The Life of Princess Crystal Shieldby CrimsonBlitz66ChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 1Hey my name's Gaia, and I'm the soon to be admiral of the Canadian armed forces. My brother is currently admiral. I didn't have that much training as a kid. I knew I wanted to protect Canada since childhood. My father, Apollo was also a lieutenant general in the Canadian armed forces, but he died in a fire accident when I was 10 years old. After that, it was just me, mom, Katrina and my big brother Ares. Although she was saddened by my dad's death, she kept on going, for our sakes. She had to get another job on weekends, so me and Ares were stopped from the combat classes we used to attend. We also had to get a part time job when we hit high school. After dad died, lots of people made fun of me and Ares for being poor. We got along pretty well. He was the one who kept me going after dad died. He was there for me when I was down, he beat up anyone who tried to hurt me physically. He was there when I needed help with anything at all. I always did the same for him. He is the best big bro I could ever ask for. Beep beep beep Once I heard the sound of my alarm clock I got up from bed, stretched my limbs and went to the bathroom to freshen up. Today was very important. Today was a ceremony honoring those soldiers who died protecting Canada. Every solider was required to attend every year. The families of those soldiers who died could come as well. Me and Ares were required to attend and say something too, both of us being the highest ranked soldiers and all. Since it was going to take most of the day, we were all given the day off. After getting into my uniform I went downstairs to greet my brother. After mom died a couple of years ago it was just me and Ares. It was a sad time for us, but training and our duties kept us distracted. We still morned for her, but we coped with it better than dad's death. "Hey Gaia you ready for today?" Ares asked as I came downstairs. It was 6 am and the ceremony started at 8 am, but we had to be there at 7 am to help finish setting up and get the guests seated and what not. After eating the scrambled eggs Ares made, we put on our coats got ready to drive in the pouring rain and got in the car." Ares got in the drivers seat and I sat beside him. After he started the car he looked at the watch and said. "Oh god man, we got to get there as soon as possible!" Ares fretted. Ares always hated being late, in fact he is the most punctual person I've ever met. He then noticed I wasn't wearing my seatbelt. "Gaia put on your seatbelt." Ares said. "It's ok dude, relax." I said. "I can't do that, just put on your seatbelt already." Ares said. "Fine dude." I said and put on my seatbelt. "You've got your speech planned out sis?" Ares asked. "Yup, you?" I replied. "Sure do." Ares said. "Ares watch out!" I said. A truck was coming strait for us, the driver couldn't stop cause of the slippery road. Ares tried to stop as well, but to no avail. I closed my eyes and braced myself for the impact. Apparently the driver tried turning around at the last second, making it so the area I was in would get the most impact. Before the truck hit us me and my brother shared a last glance before the truck hit us. I felt pain course through my very being for a couple of minutes, then nothing. I died. Then it became dark and warm. My limbs were moving against my will, and I felt as if I was being pushed out. I felt cold, and started panicking. Then my senses went all haywire and all I could do was cry. "Congratulations your majesty it's a filly!" What the heck is going on!? I thought. All of a sudden, I started getting poked by all sorts of things. I still felt cold and I kept on crying. Then I felt a blanket being wrapped around me, restoring some of the warmth then I heard the door opening and someone walking, or rather running in. I, then felt someone hold me, which was impossible cause I am a full grown woman weighing 200 lb! Then I opened my eyes. My eyes toke a brief moment to adjust to the lighting of the room, but once they did, what I first saw really weirded me out. The guy, from the looks of it had a, rather white looking face and blue hair with light blue highlights. "Hey little one, I'm Shining Armor and I'm your daddy." He said in a gentle tone. I don't know what, but something about this man made me feel safe. Like he was there to protect me not to cause me harm. Then I lifted up what, I thought was my arm, only to find it was was shaped like a hoof and had a bit of purple on the tip of it. I stared, wide eyed at the apendage before my senses went haywire once again and I started to cry. "Shhhh. Mommy's sleeping we have to be very quiet." Shining Armor said. I nodded my, surprisingly little head in understanding, not knowing what else to do. Shining Armor cooed softly and and hugged me gently, snuggling me against his warm, soft chest fur........wait fur!? I was starting to panic again and I cried for the third time. What is with me now?! I'm not usually this emotional! "Shhhhhh" Shining Armor tried to shush me, rocking me back and forth until he heard something. "It's alright Shining Armor, I was going to wake up anyway." a female voice said. "Cadence!" Shining Armor said, relived as he came and put me gently in her pink hooves. Wait..hooves! What is going on today?! Shining Armor kissed the pink pony on the lips then her forehead then said "Look at our beautiful foal honey." "Hi honey. I'm Cadence......your..mommy." Cadence said with tears of joy in her eyes. She then brought me to her chest and wrapped two large pink wings around me and started nuzzling me and cuddling me. Shining Armor watched with tears of joy in his eyes as well. Cadence then stopped to look at him and I did the same. He said. "Liquid pride. It's liquid pride!" Shining Armor (or dad I mentally added) insisted. At first