Chapters Sunset sat beside Adagio’s hospital bed, her hand holding onto one of her wife's. Adagio's other arm was cradling their newborn daughter. Wrapped up in the bundle of blankets was their little one; she had peach colored skin, and her head was covered with cream colored hair with golden yellow highlights. Her eyes shining like the most beautiful of amethysts.
When she felt a squeeze of her hand, it made Adagio look away from their baby girl to the other love of her life. “What is it, Sunset?”
“I was just wondering, have you thought of a name yet?” Sunset asked with a bright smile on her face.
She had already thought about it, but she wasn’t sure how Sunset would react. Only after a few minutes did Adagio finally answer, “Yes, her name is Splendid Scale.”
~6 months later~
Adagio sat on the floor of her daughter’s room. The green carpet around her made her feel like she was sitting in a field of grass, but that was the point. The carpet fed seamlessly into the murals on the walls, almost making her feel as if she was actually back in Equestria. It felt calming, soothing.
As she sat there, she watched her daughter shuffle around the floor space. She had found it odd at first. Equestrian foals learned to walk at a very very young age, whereas the human baby before her would likely take another few months, and more so before she could talk.
Her little Splendid moved across the floor until she reached one of the walls. Across the bottom of this wall was a group of painted Ponies and Sirens. In the centre, Sunset was painted in her Unicorn form, and Adagio in her Siren form; and around them were their friends and fellow Princesses.
Splendid put her finger on the painted Siren, and looked at her mother, tilting her head with a quizzical expression.
“M-Mama?”
Adagio’s eyes became wide as saucers. Her little Scaly had said her first word, and she struggled to keep the tears at bay. Choking back sobs of happiness, she nodded her head vigorously.
“Yes dear, that’s me. Or it was me.” Her daughter tilted her head the other way, but her expression softened. She then thrust her finger at the light amber colored unicorn mare. “That’s your other mother, that’s Sunset.”
This caused the baby to lose the confused look, and she nodded instead, seemingly accepting what she had been told as if it was as simple as the fact that water was wet. Adagio smiled wiping the tears away from her eyes, as Splendid turned back to the wall, this time gesturing at the surrounding ponies and sirens. Adagio moved over to join her daughter and started to point to each pony or siren in turn. “This one is your auntie Rarity, this one is auntie Sonata, this one is…”
~Another year later~
Sunset smiled as she started to make dinner for everyone. Adagio currently in her office with Sonata and Rarity, working on whatever new design’s they had in mind for the boutique. She then began to whistle along to the radio playing in the background as she finished grilling the sandwiches.
Once everything was set on the table, Sunset went to the front of the kitchen so they could hear her from the office.
“Dinner is ready, everyone.”
She was moving back into the kitchen to sit at the table when she started to look for their daughter, Splendid, as she had just a minute ago been sitting on her own chair. “Splendid?”
A happy gurgle could be heard as an echo across the room. Sunset spun her head around, trying to locate the source. “Splendid, where are you?!”
“I eating apple under table, mama!”
Sunset’s eyes widened, kneeling down to look under the table, “Splendid, my sweet little peanut, can you come here, mama needs a big hug.”
Splendid giggles jumping into Sunset’s arms, not noticing her whisper softly, “I may have missed your first word, but I'm glad I was here for your first sentence.”
“Sunset? Splendid? Is something wrong?”
There in the archway stood Adagio, Sonata, and Rarity all with concerned looks on their faces. Sunset then whispered to Splendid, “My little scaly, why don't you go give your Momma a hug and tell her what you just told me.”
Splendid nodded lightly and soon Adagio found herself with little Splendid in her arms. “Oof! What's up my little Scaly?”
“I was eating apple under table, momma!” Splendid happily squeed with a bright smile.
Three huge gasps filled the room, and the newcomers to the room all shared the same expression; a combination of extreme disbelief, and momentous joy. The silence only lasted a few more seconds, as a high pitched whine could be heard, as both Rarity and Sonata battled it out to see how could pronounce ‘E’ the highest.
“Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!”
Adagio pulled Splendid close to her breast, her chin nuzzling into the top of her daughter’s head. Little Scaly was now able to talk, but at this moment, Adagio wasn’t. Sunset came over to them, and wrapped them up in a wide hug. The trio stayed that way for a few seconds, before breaking apart.
“Our daughter talks!” Was all Adagio’s mind could come up with.
“I know, and I’m proud of her too.” Sunset smiled, “But dinner is getting cold, and I think I have something we can have to celebrate afterwards.”
Sonata and Rarity helped guide Adagio to her seat, big smiles still adorning their faces. The five tucked into their meals, often pausing to try and get Splendid to repeat words after them, to varying degrees of success. Once everyone had had their fill of the grilled sandwiches, Sunset headed out into the pantry, and the sound of rummaging could be heard.
“Ta-da!” Sunset stepped back into the room proper with a box under her arm. She placed the box upon the table, pulling back the tabs and opening the box. Inside, the box was filled with multiple plastic containers.
“Sunset, darling, what is this?” Rarity asked, her curiosity piqued.
“They were a gift, from Princess Twilight; given to us just after Splendid was born.” Eyebrows around the table shot up. “Each little box contains cakes or treats created by her dimensions Pinkie Pie, each magically preserved. The only instructions she gave with them was to save them for special occasions. I think today counts.”
The girls around the room were appropriately surprised, but also keen to have the chance to sample the other Pinkie Pie’s work. Picking through the boxes, Sunset selected one that contained smaller cupcakes, about the size she thought would be good for a foal.
Opening the box, she could feel the ambient magic of the preservation spell, and she carefully removed one of the cup cakes. “Here you go sweetie.” She cooed, passing the treat to her daughter.
Adagio removed the wrapper and held it up to Splendid’s mouth. Without missing a beat, Splendid dived in, stuffing her face into it, and taking a mouthful. She chewed for a few seconds, before swallowing. She burped, and giggled happily.
Sunset smiled and started to hand the other cakes around until she was interrupted by a sudden flash. She looked over in horror to see that Splendid had started to glow. But before anyone could do anything, it was already over, and the baby girl sat there still giggling happily.
Only now she sported fluffy pony ears and a long bushy ponytail.
Sunset suddenly felt woozy. Her eyes rolled back in her head, and she fell into darkness.
When Sunset awoke, she found herself looking up at her living room ceiling. Shielding her eyes from the sudden intake of light, she slowly moved into a sitting position. Slowly, she acclimated to the brightness, and she took stock of her surroundings.
As it turned out, she was on her living room sofa. At the other end, Sonata sat, holding little Splendid, and playing with her. Much to her relief, she looked normal.
“Uggh. That was a weird dream.” She groaned.
“Hey, your back.” Adagio walked into the room, sat down next to her, and gave her a hug. “Are you alright?”
“Yeah yeah, I just had the strangest dream. I thought our daughter ‘ponied up’.”
“She did.” Sunset started coughing.
“WHAT?!”
“Hey, hey, calm down, she’s fine. Look at her, it only lasted an hour.” Sunset looked at her bewildered.
Unsure what to say or think, she just sat there. “She’s telling the truth, really.” Sonata added, with a smile, “And we took loads of photographs too. She was sooo cute!” The other siren let out a squee.
Still puzzled, Sunset asked the biggest question she had, “But how?”
“I hesitate to use the word, darling, but it both fits and doesn’t fit; it’s simple.” Sunset frowned at Rarity. “Magic, the cupcakes contained magic.” Sunset’s frown morphed into skepticism. Rarity held up the magic journal emblazoned with a red and yellow sun. “I managed to contact Twilight. She seems to think that her preservation spell may have also preserved any ambient magic in the cakes. And since the little one here is technically native to Equestria, her body responded to it like a drowning man to fresh water.”
Turning to Adagio, Sunset now looked worried. “Is she saying our little Scaly needs magic to survive?” Panic could be heard creeping in over the length of the sentence.
Adagio reached over and laid her hands on Sunset’s shoulders. “No, there is nothing wrong. I had a long conversation with the princess, but it is going to be something we need to address in the future.” She received a less worried, and more quizzical look. Adagio sighed. “In your studies, did you ever cover biology, or pony growing stages?” Sunset shook her head.
“What I have learned from Twilight - and I am paraphrasing here - is that young foals are fine without ambient magic; it isn’t harmful, but it does limit certain things. Like a unicorn would struggle with telekinesis, or a pegasus would be unable to fly. But this changes when they get older. Around the age of thirteen and up, a pony’s body hits puberty; one of the extra changes Equestrians have is with the magical ley lines that run through them.”
Sunset nodded. “I think I have heard something like this before. What does it mean for Splendid?”
“Right;” Adagio continued, “during the next few years, the ley lines will begin to settle. They determine how strong the pony is within their magic type, earth, pegasi or unicorn, and at the same time, cutie mark magic begins to course through them. This change feeds off of the ambient magic they have collected, helping them realise their destiny.”
Sunset’s eyes started to water. “Are you saying that by living here, we are taking away our daughter's destiny?”
‘Snnrrkkkt’. Adagio snorted. “No.” She started laughing.
“Hey!” Sunset battered Adagio on the arm, but her tears had quickly stopped. “What haven’t you told me yet, and why was it funny?”
