Children of the Star

Chapters

A Star Rises
Fall Of A Star
A Little Sun
Ponyhead Nebula
Gathering of Stars
Hard to Star-Board

A Star Rises

Star Dust grunted as he pulled the plow through the dirt, feeling the hot rays of Celestia’s sun bearing down on him. Since he had reached his eighth year, his father had concluded that it was time for him to start doing more of the hard work around the farm. Needless to say, Star hated every second of it. He would much rather be pondering on that idea. He panted and struggled to take another step forward, the plow barely budging.

He muttered under his breath, deciding it was best to take a break. Star glanced around the field, noting his father tilling the far side. His sister, Dust Bowl, was busy planting seeds behind him. She stopped once she got to his plow. She trotted around it and gave him a frown.

“Star, thou can not be lollygagging around when there is so much work to be done,” she scolded.

“’Tis heavy!” he complained, kicking at the plow with a back hoof.

“It has to be to till the fields,” she said. “Thou art an earth pony, and a stallion. Thou must learn to pull it with ease.”

Star pouted at her, resuming his task with a grunt. He knew better than to put up a fight, his family depended on their crops and everypony had to be useful. He struggled for every step, sweat pouring off his body. This continued for hours, and Star collapsed into a heap when his mother called out that it was time for supper.

“Come now,” Dust Bowl prodded, poking at his side. “’Tis time for supper.” When he refused to move, she pushed her head under him, sliding him onto her back. “Thou art getting too big to be carried.”

“S-sorry, Sister,” he panted out, “but I cannot move my legs.” He tried to move them, only succeeding in making them twitch.

Dust Bowl rolled her eyes, trotting towards the house. “Thy legs will adapt in time,” she assured, giving him a slight smile. “But thou cannot stop before supper, father will be most displeased.”

Star pouted and looked down at the ground. “But ’tis too hard to do that. The plow is bigger and heavier than I am.”

“Dost thou think it was any different for father?” she question, stepping inside the hovel. The Dust family home consisted of a measly three rooms. A large bedroom for the adults and a smaller room for the children, on either side of the kitchen.

“I suppose not,” he replied with a sigh as she let him down from her back. He tested his legs, trotting to the kitchen to wash his hooves in the wash bucket. Once the dirt was removed, he took his seat at the table, sniffing at the pot his mother had set upon it.

“’Tis vegetable soup and fried potatoes,” his mother informed, setting up four plates and placing them around the table. His mother smiled at him, the white of her teeth standing out against her grayish-pink fur. She took her seat and brushed her white mane over her shoulder with a hoof. “Didst thou enjoy the field work?”

Star forced a smile and poked a t his meal. “Of course, Mother. ’Twas very rewarding.” Her smile became a knowing one, and he quickly looked away. He picked up a piece of potato and scarfed it down. “It worked up quite the hunger as well.”

His mother chuckled, sipping at her soup. “’Tis honest work, Star Dust. Many ponies rely on our crops.”

“I know, Mother,” Star replied, eating another piece of potato. “And it is what keeps us fed.”

“Aye, ’tis much more rewarding than mining,” his father, Rock Dust, added. The older stallion sat down at the head of the table, giving his soup a scowl. “Where be the salt?”

“Hold on, Dear.” His mother, Earth Salt, got up from the table and grabbed a bowl with salt in it. “I swear, thou shalt become salt with the way thou consume it.”

The light brown stallion took the bowl and threw a couple pinches onto his meal. His light whitish-gray mane was cropped short. “I like what I like.” Star snickered at the interaction, taking a long sip from his bowl. Rock turned to his son. “Thy work was good for thy first day. Do not feel disheartened by thy need for rest before supper.”

Star frowned, staring into his soup. “But father... what if I am not supposed to be a farmer?”

“And what dost thou think thou art meant to be?” Rock asked, raising a skeptical brow.

Star watched a piece of barley float lazily past a carrot. He didn’t exactly know how to answer the question. Whatever he was supposed to do, he knew it wasn’t farming.

“Know this, Son,” Rock said, pulling Star out of his thoughts. “I shall not dissuade thee from these thoughts. But thy first duty is to us, thy family. And the family that thou shalt go on to create.”

Star nodded, glancing up. “Of course father, family is important.”

“Good, then pursue thy interests when thou art done with thy chores. If they do not hurt the family, I see no reason for thou to not do them.” Rock went back to eating.

Star beamed, taking to his meal with gusto. When he slurped up the last of the soup, he pushed it away, turning his gaze to his mother. “May I be excused?”

“Yes, you may.” His mother smiled and nodded. Star nearly bolted out of his seat, leaving his family to their meal. Star scrounged up a shovel and a bucket, beginning the walk down to the river. Earth smiled and chuckled. “I know not where he gets his enthusiasm, but ’tis a joy to see.”

Rock peered after the colt, a bemused expression on his face. “What dost thou think he’s up to?”

“I have seen him drawing strange things lately, but he will not divulge what they are,” Earth informed. “Perhaps it is related to that?”

Rock hummed, stroking his moderate beard. “Perhaps I should have a talk with him.”

“Aye, we cannot let him hurt himself,” Earth agreed.

Star sat by the river, digging his little stream. It was slow going with his sore muscles, but he persevered. If all worked well, he’d be able to pursue his passions, and make his family's lives easier at the same time. His body was getting caked with muck, but that didn’t matter. He could always just wash it off in the shallows of the river.

He tossed the shovel away, climbing out of the glorified ditch. It was shallower towards the river, ending in a hole at least two feet deep. After a quick overview of his work, he gave a kick to the wall separating the river from the stream. The dirt crumbled slightly and a spigot of water started entering his ditch. He kicked the wall again, increasing the flow.

Star smiled, watching the ditch fill up. Once he was satisfied, Star leaned down, grasping a bar of wood with his mouth. Looking along the ditch, he dropped it in something near the middle. Instead of doing as he wished, it merely floated down into the hole.

“Hmm, perhaps something a bit bigger?” He wondered aloud, watching the ripples in the stream as the block of wood bobbed at the bottom. He looked around, spotting a dead tree at the edge of the farm. It had stopped bearing fruit long before his birth. It seemed perfect to adjust for his purposes. He rushed back to his home, gripping the axe off the stump his father used to cut firewood in his teeth.

“Star Dust!” His father’s voice called out, nearly making him drop the axe. “What dost thou think thou art doing?”

Star spat the axe out of his mouth before speaking. “I am doing as thou told me, Father. I am pursuing my passions and by doing so, I will make our lives better.” Star smiled at his father. “I just need to borrow the axe to do this.”

Rock Dust trotted other, grabbing the axe. “I also told thee never to touch my axe.”

“Please father, I would not touch it unless I had good reason to,” Star looked down in thought for a moment. He looked up, an idea striking him. “Father, thou art teaching me to work the fields, so perhaps thou could watch me and teach me to use the axe as well?”

Rock Dust stared down at him for a moment. Rock let out a grunt, gesturing to the stump. “Best to keep thee from hurting thyself.”

“Thank thee father!” Star beamed and got in front of the stump. “I promise thee, thou shalt be proud when my project is complete.”

“Aye,” Rock grunted. They spent the rest of the evening working, with Rock taking the opportunity to get the week’s firewood chopped. It left Star exhausted, though filled with a sense of accomplishment. Star let out a yawn, as he and Rock reentered the house. Rock patted his head and sent him to bed. “I know not what thou art planning, but it is certainly interesting.”

Star smiled tiredly, wobbling to his bed. “Good night, father.”

“Good night, Son.” Rock cracked a small smile and walked to his own bed. Star climbed onto his bed, eyeing his parents’ room. From the soft sounds of breathing, he could tell Dust Bowl was already asleep. Once the home was quiet, and the moon's light poured in through the window, Star slipped out of bed, slinking outside. His body protested as he grabbed the axe again, but he pressed on. He also grabbed a lantern and sat it on his back. He trotted back to the dead tree and resumed his work, his head bobbing as he fought to stay awake. Hours passed and Princess Celestia’s sun peeked out over the horizon.

Star slumped under a tree, finally passing out. He stirred some time later, hearing a lot of angry voices approaching. He slowly got to his hooves, seeing the village had come and were looking down at him. The baron of the land was leading the mob. The baron was a light blue unicorn with a well coiffed navy blue mane. He had yellow eyes that were staring daggers down at Star. On his head rested a copper and onyx circlet, a symbol of his station.

Star looked between them, stuttering out a, “Good morn.” He bowed his head, making sure not to look the baron in the eyes.

“’Twould be a good morn were it not for our river being blocked.” The baron pointed a hoof at the structure that Star had spent the night building. “Now the water wheel has stopped moving.”

Rock Dust rushed over, giving Star a look that just screamed ‘thou art in deep trouble.’“Baron Purse,” he began, turning his attention to the unicorn, “We art sorry for any trouble our son has caused. He is still young, barely able to till the fields.”

“Sir, the river’s blockage is a temporary thing,” Star chimed. “I wanted to stop the flooding every year.” Star walked over to his structure, pulling on a pulley to lift up a gate. The river started to flow again, much to the relief of the crowd. “We can control the river with this!” Star proclaimed proudly, beaming at them.

Coin Purse’s harsh look did not go away. “Didst thou truly create this? Or art thou stealing the credit from somepony else?” Coin Purse looked out at the assembled crowd.

Star frowned, pursing his lips. “Of course I did,” he protested, “I stayed up through the night to make it.”

“I highly doubt that,” Coin scoffed, looking out around the crowd. “Though, I would also doubt that anypony else assembled here could accomplish this.”

“It was me!” Star shouted, stamping his hoof.

Coin got into Star’s face, arching a brow. “Didst thou just raise thy voice at thy baron?” Star stumbled back, his ears pressed against his head. Coin raised his head again, turning away from the colt. “No matter, the river is flowing and thus I will be able to collect from the farmers. Finding out who created what can come later.”

“But, I did...” Star argued, daring to question the baron.

Rock put a hoof on Star’s shoulder, shaking his head. He pulled his son close, signalling that the matter was over. Star hung his head, feeling tears building up in his eyes.

Rock patted his son’s back, leaning down to whisper in his ear. “We shall know the truth. His acknowledgement means nothing.” Star nodded, wiping at his eyes. He glared at Coin Purse, swearing on Faust’s name he’d become more important than him.

The crowd dispersed as Coin left to return to his estate. The Dust family walked to their own home together. Once inside, they all looked down at Star.

Star shuffled, staring at his hooves. “I’m sorry, I almost got us in trouble.”

“That may be true, but thou hast helped the entire village,” Rock said. “That is something I cannot deny. Thou hast a real gift, Star.” Rock’s look then hardened. “But I will not allow thee to work on these projects through the night again. Thou still has a responsibility to do thy chores. Now, get some sleep, thou shalt need it for thy work today.”

Dust giggled, getting their attention. “I think Star should check his flanks first.”

Star looked down and saw that a cutie mark had appeared without him noticing. He did not quite know what it was, but that did not matter. He jumped for joy and let out a loud whoop. The mark consisted of a central circle, half blue, half red, surrounded by three rings, each holding a smaller dot.

“I am proud of thee, Son.” Earth smiled and ruffled his mane. “May thy work continue to improve as thou grows.” Star leaned into her hoof, and for a brief moment, everything was fine. “But thou art getting less helpings at meals today as punishment for sneaking out,” she informed, not slowing her rubbing of his head.

Celestia stepped out of her chariot as she overlooked the small village. She had heard reports that somepony had created a way to alter the flow of a river without damming it. She looked up, spying the baron of the land’s estate.

“With me,” she spoke to her guards, not needing to look back to know they were forming behind her. She trotted towards the estate, smiling at all the villagers that poked their heads out of their homes. She continued towards the estate, knocking on the baron’s door.

A few moments passed before it opened, revealing an older, brown stallion. “Yes?”

“Hello, sir,” Celestia greeted, smiling. “We had heard stories of a creation here. And we would like to ask baron Coin Purse about it.” Ever the one to be polite, Celestia made sure to memorize the name of all the ruling barons and dukes, even the more obscure ones. Coin Purse fell into the latter category.

The butler bowed. “I shall see if he will grant thee audience, Your Majesty. Though, I am sure that he would be happy to have thee as his guest.” The butler turned and trotted into the home.

Celestia hummed a tune to herself, examining the village. Like most, it was full of hovels, with just enough life space to be called a home. It always bothered her that the higher class treated everypony else so poorly. She examined the baron’s home. He certainly didn’t lack for space. It was two stories tall, which made it the tallest building in the village. It was constructed of wood and was well taken care of. It had banners with Coin Purse’s crest hanging from several places.

The butler returned, bowing as he stood in front of Celestia. “Master Coin Purse is waiting for thee. He is most excited that thou hast deigned to visit the estate today.” The butler turned and motioned for her to follow. She nodded, stepping inside. Two of her guards took up positions on either side of the door. The butler led her into a sitting room where Coin Purse was waiting for her with a fresh kettle of tea.

“Good morn,” Celestia greeted, inclining her head. “It has been far too long, Coin Purse.”

“Greetings, Princess!” Coin got up from his seat and bowed. “And do not worry about the time. Thou art so busy, I am just glad that thou can remember a baron of a village such as this.”

She waved him off, taking a seat on a nearby chair. “I have heard tell of a new invention in thy village.”

“Ah yes, our ‘floodgate’ as we of the village have taken to calling it,” the baron said, using his magic to pour her a cup of tea. “It should prove rather useful once the pegasi come for our scheduled rainy season. Unfortunately, Wheatgrass Farms was damaged during last year’s in an unforeseen flood and set the village back during the winter.” He put on a sad face and shook his head. “But, tragedies like that should no longer occur.” His smile returned.

Celestia lifted her teacup, taking a sip. “Dost thou know who created this... ‘floodgate?’”

“Nopony has taken credit for it,” Coin said, putting his cup down and shaking his head. “Aside from a young Earth pony colt that is.”

She tilted her head, interest piqued. “Oh?”

“Yes, son of a former miner turned vegetable farmer. The family has no education. In all likelihood it’s a tall tale he cooked up for attention.” Coin waved his hoof in a lazy circle.

Celestia nodded, placing her cup down. “Still, I would like to meet this foal. Even if he didn’t make it, he might know who did.”

Coin nodded. “Of course, Princess.” Coin bowed in his seat. “Their home is closest to the river. It is a modest lodging, no more than three rooms.”

Celestia rose up, gesturing to the door. “After you.”

Coin bowed again and led her back into the village. The two of them stopped in front of the small hovel, Coin stepping to the side. Celestia raised her hoof, rapping on the rather flimsy looking door. The door rattled in its place, but held. A moment later, Earth Salt answered it, gaping as she saw Celestia.

She recovered quickly and bowed. “G-greetings, Princess.”

Celestia smiled, biding her with a hoof to rise. “Good morn to thee.”

“Good morn, Princess,” Earth said. “Why hast thou come to my home?”

“I have heard that there was a colt here who claims to have created thy village’s ‘floodgate’,” Celestia explained, “I would like to meet him.”

“Of course, Princess,” Earth said, an excited smile on her face. “He is out in the fields.” Earth trotted out of the home and led Celestia to the fields where the rest of the family was working. She pointed out Star for the princess.

“Excuse me, young colt,” Celestia called, her voice causing the family to pause. They all turned to her, expressions of shock dawning on them. “May I have a word?”

Star gaped, but moved towards her as if moved by an unseen force. He gave her a shaky bow and asked, “Why wouldst thou wish to speak to me, Princess?”

She leaned down, looking into his eyes. “We hath heard you claim to have built the floodgate. Is this true?”

“Yes, Princess!” Star perked up. “I stayed up through the night creating it!”

“Do not lie to the princess!” Coin Purse barked, glaring at the colt. “Can’t you mud ponies do anything right?”

Celestia turned back to the baron, a quiet fire starting to burn in her eyes. She put on her sweetest smile and asked, “Excuse us, Baron Coin. We do believe we hath misheard thee. What was it that thou just called one of our precious subjects?”

Coin Purse gulped, his ears splaying back. “I well...er...” he stuttered over his words, desperately looking for a way out.

“Well, out with it,” Celestia said. “We wish to know what thou called this colt.” She rested a hoof on Star’s shoulder, boring holes in Coin’s head.

“A mud pony...” Coin Purse admitted, wilting under her gaze.

“So we did not mishear thee,” Celestia said, the fire becoming an inferno. “Now we must ask this, why didst thou call this colt such a horrific slur?”

Coin sputtered, looking between the two. “He is merely a peasant! What use besides working in the mud does he have?”

“Is that truly thy view of things?” Celestia asked. “Thou art truly an ignorant pony, Coin. We hereby strip thee of thy title and claim to nobility. It is thy turn to work in the mud. Perhaps this will teach thee humility.”

Coin gaped, staring at her like she had just insulted his mother. “Y-you can’t do that!!” he stomped his hoof, looking like an oversized foal. “Thou hast no right!”

“We have every right,” Celestia said, flaring her wings out. “We art the princess of this land. Thine authority is an extension of our own. As such, we can rescind it as we see fit.” Coin Purse let out a strained growl, storming off.

“Thank thee for defending me,” Star chimed with a smile. He immediately bowed his head. “Your Majesty.”

“Think nothing of it, little one,” Celestia told him, patting his head. “It is our duty to defend each and every single one of our subjects.” He blushed, sneaking a peek up at her. He was greeted by the sight of her warm smile.

“So um, dost thou believe me?” he asked, scratching his cheek. “Dost thou believe I made the floodgate?”

Celestia turned her head toward the river. “I will give thee a chance to prove thyself.”

“How wouldst thou like me to do that, Your Majesty?” Star inquired, following her gaze.