it felt really awkward, being cuddled by someone (or somepony) I didn't know, but from the looks of it...I died and got reincarnated as their kid. I couldn't deny them their happiness by resisting and the mare made me feel safe. Basically my stupid good heart made me live through 5 or so minutes of non-stop cuddles, nuzzles and kisses from an emotional pink pony. It was one of the most awkward moments of my life (or second life if you know what I mean.) After that I started to feel a little drowsy, and I soon drifted off to sleep knowing my new parents were there to protect me. I wonder what my new life has in store for me. Better wait and see. Chapter 2I found my self in front of Sunnybrook hospital. I was a human again! I walked into the hospital, then by some unseen force, I was pushed into a room. It smelled awful, like....dead bodies. I was then directed towards a certain corpse. It was covered in cloth. I tried to remove the cloth to look inside, but my hands went strait through the corpse itself. What the heck!? I thought. The blanket covering the body was moved by an unseen force, showing me what was inside.....and what I saw, definitely caught me off guard. It looked exactly like me except, more...peaceful. I saw...my corpse. The corpse was wearing a hospital gown. My corpse had a cast on each arm and my left leg, bandages covering my chest and a couple of band-aids on my face for the minor cuts or scrapes. I backed away in shock. I felt like I was going to cry, but when I expected tears to flow.....nothing came, guess that's the price of being dead. Then I was pushed towards a hospital room. Inside I found Ares looking at at pictures of us on his ipad, silently weeping. He didn't look like he got hurt really bad. A broken arm and a broken leg were the worst of his injuries. When he turned around he stared wide eyed at me. "G-Gaia? Is t-that y-you?" Ares asked me hesitantly. "Yeah, who else would it be?" I replied with a grin on my face. Ares tried to reach and hold my hand with his good hand, but was surprised when it went strait through mine. He stared wide eyed at me, expecting an explanation for what just happened. "Sorry, side affects of being dead and and all." I replied. "I'm sorry you had to die Gaia. You had so much potential and still do." Ares said sadly. "Don't worry Ares, the knowledge I gained here is being put in good use. I've been reborn in a world full of talking ponies. I know it sounds weird but.....it's true." I said. As I started to hear the sound of my new parents talking I started to fade away. "Don't morn for me Ares. I'm in a better place with lots more opportunities." I said before I completely faded away. I woke up in a crib beside mom's bed. They must have put me there after I fell asleep. "Hey Shining Armor, this little cutie needs a name don't you think?" mom said as she nuzzled my head. I giggled and nuzzled her back affectionately. "How about....Gleaming Shield?" daddy suggested. "She is the crowned princess of the Crystal Empire, so.......how about Crystal Shield?" mom suggested. "It's a beautiful name honey. Just like you Crissy." daddy said, gently nuzzling me. All of a sudden my stomach growled really loud. I turned away in embarrassment. Mom and dad just giggled. "Just like your father." Mom said. "Hey!" Dad said back. "Just kidding honey, now, shoo we need privacy." Mom chided playfully. "Ok dear." Dad said as he walked out the door. Mom put me on the bed, then got in as well. She lifted her foreleg, revealing two teats. Oh hail no! I thought. Being used as a cuddle toy by an emotional pony is one thing, but nursing from that same pony!? Noooooooooo! Mom used her wing to gently nudge me towards her. "Come on Crissy it's good for you." mom said. I opened my mouth to argue, but then I remembered I couldn't talk. Mom used this opportunity to gently nudge her teat into my mouth. I tried resisting at first, but then a liquid squirted into my mouth...and it was the best thing I'd ever tasted! I kept nursing from mommy till I was full. Then she picked me up and patted me on the back, gently a couple of times until I let out a small burp. "Shining Armor, you can come in now." mom said. Dad came in with some other ponies. One was a winged unicorn like mom with a purple coat and navy mane with a purple and pink streak in it. The other two were unicorns like dad. One was a grayish unicorn with a purple and white streaked mane and blue eyes. The other was a navy blue unicorn with a navy mane and yellow eyes. I also noticed that they all had weird marks on their butt. Why does everybody....I mean everypony, have identical tattoo's on their butts...I mean...flanks? Urgh! Pony context is so confusing! I thought, angrily. "Hey Crystal Shield, this is your aunt Twilight, grandpa Night Light and grandmare Twilight Velvet." dad said. "Oh she looks so much like you Cadence!" aunt Twilight said. "She's so cute, right Nighty?" grandma said. "Yup" grandpa said. Grandma started making funny faces to me and I just giggled. Giggled I tell you! I am really starting to wish I was an adult again. "Here guys you can hold her." dad said. Grandpa got to hold me first. He smiled at me a let me play with his hoof. "She's a real cutie son." grandpa told dad. "Duh, she's my kid after all dad." dad said, puffing out his chest in pride. Everypony giggled at dad's comment. Grandma got to hold me next. She smiled at me and made funny faces, cooed and.....pinched my cheeks. I hate that! I thought. Then grandmare Twilight Velvet got to hold me. She started throwing me up and down, which I enjoyed......until mom had to ruin it. "Velvet, please stop, you'll drop her." mom fretted. "Oh..sorry Cadence." aunt Twilight said. "It's okay Twilight. Maybe when she's older."mom said "Being the over protective mom already dear?" grandpa asked, with a knowing smirk plastered on his face. Mom could only blush in