A Shared Bond (NOT 100% CANON TO FAITHVERSE)by Faith-WolffChaptersThe MessageThe Issues at HoofAnxietyUncle SpikeReconcileThe MessageIt was late afternoon in Ponyville, Celestia's sun shining brightly amongst the clouds. Ponies were out and about on their daily routines, and many passed by the crystal castle near the outer rim of town. The Castle of Friendship stood tall, it's many crystals gleaming in the sunlight. Closer inspection of the castle's windows revealed many a flash and glow. A particularly large flare of light was chased out into the world by Princess Twilight Sparkle's guiding voice. “Once more!” she called, support and eagerness emanating from her tone as she watched the smaller filly before her. The filly was white with a deep blue mane clad in three stripes of color visible along her bangs and tail. Her similarly blue eyes squeezed shut in determination as she held her breath, the young unicorn's little horn sparking and shining as she struggled to call forth her multi-toned magic. The glow grew as she threw up her head, her cheeks going red as she strained further as well as lack of oxygen, revealing that her magic gave a lovely purple-to-blue gradient. As soon as she got it to appear, however, the sparks and aura soon sputtered and poofed out, the white filly gasping for air and falling backwards. Twilight's ears lowered as she smiled sheepishly, walking over to the young adolescent. “You almost had it, Stella! Just try to relax and remember to breathe when you focus..!” she spoke assumingly, doing her best to help while helping prop her daughter up. The dizzy filly, Stella, let herself relax on the cold crystal floor for a moment before responding. “I dunno mama...I don't think I'll ever get to your level..” Twilight frowned, gently levitating her child up into a sitting position. “It took me many moons and hours of countless study to get to where I am. I have full confidence in you, Stella~” she said gently, smiling to her daughter. “Now, again!” Stella stood, inhaling and trying once more. This time her face turned so red steam nearly shot out the little one's ears. After about a dozen and a half tries later... Stella flopped down onto the floor once more, winded and hopeless. “I'm never gonna learn how to teleport..” she whined, eyes downcast and lips slouching. Twilight smiled, gently resting a wing on her young daughter's back. “You will, Stella...just have faith. Teleporting is an advanced spell dear, I didn't even start to get it down until I was over twice your age! Maybe you should choose something simpler first?” “But I want to impress you!!” Stella shouted mentally in response. Stella looked up to her mother, pouting a bit in impatience. Before any further protests could be launched at how she wanted to live up to her alicorn mother, a strange noise caught both mares attention. An odd vibrating sound came from behind Twilight, the purple alicorn turning her head to see a familiar book. Her eyes widened upon seeing the book glow and “ring”, an odd wave of concern washing over her as she stood. “Sunset..?” Twilight turned, about to head for the book when Stella stood. “Who's Sunset? And why is that book glowing and vibrating?” she asked, her head tilted. Twilight looked around for a moment, wanting to answer her daughter. However, the book's faster vibrations caught her ear, making her turn and trot to the book. “Erm, one moment sweetie. I'll tell you soon.” Stella's confused gaze only grew as she sat back down, the doors opening behind her. She turned and looked, seeing a familiar orange form. “Papa!” Flash Sentry slipped his helmet off, smiling at his daughter as he opened his arms. “Heeeyyy Stelly!!” he called, hugging the little filly close after she leapt into his embrace. “How's my little princess?” Stella laughed a bit, booping her father's snout with her hoof and giggling in glee. Even if he didn't know it all the time, Flash Sentry always knew how to cheer his daughter up. “Mama's trying to teach me how to teleport!” she replied, smiling. “Oh? And how's that going?” he asked, gently setting her down. “W-Well I got some magic out, but I'm having troubl-” she started, when her mother's gasp cut her off, making the two shoot their heads up in surprise. “No..no...oh Faust NO!” Hearing the urgency in his wife's tone, Flash mouthed the words -"I'll be back!"- before rushing over to his beloved's side. “Darling? What is it??” he beckoned quickly, trying to calm Twilight's ever growing shaking and crying. “S-Sunset..h-her...he...oh my stars why?!” she stuttered, a sob choking her words away as Flash looked to the book, reading it for the answers he sought after. His eyes widened and his ears lowered as he read the horrid text, his grip tightening a bit on his wife. “No..” Stella waddled up to the edge of and looked into the room, trying to understand what all was happening. She couldn't hear much other than their whispers, and only a few words could be made clear. “She can't....we must....it's the only way..” The poor filly gave up trying to listen, opting to head back to her room to give her parents some time alone. She figured she'd find out later what was making them so upset. The next morning... Stella's wish to understand went ungranted for a whole week, her mother and father both being too busy preparing for this thing that they had no time to explain it to her. They decided to send her to the Crystal Empire for that week, figuring she could have time to play with her cousin Hope. While she wasn't happy about being denied her chance to find out what in Equestria was going on, she had looked forward to seeing her cousin again for the first time in a few months. The carriage landed on the Crystal Castle's balcony, instantly greeted by an excited Hope flying up to it. The pegasus princess practically glomped Stella out of her seat, carrying her up into the air as they both squealed. “Stella, it's been so long~!!” the pale pegasus cheered, snuggling the smaller unicorn mare in a bear hug. Stella giggled, hugging her cousin tightly. “Nice to see you too! Hug too tight though!” she squeaked with no small amount of flailing. Hope giggled and lowered them back to the ground. Not wasting a moment, the two hurried into the castle as the guards carried Stella's luggage, Hope turning her head to call out. “C'mon! I wanna show you something~!” Rounding the corner, the two Princesses hurried down the hall. Hope began to slow her pace as they reached the final room, poking her head inside. “Stella's here!” she whispered to the room's occupant, soon motioning to Stella to walk in with her. What met the unicorn's gaze was a blue room, containing a crib and tons upon tons of toys. Her eyes widened as she looked to her right, seeing her Aunt Cadance holding a small bundle as she rocked back and forth in a chair. “Hello, Stella!” she greeted, casting a warm smile upon her niece. “Care to meet your new cousin..?” Stella hurried over to the pink alicorn on her tippy hooves, peeking over her aunt's arm to see. Wrapped in a shiny blanket was a small blue foal, a unicorn colt from the looks of it. His mane was a blue spectrum, a bright streak of yellow visible amongst the dark shades. The small colt stirred, opening his eyes to reveal the same shade of yellow. “Wow...he looks just like grandpa... Hello little baby!” she whispered under a half breath, gingerly reaching a hoof forward. The little colt giggled a bit as he held her hoof in his tiny ones, pawing at his cousin. “His name is Shining Startrail~” One week later... With Stella gone, Twilight and Flash were able to get everything set up for their guests. The promised day came before they knew it, and before long the Prince and Princess of Friendship found themselves standing in front of a familiar mirror the following week. Twilight had been trotting in place so long she practically had worn a line into the floor, nervously anticipating her friend's arrival back home. Flash laid a wing across her back, attempting to calm her but to no avail. The mirror soon lit up, the whirling shape in the center replacing the mirrored surface. Twilight inhaled as she watched the portal shift, showing signs of life. The first form to appear from the light was a small pegasus filly, who seemed to be about Stella's age. The golden pegasus walked in on two legs, wobbling as she fully came through and realized that she wasn't in her normal body anymore. She fell, her wings splayed out clumsily as she cried out in a fumble, bracing herself to meet the floor. She instead felt an odd sensation around her face and side, opening her eyes to see a pink-hued glow surround her and lift her to her hooves. Following the source, she could see that the spell caster was Twilight, who in turn smiled down to her in greeting. “Flare Sparks, is it?” she chimed in a calm voice as not to startle the filly, and the small pegasus nodded. Before Twilight could respond properly, the portal glowed once more as another form stepped out. Twilight stepped closer, opening her mouth to greet her old friend. However, her greeting died before it left her throat as her jaw went agape, Flash's expression mirroring his wife's. The mare that stood before them was Sunset Shimmer. But something was definitely off. For one, she was about Twilight's height. And the fact she had wings. The Issues at HoofThe past week was some of the most fun that Stella had in quite a while. She traversed the whole of the Empire with Hope, dined on some crystal corn and crystal berries, and enjoyed the company of her Aunt, Uncle, and cousins. However her mind remained plagued with the curiosity that her parents kept avoiding. What was so bad to make her mother cry? What kept them on edge so much that they wanted her away for a bit? Why did they avoid telling her? She sighed as she looked out on the balcony, her ears lowered as she watched the Crystal Ponies below. The sound of soft wing beats caught her attention as she turned her head, seeing Hope land beside her. “Hey Stel, something wrong?” she asked, concern evident in her light blue eyes. Stella debated explaining to her cousin, shrugging a bit. “It's nothing, really.” Hope frowned, gently nudging Stella's shoulder with a hoof. It didn't take being the older of the two to spot a lie. “I know you better than that, Stel. C'mon, you can tell me.”