Celestia gazed down at him, her smile never waning. “Show me how thou did it, young one.”

Star walked over to the river, indicating the ditch filled with water. “I started small. I used this small stream I made to test a smaller version of the gate. After a few tests I found that this…” He walked over to the pulley, “...contraption was the best way to control the flow.”

“And what dost thou call that contraption?”

“Well, I pull on it, so I call it a pulley,” Star answered, batting the rope and smiling.

Celestia chuckled, impressed by the colt’s ingenuity. “What is thy name young one?”

“I be Star Dust, Your Majesty,” he answered with a bow.

“Dost thou have thine cutie mark, Star Dust?” She tilted her head, gazing at his flank.

“Yes!” He beamed, showing off his mark. “I know not what it is yet, but I know it means I must continue creating things like this!” Curious, Celestia moved in closer, scrutinizing the mark.

“I apologize young Star, but I do not know what thine mark means.”

“Do not worry, Princess,” Star waved off, “I will discover it myself one day.”

Celestia pondered for a moment, eyeing the floodgate closely. “Tell me Star Dust, dost thou get ideas such as this often?”

“Every so often,” he replied. “This is the first time I’ve succeeded in building something though.” Celestia nodded, gazing over his handy work. She doubted he had any sort of education, barring what he needed for farm work. Still, there was no doubt that he had talent. And a talent like this couldn’t be wasted.

“Tell us, Star, how wouldst thou like to become our student?” she asked, looking into his eyes.

Star stared at her, his body frozen. She simply smiled, waiting for him to process the request.

“Yes!” He nodded emphatically. “I would love to learn from thee!” He wilted slightly. “But... why wouldst thou want me? I’m not a unicorn.”

“Thou hast potential of thy own,” Celestia replied. “Thou may not be a unicorn, but thou hast a sharp mind.” She stroked his mane. “A mind that deserves to be nurtured.” Star shuffled, his gaze locked on the grass. Celestia’s smile grew. “Star Dust, Coin Purse was a unicorn, correct?” Star nodded in agreement. “And was he able to create something like thy floodgate?”

Star shook his head. “No, he wasn’t. I hath never seen him build anything.”

Celestia gently placed a wing on his back. “See? Thou art unique. Thou deserve to have thy mind nurtured.”

“Thank thee, Princess.” Star gave her a bright smile. “When can I begin my studies?”

“Thine parents must consent first,” she informed, gently nudging him towards the hovel.

Star nodded, his smile faltering for a moment. He trotted towards his home. He walked through the doorway. He found his parents, his father washing his hooves while his mother chopped vegetables.

“Mother, Father,” Star spoke up. “There is something I need to tell thee.”

Rock paused his scrubbing, gazing over at Star. “Art thou alright son?”

“I am fine, Father. I merely have important news for the two of thee.” Star shifted on his hooves. “The princess has offered to make me her student.”

Earth dropped her knife, staring at her son with wide eyes. “Truly thou jests!”

“No, Mother,” Star shook his head, “the princess was sincere in her offer.” He paused. “At least, I believe she was.”

“And what would being her student entail?” Rock asked, stroking his beard.

Star frowned, poking at the floor. He didn’t actually know how to answer that. What would being Celestia’s student entail? He paused, his eyes widening in realization. He’d have to... leave.

Earth looked down at her son and frowned. She then gave him a soft smile before turning to her husband. “Perhaps we should ask the princess herself what is expected of Star?”

Rock was already moving towards the door. He inclined his head towards the princess, casting his eyes at the ground. “Star tells us thou dost wish to take him as thine student.”

“This is true,” Celestia replied with a smile. “He has shown an aptitude for invention with no formal education at all. We believe that he can go on to change Equestria for the better if his mind is nurtured.”

Rock nodded, feeling a swell of pride. “He’ll be leaving with thou?”

“That is correct.” Celestia nodded. “Of course, he may visit regularly. A growing foal cannot be expected to spend too much time away from his family. And we art sure he wouldst love to talk thy ear off about his lessons.” She smiled at the thought.

Rock looked over his shoulder, spying his family in the doorway. “None of the Dust family has ever left the island.” To think his own flesh and blood was getting taken to Canterlot, by the princess no less. “’Tis almost a dream.”

“Thy son has earned this,” Celestia told Rock, her smile growing. “We foresee a bright future for him.” Celestia looked past Rock and saw Star poking his head out of the home, his eyes sparkling with hope. “And we art sure he is as spectacular as he is due to thy efforts.”

Rock grunted at Star, gesturing for him to join them. Star trotted over, stopping a couple feet from his father.

“Yes, Father?” Star asked, sitting on his haunches and looking up at Rock.

Rock grasped his son by the shoulders, gazing into his eyes. “Star Dust, I want thou to go with the princess. Thou art a gift son, and thou would be wasted here.”

“But, Father,” Star gasped, “what of my chores on the farm? Will the three of you be fine without me?”

Rock pulled Star close, patting his back. “Fear not son, we will make do. We always have, and we always will.” He pulled away, leaving the poor colt reeling. “Keep in mind, thy duty is always to thine family.”

Tears welled up in Star’s eyes as he wrapped his forelegs around his father and buried his face in his chest. “Of course, Father. And I shall make thee proud. I will learn everything I can. Then I’ll make things for everypony, not just the village.”

Rock smiled, gently stroking his son's head. “Aye Star Dust, thou will make the world a much better place.”

Star pulled away from his father with a small smile forming on his face. He nodded before turning to Celestia. “When will I be leaving?”

“Thou can leave in the morning,” Celestia told him with a smile of her own. “Thou can have one more night among thy family before thy training begins. Thou may not see them for some time.”

Star nodded, rubbing at his eyes. “Thank thee, Princess. I will be ready to depart in the morn, I promise.”

“We art glad to hear it,” Celestia said, turning to leave. “We will return an hour after we raise the sun. Now, we must be off.” She looked over at the guards. “Sterling, Luminous, please send word to the others that we will be making camp here tonight.” The guards saluted and galloped off.

The Dusts watched the princess take her leave, stunned into silence. Dust Bowl went over to her brother’s side and put a hoof on his shoulder.

“Looks like thou won’t have to worry about learning to use the plow after all,” she said with a soft smile.

Star sniffled and hugged his sister. “No, it would seem I don’t.” He nuzzled her leg, the reality of his new circumstances finally hitting him. “I will miss thee while I’m gone.”

Dust Bowl nuzzled his head, letting out a long sigh. “I’ll miss thee too, little brother.”

Earth and Rock joined in on the hug. “We will be with thee in spirit, Star, always,” his mother assured, stroking his head. The family remained in their embrace for a few more moments before pulling away. “Now, let’s have one last dinner together before thou leaves for thy lessons.” Earth pulled away and started cooking, humming happily with misty eyes.

Fall Of A Star

“What do you think?” Star Dust asked, leading Princess Celestia, his former teacher, into his workshop. Star Dust himself was still around the size of a normal pony, the young alicorn having only ascended the year before.

“It sounds impressive, Dusty,” Celestia chuckled. “Of course, most of your ideas do. It’s a matter of whether or not this one will work. Your last experiment took the cleaning staff quite some time to clean up.”

“I assure you my dear Celly, this one will go off without a hitch!” Star Dust beamed. He was a deep forest green, and both his mane and tail were black with green streaks. His cutie mark was rather unique. It was a dot with one half colored blue and the other red. This dot was surrounded by three rings that had smaller dots that appeared to be orbiting the first.

“37~” Celestia giggled, rolling her eyes.

“What?” he asked, looking up at the taller alicorn.

“Oh, I just like to keep count of certain phrases that I’ve dubbed ‘Dustisms’. That particular one has been said 37 times since I started counting,” Celestia answered, smirking down at the stallion. He glared at her before moving on.

“As we both know, the sun is the well that all life on this world draws from.” They moved into a rather large, dome shaped room. At the center was a small glowing orb, contained under a bubble shield. “And I just made a miniature version of it.”

“Are you sure that's a good idea?” she asked, casting a worried look at the shield. “Something like this could end in catastrophic results with even the slightest miscalculation.”

“I am not so blind as to ignore the danger.” Dust nodded. “That's why we are so far underground. You remember that proposal I sent to you? A way to distribute power throughout the country?”

“I had guessed that this is what you were talking about in said proposal when I saw it,” Celestia nodded, glancing back at it. “I know better than anypony the energy contained within the sun. So, how do you plan on harnessing it?”

“Simple.” He moved toward the bubble, levitating over a strange looking hollow sphere. “This is what I call a ‘dyson sphere’. We place it around the miniature sun and it will absorb its energy and transfer it into the collection matrix I’ve set up. Of course, there is the possibility what we have now won’t be able to store the amount of energy taken, which is why we’re only going to start on the lowest setting possible.” He levitated the dyson sphere into the bubble, carefully setting it around the tiny star.

“I must admit, if this works then I will be very impressed. When this over we should go over the notes on how you created such a thing.” She smiled.

“Of course.” He smiled back, soaking up the praise. “June Bug!” he called over to his assistant. “Could you please get the matrix ready?”

“O-of course sir!” the young mare called out, galloping over to some equipment and flipping a few switches. “Th-the matrix is fully operational, sir! Collection is progressing as you hypothesized it would!”

“Marvelous~” he smiled, flexing his wings a little.

“It’s a good thing we’re in a large room. Otherwise I’d start worrying about there being enough space for your swollen head,” Celestia teased, poking the side of his head.

“Oi, my head is perfectly sized,” he huffed, shaking his head.

“Hmm, I don’t know,” she giggled, narrowing her eyes. “I think it's definitely growing to hold that massive ego you seem to be developing.”

“Oh shut it, thunder thighs,” he shot back.

“Oh, I have thunder thighs do I?” Celestia smirked. “Because I remember a certain colt ogling my backside while I would lecture him on Pre-Equestrian History. And the way he’d cross his legs when I asked him questions.”

“I have no idea what you're talking about.” Star stuck his nose up before they shot wide open. “Something’s wrong. June, how much energy is coming through?”

“I-I don't know!” the mare cried back. “The needle is going haywire!”

“Dammit!” he swore, lighting his horn up to try disconnecting the dyson sphere. He let out a cry, shaking his head. “Too much feedback...”

“Maybe I can help,” Celestia said. “You said that you essentially created a miniature sun, correct? Then perhaps my magic will be of assistance.” She lit up her horn and pointed it at the sphere. “Just direct me on what I should be trying to do here.”

Star took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “Okay. I need you to contain the energy while we work on cutting the energy flow.” Celestia nodded, closing her eyes and wrapping the mini-sun in her golden magic aura.

“I think I’ll be able to connect my magic to this,” the princess said, her eyes still closed. “It feels much like the real sun.”

“Good.” Star nodded, rushing over to his matrix. He muttered various things to himself. He grabbed the receiving crystals in his magic, letting out a yelp as his magic was rejected. “Oh that is not good. Not good at all...”

“Dusty, I heard that,” Celestia gulped, opening one of her eyes and looking back at him. “Please tell me that there's something we can do about this.”

“June Bug. Listen to me very carefully. I want you to run out of here as fast as you can and evacuate the rest of the staff.” Star didn’t bother to look at her, instead making his way over to Celestia. “The only thing we can hope to do is contain the energy until the star is bled dry.” He adjusted some controls to max with his magic before looking at Celestia. “I guess I’m not as smart as I think I am.”

“Dusty, being reckless and being smart are two very different qualities,” she assured him, her horn brightening to adjust to the new settings. “Haven’t you learned that yet in all the years I’ve taught you?”

“Let’s just keep focused on not letting us all die from solar energy.” He lit his horn once more, joining her magic with his own. He grunted under the strain, taking steady, deep breaths.

“Relax, Dusty,” Celestia coached. “You're thinking like a normal unicorn right now. Remember, you’re an alicorn. Your magic is more potent now than ever before. Just free your mind and connect with your alicorn attribute.”

“That's easy for you to say...” He closed his eyes, taking in a long breath and letting it out slowly. “I’m nowhere near as old as you are, nag.”

“Now is not the time to be bringing up my age,” she pouted. “Though one of the perks of being an alicorn is the eternal youth. Downside however, is that I have to worry about heat season until the end of time.”

“I pray to Faust for the poor soul that catches your eye.” Star chuckled, keeping his breathing calm, pouring most of his concentration into his magic.

“I could say the same for you,” Celestia countered, avoiding looking at him. “Honey, come quick! I’ve just created an experimental crib for the baby. It’ll change them and it plays classical music to develop their mind,” she said in a poor imitation of him.

“Oh, ha ha.” He panted, cracking an eye open. “This... was a terrible idea...”

“No it wasn't,” Celestia gave him a warm smile and draped one of her wings across his back. “It was, like many of your ideas, a good one that fell victim to unforeseen circumstances.”

“With the amount of energy leaking out of this thing... I can only imagine what it's going to do to the environment above...”

“Well then,” she said, eyeing the shifting ball of plasma. “If these might be our last moments together, then I say we share something. Has there been a mare… or stallion that’s caught your eye?”

“I’ve been meaning to ask June out... I just... never took the time...” he sighed, hanging his head slightly.

“Yes, you always did devote your time to your lab work instead of with members of the fairer sex,” Celestia giggled as she reminisced. “If I’m not mistaken, your date to the School for Gifted Unicorns’ dance was a homemade tesla coil.”

“Dancing’s not my thing,” he laughed. “What about you? Anypony catch your eye?”

“Oh, I’ve had a few stallions, a griffon cockerel or two, and even a fling with a minotaur in my time. But, another downside to being an alicorn is that while you stay young, your lovers do not,” she sighed.

“You know... I was hoping to meet that sister of yours... granted, she’d probably try to kill me, but still...” He looked up, letting out a sigh of relief. “Looks like we’re almost in the clear.”

“That's good, and as for Luna, once she is herself again she would enjoy your company.”

“You sound so sure of that.” He slowly lessened his magic, watching as the last embers of the star flicked out and the dyson sphere clattered to the ground.

“That's because the two of you are the ponies I know best in all of the world,” she chuckled, cutting out her own magic and retracting her wing. “I’d think you’d trust my judgement on these matters by now.”

“I probably should...” he panted, brushing a few sweat soaked strands of hair out of his face. “Faust, it’s hot...”

“Try connecting to the actual sun,” Celestia giggled. “Back when I first became an alicorn I would sweat worse than you are right now when I raised and lowered the sun. Now? I could run a marathon in Saddle Arabia while wearing winter clothes and still be dry.”

“Lucky...” he muttered, starting to move toward the exit. “Shall we?”

“Yes, let's go see what the damage is up above,” she nodded, heading out the door. “Hopefully nothing too severe.” They called silently through the empty bunker, finally breaking out into the daylight. All around them were dead plants and trees, as far as the eye could see. “Th-this is awful,” she gasped, running a hoof along a patch of dead grass. That little bit of contact caused the dead blades to break apart, crumbling away.

Star Dust was silent for a few moments before giving Celestia a melancholy look. “I’m not going home... am I?”

“Dusty… I will do what I can but… I don't know if I can persuade the nobles and convince them that nothing like this will ever happen again,” she admitted, meeting his melancholy look with one of her own. “And… if the worst does come to pass and you are exiled, then I promise you that it will not be permanent.”

“We both know the outcome...” He started to walk, making sure to go in the opposite direction of Canterlot.

“Dusty!” Celestia called out, causing him to look back. “I just want you to know… that you're like family to me. And that I will ensure that you come home again,” she told him, tears welling up in her eyes.

He gave her a tearful smile. “I know.” He spread his wings and sprang into the air, quickly and quietly flying off into the distance.

A Little Sun

Celestia hummed to herself as she and her always loyal guard, Air Razor trotted through one of the quieter Canterlot neighborhoods. He was a young pegasus with aquamarine fur that tousled with every step of his muscled legs. A well groomed purple mohawk poked out of the top of his helmet and a tail of a matching hue was cropped short.

It wasn’t uncommon to see the princess and her ever trusted guard, she made it a point to be as approachable as possible, it helped keep her in touch with her precious subjects. While she didn’t remember everypony’s name, not even she could do that, she did at least make an effort to remember faces and a few details apiece.

“Ahh, it truly is a lovely day, isn't it?” Celestia smiled down at Air Razor. “Be sure to remind me to send a thank you note to the Canterlot weather team for all their good work.” Perhaps it was just her reputation, or an attempt to please her, but there were always more sunny days in Canterlot than not. It did make her walks more pleasant, but her poor gardener spent quite a long time watering all the plants.

“Of course.” Air Razor nodded, scanning their surroundings as they walked, ever vigilant. His ears flicked to and fro, catching little murmurs from the crowd around them. Nothing noteworthy caught his attention, but he refused to relax.

“Oh come now.” A small chuckle escaped her lips. As much as she loved his dedication, Celestia always found that he tried just a little too hard sometimes. “You could stand to make conversation with me. Do I have to make it an order?” she teased.

“If that's what you want.” Air Razor grunted, looking back at her. “I am yours to command, but remember.” Celestia had to roll her eyes; the guard’s stoic mask seemed glued to his face “At least one of us has to pay attention.”

“And that is why I always take you on my walks,” Celestia snickered, sticking her tongue out at him. “Your candid attitude is very refreshing compared to what I’m used to dealing with.”

“I’m not what you're used to dealing with,” he countered, peering down a passing alley.

“Which is why I keep you so close to me,” she offered. “I need somepony that gives me complete honesty between the scheming nobles and blind yes-ponies.”

“You know that that’s not what I...” He slowed to a standstill, holding his wing out, signaling for her to stop.

“Air Razor, what's wrong?” she asked, following his gaze.