“I’m sorry, it’s just I had the same reaction, and it took both of them to calm me down,” Adagio smiled towards Rarity and Sonata, who had all moved to the floor, playing something with Splendid. “And no, the ambient magic required for this isn’t that high, and as long as we get some, she will be fine.”
Sunset let out a breath she didn’t know she had been holding. “That’s a relief. But how do we get ambient magic?”
A list was suddenly produced by Adagio. “Twilight gave us a ‘few’ options.” Sunset looked on with an ‘are you kidding me’ glare. She blushed. “Ok, she gave us tons of options, but I’ve picked out the ones I like best.”
“Shoot.”
“Splendid was able to absorb the magic from the cakes. If we save them for a few years and get top-ups from Twilight, we would have to make sure to give her one every weekend. She burnt through the magic from one cake in about an hour. So the downsides to this would be the management required, and every weekend we would have to ensure we are home so that she can ‘pony up’, hidden from the outside world.”
“Well that doesn’t seem too bad, but I’m guessing there were better options?” Sunset asked.
“Only one better, actually.” Sunset gulped, but Adagio continued. “The better option is for once she turns thirteen.”
“And that is?” Sunset was on the edge of her seat.
Adagio bit her lip before she spoke, “Every few months we make a trip to Equestria.”
Sunsets head hit the seat cushions, losing consciousness again.
The truth always comes out...
Splendid opened her eyes to find herself looking at the lights of the cafeteria ceiling. The moment she opened them the light stabbed her in the eyes, causing her to grimace, and clutch her head.
“Splendid? Splendid, can you hear me?” She felt a pair of rubber-gloved hands take hold of her wrists. “Splendid, I am Nurse Tender Heart. I need to know if you can hear me.” The pain was still excruciating, but she managed to nod her head.
“She’s had a headache all day, but she’s been trying to ignore it.” Nurse Tender Heart turned to Sunny.
“Are you her friend?”
“Yes, but truthfully, I only met her this morning.”
“Good, and thank you for telling me about the headaches.”
Splendid was only vaguely aware of what was going on around her. She knew that two large men had helped carry her to the nurse’s office, but she could not remember the journey. It took a few moments to register that someone was holding her hand.
Thankfully, the pain had lessened slightly, allowing her to open her eyes. Rotating her head, she found Sunny sitting by her side, with two hands cupped around her own.
“Heh I’m tougher than I look,” Splendid said quietly, looking up at Sunny with a small smile.
Sunny snorted. “Yeah.” But her smile was short-lived. “They’ve called your parents in. It’s nothing serious, is it?”
Splendid frowned. “I don’t think so. I’ve told my mothers everything about this headache, and they never seemed too concerned. It was weird, it’s like they have been expecting it, or something.”
Sunny opened her mouth to respond, but she stopped as they heard knocking on the door to the nurse's room. The door opened, and a fiery red and yellow head of hair above a brown backpack leaned in before it turned around revealing Sunset’s face.
Sunset smiled, a worried look being quickly replaced. “Hey, Splendid.” She moved into the room proper, followed swiftly by Adagio, and they both moved over to the bed. “How are you feeling baby?”
Splendid’s face went red at her parent's use of the word ‘baby’, and she attempted to melt into the chair. Her parents looked confused until they noticed the other girl in the room.
Adagio stuck out her hand. “Hi. You must be Sunny?” The girl nodded. “The nurse told us it was you who noticed Splendid falling ill.” The girl nodded again. “Thank you, really.” She smiled and thrust her hand out further until Sunny shook it. “I’m Adagio, and this is Sunset; we’re Splendid’s moms. Thank you for helping her and staying with her.” Sunny blushed at the gratitude.
Sunset was more direct; she pulled Sunny into a hug, catching her off guard. “Thank you again.” She released her but kept her hands on her shoulders while the smile left her face. “I’m glad Splendid has made such a good friend so fast, but I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to leave. We need to discuss some family matters.”
Sunny looked like she was about to argue, but Splendid grabbed her hand. “Sunny, it’ll be fine. I’m sure it’s nothing bad, and you’ve been kind enough already.” She squeezed her hand slightly. “Chances are I’m going home today; so I'll see you on the bus tomorrow?”
Letting out a breath, Sunny smiled back at her. “Ok. I will save you a seat.” Nodding more to herself than anyone, she backed up and waved. “Bye Splendid.” Finishing her wave, she slipped out the door and shut it behind her.
Splendid looked between her mothers, a frown on her face. “Ok, so am I finally going to find out what it is you’ve been hiding from me for years?” Sunset looked ashen, but Adagio burst into laughter.
“Errrm, what?” Rather than get an answer, Splendid watched as her mama Sunset gave her mother Adagio a ten dollar bill. The confusion on her face deepened.
“I’m sorry baby, but your mother and I had a bet going as to whether or not you knew - I had yes.” She pulled her into a hug. “You clever girl.”
Breaking the hug, Splendid looked smug. “I knew something was up. Spill!” She demanded.
Sunset looked over to Adagio worriedly, before addressing Splendid. “You may want to sit back down for this.” Splendid soon lost her smug look, instead, she now looked worried. She sat back down on the bed, and her mothers flanked her. Sunset took one hand, Adagio the other.
“Splendid, how much do you remember about your early childhood?”
She sat there in thought. “I remember small things; places, faces, and little details. Why?”
“Your room, and the paintings on the walls. Do you remember when I told you about them?”
“Kind of? You said something about them being each of your friends. Looking back, I’d guess that they were role playing personas or characters?”
“What about the setting? The landscape?”
“Equestria? A land filled with magic; again, I’d guess that was the setting for your fantasy RPG?”
Sunset looked across to Adagio, and she took over. “This might be a bit hard to believe, but Equestria isn’t fantasy fiction. And those painting on your walls aren't characters.” She received a raised eyebrow from her daughter. “I know you know about parallel dimensions and other worlds from the games you play sometimes. I’m telling you they, or at least this one, are real.”
Splendid went blank for a minute. Her parents started to get worried, until she shook her head, snapping herself out from it. “You’re both from there, aren’t you?”
This time, Sunset and Adagio drew the blanks. “Wait! Just like that?” Adagio burst out.
Splendid nodded. “I’m getting memories from when I was very young. Those pictures in the album, the ones where I’m wearing fake pony ears and a tail. They weren't fake were they? Something happened?”
“No dear,” Sunset answered. “You were right, your mother and I are both from there. But you were born here. Those pictures are from the moment we discovered a wrinkle in living here.” Splendid looked mortified, so Sunset pulled her into a hug. “Stop that, I know where you are going; we are not going to uproot you from your life here, and you are in no danger. The problem is magic; or the lack of it here. We have a solution in place, we just weren’t expecting this for another year. We had planned to tell you about six months from now.”
“So that’s what’s been causing my headaches?” Sunset nodded at Splendid’s question. “So what is the solution?”
Adagio pulled Splendid over to her, a giant smile on her face. “We get to take you to our home world.”
“Wait, what? How, even?” Splendid stepped up and away from the bed and spun around to face her parents.
“I hate to be cliche, but the answer really is ‘magic’.” Sunset stuck her tongue out. She reached into her backpack, pulling out a large book with a stylized sun on the front. She cracked it open and read down the page. Turning to Adagio, she paraphrased the text. “Twilight says she will have the portal ready to be open by about two, and only for five minutes. Apparently, there is something on her end stopping her from having it open longer.”
Adagio nodded, before looking around for the room’s clock. “It’s 2:03 now. Send Twilight the go ahead, and we can go now.” Sunset nodded, drawing a pen out from the spine of the book. She scribbled a line of text, before tapping the top of the page three times. The book flashed pink, and a few seconds later it flashed again, a new line of text below Sunsets.
“She says that’s fine.” She looked over to Splendid, who sat there with her mouth open wide. Sunset laughed. “If you think that was something, you haven’t seen anything yet baby.”
She dragged her to her feet. “Come on, time to go meet your other auntie Twilight.” As the three moved towards the door, a light thumping sound resonated from the other side. But once the door was open, they found nothing there. Shrugging, Sunset lead the group towards the front of the school.
When Splendid’s world came back into focus, she felt like her insides had been pulled out, and stuffed back in in a different pattern. Her outside felt like that too.
She blinked, her eyes first finding the floor. At some point in the journey, she must have fallen over. She tried to move, but she felt an alien force constricting her limbs. She was about to panic when a familiar voice saved her.
“Splendid, remain calm.” Hearing her mama’s voice pulled her back, and she released a breath she hadn’t known she was holding. “I’m going to let go of you in a moment, I just need you to focus right now. Do you remember the painting on your wall, the one with all the creatures?”
“Yes, mama.”
“Do you remember which one I said was you?”
“Yes. You also said you were the one on my left.”
“Yes baby, that’s me.” Sunset cooed. “Now close your eyes until I say otherwise. What did I look like?”
Splendid did as asked. She thought back to her room. “You were a small yellow unicorn, with a red and yellow, bacon-patterned mane.”
She heard her mother Adagio laughing somewhere off to the side. It was accompanied with another set of snickering she could have sworn she recognised.
Sunset huffed. “Yeah, that’s me. Now open your eyes.” Splendid obliged, and stood before her was the spitting image of the painting.
