A Wolf Among Caribou

Ash was with the doctors as they rushed Daybreaker down the hallways to the medical ward.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!" Day screamed as another contraction painfully convulsed her body. "NOW?!? WHY NOW?!? I THOUGHT THERE WAS STILL TIME?!?"

"Seems the baby had other ideas, just try and keep calm we're almost there," Ash said.

"CALM?! THERE'S A FOAL IN ME THAT WANTS OUT AND IT HURTS!" Day yelled in Ash's face.

"I know Day I know but I assure you I am not going nowhere...I swear." Ash said.

Day was rushed into the delivery room where all the doctors and nurses were at the ready.

"Okay, everypony, you know the drill!" Dr. Greymare said. "This isn't our first time delivering a foal from an alicorn!"

Ash offered his hand to Day, who looked at him with worry, but Ash smiled, reassuring the mare before she took his hand.

"Now, listen close, Your Majesty, I want you to do everything I say from here on out," Greymare said as a nurse dabbed his head with a towel from the high temperature in the room. "When I say so, I want you to push with all your might."

Day only nodded in compliance, but Ash could see she was still scared not that Ash could blame her.

"On three, I want you to push!" Greymare said as the temperature continued to rise. "One...two...three! Now!"

"Uuuughhhhhh!" Day screamed as she pushed with all her might and squeezed down on Ash's hand *hard*.

Ash wanted to groan in pain since the power behind Day's squeeze would have crushed his hand as if it were made out of fresh dough if he were mortal but despite the intense pain, Ash didn't let it show so he could support Day.

"Good! That's good!" Greymane said, and a few nurses had to sit down due to the heat. "Ugh! Curse this infernal heat! I'm sweating nonstop!"

Ash then extended a hand, and suddenly, the doctors and nurses were surrounded by a cool blue aura. Immediately, the heat that was torturing them vanished.

"Ah much better thank you, your highness," Greymane said.

"Thank me by delivering that child," Ash said before returning to care for Day.

"IT HURTS!" Day screamed and thrashed her head around. "I CAN'T DO THIS!"

"Day...Day, look at me." Ash said calmly but seriously, causing the mare to look at him with tears. But Ash looked at her with courage and determination. "You can do this. I know you can.

"I can see the head!" Greymare said. "One last push! On three! One! Two! THREE!"

"URRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!" Day screamed at the top of her lungs as her mane and tail burst into flames. The ponies had to brace themselves from the sheer force of her screaming and Ash winced from being near Day's voice.

"Waaaaaahh! Waaaaaahhh! Waaaahhh!"

Just then, Day had stopped screaming and all that could be heard was the cries and wails of a newborn baby. Ash and Day calmed themselves to look to see Greymare and the nurses wrapping something in a blanket. Day caught sight of what looked like a tiny hand, which made her gasp. Greymare sighed with a smile as she slowly walked over to Day carrying the blanket as the wails of an infant sounded from it.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty," Greymare said before she handed Day the blanket. "You've given birth to a healthy colt."

Day and Ash looked down at the crying foal. He had his mother's white coat with a hint of a grey sheen. His mane was short but also resembled his mother's open flame-like color and had black and white highlights which resembled his father's hair color. When the colt managed to open his little eyes, Ash saw that they were as blue as the clear skies above. Both also noticed that the colt had both a horn and wings. His wings looked identical to Ash's with white feathers on the top half and a red webbed membrane like a bat on the bottom half. Day soon began whimpering as she couldn't tear her eyes away from her newborn son, and tears started to flow out of her eyes.

"H-He's...H-He's..." Day tried to say.

"Your last saving grace." A voice from behind the curtain muttered before drawing her sword. "Die, harlot!"

Milliseconds was all it took for Ash to realize what was going on the assailant, a female guard with white fur was delivering a lethal attack on Day and his child. In the milliseconds that followed images surfaced of an enemy that was killed some time ago.

The Radiant Dawn.

Ash remembered the atrocities this cult committed against the Thestrals and how they almost killed Luna and Midnight while trying to brainwash Pip into a loyal follower and the pain and torture they inflicted upon him.

These memories surged feelings of wrath deep inside him that burned through his body as fast as lightning as Ash held up an arm to halt the attacker.

"NO!" Ash bellowed like a clap of thunder.

The next few seconds that followed were silent no one dared breathe and the only sound in the room was the newborn alicorn's cries from the sudden commotion while everyone's eyes were locked onto the assailant who had been impaled on long black thin but razor-sharp claws that were three feet long and were extending from Ash's hand these claws belonged to the beast the people in the kingdom called The Ripper.

The staff slowly backed away due to the immense fear surfacing in their hearts. The now-dead assailant hung limply in Ash's claws when Ash quickly retracted them, making the body fall to the ground. Ash breathed heavily as the staff slowly backed away due to the immense fear surfacing in their hearts.

The now-dead assailant hung limply in Ash's claws when Ash quickly retracted them, making the body fall to the ground. Ash breathed heavily as he slowly turned to Day who looked at Ash in utter shock. Turned to Day who looked at Ash in utter shock.

Ash looked at the assailant before looking at the staff.

"Everyone out and you're sworn to silence," Ash demanded causing the staff to rush out. "Greymane send for my brother and Shining Armour tell them to let no one in."

"Yes, Your Highness," Greymane said before he left to complete his task.

Once the doctor was gone Ash moved around the bed and got onto one knee before the body of the attacker.

"Ash?" Day called out but Ash didn't respond.

At least not verbally he simply held up his hand asking for Day to give him a moment before he grabbed the mare by the shirt which caused the body to suddenly let out a gasp and thrash about before Ash shook the mare causing her to turn and look at the face of the enraged god.

"You tried to kill Day and my son...why!?" Ash demanded.

"H-How am I alive?!" the assailant yelped.

“Answer me!" Ash demanded.

"No. Not your son. He is innocent." The mare then glares over at Day. "I'm sorry that I couldn't kill this Harlot!"