“Who's there?” he called, moving up to the mouth of the alley. “Come out, now.” He flared his wings out, crouching into a combat stance. A small whimper echoed through the alley and a dirty little filly stepped out from behind a trash can. Celestia could make out red in the filly’s mane, but the exact shade was buried beneath a layer of grime. Her fur was likewise marred by garbage and dirt, bits of yellow-orange remaining untouched.

“I-I wasn't doing anything bad, I swear,” the filly told the guard, trembling. Her eyes darted around in her skull, most likely looking for a method of escape.

“What were you doing back there, little one?” he asked, kneeling down to look her in the eyes.

“...Looking through trash cans for food,” she admitted sheepishly, peering back at the trash cans behind her. One had the lid off, bits of garbage surrounding it.

“Why would you need to do that?” he asked, frowning at her. He glanced at the garbage cans for a moment before returning his focus to the filly. “A foal like you should have a safe place to fill your belly.”

The filly cringed, eyes locked on the ground. “I’m hungry and I don't have any money to buy anything to eat.”

“And why not ask your parents for some money?” Celestia asked, putting the pieces together in her mind.

“I-I don’t have any...” the filly whispered, a weak sniffle passing through her as a few tears landed at her hooves. “Momma died and I don’t know my daddy...”

“Do you have a name, little one?” the princess asked, gently stroking the filly’s mane. It hurt, seeing one so young suffering so. Some might have seen it as a weakness, but Celestia always had a soft spot for children.

“S-sunset Shimmer...” she muttered, flinching at the princess's touch. After a moment, the filly relaxed, nuzzling into Celestia’s hoof.

“That's a lovely name,” Celestia complimented with a maternal smile. Relief washed over her at seeing the filly grow more comfortable around her. “How about instead of digging through garbage we take you back to the castle for a nice bath and a great big meal?”

“R-really?” Sunset asked, looking up at her with wide eyes. “Y-you’d do that for me?”

“Of course, I was just feeling peckish myself.” The princess nodded. “And I always enjoy having guests to share a meal with.” She looked over her shoulder. “Isn’t that right, Air Razor?” The guard’s only response was a slow nod.

“Thank you!” Sunset’s face lit up, wrapping her arms around Celestia’s leg in a tight hug.

“I am more than happy to do it,” Celestia replied with another warm smile. “Now,” she said as she lit up her horn, picked up Sunset and placed her on her back, not caring about the grime staining her pristine white coat. “Let's get you that bath first and then you can eat whatever your little heart desires.”

“Yay!” The little filly cheered, a bright smile on her face. Celestia felt her own smile grow wider as she started walking down the streets of Canterlot again. She was sure that she received some odd looks over the dirt covered filly bouncing happily on her back, but she ignored them. Air Razor followed dutifully behind her, keeping a watchful eye on the filly. The trio returned to the castle and Celestia took Sunset into her personal bathroom.

“Everything is so big...” Sunset said in awe, letting Celestia place her in the tub.

“Well, it has to be considering that I’m much bigger than all my little ponies,” Celestia told her as she started washing the filly’s mane. Sunset giggled, closing her eyes, enjoying the cleaning. “Oh my, you have such beautiful colors in your mane now that all the dirt and... what I’m going to call garbage juice is gone,” Celestia commented, rinsing out the suds. She ran a hoof through the blonde stripe that ran through Sunset’s mane, holding it up to the light.

“Mama used to say I was really pretty...” Sunset said softly, opening her eyes. She tilted her head up to look at Celestia with bright blue eyes, moving carefully to avoid getting suds in them. “I think she was more pretty though.”

“Your mama was absolutely right,” Celestia replied, beginning to scrub her coat. “You’ll have to beat everypony away with a stick when you're a full grown mare.” She stopped her scrubbing to poke Sunset’s nose. “You don’t give yourself enough credit.”

Sunset giggled, her muzzle scrunching up as suds clung to it. She shook her head, flinging the suds away and whipping Celestia with her mane in the process. “You're funny.”

“Why, thank you, I’m told I have a very good sense of humor. ” Celestia closed her eyes and smiled. Whatever had happened to this filly, it hadn’t seemed to damage her, at least not terribly. She would still have Sunset talk to a counselor, just to make sure there were no warning signs that trauma would resurface. “You are just the sweetest little thing.”

“Thank you. Mama used to say that too.” Sunset smiled sweetly, looking much better. Her smile turned devious and she splashed Celestia, drenching her head.

“Oh is that how you want it?” the princess asked with a devious smirk of her own as she used her magic to pick up a small bucket. “Then try this one!” she laughed as she poured the bucket’s contents all over the filly. Sunset squealed in delight, splashing back. By the time their little splash war was over, Sunset had tired herself out and Celestia was thoroughly soaked.

“I think you’ve had enough fun for now, Sunset,” Celestia giggled, pulling the plug out of the tub and levitating a towel to wrap around the two of them. “Now, let's get you dried off and fed. I did promise you could eat whatever you liked.” She smiled, walking out of the bathroom with the filly in tow. Sunset didn’t try to put up a fight, sticking close to the princess’s side.

“That sounds good...” Sunset said, trying not to yawn. She rubbed at her eyes, leaning against Celestia for support.

“I think, once you eat, you should be put to bed,” Celestia said, running a brush through Sunset’s mane. “There are plenty of free rooms for you to choose from.” Celestia felt her work was sufficient, putting the brush down. “Do you like what I did with your mane?” she asked, smiling down at the filly.

Sunset trotted up to Celestia’s mirror, examining herself. “I love it!” she beamed, rushing over and giving Celestia another hug. She turned her head up to the princess, putting a hoof on her mane. “I’ve never had it curl before.”

“Good!” The princess smiled, wrapping a hoof around Sunset. “Now let's go to the dining room. That splash fight we had worked up an appetite.” She put Sunset on her back again, trotting happily through the halls of the castle.

“Um... Princess?” Sunset asked, watching the scenery go by with no small amount of awe.

“You can just call me Celestia,” she told her. “And what is it?”

“Can I sleep with you tonight?” Sunset asked innocently, gazing up at her with hopeful eyes.

“Of course, my dear,” Celestia told her, looking back at the filly with a maternal smile. “Anything you want.” The two continued on into the large dining room, and Celestia put Sunset down in the seat next to her as she waved a pony over. “Now tell the nice pony what you want and he’ll bring it to you,” she cooed.

“Um...” Sunset blinked, looking up at the waiter. “Can I have some macaroonis?”

“If that is what the little lady wants,” the servant nodded, taking notes. “And what would her Majesty like today?”

“Oh, just a simple salad with roses and a light dressing. And be sure to bring that tea I love.”

“Anything for dessert?” the servant asked, though he had already written it down.

“The usual,” Celestia replied, giving the waiter a knowing smile. “And bring some for Sunset as well.”

“Very well.” He nodded and walked into the kitchen. The two of them were left to their devices, though the silence seemed to bother Sunset.

“You get to eat whatever you want?” Sunset asked, looking up at Celestia with childish awe.

“Yes, it's one of the things that come with my station,” Celestia informed the filly. “Though I never ask for anything outlandish, my food is funded by my subjects, after all.”

“Being a princess sounds so amazing!” Sunset cheered, a wide grin on her face.

“In some ways it is,” Celestia chuckled. “But being a princess also comes with many responsibilities,” she explained as she took her crown off and put it down in front of Sunset. “It is my job to keep as many of my subjects happy as possible. Along with raising and lowering the sun and moon.”

Sunset grabbed it, placing it on her head. She giggled as it slid over her eyes. “I’m Princess Sunset!”

“Then what is your first royal decree, Princess?” Celestia asked with a bow. She had to stifle a smile; the little filly had done exactly what she had thought she would.

“Cookies for everypony!” she cheered, thrusting a hoof into the air. “Ice cream for breakfast! No more time outs!”

“Then it will be done,” Celestia giggled, wrapping Sunset up in a hug. “Princesses can’t be grounded after all.

She giggled, hugging her back, nuzzling her chest. The two continued their embrace until the servant walked back into the room, setting their food in front of them.

“Your meals are served,” he said, removing the lids that covered their dishes. The pasta in Sunset’s meal had steam rising off of it and was bathed in golden yellow cheese.

“Thank you!” Sunset smiled, licking her lips.

“If you want more, all you have to do is ask,” Celestia smiled, taking a bite of her salad. Sunset nodded, eating with the most horrid table manners Celestia had ever seen. “The food here is better to eat than it is to wear,” the princess teased, using a napkin to clean the filly up a bit.

“Sorry...” she blushed. She looked at her utensils, grunting in effort as she lifted her fork up with her magic. Struggling for a moment, she speared some macaronis and took a bite.

“Has anypony taught you how to use magic?” Celestia asked, watching the young unicorn with fascination.

“Mama did...” Sunset muttered, looking down at her plate. “She said I was really good at it. We were gonna go to a mama daughter camp this summer.”

“I see…” Celestia frowned. “And… how would you like to learn magic from me?” she offered carefully.

“R-really?” Sunset asked, looking up at her with teary eyes. “Y-you’d want a reject like me...?”

“Sunset, you are not a reject,” Celestia assured her, pulling her into another hug. “You are a wonderful little filly that is full of potential. I can tell.”

“That's not what Granny said...” Sunset muttered, burying her face in her coat.

“Sunset, who are you going to believe?” Celestia grinned as she stroked the filly’s mane. “Your granny, or the princess of an entire nation?”

“You’re nice...” Sunset looked up at her with big innocent eyes. She clutched onto Celestia tightly, the sound of the alicorn’s heartbeat soothing her.

“I try,” Celestia smiled, nuzzling Sunset. “I think tomorrow I should give you a tour of the castle and then give you your first lesson.”

“I’d like that...” Sunset muttered closing her eyes, starting to drift off.

“It seems I’ll have to save my dessert for later,” Celestia chuckled and placed Sunset on her back. “For now I have to put my new apprentice to bed.” She felt a bit of a twinge in her heart as she said that word. She let out a quick sigh, shaking her head as she returned to her bedroom.

The next day, Celestia had left Sunset in the care of her head maid while she and Air Razor made their way to one of the nicer parts of Canterlot. Something Sunset said had stuck out to her and she had spent the night doing research... which had bore some interesting fruits. She and Air Razor stopped in front of the door of a well kept home and he knocked.

“Coming~” a soft voice called out. A few moments later, an older unicorn mare, her colors a mix of purple and blue, opened the door. “O-oh my.” Her eyes went wide as she looked up at the princess.

“Are you Moonglow Shimmer?” Celestia asked with a fake smile that she had perfected over the years. Though keeping it in the face of what she was doing was a will and testament to her centuries of experience.

“Y-yes your highness,” Moonglow nodded eagerly. “P-please come in...” She stepped to the side, letting her in.

“I’m sorry to intrude,” Celestia said as she ducked inside and took a seat at a small tea table.

“No, no, i-it’s alright...” she assured, giving a shaky smile, “Would you and your companion like some tea?”

“I will have some. Air Razor, what about you?” she asked, tilting her head back to her guard.

“Please.” The stallion nodded, standing next to the princess. She nodded and ducked out of the room for a few minutes. She returned with three steaming cups and a tray of tea snacks.

“So what brings you to my humble abode?” Moonglow asked with a smile.

“It recently came to my attention that you recently lost your daughter, I wanted to give my condolences.”

“You are too kind, Princess.” Moonglow sighed. “It took me by surprise when she succumbed to disease. A parent should never have to bury their child.”

“I would also like to give my condolences for the loss of your granddaughter.” This caused the older mare to pause, before composing herself.

“Yes, she fell to the same illness as her mother. It has been difficult moving on.”

“Oh, really?” Celestia asked, raising her eyebrow. “Then why is it that I found her in an alley, trying to dig her dinner out of a trash can?”

“S-surely you are mistaken,” the older mare stuttered, nearly choking on her tea. “If my granddaughter were out on the streets, I would have put out a notice to the guards to find her.”

“She also happened to tell me that you called her a ‘reject’,” Celestia grilled, sipping at her tea.

“P-perhaps you have come across a different filly claiming to be my granddaughter?” Moonglow suggested. “Maybe it was a friend of hers?”

“Mrs.Shimmer, I would advise against any further lying, my companion is most suited to tell fact from fabrication,” Celestia warned, motioning toward Air Razor, whose eyes flashed green.

“Fine, I threw her out,” Moonglow huffed, putting her teacup down. “I had told my daughter to not have her, but she just wouldn’t listen. She said that her work would give her plenty of time and bits to raise the filly as a single mother. What my daughter did was just… it broke tradition. If her father were still among us he would've never let her go to that clinic.”

“Need I remind you that ‘tradition’ is what almost caused our extinction?” Celestia asked, raising her eyebrow.

“Hmmph, a child should always be raised by two loving parents. There's nothing extinction causing about that.”

“Sunset Shimmer is a sweet foal who lost her mother,” Celestia responded, a cold edge bleeding into her voice, “It’s a wonder her mother turned out well at all.”

“My husband and I raised our daughter to be a fine, upstanding unicorn, thank you very much,” Moonglow said, trying to stay calm.

“Moonglow Shimmer.” Celestia rose up to her full height, spreading her wings. “I have half a mind to throw you in the dungeon for child abandonment. Sunset is not at fault for the circumstances of her birth, nopony is. The only thing I need from you is the name of the clinic.”

“I have an old pamphlet from it that my daughter showed me once. I’ll go get it for you.” The older mare got up, rummaged through a nearby dresser and levitated a colorful brochure to Celestia. “There, that should tell you the name and even the address.”

“Thank you.” Celestia took it in her magic, tucking it under her wing. “There is one more thing, Moonglow Shimmer.”

“What is it now?” the older mare frowned.

“Your granddaughter is under my care now. You have no rights to her anymore.” Celestia got up, moving to the door. “It will be up to Sunset if you ever see her again.” She looked over her shoulder giving Moonglow a hardened look. “Pray that she will be forgiving.”

“...Good, I didn't want anything to do with her anyway,” Moonglow replied, turning away from her two guests. “Have a good day, your Majesty.” Celestia stepped out, leaving Moonglow and Air Razor.

“I hope you realize, Sunset is the only family you have left,” Air Razor spoke, moving to the door. “Think about that, as you grow old and alone, having rejected your own blood.” He walked out the door, pulling it shut behind him.

“Air Razor, stand next to me,” Celestia said curtly, folding her wings tightly to her sides. She could already feel the temperature around her heating up. It had been a long time since Celestia had lost her temper in public. The area of glass that had once been a desert oasis was still a famous tourist destination. “I am about to lose my composure and I’d rather not do that in public.”

“Of course.” He nodded, stepping behind her. “You put too much of a burden on yourself.”

“The burden is part of my station,” she replied, lighting her horn up and teleporting the two of them to a secluded part of the castle. Once there, Celestia let out a long roar of frustration. “That mare was insufferable!” she vented, seething slightly. Wisps of smoke and bright orange sparks rose off her mane and tail as she tried to even out her breathing.

“She was most distasteful,” Air Razor agreed, cringing a little. “Too much...” he rubbed his chin, searching for the right word. “Bitterness.”

“Slash, you can drop the disguise,” Celestia huffed, turning back to the stallion. “We’re the only ones that know about this room. Besides, with as much negative emotion I’m about to pour into the room, even you will have trouble dealing with it.”

“As you say.” The stallion removed his armor, his body quickly becoming consumed with green flame. He grew to be a head taller than her, his body covered in thick, jagged chitin. He gained a long, blade like horn, as his wings became thin and insectoid. Finally, his tail morphed into something akin to that of a scorpion, tipped with a stinger.

“And now I’d recommend covering covering your ears. I’m about to break out the Royal Canterlot Voice,” Celestia warned with the last bit of her composure. Her mane burst into flames, heat waves creeping off her.

“Of course.” He created a dome shield around himself, nodding for her to proceed. Celestia took a deep breath, flaring her wings out.

“[That horrible, detestable excuse for a mare!” Celestia boomed, the walls of the room shaking. “How dare she throw her own flesh and blood out like garbage! I’ve dealt with villains that have more decency than her” She paused, panting a bit, her entire body flaming like a pyre.

“Finished?” Slash asked, dropping his shield and raising his eyebrow. The increased temperature didn’t seem to bother him at all, or at least he didn’t show it.

“Oh, I’m sorry, some of us can't bottle our emotions up indefinitely,” she shot at him, her wings returning to her side. With one last deep breath, her mane returned to normal; a few errant ashes and sparks the only evidence of her outburst. That and a nasty black scorch mark on the ceiling.

“My apologies.” He bowed his head. “But, do you think it wise to find the young one’s sire?”

“Well, it would be her only other possible family member,” Celestia sighed. “My other option would be to continue to try and raise her here. And, my job as princess does not afford me much free time. I don't want Sunset to feel neglected, Slash.”

“Of course.” He cleared his throat, buzzing his wings for a moment. “Do you wish me to look into it? Or shall I have captain Steelwork take care of it?”

“If you wish,” Celestia nodded. “You know as well as I do that I can't make you do anything.” She smirked at him. “Give my best to the captain while you’re at it.”

“I have no idea what you are implying.” He shifted back into his pony form and put his armor back on.

“Of course you don’t,” she chuckled, shaking her head. “Please, go and investigate the clinic. Bring me anything that sticks out to you. While you do that, I have a little filly to teach.”

“As you say.” He turned, leaving through the hidden door, which closed itself behind him. Celestia calmed herself, walking out of the room and towards the room where Sunset should have been. She opened the door to a sitting room, and saw Sunset happily playing with the maid.

“Celly!” Sunset grinned, making a mad dash over to her, hugging her leg tightly. Celestia paused at hearing that nickname, having not heard it said in quite some time.