embarrassment, but fortunately for her, aunt Twilight came to the rescue. "If you think she's being overprotective, then what about your reaction to my first date a couple of years back?" aunt Twilight asked, smirking. Date? This is gonna be good! I thought. Now it was Night Light's turn to blush. "To be fair, that guy insulted the suit I was wearing the day I met him." Night Light pouted. "You mean that 20 year old suit you wore at our wedding honey." grandmare said. "He just said it looked a little old. He even offered to buy you a new one. Flash is a great guy dad." Twilight said. "Fine you win." Night Light pouted. Everypony in the room laughed at the scene. "Okay we'll give you some privacy." Twilight Velvet said as Twilight, Night Light and herself walked out the door. The doctor walked in and said. "There seems to be no reason for you to stay here anymore, so feel free to leave when your ready." He said then walked out. "Okay Crissy, we can finally go home now." Mom said. "I'll get our stuff packed." Dad said. "Thanks sweetie." Mom said. Dad, then leaned in and kissed mom on the lips, which she gladly returned. It was about to turn into a makeout session, if I hadn't made weird baby noises to bring them back to reality. I don't know if I'll ever get used to that. I thought. After dad returned with the stuff, mom used some kind of telekinetic power to levitate a rattle and place it in my hooves. I was shocked at first, but hey. This is a world filled with ponies, talking ponies. I wouldn't be surprised if I met a talking dragon or something one of these days. I stared wide eyed in amazement at my mother's display of magic. "You know, your daddy and I can teach you magic. Maybe your sister, Flurry Heart and your brother, Paladin can help you out too. I have a big brother and a big sister?! I thought, excited at the prospect of having a big brother again, but afraid that Paladin would hate me. I've heard of situations like this from my female friends in the army, who got married. They would always go on about how the older one would be so cruel to the younger one. A couple of years later, they went on about how they would embarrass one another in front of each others friends at school. Luckily, Ares didn't do that but Paladin and Flurry Heart might! "Don't worry Crissy, Paladin and Flurry Heart were really excited to hear they were going to have a younger sibling. Their really nice. " Mom reassured me. I could only hope she was right. Author's Note Sorry it took me so long to finish this chapter. I'll try and get the next one out as soon as possible. Chapter 3The next morning, the doctor ran some tests and said me and my mom were free to leave. After packing everything, mom put me in a stroller and we exited the hospital. on my way out I noticed everypony had weird tattoos on their butts. Dad noticed me staring and said. "Those markings on everypony's flanks are called cutie marks. They appear for everypony once they find their special talent. You'll get one too one day." Dad said. I hope so. I thought. All I wanted was to grow up and join the military here. It was frustrating, having to learn everything all over again but at least I could relive my childhood and not have to worry about adult matters for a while. I could also learn a few things from my new family. Once we reached the castle, dad said he had to take care of some important work involving the royal guard and the kingdom. He kissed my mom and me goodbye and left. After he left, mom said. "Do you want to meet your new big brother and sister Crystal?" I obviously couldn't respond in a way where mom could understand what I was saying, so I just gave her a curious look. "MOM!!!" Two ponies screamed as they ran towards her. "Flurry Heart, Paladin, I want you to meet your new baby sister, Crystal Shield. Crystal these are your new older siblings, Flurry Heart and Paladin." Mom said. "Oh my stars she is so adorable!" Flurry Heart exclaimed. "Yeah, she is." Paladin agreed. It turns out I was worrying over nothing. They do seem nice. I thought. "Mom, are you joining us for breakfast?" Paladin asked. "I have to feed your sister, then I will be right down," Mom told them. After mother fed me she brought me to my new bedroom. It was beautiful. The walls were blue and they were entirely made of crystal. There was a rug on the floor with an image of the crystal heart on it. There was a crib in the center of the room. It was perfect. I tried to express my thanks to mother, but a few babbles in gibberish were all I could muster. Even though I wasn't speaking English, mother seemed to understand that I loved my new bedroom. I started to feel drowsy and let out a yawn. Mother responded by setting me, gently in my crib. She started to stroke my hair, or mane I should say and said "I love you so much Crystal. I'm not the only one. Your father loves you, your siblings adore you, your grandparents love you and even you aunt Twilight. You are so loved. Never forget that." Mother whispered softly into my ear. Hearing her say that was very reassuring. I fell asleep with my mother watching over me, knowing that I was very much loved by my new family. Author's Note Sorry I haven't updated in a while. I don't know when the next chapter will be out but I am planning for it to take place several years into the future. Please tell me what you think about this in the comments below. Chapter 4Author's Note By the way, Flurry Heart is 23 years old in this chapter and Paladin is 20 years old. In the previous chapter, Flurry Heart was 11 years old and Paladin was 8 years old. Just wanted to clear that up for everyone. Chapter 4 Twelve years later Crystal Shield was currently twelve years old. She had almost completely forgotten about her previous life. She always had dreams, though. Dreams about strange two-legged creatures. She didn't tell Cadence and Shining Armor because