“Mom?!” The yellow mare nodded, tears starting to form in her eyes. Splendid found herself moving through the air and into the mares embrace.
“This is the real me, baby.” Sunset sniffed.
Another pair of limbs entangled her from behind. “Hi mother,” Splendid whispered.
“Hey baby,” Adagio whispered back.
A cough drew their attention, and the hugging trio looked around to its originator, a purple pony with both unicorn and pegasus wings.
Splendid looked back at her mental picture of her bedroom wall, before smiling at the purple pony. “And you’d be auntie Twilight?”
“Your mother said you were a clever one,” Twilight smiled while Splendid blushed. “Though I have to say you are taking all of this better than expected.”
Splendid thought on it a moment. “I guess I am. But I can’t help this feeling that everything just seems right.”
Smiling, Twilight nodded. “I think I can understand that. But I bet you’re going to have a lot of questions. Please, come through into the library. I’ve set up a large mirror so you can see yourself for the first time.” She motioned to the door with her hoof, and the group moved on, leaving the mirror to itself.
It wasn't too much longer after Splendid, her mothers, and Twilight had left that the portal glimmered again. Spike was dusting the shelves just outside the room when he heard a groan followed by a gasp. “What was that,” he inquired to himself.
Back inside the room, Sunny looked around, spotting a large mirror in the direction she had come from. The surface rippled like liquid before it seemed to dull and went flat. Its mirror finish came back, and she saw herself reflected back. “What the… I'm a pony... wait no I'm a unicorn?”
“Who are you? How’d you get in here?”
Sunny turned around and almost screamed in panic, “A dragon! Dragons exist too!”
She felt herself start to hyperventilate, as the little dragon in her front of her was confused. He looked at the mirror and sighed. “You're from the human realm aren't you?”
Sunny couldn't speak so she just nodded.
“I’m Spike and you are?” Sunny’s voice refused to come back to her. “Erm, ok. Don’t worry, Twilight can fix this. Come with me.”
Twilight finished up her welcome presentation, and answered any questions Splendid had about the whole arrangement, and throughout it all, she was still somewhat surprised by how easily she accepted everything.
Sunset took advantage of the end of Twilight lecture mode to ask the most important question. “Twilight, can you do a scan on Splendid? We want to know how much magic she needs, and how long we are going to be here.”
Twilight smiled. “Sure.” She focused her horn, and a beam of magic swept across Splendid’s new body. “Huh. I wasn’t expecting that.”
“Twilight, what is it?” Sunset asked, her voice full or worry.
“Oh sorry, no I didn’t mean to worry you. What I wasn’t expecting was just how far along she is.” Sunset and Adagio gave her a confused look. “She’s started maturing almost a year early. There’s nothing bad about it, but you will have to accelerate your plans, and she’ll need to stay here for a little while.” Twilight explained.
“How long for?” Inquired Adagio.
Twilight hummed. “Normally, I’d say two to three days. But you came at a bad time. The portal only becomes active once every three lunar months, for the rest of the time, our dimensions drift apart, and then back closer, kind of like a circle. I can use the diaries to force a connection, but you brought yours with you, didn’t you?”
Sunset blushed, and look at the floor. “Yeah…”
Sighing, Twilight turned to look at a calendar. “Unfortunately, the natural opening would have been two weeks ago. That means you three are stuck here for another 9-10 weeks.”
Splendid suddenly burst into tears, and her parents flocked to her side. “Oh honey, shhh. It’s gonna be alright. I’m sure you’ll love Equestria.”
Splendid sniffed. “It’s not that.”
Adagio turned her daughter’s face towards hers. “So what is it?”
Splendid looked her mother in the eyes. “For the first time, I finally made a friend I feel I connect with. And now, after a day, I go away for almost three months.” Sunset and Adagio both winced, looking at each other. “And now, she probably thinks something bad has happened. She’s going to hate me when I come back.”
A loud cough drew the attention of everyone in the room. Spike was standing just inside the room. He held the handle of the door behind him, holding it almost closed.
“Splendid, this friend of your; would she have pale butter skin and azure hair?”
Splendid’s jaw dropped open. “How would you know that?” Spike smiled and pulled the door open. Suddenly a butter yellow filly sprinted into the room, tackling Splendid to the floor.
The three adults in the room looked between the new foal and Spike, faces morphing from shocked to confused. “Spikkkkeeeeee,” Twilight whined.
Spike crossed his arms. “Hey, this one isn’t on me. I was walking past the mirror room and I heard a noise; lo and behold she was in there.”
Splendid and Sunny finally seemed to untangle from each other. Sunset levitated Sunny in front of her and raised an eyebrow. “You followed us, didn’t you?” Sunny didn’t answer, instead, she just kept looking at things around her, until Adagio moved over and poked her.
“Huh? Oh, sorry.” She looked down sheepishly. “Everything is so cool here, and magic!” She then saw the looks on the faces of the three mares in the room. “Oh, yeah. I followed you. Sorry. I was just so worried about Splendid!” She flailed her forelegs in her direction, hoping it would convey her sincerity.
Sunset sighed. “I guess there is nothing for it. Twilight; you might as well run your orientation again, it would be unfair to hide her for three months.” Twilight visibly started vibrating. Rolling her eyes, Sunset grabbed Splendid and Adagio. “Come on, let’s go get two of the guest rooms set up. Spike, mind leading the way?”
“Sure,” Spike said, crossing the room and grabbing Splendid, lifting her onto his shoulder, much to her delight. “I’ll come back for… Sunny? Afterwards.” The four soon left Twilight and Sunny, the latter looking completely engrossed, and they made their way to the guest wing of the castle.
“What do ya’ll think is the reason why Twilight is makin’ us get up this early for a meetin’ girls?”
“Oh, I’m sure Twilight has a good reason.” Fluttershy stopped to look at the rest of the group, “Right, girls?”
Rainbow Dash suddenly swooped down in front of her. “You said that last time, and it turned out she called us over to deal with an emergency of a missing book. A missing book!”
“Calm down Darling.” Rarity interjected. “If I remember correctly we gave Twilight a stern talking to after that. She know’s not to abuse the map to call us for trivial matters.”
Meanwhile, Pinkie had been bouncing alongside. “I don’t know about you gals, but my tail’s been a-twitchin' since this afternoon. I can’t even guess at what it means!”
The girls entered the map room to find that it was empty. Sharing confused glances, they started to call out for Twilight. The door on the far side soon opened, and Spike stepped through. “Hey, girls.” He said with a wave, “They’re through here.” He stepped back and motioned them to follow him.
“‘They’re’?” Rarity asked, “Who are they, Spikey?”
Spike chuckled. “I don’t want to ruin the surprise. He approached the next door, pulling it open, and stepping out of the way. The group looked in to see a group of ponies laughing with each other. Alongside Twilight, there were two mares; one orange -yellow with a red and yellow mane, the other a brighter yellow with or orange and yellow hair. The latter’s fur looked almost like scales, and she had a dragoness tail. They then noticed the two foals.
A whip crack could be heard, accompanied by a pink blur. Next thing the group knew, Pinkie had the two foals in a tight hug. “Eeeeeee! Not only do I get to throw a welcome back party these two”, she pointed at Sunset and Adagio, “but I get to throw a welcome to Ponyville party for these two!” She lifted the two foals in her grasp.
The rest of the group got over their shock, and moved forward into the room, taking turns to embrace both Sunset and Adagio. Rarity pulled Sunset to her, “Darling, it is so lovely to see the pair of you again. It’s been, what, ten years now?”
Sunset blushed, and looked down. “Thirteen. And I’m so sorry, we never found the chance to come back, what with her and all.”
“Her?”
“Oh…” Sunset’s face turned into a scowl. “Twilight! I told you to tell them!”
Now it was Twilight’s turn to blush. “Ugh, nevermind.” Sunset moved over and grabbed her wife and daughter, moving them so everypony could see. “Everypony, I’d like you to meet our daughter, Splendid Scale.”
A chorus of gasps and squeals made its way around the room. Everypony seemed to want a chance to hug Splendid. Everypony but Rainbow, who turned to Twilight.
“Who’s the other filly?”
“Ah.” Adagio floated over. “That would be Splendid’s best friend Sunny. Concerned for Splendid’s well-being, she followed us through the portal, and she is stuck here with us for a few months.”
“So she’s from the other side huh? That means she has never seen a Wonderbolts show; I’m gonna blow her mind, both of theirs.”
Applejack shoulder checked the mare sideways. “Ain’t you got enough fans Dash? Or is this you trying to find a replacement now that Scootaloo moved up from fan-filly to squadmate?” Rainbow’s face went red, and she flew to the other side of the room in a huff.
Twilight, Sunset, and Adagio spent the next half hour explaining the situation to the newcomers, and Splendid tried her best to wrap her head around the fact she now had two of every auntie.
Once they had finished, Rarity asked the most important question yet. “Now that you’re mostly settled in, what do you plan to do while you’re here? I would love to take you to see Manehattan.”
Sunset and Adagio looked at each other in thought, both unsure, until Twilight started to speak. “Actually, I was going to ask them to come with me to Canterlot. I haven’t seen Celestia or Solar Spark since Friday, so I thought they might be ok with a trip there. You are all invited of course.” Twilight smiled.