. Stella looked to Hope, nodding a bit in defeat as she opened up about her plagues. “I'm not supposed to return until tomorrow, and I've had so much fun here. But...I need to know what's going on back home, I can't wait much longer...” she admitted, ears lowered and flopping against her face. Hope nodded slowly, gently resting a wing over her young cousin. “I think it's alright then, it's nothing huge. Besides, the difference is only a night really. I doubt they'll get angry about you returning early. If need be, you can say that something came up that needed my parents' attention.” she offered, smiling to the white unicorn. Stella smiled in return, feeling her confidence swell a bit as she hugged her cousin. “Thanks Hope. I really needed this.” she said, smiling in gratitude. Hope grinned, taking her wing back after they hugged. “Of course! I hope this all goes well for ya, cuz.” she replied, standing. Stella nodded, standing and following Hope back into the castle. “Don't be a stranger, Hope! Next time, I want you to visit~!” Hope gave her cousin a confident wink and a smirk, "Count on it!" Back at the Castle of Friendship After some screaming and panicking, the four ponies sat themselves down to talk and figure things out. Twilight rubbed her temple with a hoof as she tried to remain calm, while Sunset sat with wide eyes, her new wings twitching in unfamiliarity. Flash and Flare sat next to each other, the younger filly staring at the stallion with her ears lowered. “Sunset, do you have any idea what caused this? Because I sure don't!” Twilight exclaimed after a few more moments, her mane a tad frazzled as she looked to the other mare in the room. Sunset took a deep breath to try and calm her nerves as she thought back, trying to remember a moment that made her feel, well, “ascended”. Her eyes popped open when the realization hit her like a freight train. “There was one instance..” Twilight listened on, her full attention on Sunset. “It was the incident with my old world's Twilight, if you recall. When she slowly gathered our magic and released it, becoming Midnight Sparkle...when I battled against her, I felt something different. I felt as though I had risen to a higher plane of magic and emotion, even more so than when I assisted in defeating the Sirens!” Twilight sat back, thinking as she listened to her friend's explanation. “I was told that I DID have wings of sorts, much like Midnight did. But I never thought that...I ACTUALLY have them... I must not have been a unicorn for years!” she finished, the gravity of it all hitting her once more. As the two alicorns discussed, Flash looked to Flare, noticing her staring. He smiled and offered a hoof to the small filly, being careful not to push or startle her. “Hello, Flare.” The young pegasus looked between his hoof and his eyes for a few long moments, one of her own hooves up to her mouth. After some hesitation, she lightly rested a trembling hoof on his, her eyes welling up with tears. “Y-You look and sound...just like him...” she mumbled, her cheeks soon growing wet as she silently cried. Flash frowned as his heart grew heavy, slowly scooting closer to her. “Shhh shhh...it's okay..” he cooed, a fatherly tone lacing his voice. “It's okay, Flare...you can be scared and confused. You're in a new place, a new body, and you're facing someone you lost a mere week ago..” She looked up to him, his words making sense as she looked into his eyes once more. Unconsciously, Flare scooted closer to the stallion and pressed against his hoof in an unconscious need for comfort. He looked back, trying to smile in assurance. “I may not be your exact father...but I'm willing to try so long as you're comfortable. Please, take as much time as you need.” he finished, offering his wing. Flare sniffed, her heart recognizing those eyes. Smaller tears fell from her eyes as she gently hugged his hoof, burying her face against it. “Okay..” Flash gently wrapped a wing around her, feeling certain now that they made the right choice. Explaining this to the populace won't be easy, but it felt worth it to make this young filly happy. He smiled, turning his head to look to his wife when a small, familiar voice rose from the chatter, making his blood run cold. “W-What's going on..?” The room was deathly silent as its occupants stared each other down, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Twilight felt her face go pale, the realization that she forgot to tell Stella about this hitting her like a ton of bricks. “H-Hey, Stella! Home early?” she stuttered, trying to smile. Stella lowered her head a bit, taking a small step forward. “Y-Yes..something came up back in the Empire...” she echoed Hope and her's lie, eyeing the yellow alicorn and the golden foal. “Who are they?” Twilight and Flash shared a worried glance, before Flash cleared his throat. “W-Well, why don't you come here and we'll explain?” he offered, smiling to his daughter. Stella stayed still, her eyes fixated on her father. “Why do you have your wing around that filly...?” she asked slowly, head tilting in confusion. Flash jolted a bit, having forgotten that he was holding Flare as he gingerly took his wing back. Twilight stood, taking gentle steps towards Stella. “Stella, please, come sit so we can talk to you..” Stella backed up, her eyes widening a bit as she recognized some of her father's features in the filly's face. “Wh-Why does she look like dad..??” she stuttered, her eyes shifting from her, to her father, to her mother, and back again. She could feel her anxiety well up in her chest, her brain making connections that she didn't want to admit. “Stella, we can explain what's happening, and what will happen. But we need you to come here and sit.” Twilight spoke calmly, getting closer to Stella. “What WILL happen..?!” Stella repeated, her anxiety clouding her reason as she dawned upon a false realization. She's why they were avoiding her questions. She's why they sent her away. She's why they're about to send her away again. Because Stella had been the daughter of Twilight Sparkle and yet could barely do any magic. “Sh-She's taking my place?!” Twilight's head reared back a bit in shock, her eyes widening momentarily before her face grew stern. “Stella Nova! What in Equestria makes you say that?!” she demanded, her eyes worriedly glancing to Flare and Sunset. Stella felt tears well up in her eyes as she ignited her horn, crying out. “LEAVE ME ALONE!” In the span of a second, Stella was gone. Twilight could see the glow reappear from the top of the steps, and the sudden slamming of a door told her all she needed to know. Of all the times Stella could manage to pull off teleporting, it took an emotional outburst from a confused filly at the worst of possible times. The princess sighed, turning back to face her company with downcast eyes. The only noise able to be heard in the room was the quiet sniffles of a scared Flare, the small filly hobbling over to her mother to hide. Twilight watched, shame filling her features as she whispered. “I'm sorry, Sunset.” Sunset held her daughter close, looking to Twilight. “It's alright, but...did you not tell her?” she asked, confused. Twilight rubbed her leg lightly as she bit her lip, ears lowered sheepishly. “N-Not really....we couldn't think of a way to tell her. So we sent her to visit my brother. It's only now I realize we should have just been honest with her..” she admitted. “I just can't understand why she thinks that she's being replaced!” Flash stood and walked over to Twilight, nuzzling her neck. “Let's give her space, Twi. I don't think she wants to talk to us right now...” he whispered, sadly looking towards the spot that his daughter once stood. “You're right...” she agreed, taking a deep breath before looking to Sunset. “Sunset, we need to go to Canterlot immediately.” Sunset looked to Twilight in surprise, frowning in slight fear. “C-Canterlot..? T-To Princess Celestia?” she stuttered, having not spoken to her old mentor in many years. Twilight nodded, stepping forward. “Another alicorn in Equestria will not go unnoticed. We need to tell her now so that we can go about getting you back into society.” Sunset gulped, carefully letting go of her daughter and standing, unable to hide the shake in her voice. “A-Alright Twilight..” “Flash, can you stay here with Flare? And, if Stella comes down, well...try to explain all of this to her? I want to stay but, I need to get this sorted out first.” she asked, regret evident in her tone. Flash nodded and smiled reassuringly, walking up to his wife and gently kissing her cheek. “I will, my light.” Twilight smiled to him, before walking over to Sunset. The two mares joined hooves, and Twilight's horn ignited with her magenta magic. In a moment, the two were gone. AnxietyCelestia's sun began to sink into early evening, all being quiet in the