"What?" Ash demanded when suddenly the mare's body started to burn starting with embers creeping over her.

"I failed. But the others will finish what I failed to do...." The mare groaned as her face began to turn to ash.

"Give me names!" Ash shouted in fury, but the mare said nothing more and he knew he'd have to release them from the spell that had just applied which made Ash growl in annoyance.

Ash then released the mare letting the body slump to the ground as though nothing happened.

Ash stood there in silence. All he could hear was his son still crying and Day remained silent as well. Ash took a deep breath to calm himself down before approaching Day and stood beside her to gaze down at his son.

"...Solaris," Ash said.

"Ash...Yes, Solaris I like that name." Day said as she nuzzled Ash.

The two parents looked down at the crying infant before Ash spoke.

"Perhaps some milk might calm him down," Ash suggested.

Day nodded and moved her son towards her breast. Solaris sniffled a little before smelling the milk that leaked a little out of her nipple before latching on and began drinking her milk.

"He's perfect..." Day said. "He's...everything I could've imagined."

Ash moved to stroke Solaris but stopped upon seeing his blood-soaked hands and pulled them away.

"Day...you must be exhausted when Solaris has finished get some rest okay," Ash said.

"Ash I..." Day started.

"I'll be standing guard don't worry I won't leave your side but Day you just delivered a healthy baby boy...you need to rest," Ash said at first, Day wanted to argue but knew Ash was right.

Suddenly there was a knock at the door which made the two adults tense up before Ash made his way to the door but with a knife in hand before opening it a crack and saw it was Rage and Shining Armour.

"Ash Greymane said you needed us what's up." Rage said.

Ash looked back at Daybreaker and made a gesture everything was okay before he opened the door upon seeing the splatters of blood on the far wall Ash and Day looked so tense and terrified both Rage and Shining Armour were immediately on alert.

"Ash, what happened?" Shining asked.

"There was an attack...we're alright but we have a problem," Ash said grimly causing the two new arrival's eyes to widen in shock.

"What do you need?" Rage asked.

"Rage organize the guards to double their patrols if possible, Shining I need your strongest shield around the castle nothing in nothing out, and everyone who sets foot in this place is inspected thoroughly," Ash said.

"Got it should we alert the others?" Rage asked.

"I'll handle that I've already called Faust she'll be here soon, and she'll relay everything but I'm gonna stand guard here tonight," Ash said.

The duo nodded before departing to carry out their tasks.

Ash returned to Day's side while Solaris continued to drink his fill and soon enough there was another knock on the door so once again Ash checked and saw it was Faust when she saw Ash she knew something was wrong so Ash opened the door to show her both Day and Solaris which made Day sigh in relief but when Faust inquired about the blood upon Ash's form Ash told her all he learned which caused a shadow to fall over Faust's eyes.

Suddenly Solaris let out a yawn which pulled everyone out from their grim moment.

"Seems like someone is ready for a long nap...Ash, would you?" Day asked.

Ash was about to but stopped upon seeing his bloodied hands to which Faust stepped forward.

"Allow me my dear...but before you two sleep I insist we relocate rooms I will not have my daughter and brand new grandson sleep in a room stained with blood," Faust said.

"That's fair I'll take care of Day, Faust would you-?" Ash began.

"Of course," Faust said as she gently bounced Solaris in her arms.

Ash decided to carry Day's bridal style over to their room. A few times, Day would nod off and would rest her head against Ash's chest.

When Ash finally entered his room, he saw Luna and Moon preparing a small crib in the corner. It was very fun and daylight-themed, perfect for Solaris and his first few nights sleeping with his parents.

When Moon finally looked up from hanging the mobile, she smiled at the two. "Think he'll like it?"

"He'll love it...I know it." Ash said with a smile before he set Day on the bed so she could rest.

As soon as Ash's hand was revealed to Moon and Luna, they immediately grew concerned that is till Faust entered the room with the rest of Ash's herd and carrying Solaris in her arms.

And while Faust explained the situation Ash took his leave to clean himself.

As Ash scrubbed the blood from his hands, Celestia came in to check on him. "Ash, are you alright?"

"Why...why is it whenever one of my children is born, I am either not there to see them or when I am something like this happens," Ash asked nobody in particular.

Celestia didn't know how to answer. How do you answer a question like that? So, doing what she's done for millennia, she did her best to answer.

"Ash.... you were here. You protected your child and will continue to do so."

CRACK!

Celestia recoiled in surprise as a massive crack appeared in the mirror before Ash and yet Ash did not do anything at least nothing to the naked eye.

Steeling her resolve, Celestia put a hand on his shoulder. "Mother's about to put Solaris to bed. Maybe he would like to hear a lullaby from his father?"

Ash was silent for a moment before Celestia felt his hand on hers before he turned to face her with a faint smile.

"Thanks," Ash said.

"Anytime, my love." She kisses him before leaving the bathroom, waiting for Ash to follow.

Ash returned to the room and saw his herd and Faust had gathered here and were surrounding the cot, so Ash approached and looked down at the little foal who was wigging about and as Ash looked down at the colt the perfect lullaby came to his mind.

https://youtu.be/IgRmw6jZrc8?si=Tr2qPUeiGMNyPPKt

As Solaris listened to his father sing to him, his crying started to calm down a bit. When Ash let his son grasp his finger, he let out a yawn before his eyes grew heavy, and fell asleep in his new crib.

Ash released a deep sigh once the colt was finally asleep and released his finger.

Ash then moved to the bed and sat on the end with an enormous sigh.

As he started to relax, he felt Day cuddle to his side, tears streaming down her face. "I love you."

Ash pulled the alicorn in close to his body and nuzzled her gently.

"And I love you too," Ash whispered.

Soon, each member of Ash's herd joined him on the bed, while Faust left but not before giving her new grandchild a goodnight kiss. "Sweet dreams."

The next morning, Ash woke up to a stirring at his side. When he looked over, he saw that Day was holding her son, nursing him, and humming a lullaby.

