life. That put up with all your teenage bullshit. Put up with me. I reiterate-what’s wrong with you?'

Binkie touched her hoof. “Pinkie are you alright?”

“I’m fine.” Pinkie snapped then softened her tone. “Let’s go eat some cake.”

After everyone had their fill of cake Sue began opening her various birthday gifts. She gushed over the jewelry Pinkie’s aunts got her as well as some fancy new clothes (when she’d ever wear them was another issue altogether.) She paused as she came to Pinkie’s gift. It was unwrapped slowly.

“Pinkie…I…”

“Do…do you like it?”

Sue examined the guitar, strumming a few chords.

“I haven’t played guitar in years…”

“I thought you’d…I’m sorry.”

“For what? Honey, I love it.”

Pinkie brightened. “You do?”

“I always meant to buy a new guitar, but I just never got around to it.”

The family began to gather around her as she began to strum out rhythms and melodies, her hooves dancing over the strings. Some of the Pie family began to dance as Sue’s songs picked up speed, the old mare picking up confidence. She began to play out a lively jig and for a while the Pie family all swayed to the music. Binkie grabbed Pinkie, Inkie grabbed Maud and they began to dance. Evening fell and Sue continued to play. Young and old were too caught up in dancing to Sue’s guitar to notice Luna’s moon begin to rise. Pinkie herself broke from Binkie (who’d begun dancing with a cousin) to snag another slice of cake. She watched her mother as she continued to play, completely caught up in her music. Clyde Pie sat down next to her. The ghost of a smile tugged at his weathered face.

“I hope you realize what you’ve done.” He told her.

“It’s a good thing, right?” Pinkie asked.

“I haven’t seen her smile like that in years. Except maybe the time you got your cutie mark.”

Pinkie smiled herself. “I just wanted to make her happy.”

“And you have, Pinkamena.”

Pinkie’s smile turned into a grin when Sue’s music turned into an upbeat polka. She grabbed her father lifting him from his seat.

“Dance with me!” She cried.

Clyde rolled his eyes. “Oh, alright.”

They spent the rest of the party dancing.

Spike

He had many jewels. That is what Spike reflected on as he walked into the basement and curled onto the pile of bits. Most of them were what Twilight had given him. His weekly allowance. Sometimes he got extra if he had been particularly well-behaved. He tried to be well-behaved a lot. The jewels he had collected in the wastes outside of Ponyville. He had collected a great many of them. At first it had only been a few. Then the collection had grown. There were rubies and emeralds, sapphires and diamonds. All of them sparkled among the golden bits. He rarely spent bits these days except to buy candy or comic books. He had few needs.

I need the jewels. Only the jewels. What else could I possibly need? He thought as he burrowed himself into them. Twilight shouldn't be back for several hours. He had completed all of his chores. All that was left for him to do was to rest in his hoard.

Hoard? Is this a hoard?

The word had come unbidden from somewhere deep in his soul, some remnant of his draconic heritage. He had rejected much of his heritage. He tried to avoid greed. But this, this he couldn't avoid. His need for the shiny jewelry was intense, like a hunger. A physical craving. He craved for it more than he craved Rarity. He picked a fire ruby and held it to his chest. This was his most prized possession. Rarity had given it to him a month ago. It was his most prized treasure. He nuzzled it against his cheek thinking of the white unicorn. On some days the thought of her was all that inspired him to get out at all. To not stay with his hoard and never leave it.

I MUST stay with my hoard! Thieves could take it. Thieves, thieves. I must protect my precious jewels!

There was a light hissing sound. He realized it had come from himself.

Oh Celestia. What's happening to me?

Twilight kept trying to get him to get out. To go to Pinkie's surprise party or Rarity's birthday party. He wanted to, but what of the jewels? What if someone took them while he was gone? Besides Twilight was one to talk when it came to getting out more. He snorted. Applejack had once had to practically drag her from the library after she closed herself inside it for a month doing some crazy experiment. Something about sub-molecular particle's affect on growth spells. He'd never figured it out despite her telling it to him. He trusted Twilight. Twilight wouldn't take his jewels. Would she?