she didn't want them to worry. This is my burden to bear, Crystal had always thought. However, the strange bipedal creatures in her dreams had started talking to her about a month ago. She couldn't hear much of what they were saying, just the words "Come home Gaia." The Crystal Empire is where I belong now. Fate has run it's course. Thought Crystal. If everyone back home really did love me, they would just leave me be. Or is it really them? Are these dreams just fragments of my imagination or are they really trying to bring me back home. I really do miss them, but I love everypony here. They've shown me so much love since I got here. I can't just leave all of this behind. Ugh I can't be thinking about this right now. Crystal was currently on her way to the library. That's where her mother would teach her how to control her magic and become a suitable ruler of the kingdom. Flurry Heart had forfeited her right to the throne five years ago and was currently traveling Equestria on a journey of self-discovery. Paladin had joined the Royal Guard when he turned 18 two years ago and only desired to serve his country in the Royal Guard. This made Crystal Heart the next ruler of the Crystal Empire. Coming back to the present, once Crystal has reached the castle library, she opened the door and walked in, only to realize her mother hadn't arrived yet. So, Crystal sat down at a table where they would usually have their lessons and waited patiently for her mother to arrive, which she did...45 minutes later than she usually did. "I'm so sorry Crystal!" her mother apologized as she walked in. She kissed her daughter briskly before taking a seat across from her at the same table. "It's fine, mother. I was really enjoying this book anyways." Crystal said, putting down the book she had started reading while waiting for her mother. Cadence smiled. "Well then, since I arrived so late today how about we go grab some crystal berry pie from the town bakery for dinner after our lessons?" Cadence asked. "Really mom? You mean it?" Crystal's face lit up. "Of course! Now, where did we leave off yesterday?" "You did a great job today Crystal!" Cadence praised her daughter. "Thanks, mother!" Crystal said. "Now, how about we go get that pie I mentioned earlier?" Cadence said. "Yay! You're the best mom!" Crystal beamed. Cadence chuckled. "Let's get a move on, now." Cadence said. Crystal obliged. She and Cadence made their way to the empire's bakery. The Empire was getting ready for nightfall. Children were going home to eat supper, adults were going to close their shops for the night. The guards were switching shifts. Everything was going along as it should. Until Crystal suddenly stopped walking and sat on her haunches, looking rather dazed. Cadence noticed this and said "Honey? What's wrong?" Crystal said nothing. Concerned for her daughter's well-being, Cadence put a hoof on her shoulder and said "Honey? Are you o-" before she could finish her question, Crystal collapsed. "CRYSTAL!" Crystal's POV I don't know what happened. I was walking home with mother when I suddenly just lost consciousness. Then I found myself dreaming that same dream again. A bunch of what appeared to be everyone from back home in the human realm. "Who are you?" I asked. Over the years, I had forgotten some of the details surrounding my old life. However, I could never forget Ares. His hair was a disaster and he had started to grow an unruly beard. His eyes were bloodshot and he wouldn't stop crying. "Come on sis! I love you so much! Please come home! PLEASE! You were all I had left." he pleaded, tears streaming down his cheeks as he fell to his knees, begging me to return home with him. "Why is this happening to me?! WHY?!" Crystal screamed. Back in the Crystal Empire After Crystal had fainted, Cadence immediately teleported to the castle infirmary. She had a royal guard go bring Shining Armor and fill him in on the current situation. The doctor, Dr. Featherby couldn't seem to find anything wrong with Crystal's physical body. However, the problem was they just couldn't get her to wake up. They tried everything, but to no avail. Everypony was at a loss for what to do when suddenly, Crystal started to open her eyes. "Crystal? Can you hear me?" Shining Armor asked his daughter. "Ugh what happened?" Crystal asked, groaning. "You fainted on our way back from the bakery, remember?" said Cadence. "Oh yeah." Crystal remembered. "Where's the pie?" she asked, eagerly a few moments later. Cadence, Shining Armor and Dr. Featherby all laughed at this. Once all the laughter died down, Cadence spoke. "Are you okay? You gave Everypony quite a scare." Cadence asked her daughter, now taking on a concerned, motherly tone. "Yeah mom, I'm fine." Crystal said. "I'm sorry for worrying everypony." she apologized. "As long as you're alright dear." Shining Armor said. "Can I go home now?" Crystal asked. "I really want to eat that pie we got earlier." "Sorry kid." the doctor apologized. "I would like to keep you here for a while to run some tests." "What time is it anyways?" Crystal Shield wondered. "It's just about time for aunt Celestia to raise the sun." Cadence answered. "It's already morning?!" Crystal exclaimed, surprised that so much time had passed. "Yeah squirt, you were out the whole night." Shining Armor replied. "Woah." said Crystal. "That reminds me, I need to cancel all my meetings for today." Cadence remembered. "Oh right, same here." said Shining Armor. "It's okay mom, dad." Crystal reassured them. "No need to cancel everything, I'll be just fine here." "Don't be ridiculous honey" laughed Cadence. "Yeah, nothing is gonna take us away from your side." Shining Armor said. "Thanks guys. I love you." Crystal said, lovingly. "We love you more." Shining Armor said back. I don't think you'll feel that way after you find out who I once was. Crystal thought to herself, not daring