Ash smiled at Day until Solaris was finished and held him over her shoulder as she lightly patted his back.

…burp!

Hearing her son let out a burp, Day smiled and looked down at her son. "It feels odd. One moment, my stomach is doubled, still expected to wake up with my bulbous stomach, and now, I have a son to look after." She then looks over at Ash who joined her in bed. "And he's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."

Solaris then saw Ash and reached out for his daddy.

Ash brought his face closer to the little colt causing the foal to run his hands along his father's face while Ash in turn gently stroked his son's mane.

"Got a big day planned for you Solaris...so many people who are eager to see you," Ash said.

Solaris giggled before grabbing his father's nose.

"First thing's first I have my own hunger to satisfy," Day said.

Ash smiled and soon enough the others in Ash's herd awoke and bid morning to their lovers and the newest addition to their family with a kiss before they moved to get ready for the day however Ash could feel Daybreaker's concerns regarding the attack from last night a feeling he too felt and know Luna felt once she was rescued from The Radiant Dawn.

"I know," Ash told his beloveds. "I won't let anything else like this happen under my watch."

"It's sweet of you to offer Ash...but you shouldn't be the only one to make sure," Luna said before kissing Ash on the lips.

Ash smiled at the notion before Solarius began to cry.

"Oh shhh, shhh I'm here." Ash hushed gently while gently bouncing Solaris in his arms.

While Ash was comforting his son, there was a knock on the door. Without anyone giving the say-so, a maid walked in with fresh linens. "Forgive me for interrupting, I just wanted to drop these off." She sets the towels on the dresser but then pulls out a gun and aims it at Daybreaker. "Die!"

Seeing the weapon Ash wanted to do something but was helpless to do so due to his arms being occupied with holding Solaris. Suddenly a blast of magic impacted the maid and sent her flying through the window and when Ash and Day looked, they saw Moon was the one who fired the shot.

Ash placed Solaris down in his crib while he continued to scream before he made his way over to the shattered window and looked down and saw the maid survived because she landed in the garden fountain, so Ash stepped through the empty frame and descended to the garden using his wings to slow his fall.

Ash then marched over to the maid as she climbed out of the fountain, but Ash then grabbed the maid by her mane and proceeded to hit her knocking her out, soon enough a cadre of guards ran over to investigate the commotion.

Ash dropped the maid who fell to the ground limply but still breathing while Ash took several deep breaths.

"Get this one out of my sight...then call an assembly of all the staff in the castle... everyone," Ash demanded.

Near terrified of their king and not wishing to enrage him further the guards did as instructed.

As the guards left with the maid, Moon flew down to Ash's side. "Darling. Is everything alright?"

"Not even remotely," Ash said with barely restrained fury.

After a couple of hours, the entire staff lined the great hall, ready for inspection by Ash.

Guards stood at attention with butlers and maids standing silently and still and all were organized into neat columns waiting for the one who summoned them to appear.

Suddenly everyone in the hall felt a shiver crawl down their spine as they felt an ominous presence approaching the main doors but not one of the staff dared move to look.

“Too. Many. Times.” Ash spoke in a tone that made the staff’s knees almost buckle from pure dread. “Too. Many. Times. I have had to thwart the death of my infant son, and his mother. It’s different if it’s every once in a while because at least then I’d be more prepared. But the fact that it’s happened this many times in a row…” Ash suddenly flared his wings open, showing off his authority as King. “I can only believe that there are more snakes in the grass within my own home than I ever dared to imagine. So…I’ll make this simple. Who amongst you is a snake? Come forth now and be spared…but if you don’t and I find out who it is I will show you just how scary I can truly be …”

No one moved or dared to make a sound.

"One of the attackers already lies dead with their blood splattered across the walls where my son took his first breath the other I almost beat to death and would gladly have done so this is the only time I will offer mercy if you come forward now if you do not then I promise you this. Death...will be a mercy." Ash growled.

The air became deathly silent as the tension of the situation grew thick with each passing second. A few guards looked around to see if they could spot the odd man out, but as Ash passed them, they became as stiff as statues.

After what felt like a decade, three bodies stepped forward. One Unicorn guard, one Earth Pony butler, and finally, a Pegasus chef.

"I cannot begin to describe my feelings towards you three... especially you Spearhead who took an oath to protect me, my family, and your home and this is how I'm repaid," Ash said his gaze boring into the three individuals who could not even look Ash in the eyes. "As promised for your honesty you will not be harmed…but you will be imprisoned until I decide what to do with you. Take them away."

Three Eternal Flame guardians came forward and proceeded to remove the three individuals from the hall.

"Make no mistake here all of you...I do have mercy but even my mercy has its limits so I will ask one more time to all of you...is there no one else who is involved?" Ash asked.

No one stepped forward or uttered a word so with a wave of his hand Ash dismissed the assembly.

Once the staff had left, Ash went to the dungeon where the maid from before was chained to the wall and still unconscious.

Ash closes the door behind him as he exits the interrogation room after a couple of hours of questioning the assassin. Ash made his way to the stairs exiting the dungeon.

When he reached the top of the stairs, Celestia and Luna were waiting for him.

"Did you get what you needed?" Luna asked.

"Yeah," Ash replied.

"And?" Tia asked.

"There's at least two more. They heard I was looking for more rouge guards, and they fled toward the forest." Ash walked past the sisters and toward his study.

"And you're not going after them?" Luna asked while pointing over to the window.

"Not to worry. I have a friend who'll take care of them." Ash stated emotionlessly.

Ash was sitting in his study with his head resting in one hand when he heard a knock at the door.

"Come in." The door opened and Slendermane came in with two guards wrapped in vines and his tendrils.

“Thanks, Slender I appreciate you helping me out and I’m sorry if I inconvenienced you,” Ash said with a sigh.

*It’s no trouble* Slender said as he deposited the two guards on the ground. *If there is nothing else I shall return to the forest*

“No thank you take-.” Ash began but when he looked up he saw Slender was gone. “-care.”