castle. There weren't many changes after the earlier debacle, other than Flash and Flare sitting in a more comfy room and reading together. The pegasus stallion had a children's book resting on his hooves, reading it to Flare to get her accustomed with the natural laws of this universe. “See, the ponies without wings or a horn are called 'Earth Ponies'.” he started, motioning to a picture of said pony. “They are known for their strength, as well as their ties to the Earth itself, with many older families being farmers. Those with wings, much like you and me, are called Pegasi, or Pegasus for a singular one. They have the ability to fly, as well as manipulate the weather.” “I see..” she mumbled, reading the details in the book as he turned the page. “The horned ponies are known as Unicorns, and they can do magic. Much like how you saw with Twilight and... Stella.” he added after a moment of hesitation, looking away for a moment as he motioned to the other page. “Finally, there are Alicorns. Alicorns are gifted with having traits of all three races.” Flare looked on in wonder, shifting her gaze to Flash. “All three?” she asked. “Yep! The strength of an Earth Pony, the wings of a Pegasus, and the horn of a Unicorn.” “Mommy and Miss Twilight are alicorns, right? But the one in the picture has a crown. Are they royalty?” she asked curiously, having started to catch on quickly. “Yes, typically alicorns are crowned royalty. So far there have been about six alicorn princesses, and now there will most likely be seven.” he answered, smiling to Flare. Flare, having put two and two together, gasped quietly. “If mommy's a princess, does that make me one?” Flash chuckled and nodded. “I believe it does! Your Highness~” he replied, bowing his neck and motioning with his hoof in an over the top manner, earning a giggle from the young filly. They both smiled to each other, the awkwardness already beginning to lift between the two. Flare's eyes opened after a moment, a hint of realization on her face. “Wait, if I'm a pegasus...shouldn't I be able to fly?” “You can, once you learn how to.” Flash answered simply, his ears perking as an idea went off in his mind. He contemplated it for a moment, before clearing his throat. “I um...I can teach you, actually. If you're wanting to Flare.” he quipped his offer, smiling sheepishly. Flare looked up in surprise, before worry clouded her gaze. “But, what about..-” she started, only to be cut off by Flash's raised hoof. “She, still needs time.” he admitted, sadly looking to the stairwell. “Besides, a starting lesson won't do any harm.” Meanwhile, up in the higher quarters of the castle, Stella stayed locked in her room, her eyes red and swollen from crying. Her body trembled, both from her sobbing and from the energy she exerted with that mildly successful teleportation. She was trying to calm herself down, mentally chastising herself for reacting like that. “They never said that they didn't want me...I didn't give them a chance to speak...I-I overreacted..” The white unicorn stood, slowly walking over to her window to look outside. What she saw made her stomach twist and her eyes wide, her previous thoughts quieting down as the anxiety flared back up. Her father was flying with that new filly. He was smiling as he held her hooves in his, both pegasi lifting upward slowly. He was speaking, and while Stella couldn't hear his words, she could sense that it was positive and carefree. She bit her lip, fresh tears flowing from her eyes as her mind whirled. She stumbled back from the window, gasping loudly for air as another panic attack came on, seizing her chest and lungs. She hiccupped and wheezed, her chest burning as she cried. “They don't want you..” “You're being replaced.” “You can't fly like that new foal..” “You can't even perform magic as well as your mother.” “There's nothing more you can give them..” “You should leave, make it easier for them..” Stella flopped back on her pillows, trying to calm herself down as she shook. The thoughts whirled faster and faster through her mind, screaming at her to run away from this place and leave. She hyperventilated further, her heart racing as she clung to the soft cushion beneath her, trying to keep herself rooted to the real world. It would take a long moment for her to calm her newest panic attack, her trembling body staying constant despite her regulated breathing. She shakily stood, looking back to the window. The young filly was now flying on her own, albeit very wonkily, and Flash stayed hovering with a proud smile as he clapped his hooves. The golden pegasus flew over to him, much like a baby taking its first steps, and hugged his neck, a big smile visible on her features. This broke Stella's doubts, and fueled her resolve as she turned away, unlocking her door and running out. She hurried down the steps, across the main hall, and out the large castle doors and into Ponyville. She ran, not looking back as tears streamed from her eyes. She passed cottages and businesses alike, a location in mind as she weaved through the crowd. If there was anyone she could talk to, it was him. She soon happened upon a familiar cottage, nearest to Sweet Apple Acres and Carousel Boutique. In the yard was a large scooter, an aged wagon connected to it as well as a shield-like symbol. The symbol itself was multi-toned, with a wing containing a lightning bolt inside. This symbol was also etched into the door, along with a gem shape. Stella sniffed, slowing to a trot as she hurried up to the door. She put her ear to the door before knocking, checking to be sure someone was home as her hoof rapped against it. A voice called from inside. “Come in!” Uncle SpikeStella opened the door slowly, shutting it quietly behind her as she looked to the speaker. Shuddering, she clung against her audience's stomach. The speaker was long and tall, his body adorned with purple and green scales along with scaly wings. His emerald-green eyes looked into her deep sapphire ones, concern instantly filling his as he saw the tears. “Stelly? What happened?” he asked, sitting up a bit, a small bundle in his arms. The unicorn sniffed, small tears leaking from her red eyes. “Uncle Spike, Mama and Papa don't want me anymore..” Spike's head reeled back in surprise, confusion evident on his features as Scootaloo flew in. “What's going on?” she asked, looking to see Stella. The aforementioned unicorn just sat there and cried, Spike and Scootaloo sharing a worried glance. Sighing quietly, Spike handed the small bundle to Scootaloo, and she flew to the other room as Spike gingerly rubbed his niece's back. “Talk to me Stelly...y'know I hate seeing you cry.” Stella sniffled, trying to wipe her eyes and speak. Unable to hold back anymore, the little filly clung to her uncle and sobbed. Spike sighed, picking her up and cradling the little one. Stella's voice began to croak due to her crying, “Th-They're replacing m-me w-with someone e-else..” Spike carefully pulled the crying filly close to him as he whispered. “Now why do you think that?”. Stella hiccupped, clinging to her uncle. “Th-They sent me away for a whole week, a-and I come b-back to see that there's a mare a-and a filly with them. P-Papa's wing was a-around the filly..” she explained, her heart hurting. Spike's head lifted a bit, an eyebrow raised. “You mean Sunset Shimmer?” he asked. “Wh-Who?” Stella questioned with a slight head tilt, looking up in confusion. Spike looked at her for a minute, before acquainting his free paw with his face. “Oyyee Twilight the absent-minded alicorn strikes again...” the dragon grumbled, catching Stella's attention. “They really never told you?” he asked in mild disbelief. When she nodded, he groaned once more as he rubbed his snout. Seeing Stella's confusion, he sighed and looked to her. “It seems that they got so caught up in preparation that they forgot to say something to you.” The young filly raised her ears up a bit. “Tell me what?” Spike scratched the back of his neck. “Well, I'd suggest getting the full story from your mother, but here's an abridged version I guess.” He shifted a bit, clearing his throat. “Last week I received a letter from your mother informing me of what was to happen. It turns out that Sunset Shimmer, a mare that your mother and I met from another universe, was returning home with her daughter. The cause for this came from Sunset's husband, who was in a bad accident and...passed on.” he began, his eyes briefly saddened as he recalled that detail. He could practically tell from the writing that Twilight wasn't very stable when she wrote that detail down. “That world is nowhere near as forgiving to a single mother as we are here. As such, your mother and father invited her to return here and live with them.” Stella looked down, taking all of it in. She sniffed, looking back to Spike. “But...why was my father acting so...'fatherly'...to that filly?” she asked. Spike stalled a bit awkwardly before speaking. “It's....coooomplicated, honestly. And it's not really my place to tell you. You couldn't ask them?” he shrugged, looking at her with a raised eyebrow. Stella looked away in shame, her ears lowering. “I kinda got caught up and... teleported away before they could...But, they were acting so weird with me! They sent me away to the Crystal Empire for this whole week. I wasn't even supposed to be home until tomorrow..” she admitted, a tad frustrated both at the situation and at herself. “But it's clear to me, they don't want me anymore..” “About that part. What's got you so convinced about that?” Spike asked her, lowering his neck