to say it out loud. Chapter 5Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter 1Hey my name's Gaia, and I'm the soon to be admiral of the Canadian armed forces. My brother is currently admiral. I didn't have that much training as a kid. I knew I wanted to protect Canada since childhood. My father, Apollo was also a lieutenant general in the Canadian armed forces, but he died in a fire accident when I was 10 years old. After that, it was just me, mom, Katrina and my big brother Ares. Although she was saddened by my dad's death, she kept on going, for our sakes. She had to get another job on weekends, so me and Ares were stopped from the combat classes we used to attend. We also had to get a part time job when we hit high school. After dad died, lots of people made fun of me and Ares for being poor. We got along pretty well. He was the one who kept me going after dad died. He was there for me when I was down, he beat up anyone who tried to hurt me physically. He was there when I needed help with anything at all. I always did the same for him. He is the best big bro I could ever ask for. Beep beep beep Once I heard the sound of my alarm clock I got up from bed, stretched my limbs and went to the bathroom to freshen up. Today was very important. Today was a ceremony honoring those soldiers who died protecting Canada. Every solider was required to attend every year. The families of those soldiers who died could come as well. Me and Ares were required to attend and say something too, both of us being the highest ranked soldiers and all. Since it was going to take most of the day, we were all given the day off. After getting into my uniform I went downstairs to greet my brother. After mom died a couple of years ago it was just me and Ares. It was a sad time for us, but training and our duties kept us distracted. We still morned for her, but we coped with it better than dad's death. "Hey Gaia you ready for today?" Ares asked as I came downstairs. It was 6 am and the ceremony started at 8 am, but we had to be there at 7 am to help finish setting up and get the guests seated and what not. After eating the scrambled eggs Ares made, we put on our coats got ready to drive in the pouring rain and got in the car." Ares got in the drivers seat and I sat beside him. After he started the car he looked at the watch and said. "Oh god man, we got to get there as soon as possible!" Ares fretted. Ares always hated being late, in fact he is the most punctual person I've ever met. He then noticed I wasn't wearing my seatbelt. "Gaia put on your seatbelt." Ares said. "It's ok dude, relax." I said. "I can't do that, just put on your seatbelt already." Ares said. "Fine dude." I said and put on my seatbelt. "You've got your speech planned out sis?" Ares asked. "Yup, you?" I replied. "Sure do." Ares said. "Ares watch out!" I said. A truck was coming strait for us, the driver couldn't stop cause of the slippery road. Ares tried to stop as well, but to no avail. I closed my eyes and braced myself for the impact. Apparently the driver tried turning around at the last second, making it so the area I was in would get the most impact. Before the truck hit us me and my brother shared a last glance before the truck hit us. I felt pain course through my very being for a couple of minutes, then nothing. I died. Then it became dark and warm. My limbs were moving against my will, and I felt as if I was being pushed out. I felt cold, and started panicking. Then my senses went all haywire and all I could do was cry. "Congratulations your majesty it's a filly!" What the heck is going on!? I thought. All of a sudden, I started getting poked by all sorts of things. I still felt cold and I kept on crying. Then I felt a blanket being wrapped around me, restoring some of the warmth then I heard the door opening and someone walking, or rather running in. I, then felt someone hold me, which was impossible cause I am a full grown woman weighing 200 lb! Then I opened my eyes. My eyes toke a brief moment to adjust to the lighting of the room, but once they did, what I first saw really weirded me out. The guy, from the looks of it had a, rather white looking face and blue hair with light blue highlights. "Hey little one, I'm Shining Armor and I'm your daddy." He said in a gentle tone. I don't know what, but something about this man made me feel safe. Like he was there to protect me not to cause me harm. Then I lifted up what, I thought was my arm, only to find it was was shaped like a hoof and had a bit of purple on the tip of it. I stared, wide eyed at the apendage before my senses went haywire once again and I started to cry. "Shhhh. Mommy's sleeping we have to be very quiet." Shining Armor said. I nodded my, surprisingly little head in understanding, not knowing what else to do. Shining Armor cooed softly and and hugged me gently, snuggling me against his warm, soft chest fur........wait fur!? I was starting to panic again and I cried for the third time. What is with me now?! I'm not usually this emotional! "Shhhhhh" Shining Armor tried to shush me, rocking me back and forth until he heard something. "It's alright Shining Armor, I was going to wake up anyway." a female voice said. "Cadence!" Shining Armor said, relived as he came and put me gently in her pink hooves. Wait..hooves! What is going on today?! Shining Armor kissed the pink pony on the lips then her forehead then said "Look at our beautiful foal honey." "Hi honey. I'm Cadence......your..mommy." Cadence said with tears of joy in her eyes. She then brought me to her chest and wrapped two large pink wings around me and started nuzzling me and cuddling me. Shining Armor watched with tears of joy in his eyes as well. Cadence then stopped to look at him and I did the same. He said. "Liquid pride. It's liquid pride!" Shining Armor (or dad I mentally added) insisted. At first it felt really awkward, being cuddled by someone (or somepony) I didn't know, but from the looks of it...I died and got reincarnated as their kid. I couldn't deny them their happiness by resisting and the mare made me feel safe. Basically my stupid good heart made me live through 5 or so minutes of non-stop cuddles, nuzzles and kisses from an emotional pink pony. It was one of the most awkward moments of my life (or second life if you know what I mean.) After that I started to feel a little drowsy, and I soon drifted off to sleep knowing my new parents were there to protect me. I wonder what my new life has in store for me. Better wait and see.