“Hello Sunny,” she chuckled, recovering from her slight shock and stroking the filly’s mane. “Did you have fun while I was gone?”

“Uh huh!” Sunset nodded. “Ms. Silver Shroud was very nice!”

“That's why I had her watch you. So, are you ready for your first lesson?”

“Yes!” Sunset beamed, nodding her head eagerly.

“Then let’s go to the library,” Celestia smiled. “There's plenty of space and a chalkboard there. Do you want to walk or should you ride on my back?”

“Can I ride?” Sunset asked with a big, innocent smile.

“I swear you’re going to grow up spoiled rotten,” she chuckled, placing the filly on her back and walking out of the room. Celestia started out simply, taking Sunset to her private study. She gave the filly a few small tasks, mostly in levitation, the easiest spell for unicorns to learn.

Air Razor reappeared a few hours into the lesson, a stack of files resting neatly on his back. Celestia looked up from her teaching, noting the look Air Razor was giving her.

“I think it’s time we took a break,” she said, looking down at Sunset. “Why don’t you go get a snack from the dining room?”

“Okay!” Sunset smiled, rushing out of the room before asking about how exactly to get there.

“The records, as you wished.” Air Razor passed them over, taking a position next to her.

“Anything that stuck out right away?” Celestia asked, picking up the first form.

“Sunset appears to share a father with five other fillies. An earth pony by the name of Dust Star.”

“...I’m sorry, could you repeat that name? I think I just misheard you,” Celestia asked, looking at Air Razor in utter disbelief.

“His name is Dust Star,” Air Razor repeated. Celestia’s eye twitched, pouring over the forms until she found the name.

“That… I would say that I don't believe this… but considering this is him we’re talking about that would make me a liar,” she said aloud, shaking her head.

“Who are you talking about?” he asked, tilting his head.

“Oh, I suppose I haven't told you the story,” Celestia realized. “Funny, I’ve told you just about everything else about my past.”

“You have a lot of it to tell.” He nodded. “I do believe there is a picture of him in there somewhere.”

“A disguise, I’m sure,” Celestia waved off. “I already know this stallion’s true face all too well. Along with his real name, Star Dust.”

“That's... not much of an alias,” Air Razor commented, “Is this stallion someone we should worry about?”

“Knowing Dusty, he used such a bad alias so I’d figure out what he had done in an instant,” Celestia explained.

“So... what exactly did he do?”

“You said it yourself, he passed his genes on to six fillies. Star Dust was always about innovation. Something tells me he wants to see what kind of innovation his own children can come up with.”

“I feel as though there a few laws being broken here...”

“The first and foremost being the fact that he was on Equestrian soil,” she sighed. “Star Dust is technically supposed to be exiled.”

“Technically?”

“Okay, he is exiled. Though he imposed it on himself first,” she clarified. “He made a mistake with one of his experiments that caused the formation of the badlands.”

“That does sound like reasonable cause for exile, but how do you wish to proceed?”

“I’d say keep an ear out to see if Star Dust does appear to be using more aliases. With your informants that should be simple enough. And keep an eye on all those other fillies for me. I wish to know what kind of children my dear old student has.” Celestia smiled at Air Razor.

“Of course m'lady.” He nodded, starting to walk to the door. “I shall do so at once.”

Ponyhead Nebula

Celestia sat at the head of the Grand Council table, craning her head at the familiar members that sat upon it. Her sister, Cadance and Twilight were right beside her, sitting in ornate chairs of their own that bore their cutie marks at the top of the back rest. Various nobles sat in front of them, sitting upon tiered seats, much like a seat of bleachers. As always, the council was called under less than ideal circumstances; namely deciding the punishment for Tempest Shadow. While she had decided to help Twilight in the end, she did still attempt to throw a coup and imprisoned everyone in Canterlot.

Lifting a gavel in her magic, Celestia struck the table several times, signalling the start of the meeting. “We know why we are here today; to decide the fate of the mare that brought our capital to its knees.” Turning her head, she gestured to the door. “Loyal Shield, please bring in the subject in question.”

The door opened, revealing Air Razor with a restrained Tempest in tow. Her armor was gone, revealing a cutie mark of multicolored fireworks and a fizzing bottle of cola. There was a ring securely attached to to her broken horn and shackles attached to her hooves made a clinking sound as she walked beside Air Razor.

Nodding at Air Razor, Celestia focused her eyes on Tempest Shadow. “Fizzlepop Berrytwist, you stand before the grand Equestrian court to receive judgement for your crimes. Do you have anything to say for yourself?”

Fizzlepop bowed her head, a downcast expression overtaking her face. “I have no excuse for what I’ve done. I can only stand and await my just punishment.”

“The court will take your compliance into consideration,” Celestia replied, leaning back in her seat. “We shall open the floor to discussion, and we will not leave this room until your fate is decided.”

There was a palpable silence that hung in the air for second, the gathered nobles looking down at Fizzlepop. After a few moments, a dull roar came from the nobles as they turned amongst themselves to decide who would speak for them. One noble made the choice for them, Filthy Rich stood from his seat in the upper tier of council seats.

“If I may make a suggestion!” he called out, raising his voice above the crowd’s. “This coup has illuminated something rather disturbing about our nation’s defense! We were overwhelmed by the Storm King’s superior technology. It is only a matter of time before other nations develop weapons and defenses that can match what we have just faced.”

Motioning to Air Razor, he continued. “I do not like to disparage our brave guardsponies, but tell me; how effective have they been in recent years? How did they fare against Nightmare Moon? How easy was it for Chrysalis to infiltrate under their noses, not once but twice? How easy was it for a fleet of warships to cleave a path to the seat of our government?” Puffing his chest out, Filthy ran a hoof through his mane.

“Equestria needs to change, we need a complete overhaul of our defenses.” Glancing at Luna, he cleared his throat. “If Princess Luna has taught us anything, it is that we do not have a complete view of our history, which is why I have a proposition. I motion that we restore the royal status of a long banished pony, a pony who could give our country what it needs to strengthen itself.”

Celestia quirked a brow, an idea forming in her head of who Filthy was referring to. “A rather interesting topic of discussion for the opening of this council, but I will allow it.” She brought the gavel down once on the table. “Discussion of Fizzlepop’s punishment has been put on hold. Filthy Rich currently has the floor.” She waved a hoof over to him. “Please Mr. Rich, inform the council who you would like to consider for reinstatement as an equestrian royal.”

“My great-uncle and the world’s only male alicorn; Star Dust, the former Prince of Science,” Filthy informed, not a small amount of pride in his voice.

Twilight couldn’t help but gasp, eliciting dirty looks from some of the council members. She blushed, shrinking in her seat slightly and leaning over to whisper to Cadance. “Did you know that there was a banished alicorn stallion?!” she whispered, doing her best to be subtle.

“No, I didn’t,” Cadance whispered, leaning closer. “But, if he was banished, the council might have ordered his records removed. They took that sorta thing very serious way back when.”

“Perhaps you two should listen and my dear sister will explain more about this banished prince,” Luna admonished, motioning with her wing to tell the younger princesses to face the crowd again.

Taking a few seconds to compose herself, Celestia let out a long sigh. “Nopony has mentioned that stallion’s name in generations, Mr. Rich. When the grand court decided on his banishment, it was written that his name be removed from all records and I was barred from motioning for his reinstatement.”

“Luckily, the council could do nothing to keep my great-grandmother, Dust Bowl from keeping her own records and passing them down through our family,” Filthy replied, a knowing smile on his face as he nodded at Celestia. He turned his head, addressing the council, “I would like to remind the council that there is precedent for the reinstatement of royal titles and powers.” He swept his hoof over to Luna. “One need only look at our beloved Princess of the Night and her return from the moon.”

“Yes, but Princess Luna was corrupted by a nightmare,” another noble, Jet Set if Celestia remembered correctly, spoke, rising from his own seat. “You say this Star Dust was banished? Well, I want to know why, before I considering giving him a title he might not deserve.”

“A reasonable question,” Celestia spoke, getting the two’s attention. “Much like Princess Twilight, Star Dust was once my apprentice and like her, he earned his wings. Many of our current technology is based off of his research. As for his banishment; one of his experiments went awry. He created a miniature star and attempted to harness its power. Something went wrong, and despite our best effort, the experiment ended in the creation of the badlands.”

“If his experiments can result in such disastrous consequences, then what hope does this Star Dust have of actually improving our defenses instead of just destroying us?” Jet Set questioned, fluffing his wings and adjusting his black tie.

“Because he already has,” Celestia interrupted, her heart pounding in her chest. “Twenty years ago, I became aware that Star Dust had broken his banishment and returned to Equestria. He opened a fertility clinic under an alias.” Bracing herself, she made a point to not look at Twilight. “Both Fizzlepop and Princess Twilight are his daughters.”

Everyone in the room looked between the two named mares, said mares gaping in shock as they tried to process the news. Twilight was clearly taking the news
worse than Fizzlepop, her wings twitching strangely on her back and the color drained from her face.

“Of course, those are only two of the ponies he ended up fathering.” Keeping her eyes forward, Celestia held her stony expression. “As of now, there are six confirmed, including Princess Twilight and Fizzlepop.”

“So this exiled prince has flippantly disregarded his punishment,” Jet Set pointed out. “It seems he’s more than happy to ignore laws that get in the ways of his goals. What good is royalty that can’t be counted on to uphold the law of the land they govern?”

“Star Dust has only trespassed into Equestrian soil once,” Celestia spoke, taking a breath. She had to handle this delicately, too much of a push would look like favoritism, at the very least biased. “And if he had not, where would we be now? Princess Twilight would never have been born, my sister would never have been restored, and we could be at the mercy of either Discord or Queen Chrysalis.”

“I am not here to doubt the good his transgression has caused,” Jet Set dismissed. “But are we supposed to overlook a crime because it led to something good? Star Dust’s actions are the equivalent of a stab in the dark. Unless he is clairvoyant, he had no way to predict that one of his progeny would become the savior of this land several times over.”

“Is three hundred years not enough time to be away from home?” Filthy argued, glancing around the room. “My great uncle wasn’t even allowed to see his own family pass on. Are we really going to say he hasn’t paid his debt?”

“Mr. Rich makes a fair point,” Luna chimed in. “Knowing that he missed the funerals of his loved ones is a harsh blow indeed. Plus, his crime was an accident, not one born from malicious intent.”

Celestia stiffened at the mention of Dust’s family. “Three hundred is a long time, my little ponies. So much has changed since Star’s banishment, this might as well be a different country altogether.”

“I have to agree with Mr. Rich in his assessment,” a pegasus mare stated, standing up from her seat next to the stallion in question. Celestia didn’t need to deliberate over the mare’s name, Flash Freeze. There was no mistaking the signature fur color of the Flash clan. “This Star Dust has not only missed the lives of the family he knew, but also many of who came after them. I say that at the very least we give him a chance to stand before the council and display what his technology is capable of.”

“What of these other children?” A unicorn in the back asked, standing up. “If you do know who they are, I think the rest of the council should as well.”

Celestia nodded, the urge to glance at Twilight becoming nearly unbearable. “That is more than just. The other children I am aware of are: Moon Dancer, Trixie Lulamoon, Starlight Glimmer and Sunset Shimmer.”

Twilight shock in her seat, her mane frazzling and eye twitching. Her gaze shifted between Celestia and Fizzlepop at an almost frantic pace. Her mind tried to make sense of the news she was receiving. Celestia had known about this Star Dust being her father her entire life. Not only that, but she had sisters, one of which was sitting in front of her in chains.

“Perhaps we could take a recess?” Cadance spoke up, watching Twilight with a frown. “We all have a lot to take in.”

Celestia sighed, banging her gavel twice. “The council will take a fifteen minute recess.” Rising to her hooves, she gathered her fellow alicorns in her magic, teleporting them to the royal lounge.

Twilight still had a far off look in her eyes as her thoughts continued to wander. After a while, she managed to look Celestia in the eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“It wasn't my place to tell you, Twilight,” Celestia responded, finally looking at Twilight. “It was something I’d hoped your parents would talk to you about.”

“I’m rather surprised myself,” Cadance interrupted. “I mean, Shining Armor’s never mentioned that he was born with the help of a clinic either, and he wasn’t one of the names you listed.”

“As I said before, this was a matter the Twilight family should handle themselves.” Celestia turned away, not wanting to look at Twilight. “But if you must know, the injuries that ended Night Light’s career in the guard, also rendered him unable to sire any more children.”

Twilight’s expression fell, looking down at the carpet as she thought of her parents. “I think my parents and I will need to have a talk after this trial.” Her wings sagged and she added. “What am I supposed to tell Sunset and Starlight?”

“The truth might be a good idea,” Luna suggested, putting a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “They have the right to know about your relation.”

Glancing back at them, Celestia nodded. “I shall send for Moon Dancer and Trixie. It would be best if you retrieved Sunset, Twilight.”

Twilight looked back at Celestia, an odd look on her face. “I can understand why you never told me, but you didn’t tell Sunset about our father?”

“Twilight, what would I have told her? The only family she knew tossed her out on the street. If I had told her, she would have run off after him, into places I couldn't follow.” Celestia lowered her head, a pained look on her face. “I'm not permitted to speak with exiled ponies, nor do I know where Star Dust is. What would you have done, Twilight?”

“I don’t know,” Twilight admitted. “This is all so insane to me!” She placed two of her hooves on either side of her head. “The pony I knew as my birth father isn’t actually related to me by blood and I might have to actually watch my surprise sister get sentenced for overthrowing our government!”

“We’re not going to get anywhere standing here.” Cadance put her wing around Twilight, nuzzling the top of her head. “We only have a few minutes before the council reconvenes.”

Twilight took a deep breath, putting on the bravest face she could muster. “I’d like to preclude myself from the vote on Fizzle’s sentence. I don’t want anypony to accuse me of treating her differently due to our discovered sisterhood.”

“A wise idea.” Luna agreed, looking at her sister. “You should most likely do the same, sister. Which will leave Tempest Shadow’s fate to Cadance and myself.”

“I was definitely going to sit out of the vote for Star Dust’s reinstatement,” Celestia assured, bowing her head. “I have faith that you two will make a wise decision.”

“I do wish you would share more of your secrets with us, dear sister,” Luna huffed, shaking her head. “I take it your Sworn Shield knew all about this?”

“He’s the one who investigated the clinic,” Celestia admitted, adjusting her wings on her back. “And I’m sorry for not disclosing this all to you, but I didn’t wish to risk the council saying I influenced your votes when this day came.”

Luna met Celestia with a flat look. “It looks more like you’ve grown so used to keeping secrets, you loathe to share them.”

Celestia recoiled from the accusation. “That is not true. I’ve shared everything else with you that has happened since your banishment. Including Agent Sweetie Drops and the artifact vault.”

“We can't start fighting now.” Cadance stepped between them, holding her hooves up. “Let's just put all this aside until after we’ve come to a decision.”

“Very well,” Luna relented, sucking in a deep breath through her nostrils. “My sister’s discretion has nothing to do with Star Dust’s worthiness of redemption.” she regarded Twilight with a kind smile. “If you wish to inform your other sisters of your kinship while we deliberate, you may do so.”

“Are you sure?” Twilight questioned with a tilt of her head. “Wouldn’t it be improper of me to miss the rest of the meeting even if I’m not going to be voting?”

“Perhaps, but the results will affect them just as much as you. If you wish to wait then you may do so.” Clearing her throat, Luna lit her horn. “It is almost time for us to resume.”

Twilight took a deep breath, nodding her head. “You’re right, Luna, this is important for them too.” She bowed her head, a small smile on her face. “Give the council my best, I have some sisters to talk to.”

Luna nodded, whisking Cadance, Celestia and herself away, leaving Twilight alone with her thoughts.

Twilight’s smile fell as she found herself alone, trying to decide what to do first. A sudden thought struck her and she trotted to the door. “Guess I’ll try Moondancer first, she’s the closest.”

Her trot through the castle, and subsequently Canterlot, was a mix of excitement and various other emotions she didn't have time to sift through. It wasn't until Moondancer opened her door, that she realized she had reached her destination.

“Twilight, what brings you here?” Moondancer inquired, pushing her glasses back on her muzzle. “Isn’t the trial going on today?”

“Yes it is but...” Twilight bit her lip, mulling over her words. “Something came up that you need to know about. Can I come in?”

“Of course,” Moondancer stepped away from the door and motioned Twilight inside, “besides, if I said no you’d just start making royal decrees at me,” she teased, a good natured smile on her face.

“Eheheh... Right...” Twilight trotted in, feeling panic set in. “I-I’m sorry to just drop in, but...” The words dying in her mouth, Twilight buried her head in her hooves. “Why did this day have to get so complicated?”

Moondancer took a seat on her couch, quirking a brow at the disheveled princess. “What’s wrong, Twilight? You can talk to me about anything, that’s what friends are for, right?” She offered Twilight a smile.

“Gah! That's just it!” Twilight tossed her hooves into the air. “We’re not just friends anymore!” Beginning to pace, Twilight's speech devolved into a ramble. “As it turns out, we’re sisters, and our father is an alicorn who got himself exiled! And on top of that, the mare who sacked Canterlot is also out sister!” She came to a stop, eyes wide and hyperventilating.

Moondancer froze, trying to process Twilight’s rant. “That’s a lot to take in,” she finally said, rubbing the side of her head with a hoof. “I mean, I knew Mom used a clinic, but I always thought the donor was an earth pony.” A thoughtful look crossed her features. “You know, that does explain why we looked so much alike when we were foals.”

Twilight blinked, looking the other mare over. “Yeah, you’re right. I never really put a lot of thought into it before. Not to mention our similar personalities.” Taking a moment, Twilight composed herself. “I'm glad you're taking this so well.”