Ash then called some guards to take the two rouges away simply because he was in no mood to deal with them at this time.

*knock, knock*

“Come in,” Ash called once more.

Luna walked in with a worried frown. She walked over to Ash and put a hand on his shoulder.

“Want to talk about it?” Luna asked.

*sigh* “Honestly I just want to forget they exist…but such is my curse.” Ash said.

Luna understood what Ash was saying as immortals they have more memories than others and they don’t go away so easily and more often than not they have a way of leaving terrible scars on one’s personality.

I often wish Midnight’s birth went differently,” Luna said. “But you were there to bring him and me home. That’s what counteracts this so-called curse. Your very presence.”

Ash looks at Luna tearfully as Luna continues.

“Just as you were there for Solaris and Day you were there for me and before you bring up Alora’s birth Moon knows if you knew you’d have been by her side…there are many things we wish were different but instead of moping about it I learned that the best possible thing to do is make up for it,” Luna said making Ash pause in contemplation before bowing his head with a ghost of a smile on his face.

“You’re right. You’re right.” Ash said.

“Damn straight now come along,” Luna said.

“What?” Ash asked.

“Most of the girls are going shopping for Solaris and if I’m not mistaken Alora needs to spend some time with her daddy too you know,” Luna said.

At this Ash wanted to bash his head into a wall for being distracted and distant from his firstborn daughter but before he opened his mouth Luna placed a finger against his lips.

“Remember…Make up for past mistakes.” Luna said.

Ash simply nodded and began to follow Luna.

“So who else will be joining us?” Ash asked.

“Everyone else besides Tia who said she had something she needed to take care of even Stormy will be joining us,” Luna said.

“Really?” Ash asked.

“Mm-hm wanted to help Spitfire pick out some necessities including some for herself for when the triplets arrive,” Luna explained.

"I still can't believe it. Triplets. Who would've thought," Ash said as he got up.

“You sell yourself short dear,” Luna said while kissing Ash on the nose.

He smiled before giving Luna a proper kiss. "Well then. I guess Alora and I are having a daddy-daughter day."

Good, I’ll inform the others to meet us in the lobby in five minutes.” Luna said before turning to leave.

Seven minutes later Ash was walking down the streets with Alora in his arms she had taken her first steps but was still too young to fully walk and as Ash walked his herd smiled as he built a bond with his daughter.

“I wonder what my little ones will be.” Spitfire hummed as she caressed her belly.

"Hmm, I bet they’re both girls." Moon came over and placed a hand on Spitfire's toned stomach.

“Whatever they will be I know they will be perfect,” Stormy said as she kissed her daughter on her cheek.

"Yeah, and you have three little ones on the way." Spits teased her mother. "So should I call them my siblings, kids, or just switch it now and then to keep it interesting?" She teased further.

“Hmm do what you feel is right my dear you still have some months to decide,” Stormy said with a smile.

“Say ladies what say we go do some personal shopping after we take care of the needs of the foals,” Luna suggested.

“That sounds perfect now that I’ve got my figure back I need to get to work on charming our hubby with some different attire,” Day said as she winked at Ash while pushing a pram that contained Solaris who was wriggling about happily inside.

“Day you don’t need a new outfit for me to tell you’re already beautiful,” Ash said.

“You were right girls he is a smooth talker,” Day said with a smirk.

“So darling where do you intend to go with our little princess?” Moon asked as she stepped over to Ash and tickled her foal’s belly causing Alora to giggle.

“I figured I’d let her decide for us I would just walk around and whenever she speaks up or points or something grabs her attention we would go check it out,” Ash suggested.

“I see well then shouldn’t take you too long to decide won’t it dear.” Moon cooed as she kissed Alora on the forehead just beneath her horn.

“M-mam.” Alora cooed making Moon smile brightly.

“Okay say bye-bye to mommy now sweetie.” Ash cooed to his daughter as he gently took one of Alora’s arms in hand and made it wave toward her mother’s.

“Bye, sweetie,” Moon said with a smile and a wave.

“Now what say we go have our day out hm?” Ash hummed.

“Da!” Alora exclaimed causing Ash to chuckle before he proceeded to walk down the street.

Meanwhile, the herd of mares watched the pair go till they vanished amidst the crowd.

Alright, my little princess where shall we start our day hmm?” Ash asked but Alora aimlessly looked around before her gaze settled on a street. “That way? Alright, that way it is.

Ash walked down the streets which soon turned into the city park and all around creatures old and young were going about their day playing, walking, chatting, or relaxing causing Alora to coo at everything, especially the different creatures about.

“Curious huh sweetheart…hmm let’s see if you can name every creature we come across,” Ash said just before they walked past a stallion who was walking in the opposite direction as them. “That was a pony can you say pony sweetie?”

“Pon…pon…pon.” Alora sputtered.

“Not bad you got most of it right,” Ash said before a griffin flew overhead. “That was a griffin.”

“Gwiff…gwiff,” Alora stated making Ash chuckle.

“You are simply too cute Alora,” Ash said as he rubbed his nose against hers making the filly giggle.

“Your Highness!”

Looking towards who spoke Ash spotted a trio of mares that once lived in Ponyville who infamously became known as The Flower Trio.

“Rose, Lilly, and Daisy it’s been a while,” Ash said with a smile before he noticed the trio were currently sitting in a bare flower bed covered in dirt, holding gardening tools, and off to the side were crates full of flowers.

“Morning ladies I see business is going well for you,” Ash said.

“Normally park gardeners would be doing what we’re doing but we insisted on being the ones who plant these.” Rose started.

“Our plants our way of planting.” Lilly continued.

“I get it don’t want any mistakes and you three trust only yourselves to get it done,” Ash said.

“Exactly,” Daisy replied.

“Now who is this,” Rose asked as she stood up and approached Ash while her gaze was locked on Alora and soon Rose was followed by her sisters.