Sunset looked worried. “I haven’t talked to Princess Celestia in over fifteen years, and we still never quite resolved things.”
Twilight wrapped a wing around Sunset’s back. “It will be fine. Celestia has mentioned before she’d really like to see you, so don’t worry.”
Suddenly Pinkie bounced up between them. “Yeah! She still loves you, dummy. That, and I’m sure you really want to meet her and Twilight’s son!”
“THEIR WHAT?!” Sunset turned a furious gaze on Twilight, who at least had the decency to look sullen.
“Ok, so there may have been a few things I haven’t told you...” Twilight said and grimaced at Sunset’s gaze.
Adagio tried to calm her wife with a hoof on her shoulders rubbing her neck and whispered soft calming words into Sunset’s ear. A soft hum-like purr was heard from Sunset when she did.
“Alright, I'm okay…” Sunset sighed softly as she spoke, “How you two fell for each other I… don't think I want to know, because… because I still consider her like my mother.”
Twilight rubbed the back of her neck with a foreleg. “I know, which is why I kept it quiet. Honestly, I didn't want to freak you out...”
“It’s ok Twilight, it’s irrational, and I’ll get over it.” Sunset sighed. “Heh, it’s funny really. You and the other Twilight have very different tastes in partners. You're with Celestia, which here can work. Back through the portal it couldn’t. The other you surprised us all... she’s with Sonata.” Sunset finally giggled out.
“WHAT!?”
Sunset looked over to Twilight as the group made their way over to Canterlot castle.
Twilight still had a twitch in her eye, though, and Sunset thought it was kind of funny to watch.
“Twilight calm down it's not that big of a deal.” She said with a chuckle, though switched to a whisper when she continued, “By the way look at these two little ones; don’t tell Adagio but I think Sunny already adores Splendid, don’t you?”
Twilight chuckled and nodded with a small smile, whispering back, “Agreed I think she adores her like Adagio just adores you, I bet even by the end of this trip they’ll be even closer.”
Sunset snickered but froze when a hoof tapped her shoulder, to which she squeaked. “So what are you two whisperin’ about I heard my name?”
“Nothing dear just saying how much you mean to me.”
“Oh, really Sunset… don't lie to me…”
“I didn’t.”
Sunset batted her eyelids. Adagio tried to keep a straight face but soon broke out in giggles. Throwing her gaze backward, she saw Splendid and Sunny walking so close they almost touched. But they were completely oblivious to one another at the moment, both were enamored with the sights of Canterlot.
The group had caught a train at what Sunny had called ‘a stupid hour’. Twilight had suggested this, mainly because it would arrive well before most of Canterlot’s citizens were up and about. This allowed them to avoid both funny looks and gave them the opportunity to take a leisurely course to the castle, something that Sunny and Splendid seemed to be appreciating.
They made the approach to the castle gates shortly before seven, where the guards on duty saluted her, opening the gates before even being asked. Once through, they grouped up in the middle of the courtyard, before they were suddenly covered by a large shadow.
Looking skyward, the sun was being blocked out by… the sun? Celestia descended in a blur, glomping Twilight from above. Twilight laughed as she rolled across the ground. “I missed you too.”
Celestia blinked, noticing the others for the first time. “Apologizes all, after time apart, sometimes I only have eyes for Twilight. Please, come inside; from the looks of it, you all need breakfast,” she cast her gaze back to Twilight, an eyebrow raised, “and we seem to have much to discuss.” She smiled again, and opened her wing, gesturing to the main doorway.
They all moved through to the dining hall, while Splendid and Sunny were picked up in magic because they kept stopping to gawk at the scenery. Once they arrived, Celestia took the time to greet everypony, those she knew, and those she did not. She specifically pulled Sunset away slightly, which worried the others; until they hugged, Celestia’s wings completely engulfing Sunset. The pair walked back over, each with tears in the corners of their eyes, and they moved towards the tables. They took up seats on opposing sides of a table and were soon seen to be waiters.
“Now is as good a time as any, Twilight - what haven’t I been told?” Celestia looked down at the mare next to her.
“Well… for starters, Sunset married Adagio here.” Twilight pointed at the Siren, “and they have been together for about fourteen years.”
“A belated congratulations then to you both.” She smiled over at them, hiding her surprise well.
Then Twilight pointed over at the foal to Sunsets left, “And this is Splendid, their daughter.”
This time, Celestia wasn’t able to hold it in, and her neck failed her, landing her face on the table. Twilight lifted it back up in her magic, and the remains of her breakfast slid off her face. “Who what where now?”She spluttered.
Adagio took over from Twilight. “Splendid is our daughter, I carried her.”
Celestia finally managed to understand. “Ah, I see. I wasn’t even aware that dimension had mastered same gender conception. I assume Sunset, you were the sire?”
Sunset, Adagio, and Twilight suddenly looked very shocked and uncomfortable, but they never got the chance to answer. The door behind Celestia opened up, and a white coated stallion strolled in.
“Good morning Auntie, Element Bearers.” He moved towards the dining table and spotted ponies he didn’t recognize. “Good morning to you as well, esteemed guests.”
Sunset knew that voice, but no, it couldn’t be. But Adagio was already out of her seat, tears streaming down her cheeks as she fled from the room. The stallion stopped in his tracks, whilst the majority of the group looked on concerned.
“Shit.” Twilight only swore in extreme cases, so everypony knew something big was up. “Go find her, I’ll deal with this.” Sunset gave the briefest of nods before she to fled the room.
“What's wrong with my mother?” Splendid shouted.
“Don’t worry Splendid, it must be something she ate.” Twilight turned to the girls, “Would you please look after the two little ones for a minute, I need to borrow these two.” Twilight hooked her wings around Celestia and Blueblood and dragged them to the adjacent kitchens, before stuffing them into a pantry. It was a tight squeeze, but they need privacy.
Blueblood glared at Twilight. “What the devil is going on?” Celestia’s face made it clear she shared the sentiment.
Twilight put her hoof on her chest and let out a deep breath. “Celestia; you asked who the sire was. It wasn’t Sunset, and this is kind of a sore spot. The ‘father’ is him.” She thrust her foreleg at Blueblood.
“What!” they both cried.
“I worded that badly.” Twilight paused as she tried to think her way around it. “You have to understand, through the portal, there is an almost mirror image version of us.” Celestia nodded, already knowing this. “My mirror is a scientist. Celestia’s mirror is a School Principal. And yours, Blueblood, is an entitled rich kid living off his father’s money.”
“Ah.” Was all Blueblood could say, his face slightly red.
“I’m sorry to dredge up old hurts, but I have heard about how you were fifteen years ago before Celestia shipped you off to the Navy, and they aren't good.”
“I won’t argue with you on that, Twilight. I was a thoroughly disreputable individual and a blight on some of this castle’s very staff. Why do I get the feeling I am not going to like where this is going?”
Twilight looked at the floor. “There is no easy way to say this, so I’ll just say it. Fifteen years ago, your mirror drugged Adagio’s already alcoholic drink and then he had his way with her.”
Blueblood started choking, and Celestia broke down in tears. Twilight held onto her wife and waited for the pair to calm down.
Blueblood coughed to clear his throat. “So that is why she ran out, my very presence must be horribly upsetting for her.”
“I think so, yeah,” Twilight added numbly.
“So be it. I shall go to the Naval barracks and spend the duration of her stay in my accommodation there.”
“I don’t think that’s best, actually.” Both of the smaller ponies looked up to Celestia, eyebrows cocked. “In my experience, it is best for ponies to confront that which they fear. Even though you are not him, you will still be able to give her a modicum of closure.”
The room was silent until Blueblood spoke up. “Then I shall defer to your judgment. I shall spend my time in Auntie Luna’s wing, away from her, until you send for me.”
“Thank you Bluey, and thank you Twilight, for telling me. Bluey, I will have your breakfast and paperwork sent to Luna’s study. As for you and I Twilight, we need to get back to the others.”
Life working in the castle often got dull, but gossip could sustain most of the mares. Orange Peel, a light orange mare, was working in the kitchens when all of a sudden, Princesses Celestia and Twilight, and Prince Blueblood stormed their way through and into one of the larger pantries. Spotting a chance to gain some fresh gossip, Peel began sweeping the floor, and tactically moved her way towards the door. As she drew close, she began to hear Princess Twilight's voice. She heard:
"The father is him.”
Then it was accompanied by gasps. Hiding a gasp of her own, Peel put the broom down and trotted quickly out of the kitchen. She had fresh gossip to spread.
~~~~~Half an hour later~~~~~
“Once again, please accept my deepest apologies. I jumped to conclusions, and spoke before considering your situation.” Celestia sat with her hooves fumbling together.
Sitting opposite, Sunset and Adagio held each other's hooves. “We know you didn't mean any harm, and we accept your apologies, Princess Celestia.”
Celestia smiled, relieved. “Please, we are all just mares here, I am simply Celestia.”
Sunset looked over to Twilight, who was sitting next to her wife. “I assume this world’s Blueblood has been informed of the situation?”
“Yes, he even offered to spend the duration of your stay sequestered away. But Tia here had a better idea if you're willing.” Twilight elbowed the white alicorn, “Don’t you, dear?” Adagio and Sunset looked up her, eyebrows raised.