Chapter 2I found my self in front of Sunnybrook hospital. I was a human again! I walked into the hospital, then by some unseen force, I was pushed into a room. It smelled awful, like....dead bodies. I was then directed towards a certain corpse. It was covered in cloth. I tried to remove the cloth to look inside, but my hands went strait through the corpse itself. What the heck!? I thought. The blanket covering the body was moved by an unseen force, showing me what was inside.....and what I saw, definitely caught me off guard. It looked exactly like me except, more...peaceful. I saw...my corpse. The corpse was wearing a hospital gown. My corpse had a cast on each arm and my left leg, bandages covering my chest and a couple of band-aids on my face for the minor cuts or scrapes. I backed away in shock. I felt like I was going to cry, but when I expected tears to flow.....nothing came, guess that's the price of being dead. Then I was pushed towards a hospital room. Inside I found Ares looking at at pictures of us on his ipad, silently weeping. He didn't look like he got hurt really bad. A broken arm and a broken leg were the worst of his injuries. When he turned around he stared wide eyed at me. "G-Gaia? Is t-that y-you?" Ares asked me hesitantly. "Yeah, who else would it be?" I replied with a grin on my face. Ares tried to reach and hold my hand with his good hand, but was surprised when it went strait through mine. He stared wide eyed at me, expecting an explanation for what just happened. "Sorry, side affects of being dead and and all." I replied. "I'm sorry you had to die Gaia. You had so much potential and still do." Ares said sadly. "Don't worry Ares, the knowledge I gained here is being put in good use. I've been reborn in a world full of talking ponies. I know it sounds weird but.....it's true." I said. As I started to hear the sound of my new parents talking I started to fade away. "Don't morn for me Ares. I'm in a better place with lots more opportunities." I said before I completely faded away. I woke up in a crib beside mom's bed. They must have put me there after I fell asleep. "Hey Shining Armor, this little cutie needs a name don't you think?" mom said as she nuzzled my head. I giggled and nuzzled her back affectionately. "How about....Gleaming Shield?" daddy suggested. "She is the crowned princess of the Crystal Empire, so.......how about Crystal Shield?" mom suggested. "It's a beautiful name honey. Just like you Crissy." daddy said, gently nuzzling me. All of a sudden my stomach growled really loud. I turned away in embarrassment. Mom and dad just giggled. "Just like your father." Mom said. "Hey!" Dad said back. "Just kidding honey, now, shoo we need privacy." Mom chided playfully. "Ok dear." Dad said as he walked out the door. Mom put me on the bed, then got in as well. She lifted her foreleg, revealing two teats. Oh hail no! I thought. Being used as a cuddle toy by an emotional pony is one thing, but nursing from that same pony!? Noooooooooo! Mom used her wing to gently nudge me towards her. "Come on Crissy it's good for you." mom said. I opened my mouth to argue, but then I remembered I couldn't talk. Mom used this opportunity to gently nudge her teat into my mouth. I tried resisting at first, but then a liquid squirted into my mouth...and it was the best thing I'd ever tasted! I kept nursing from mommy till I was full. Then she picked me up and patted me on the back, gently a couple of times until I let out a small burp. "Shining Armor, you can come in now." mom said. Dad came in with some other ponies. One was a winged unicorn like mom with a purple coat and navy mane with a purple and pink streak in it. The other two were unicorns like dad. One was a grayish unicorn with a purple and white streaked mane and blue eyes. The other was a navy blue unicorn with a navy mane and yellow eyes. I also noticed that they all had weird marks on their butt. Why does everybody....I mean everypony, have identical tattoo's on their butts...I mean...flanks? Urgh! Pony context is so confusing! I thought, angrily. "Hey Crystal Shield, this is your aunt Twilight, grandpa Night Light and grandmare Twilight Velvet." dad said. "Oh she looks so much like you Cadence!" aunt Twilight said. "She's so cute, right Nighty?" grandma said. "Yup" grandpa said. Grandma started making funny faces to me and I just giggled. Giggled I tell you! I am really starting to wish I was an adult again. "Here guys you can hold her." dad said. Grandpa got to hold me first. He smiled at me a let me play with his hoof. "She's a real cutie son." grandpa told dad. "Duh, she's my kid after all dad." dad said, puffing out his chest in pride. Everypony giggled at dad's comment. Grandma got to hold me next. She smiled at me and made funny faces, cooed and.....pinched my cheeks. I hate that! I thought. Then grandmare Twilight Velvet got to hold me. She started throwing me up and down, which I enjoyed......until mom had to ruin it. "Velvet, please stop, you'll drop her." mom fretted. "Oh..sorry Cadence." aunt Twilight said. "It's okay Twilight. Maybe when she's older."mom said "Being the over protective mom already dear?" grandpa asked, with a knowing smirk plastered on his face. Mom could only blush in embarrassment, but