“Aww, she’s a little princess.” Lilly gushed.

“Look at her she’s so tiny and cute I just want to snuggle her.” Daisy cooed.

Seeing the trio of strange women surrounding her Alora placed her hands over the top of her muzzle and wrapped her wings around herself causing the mares to coo at the adorable act.

"How adorable, she's shy," Lilly cooed while tickling her side a little.

“Yeah first time we met she did the same thing but she’ll come around once she sees you three some more,” Ash explained.

“So who is the mother of the little cutie?” Rose asked.

“Nightmare Moon,” Ash answered causing the three sisters to pause

“Nightmare Moon!” The three shrieked before feinting.

Ash merely sighed at the over-dramatic feinting before he used his magic to make the trio more comfortable till they came around.

“It’s okay my dear you can come out now,” Ash said.

Alora peeked out from behind her wings and seeing the coast was clear she unfolded her wings and looked around.

“So we went around the park where would you like to go next?” Ash asked.

Alora absently pointed in a direction and Ash followed the direction with his eyes.

“Righto,” Ash said with a smile.

Continuing their walk Alora started babbling when she heard the sounds of barking and seeing his daughter’s behavior Ash smiled before he brought Alora over to the sound of the barking which was a pet store.

“Did you want to see the animals?” Ash asked.

"Aaaahh!" Alora squealed when she saw a few puppies in the window playing.

Ash brought Alora over to the windows and immediately the puppies started jumping at the window seeking attention from their visitors.

“Shall we go inside and pet them?” Ash suggested causing Alora to babble cutely. “Yeah let’s do that.”

Ash took Alora inside and requested the owner who was more than happy to organize it.

They went over to a small pin where four German Shepard pups were playing with a chew toy. When they saw Alora, they abandoned the toy and started yapping for attention.

Ash prioritized letting the pups sniff and get used to Alora first and when they pressed their noses against her Alora babbled excitedly and squirmed in Ash’s grasp once the pups calmed down Ash sat down with his daughter in his lap and allowed the pups to approach freely but kept an eye on things so they wouldn’t get out of hand.

One of the pups crawled onto Ash's leg and gave Alora a few small licks.

Alora began to pat and stroke the pup’s fur even snuggling into it while Ash played with the other pups just simply moving the toy around to keep them busy.

Alora giggled as the puppy and she became best friends.

After an hour Ash knew it was time to leave so when it was time to go the puppies got up to follow but were stopped at the pen’s wall but Alora reached for her friend.

“Thank you for doing this for us,” Ash said to the worker.

“Not a problem your highness it’s always nice to give the pups some exercise.” The worker said.

Ash nodded in turn before he moved to leave when suddenly the sound of barking right behind him made Ash turn around to see the puppy from before that Alora had grown attached to floating towards them.

“What the?” Ash said as he looked around for an explanation and saw his daughter giggling and holding her hand out to the pup. “On no, no, no, no sweetheart no, no we can’t take him.”

While Ash was saying this he used his magic to nullify Alora’s magic and put the pup back in the pen with its siblings.

Alora started to whimper when her new friend was going back to his pen. "Pup-pup!" She called out to the little dog.

“Sorry sweetie but maybe we can visit again another day,” Ash suggested as they left.

Ash couldn’t help but feel torn about what he did separating his daughter and the puppy after they got so close so Ash decided to take Alora to a toy store to try and lift her spirits.

“Hey, sweetie let’s have a look in here?” Ash suggested as they walked into a toy store.

Alora let out a little pout before they went inside. As soon as she saw the toys on the shelves, her mood instantly changed.

“Well let’s have a look around see hm?” Ash hummed as they made their way through the shelves of wonderful toys each one crafted with both love and care.

As they browsed through the shelves, a glimmer of light caught Alora's eye. "Da-da! Da-da!" She cried out while pointing at the shelf with the shiny object.

“What have we here?” Ash asked as he stepped towards what Alora’s finger was pointing at which was a beautifully crafted silver rattle Ash then picked up the toy and held it up before his daughter. “Is this it?” Ash asked as he gave the rattle a shake.

Alora laughed as she reached for the toy and gave it a little shake.

“I take it my little princess approves?” Ash asked only for Alora’s stomach to start rumbling. “Ah I know how to fix that shall we go get some lunch from…hmm your Auntie Pinkie Pie?”

Her answer came in the form of her rattling her new toy.

“Yeah let’s go get some lunch…after we pay for this.” Ash said as he gestured to the shiny rattle.

After getting the toy for his daughter, Ash took them to Sugarcube Corner.

“Hiya Ashy!” Came the voice of a certain pink mare. “And hello to you too my cute wittle niece!”

Alora laughed at her aunt’s antics while waving her rattle around.

“Oh, did you get a new toy?” Pinkie asked.

Alora shook her rattle as her answer.

"Aww, babies always know what to say." Pinkie gave Alora a little peck on the forehead. "You hungry, little lady?"

“Gah!” Alora exclaimed.

“Your usual mashed apples?” Pinkie asked causing Alora to babble in response. “Right away and you Ashy your usual?”

“Yep, Caramel Milkshake and an Apple Tea Cake…and you know it’s a special day so why not throw something sweet of your choice into our order for dessert?” Ash suggested.

"Aw, daddy-daughter days are so special. I remember the ones I had with my daddy." Pinkie wrote the order down before lightly pinching Alora's cheek. "Brb, cutie."

Alora giggled once more before Pinkie departed. “Let’s find a seat yeah?”

“Ba!” Alora exclaimed.

“So, we have the children’s clothes sorted, now what say we spoil ourselves?” Luna suggested as she and the other ladies in the herd walked down the street carrying a few bags or in Day’s case she was pushing Solaris’s pram while several bags were placed in a storage space at the bottom of it.

"That sounds wonderful. I would like to see myself with a new hat," Moon said while looking at a few mannequins in a window.

“Shall we go to Rarity?” Day suggested.