“Well,” Celestia coughed, caught on the spot all of a sudden. “The first thing I want to stress it that this isn’t the Blueblood from your world. But, fifteen years ago, he wasn't that too different from the stories you have told me about.” The pair were mortified. “I pulled the same face when the details got back to me, and I knew something needed to be done.”
“What did you do?” Adagio asked, emotions fighting behind her eyes.
“I shipped him off to the Navy, hoping that they could straighten him out.” Adagio's face became skeptical. “Don't think that was an easy way out for him. I hoof selected the toughest units and hardest instructors; I wasn't going to let him off easy. From the reports I got back in the first few months, it seemed his reputation preceded him, and his new colleagues made his life Tartarus.” Adagio's face held a look that mixed satisfaction and sympathy.
“Oh, it hurt at first. But after ten years, Blueblood came home, his service complete. He came back the upstanding stallion I had always hoped he would grow to become, and he has done me proud the last few years, really taking up the mantle of his title.”
Sunset chewed on her lip until she decided it was best to speak up. “That is great, really, that he could turn himself around... But what has that got to do with us?”
If Celestia was offended, she didn’t show it. “Well, apart from demonstrating that points can change for the better, I thought this might be an opportunity to help you.”
“How so?” Adagio asked, her voice skeptical.
“In my experience, it was immeasurably helpful for those who suffered to have a chance to face their tormentor and let their feelings out. Our Blueblood isn't the one who hurt you, but I still feel facing him will help you. Are you willing to give it a try?”
Sunset held Adagio tight, stroking her mane lightly. Adagio looked at the floor, saying nothing. The silence almost grew awkward, but Adagio lifted her head. “Ok, I’ll try; it's better than living in fear.”
Celestia smiled at her warmly. “You are being very brave. Thank you, I'll go and see the details.”
~~~Meanwhile~~~
Pinkie had left the group pretty soon after breakfast, leaving the rest of the girls to look after the foals, with instructions to bring them to the east ballroom in an hour - that was five minutes away.
Pinkie made one last sweep of the room, checking to make sure everything was perfect. She would normally have everything in hoof, but the guests of honor were from an alternate dimension, so the usual games wouldn’t do. Happy everything was set up, she turned to the only other pony in the room, who had tried to hide in the corner.
“Come on Sparky, don’t you want to meet your cousin and her friend?”
Prince Solar Spark, the child of Princesses Celestia and Twilight, snorted. “She isn't my cousin.”
“Your momma Twi considers her mother to be her sister; that’s close enough isn't it?”
The white unicorn walked away from the edge of the room and shook his multi-coloured mane out of his eyes, the white, purple and gold strands refusing to behave.
“Maybe so, but you know I’m not comfortable around foals my own age. A side effect of my mother's, but I am somewhat advanced, and any conversations I can have seem dull.”
Pinkie rolled her eyes at the colt. Another side effect of his parentage was that he was tall for his age, almost as tall as Pinkie. Taking advantage of this, Pinkie could be rather rougher with him than most colts, and she drew him into a tight hug “I guarantee that these too are more your level than you think.” Solar Spark just huffed.
With the same sixth sense as ever, Pinkie lets go of him and moved to the doors, pulling them open even as Applejack lifted her hoof to open them from the over side.
Right behind her, the two fillies stopped in wonderment. Never before had they seen that many balloons, let alone a party on this scale built for them. Before they knew it, Rarity and Rainbow Dash had pushed them into the room, sliding them across the polished stone floor.
“Splendid, I would like you to meet your cousin, Solar Spark. Sparky, this is Splendid, and her friend Sunny.”
“Hi.” Splendid waved at him.
“Hello.” They looked at each other, not entirely sure what to say.
Pinkie started bouncing around next to them. “Ohhhhhhhhh you guys are gonna be the better of friends I can tell.”
Celestia stood outside of the room with Bluey. She had always referred to the members of the Platinum bloodline as niece or nephew, a homage to the friendship she held with Princess Platinum. But with Bluey, or Blueblood the 17th, their relationship had been something closer. After the untimely death of his parents at the age of nine, he had become something of a son to her.
Celestia had always believed herself and her sister to be incapable of conceiving until Twilight discovered the magic that proved her wrong. Now she had an actual son, Solar Spark, but that did nothing to change the love she felt for either of them, both as special to her.
So it hurt when she had learnt what he had become, it hurt when she had to send him away, but looking at him now, as he prepared to go into a room full of hostility and pain, just to help a mare he had never met get better - she couldn't be any prouder of him.
“You don't have to do this if you don’t want to,” Celestia said, chewing on her bottom lip.
“Yes, I do.” Celestia looked at him, confused. “I may not have been the stallion that hurt her, but there are those out there I hurt. If I can bring solace to this one, it holds hope that I can track down the others and make things right with them.” Celestia’s chest swelled, and she kissed him on the forehead like she used to as a colt. “Aunty!” He pulled away, looking up to see tears in her eyes, so he drew her into a hug.
A knock on the door drew their attention, and they let go of each other, “It's time.”
Despite the awkward introductions, Solar Spark soon found himself fascinated as Splendid talked about her world's technology, while Splendid and Sunny were enraptured as he talked about magic.
The party was in full swing. Even after twenty odd years, the girls still enjoyed everyone like it was their first. Prince Solar had realised Pinkie had over-stocked again, and after obtaining permission, he went around the castle inviting staff and visitors.
The room Soon became flooded with ponies, some in formal dress, some in staff uniform. Nopony paid each other any mind, so Orange Peel was able to slip right into the party with her friend, without anyone blinking an eye.
Orange Peel turned to the mare next to her. “The maid uniform never did fit you right.” Her partner huffed. “It will do for now. that’s her, by the way, the yellow filly next to the Prince.” The other mare passed her a drink.
“Which one?”
Orange Peel frowned. “I’m not exactly sure.” She answered, before taking a sip of her drink.
“It matters little. Thank you, Peel, you were a good friend.”
“What do you mean we….” Orange peel slumped to the floor, and the other mare slid her under the cloth dropping from a nearby table.
“Sleep tight. I hope you did nothing important today, you won't be able to remember it.” She snickered, before making her way out of the room.
Adagio breathed deep while Sunset held her, nuzzling into her neck and whispering comforting words into her ear. They heard approaching hoof steps, and the door opened, revealing Twilight. She gave them a small smile and moved to sit out of the way. Then they saw him, a white-bodied stallion with a blond mane.
Adagio tensed up, and Sunset squeezed harder, as Blueblood walked into the room, and sat in the chair opposite. Motioning for Sunset to let go, Adagio braved the small gulf between herself and Blueblood, stopping inches from his face.
The verbal tirade that followed would go down in history, Twilight not being quick enough to erect a sound bubble.
Throughout it all, Blueblood sat and took it, his face moving from dutiful to offended, through mortified acceptance until it settled on ashen. As Adagio finally ran out of steam, she slumped back into her seat with Sunset, tears flowing freely from her eyes.
Celestia revealed herself, shedding her cloaking magic, and pressed her Bluey into a wing hug. The stallion whimpered into her wing.
“I think I needed to hear that.” He punctuated his sentence with a sniff.
Sunset rubbed Adagio's back. “How are you feeling?”
Adagio sucked in a huge breath and turned to face her. Tears streamed down both cheeks, but her face was split, a smile reaching from ear to ear. Choking back the tears, she pulled Sunset to her. “I can’t describe it. It's like a giant weight from my soul has been lifted, and its like there is nothing I can’t do now.”
Joining her in tears, Sunset turned towards Blueblood, who was just now becoming visible as Celestia withdrew her wings.
“Thank you, you've helped us more than you can know. Is there anything I can do for you?”
The stallion still looked a little broken, but he managed to sound sure of himself. “Would it be ok to meet Splendid? She is likely the closest thing to a daughter I will ever realistically have.”
Sunset looked to Adagio, trying to guess what her wife thought about the idea, but the door to the chamber slammed open.
Applejack burst through, “Haven't y’all heard?”
Twilight blushed. “Whoops, I left the sound suppression spell on. AJ, what haven't we heard?”
“Splendid ‘n' Sunny hav’ been taken!”
Adagio blinked. Her ears had registered the words, but her brain had yet to make sense of them. Around her were a flurry of motion, two princesses and one prince getting up, either bolting from the room or sending quick fire scrolls.
Adagio registered that she was wobbling. Actually no, she was being wobbled. Sunset appeared before her face, her lips were moving, but she could hear no sound.
Her brain finally deciphered the words, and she screamed. Accidentally triggering her siren magic, her voice reached pitches beyond normal hearing and shattered every window in a hundred foot radius.
The sounds of the world came back to her, and she heard Sunset crying into her shoulder. This unnerved her as Sunset was usually the strong one. A glance around the room revealed that only Celestia was left, and she flicked her head in a ‘follow me’ motion, something Adagio was more than happy to oblige.
Hallways went by in a blur, and she pulled Sunset with her after Celestia, and they soon found themselves in the castle’s war-room. “Princess, what is going on?”
Celestia sighed. “From all accounts, a unicorn mare dressed as one of the castle maids was seen abducting both young Splendid and Sunny, and she vanished before the Guards could intervene.” There was a pregnant pause, and Sunny and Adagio hung onto each other, waiting for the rest of the bad news. “Furthermore, my son has since gone missing.”