fortunately for her, aunt Twilight came to the rescue. "If you think she's being overprotective, then what about your reaction to my first date a couple of years back?" aunt Twilight asked, smirking. Date? This is gonna be good! I thought. Now it was Night Light's turn to blush. "To be fair, that guy insulted the suit I was wearing the day I met him." Night Light pouted. "You mean that 20 year old suit you wore at our wedding honey." grandmare said. "He just said it looked a little old. He even offered to buy you a new one. Flash is a great guy dad." Twilight said. "Fine you win." Night Light pouted. Everypony in the room laughed at the scene. "Okay we'll give you some privacy." Twilight Velvet said as Twilight, Night Light and herself walked out the door. The doctor walked in and said. "There seems to be no reason for you to stay here anymore, so feel free to leave when your ready." He said then walked out. "Okay Crissy, we can finally go home now." Mom said. "I'll get our stuff packed." Dad said. "Thanks sweetie." Mom said. Dad, then leaned in and kissed mom on the lips, which she gladly returned. It was about to turn into a makeout session, if I hadn't made weird baby noises to bring them back to reality. I don't know if I'll ever get used to that. I thought. After dad returned with the stuff, mom used some kind of telekinetic power to levitate a rattle and place it in my hooves. I was shocked at first, but hey. This is a world filled with ponies, talking ponies. I wouldn't be surprised if I met a talking dragon or something one of these days. I stared wide eyed in amazement at my mother's display of magic. "You know, your daddy and I can teach you magic. Maybe your sister, Flurry Heart and your brother, Paladin can help you out too. I have a big brother and a big sister?! I thought, excited at the prospect of having a big brother again, but afraid that Paladin would hate me. I've heard of situations like this from my female friends in the army, who got married. They would always go on about how the older one would be so cruel to the younger one. A couple of years later, they went on about how they would embarrass one another in front of each others friends at school. Luckily, Ares didn't do that but Paladin and Flurry Heart might! "Don't worry Crissy, Paladin and Flurry Heart were really excited to hear they were going to have a younger sibling. Their really nice. " Mom reassured me. I could only hope she was right. Author's Note Sorry it took me so long to finish this chapter. I'll try and get the next one out as soon as possible.
Chapter 3The next morning, the doctor ran some tests and said me and my mom were free to leave. After packing everything, mom put me in a stroller and we exited the hospital. on my way out I noticed everypony had weird tattoos on their butts. Dad noticed me staring and said. "Those markings on everypony's flanks are called cutie marks. They appear for everypony once they find their special talent. You'll get one too one day." Dad said. I hope so. I thought. All I wanted was to grow up and join the military here. It was frustrating, having to learn everything all over again but at least I could relive my childhood and not have to worry about adult matters for a while. I could also learn a few things from my new family. Once we reached the castle, dad said he had to take care of some important work involving the royal guard and the kingdom. He kissed my mom and me goodbye and left. After he left, mom said. "Do you want to meet your new big brother and sister Crystal?" I obviously couldn't respond in a way where mom could understand what I was saying, so I just gave her a curious look. "MOM!!!" Two ponies screamed as they ran towards her. "Flurry Heart, Paladin, I want you to meet your new baby sister, Crystal Shield. Crystal these are your new older siblings, Flurry Heart and Paladin." Mom said. "Oh my stars she is so adorable!" Flurry Heart exclaimed. "Yeah, she is." Paladin agreed. It turns out I was worrying over nothing. They do seem nice. I thought. "Mom, are you joining us for breakfast?" Paladin asked. "I have to feed your sister, then I will be right down," Mom told them. After mother fed me she brought me to my new bedroom. It was beautiful. The walls were blue and they were entirely made of crystal. There was a rug on the floor with an image of the crystal heart on it. There was a crib in the center of the room. It was perfect. I tried to express my thanks to mother, but a few babbles in gibberish were all I could muster. Even though I wasn't speaking English, mother seemed to understand that I loved my new bedroom. I started to feel drowsy and let out a yawn. Mother responded by setting me, gently in my crib. She started to stroke my hair, or mane I should say and said "I love you so much Crystal. I'm not the only one. Your father loves you, your siblings adore you, your grandparents love you and even you aunt Twilight. You are so loved. Never forget that." Mother whispered softly into my ear. Hearing her say that was very reassuring. I fell asleep with my mother watching over me, knowing that I was very much loved by my new family. Author's Note Sorry I haven't updated in a while. I don't know when the next chapter will be out but I am planning for it to take place several years into the future. Please tell me what you think about this in the comments below.