Of course she wouldn't! What are you thinking? Twilight's practically your mom. Hell, her magic hatched you. Wait, does that mean she actually IS my mom?

A creak of the door caused Spike to jump up. The purple unicorn he'd been thinking about stood at the opening of the basement. She flipped on a switch. Spike suppressed another hiss as the light flooded the room.

"I'm here, Twi."

"Oh, good."

She walked down the stairs. "I was wondering if you'd like to go with me to the Wingner concert."

"Um, no. I-I have something else planned."

She sat next to the small mountain of gold coins he was resting on. "What?"

"Well, I have to...um...mop the floor."

"You already did that. And you dusted all the books. And you cleaned the bathrooms. And you cleaned our room. And you love Wingner. He's your favorite composer. Even with that scene where Sieghoof slays Fafnir the Dragon."

"Maybe I'll go. I don't know."

Twilight stayed. "Spike, there's something I've been meaning to ask you."

"What?"

"Are you okay?"

Beads of sweat sprung on his face. "What? Of course I'm okay. Why wouldn't I be okay?"

"You didn't go to Rarity's party. Or Pinkie's. You rarely come with me to social events at all. Do you not like the other girls anymore?"

"Of course I do."

She stared at him.

"Well Pinkie not so much. I love her cupcakes though. I still love Applejack for saving my life. Dash is cool. And who doesn't like Fluttershy? You know how I feel about Rarity."

He unconsciously snuggled the ruby.

"Then what is it? Why are you becoming such a recluse?" She nuzzled him. "I want you to trust me enough to tell me if something's wrong."

Spike's lip quivered. He wasn't going to cry in front of Twilight. He hadn't done that in a long time. She nuzzled him again.

"Come on, Spike. I've known you since you were a hatchling. I know something's bothering you."

"It's weird."

She patted his head, rubbed his spines like she knew he liked. He sighed in pleasure.

"Spine-rubs? Oh come on. That's not fair. You know the most ferocious dragon in the world can be subdued by spine rubs."

"I sure do know that." She said continuing. "I swear you spend all your time around this gold. It's like you're turning into Fafnir..." She stopped. Spike blushed.

"Oh. Spike, is it something to do with this gold?"

"I...I don't like leaving it. I feel like someone will take it. I don't know what's wrong with me."

She stood and took him into her hooves. "Spike. I really think we should go to that concert."

"But-"

"Spike, I don't know what's going on, but you can't spend all your time around gold. It's not healthy."

He writhed against her hold. She released him. "I know it isn't healthy, but when I'm away from it that's all I can think about it. What if someone takes it? Takes all my beautiful treasures?" He turned and looked it over.

Twilight noticed something glinting. She took it in her magic and lifted it up. Spike jumped up for it.

"Spike." She spoke in a very measured tone. "Is this my diamond necklace? The one Celestia gave to me?"

Spike whimpered. "I'm sorry."

She breathed, very deeply. As if she were trying to calm herself. "I've been looking for this." She clasped it around her neck.

"NO!" Spike roared leaping towards her. Twilight's horn flared and she caught him in a magical grip.

His jaw dropped. "Oh, Celestia Twilight, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to!"

She let him go. "I know you didn't . I doubt this is something you can control so I forgive you. But we're going to that concert if I have to drag you. In fact, we're going out every day from now on."

Spike shook his head. "I-I don't know if I can do it. I don't know if I can spend such a long time away from my treasure."

Twilight sat back down so she was facing him at eye-level. "Alright. How about once-a-week?"

"I-I might be able to."

"Also, have you stolen anything else?"

Spike looked down at the ground. "A few things."

"First thing tomorrow you're returning them."

"I can't." Spike whimpered.

"Okay. Do you enjoy being like this?"

"N-no."

"Do you want to change?"

Spike nodded. "Of course."

"Then you're returning what you stole." Her voice softened and she embraced Spike. Spike wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in her coat.

"It's going to be hard, but we'll get through this." She whispered. "I promise."