With a renewed vigor, Sunset moved into her ex-mentors face. “Then why in Tartarus are we in here and not out there looking for them? Do you not care?”
Celestia sneered, and pushed her back with a hoof. “Do not even begin to question the love I have for my family, direct, expanded or otherwise.” She lowered her neck and nose to nose with Sunset. “I will turn this mountain upside down if I need to, but I'm not sure Canterlot‘s citizens would be too happy about me doing that. So as much as I would love to be out there myself, as Twilight is, I am here instead, coordinating the Royal Guard as we put the city on lockdown.”
Sunset backed down, her eyes splayed out sideways. “I'm sorry Princess, I just…”
Celestia silenced her by pulling her into a hug. “I know you're scared, I am too, but I have complete faith that we will find them.”
Adagio put a hoof on Celestia’s shoulder. “Is there anything we can do to help?”
“Neigh. Twilight is out over Canterlot, scanning with her magic, and Luna has gone to search the dream realm, should they be asleep. The Guard have shut the gates, and Prince Blueblood has gathered the Navy to watch the skies. I can’t think of anything else you could do, other than supporting each other, “Celestia sniffed a little, “and me.” She immediately found herself wrapped in two sets of hooves.
Well, Kept hefted the two fillies onto her back again. Each was bound and wearing a magic suppressor. She sneezed lightly as she made her way down the narrow passageway, and halted for a moment as she heard ponies go by on the other side of the wall.
The entrance was right where she had remembered it, but from the dust inside, she guessed that the passageway hadn’t seen use in years. Chances were, she had been the last soul to use them.
Even though she knew the way, it was slow going, she hadn’t actually considered the weight of two young foals. Taking another breather, she inspected what would to anyone else look like random marks, but to her was a map. Two lefts, a right, and three flights of stairs, and she would reach a room safe enough to hide her hostages. Taking a deep breath, she set out to finish the trip.
What felt like an hour later, she approached a heavy wooden door. It was locked, but she knew the magic to open it. She pushed it open, finding it in a similar condition to every other time she had been here; filthy, and filled with distasteful contraptions, but it would suit her purposes fine.
Brushing aside some of the items, she deposited the fillies in the corner and used her magic to light some of the torches. She regretted it immediately, the light too bright after spending so long in dark tunnels. Adjusting the brightness, she looked around the room. Every bench, table, Tartarus sent contraption brought back memories she thought long since forgotten - memories she would have preferred to stay forgotten.
Rather than burning everything like she wanted to, she used her magic to move everything not bolted down across the room and covered what she could with a tarp. Happy that the room was now usable, and as foal-friendly as one could make it, she reached for her saddlebags.
One to realise she hadn’t brought them. Groaning, she made her way out of the door, locked it, and headed back the way she had come.
In the corner of the room, the two fillies shifted, and a whisper was emitted; “Sunny… I think she’s gone.”
“Sunny… I think she’s gone.” Whispered Splendid as she squinted.
Sunny was frozen in place though and she felt her voice tighten in her throat.
Splendid turned to her, “Sunny?” Sunny sat in the corner, rocking back and forwards. “Sunny?!” Splendid shuffled over and nudged her. “Sunny, talk to me!”
Sunny looked straight ahead and whispered frightened, “I—I’m scared, Splendid.”
Eyes wide, Splendid looked at her friend. Through all this, she had never considered Sunny would take this differently to her. Like her, Sunny was no usual thirteen year old - but she was still a child. She looked around, and down at her bonds. The ropes that held her forelegs had come loose in transit. Snagging the ropes on her horn, she wiggled her way out.
She untied herself, and then hurried over to Sunny, untying her quickly, and pulling her into a tight hug. She rocked her, slowly, and stroked her mane, waiting for her to say something. “Please be ok.” Tears started in the corner of her eyes.
Sunny shifted, then hesitated, before shifting again. She spun around on her haunches, her forelegs moving to return the hug, but she slipped on the ropes at her hooves. Lurching forwards instead, she knocked Splendid onto her back. Unable to stop herself, Sunny came to rest on Splendid’s chest, their muzzles pressed together at the lips.
Both fillies stared into each other’s eyes, before they both looked away, a crimson blush on both their faces. Sunny pulled back, still not able to look at her.
Splendid coughed. “Are…” Her face went flush again. “Are you better now?”
Sunny just nodded, keeping her eyes to the ground.
“Well, if you’re sure.” Splendid looked around. “I’m going to look around. Do you want to stick with me?” Sunny nodded her head. “Ok.” Splendid waited for Sunny to shuffle over to her, and pressed up against her side, before moving across to the nearest tarp.
She tried lifting it with her hoof, but she couldn’t lift it high enough to see. The tarp looked dirty, so she didn’t want to lift it with her mouth. But then there was a flash, and in front of her eyes, a sparkling teal cloud holding the tarp up. She turned to see Sunny, a metal ring on her overturned hoof, and her horn glowing.
“But how? I haven’t managed to do that yet! And I’m the one with parents from here!” Splendid alternated from impressed to jealous.
Sunny shrugged. “...I’m not sure how, to be honest.”
Splendid deadpanned. “Really? Ugh.” She reached up and removed her own suppression ring. Grunting, she tried to lift more of the tarp with Sunny. Her horn flashed purple, but fizzled out, leaving Splendid panting, out of breath. “I just don’t get it.” She wheezed.
Splendid didn’t have it in her to try again, instead gripping the tarp that Sunny was still holding aloft. She pulled it away, revealing the contraption beneath. Her eyes went wide. “This look like some sort of torture device.” Splendid looked at Sunny, who was just as mortified. The pair screamed.
Well Kept made her way back through the maze of corridors until she approaches the entrance she used. Walking up to the wooden door, she slowed down, as she could hear the slight clip-clop of hooves on the other side.
Holding her breath, she approached the spy hole and took a look through. On the other side, she spied a small white colt, pacing back and forth. “I know she came in here, but where did she go?”
Well Kept smirked, this could work in her favour. She pressed the latch to open the door but kept herself pressed against the wall, her body hidden in shadow.
“I knew it, haha, I knew it.” Solar Spark jumped for joy and waited as the bookcase he had been staring at swung open. Peering inside, he squinted, but couldn’t see anything, so he edged forward. He was just about to cross into the darkness, when a blue magic bolt struck him in the head, knocking him unconscious.
Well Kept walked out into the open, smirking. She quickly secured the colt, placing him in a recess a little way down the tunnel, before she headed back to the entrance. She needed supplies, and to leave her note.
Twilight pushed the doors open and entered the war room. She looked exhausted, her feathers askew and her hair wet and matted. The ponies in the room looked at her hopefully.
“I’m sorry everyone. I couldn’t detect them with my magic anywhere.” Sunset and Adagio fell back against one another, whilst Celestia moved around the table and drew Twilight into a hug. “What about the others?”
“Guard Captain Resolute reported back about five minutes ago. Nopony was seen leaving the castle around the time they went missing, or since, and the border guards have successfully stopped ground traffic. No one matched their description.”
“What of the Navy?”
“We are still waiting for Blueblood to report in, but…” The door creaked, and in trotted the stallion in question. Again, everypony looked over.
“The navy reports no sighting, and nopony has been able to leave by air.” Everypony in the room deflated again, but Blueblood coughed. “But there has been a development you need to deal with.”
“Spit it out!” Adagio yelled.
Blueblood looked momentarily annoyed, but he schooled his expression. “In our crisis, we seem to have forgotten that we were expecting a delegation from the Dragonlands today.” Celestia blinked, searching her mind before she finally remembered, and a spark of recognition passed through her features. “Yes, that one. It also seems that nopony else remembered because nopony informed the Dragons of the situation. As it stands, Dragon Lord Ember and her entourage are just outside the city walls, asking to be permitted.”
“Tits.” The white alicorn muttered.
“Celestia!” Twilight admonished her, giving her a clip around the head with her wing. “Blueblood, please, let them in. Have them escorted straight here; I shall inform them of the situation, and hope they don’t mind waiting till this is over. I’m sure Spike can help keep her busy.” Celestia and Sunset both snorted, Twilight breaking out in a grin.
“Will do,” Blueblood said through his smirk, before leaving the room.
Well Kept made her way through the halls of the castle, doing her best to stay unnoticed. She passed at least three sets of guards before she made it to her objective - the castle kitchens.
Slipping inside, she found the kitchens to be mildly deserted, but given the late hour, she had expected and hoped for this. She moved around the cupboards collecting food and bottles of water, as much as she could easily carry.
As she was getting ready to leave, she passed by the desert preparation room, and she spotted a tray of freshly made cakes. Specifically, Princess Celestia’s favourite cakes. A smile spread over her lips.
She pulled a scroll out of her saddlebags, a list of her demands that she had written earlier, and placed it on the serving trolley that would no doubt soon be on its way to the princesses. That solved her mailing problem.
Passing back into the main kitchen, Well Kept grabbed a gravy boat and went to to the cakes. She made a small hole in the top of Celestia’s favourite and poured the gravy in. She may have cackled lightly, before she slipped away again, still unnoticed.