to try and meet her eye level. ”I-I'm not like either of them! I'm nowhere near as good at magic as mom, I-I'm not brave or strong like dad..! I can't fly! All I'm doing is, disappointing them. I'm not the daughter they deserve..th-this new filly might be..” she retorted, the final thought coming out in a defeated tone. Spike looked to her in saddened shock, hugging his niece close to him. “Stelly, how long have you been feeling like this?” he asked, hushed in tone. Stella clung to him, tearing up once more as she answered him. “Ever since my magic lessons started. But, it only recently started constantly coming up in my mind.” “You never told your mom or dad..?” Stella shook her head. “They'd lie for my sake..” Spike looked ahead, his gaze far away as he went down memory lane. “I've been in your place once.. I know this song and dance” he muttered in a low tone, causing Stella to look up in surprise. “You were replaced, Uncle Spike?” Stella asked in a tiny voice, eyes wide. Spike smiled down to her, his eyes warm. “Well, I felt like I was, but in the end, all I had to do was tell your mom. She told me the honest truth, and went out of her way to make me feel important. Now, I never question her love for me. After all, she and Flash gave me an amazing niece.” he spoke with a slight chuckle, one claw gently placed under the unicorn's chin to lift her head up. “And you shouldn't, either.” Stella felt the cold grip of shame, looking down. “Now, tell me Stelly. Was all of this really about Sunset and her daughter? Or was this about your anxiety?” he questioned, looking to her. “....Honestly, I don't even know them. I....oh Faust, I really messed up!..” she squeaked, putting her face in her hooves. Spike chuckled, gently patting her back. “Shhh...you're young. And just like your mother~” he replied with a grin. “I am..?” “Mmmm-hm~” Stella wiped her eyes with her foreleg, feeling the pain and anxiety slowly lift. Spike nabbed a tissue with his tail, offering it to her with a smile. The little unicorn took it with her hoof, blowing her nose and tossing it to the trash, smiling to her uncle. “Did I help any?” he asked whilst putting a paw on her shoulder. She nodded, gently hugging his arm. “Thank you, Uncle Spike... You're the best.” The dragon smiled warmly, giving Stella a big hug. “Anytime, Stelly. You just needed a moment.” The two parted soon after, Spike setting her back down and rising to his feet as he looked outside. “It's getting late. I'll escort you back home, alright?” he said. Stella looked, seeing Luna's moon beginning to peek over the horizon. “Will you be okay?” she asked worriedly. Spike snickered, spreading his wings proudly. “I'm a big bad dragon! Nopony will dare to mess with me~!” he boasted, gaining a welcomed giggle in reply. He was about to call to his wife when a noise cut him off. Somepony was rapidly knocking at his door. ReconcileThe door to Spike's home was jerking about rapidly from the visitor's knocking. Spike walked over to the door and opened it, seeing a very distressed Captain of the Royal Guard. “Uhm, hey Flash-” To call Flash Sentry's current look frazzled would be an understatement. Poor guy looked like he'd shed a few feathers and had a porcupine nesting on his head due to his mane sticking up on end. “SPIKE! Have you seen Stella?! She's not at home and I can't-” the panicked stallion started, looking into the living room only to see the very filly he was looking for. “OH! THERE YOU ARE!” The orange pegasus flew in, knocking Spike over as he scooped his daughter up, hugging her tightly. “Why in Celestia's name did you run off like that?! You scared the daylights out of me!!” he cried, hugging her as close to him as he could, rubbing his snout against her head. She in turn clung to his neck, trembling a bit. “I-I'm sorry, daddy..” she whispered, burying her face in his mane. He opened his mouth to speak when a baby bottle collided with his head, startling him. “Gah wha-” “HEY!” The three occupants looked to the source of the voice, being met with the very irritated face of Scootaloo. “I JUST got Agate to lay down for the night. Either quit shoutin' or go outside!!” she snapped, snorting a bit in a manner that would make one think she was about to puff smoke out her nose. Spike and Flash both felt a bead of sweat roll down their faces a bit. Turns out the 'big bag dragon' had a fear after all! Spike chuckled nervously in response to his wife. Stella poked her head up, getting her father's attention. “Let's go home..” Later, at the Castle... Flash and Stella returned home, a spastic Twilight welcoming them back with a tight hug. The three walked in and sat together, and Stella had a long talk with her parents about her feelings and her recent anxieties. They listened with shocked faces, both showing regret and concern in their eyes. “Stella...I..I never knew you felt this way..” Twilight stammered, looking to her daughter. “We never wanted to make you feel that way sweetheart..we love you no matter what your skills are!” Flash added. Stella looked to her mother and father, speaking quietly. ”I know now, I'm so sorry mom and dad..” “We are too..” Flash replied as both ponies reached forward to hug their child. Twilight sat up, looking down to Stella as she frowned. “You're just a little filly. You got confused. I should have told you from the beginning about Sunset and Flare. But I was so focused on getting everything ready that it just, slipped my mind! It slipped further when it turned out that Sunset ascended...” “Ascended?” Stella asked. Flash smiled a bit. “She's like your mother, Stelly. She gained a pair of wings.". Stella recalled something her uncle mentioned, looking to her parents. “Uncle Spike said that...there was a complicated reason with Flare. What is it?” Flash and Twilight shared a glance, before Twilight took a breath. “Well, Sunset's husband. The one that passed away?” she began. Stella listened intently, noticing her mother's discomfort. “He's...technically your father.” Stella sat in stunned silence. “My father..? But...how?” she whispered, her only answer being the sheepish faces of Twilight and Flash. Finally, Twilight shrugged and spoke in honesty. ”The universe that Sunset returned from is an Alternate one. This universe has a copy of nearly everyone from around here.” ”Am I there too..?” the young unicorn asked, mind blowing up from this sort of information. Flash looked to the side, scratching at his ear with a hoof. “Sort of..”. ”Flare is technically your counterpart. She is also genetically your half-sister. Sunset married the Alternate universe's version of your father, and had Flare.” Twilight explained, having gone through this little realization amongst all the chaos. Stella took a moment to register this information, a sobering reality hitting her. “A-And...her father..” The two older ponies looked grave, Twilight whispering. ”I, wanted them here. Both to give my friend some much needed help, as well we wanted to give Flare her father back in some way.” Stella held a hoof over her mouth as her eyes lined with new tears. “And I...I...I'm so sorry!!” she exclaimed through her growing sobs, the reality of Flare's situation becoming all too clear to the white filly. ”You couldn't have known, sweetie. But...an apology to Flare may be in order.” the purple alicorn began, her husband interjecting. “More of an explanation really. You didn't do anything on purpose.” “Of course I will! Where-” Stella began to speak, but seeing her father and mother look past her gave her the answer. Turning to look, she saw the golden pegasus peeking into the room from the doorway, her sky blue eyes filled with unsure curiosity as she shifted slightly under the royal family's collective gazes. The two fillies looked to each other in silence, Stella quietly gulping a bit. “Come on in, Flare. Stella wanted to talk to you.” Flash called, motioning with a wing. Flare slowly walked in, uncertainty apparent but wanting to listen, sitting about a foot away from Stella. Stella glanced to her parents, who nodded in turn, and she cleared her throat. “H-Hello Flare.” she stuttered, her ear flicking. Flare shuffled her hooves, speaking quietly in a tiny whisper. “...H-Hi.” Stella looked down, taking a small breath before speaking. “About earlier...I was... I was under a lot of personal stress. And I was confused upon seeing you and your mother. Both combined to make me..well...blow up and jump to conclusions. I want to tell you that I'm truly sorry for what I did earlier. You didn't deserve any of it. I-I can tell that you're afraid...and I can't imagine how you must feel right now. But, I hope you can grow comfortable and happy here.” Flare, while still nervous, could hear the sincerity in the other filly's voice. ”S-So..I can stay?” she asked meekly. ”Yes of course! O-Oh! So long as you want to...” Stella responded quickly, pausing and clearing her throat. “I'd...like to get to know my half-sister, if you'd let me. I don't wanna keep you from our father..” Stella finished, smiling shyly as she extended a hoof. Flare looked to the hoof, and then to Stella's eyes. The pegasus felt a swell of happiness rise in her chest as she slowly rested her hoof on Stella's, smiling. “Thank you, sis..” Stella could feel her earlier relief grow further, noticing a yellow shape behind Flare. Shifting her gaze, she could see that it was Flare's mother, Sunset Shimmer. Sunset gazed on in surprise, sharing a look with Twilight and Flash. The two nodded with proud smiles on their faces, and Sunset sighed in relief. All became well in the Castle of Friendship after that crazy day, and a new relationship was born.