“I always knew there was a possibility that I’d have estranged siblings,” Moondancer admitted, offering Twilight a smile. “Since my mom hasn’t really had that many serious relationships in a while, she told me early on about how I was born.” Her smile slipped slightly. “That being said, Tempest Shadow is our sister? I...don't know how to feel about that...”

Twilight gave her newfound sister a small smile, putting a hoof on her shoulder. “Fizzle’s a good mare at heart, she did save the day in the end after all. She was desperate for a way to have her horn restored, that’s the only reason she worked for the Storm King.”

“Right...” Moondancer pouted, briefly recalling when the Storm Kings soldiers captured her. “You said something about an exiled alicorn?”

Twilight nodded, her smile faltering a bit. “Yeah, our dad is named Star Dust and he was the Prince of Science before one of his experiments created the Badlands. Which brings us to something else. You remember I told you about Starlight Glimmer?’”

“Yeah?” Moondancer pressed, leaning forward as she sensed what Twilight was getting at. “Lemme guess, she's our sister too right?”

Twilight chuckled, pawing at the ground. “You know, this whole thing is surreal. I have five new sisters, and they've all had a grudge against me at some point in time.”

“Sounds like normal sisters to me,” Moondancer offered, reaching out to pat Twilight on the shoulder. “There was a year Waltz wouldn’t stop pranking me because I accidentally stained her dancing leotard.”

Leaning into Moondancer’s hoof, Twilight nodded. “I wouldn't really know. Growing up, I just had Spike and Shining Armor.” After a moment, she pulled away and smoothed her mane out. “I have to collect the rest of our siblings before the trial ends.”

Moondancer nodded, looking down at the floor for a moment before returning her gaze to Twilight. “Can I come with you?”

Twilight smiled, nodding her head vigorously. “Honestly, I'm glad you asked. This is all just so overwhelming. I’d love the company.”

“Great!” Moondancer got up, a bright smile on her face. “I’ll give you all the support you need. Who are we recruiting first?”

“Trixie and Starlight are both in Ponyville right now,” Twilight said, the tension slowly bleeding from her body. “They’re the easiest to get to.” She lit her horn up. “How are you with teleporting?”

“I’m aware that the first time is a doozy,” Moondancer replied, bracing herself. “I’m ready whenever you”-” Her sentence was cut off with burst of magenta and pulling-stretching sensation. When the sensation was over, Moondancer found herself in Twilight’s castle. She didn’t have long to take in her surroundings as a wave of nausea overwhelmed her.

Twilight winced as Moondancer rushed behind one of the thrones, the sounds of retching echoing off the walls. “At least your mane wasn’t singed.”

Moondancer stepped back into view, her face somehow even paler. “Ugh, I guess that’s something.” Moondancer took a deep breath to collect herself and adjusted her turtleneck. “Okay, let’s find our sisters.”

“What's this about sisters?” Starlight asked, trotting in with Trixie trailing behind her. “I thought I heard somepony throwing up, is everything alright? Actually, shouldn't you be at the trial Twilight?”

Twilight laughed nervously, rubbing the back of her head with a hoof. “Well, Moondancer and I just came in from Canterlot and it was her first time teleporting.” She took a deep breath, bracing herself for the next part. “As for the sister comment... That's a really funny story. Stop if you've heard this one, see there's these mares and turns out they’re half-sisters!”

Moondancer rolled her eyes, stepping in for Twilight. “What she’s trying to say is that we’re all half-sisters and that it came up during the trial because our father is an exiled prince.”

Silence reigned as the mares stared at each other. Starlight glanced between the other three, her muzzle scrunched up in thought.

“Sparkle, that is a lame attempt at a joke.” Trixie turned her nose up and tilted her hat. “I mean really, are you that desperate to improve the look of your pedigree?”

Twilight gave Trixie an unamused glare, annoyance overtaking her other emotions. “I don’t care about those kinds of things. And I wouldn’t have left such an important trial just to tell you girls a joke. Now, whether you want to believe me or not, that's fine. Moondancer, this is Trixie Lulamoon and Starlight Glimmer. Girls, this is Moondancer. Trixie, Moondancer why don't you two get acquainted? Starlight and I will retrieve Sunset.”

Starlight tilted her head, trotting over to Twilight. “She’s related to us too? How many kids did this alicorn have?”

“Celestia only knows about six of us,” Twilight answered, leading Starlight to the room where the mirror portal was held. “He donated samples to a fertility clinic, who knows how many siblings we have?” Twilight blinked, coming to a sudden realization. “Oh, and we’re related to Filthy Rich and Diamond Tiara. Rich was the one who kicked started all of this.”

Starlight ran a hoof through her mane, looking up as they stepped into the mirror room. “Today is just full of surprises.”

“I really don’t want to dump all this onto Sunset, but Fizzlepop's trial has turned into a debate over reinstating Star Dust’s royal status, she deserves to be there too.” Stepping up to the portal, Twilight took a deep breath. “I just hope we won't be pulling her away from anything important.”

Sunset rushed around the halls of Canterlot High with her camera in tow. Things had really taken off with the Yearbook Club and she was excited to be a part of it. She had taken a few shots of the sports teams and clubs and was debating on whether to move on to staff or student shots next. She couldn’t keep the smile from her face as she deliberated over the idea.

“Hey, Sunset!”

Sunset blinked, slightly caught off guard as Starlight Glimmer rounded the corner and offered her a smile and wave.

“Starlight!” Sunset called out, dropping her camera so it could hang from her neck and returned the purple girl’s gesture. “It’s great to see you again, what brings you here?”

“That would be Twilight.” Starlight pointed over her shoulder. “She's hiding behind some lockers. Said something about not wanting to run into her doppelganger again.”

Sunset chuckled, looking over her shoulder. “You don’t need to hide, Twi. The other you is in Match Club right now, no chance of running into her for at least an hour.”

“That's good...” Twilight stepped into view, brushing herself off. “I didn't want to complicate this more than it already is, considering the parallels between our two worlds.”

“Yeah, can’t imagine what it’s like to come face to face with yourself in a literal sense,” Sunset offered with a chuckle, putting a hand on Twilight’s shoulder as she led the two girls out of the hall towards the entrance.

“Yes there is that but it's not what I meant.” Twilight ran her hands over her skirt. “If you recall our recent communications, today is the trial of Fizzlepop Berrytwist, and things have gone off the rails.”

“I can’t imagine how off the rails things have gotten for you to be here,” Sunset replied, opening the front door to the school. “I mean, what help can I be? I’ve kinda fallen out of the loop with Equestrian politics.”

Twilight stopped, her eyes searching Sunset’s face. “Sunset, Celestia knows who your father is. She probably has since you were her student.”

Sunset stopped dead in her tracks, turning back to face Twilight with a hard to read expression. “What does that have to do with this trial.”

“Because he’s our father too.” Twilight gestured between Starlight and herself. “Not only that, but he's the father of three other ponies, including Fizzlepop.”

Sunset gaped, the world falling away around her. Her emotions swirled around her like a raging sea. On one hand, she was angry at Celestia for never telling her about her father. On the other, guilt reared its ugly head as she realized she had stolen from her own sister.

“I don’t want to pull you away from your life here but, you deserve to be at the trial. Fizzlepop is your sister too.” Twilight reached out, putting a hand on Sunset’s arm. “And you should be there when the council reaches its decision about our father.”

Sunset was pulled out of her thoughts as her focus returned to Twilight. Somehow, she managed a smile and gave the other girl a thumbs up. “You couldn’t keep me away.”

Twilight smiled back, pulling Sunset and Starlight into a hug. “We should get going soon, but we won’t leave until you get everything in order.”

Sunset shook her head, pulling out her cell phone and firing off a quick group text to the girls to tell them what was going on. “We don’t exactly have the luxury of time all things considered. Come on, let’s get going.”

Twilight nodded, leading the trio back through the mirror. After some quick introductions, and Sunset’s disbelief at being related to Trixie, the quintet made their way back to Canterlot. Sunset stumbled a bit on her hooves once or twice, but she quickly adjusted to her old body shape. The lack of clothing from everyone around her took a bit longer to get used to.

Air Razor stamped his hooves, getting the attention of the council. “Princess Twilight has returned, along with her sisters!”

Twilight tried to look calm as she stepped into the council room. She kept her eyes forward, stepping towards her seat with as much poise as she could exude. Retaking it, she tried to mimic the stony face she had seen Celestia use many times before.

“Now that Princess Twilight has rejoined us, I would like to propose a solution to this mess that Filthy Rich and I discussed.” Flash Freeze spread her wings and puffed her chest out. “If these last few years have shown us anything, threats from Equestria's past are going to keep reappearing. We might get lucky and have something like the return of the Pillars, but luck can only take us so far. We propose a conditional banishment for Fizzlepop Berrytwist.”

Twilight sat up in her seat, leaning in towards Flash Freeze. “Please Mrs. Flash, elaborate the conditions of this plan,” she urged.

“Fizzlepop would be released, alongside her airship and her badger companion,” Flash began, motioning to Fizzlepop. “She will be barred from re-entering Equestria until such time as she is able to return with Star Dust. Upon which we will reconvene to discuss Star Dust’s reinstatement.”

Luna took the gavel from her sister, banging it on the table. “We shall put the motion to a vote. All in favor of Flash Freeze and Filthy Rich’s plan say ‘Aye’,” she ordered.

“Aye,” came the response from the majority of the room.

“All opposed?” Luna questioned, getting a smaller call in response. She nodded, banging the gavel again. “Then the motion passes. Fizzlepop Berrytwist, you are to search for Star Dust so he may stand before this council, or else never return to Equestrian soil. Sworn Shield, you may remove the accused's shackles.”

Air Razor bowed, making quick work of Fizzle’s restraints before shoving the key into his armor. Fizzle flexed her muscles, running a small current through her horn.

“And where am I supposed to look for this deadbeat?” She asked, looking between the faces of the nobles. “Does anyone here actually know how big the world is?”

“We didn’t expect the task to be easy,” Flash Freeze replied, an nonplussed look on her face. “But consider the alternative punishments for the crime you’ve committed. A global trek is far more pleasant than a lifetime in a dungeon or the end of an axe. With this, you have a chance at living any life you wish upon your successful return.”

“I would suggest starting with the changelings,” Celestia spoke, more than a little apprehension in her voice. “I have reason to believe Chrysalis has some connection to Star Dust.”

“Oh joy, changelings,” Fizzle muttered, releasing a sigh of exasperation. She composed herself, bowing her head. “If it’s alright with all of you, I'll get Grubber and we’ll see about some bugs.” She turned on her hoof, trying to come up with some idea on how to extract information from changelings without winding up an afternoon snack. None were forthcoming, leaving her in a slightly sour mood.

“Fizzlepop, wait!” Twilight fluttered over to her sister, landing in front of her. “You don't have to leave right now. The council has agreed to give you a forty eight hour grace period.”

“Twilight, while I appreciate the gesture, there’s not exactly a lot I can do with forty-eight hours,” Tempest said, stopping to avoid colliding with the princess. “This is an astronomical task. I would rather search for a needle in a haystack.”

“You can get to know your sisters,” Twilight argued, putting a hoof on Fizzle’s withers. “They came all this way for the trial don't you want to meet them?”

“Twilight, this is most likely a one way voyage. I’d rather not get to know them only to leave them forever,” Tempest retorted, gently removing Twilight’s hoof.

“You know, I didn't think I'd have such an edgelord for a sister,” Sunset joked, leading the other mares over. “I mean what pony goes around calling themselves Tempest Shadow?”

“The kind that doesn’t want her subordinates snickering at the name Commander Fizzlepop,” Fizzle retorted, turning to regarding the other mares. “And what do they call you? Celestia 2?”

Sunset laughed at the retort, shaking her head. “Good guess, but my name’s Sunset Shimmer.” Taking a moment to look Fizzle over, she whistled. “Geez, I think you’re about the tallest unicorn I’ve ever seen.”

“I’ve heard that said more than once,” Fizzle replied, her eyes subtly drifting down the hall. “Might have something to do with the alicorn blood.” She sighed, glancing at Moondancer. “You gonna stare all night, Glasses?”

Moondancer flinched before giving a weak smile to the other mare. “Sorry, my name’s Moondancer. I didn’t mean to upset you or anything.”

“I get it a lot.” Fizzle looked between them, inhaling in annoyance. “You won't leave me alone, will you?”

“Leaving somepony alone hasn’t exactly been my strongest suit since moving to Ponyville,” Twilight replied, giggling a little. “Especially when that pony has saved my life before.” She smiled, putting a hoof on Fizzle’s shoulder.

“Besides, I’d rather you not leave until you have a better understanding of Star Dust.” The group turned to see Celestia walking over. “I've sent for your badger friend, Fizzlepop, and we still need to supply your airship for the journey.”

“If you don’t wish for me to leave yet, then I suppose I will respect that,” Fizzle replied, turning to Celestia and giving her a bow. “Plus, I’d rather not run out of supplies before my journey even begins.”

“Please, follow me girls.” Celestia began to walk through the castle, leading them into a long disused section of the castle. “This was the wing your father lived in during his tenure as my student.”

“Fascinating,” Twilight said, looking around the hall. “I can’t imagine what the decor was like three-hundred years ago when he went through these halls.”

“A sight you will be able to take in shortly.” Celestia came to a stop in front of a blank section of wall. “After his banishment, his room was sealed off. We will be the first ponies to enter since then.” Celestia’s horn lit up and her golden aura spread to the wall. After a few moments, a door shaped outline formed and the stone started to fall away to reveal the door that lay beneath them.

Turning the knob with her magic, Celestia stepped inside. Another flash of her horn brought the long dormant lanterns to life, revealing a room covered in a fine layer of dust. The most striking thing were all the tools and the bits and pieces of what looked like half-baked gadgets on the workbench that dominated one of the walls. Then there were the crude blueprints that had been taped to walls in various places. A large portrait hung on the back wall, depicting an earth pony family.

Celestia pointed a hoof to the young colt in the portrait, a sad smile on her face. “That is Star Dust as he was when I first met him. He hailed from a small village and even without a formal education, he managed to come up with an invention that caught my eye. His brilliance was only matched by how excitable he was. He often skipped meals when he was in the midst of creating a new invention.”

“Our father was an earth pony?” Moondancer asked, surveying the room. “I wasn't expecting that at all. It's amazing we all turned out as unicorns.”

“That was indeed a surprise,” Celestia agreed, forcing herself away from the portrait to look among the girls. “Especially since a couple of you have pegasus mothers.”

“Celestia, I want to know why you never told us.” Sunset pushed her way to the front, a fire burning in her eyes. “What are we to you? Are we just a project you decided to work on? Was my father the only reason you took me in?” She took another step, snorting. “Why didn't you tell me!?”

Cringing at Sunset’s outburst, Celestia withered slightly. “Sunset, I had already decided to make you my apprentice before I even knew who your father was,” she replied, doing her best to maintain eye contact. “There are a lot of things I regret from our time together, and not telling you is one of the biggest. I was scared you would run out and try to search for him if you knew he was banished. I… I am sorry I did not trust you.” Her eyes twitched, trying to keep tears from flowing.

“You girls weren't just a project. Your father brought my attention to you but I stayed because I wanted to nurture you all.” Shaking her head, she closed her eyes. “I had hoped to make you all my apprentices, but destiny had other plans for you.”

Trixie deflated, looking among the group. “So Trixie had the chance to be your apprentice? I would even put up with Sparkle for extended periods of time for that honor.”

“I tried to bring you to Canterlot, Trixie, but your mother's gambling always got in the way,” Celestia explained, wiping at her eyes with her wing. “Los Pegasus is a vile den of misery and greed and I'm sorry I couldn't take you away from there.”

Trixie pushed her hat down to cover her eyes, shifting uncomfortably. “Well, Trixie admits her mother wasn’t perfect, but she did try every once in a while when she made it out of the casino.”

“We’re missing the point,” Fizzle spoke, tapping her hoof. “I need to know what you know about Star Dust. I don't have time for your family issues.”

“You still have forty-eight hours before your departure,” Celestia reminded, ignoring her tone. “But, I suppose we can come back to those matters later. Please, ask me anything you’d like about Star Dust.”

“Did Star Dust have anywhere outside of Equestria that he would go to?” Fizzle questioned, “A workshop or something?”

“Yes, he did have one or two of those for experiments that were at risk of exploding,” Celestia explained, folding her wings. “I can mark them on a map for you. Beyond that, I couldn't help you.”

“A lead is better than nothing,” Fizzle dismissed with a wave of her hoof. “Why would the changelings know about Star Dust?”

Celestia sighed, turning to face the window in the room. “Changelings came into existence three-hundred years ago, the same time as Star Dust’s banishment. We have reason to believe there is a connection between his failed experiment and the original changelings. More so, I believe Chrysalis was once a pony named June Bug, his assistant.”

Twilight frowned, looking up at Celestia. “Do you think she resents Star Dust for turning her into a changeling?”

“No, Twilight, she made it quite clear during her first invasion how she felt.” Celestia subconsciously rubbed her neck, a shudder running down her spine. “Her claims of conquest were mere pretext; she wishes me dead.”

“Wait, if she wanted you dead, then why didn’t she uh… finish the job when she put you in a cocoon during the last invasion?” Starlight question, an uncomfortable look on her face.

“I don't know, Starlight, I don't remember any of my time as her prisoner.” Celestia lowered her hoof and swallowed a build up of spit. “And honestly, I don't want to know.”

“So, a crazed bug-horse out to kill a princess, I'll add that to the list,” Fizzlepop commented, muttering something about Equestrian weirdos. “Any other leads?”