"Twi? Are you mad at me?"

She stroked his spines. "No. I'm just disappointed you didn't come to me sooner."

...

Spike sat by Twilight as Wingner's drama-considered the greatest in the history of Equestrian music-unfolded. The trumpets swelled, the drums beat and the room was filled with the stirring voices of the opera singers. He'd seen the drama before, but it continued to fascinate him. He lost himself in the music. He lost himself in the strong, powerful melody as Sieghoof sang. Finally the opera came to a close, the last notes slowly dying away. His mind kept drifting back to his treasure, but every time he returned his attention to the play. He almost felt bad for Fafnir as Siegfried plunged the sword through him. Although, Fafnir wasn't really a dragon. Only a pony corrupted into one through his greed.

That legend alone spoke volumes about Pony's perception of dragons. The sad part was that Spike couldn't deny that the stereotype of dragon greed didn't have some truth to it.

Twilight stood and stretched. "So, ya wanna go get something at the hayshack?"

"Sure!" He responded. He hopped on her back and they were off. Now that the music was gone he found his mind continuing to go back to his treasure at home. He was also starving.

My treasure will be fine. Nopony's going to sneak in and take it. He assured himself. The hayshack wasn't very crowded that time of night. They found a seat. Twilight ordered fried hay sandwiches for the two of them. Spike preferred gems, but pony food was something he'd acquired a taste for. He munched on the hay sandwich.

"Hey, Twi?"

"Hmm?"

"Thanks for not getting mad at me."

She swallowed her bite of the sandwich. "Don't mention it. I think it's part of your dragon nature. Getting mad or punishing you would be utterly counterproductive."

"Part of my dragon nature...does that mean I'll always be like this?"

"It's always possible to transcend one's nature. Change is always possible. Ancient unicorns were completely corrupted by their-by our magic. We did terrible things. Starting with Queen Majesty we embraced the noble side of our nature. We learned to use magic to heal, to create. We made peace with the other tribes. We made peace within ourselves." Her voice wavered. "But I understand those ancient ones. I understand your struggle. I too have been tempted by the darker side of my nature."

"Twi...you know nopony holds that incident against you right?" Spike said. "Even Celestia forgave you."

"I know, Spike. But I used my magic to enslave-don't soften the blow-I enslaved them over something so trivial as a late assignment. Like my ancestors would have. What evil lurks in me waiting to come out?"

Spike jumped up on the table and wrapped his arms around her. She nuzzled him.

"Twilight, you've cared for me since I was hatched. You've always been there for me. You use your magic to help anypony-anyone-that needs your help You've used your magic to save this land so many times. You're not evil."

Twilight smiled. "I know. Thank you for saying it though. You're a good person, Spike. Who knows? If you get over this maybe you'll guide the dragons on a better path like Queen Majesty did for the Unicorns."

"Do you really think so?" He chuckled. "King Spike has a nice ring to it."

She chuckled. "It does doesn't it?"

...

The next day was hard. Spike gulped as he looked over the treasure he'd collected. Giving up what he'd taken by deception would be hard. Twilight stood by his side.

Mine, mine....no. No. It isn't.

He breathed when he noticed that he had started shivering.

"You okay?" Twilight asked him, placing a hoof on his shoulder.

"I will be."

He began pointing out the things he'd stolen. A brooch belonging to Cheerlie. A hooflace from Berry Punch. Several items from Ruby Red's jewelry store. Twilight picked them up in her magic and he followed her as they began their solemn journey. The first stop was Cheerlie. She opened the door when they knocked. Luckily it was Saturday and she was home.

"Good morning, Twilight. Spike."

Spike gulped.

"Spike has something he'd like to tell you." Twilight said, like a stern mother.

"Oh? What is it?"

Twilight lifted the brooch from her saddlebag. Spike took it in his claws and handed it to her.

"Ah, finally returning it I see." Cheerlie said. "I thought you would."

"Wait, you mean you knew I took it?"

"I saw you when you did it last week. If you hadn't returned it by now I'd have told Twilight. But, I know you. You're good at heart so I knew you'd return it."