The MessageIt was late afternoon in Ponyville, Celestia's sun shining brightly amongst the clouds. Ponies were out and about on their daily routines, and many passed by the crystal castle near the outer rim of town. The Castle of Friendship stood tall, it's many crystals gleaming in the sunlight. Closer inspection of the castle's windows revealed many a flash and glow. A particularly large flare of light was chased out into the world by Princess Twilight Sparkle's guiding voice. “Once more!” she called, support and eagerness emanating from her tone as she watched the smaller filly before her. The filly was white with a deep blue mane clad in three stripes of color visible along her bangs and tail. Her similarly blue eyes squeezed shut in determination as she held her breath, the young unicorn's little horn sparking and shining as she struggled to call forth her multi-toned magic. The glow grew as she threw up her head, her cheeks going red as she strained further as well as lack of oxygen, revealing that her magic gave a lovely purple-to-blue gradient. As soon as she got it to appear, however, the sparks and aura soon sputtered and poofed out, the white filly gasping for air and falling backwards. Twilight's ears lowered as she smiled sheepishly, walking over to the young adolescent. “You almost had it, Stella! Just try to relax and remember to breathe when you focus..!” she spoke assumingly, doing her best to help while helping prop her daughter up. The dizzy filly, Stella, let herself relax on the cold crystal floor for a moment before responding. “I dunno mama...I don't think I'll ever get to your level..” Twilight frowned, gently levitating her child up into a sitting position. “It took me many moons and hours of countless study to get to where I am. I have full confidence in you, Stella~” she said gently, smiling to her daughter. “Now, again!” Stella stood, inhaling and trying once more. This time her face turned so red steam nearly shot out the little one's ears. After about a dozen and a half tries later... Stella flopped down onto the floor once more, winded and hopeless. “I'm never gonna learn how to teleport..” she whined, eyes downcast and lips slouching. Twilight smiled, gently resting a wing on her young daughter's back. “You will, Stella...just have faith. Teleporting is an advanced spell dear, I didn't even start to get it down until I was over twice your age! Maybe you should choose something simpler first?” “But I want to impress you!!” Stella shouted mentally in response. Stella looked up to her mother, pouting a bit in impatience. Before any further protests could be launched at how she wanted to live up to her alicorn mother, a strange noise caught both mares attention. An odd vibrating sound came from behind Twilight, the purple alicorn turning her head to see a familiar book. Her eyes widened upon seeing the book glow and “ring”, an odd wave of concern washing over her as she stood. “Sunset..?” Twilight turned, about to head for the book when Stella stood. “Who's Sunset? And why is that book glowing and vibrating?” she asked, her head tilted. Twilight looked around for a moment, wanting to answer her daughter. However, the book's faster vibrations caught her ear, making her turn and trot to the book. “Erm, one moment sweetie. I'll tell you soon.” Stella's confused gaze only grew as she sat back down, the doors opening behind her. She turned and looked, seeing a familiar orange form. “Papa!” Flash Sentry slipped his helmet off, smiling at his daughter as he opened his arms. “Heeeyyy Stelly!!” he called, hugging the little filly close after she leapt into his embrace. “How's my little princess?” Stella laughed a bit, booping her father's snout with her hoof and giggling in glee. Even if he didn't know it all the time, Flash Sentry always knew how to cheer his daughter up. “Mama's trying to teach me how to teleport!” she replied, smiling. “Oh? And how's that going?” he asked, gently setting her down. “W-Well I got some magic out, but I'm having troubl-” she started, when her mother's gasp cut her off, making the two shoot their heads up in surprise. “No..no...oh Faust NO!” Hearing the urgency in his wife's tone, Flash mouthed the words -"I'll be back!"- before rushing over to his beloved's side. “Darling? What is it??” he beckoned quickly, trying to calm Twilight's ever growing shaking and crying. “S-Sunset..h-her...he...oh my stars why?!” she stuttered, a sob choking her words away as Flash looked to the book, reading it for the answers he sought after. His eyes widened and his ears lowered as he read the horrid text, his grip tightening a bit on his wife. “No..” Stella waddled up to the edge of and looked into the room, trying to understand what all was happening. She couldn't hear much other than their whispers, and only a few words could be made clear. “She can't....we must....it's the only way..” The poor filly gave up trying to listen, opting to head back to her room to give her parents some time alone. She figured she'd find out later what was making them so upset. The next morning... Stella's wish to understand went ungranted for a whole week, her mother and father both being too busy preparing for this thing that they had no time to explain it to her. They decided to send her to the Crystal Empire for that week, figuring she could have time to play with her cousin Hope. While she wasn't happy about being denied her chance to find out what in Equestria was going on, she had looked forward to seeing her cousin again for the first time in a few months. The carriage landed on the Crystal Castle's balcony, instantly greeted by an excited Hope flying up to it. The pegasus princess practically glomped Stella out of her seat, carrying her up into the air as they both squealed. “Stella, it's been so long~!!” the pale pegasus cheered, snuggling the smaller unicorn mare in a bear hug. Stella giggled, hugging her cousin tightly. “Nice to see you too! Hug too tight though!” she squeaked with no small amount of flailing. Hope giggled and lowered them back to the ground. Not wasting a moment, the two hurried into the castle as the guards carried Stella's luggage, Hope turning her head to call out. “C'mon! I wanna show you something~!” Rounding the corner, the two Princesses hurried down the hall. Hope began to slow her pace as they reached the final room, poking her head inside. “Stella's here!” she whispered to the room's occupant, soon motioning to Stella to walk in with her. What met the unicorn's gaze was a blue room, containing a crib and tons upon tons of toys. Her eyes widened as she looked to her right, seeing her Aunt Cadance holding a small bundle as she rocked back and forth in a chair. “Hello, Stella!” she greeted, casting a warm smile upon her niece. “Care to meet your new cousin..?” Stella hurried over to the pink alicorn on her tippy hooves, peeking over her aunt's arm to see. Wrapped in a shiny blanket was a small blue foal, a unicorn colt from the looks of it. His mane was a blue spectrum, a bright streak of yellow visible amongst the dark shades. The small colt stirred, opening his eyes to reveal the same shade of yellow. “Wow...he looks just like grandpa... Hello little baby!” she whispered under a half breath, gingerly reaching a hoof forward. The little colt giggled a bit as he held her hoof in his tiny ones, pawing at his cousin. “His name is Shining Startrail~” One week later... With Stella gone, Twilight and Flash were able to get everything set up for their guests. The promised day came before they knew it, and before long the Prince and Princess of Friendship found themselves standing in front of a familiar mirror the following week. Twilight had been trotting in place so long she practically had worn a line into the floor, nervously anticipating her friend's arrival back home. Flash laid a wing across her back, attempting to calm her but to no avail. The mirror soon lit up, the whirling shape in the center replacing the mirrored surface. Twilight inhaled as she watched the portal shift, showing signs of life. The first form to appear from the light was a small pegasus filly, who seemed to be about Stella's age. The golden pegasus walked in on two legs, wobbling as she fully came through and realized that she wasn't in her normal body anymore. She fell, her wings splayed out clumsily as she cried out in a fumble, bracing herself to meet the floor. She instead felt an odd sensation around her face and side, opening her eyes to see a pink-hued glow surround her and lift her to her hooves. Following the source, she could see that the spell caster was Twilight, who in turn smiled down to her in greeting. “Flare Sparks, is it?” she chimed in a calm voice as not to startle the filly, and the small pegasus nodded. Before Twilight could respond properly, the portal glowed once more as another form stepped out. Twilight stepped closer, opening her mouth to greet her old friend. However, her greeting died before it left her throat as her jaw went agape, Flash's expression mirroring his wife's. The mare that stood before them was Sunset Shimmer. But something was definitely off. For one, she was about Twilight's height. And the fact she had wings.