Chapter 4Author's Note By the way, Flurry Heart is 23 years old in this chapter and Paladin is 20 years old. In the previous chapter, Flurry Heart was 11 years old and Paladin was 8 years old. Just wanted to clear that up for everyone. Chapter 4 Twelve years later Crystal Shield was currently twelve years old. She had almost completely forgotten about her previous life. She always had dreams, though. Dreams about strange two-legged creatures. She didn't tell Cadence and Shining Armor because she didn't want them to worry. This is my burden to bear, Crystal had always thought. However, the strange bipedal creatures in her dreams had started talking to her about a month ago. She couldn't hear much of what they were saying, just the words "Come home Gaia." The Crystal Empire is where I belong now. Fate has run it's course. Thought Crystal. If everyone back home really did love me, they would just leave me be. Or is it really them? Are these dreams just fragments of my imagination or are they really trying to bring me back home. I really do miss them, but I love everypony here. They've shown me so much love since I got here. I can't just leave all of this behind. Ugh I can't be thinking about this right now. Crystal was currently on her way to the library. That's where her mother would teach her how to control her magic and become a suitable ruler of the kingdom. Flurry Heart had forfeited her right to the throne five years ago and was currently traveling Equestria on a journey of self-discovery. Paladin had joined the Royal Guard when he turned 18 two years ago and only desired to serve his country in the Royal Guard. This made Crystal Heart the next ruler of the Crystal Empire. Coming back to the present, once Crystal has reached the castle library, she opened the door and walked in, only to realize her mother hadn't arrived yet. So, Crystal sat down at a table where they would usually have their lessons and waited patiently for her mother to arrive, which she did...45 minutes later than she usually did. "I'm so sorry Crystal!" her mother apologized as she walked in. She kissed her daughter briskly before taking a seat across from her at the same table. "It's fine, mother. I was really enjoying this book anyways." Crystal said, putting down the book she had started reading while waiting for her mother. Cadence smiled. "Well then, since I arrived so late today how about we go grab some crystal berry pie from the town bakery for dinner after our lessons?" Cadence asked. "Really mom? You mean it?" Crystal's face lit up. "Of course! Now, where did we leave off yesterday?" "You did a great job today Crystal!" Cadence praised her daughter. "Thanks, mother!" Crystal said. "Now, how about we go get that pie I mentioned earlier?" Cadence said. "Yay! You're the best mom!" Crystal beamed. Cadence chuckled. "Let's get a move on, now." Cadence said. Crystal obliged. She and Cadence made their way to the empire's bakery. The Empire was getting ready for nightfall. Children were going home to eat supper, adults were going to close their shops for the night. The guards were switching shifts. Everything was going along as it should. Until Crystal suddenly stopped walking and sat on her haunches, looking rather dazed. Cadence noticed this and said "Honey? What's wrong?" Crystal said nothing. Concerned for her daughter's well-being, Cadence put a hoof on her shoulder and said "Honey? Are you o-" before she could finish her question, Crystal collapsed. "CRYSTAL!" Crystal's POV I don't know what happened. I was walking home with mother when I suddenly just lost consciousness. Then I found myself dreaming that same dream again. A bunch of what appeared to be everyone from back home in the human realm. "Who are you?" I asked. Over the years, I had forgotten some of the details surrounding my old life. However, I could never forget Ares. His hair was a disaster and he had started to grow an unruly beard. His eyes were bloodshot and he wouldn't stop crying. "Come on sis! I love you so much! Please come home! PLEASE! You were all I had left." he pleaded, tears streaming down his cheeks as he fell to his knees, begging me to return home with him. "Why is this happening to me?! WHY?!" Crystal screamed. Back in the Crystal Empire After Crystal had fainted, Cadence immediately teleported to the castle infirmary. She had a royal guard go bring Shining Armor and fill him in on the current situation. The doctor, Dr. Featherby couldn't seem to find anything wrong with Crystal's physical body. However, the problem was they just couldn't get her to wake up. They tried everything, but to no avail. Everypony was at a loss for what to do when suddenly, Crystal started to open her eyes. "Crystal? Can you hear me?" Shining Armor asked his daughter. "Ugh what happened?" Crystal asked, groaning. "You fainted on our way back from the bakery, remember?" said Cadence. "Oh yeah." Crystal remembered. "Where's the pie?" she asked, eagerly a few moments later. Cadence, Shining Armor and Dr. Featherby all laughed at this. Once all the laughter died down, Cadence spoke. "Are you okay? You gave Everypony quite a scare." Cadence asked her daughter, now taking on a concerned, motherly tone. "Yeah mom, I'm fine." Crystal said. "I'm sorry for worrying everypony." she apologized. "As long as you're alright dear." Shining Armor said. "Can I go home now?" Crystal asked. "I really want to eat that pie we got earlier." "Sorry kid." the doctor apologized. "I would like to keep you here for a while to run some tests." "What time is it anyways?" Crystal Shield wondered. "It's just about time for aunt Celestia to raise the sun." Cadence answered. "It's already morning?!" Crystal exclaimed, surprised that so much time had passed. "Yeah squirt, you were out the whole night." Shining Armor replied. "Woah." said Crystal. "That reminds me, I need to cancel all my meetings for today." Cadence remembered. "Oh right, same here." said Shining Armor. "It's okay mom, dad." Crystal reassured them. "No need to cancel everything, I'll be just fine here." "Don't be ridiculous honey" laughed Cadence. "Yeah, nothing is gonna take us away from your side." Shining Armor said. "Thanks guys. I love you." Crystal said, lovingly. "We love you more." Shining Armor said back. I don't think you'll feel that way after you find out who I once was. Crystal thought to herself, not daring to say it out loud.