"Wow. Um, thanks for the vote of confidence." Spike said.

She smiled down at him. "See you around town." She said before closing the door. In point of fact, she had never actually liked the brooch which was a gift from her color-blind sister.

"That was easy." Spike said.

They then went to find Berry Punch. After Twilight explained the situation Berry grabbed the hooflace from Spike's claws and put it on.

"You thieving brat! You should know better!" She shouted.

"I'm sorry." Spike mumbled.

Berry shook her head. "Well, you'd best not do it again." She said slamming the door in his face.

"That didn't go as well." Spike commented.

"Well, not everypony is going to be so forgiving as Cheerlie I'm afraid." Twilight said as they walked towards Ruby Red's store. Ruby Red, as his name implied was a red Earth Pony with a silver mane and tail.

"Good morning, Twilight."

"Good morning, Mr. Red."

She made Spike hand him the jewelry he'd taken after explaining the situation. Ruby's face turned redder as he blushed in anger.

"Give me that you little thief! Good-for-nothing, Scaleback!" Ruby shouted taking the jewelry. "Next time I catch you stealing-"

"There won't be a next time! I promise!" Spike said.

"If there is I'll call the guards and have you turned into a purse for my wife!"

Something in Twilight's brain snapped. "Spike. Go outside."

One look at Twilight compelled him to obey. Twilight got muzzle-to-muzzle with the now nervous store owner.

"I understand you being mad at Spike. I'm not pleased with him myself at the moment. But no one-absolutely NO ONE threatens to hurt him. Got it?

"You should control him better."

Twilight snorted. "Parenting advice from you? That's rich. At least Spike has the good graces to acknowledge when he's done something wrong and tries to fix it. Unlike Diamond Tiara's little pet hoof-licker, your daughter."

"There is no need for such language."

"Call Spike a scaleback, I'll call your daughter a hoof-licker. And when ARE you going to put your hoof down with her? Last time I saw Applebloom she was in tears over something Silver Spoon said to her."

"The way I discipline my daughter is none of your concern!"

"Nor is the way I raise Spike. Good day. I will never set hoof in here again."

She marched out the door. Spike was waiting for her.

"What'd you say?" Spike asked her. She patted his head.

"I just set some things straight. Wanna go get some ice cream?"

...

"You know, I'm proud of you." Twilight told him as they enjoyed the chocolate ice cream cones.

"Proud of me? Why?" Spike asked her. They were seated on a park bench.

"Lots of kids steal. You had the strength to return what you stole, to take responsibility for your actions. And I know how hard it must have been."

"Yeah. Yeah, I guess you're right." Spike said leaning into her. She kissed his forehead.

"You're going to be okay, you know that? We'll get through this."

Spike nestled closer to her and continued licking his ice cream. "As long as I have you to help me through I think I will be."

Rarity

Rarity walked through the doors of her boutique determined not to think about how her day had gone. She had a great deal of work to do so she flipped on her radio-classical of course, they were doing a stirring rendition of [i[/]Hymn to the Celestial Dynasty that made even her normally apolitical heart swell with patriotic pride. It was a national holiday wasn't it? The seven-hundredth anniversary of the victory over the Diamond Dog Empire. It was why she, Sweetie Belle and their parents had gone to Canterlot earlier to see the parade.

No. No, she simply was not thinking about that. Her cheeks were not blushing with shame. The tears in her eyes were not from a mixture of anger and guilt.

She had work to do. There was no time for regret. No time to wallow and declare this day 'The Worst! Possible! Thing!'

Even though it was. For once, Rarity was going to reign in her melodramatic tendencies.

See Mother, I can TOO be mature.

She listened for a few minutes to the patriotic anthem then sat down at her sewing table. Her horn lit as she levitated all her blue fabrics. She had decided to do a Summer line in shades of blue and green. First she would work on a design that imitated the flow of water.