“Yes, but this one is far more vague,” Celestia admitted, more than thankful for the change in topic. “A hundred years ago, there were sightings of an alicorn in the dragonlands. I was never able to follow up on them, but...” She paused, mulling something over.

Twilight’s face lit up and she turned to Fizzle excitedly. “Now that Dragonlord Ember is on friendly terms with Equestria, she should be able to help you find a dragon that remembers Star Dust!”

“I wasn't finished, Twilight,” Celestia spoke again, draping a wing across her back. “A few years after the last sighting, a dragon egg was left at the gates of the castle. An egg you know quite well.”

“Wait… what are you trying to say?” Twilight’s smile faltered as she turned back to the other princess.

“Twilight, the egg was Spike’s,” Celestia elaborated, looking into Twilight's eyes. “Honestly, I was worried he would never hatch; a century is a long time to spend in an egg.”

Twilight’s eye twitched before giving a hardened look at her mentor. “So you had an idea of who one of Spike’s parents were and you never told him?” Twilight questioned, restrained anger obvious in her tone. “He’s spent all his life wondering about his identity, he even wandered the country to follow the dragon migration to get an idea, and here you are with what he’s been looking for.”

“I never claimed to know who Spike’s parents are, Twilight.” Celestia averted her gaze, feeling Twilight's stare on her. “I was... Afraid to tell him any of this.”

“Oh, you don’t know who his parents are,” Twilight shot back, rolling her eyes. “Then are there other banished alicorns that you’ve never told us about?”

“I was afraid of who he might be related to, and honestly I still am. Twilight, unlike us ponies, dragon scale coloration is hereditary. And I am aware of only one dragon whose scales match Spike’s.”

“And who might this dragon be?” Twilight pressed, snorting.

“The Desolator of Minos,” Celestia answered quietly, almost as if the dragon in question would hear her.

“Oh, so not only did you withhold information, but apparently you also think my family did a poor job of raising him if you think that him learning his heritage would lead him to taking after a destructive dragon,” Twilight said, turning away from Celestia.

“Trixie is lost.” Trixie pouted, looking between the alicorns. “Who is the Desolator of Minos?”

“Minos was the original homeland of the minotaurs.” Celestia sat on her haunches, staring at Star’s portait. “Many centuries ago, they waged a terrible war with the dragons. In the end, a single dragon destroyed that nation, razed it to the ground. I always feared that Spike would see himself as a monster, or... That the Desolator would learn of him here.”

Fizzlepop sat on her own haunches, a stoic expression on her face. “So the minotaurs started the war? I’m sorry, but that sounds like this Desolator had a reasonable motivation for what he did. War isn’t exactly about being friendly.”

“I'm starting to think Luna was right.” Twilight stepped towards the door, not looking back. “You’ve kept secrets for so long, you don't know how to tell the truth anymore.”

Celestia recoiled as if she had just been struck. She held a hoof out towards Twilight as if to call after her, but no sound escaped her lips.

“I can’t say she’s wrong,” Sunset remarked, looking at Celestia. “How different would our lives have been if you had told us? I might not have run away.”

Celestia put her hoof down, turning her gaze to the floor as she let Sunset’s statement sink in. It was something she had considered herself numerous times. “I'm sorry...”, She responded weakly, tears welling up in her eyes.

“Maybe you should tell that to Spike too,” Sunset said, regarding the solar princess coldly. “After you tell him what you know about his heritage.”

“Of course...” Celestia nodded weakly, refusing to look at her former student.

Sunset nodded, turning to follow after Twilight. “I’m going to go get my sister,” she said before leaving the room.

After a few moments, only Fizzlepop and Celestia were left. Fizzlepop gazed at the dejected princess and scoffed. “Look at you, aren't you supposed to be the Sun incarnate? You did what you thought you had to, nothing more, nothing less.”

Celestia turned to Fizzle, an annoyed look in her eyes. “Because I have not let my empathy shrivel up and die within me. My actions have caused ponies very close to me great pain.”

“Then stop wallowing in self-pity and do something about it,” Fizzlepop retorted, getting into Celestia's face. “Or is all that talk about forgiveness and redemption pandering dribble after all?”

Celestia stood tall, looking down at Fizzle. She took a deep breath, letting her irritation melt away. “Of course I will do something about my mistakes, I just need to figure out what I can do that is appropriate for their severity.”

“I hope to see something good than, Sunny Buns,” Fizzlepop taunted, striding out of the room. “Because take it from me, self-pity gets you nowhere.”

Celestia chuckled weakly, shaking her head. “Insolent little thing. She certainly has a bit of you in her, Star Dust,” she said to herself, looking up at the portrait.

Gathering of Stars

Twilight stormed down the hall, her chest heaving. Celestia had lied, by omission sure, but it was still a lie. “How could she? How could she do that to Spike? Even after what happened during the migration?”

She snorted, her frown deepening. She hated feeling angry at her mentor, but she had crossed a line. Her little brother had torn himself up about his identity all his life. There was no way Celestia could’ve missed it. Now, Twilight knew what she had to do. She was going back to Ponyville and she was telling him everything she had just learned.

“Twilight?” Sunset called, her voice carrying along the walls. “Please don’t just walk away. We need to talk about all of this.”

“I need to get to Ponyville,” Twilight replied, looking over her shoulder and slowing down so Sunset could catch up to her. “He needs to finally hear the truth of who he is, at least it’ll come from family and not a trial.”

“Do you mind if we come along?” Sunset asked, walking beside Twilight. “He’s our family now too.” Putting her arm around Twilight, she ushered her into a hug. “I have to be a big sister now, and I’d hate to set a bad example.”

“You mean like by stealing?” Twilight teased, cracking a small smile as she adjusted her tiara with one of her wings. “You’re lucky I’m a leader and not a follower, otherwise I’d be wearing leather and spikes.”

Sunset giggled, bumping her hip against Twilight’s. “You’re just jealous that I can rock that look better than you could. Kinda wish my jacket made the trip.”

“Probably for the best it didn’t,” Twilight replied with a giggle. “You’re in a world where cows can talk now, and I don’t think they’d wanna hear what your jacket is made from.”

Sticking her tongue out, Sunset tried not to gag. “Why did you remind me? Do you have any idea how messed up that whole thing is?”

“About as messed up as the half dozen bacon cheeseburgers I’ve eaten in my two long trips there,” Twilight said, a guilty smile on her face. “Why do those have to be so good?”

“Stop!” Sunset commanded, socking Twilight in the shoulder. “I’m gonna hurl!”

The pair broke into laughter, leaning on each other as they tried not to fall over. This earned them a few odd looks from some passing guards, but the newly revealed sisters paid them no mind.

“Thanks, Sunset,” Twilight started, draping a wing over the mare. “I needed a laugh like that.” She was quiet for a few moments, gathering her thoughts. “I guess...we all have to have a long conversation with our families.”

“I don’t have a family aside from you girls,” Sunset said plainly, her eyes drifting to a random point in the hallway. “But you girls should explain things to your folks. I’ll probably help Tempest with stocking the airship.”

“You sure you don’t want to join us during our talks?” Twilight questioned, giving the other mare a concerned look. “I’m sure my parents would like to meet you.”

“Talking to Trixie’s mother would mean going to Las Pegasus,” Trixie chimed in, appearing between the two mares. After a beat, she frowned, “Though in order for conversation that would mean prying her away from the slot machines.”

“Slot machines?” Twilight inquired, retracting her wing. “Does she work in a casino?”

“No, but she might as well live in one with as much money as she gives them,” Trixie grumbled, fiddling with her cape. “They always save her favorite machine for her.” Tossing her head back, she let out an indignant snort. “Trixie does not like this topic. Sparkle, talk about something else.”

I can do that,” Twilight assured, looking forward. “Who’s up for a quick trip to Ponyville?”

“Trixie wouldn’t mind the stop over,” Trixie replied, putting a hoof to her chest. “She needs to get a few things from her wagon before we embark on our grand journey!”

“What’s this I hear about our journey?” Tempest questioned, stepping down the hall. “I thought I made it clear I didn’t want your help?” Glancing between the group she scoffed. “Do any of you even know how to sail?”

“I watched Celaeno and her crew sail while I was on their ship,” Twilight admitted sheepishly.

“Watching and doing are very seperate things,” Tempest scowled, her gaze landing on Twilight. “Celano’s ship was an old sky-sailer; just a sea ship in the clouds. Storm army vessels like the Shard run on magi-tech, which I don’t think any of you fillies know how to work.”

“Can’t you teach us?” Starlight questioned, tilting her head. “I mean, we’re searching the entire world; I think we have plenty of time. Come on, it can’t be that hard to learn.”

“And how would you know how hard it is?” Tempest pressed, approaching Starlight. “Have you done anything even remotely like this before?” Why these fillies were so dead set on coming with her boggled her mind. This wasn’t going to be a pleasure cruise; nor was there any guarantee that they would ever be able to return.

“If it means making ourselves useful, I think we’d all be willing to put in the hard work,” Sunset chimed in. “I know I’d be interested in learning about magitech.” Looking over to Twilight she smirked and added, “I’m sure Twilight feels the same way.”

Twilight fluffed her wings and turned her nose up. “I know you’re trying to tease me, but it won’t work. But you’re right, magitech sounds utterly fascinating!”

“How about we just worry about Spike, and save this argument for later?” Moondancer suggested, finally catching up with the group. “We’re getting nowhere as it is.”

Nodding, Twilight turned back down the hall. “Good point, Moondancer. Come on girls, we’ve got a little brother to drop a bombshell on.” Glancing back at Tempest, she threw up a smile. “You should come too, Ponyville’s a pretty nice place to visit.”

Tempest was about to deny the request, but promptly clamped her mouth shut. If the girls’ persistence was anything to go by, they’d simply find a way to sneak aboard her ship if she continued refusing their help. Thinking for a moment, a solution made itself clear. She’d simply go along with their ideas and let them come aboard. But once they were, she’d work them like a slave driver. Once they finally admitted they couldn’t handle it, she could drop them off at the nearest Equestrian settlement. Nodding to herself, she let the others lead her along, content that her plan would work.

The Shard cut an intimidating image, even while tethered to the Canterlot dock. Celestia stared on in fascination as the Storm King’s former forces loaded the vessel under the careful eye of the Royal Guard.

Watching from a higher platform, the princess kept herself out of sight. Events and possibilities played out through her mind, blotting out any other thoughts. Popping the cork on a bottle of liquor, Celestia took a long swig.

“Isn’t it a little early in the day to be drinking?” Air Razor’s voice chimed in from behind her as he stepped up to her side. “I’d rather not have to babysit a drunk ruler.”

Coughing a little as the burning liquid poured down her throat, Celestia shot him a glare. “I’m not in the mood for your snark, Air Razor.”

Air Razor’s eyebrow quirked at the princess’s tone. It had been some time since she had taken her irritation out on him. “I am sorry for my snark, I simply thought the bit of normalcy would help given what has just happened.”

Turning away from him, Celestia focused on the Shard. “And what's normal around here? Secrets and half truths?” Taking another sip, she set the bottle down. “But you know all about that.”

Following her line of sight, Air Razor watched as one of the troops easily carried a large wooden crate aboard the airship. “Deception is a skill I’m all too familiar with.” Turning his head back, he studied her for a moment. “Self-pity gets you nowhere.”

“I’ve been told that,” Celestia replied sharply, her gaze remaining pointed forward. “But I will indulge until I find a way to atone for my mistakes.”

“And how will you do that when you’re plastered?” Air Razor shot a hoof out, sending the bottle over the edge of the platform. “Get a grip on yourself, Princess.”

“That was expensive,” Celestia said plainly, seeing a confused guard below dripping with booze. “You’re buying me a new bottle.”

“No, I’m not.” Air Razor poked her chest, his eyes flashing green. “You think I’m going to let you drink yourself into a stupor, wallowing in your woes? If you want that, I can make you a nice cocoon and you can just float around with no worries or responsibilities.”

“I wasn’t going to drink the replacement bottle,” Celestia retorted, tearing her eyes away from the confused guard. “I sometimes think you try to be my nanny and not my Shield.”

“If I didn’t, who would?” Air’s expression softened, locking eyes with her. “Everyone looks up at the Sun with such admiration, but they never seem to remember that she’s just a pony too. I even think she forgets that sometimes.”

Sighing, Celestia let her head hang. Several memories of her lessons with Twilight flashed through her mind. “I did not help things much. I should’ve reminded her of that fact more during her lessons.” She continued to reflect on her time with her student, hoping to find moments she could have done things differently.

Her concentration was ruined when Air Razor smacked her with a wing. “Stop. It. Self Recrimination will get us nowhere. Accept it and move on.”

“Did my face give it away, or were you reading my emotions to gauge my thoughts?” Celestia questioned, flashing her guard a stern look.

“I don’t need to read your emotions to know what you’re thinking,” he responded, his expression just as stern. “Though, I see even after all this time, you still think I would violate your privacy.”

“Or perhaps I just don’t like to admit how easy I am for you to read,” Celestia replied, managing a small smile. “Though I suppose I’ve learned to see past your stony mask as well.”

“I’m glad.” Returning her smile, he adjusted his wings. “Now then; instead of drinking your problems away, what are you going to do about all this?”

Sucking in a deep breath through her nostrils, Celestia stared out at the dock. “I need to assist Fizzle any way I can and show Twilight that I can be worthy of her trust again.” Her eyes focused on a crate, committing every detail to memory. “I hurt Sunset, Air Razor, Spike too. A mere apology isn’t going to cut it.”

“Then you will offer more than an apology,”Air Razor stated, looking up at her. “Your actions going forward will be what decides if they forgive you. Honesty with them is a good place to start.”

“I should follow, Applejack’s example, I don’t think she could tell a lie if she tried.” Celestia fluffed her wings, turning away from the dock. “You still owe me, Air. I think a nice night on the town will suffice.”

“Very well, I suppose I can manage that,” Air Razor replied, turning turning on his hooves. “I hear the barbeque restaurant has really taken off after Pinkie Pie discredited that distasteful food reviewer.” Opening the doors for her, he snapped a salute. “I’ve taken the liberty of gathering Star Dust’s notes for you. I think it would be a wise choice to give them to the girls in person.”

“An excellent idea,” Celestia agreed, bowing her head to her guard as they stepped through the halls. “What would I do without you, Razor?”

Closing his wing, Air Razor walked beside her. “You wouldn’t make it past the day. Without me and Raven, you’d be a neurotic mess.”

Letting out a long laugh, Celestia’s smile grew. “I think that’s fair to say. My days are so busy it’s a miracle that she finds ways to give me free time.” Poking him with her hoof, she winked. “I look forward to that time set aside for us.”

Air Razor’s feathers ruffled slightly, a hint of color creeping onto his cheeks. “It is always pleasant to have time just between us.” The color only deepened when she flicked her tail at his. Closing his eyes, he made a mental note to setup the reservations at the end of the day.

The Shard had been completely supplied in the time it took for Twilight and the girls to talk to their respective families. It had been rather difficult to explain the situation, each mare running the emotional gamut. Spike had taken things rather oddly, one moment he’d be excited by the fact that there was information about his father and the next he was quiet over the fact that Celestia had withheld it from him for so long.

“Grubber!” Tempest stepped onto the dock, donning her armor once more. “If I find you stuffing your face again, I’m tossing you overboard!”

There was a loud gulping sound and the hedgehog in question stepped out from behind a large coil of rope. He put on a nervous smile, displaying a bit of lettuce stuck in his teeth. “Whaaat? I wasn’t eating, Tempest. I was just-” his eyes darted around before he grabbed a length of the rope. “Inspecting this rope! Don’t want to have bad rope while we’re on our journey.”

Fixing a cold stare on him, she strode past and onto the gang plank. “I expect everything is as it should be? I’d hate to have to replace my ever so helpful assistant.”

Chuckling nervously, Grubber rubbed the back of his head. “Of course it’s all done. Whaddya take me for, incompetent?” The narrowing of her eyes dropped his act for him. “Y-yeah! Everything’s all set, Tempest!”

“Good,” Tempest plainly stated, relaxing slightly. “Then get on the ship and assume your post. I’d rather not waste time considering we’re on a wild goose chase. When Princess Twilight and her entourage arrive, let them on board.”

“Princess Twilight?” Grubber repeated, tilting his head. “Why are you being so formal when she’s your sister?” Another glare from Tempest changed his tone. “Right! I’ll let them on as soon as they get here!”

Nodding, Tempest turned on her hooves to head back into the ship. “Very good. Now, I’m going to make one last check of the ship to make sure we’re ready for lift off.”

Moving onto the ship, her thoughts drifted away from her sisters. Unlike them, she hadn’t been in Equestria for decades. Why? Why hadn’t he come for her? Was it her horn; the bane of her existence? A familiar wave of self-loathing settled over her, the same that had driven her to bring Equestria to its knees.

Tempest’s expression hardened, her focus turning to the target of her journey. It was clear she’d need to have a long talk with the stallion in question. Whether or not things would remain civil would be determined entirely by his responses.

Forcing herself onto the task at hand, she moved about the ship, barking orders at the yeti. It pleased her to know that even without the Storm King, they still knew who was in charge. Or perhaps it was because of the Storm King’s absence that made them follow her? Not that it mattered in the long run to her; all she needed was their continued loyalty until their journey was completed. If they could pull it off anyway.

“Fizzlepop!” Twilight’s voice carried to her ears, catching her attention.

‘And so it begins,’ Tempest thought to herself, noting that the yetis didn’t bat an eye at the name. Either they didn’t care, or they were smart enough not to joke in her presence.