"Where else would we go?" Tempest joked as the girls laughed and headed for Rarity's.

The little jingle of the bell to Rarity’s store rang as the mares entered and they noted that there were a few different creatures in the store today.

“Rarity…Sassy are you here?” Luna called.

“One moment darling.”

A minute later Rarity came into view.

“Oh, Luna so good to see you mwah, mwah.” Rarity greeted as she kissed Luna on both her cheeks to which Luna responded in kind. “How are you?”

"Fabulous as always. We were getting some stuff for the baby, then thought we'd spoil ourselves."

"And our first stop was here," Spitfire chimed in.

“Well, then you’ve come to the right place…by the way, Spitfire there seems to be a certain glow about you.” Rarity stated with a sly smile, but Spitfire simply smiled and held up two fingers causing Rarity to squeal excitedly.

“There is more but well…” Spitfire began.

“Say no more, measurements then gossip, and then we work on what you need," Rarity suggested sweetly.

“Thank you, Rarity,” Spitfire said with a smile.

“Not at all darling now while I’m busy why don’t you ladies walk about and see what you like.” Rarity suggested.

“Perfect,” Day said before she already began to look around and was soon followed by the other mares.

Luna began to look through some dresses ideally taking note of the designs and colors till she found her path obstructed by a pair of young mares browsing the racks one mare was an earth pony with brown fur and a chocolate brown mane and tail and the other was a rather unique at first glance one would say this mare was a zebra but Luna saw that this mare had a horn growing out of her forehead and lastly despite being teenagers the mares figures and looks could turn heads so fast necks would snap but there was something about these two Luna couldn’t put her finger on.

“OMG Merrian look at this outfit! And this one yeah, this one is so you!” The earth pony exclaimed as she pulled a pair of shirts and jeans off the racks and held one of each up to her acquaintance.

“It’s cute B but uh how do you expect to pay for it we didn’t exactly bring a vast fortune did we.” The unicorn zebra mare now identified as Merrian stated.

“Simple we just pinch them I mean really who’s gonna care about a couple of clothes.” The one called B stated.

Hearing the words spoken by the teen Luna wanted to call the guard and have the two mares spend some time behind bars but stopped and decided to try and convince the two to not steal anything.

“Ahem, are you sure that’s wise you two?” Luna stated but it seems her words fell on deaf ears. “Aren’t you both a little old to be shoplifting?”

“Aren’t you a little too old to be shopping for yourself, Grandma?” The mare known as B commented casually.

“What…Did…You…Call…Me!” Luna growled behind clenched teeth as her eyes glowed fiercely.

Out in the streets, there was a small gathering of teenage ponies one being a unicorn with tan fur and platinum blonde mane and tail a zebra mare with her mane done in braids a unicorn colt with black fur and silver mane and tail with the last two members of the group both being unicorn mares both having white fur and one having a pink mane and tail while the other had red.

What stood out about each member of the group was that bypasses could not look away from them due to how they were all stunningly gorgeous. For the mares their appearance and the way they held themselves most would assume they were either models or goddesses and as for the lone colt well there was not one mare about who wasn’t licking their lips or gazing hungrily at him.

Currently pacing back and forth chewing on her nails was the pink-maned unicorn.

“I’m gonna kill those two when I find them.”

“Hate to say it sis but I did say bringing Bethany along would be a bad idea.” The redhead said.

“Not helping Jolene.” The blonde replied.

“Glory…remind me but how could you just lose them?” The colt asked with an annoyed groan while rubbing his eyes.

“It’s as I said bro I turned around and they were gone…man Mom is gonna kill me,” The one called Glory said.

“Which one?” The platinum blonde asked.

“All of them!”

“Okay, Glory…calm down cause shouting ain’t gonna help our situation…let’s think this is Bethany and Merrian we’re talking about where would they go?” The colt asked.

“Shopping.” The redhead said.

“Okay, and they wouldn’t go into any random store, so it has to be somewhere they know yeah?” The colt asked.

“Right and not many they know around here so it must be-.” The blonde began.

“GYA!”

“Sounds like we have a winner I’m surprised it took her this long to announce her location like that.” The mare with the platinum blonde mane and tail said as she rolled her eyes as the group moved to check out who shrieked.

Upon entering a store where the cry originated the quartet of ponies were greeted by the sight of Princess Luna holding two of their number. Both B and Merrian who were being held by their hoop earrings.

“Now then ladies what have we learned today?” Luna asked calmly but with a stern tone.

“Don’t steal and…be respectful of others ow! Please mo-ma’am I have a date later and I can’t lose an ear…please.” Merrian pleaded.

“And what of you princess?” Luna asked.

“Hoop earrings are fucking dumb!” B shouted in pain.

“I’m sorry care to try again?” Luna asked with a hint of a growl in her tone as she applied a little more force to her pull.

“B this really hurts!” Merrian cried.

“Okay, okay I’m sorry I promise I won’t do it again.” B cried.

“Consider yourself lucky because if both of you were my daughters I’d spank you, ground you, and then have your father spank you for good measure,” Day growled as her burning mane flickered more violently.

“Now what’s say we escort you out, so you don’t get tempted,” Luna stated as she moved to the exit.

“Please allow us.” The blonde mare said as she and the rest of her group stepped forward.

“Glory!” Merrian cried but soon yelped in pain as the blonde took hold of the two mare’s earrings and pulled them towards her.

“What exactly were you two doing?” The colt asked.

“Shoplifting…I take it you know these two?” Tempest asked.

“Siblings.” The red maned mare explained.

“Really?” Tempest asked.

“You two are so gonna get it when we get home!” Glory growled.

“I do apologize for any trouble they may have caused.” The colt said.

“Have we met…you look…strangely familiar,” Moon asked as she looked at the colt.
“I believe the reason why is because we both share the same shade of fur color it’s my understanding that it’s not a common color.” The colt stated.

“Hm, I suppose you’re right,” Moon said.

“So, are you lot herd siblings cause to be honest none of ya share that much resemblance?” Tempest pointed out.