She laid the design upon the table and lost herself in the creative tide. There was magic in design, primal magic. It was the magic of creation. She could feel it flowing through her as she shaped the fabric according to her will. Soon the once shapeless fabric began to take the form of a dress. She held it up for inspection. How long had it taken? Minutes? Hours? Time had no meaning when she got inspired. She levitated several emeralds over and liberally sewed them into the blue.

After setting aside that garment she levitated two other fabrics over. Two different shades of blue, one light, one dark. She could work with this. Finally she decided to make the top half light, the bottom half dark. Smiling, she set about her work. All thoughts, all worries subsided as she stitched the fabrics together.

They were still playing patriotic songs on the radio. It went into "Valleys of my Motherland" and Rarity experienced a magic surge for the first time since she was a foal. The magic surge resulted in a blast that split the radio in two.

She did not need to hear the word "mother" right now. In fact, some of the songs were reminding her too much of the disaster. She sighed, levitated the pieces and put them in the trash. Mentally, she reviewed what she knew about adult magic surges. Rarity was fairly certain her horn wasn't cracked. That meant she was repressing her emotions and it was causing her magic to act up.

"I shall simply have to channel all my magic into my work."

Of course, channeling all of one's magic into a single task was not easy. Still, she closed her eyes and reached deep into her soul essence. Her body electrified, filled with cosmic energies. The fabrics were a blur as they blazed over her table and were quickly transformed into dresses. The needle stitched rapidly, held in a suddenly enhanced magical field. She had done ten dresses in various shades of blues and greens before her magic suddenly stopped. Jolts of pain radiated from her horn as she suddenly gave out.

Rarity winced, licked her hoof and placed it on her horn which was smoking.

"Very well. Enough sewing for today."

Tiredness overwhelmed her suddenly. Laying her head on the table, she decided to rest her head for a few minutes.

Now that her conscious guards were down she couldn't help but think about the disastrous trip to Canterlot. It had started out so well. They had all met that morning and gone to take the train. She had sat between her parents and Sweetie Belle had sat in her lap. They had spoken of recent events, gotten breakfast, ate in companionable silence. Then they had gone to see the parade. Sweetie Belle had climbed upon their father's back.

The parade was magnificent. The most cold-hearted anti-Nationalist Celestia-hating Mooist could not fail to feel a sense of love of country when watching those gallant stallions. The sun glinted off their armor, glowing golden in the noon light. Many a colt's heart had been turned to dreams of joining the Guard from seeing it. At the head one guard held up the national Sun-and-Moon flag. Three behind held up the tribal flags of the Unicorns, Pegasii and Earth Ponies. Coming behind them was the marching band pounding their drums, the sounds of their pipes whirring in the air and their voices lifted in songs of praise for their nation including 'Valleys of My Motherland." Each guard had their spear lifted up as if they were marching to war.

All those handsome stallions,their muscles rippling beneath their armor, was an enjoyable sight for less-than-pure reasons. It had been a long time since she'd been with a stallion. She had even started wondering what dating a guard would be like. The fact that she was almost in heat didn't help. At some point, the parade started looking like a buffet.

Still, she normally had some self-discipline.

After the parade was over they had walked around the city. They had been having a friendly debate about going to an ice cream store or going window shopping when they had ran into Fancy Pants. Of course, her parents had no idea who Fancy Pants was. He had greeted Rarity and he and Rarity had begun to talk. Rarity's mom had joked that they would go on leaving Rarity to spend time with her boyfriend. It was a nice joke. They had all chuckled along with her. They had began to speak. Rarity tried to chart the place where it had all gone wrong.

Oh, right. Her mother's assertion that Rarity needed to give her grandchildren. Then the significant wink at Fancy Pants. What had given her mother the idea that was appropriate Rarity couldn't fathom. Fancy Pants had laughed, but Rarity had been able to tell he was embarrassed. Fancy Pants spoke with them a few minutes longer before leaving. Rarity had lapsed into sullen silence that even Sweetie Belle considered immature. Her mother asked her what was wrong. Rarity had exploded into a rage. Things had escalated and the next thing Rarity knew she was taking the train home alone.

Rarity suddenly felt very tired. More tired than she ever had before. Exhaustion overwhelmed her and she fell into sleep.