Turning to face the princess, Tempest put on a neutral expression. “Princess Twilight, I see you’ve made your choice. I assume you’re ready for the trip?”

“Of course!” Twilight smiled, standing in front of their collected siblings. “I told you we were coming with you. Family sticks together after all.” Trotting over to the older mare, she pulled her into a hug. “It’s a great opportunity for family bonding!”

Left without much choice, Tempest returned the hug. “This won’t be some family road trip,” she warned. “We’re going to be searching in dangerous parts of the world. We’ll have to be at our best.”

“You make it sound like we haven’t been in danger before,” Sunset shot back, bearing a cocky grin. “Well, maybe not Moondancer, but I think we have just about anything covered.”

“Have you ever been in a situation where the power of friendship wasn’t the go-to solution?” Tempest questioned, quirking a brow. “Try to keep in mind that not all dangerous things are explicitly evil.”

“You worry too much, dear sister.” Trixie threw her head back, pulling Starlight to her side. “You have the Great and Powerful Trixie and her assistant; the Brilliant and Mystifying Starlight Glimmer!”

“Wow Trixie, did you break out a thesaurus to come up with my title?” Starlight teased, a cheeky grin pointed at her sister. “I like it though.”

Trixie adjusted her hat, a bit of pink tinging her cheeks. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, I already knew those words before that. But, I’m glad you like the title. Now I can have posters made.”

“You were right, Fizzlepop, this isn’t like any airship I’ve ever seen.” Moondancer wiped her glasses off, slipping them back into place. “It looks like the definition of ‘warship.’”

“It should, that’s exactly what it is,” Tempest replied, turning to the pale mare. “The Shard was made to be the flagship of the Storm King’s fleet. It’s loaded to the last inch with means to give it an edge in battle.” She couldn’t help but let a little pride edge into her voice. The Shard had been under her command for so long that she had formed a sort of personal connection with it. “It should scare off anything in the skies.”

“That sounds promising,” Twilight said, smiling at her older sister. “When can we start learning how to help run things?”

“We’ll start on the way. Grubber! Take them below and show them to their rooms. We’ll be leaving within the hour; no delays,” Tempest barked, turning to the hedgehog.

Grubber saluted, motioning with his claw as he started down the hall. “Alright ladies, no time to dilly dally. The boss lady wants to get started as soon as possible. And we don’t want to see the boss lady mad!”

The girls followed after Grubber, each of them taking in the ship. The aesthetic was rather oppressive, the walls seeming to close in on them despite being wide enough for two yetis to comfortably pass along them.

“You girls are lucky, you get the vip suites!” Grubber commented, striding purposefully down the hall. “Only better room is the captain’s place. Her pad is hooked up!” Stopping at the start of a hall, Grubber struck a pose. “And here we are!”

“Hooked up?” Starlight questioned, tilting her head. “What is it hooked up to exactly?”

“He means that her quarters are fancier than everyone else's,” Sunset explained, holding back a giggle. “You know Grubber, you sound like an actor back in the human world. I kinda like it.”

Grubber puffed his chest up, soaking up the praise. “Well, I was known as a pretty charismatic hedgehog back in my hometown.” He took a moment to primp his hair. “But thank you for saying so.”

“Do we just... pick our rooms?” Moondancer opened one of the doors, peeking inside. The room reminded her of one of the high end hotel rooms in Canterlot; making it very out of place on the Shard. “I guess I’ll take this one.”

“Yeah, you’ve got free range of this hallway,” Grubber confirmed, giving her a thumbs up. “I’ll just tell Tempest about which rooms you pick for general purposes. Fair tip though,” he started, pointing at a room at the end of the hall. “That one’s got the best view. Just the right amount of light streams in from the window during the day to light up the room, but not disturb your sleep.”

“Trixie calls that room!” Trixie belted out, quickly moving down the hall. “The perfect room to match somepony of my measure~”

“I guess I’ll take the room across from her,” Starlight said, heading into the room. “Oh Faust, these beds are super comfy!”

Giggling, Twilight turned to Sunset. “Looks like we’ll be across from each other too. “I can’t wait to get out there! Six sisters, all looking for their father! It just sounds like an adventure!”

Sunset matched the alicorn’s and a smile grew across her face. “It does sound like something out of a book or movie.” Elbowing Twilight, she jerked her head back towards the hall. “Wanna see what our ‘big sister’s’ room looks like?”

“That sounds good,” Twilight agreed, heading away from the rooms. Giggling, she added, “Ten bits says it’s done in black.”

Snickering, Sunset nodded. “Oh, it’ll be black. Only the blackest of blacks for our edgelord of a sister.” Pulling Grubber over with her magic, she pushed him in front. “Come on, take us to Fizzle’s room.”

“Sure thing, I can lead you anywhere on the ship,” Grubber told them, turning right at a junction. “Not like she can get mad at me for giving you-” His voice cut off, walking into Tempest’s legs. “Oh hey, Tempest! I was just giving your sisters a tour!”

“Great,” Tempest responded, staring at Grubber until he stepped away. “Princess Twilight, you have visitors on deck; I’d like to get underway and I’m not up for taking more tourists.”

“Visitors?” Twilight repeated, scrunching her face up. “Who would be visiting when we’re so close to leaving?”

“Rainbow hair and our scaly little brother,” Tempest responded, walking past them. “She wanted to talk to you two before we leave. Personally, I don’t care if you do or not, I just want to cast off. So do your big sister a favor and take care of it.”

“Don’t you want to talk to our brother a little?” Twilight asked, turning to watch Tempest. “This might be your last chance to do it.”

“I already told you, it’d be pointless to talk to someone I’ll probably never see again.” Tempest continued down the hall, as cool as ever. “Just see them off, like a good filly.”

Sighing, Twilight hung her head and turned on her hooves. “If that’s how you feel. Come on, Sunset, let’s see what those two have to say.” The walk back up to the deck was tense and awkward, made no better by Grubber’s ramblings. So many thoughts and feelings ran through her, all of them centered around Celestia.

Twilight had no idea what she wanted to say to her mentor. A part of her wanted to apologize for her outburst, but the other felt completely justified given Celestia’s actions. ‘Come on, Twilight. You’re the Princess of Friendship, this shouldn’t be so hard!’ Groaning softly, she batted the sides of her head with her wings in an attempt to clear her thoughts. Nothing was forthcoming, something that only served to frustrate her further.

“Twilight, it’ll be fine,” Sunset assured, putting a hoof on her back. “No one’s asking you to just forgive her. Talk to her, okay? We’ll be gone for awhile and I don’t think you’d be okay with leaving on a bad note.”

Twilight sighed and offered her sister a weak smile. “You’re right. Thanks, Sunset, you really know how to put it all in perspective.” Stepping onto the deck, she spotted Celestia standing calmly at the gangway with a box on her back. Spike on the other hand, paced back and forth, eyes moving to and fro.

“Spike, Princess Celestia, it’s good to see you,” Sunset called out, walking up to the pair. Smirking, she gave the drake a little noogie. “Though I guess I should be calling you little bro now, huh?”

Spike squirmed out of Sunset’s grip, smoothing out his spines. “Yeah, I guess so.” Fidgeting a little, he looked at Twilight. “Twi, I-I can’t stay at the castle. I wanna meet our dad too so... I’m coming with you!”

“Absolutely not,” Twilight replied instantly. “You’re way too young to be going on a mission like this.”

“So what? I’m supposed to just supposed to wait at home; hoping you’ll come back?” Spike asked, poking her chest. “That’s not happening, Twilight. Where you go, I go. You’re not leaving me behind.”

“I most certainly am,” Twilight snapped, lowering her head so she could be eye level with him. “I’m supposed to be responsible for you, Spike; so there’s no way I’m putting your life at risk by letting you do this.”

Poking her nose, Spike snorted a ring of smoke. “I’m not staying, Twilight. No matter what you say, I’m coming too.”

Smirking, Twilight lit up her horn and picked Spike up in her magic. “Okay, but what about whatever I do? Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t teleport you to Ponyville right now.”

“Twilight, put him down,” Sunset spoke firmly, lighting her own horn. “Spike deserves this as much as we do. Saying no is just wrong.”

“Spike is a minor,” Twilight retorted, though she gently placed the drake down on the deck. “It’s not that he doesn’t deserve this chance, it’s just too risky for him.” Fluffing her wings, she gestured to Spike. “I’m still waiting for that reason.”

“Easy, without me you let your trains of thought crash past the station,” Spike pointed out. “You need me to reel you in when you go full Twilight. You think the other girls know how to do that? Moondancer’s just as bad as you!”

Ignoring a snicker from Sunset, Twilight gave him a flat look. “I think they’ll find a way to keep me in check.”

“Twi, seriously, just let him come,” Sunset insisted, placing a hoof on Spike’s head. “I mean yeah, it could get dangerous, but he has as much right as we do to come along. Would you want to stay behind?”

Twilight shot Sunset a pointed look. “Fine, he can come. But you’d better help me keep him safe.” Straightening up, she moved her focus to Celestia. “Princess. Have you come to see us off?”

“That is one of the reasons for my being here,” Celestia answered, using her magic to lift the box off her back. “I also have old research notes of your father’s. I believe you might find something useful within them.” Placing it in front of Twilight, she gave the trio a smile. “I couldn’t let you leave without seeing you off. I wish all of you a safe trip.”

Twilight put the box on her own back, looking up at the other princess. “Thank you, Celestia. Good luck with continuing to run Equestria while we’re gone.”

Celestia never lost her smile. “I’ll make sure to keep your throne warm, Twilight. Spike, make sure you keep your sister sane. Sunset, I can’t express how happy I am that you’ve returned to Equestria. Though it may pain me to see you leave again, I know this is something you all have to do.”

“Yeah, it feels pretty good to be back,” Sunset said, approaching the solar diarch with a sad smile. “When I get home, maybe I can tell you everything I saw and did over those scones we liked?”

Leaning her head down, Celestia nuzzled her cheek. “I’ll make sure to save up my sick days. No boring presentation will ever keep me from spending time with you.”

Returning the gesture, Sunset added, “I’ll try not to keep you waiting too long.” Stepping back, she took a breath. “I don’t mean to kick you off but, Fizzle wants to get going. Can’t say I blame her; even if she’s a bit obnoxious.”

“It’s fine, Sunset,” Celestia assured, turning towards the gangplank. “I won’t keep you any longer; I do have a country to run after all.”

Sunset watched Celestia nearly disappear from view, a weight welling up in her chest. Feeling the need to say something she called out, “I’ll be home soon, Mom!” She saw Celestia freeze up for a moment, before continuing off the ship. “I promise.”

Hard to Star-Board

Twilight stared in awe at the engines of the Shard. There was a faint hum from within the devices and an orange glow came off them. A pen scribbled furiously in her magic as Tempest explained how the Shard worked.

“These engines have a crystal core, filled to the brim with magic. This magical energy can only be carried along special wires,” Tempest explained, pointing a hoof at a wire that peeked out from the metal casing. “The core itself can last under normal use for around a decade. They’re mined specifically in Gargan Roo.”

“This is pretty amazing,” Sunset commented, leaning in close to the engines. “Do you know what these give off as a by-product?”

“No, I have no idea what they produce, despite having been running this ship for months,” Tempest remarked, giving Sunset a flat look. “So by all means, tell me what they produce.”

Sunset shrank a bit and looked up at Tempest apologetically “I don’t know. That’s why I asked.”

“Maybe you could be less sarcastic?” Spike suggested, giving Tempest a weak smile. “You don’t have to bite a pony’s head off for asking a question.”

Tempest snorted, ignoring Spike. “The emissions from these engines are the storm clouds that trail behind the ship.” She tapped on the engine. “The Storm king certainly knew how to market himself.”

“Then these things run cleanly!” Sunset beamed, her eyes widening. “When we’re done with our journey, we should share this tech with Equestria! We could get away from coal and fossil fuels.”

“What’s a ‘fossil fuel?” Trixie asked poking at a readout. In her mind, she pictured someone hooking an old skull to a magical generator. “Sounds like a pain. I’ve had my share of digging, thank you very much.”

“In the human world,” Sunset started, looking between everyone. “It was discovered that there was a natural process that converted fossils into a substance called oil. It’s highly combustible and is the energy source for a lot of human vehicles. But, the emissions from these engines have terrible environmental effects so humans have been looking for a way to replace them.”

“Again, that’s if we can find Star Dust within our lifetimes,” Tempest pointed out. “Princess Twilight and Spike are the only ones among us that can afford centuries of searching,” she concluded, pointing a hoof between the two.

Twilight smiled, putting her wing over Tempest’s back. “It won’t take us centuries. He probably left us clues or something to find him! So!” She levitated a scroll out of her saddle bags. “Where are we going first?”

“Celestia mentioned the facility where Star Dust’s experiment created the Badlands,” Tempest started, pulling a map from her armor. “We should start from there. Its close to the changelings, which will be our next stop, followed by the dragonlands.”

“Then we have our first goal!” Moondancer beamed, pushing her glasses back into place. “We can’t waste any time! Set a course, Fizzle!”

A flat look found itself leveled at the cream colored mare. “Don’t call me that.” Without another word, Tempest pushed her way past the group and down the hall. “You ladies coming or are you going to start singing songs?”

“Says the mare who sang a villain song,” Twilight whispered to the others, giggling. “It was a pretty good song too. I’d recommend it if the message wasn’t so cynical.”

Gritting her teeth, Tempest straightened herself up. She just had to put up with them for a little longer. They’d beg her to get off the ship soon enough. Zoning them out, she made her way to the bridge. “Alright you worthless sacks of fur, we’re going heading to the Badlands. I want us there last Tuesday.”

“Aye Commander!” a chorus of voices called back, the group of yetis working frantically at the controls. Minutes later and the Shard lurched as the ropes holding it to the port were taken away. The ship shuddered again and slowly ascended into the skies.

Tempest nodded, viewing their ascent from the bridge. Her list of goals didn’t elicit the reaction that she had intended. At the very least, she had expected Twilight to flinch at the mention of changelings.

“Grubber!” she barked, standing on an elevated overlook above the bridge crew. It gave her a full view of each workstation and window with the mere turn of a head. “Get your sycophantic ass over here!”

A few moments later, and a familiar weight was on her back. “Reporting for duty, Commander!” Grubber’s voice chimed in. He chuckled nervously as Tempest glared back at him.

“Attention!” Tempest snapped, turning her ire to her siblings. She smirked inwardly as the group scrambled into a line. “This is not a please cruise and I will not suffer dead weight.” Walking the line, Tempest gave each of them her sternest frown. “You will earn your keep. Is that understood?”

“Understood!” the group of mares answered in unison.

“I am Captain and Grubber is my second; our word is law.” Stopping in front of Twilight, Tempest snorted. “From here on out, your royal status is meaningless. I expect our orders to be followed, that includes those given by the senior staff.”

“Ugh, Trixie doesn't want to take orders from a badger!”

“I'm actually a hedgehog.”

“That's even worse! Trixie will not be bossed around by a woodland animal!” Huffing, Trixie pushed the brim of her hat up. She opened her mouth to complain further when a bolt of raw magic struck her chest.

“Insubordination will not be tolerated,” Tempest countered, her horn crackling. “Doing so will net you a cozy spot in the brig. Is that understood?”

Before Trixie could speak up, Sunset shoved a hoof in her mouth. “Crystal, Tempest.” Turning her head, she glared at Trixie. “Isn’t that right, Trixie?”

Trixie pushed Sunset away, making a face. “Yes, crystal clear,” Trixie grumbled, rubbing her chest.

“Good,” Tempest resumed her walk, eyeing each of them closely. “You'll each be assigned to a section of the ship, where you will perform your duties to the best of your abilities. Glasses!” Tempest barked, stopping in front of Moondancer.

“It’s Moondancer, ma’am,” the bespectacled mare said. “And what do you want me to do?”

“As I understand, you're good with magic theory. Report to Montgomery in the engine room.”

Moondancer snapped a salute, a smile on her muzzle. “Can do, ma’am!” Turning on her hoof, she exited the bridge.

The next few minutes was spent dispensing each of them an assignment: Starlight was sent to security, Twilight joined the crew on the lower level at navigation, Trixie to the balloon maintenance team, Sunset joined the crow's nest team. Only Spike was left without a job.

“What about me?” Spike inquired, nervously wringing his hands.

Tempest regarded him harshly for a moment, placing a hoof on his head. “You'll be our active ensign. You won't have any specific duties, instead, you'll go where the ship needs you. Since we're in friendly skies, you can spend the day with Paris learning how to work the helm.”

Spike's eyes lit up and he nodded at the mare. “Ensign Spike, I like the sound of that. You can count on me for anything, Tempest!” In a matter of moments, he was standing beside the yeti at the helm. “Ready to begin when you are, Paris.”

Tempest resumed her position on her overlook, staring out into the sky ahead of her. Her reverie only lasted a moment before Grubber spoke up.

“I bet the blue one snaps first,” he commented, leaning against Tempest's neck. “She's got like no chill.” Sensing Tempest tensing up, he scooted back and weakly patted her mohawk. “I'll uh...be quiet.”

“Oh no, please, continue. My day is just so boring without your colorful commentary.” While the hedgehog was obnoxious, Tempest couldn't help but agree with him. Trixie's pride was a clear weak point to abuse. With the right pressure, she likely wouldn't last a week.

“You think we'll find anything out in the desert?” Grubber asked, hopping off Tempest's back. Waddling over to a large globe behind her position, he moved a finger over the surface. ”We'll be pretty close to Klugetown. Those guys might get ideas, y’know, now that the Storm King's gone.”

“We'll be able to handle that rabble,” Tempest dismissed, keeping her eyes forward. “As for finding anything, it's possible, but I highly doubt it. This mission was likely a death sentence in the eye of most of the council.”