The Issues at HoofThe past week was some of the most fun that Stella had in quite a while. She traversed the whole of the Empire with Hope, dined on some crystal corn and crystal berries, and enjoyed the company of her Aunt, Uncle, and cousins. However her mind remained plagued with the curiosity that her parents kept avoiding. What was so bad to make her mother cry? What kept them on edge so much that they wanted her away for a bit? Why did they avoid telling her? She sighed as she looked out on the balcony, her ears lowered as she watched the Crystal Ponies below. The sound of soft wing beats caught her attention as she turned her head, seeing Hope land beside her. “Hey Stel, something wrong?” she asked, concern evident in her light blue eyes. Stella debated explaining to her cousin, shrugging a bit. “It's nothing, really.” Hope frowned, gently nudging Stella's shoulder with a hoof. It didn't take being the older of the two to spot a lie. “I know you better than that, Stel. C'mon, you can tell me.”. Stella looked to Hope, nodding a bit in defeat as she opened up about her plagues. “I'm not supposed to return until tomorrow, and I've had so much fun here. But...I need to know what's going on back home, I can't wait much longer...” she admitted, ears lowered and flopping against her face. Hope nodded slowly, gently resting a wing over her young cousin. “I think it's alright then, it's nothing huge. Besides, the difference is only a night really. I doubt they'll get angry about you returning early. If need be, you can say that something came up that needed my parents' attention.” she offered, smiling to the white unicorn. Stella smiled in return, feeling her confidence swell a bit as she hugged her cousin. “Thanks Hope. I really needed this.” she said, smiling in gratitude. Hope grinned, taking her wing back after they hugged. “Of course! I hope this all goes well for ya, cuz.” she replied, standing. Stella nodded, standing and following Hope back into the castle. “Don't be a stranger, Hope! Next time, I want you to visit~!” Hope gave her cousin a confident wink and a smirk, "Count on it!" Back at the Castle of Friendship After some screaming and panicking, the four ponies sat themselves down to talk and figure things out. Twilight rubbed her temple with a hoof as she tried to remain calm, while Sunset sat with wide eyes, her new wings twitching in unfamiliarity. Flash and Flare sat next to each other, the younger filly staring at the stallion with her ears lowered. “Sunset, do you have any idea what caused this? Because I sure don't!” Twilight exclaimed after a few more moments, her mane a tad frazzled as she looked to the other mare in the room. Sunset took a deep breath to try and calm her nerves as she thought back, trying to remember a moment that made her feel, well, “ascended”. Her eyes popped open when the realization hit her like a freight train. “There was one instance..” Twilight listened on, her full attention on Sunset. “It was the incident with my old world's Twilight, if you recall. When she slowly gathered our magic and released it, becoming Midnight Sparkle...when I battled against her, I felt something different. I felt as though I had risen to a higher plane of magic and emotion, even more so than when I assisted in defeating the Sirens!” Twilight sat back, thinking as she listened to her friend's explanation. “I was told that I DID have wings of sorts, much like Midnight did. But I never thought that...I ACTUALLY have them... I must not have been a unicorn for years!” she finished, the gravity of it all hitting her once more. As the two alicorns discussed, Flash looked to Flare, noticing her staring. He smiled and offered a hoof to the small filly, being careful not to push or startle her. “Hello, Flare.” The young pegasus looked between his hoof and his eyes for a few long moments, one of her own hooves up to her mouth. After some hesitation, she lightly rested a trembling hoof on his, her eyes welling up with tears. “Y-You look and sound...just like him...” she mumbled, her cheeks soon growing wet as she silently cried. Flash frowned as his heart grew heavy, slowly scooting closer to her. “Shhh shhh...it's okay..” he cooed, a fatherly tone lacing his voice. “It's okay, Flare...you can be scared and confused. You're in a new place, a new body, and you're facing someone you lost a mere week ago..” She looked up to him, his words making sense as she looked into his eyes once more. Unconsciously, Flare scooted closer to the stallion and pressed against his hoof in an unconscious need for comfort. He looked back, trying to smile in assurance. “I may not be your exact father...but I'm willing to try so long as you're comfortable. Please, take as much time as you need.” he finished, offering his wing. Flare sniffed, her heart recognizing those eyes. Smaller tears fell from her eyes as she gently hugged his hoof, burying her face against it. “Okay..” Flash gently wrapped a wing around her, feeling certain now that they made the right choice. Explaining this to the populace won't be easy, but it felt worth it to make this young filly happy. He smiled, turning his head to look to his wife when a small, familiar voice rose from the chatter, making his blood run cold. “W-What's going on..?” The room was deathly silent as its occupants stared each other down, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Twilight felt her face go pale, the realization that she forgot to tell Stella about this hitting her like a ton of bricks. “H-Hey, Stella! Home early?” she stuttered, trying to smile. Stella lowered her head a bit, taking a small step forward. “Y-Yes..something came up back in the Empire...” she echoed Hope and her's lie, eyeing the yellow alicorn and the golden foal. “Who are they?” Twilight and Flash shared a worried glance, before Flash cleared his throat. “W-Well, why don't you come here and we'll explain?” he offered, smiling to his daughter. Stella stayed still, her eyes fixated on her father. “Why do you have your wing around that filly...?” she asked slowly, head tilting in confusion. Flash jolted a bit, having forgotten that he was holding Flare as he gingerly took his wing back. Twilight stood, taking gentle steps towards Stella. “Stella, please, come sit so we can talk to you..” Stella backed up, her eyes widening a bit as she recognized some of her father's features in the filly's face. “Wh-Why does she look like dad..??” she stuttered, her eyes shifting from her, to her father, to her mother, and back again. She could feel her anxiety well up in her chest, her brain making connections that she didn't want to admit. “Stella, we can explain what's happening, and what will happen. But we need you to come here and sit.” Twilight spoke calmly, getting closer to Stella. “What WILL happen..?!” Stella repeated, her anxiety clouding her reason as she dawned upon a false realization. She's why they were avoiding her questions. She's why they sent her away. She's why they're about to send her away again. Because Stella had been the daughter of Twilight Sparkle and yet could barely do any magic. “Sh-She's taking my place?!” Twilight's head reared back a bit in shock, her eyes widening momentarily before her face grew stern. “Stella Nova! What in Equestria makes you say that?!” she demanded, her eyes worriedly glancing to Flare and Sunset. Stella felt tears well up in her eyes as she ignited her horn, crying out. “LEAVE ME ALONE!” In the span of a second, Stella was gone. Twilight could see the glow reappear from the top of the steps, and the sudden slamming of a door told her all she needed to know. Of all the times Stella could manage to pull off teleporting, it took an emotional outburst from a confused filly at the worst of possible times. The princess sighed, turning back to face her company with downcast eyes. The only noise able to be heard in the room was the quiet sniffles of a scared Flare, the small filly hobbling over to her mother to hide. Twilight watched, shame filling her features as she whispered. “I'm sorry, Sunset.” Sunset held her daughter close, looking to Twilight. “It's alright, but...did you not tell her?” she asked, confused. Twilight rubbed her leg lightly as she bit her lip, ears lowered sheepishly. “N-Not really....we couldn't think of a way to tell her. So we sent her to visit my brother. It's only now I realize we should have just been honest with her..” she admitted. “I just can't understand why she thinks that she's being replaced!” Flash stood and walked over to Twilight, nuzzling her neck. “Let's give her space, Twi. I don't think she wants to talk to us right now...” he whispered, sadly looking towards the spot that his daughter once stood. “You're right...” she agreed, taking a deep breath before looking to Sunset. “Sunset, we need to go to Canterlot immediately.” Sunset looked to Twilight in surprise, frowning in slight fear. “C-Canterlot..? T-To Princess Celestia?” she stuttered, having not spoken to her old mentor in many years. Twilight nodded, stepping forward. “Another alicorn in Equestria will not go unnoticed. We need to tell her now so that we can go about getting you back into society.” Sunset gulped, carefully letting go of her daughter and standing, unable to hide the shake in her voice. “A-Alright Twilight..” “Flash, can you stay here with Flare? And, if Stella comes down, well...try to explain all of this to her? I want to stay but, I need to get this sorted out first.” she asked, regret evident in her tone. Flash nodded and smiled reassuringly, walking up to his wife and gently kissing her cheek. “I will, my light.” Twilight smiled to him, before walking over to Sunset. The two mares joined hooves, and Twilight's horn ignited with her magenta magic. In a moment, the two were gone.