The beginnings to one's destiny
Splendid and Sunny huddled together in the corner, trying to push themselves as far from the ‘torture’ device as possible. They had been like this for a good ten minutes when they heard the tell tail clip clop of someone approaching. Thinking fast, Sunny slipped the magic suppressors back over their horns.
The door swung open, and their foalnapper walked in, Prince Solar splayed across her back. Splendid felt her hackles rising. Not only had this strange mare abducted her and her best friend, but she had the gall to hurt her newest friend too. As the mare looked at the corner she expected to find two bound fillies in, Splendid charged her, horn first.
Hearing but not quite understanding, the mare looked around, and her eye grew wide as she spotted the yellow missile. Unfortunately for Splendid, she was a quick caster, and she soon found a magical barrier between them. Unable to stop herself, she hit the barrier at full speed, bouncing off and ragdoll across the room.
“Noooo!” Sunny shouted as she ran across to her best friend. She reached her, pushing her with her forehooves. Blood was running from Splendid’s nose, and she didn’t respond to the jostling.
Sunny felt warm, and her vision tinged blue before she felt herself become weightless, and lifted off the ground. Spinning slowly, she saw Splendid was also floating, wrapped in blue magic.
“Stupid foal, you are as bad as your father.” She looked over at Sunny, “I’m not sure how you pair escaped, those ropes were imbued with a magic stealing spell. It should have made you feel as weak as glass.” She levitated the three foals to together.
“At least this room is as magic proof as I remember.” She dropped her saddlebags off and moved to the side of the room. Hitting an unassuming stone brick, a small hiss was heard, and a bed slid out from a false wall. “There is food and drink here, and a bed there. Ensure those two eat when they wake up, you three might need all the strength you can get - you might have an extended stay.” She smiled down at Sunny, who sat and stared back with wide, scared eyes, before she turned and left again, locking them in.
Ember yawned, and stretched out her arms, the sound of popping joints greeting her. Spike had made for great company, but after such a long trip, she just needed to rest. Sensing this, Spike stood up from his chair and walked over to her. He held out his arm, allowing Ember to pull herself up before he took her claw in his and kissed it. “My Lord.”
Ember went beet red, and Spike burst out laughing. Fuming slightly, she hatched her own idea. “It’s such a shame you passed the title on to me you know Spike,” she walked around him, swaying her hips slightly, “If you were my lord, you could’ve made me do anything you wanted.” She batted her eyelids and bumped him with her hips.
Spike fell over, taking his turn to be beet root red, and sputtered out half words. Ember laughed at him now, before she headed out to her assigned room. As a visiting dignitary, she was given one of the rooms near the Royal Apartments.
Getting a little lost, she ended up approaching from the wrong side of the castle, now thinking that turning her guide into a puddle might not have been the best idea. She passed the rooms for the princesses first and moved on down the corridor. As she passed the rooms for the extended royal family, a maid burst out of a room, her outfit slightly ruffled on the back.
She quirked an eyebrow, but decided it was none of her business, and finished the journey to her room, crashing onto her bed, and falling asleep straight away.
Sunset and Adagio sat still holding onto each other. It had been twelve hours since their daughter and charge had gone missing. Despite reassurances from Celestia, they were on the verge of panic. Celestia herself wasn’t faring much better, but she was doing better than Twilight; her mane stuck out in all directions, and she paced back and forward.
Celestia had decided to employ her ‘go to’ tactic for dealing with stress, and had ordered an entire cart of desserts to be made and brought up. As if on cue, the doors to the war room opened, and a mare backed in, pulling a cart with her teeth. She bowed to the princesses and left without saying a word.
Smiling, Celestia moved over the cart. She walked over to the cart, she definitely did not run, Twilight lies. Reaching out, she thought better and turned to the others in the room. “Please, everyone help yourselves.” The other ponies headed over, also seeking the sweet release of cake.
Celestia picked up a knife in her magic, holding it high with an almost maniacal grin on her muzzle. She brought the knife down, cutting into the large bake in the very centre. As she pressed the knife down, a brown liquid squirted out of the cut, and she screamed.
The others bolted the rest of the distance, Twilight catching her marefriend as she almost dropped. “Celestia, what is it?” Struggling, she waved a weak foreleg at the cake.
“Gravy…” she whispered.
Twilight looked over at the cake and saw the brown liquid oozing out from the cut. Rolling her eyes, she dropped Celestia to the floor. “And I thought Rarity was bad.”
“Twilight?” She looked over to Sunset, who was pointing behind the cake. “There’s a scroll on the cart.” It was swiftly lifted in a purple aura and floated across.
“For her Royal Highness.” Twilight read the scroll’s edge. She looked vexed. “But which one?” The looks she got from the other in the room made her flinch. “What?! I don’t mean me, I meant Luna!” A chorus of ‘oh yeah’ went around the room, much to Celestia’s annoyance.
Sitting up, the white alicorn took the scroll, broke the seal, and unfurled the scroll.
“Princess Celestia, Princess Twilight, and their guests.
Your foals are unharmed, alive and well, but if you ever want to see them again, you will meet the following demands;
Prince Blueblood must renounce his title, his lands, and his military rank. Princess Celestia must then banish him from Equestria Both must be done publicly.
Fail to meet these demands in the next twenty-four hours, and you will never see your beloved foals again.
Yours, A mare scorned”
Celestia dropped the letter, her jaw wide, tears starting to appear in her eyes. The four parents in the room could not bring themselves to do anything until the sound of hooves on stone made them look to the doorway, where Blueblood was already half way out.
“Bluey!” Celestia shouted, “Where are you going?”
Pulling his head back into the room, he looked at his aunt. His face was ashen, his mouth a thin line. He starred her directly in the eyes. “I’m going to go set up the press conference, and pack up my room.”
He got his head back out of the room before magic pulled him back in. He found himself wrapped in a pair of white wings and surrounded by four mares.
His aunt was too busy crying to make any sounds resembling words, but Sunset and Adagio pulled his head around to look at them. “Blueblood, why? You have already done more for us then we could ask for, why would you throw your life away for us?”
Blueblood sighed. “Not only does that mare have my cousin and your daughter, but she has the closest thing to a brother and a daughter I will ever have.”
A fresh wail erupted from Celestia, and a new wave of tears joined it, prompting Twilight to pull her into a hug. Sunset and Adagio looked stunned and confused. “I… What?”
“It’s complicated and personal, but I think it’s safe to tell you.” Twilight looked to Blueblood, who nodded his consent. “Before I discovered the spell that allowed Celestia to conceive, she believed that she could never bare a child.” Sunset and Adagio both flinched.
“She became Bluebloods legal guardian when he was so young. I think you can guess the rest. Needless to say, he is essentially her, our? Son.” The mares nodded to her, and Blueblood sniffed loudly. “Since Solar came along, rather than feel excluded, Blueblood has played the role of his big brother.”
“I get that,” Adagio said. “What about the part about our daughter?” She sounded a little angry.
“Apologise, I meant no offense.” He took a deep breath. “During my fourth year in the Navy, I was the victim of an unfortunate accident. I was helping repair the engine on our airship when a mana line blew. I took a concentrated burst of magic between the legs.” Blueblood cast his gaze at the floor, and both Sunset and Adagio’s faces became tinted with green.
“The long lasting outcome of which is my inability to sire foals, not even the magic of the Princesses can help me there.” He lifted his head, and looked about the war room, before pointing at some of the paintings in the room. “Many of my ancestors were great Generals, many great politicians. What pains me isn’t that I took so long before I made something of myself, but that I will be the last in the line - Princess Platinum’s bloodline dies with me. So in the end I still failed.
But that doesn’t answer your question, does it?” Smirking at Adagio, he watched her, her train of thought almost visible on her face, ending in a frown. “I hope you’ll forgive a world-weary stallion for his fantasies, but your arrival here got me thinking. Splendid is not my child, but from what Twilight tells me, our portal opposites are genetically the same, so she carries my blood regardless.”
“Bluey, what are you saying?” Celestia had stopped crying, and now her tone was accusatory.
Sucking in a breath, he turned to face Splendid parents. “I had hoped to have more time, time for you to warm up to me, and time for me to get to know you. But now seems as good a time as any. I was going to ask to legally adopt you three into my family so that Splendid could carry on my line, and you would get a life of luxury as an apology for my actions.”
The room was filled with stunned silence. “But now I will happily give up everything I have to see those foals safe again. If you’ll excuse me, I have a room to pack.”
He tried to make for the door again, but this time found four mares blocking his way.
Splendid stood sentinel, watching over Sunny and Solar. After Splendid had woken up, Sunny explained what had happened, and then the mare had come back.
She made sure they ate, and then sent them to bed, erecting a magical barrier down the middle of the room, and taking her own bed on the far side.
So Splendid sat there, content to stay awake in case the mare tried something in their sleep. But her eyelids felt heavy, and she had dealt with a very trying day. Before she knew it, she was slipping off to sleep herself, the wards on the room stopping her dreams being found by Princess Luna.
As Splendid succumbed to the sand mare, her subconsciousness began to itch, and the last thing she did before her slumber was to pull off the magic suppressor from her horn.
And as her consciousness gave out, her horn started to glow.
the passing of twelve hours.