...

She felt another unicorn's magic wrap around her, cradle and caress her. The presence was warm. Familiar. The magical aura felt like a soft blanket. It lifted her up gently like she was something that was very precious. She was being carried, but she felt safe. Loved. The feeling of security lulled her sleeping mind as she was pulled gently through the air. The next thing she felt was the softness of blankets and a pillow for her head.

She knew this aura. She had known it all her life.

"...Mama?" The word slipped out in her actual accent, which was closer to Applejack's than she would like to admit.

Her mother looked apologetically down at her. "You looked like a little filly when you were asleep at your table. Sorry, I couldn't resist."

"Why did you come here?" Rarity asked.

"I wanted to apologize. I know I upset you in front of that stallion you liked. It's just, it's been so long since you've had anypony. I worry that you're lonely. And I really do want grandchildren."

Rarity sighed. "Don't waste your mothering on me. I don't deserve it. And I should be apologizing to you. I'm the worst possible daughter."

"No, you aren't." Her mother said wrapping her up in a hug that made her feel worse than she already did.

"No I am. I really, really am. I let my stupid emotions get to me AGAIN!" She flailed back on the bed waving a hoof in the air. "It was supposed to be a nice outing and I ruined it with my SELFISH complaining! You should FLOG me, DISINHERIT me! I have brought you nothing but DISGRACE!"

Her mother stared at her before she burst out laughing. "Are you actually serious right now?"

Rarity wiped away a tear. "Yes."

"Rarity. I'm not going to flog you. Or disinherit you. Do you honestly believe you're the first mare to get in an argument with her mother?"

"Well, no of course not."

Cookie settled in closer to her daughter. "You really do need to get laid y'know that?"

"MOTHER!" Rarity whined.

"You'd be much less tense if you did. By the way, Grandchildren, I want lots of them."

Rarity sniffled. "You do forgive me, don't you?" Her eyes got wide and pleading.

"Of course, Honey." Cookie said, hugging her close. Rarity smiled and laid her head on her shoulder.

"So, I missed out on getting ice cream didn't I?"

"Um-hmm. Want to go get some ice cream together tomorrow? Just the two of us?"

"Sure. Sounds nice."

They laid their side-by-side for a while. Nopony was around so Rarity didn't feel embarrassed by how nice her mother's fur felt when she rested against her.

"Rarity? Why do you care so much about what other ponies think about you?"

"Doesn't everypony? We're herd animals, Mother. It's in our nature."

"I know. But are you sure you're not rejecting stallions based on social status?"

Rarity bit her lip. That might be a fair point.

"I remember how upset you were when that thing with Blueblood didn't work out."

"Please never mention him again. And it's not like I'd never date a poor or middle-class stallion. I just prefer ones that are nobles."

"You know you're father and I are lower middle class don't you?"

"Sure I do. But I want to be rich. I want money, power, influence."

"What about love? Happiness?"

"If you have money you'll have happiness."

"Oh Dear Celestia where did I go wrong?" Cookie asked.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Rarity asked, lifting up so she could glare at her mother properly.

"Money doesn't mean happiness. Aren't you the Element of Generosity?"

"I'm generous!"

"I know you are. What I'm trying to say is have you considered opening the field a bit more? Maybe judging ponies based on their personality rather than their bank accounts. Blueblood wasn't a gem and nor have many of your other vapid, self-absorbed stuck-up coltfriends been."

"Alright. You have a point there." Rarity admitted. "But I want a stallion who will help me advance in the world."

"You have a good business already. You know how me and your father met? He was working as a waiter. He'd played hoof-ball in college, but was down on his luck. He owns that restaurant now and maybe it's not a big store and maybe we're not as rich as Filthy Rich or Ruby Red, but we're happy. That's what matters."

"Did you secretly come here to scold me for my dating choices?"

"Maybe."

"You are simply infuriating."

"You know I'm right."

"I love you Mother so I won't strangle you."

Cookie kissed her forehead. "I love you too so I won't strangle you either."