AnxietyCelestia's sun began to sink into early evening, all being quiet in the castle. There weren't many changes after the earlier debacle, other than Flash and Flare sitting in a more comfy room and reading together. The pegasus stallion had a children's book resting on his hooves, reading it to Flare to get her accustomed with the natural laws of this universe. “See, the ponies without wings or a horn are called 'Earth Ponies'.” he started, motioning to a picture of said pony. “They are known for their strength, as well as their ties to the Earth itself, with many older families being farmers. Those with wings, much like you and me, are called Pegasi, or Pegasus for a singular one. They have the ability to fly, as well as manipulate the weather.” “I see..” she mumbled, reading the details in the book as he turned the page. “The horned ponies are known as Unicorns, and they can do magic. Much like how you saw with Twilight and... Stella.” he added after a moment of hesitation, looking away for a moment as he motioned to the other page. “Finally, there are Alicorns. Alicorns are gifted with having traits of all three races.” Flare looked on in wonder, shifting her gaze to Flash. “All three?” she asked. “Yep! The strength of an Earth Pony, the wings of a Pegasus, and the horn of a Unicorn.” “Mommy and Miss Twilight are alicorns, right? But the one in the picture has a crown. Are they royalty?” she asked curiously, having started to catch on quickly. “Yes, typically alicorns are crowned royalty. So far there have been about six alicorn princesses, and now there will most likely be seven.” he answered, smiling to Flare. Flare, having put two and two together, gasped quietly. “If mommy's a princess, does that make me one?” Flash chuckled and nodded. “I believe it does! Your Highness~” he replied, bowing his neck and motioning with his hoof in an over the top manner, earning a giggle from the young filly. They both smiled to each other, the awkwardness already beginning to lift between the two. Flare's eyes opened after a moment, a hint of realization on her face. “Wait, if I'm a pegasus...shouldn't I be able to fly?” “You can, once you learn how to.” Flash answered simply, his ears perking as an idea went off in his mind. He contemplated it for a moment, before clearing his throat. “I um...I can teach you, actually. If you're wanting to Flare.” he quipped his offer, smiling sheepishly. Flare looked up in surprise, before worry clouded her gaze. “But, what about..-” she started, only to be cut off by Flash's raised hoof. “She, still needs time.” he admitted, sadly looking to the stairwell. “Besides, a starting lesson won't do any harm.” Meanwhile, up in the higher quarters of the castle, Stella stayed locked in her room, her eyes red and swollen from crying. Her body trembled, both from her sobbing and from the energy she exerted with that mildly successful teleportation. She was trying to calm herself down, mentally chastising herself for reacting like that. “They never said that they didn't want me...I didn't give them a chance to speak...I-I overreacted..” The white unicorn stood, slowly walking over to her window to look outside. What she saw made her stomach twist and her eyes wide, her previous thoughts quieting down as the anxiety flared back up. Her father was flying with that new filly. He was smiling as he held her hooves in his, both pegasi lifting upward slowly. He was speaking, and while Stella couldn't hear his words, she could sense that it was positive and carefree. She bit her lip, fresh tears flowing from her eyes as her mind whirled. She stumbled back from the window, gasping loudly for air as another panic attack came on, seizing her chest and lungs. She hiccupped and wheezed, her chest burning as she cried. “They don't want you..” “You're being replaced.” “You can't fly like that new foal..” “You can't even perform magic as well as your mother.” “There's nothing more you can give them..” “You should leave, make it easier for them..” Stella flopped back on her pillows, trying to calm herself down as she shook. The thoughts whirled faster and faster through her mind, screaming at her to run away from this place and leave. She hyperventilated further, her heart racing as she clung to the soft cushion beneath her, trying to keep herself rooted to the real world. It would take a long moment for her to calm her newest panic attack, her trembling body staying constant despite her regulated breathing. She shakily stood, looking back to the window. The young filly was now flying on her own, albeit very wonkily, and Flash stayed hovering with a proud smile as he clapped his hooves. The golden pegasus flew over to him, much like a baby taking its first steps, and hugged his neck, a big smile visible on her features. This broke Stella's doubts, and fueled her resolve as she turned away, unlocking her door and running out. She hurried down the steps, across the main hall, and out the large castle doors and into Ponyville. She ran, not looking back as tears streamed from her eyes. She passed cottages and businesses alike, a location in mind as she weaved through the crowd. If there was anyone she could talk to, it was him. She soon happened upon a familiar cottage, nearest to Sweet Apple Acres and Carousel Boutique. In the yard was a large scooter, an aged wagon connected to it as well as a shield-like symbol. The symbol itself was multi-toned, with a wing containing a lightning bolt inside. This symbol was also etched into the door, along with a gem shape. Stella sniffed, slowing to a trot as she hurried up to the door. She put her ear to the door before knocking, checking to be sure someone was home as her hoof rapped against it. A voice called from inside. “Come in!”
Uncle SpikeStella opened the door slowly, shutting it quietly behind her as she looked to the speaker. Shuddering, she clung against her audience's stomach. The speaker was long and tall, his body adorned with purple and green scales along with scaly wings. His emerald-green eyes looked into her deep sapphire ones, concern instantly filling his as he saw the tears. “Stelly? What happened?” he asked, sitting up a bit, a small bundle in his arms. The unicorn sniffed, small tears leaking from her red eyes. “Uncle Spike, Mama and Papa don't want me anymore..” Spike's head reeled back in surprise, confusion evident on his features as Scootaloo flew in. “What's going on?” she asked, looking to see Stella. The aforementioned unicorn just sat there and cried, Spike and Scootaloo sharing a worried glance. Sighing quietly, Spike handed the small bundle to Scootaloo, and she flew to the other room as Spike gingerly rubbed his niece's back. “Talk to me Stelly...y'know I hate seeing you cry.” Stella sniffled, trying to wipe her eyes and speak. Unable to hold back anymore, the little filly clung to her uncle and sobbed. Spike sighed, picking her up and cradling the little one. Stella's voice began to croak due to her crying, “Th-They're replacing m-me w-with someone e-else..” Spike carefully pulled the crying filly close to him as he whispered. “Now why do you think that?”. Stella hiccupped, clinging to her uncle. “Th-They sent me away for a whole week, a-and I come b-back to see that there's a mare a-and a filly with them. P-Papa's wing was a-around the filly..” she explained, her heart hurting. Spike's head lifted a bit, an eyebrow raised. “You mean Sunset Shimmer?” he asked. “Wh-Who?” Stella questioned with a slight head tilt, looking up in confusion. Spike looked at her for a minute, before acquainting his free paw with his face. “Oyyee Twilight the absent-minded alicorn strikes again...” the dragon grumbled, catching Stella's attention. “They really never told you?” he asked in mild disbelief. When she nodded, he groaned once more as he rubbed his snout. Seeing Stella's confusion, he sighed and looked to her. “It seems that they got so caught up in preparation that they forgot to say something to you.” The young filly raised her ears up a bit. “Tell me what?” Spike scratched the back of his neck. “Well, I'd suggest getting the full story from your mother, but here's an abridged version I guess.” He shifted a bit, clearing his throat. “Last week I received a letter from your mother informing me of what was to happen. It turns out that Sunset Shimmer, a mare that your mother and I met from another universe, was returning home with her daughter. The cause for this came from Sunset's husband, who was in a bad accident and...passed on.” he began, his eyes briefly saddened as he recalled that detail. He could practically tell from the writing that Twilight wasn't very stable when she wrote that detail down. “That world is nowhere near as forgiving to a single mother as we are here. As such, your mother and father invited her to return here and live with them.” Stella looked down, taking all of it in. She sniffed, looking back to Spike. “But...why was my father acting so...'fatherly'...to that filly?” she asked. Spike stalled a bit awkwardly before speaking. “It's....coooomplicated, honestly. And it's not really my place to tell you. You couldn't ask them?” he shrugged, looking at her with a raised eyebrow. Stella looked away in shame, her ears lowering. “I kinda got caught up and... teleported away before they could...But, they were acting so weird with me! They sent me away to the Crystal Empire for this whole week. I wasn't even supposed to be home until tomorrow..” she admitted, a tad frustrated both at the situation and at herself. “But it's clear to me, they don't want me anymore..” “About that part. What's got you so convinced about that?” Spike asked her, lowering his neck to try and meet her eye level. ”I-I'm not like either of