“Yeah, with the king gone, betcha lots of dudes are gonna be gunnin’ to fill the spot.” Spinning the globe, Grubber's imagination ran rampant with possibility. “I know a few guys in the Armada who were always whispering about taking over. Most of em got away during the storm.”

“Luckily, the ones you're talking about were even more incompetent than the Storm King, and nearly as deranged,” Tempest said, finally looking over her shoulder.

“I dunno about that.” Stopping the globe, Grubber wore a frown. “I think like, whatever's left of the Armadas gonna have like, splinter factions. All fightin’ for dominance and stuff.” Throwing his hands up for dramatic effect, he continued. “We're still flying the guy’s colors, ya know. People are gonna think stuff.”

“I'd rather not get into pointless fights,” Tempest said, nodding in thought. Stepping up to the globe, she nudged it gently with her hoof. Such a big world, so many places for a pony to hide, even an alicorn. She could spend the rest of her life searching and never finding. Lowering her hoof, her gaze lingered on the Storm King emblems stamped across the surface. “They aren't his colors anymore, Grubber.”

“That's not how people are gonna see it,” Grubber pointed out, stepping away from the globe. “And if there are people looking to pick up the pieces, you're an obvious target.”

Tempest met his gaze, a steel like edge to her features. “Let them try, hedgehog. The king is dead, long live the queen.”

Grubber's eyes lit up and he rubbed his hands together. “Ohoho, are we gonna make our own move on that turf? Nice.” Pausing, he glanced down at Twilight. “What about your family? Ya just giving up your search?”

“I can do both, Grubber,” Tempest dismissed. “The Storm King's territory all falls within the terms of my exile. They have no authority outside of Equestria. Besides, it's either me or a hoofful of power drunk morons.”

“Whatever you say.” Grubber snapped a salute, a grin on his face. “Don't think I could say no to being second-in-command to a queen.”

“We're a few days from Klugetown. I want you to gauge the crew’s opinion on the matter,” Tempest ordered, walking back to her spot. “If the crew isn't behind us, we call it off.”

Grubber saluted once more, giving her a quick assurance.

“And Grubber, be careful.” Tempest glanced back, her gaze soft. “I don't think I could handle these ponies by myself.”

Grubber managed a warm smile, nodding at her. “Hey, I'll do what I can, boss. Have I ever been anything but on your side?” With the matter settled, the two returned to their duties.

Tempest stared out over the lifeless sands of the Badlands. A contingency of yetis were scouring the area for any signs of Star Dust’s lab. Given how long it had been since the accident, she had ordered her crew to dig.

“Grubber,” she spoke, turning her head to her underling. “How much water do we have?”

“Our reserves are basically full right now, Tempest,” Grubber answered, sipping from his own canteen. “Just had the supply report done after lunch.”

“Lay out the map,” she ordered, gesturing in front of her.

Grubber hopped off her back, reached into his armor and unrolled a map before her. Using a few loose rocks to keep it open, he did a quick flourish. “As you command, boss lady.”

Leaning her neck down, Tempest gave the map a once over. “Hmm, if our navigation team is accurate, then we should be here.” She tapped a hoof against the map. “We just need to dig until we find a way into the lab.”

“The princess got all the guys organized into shifts,” Grubber informed, pointing further out to where Twilight was organizing gear. “Goin’ pretty good so far.”

“Yes, it seems like neurosis runs in the family,” Tempest admitted, watching Twilight do inventory. “Don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who enjoys bureaucracy. Are we sure she’s not the Princess of Beancounting?”

“If she was more vicious, I'd say she was gunning for control of the ship,” Grubber commented. He cringed at Tempest’s narrowed eyes. “But uh, I don't think there's an underhanded bone in her body.”

Devising it was better to let it go, Tempest returned her attention to the map. “Anyway, keep an eye on the water supply. The lab doesn't come before us. Make sure the yetis get as much as they need.”

“I always do, boss lady,” Grubber replied, giving a thumbs up. “I’ll make another check after this shift goes on their next meal break. If we’re lucky, we won’t need to collect rainwater for a couple weeks.”

Grabbing her own canteen, Tempest took a short drink. “I wonder how long it’ll take before they send someone to get their princess back.”

“Ten bits says her big brother shows up personally,” Grubber said, snickering at the thought. “Ya know, is he your brother too? Or like, is he only related to her? Kinda reminds me of this one lady, who had kids with this one guy, then broke up with him and got with his dad and had kids with his dad. Like, are those kids siblings or like uncles and nieces and nephews and stuff?”

“I am not even going to begin unpacking the cornucopia of awful that was that story,” Tempest deadpanned, looking down at the hedgehog. “But to answer the first question, no, I am not related by blood to Twilight’s older brother. She and I are half-siblings, we only share Star Dust as a genetic parent. She and Shining Armor share a mother. Do you understand or do I need to have flash cards made for you?”

“Nah, I’m good.” Grubber waved her off before climbing onto her back. “Your dad really got around huh? Ever like, wonder if ya got any more siblings out there they don’t know about?”

“Donating to a clinic isn’t getting around, Grubber,” Tempest said, rolling her eyes. “You do know how those work, right?”

“Course I do!” Grubber snorted, leaning against her neck. “I used to know a lot of guys who need help with the ladies. My cousin knew this one guy who was so scared of chicks his mom had to give him a potion that like, made him get over it.”

“Do you have a personal story for every situation?” Tempest questioned.

Grubber grinned, making a show of brushing his armor off. “I know lots of people, boss lady. Ya just gotta keep an ear open for the right things.”

Tempest nodded, looking back over the working crew. With everything in order, she decided to go back to the ship to evaluate the regular upkeep. She left Grubber behind to oversee the search, having had her fill of his stories for the day.

Still, she had to admit that he was less… intense than usual. He hadn't even snuck away from his duties to nap. Whatever was causing the change, she welcomed it. Perhaps because of the
changes to her own personality? Her own outlook on life had changed, taking a turn to brighter side of life. She doubted she would be breaking out into song about friendship anytime soon, but little things no longer set her off like they once had.

“Hey, Fizzy!” Sunset greeted, meeting Tempest at the gangway. “Everything looking good out there?”

“Sunset, how many times have I told you not to call me that?” Tempest questioned, doing her best not to scowl. “But yes, thanks to Twilight’s rotation suggestion, the work is progressing smoothly.”

“Isn’t it a younger sibling’s job to annoy the older sibling?” Sunset questioned. “You are older than me, aren’t you?”

“That’d be flawless logic, if I weren’t in charge of this ship,” Tempest shot back, resting a hoof on the smaller mare’s shoulder. “Keep it up and I’m dropping you off at the Equestrian border.”

Rolling her eyes, Sunset pulled away. “Do you ever have fun, or are you too emo for that?”

“I worked for a despotic idiot for the last few months,” Tempest replied, starting her rounds again. “And now I’m an exile with a basically impossible mission. Do either of those sound like fun times to you?”

Sunset frowned, following Tempest as she began to walk. “No, but that doesn’t mean you have to let it drag you down.”

“I've been fixated on one goal for a long time, Sunset,” she started, glancing at the jagged stub of her horn. “But now that I cannot fulfill it, I need new things to occupy my time. Fun could be on the agenda. When we're not busy.”

“I doubt you actually even know how to use fun,” Sunset countered. “I wouldn’t worry though, we can get you up to speed.”

“I'd argue with you, but you'd find a way to snark back,” Tempest said, coming to a stop at a door. “So, how have you taken to your responsibilities here? Any complaints you want to rattle off in hopes of getting special treatment?”

Sunset chuckled, waving her hoof. “As if you'd ever give special treatment. Spotting is a little dull, but talking with Jack makes it way better. He’s actually very insightful. You sure these guys are supposed to be an army?”

“It takes all types to be a good soldier,” Tempest answered, glancing back at Sunset as she stepped through the door. “Were you expecting nothing but mindless grunts?”

“No, but, they don’t seem like the type to be an evil army.”

“We all have our reasons for being here,” Tempest reasoned, motioning for the saluting yetis to be at ease. “Most saw it as a way to expand past the dismal landscape of the yeti homeland. There’s a reason he called himself the ‘Storm King’.”

Sunset nodded, looking out across the room. Wanting more than what life had dealt her was something she understood. “I think I can empathize,” she finally said, turning back to Tempest. “I didn’t come from much either. I was living on the streets by myself before Celestia found me.”

Tempest's expression softened as she heard that. She knew what it was like to try and make it on her own. “And here I thought you were all pampered like Twilight.”

Shrugging, Sunset managed a smile. “I did get a little pampered, but only after I ate out of garbage cans for a few weeks.”

A popping sound and a bright light interrupted the conversation, depositing an excited Twilight beside them. “We found it!” She declared, dancing in place with a manic smile.

“Already?” Tempest questioned, turning to walk out the door. “Seems that rotation schedule was truly effective. Good work, Twilight.”

“Less talking, more discovering!” Lighting her horn again, she teleported them to the dig site then poofed away again. It only took her a few more trips to bring the rest of their siblings. “This is so exciting!” Twilight declared, rearing up and kicking the air.

Spike shook his head, a kitchen knife still in his hand. “Twi, mind teleporting this back before you charge into the lab?”

Chuckling weakly, Twilight teleported the knife away. “Sorry, Spike.” Patting his head, she moved to the front of the group. “We just found the doors, it shouldn’t be too hard to get them open.” She stepped up to the doors, lighting up her horn and encompassing them in her aura. Putting in a bit of effort, she willed for the doors to open.

A loud grinding sound pierced their ears as Twilight’s magic slowly slid the doors open. Sunset and Starlight added their own magic, opening the doors wide enough for a pony to step through. Someone however beat them to it. A body slumped out of the opening, staring up at the sky.

The body recieved the standard reactions, ranging from tempered caution to outright screams. Tempest pushed her sisters to the side, kneeling down next to the fallen pony. Before her laid a dry husk with slightly translucent skin. With previously unseen gentleness, she eased the body on its side, revealing a long rip along the spine.

“Celestia mentioned that there was a connection between changelings and Star Dust. I don't think this pony died here.” Standing up, she stepped away from the husk. “Almost looks like a cicada shell.”

Twilight's squeamishness disappeared, curiosity overtaking her. She leaned in, examining the remains. “Fascinating, there's no sign of this pony's skeleton.”

“Obviously, Sparkle, they turned into a bug,” Trixie pointed out, adjusting her hat. “I thought you were smart.”

A blank look overtook Twilight's face. With a quick spell, Trixie's hat was pulled down over her entire head. “As I was saying, I believe that the insides of this pony liquified, much like the process a caterpillar goes through when it becomes a butterfly.” Without thinking, she reached her hoof into the husk. “Mmhmm, as I thought, no evidence of internal organs. In this arid climate, those would still be at least partially intact after three-hundred years.”

The gathered group minus Tempest and Trixie were visibly uncomfortable with Twilight’s actions.

Stepping into the gap, Moondancer peered into the darkness. “Why would they leave anypony here?”

“Radiation, most likely,” Sunset spoke up, looking down at the body. “If it got intense enough to turn this place into the Badlands, they probably didn't think anyone survived.” Frowning deeply, she looked at Twilight. “Please tell me you know a radiation monitor spell.”

“I do!” Twilight chirped, her horn glowing. “I thought it might come in handy so I studied one with Starlight on the way here.”

“Then please, use it. I want to know if I can still have kids after this.”

Nodding, Twilight let her spell fire off into darkness. She stood silently for over a minute, her magic ebbing and flowing. With a quick nod, she let her aura die. “Good news, the radiation in the area is at perfectly safe levels. There’s no chance of us getting sick.” Turning over to Sunset she added, “And you can have all the kids you want.”

“How can that be? It was bad enough 300 years ago to kill everything in about a hundred miles in each direction. How is this place not hotter than a power plant?”

Starlight stepped forward, her own horn lighting up. “Here, let me give a second opinion.” A few minutes later and she turned back to Sunset. “Either we’re messing up this spell, or there really isn’t any dangerous amount of radiation in the area.”

“That just doesn’t make any sense,” Sunset insisted.

Moondancer rubbed her chin, glancing at the husk. “Hmm, say, if the ponies at the lab adapted by becoming changelings, isn’t it possible that some other life form adapted by absorbing radiation?”

“Enough to remove it completely?” Sunset questioned, raising her eyebrow.

“Consider how many giant life forms call this planet their home,” Moon Dancer started, motioning with a hoof. “And now think about a local population being mutated by a one hundred mile radius blast.”

“We can continue this conversation inside, ladies.” Tempest moved past Sunset and into the workshop. “It’s hot and you talking just makes it hotter. Blue, you’re on light duty.”

“Trixie has a name, Fizzlepop,” Trixie grumbled, walking after the tall mare and generating a bright glow with her horn. “Please address Trixie with it.”

“If you do your job without so much bitching, maybe,” Tempest replied, keeping her eyes forward and examining the decrepit state of the tunnel. Most of the metal lining the walls had twisted and warped, a testament to just how badly everything had gone.

Along the way, they found a few more husks like the one at the entrance. All of the equipment they could see was warped beyond repair. And that’s if it was recognizable. The doors to more than a few rooms had melted to the point that no no magic was going to move them. Deciding against trying to cut them open, they continued into the facility.

More body husks started to appear, along with discarded changeling shells. Hardened changeling goo began to appear on the walls, long since dried out and useless. Tempest tapped her hoof against a patch that was on the floor. At that slight touch, the ancient material crumbled away.

“Lousy material,” she commented, lowering her hoof.

“It’s tough when it’s fresh,” Twilight commented, coming up to Tempest’s side. “Trust me on that.”

“Trixie agrees,” Trixie spoke up. “It took Trixie a week to get it out of her mane.”

Ignoring the two, Tempest continued to examine the room they were in. After a pass around, she pulled out the notes Celestia had given them from her saddlebag. “Blue, get behind me with the light, I need to check something.”

“Trixie has told you she has a name!” Trixie snapped, though she followed Tempest’s command. “Do not take your envy out on me.”

“And I told you I’d call you by your name if you quit your bitching,” Tempest shot back. “And what’s there to envy, your ability to talk in third pony?” Her eyes scanned over the pages, checking for anything relevant. “I’d rather to listen to another of Grubber’s stories.”

Trixie grumbled to herself, doing her best to keep her horn steady and resisting the urge to smack the tall mare upside the head. “Trixie will show you envy.”

Tempest put the notes away and started to walk again. “The main lab is a large circular room, and Star Dust’s office was attached to it. If there’s anything related to him in these ruins, then they’re further in.”

“Yeah but, where would we even begin to look?” Moondancer questioned, pushing her glasses back up.

“Right now, there’s only one hall to go through,” Tempest said, keeping her pace. “If the path starts to diverge we can split into groups and decide on a meeting place. Is anybody opposed?” She got a chorus of ‘nos’, no one else really had any ideas.

After a bit of walking, they came across their first fork in the path. Tempest turned towards the group, dividing them up. With her she took Twilight, Spike and Sunset. The other group was Starlight, Trixie and Moondancer.

“Check each door,” Tempest instructed, charging her horn. “And make sure you pay attention. We don’t know if any changelings are still around.”

“Hadn't considered the possibility of an active hive here,” Twilight started, glancing around the hall. With Trixie in the other group, she had taken up light duty. “I'd rather not have to fight changelings given our relationship with Thorax and his hive.”

“Just pay attention,” Tempest responded, peering into a doorway.

There were several stalls and exposed pipes. Tempest instantly retracted her head. Leave it to her luck to find the bathroom. With a motion for the girls to ignore the room, they carried on. The walk continued for some time, dried building material appearing more and more, sometimes coating entire sections of the tunnel. They tried another door, this one rusted shut on its hinges. Rearing back, Tempest gave the door a mighty kick with her hind legs. A loud creak echoed through the hall and the doors flew off their hinges before landing a couple feet away.

“Twilight, light,” Tempest ordered, gesturing to the opening in front of her.

Excusing herself past Tempest, Twilight swept her horn’s light over the room. It appeared to have been a lab at one point, but the broken open changeling cocoons showed that the room had been repurposed.

Spike gulped, stepping into the room. “I hope whoever was in those cocoons is okay.”

Tempest stepped up to the cocoons, putting her hoof to one. The material fell apart, creating a pile on the floor. “I think that’s a moot point, it’s clearly been a long time since anyone was in this thing.”

“Best not to worry about it,” Sunset said, patting a spine on Spike’s head. “I don’t think this is the place we’re looking for.”

The group quickly left the room, Spike giving the cocoons one last glance before catching up to the group. They tried several more doors, each one not giving them the room they wanted. Tempest snorted, charging her horn again. Only a few days in, and she was already hitting dead ends.

“Maybe we should go to the meeting spot?” Twilight suggested, putting a hoof on Tempest’s shoulder. “I bet the others are having better luck.”

“Fine,” Tempest grunted, pulling away from her. “Back the way we came.” Brushing past the others, she led the way back.

It didn't take long for the group to make it to the meeting spot, though the others hadn't made it back yet.

“Huh, I wonder where the others are?” Spike questioned, scratching his chin. “Maybe they already found the office?”

“There's still time before we agreed to meet,” Tempest pointed out, sitting on her haunches. “We can give them a bit before we go after them.” Her ear flicked and then the other. “Look alive ladies, we have company.” Leaping forward, she barely avoided being crushed by a massive insectoid monster as it dropped from the ceiling.

Charging her horn, Tempest stared the creature down. “What do you think girls? Well done or barbeque?” Disregarding any responses, she ran at the slobbering beast. What divine providence; something to hit. Maybe today wasn’t going to be such a waste.