“Uh yeah in fact we’re out here shopping for a gift for our dad.” The colt explained.

“That is, we were until these two ran off.” The mare with the platinum blonde mane and tail stated.

“We said we were sorry now can you please stop pulling on our ears.” Merrian pleaded.

“I got half a mind to drop you off with the guards.” Glory stated furiously.

“Well since nothing was actually stolen, I think I’ll let this slide but mind you if you pull a stunt like this again then you will be sorry,” Luna stated as she glared at B fiercely.

“I understand,” B whined.

“Now that that is sorted, I wish the rest of you luck in finding a gift for your father he must be lucky to have such caring children…mostly,” Luna said as she looked at B and Merrian.

“Thanks, Mom.” Glory said with a smile.

“What was that?” Luna asked making the group tense up.

“Ma’am I meant ma’am sorry it was a slip of the tongue.” Glory explained causing Luna to look at her with a raised eyebrow before she returned to looking through the store alongside her fellow herd sisters while the group of ponies left.

Ash had resumed his walk through the streets after finishing lunch with Alora in his arms till Ash spotted something he hadn’t realized was even in the city. An old wishing well and by the looks of things there was someone there already making a wish but they wore a cloak so couldn’t tell who they were then Ash remembered well and took a coin from his pocket.

“Hey, Alora wanna make a wish?” Ash asked.

“Ah.” Alora cooed causing Ash to smile.

Ash smirked and took his laughing baby girl over to the wishing well. "Wonder what you'll wish for?"

Once they arrived at the well Ash sat his daughter on the well and handed her the bit for her wish.

“Afternoon.” Ash greeted the stranger in the cloak and noted that they were a mare.

The Mare in the cloak jumped a little before nodding at Ash.

“Sorry didn’t mean to startle you,” Ash explained.

“Oh no it’s quite alright.” the mare stated while keeping her face turned away.

“Sorry, I just came here so my little one here could make a wish,” Ash said as Alora happily waved the coin around.

The mare looked at Alora and couldn't help but coo at her. "She is so precious."

“This is Alora,” Ash said

"Hi Alora. I'm Misty," The mare said while tickling her side.

Alora babbled out a gleeful laugh and Ash could see that it made the mare’s heart swell with warmth.

“You’re from Zebafrica?” Ash asked once he noticed the mare was a zebra.

"Sort of. My mother is from Zebrafrica, but I grew up in... well my father's place." Misty explained.

“Really how was it growing up?” Ash asked.

"Pretty great actually. Had plenty of siblings to keep things interesting," Misty said with a smile.

“Really…sounds like you got the jackpot with life,” Ash said with a smile.

"Most days. Other days, I wish they'd jump into a freezing pool," Misty said with a groan.

“From what I’ve been told that’s siblings do. You love 'em but they drive ya crazy half the time.” Ash said with a smile.

Misty simply smiled at that before she looked at a watch on her wrist.

"Well, I must be off It was nice meeting you two," Misty said as she waved goodbye.

Ash helped his daughter wave goodbye to the mare causing her to laugh and Misty gave a playful wave in reply before she was out of sight.

“Once gone Ash helped his daughter making her wish to the well and once done Ash picked up his daughter and began to make their way back to the castle.

"That was fun, wasn't it?" Ash asked Alora.

The only reply was more baby babbling, but Ash knew she was happy.

Celestia stood inside the castle facing a window that looked out at the city and vast plains and beyond that the forest where Slendermane dwells and took a deep breath before exhaling.

It has been months since Daybreaker returned and while Celestia understood Ash’s reasoning to not kill Daybreaker she never expected Ash to potentially invite her to join his herd, especially after what she did.

"What was he thinking? What were they thinking?" Celestia asked herself.

As Celestia thought long and hard about her current situation she felt a sensation deep within her body that compelled her to sing.

https://youtu.be/vxgRf5q7I8Y?si=YLn66sjvOwLZyALY

As the last note rang out through the room, the door opened, and in walked Ash and the other herd mates, sans Day.

“Tia?” Ash began as he approached Celestia while still holding Alora.

"Ash," Tia said while still looking out the window, even when Ash sat next to her.

“We heard your…song…I take it you do not approve of Daybreaker?” Ash asked.

"I can see why you did. But that doesn't mean I have to agree."

“So, you acknowledge that I’ve grown attached to her despite my first meeting?” Ash asked.

“Yes,” Celestia answered.

“But you still disapprove?” Ash asked.

"...Ash. I locked her away for a reason. Not even an hour from being freed and she violated you. What if she's playing us?" Tia asked through tears.

“Tia, she has been here for months, and you have interacted with her yourself and in all that time what has she done to raise your suspicions?” Ash asked.

There was a long pause in the conversation, making everyone feel a little tense. After what felt like an hour, Tia let out a sigh before looking Ash straight in the eye. "Before I had her separated from me, we were the best of friends. We laughed, had adventures, and shared secrets; we were inseparable. But one day, that all changed."

“Tia…Day…she was that imaginary friend you always told me about.” Luna stated with realization in her tone.

"She was. But one day, we were out on the town in disguise. It was a few days before Heat season was to begin and I wanted to visit my favorite sweet shop. On my way there, we passed an alley where five brutish stallions were hanging out."

Day shifted uncomfortably for a moment while she continued to cradle Solaris.

“What happened?” Ash asked.

"Before I knew what happened, Day took over our body, and when I woke up, I was in a puddle of semen, and urine, and a dirty bag of bits was thrown toward my head. Worse still, I was pregnant."

“Wait…Blueblood.” Ash said after a few seconds.

“His ancestor yes,” Tia stated.

"Suddenly his attitude makes more sense," Luna said under her breath.

“So…what happened?” Ash asked.

"I locked myself away for months, watching as my belly grew each day. When the time came to give birth, all the nobility called it a scandal and wanted me off the throne. Some were even threatening to do so by force. That's when Day came out again."