them! I'm nowhere near as good at magic as mom, I-I'm not brave or strong like dad..! I can't fly! All I'm doing is, disappointing them. I'm not the daughter they deserve..th-this new filly might be..” she retorted, the final thought coming out in a defeated tone. Spike looked to her in saddened shock, hugging his niece close to him. “Stelly, how long have you been feeling like this?” he asked, hushed in tone. Stella clung to him, tearing up once more as she answered him. “Ever since my magic lessons started. But, it only recently started constantly coming up in my mind.” “You never told your mom or dad..?” Stella shook her head. “They'd lie for my sake..” Spike looked ahead, his gaze far away as he went down memory lane. “I've been in your place once.. I know this song and dance” he muttered in a low tone, causing Stella to look up in surprise. “You were replaced, Uncle Spike?” Stella asked in a tiny voice, eyes wide. Spike smiled down to her, his eyes warm. “Well, I felt like I was, but in the end, all I had to do was tell your mom. She told me the honest truth, and went out of her way to make me feel important. Now, I never question her love for me. After all, she and Flash gave me an amazing niece.” he spoke with a slight chuckle, one claw gently placed under the unicorn's chin to lift her head up. “And you shouldn't, either.” Stella felt the cold grip of shame, looking down. “Now, tell me Stelly. Was all of this really about Sunset and her daughter? Or was this about your anxiety?” he questioned, looking to her. “....Honestly, I don't even know them. I....oh Faust, I really messed up!..” she squeaked, putting her face in her hooves. Spike chuckled, gently patting her back. “Shhh...you're young. And just like your mother~” he replied with a grin. “I am..?” “Mmmm-hm~” Stella wiped her eyes with her foreleg, feeling the pain and anxiety slowly lift. Spike nabbed a tissue with his tail, offering it to her with a smile. The little unicorn took it with her hoof, blowing her nose and tossing it to the trash, smiling to her uncle. “Did I help any?” he asked whilst putting a paw on her shoulder. She nodded, gently hugging his arm. “Thank you, Uncle Spike... You're the best.” The dragon smiled warmly, giving Stella a big hug. “Anytime, Stelly. You just needed a moment.” The two parted soon after, Spike setting her back down and rising to his feet as he looked outside. “It's getting late. I'll escort you back home, alright?” he said. Stella looked, seeing Luna's moon beginning to peek over the horizon. “Will you be okay?” she asked worriedly. Spike snickered, spreading his wings proudly. “I'm a big bad dragon! Nopony will dare to mess with me~!” he boasted, gaining a welcomed giggle in reply. He was about to call to his wife when a noise cut him off. Somepony was rapidly knocking at his door.
ReconcileThe door to Spike's home was jerking about rapidly from the visitor's knocking. Spike walked over to the door and opened it, seeing a very distressed Captain of the Royal Guard. “Uhm, hey Flash-” To call Flash Sentry's current look frazzled would be an understatement. Poor guy looked like he'd shed a few feathers and had a porcupine nesting on his head due to his mane sticking up on end. “SPIKE! Have you seen Stella?! She's not at home and I can't-” the panicked stallion started, looking into the living room only to see the very filly he was looking for. “OH! THERE YOU ARE!” The orange pegasus flew in, knocking Spike over as he scooped his daughter up, hugging her tightly. “Why in Celestia's name did you run off like that?! You scared the daylights out of me!!” he cried, hugging her as close to him as he could, rubbing his snout against her head. She in turn clung to his neck, trembling a bit. “I-I'm sorry, daddy..” she whispered, burying her face in his mane. He opened his mouth to speak when a baby bottle collided with his head, startling him. “Gah wha-” “HEY!” The three occupants looked to the source of the voice, being met with the very irritated face of Scootaloo. “I JUST got Agate to lay down for the night. Either quit shoutin' or go outside!!” she snapped, snorting a bit in a manner that would make one think she was about to puff smoke out her nose. Spike and Flash both felt a bead of sweat roll down their faces a bit. Turns out the 'big bag dragon' had a fear after all! Spike chuckled nervously in response to his wife. Stella poked her head up, getting her father's attention. “Let's go home..” Later, at the Castle... Flash and Stella returned home, a spastic Twilight welcoming them back with a tight hug. The three walked in and sat together, and Stella had a long talk with her parents about her feelings and her recent anxieties. They listened with shocked faces, both showing regret and concern in their eyes. “Stella...I..I never knew you felt this way..” Twilight stammered, looking to her daughter. “We never wanted to make you feel that way sweetheart..we love you no matter what your skills are!” Flash added. Stella looked to her mother and father, speaking quietly. ”I know now, I'm so sorry mom and dad..” “We are too..” Flash replied as both ponies reached forward to hug their child. Twilight sat up, looking down to Stella as she frowned. “You're just a little filly. You got confused. I should have told you from the beginning about Sunset and Flare. But I was so focused on getting everything ready that it just, slipped my mind! It slipped further when it turned out that Sunset ascended...” “Ascended?” Stella asked. Flash smiled a bit. “She's like your mother, Stelly. She gained a pair of wings.". Stella recalled something her uncle mentioned, looking to her parents. “Uncle Spike said that...there was a complicated reason with Flare. What is it?” Flash and Twilight shared a glance, before Twilight took a breath. “Well, Sunset's husband. The one that passed away?” she began. Stella listened intently, noticing her mother's discomfort. “He's...technically your father.” Stella sat in stunned silence. “My father..? But...how?” she whispered, her only answer being the sheepish faces of Twilight and Flash. Finally, Twilight shrugged and spoke in honesty. ”The universe that Sunset returned from is an Alternate one. This universe has a copy of nearly everyone from around here.” ”Am I there too..?” the young unicorn asked, mind blowing up from this sort of information. Flash looked to the side, scratching at his ear with a hoof. “Sort of..”. ”Flare is technically your counterpart. She is also genetically your half-sister. Sunset married the Alternate universe's version of your father, and had Flare.” Twilight explained, having gone through this little realization amongst all the chaos. Stella took a moment to register this information, a sobering reality hitting her. “A-And...her father..” The two older ponies looked grave, Twilight whispering. ”I, wanted them here. Both to give my friend some much needed help, as well we wanted to give Flare her father back in some way.” Stella held a hoof over her mouth as her eyes lined with new tears. “And I...I...I'm so sorry!!” she exclaimed through her growing sobs, the reality of Flare's situation becoming all too clear to the white filly. ”You couldn't have known, sweetie. But...an apology to Flare may be in order.” the purple alicorn began, her husband interjecting. “More of an explanation really. You didn't do anything on purpose.” “Of course I will! Where-” Stella began to speak, but seeing her father and mother look past her gave her the answer. Turning to look, she saw the golden pegasus peeking into the room from the doorway, her sky blue eyes filled with unsure curiosity as she shifted slightly under the royal family's collective gazes. The two fillies looked to each other in silence, Stella quietly gulping a bit. “Come on in, Flare. Stella wanted to talk to you.” Flash called, motioning with a wing. Flare slowly walked in, uncertainty apparent but wanting to listen, sitting about a foot away from Stella. Stella glanced to her parents, who nodded in turn, and she cleared her throat. “H-Hello Flare.” she stuttered, her ear flicking. Flare shuffled her hooves, speaking quietly in a tiny whisper. “...H-Hi.” Stella looked down, taking a small breath before speaking. “About earlier...I was... I was under a lot of personal stress. And I was confused upon seeing you and your mother. Both combined to make me..well...blow up and jump to conclusions. I want to tell you that I'm truly sorry for what I did earlier. You didn't deserve any of it. I-I can tell that you're afraid...and I can't imagine how you must feel right now. But, I hope you can grow comfortable and happy here.” Flare, while still nervous, could hear the sincerity in the other filly's voice. ”S-So..I can stay?” she asked meekly. ”Yes of course! O-Oh! So long as you want to...” Stella responded quickly, pausing and clearing her throat. “I'd...like to get to know my half-sister, if you'd let me. I don't wanna keep you from our father..” Stella finished, smiling shyly as she extended a hoof. Flare looked to the hoof, and then to Stella's eyes. The pegasus felt a swell of happiness rise in her chest as she slowly rested her hoof on Stella's, smiling. “Thank you, sis..” Stella could feel her earlier relief grow further, noticing a yellow shape behind Flare. Shifting her gaze, she could see that it was Flare's mother, Sunset Shimmer. Sunset gazed on in surprise, sharing a look with Twilight and Flash. The two nodded with proud smiles on their faces, and Sunset sighed in relief. All became well in the Castle of Friendship after that crazy day, and a new relationship was born.