"I destroyed them all," Day interjected, causing a few to gasp.

“Destroyed as in…” Spitfire began.

“Ash, cinders, and melted metal were all that was left,” Day stated.

“What you did was unreasonable!” Celestia exclaimed.

“Unreasonable!” Day returned with shock.

“Those ponies had loved ones to go back to there was nothing left to bury!” Celestia shouted.

“Excuse me I protected us in case you forgot some of those so-called nobility began to carry out the threat by drawing weapons on us!” Day shouted.

Suddenly the two foals began to cry quelling the rage of two Alicorns before both Ash and Day began to calm them down.

With a clear head, Celestia continued. "After taking my son to a safe place, I had my most loyal subjects build the temple I put Day away in. The next few years, I fabricated history so Day's name would be lost to time."

“I imagine the families of the dead had something to say about that,” Moon said.

“Not if they didn’t remember the deceased in the first place,” Celestia admitted.

“Oh, sister.” Luna began.

“As you can imagine there are very powerful spells…I took no enjoyment in what I did but still I did it.” Celestia stated.

“And the ones who…you know,” Spitfire asked.

"I sought out the one who got me pregnant. When I did find him, he and the others from that day were about to have their way with another mare. That's when I snapped and took care of them myself. They rotted in the dungeon for the rest of their lives," Tia finished.

No one said a word that is until Ash let out a sigh.

“Listen I’m no expert when it comes to this but personally…this sounds like…a friendship problem…ugh that doesn’t sound right coming out of my mouth,” Ash stated.

"Not as much as it did hearing it," Tempest commented.

“Ash…you can’t be serious.” Day started.

“Think about it for a sec. Once upon a time, you were both friends but then Day did something that led to a bad outcome and what followed was Day taking control to protect you which left you to take care of the aftermath…Tia I’m not saying what happened was totally in the right but even you can see she does care…besides she has spent over a thousand years being locked away don’t you think that’s long enough of a punishment?” Ash asked.

Celestia looked at Day and the child she had with Ash. She then lets out a sigh, stands up, and leaves the room without a word.

“Should we do something?” Moon asked.

“No…this is something both Tia and Day need to work out together…just like you and Luna did,” Ash said making Moon nod while Day seemed forlorn. “Hey…she’ll come around Day, but it may be best to let her think.”

Day thought about it before nodding in agreement. "Maybe it would be best if we had a third person to listen."

Ash simply nodded before kissing his wife.

Elsewhere, the group of teens/siblings from Rarit6y's store had gathered together in an alley away from prying eyes.

“Got what we needed?” Glory asked.

“Yes, we do.” Groaned the platinum blonde maned mare with annoyance.

“Okay, headcount Midra, Ebony, Jolene, Morning Glory, Misty, Merrian, Bethany…hey Ebony you know where Nebula, Kim. Valerie, Platinum, and Daniel are?” Nightshade asked.

“They said they had plans of their own for a gift for Dad and left.” Replied a beautiful female unicorn who had charcoal grey fur and a black mane and tail and had eyes like rubies.

“We’re here!”

Nightshade turned to the entrance of the alley where he saw the rest of their group approaching which were five in total.

The one who spoke was one of the two colts in the group he was a unicorn who had a grey coat with a black mane and tail that had streaks of silver in them.

The second one in the group was an earth pony mare with fur like Bethany but she had a curly brown mane and tail.

The next individual was an earth pony colt who had cream-colored fur and a short curly mane while his tail was short but straight.

The next one was a pegasus mare that had a hot pink fur color and a long black mane and tail.

And finally, the last one was a unicorn mare with powder blue fur and a dark blue mane and tail with silvery eyes.

“Sorry we’re late had to shake off several pursuers…and Valerie was getting familiar with the locals.” The unicorn colt stated.

“What he was cute?” The hot pink pegasus stated.

“Really?” Ebony groaned with annoyance.

“Oh, please no reason to feel jealous Ebby.” Valerie teased.

“Hey, quit it both of you!” The powder blue unicorn snapped.

“Thank you, Nebula…so Kim, Platinum, Danny what you get Dad?” Glory asked.

“Remember that book he’s been trying to find?” The unicorn colt asked before he reached into a bag and pulled out a book.

“Wow, nice find Platinum.” Misty cheered.

“Oh, I can’t take all the credit Kim and Daniel were the ones that reminded me of it,” Platinum stated.

“We also got him some rosin and violin strings.” The other colt known as Daniel stated.

“So, what did you guys get?” The brunette unicorn known as Kim asked.

“New boots and a belt and a few of those special cards,” Ebony stated.

“And we almost got our asses busted thanks to Bethany’s shoplifting stunt at Aunt Rarity’s.” Glory growled causing Bethany to stick her tongue out at her sister.

“Ooooh Mom is so gonna ground your ass right after she spanks it scarlet.” Kim teased causing Bethany to growl furiously.

“Knock it off already…alright if we got what we needed let’s get outta here before we overstay our welcome,” Platinum stated.

“Best idea I’ve heard so far.” the platinum blonde pony stated before snapping her fingers and, in a flash, her appearance changed to a young gorgeous female human with flawless skin and platinum blonde hair.

“Mirdra!” Glory whisperer yelled at the woman.

“Oh, relax will ya we’re alone here we can drop the disguises,” Mirdra said with a bored tone as she pulled out a mechanical device from nowhere and held it up, and activated it causing a portal to manifest.

“Finally,” replied Bethany as she snapped her fingers and turned from a gorgeous mare into a gorgeous woman.

Next Kim, Danny, and Valerie snapped their fingers, and they changed into a set of humans who resembled their equine forms.

“Could've waited till we were safely back home.” Glory growled under her breath.

“You keep frowning like that you’re gonna get wrinkles sister.” Bethany teased as she made her way to the portal, but she let out a yelp of pain as Glory used her magic to zap her on her ass as she entered.

Soon enough the rest of the group filed into the portal which closed behind them leaving the alley empty once again.