Dragon Lord Ember was irritated. She had gone to bed exhausted, looking forward to a good long rest. But she had woken up after only a few hours, the clock on the wall listing it as roughly three in the morning.
If that wasn’t bad enough, she was now wrestling with a piercing headache. Burying her head in the pillows, she tossed and turned, but she could not get comfortable at all, the headache unrelenting.
Her frustration boiling over, she grabbed her pillow and tossed it into the air in front of her, aiming her mouth so she could incinerate it. She opened her jaw to unleash the fire but stopped short at the pain in her skull vanished in less than a second.
“Hello?”
Ember blinked. She could have sworn she just heard someone speak.
“Hello? Can you hear me?”
Now she had definitely heard someone. She sat up and scanned the room. Not a soul in sight.
“Please say something, please!”
Ember spun around, unable to locate the origin of the voice. “Who are you?” She said to the empty room. She heard crying, and a voice now thick with tears answered her.
“I’m Splendid”
“Wait wait wait.” Ember put a claw to her head, and closed her eyes, not comprehending what was going on. “Do you mean Splendid as in the one everyone is searching for?”
“Yeah. Me, Sunny and Solar.”
Ember dropped down on her bed. ‘How in Tartarus is this happening’ , She thought to herself.
“I don’t know.”
Ember gasped, and started coughing. ’You can hear my thoughts?’
“Yes?”
She clasped her claws over her face and blew out a sigh. ’And I thought meeting Pinkie Pie was the weirdest thing I’d ever experience.’ She heard a giggle from Splendid. ’We’ll worry about the how later; do you know where you are?’
“No.” Ember rolled her eyes, cursing her luck. “But the stones look the same as the castle.” Sitting bolt upright, Ember knew that was probably the best lead they had.
’I’m going to go tell your parents. Do you think you can keep this up?’
“What?” The voice came through so much quieter this time, almost a whisper.
’Splendid can you hear me?’ All she got back was an inaudible murmur. And then, what felt like a presence, left her head. Whatever the link, it seemed to have gone, but Ember had a mission. She ran to her door, threw it open, and bolted down the corridor.
Splendid jolted awake, her horn throbbing from how violently the mare had forced the suppression ring back on.
“What were you doing?!” The mare towered over her prone form.
“What?” she croaked, her mouth dry and her brain hazy.
“What magic were you casting in your sleep?”
Splendid’s mind caught up with her, and she remembered everything. Her eyes shot wide, before she reigned her expression in, and answered truthfully. “I don’t know.”
The mare furrowed her brows for a few seconds before she accepted the answer. “It doesn’t matter anyway, this room is warded against every type of known magic. The bastard was thorough to his credit.” The mare walked back to the other side of the room and re-erected the barrier. “Go back to sleep.”
Splendid took a drink of water from the bedside and did as was asked.
Ember burst into the war room to find a very peculiar sight. In the middle of the largest seat, Prince Blueblood sat upright, unmoving. Sleeping around him, and up against him was four mares, each sleeping with a serene look. Had anypony from the media witnessed this moment, the scandal would have hit the Six am paper in a few hours.
As it was, Ember just took one look at the clearly uncomfortable stallion sandwiched in the middle and burst out laughing harder than she had in awhile. Hitting the floor, she started to roll around, her laughter loud enough that Bluebloods ‘harem’, as she would come to call this memory, began to stir.
Sunset was the first to wake properly, her brain short-circuiting when she saw a dragon rolling around on the floor.
“Huh?” was all she could muster.
Soon the other three mares joined her in consciousness, staring at their new living rug. When Ember finally regained some composure, she coughed a bit and stood up.
“I’m sorry, but it looked so much like BB here had his own harem,” She laughed again, still unable to get the image from her head. Adagio, Sunset, Twilight and Celestia all went varying shades of red, which only caused Ember to keep going.
Blueblood had spent the last few minutes trying to get his body to work, blood having been cut off from his limbs, not that he’d ever call any of them heavy to their face. Free to move around, he walked over to ember and placed a hoof on her shoulder.
“As funny as this is, and however good a tale this will make for the future, what brings you here now, at this hour?”
The smile drained from Embers expression, the mirth leaving her made her visibly deflate.
“I come bearing news. I have spoken to Splendid…”
“WHAT?” Embers ears rang for a moment, and she was unable to tell who out of the five had been the loudest. Once the ringing stopped, she noticed the looks she was getting, and put her claws up defensively.
“Calm down - no, I haven’t actually seen her,” the looks around the room grew skeptical, “But she has spoken to me.”
“What in tartarus do you mean by that?” Adagio moved closer, but Sunset held her back. For the first time, Ember realised that Adagio was not a pony like the others, and her eyes widened slightly.'
“I don’t see what that has to do with any…” Sunset burst out, before being interrupted.
“That has everything to do with it!” Ember growled. Five confused faces greeted her. “Do you know nothing of your heritage?” She turned to the princesses in the room. “Do neither of you?” Everypony present shook their head.
Ember took a breath, held it for a second, then let it out. “The short version is that you, Adagio, are a Siren. And Sirens can trace their ancestry back to the intercoupling of three races; Ponies, the now extinct Sea Ponies, and Dragons.”
“Which means?” Blueblood asked.
“Splendid contains that make up too. And she was made using one of the most powerful bloodlines in Pony history. That’s a potent mix.”
“And what does this have to do with the current situation?” Celestia inquired, both her and Twilight’s faces showing their love of learning.
Ember turned to Sunset and Adagio. “My father taught me stories of past heroes, who had great gifts. I believe your daughter has the gift of dragon whispering.”
Ember had expected a more animated response and opposed to five blank looks.
“She spoke directly into my mind, and we held a conversation.” Ember deadpanned.
A chorus of acknowledgement was heard before Sunset spoke. “Cool.”
Celestia coughed. “What did she tell you, Ember?”
“She said she didn’t know where she was, but the stones looked just like the ones this castle is made of.”
‘CRACK’
Five sets of eyes jumped to look at Twilight, her head buried in the table she had just head-butted. Groaning, Twilight removed her head, and the table collapsed. She kept her head down.
“Celestia; we checked the wards around the castle didn’t we, to see who had entered or exited around the time frame?
“Of course, we did. Why?” Celestia cocked an eyebrow.
“What if they never left?”
Blueblood had chosen the wrong moment to get a drink, a piece of art on the wall now ruined.
Celestia’s horn lit and a red light on the wall began flashing, the silent alarm having been triggered.
Twelve hours had passed since her letter had been taken to the Princess, but nothing had happened yet. From the few scouting runs she had made, it didn’t look as if anything was going to happen.
She had threatened their children, something she was sure would make them grant her demands. But it hadn’t. A chilling thought entered her mind - what if they don’t? Would she really be willing to harm three foals, just to spite Blueblood? What he had done to her was evil, but would she have to become evil to get even?
Well Kept shook those thoughts from her mind and slinked her way back to the secret tunnel.
Celestia stood with her sister, looking down at the most detailed blueprints of their castle they had ever scene. Around the table, ponies in armor stood viewing the map with them. The silent alarm had rallied the commanders of both the castle guard, and military branches, and they had come to the war room to discusses the plan.
Coordinating together, the castle was being swept from top to bottom, but it was being done discreetly. A show of force would only let the foalnapper know they were onto them. As it was, guards were conducting their sweeps in pairs, and sticking to the normal patrolling schedule. At the same time, guards disguised as maids and servants conducted more thorough searches.
The only high ranking military member not at the table was Blueblood. He was sitting away from the group, hoof on his chin and deep in thought. He had the mares letter in his other hoof, and something about it was nagging at him, but he couldn’t place it.
He was so engrossed, he jumped when he felt a hoof on his withers. He turned to find Twilight chuckling at him. He saw the letter in his hoof, and misread the situation, thinking it was just him being worried for the foals.
“Don’t worry, we’ll find them.”
Blueblood sighed. “It’s not that Twilight. I have a feeling that this is all because of me, and these demands seem to confirm that. But what’s worse, is that I can swear I recognise the hoofwriting.”
Twilight hummed in thought. “I hate to dredge it up, but could it be somepony you hurt, back before, you know…?”
“I thought about that, but I can’t remember hurting anypony that … badly… Shit.”
Twilight looked on, ready to hear what had caused Blueblood to swear.
“It all makes so much sense now; how she got in, and where she went, even down to her choice to foalnap.” He turned back to Twilight. “Gather your wife, sister-in-law, and the other two, and meet me in the royal wing.” He started to walk out. “Now that I remember what I did, perhaps I should forfeit my title.” He disappeared around the door, leaving a confused and concerned purple alicorn.
Well Kept was now extremely worried, and getting anxious. Splendid could see it on her face as she walked back and forth across the room, and she kept glancing over at them.
Behind her, Sunny and Solar were keeping themselves occupied. Sunny had managed to get their captor to give her paper and a quill, so she used the time to work on some of her story ideas. Splendid didn’t know how she could do that at a time like this, but she was glad they no longer felt too scared.
Taking advantage of the fact the mare was distracted, Splendid lay down behind the other two, and slipped her horn ring off. The other two smiled, happy in the knowledge of what she was trying to do, and they shifted to hide her head from view.
A faint glow came to her horn, and her awareness slipped out, moving across a void of black before a mote of light was found. Focusing on it, she closed the distance, and made the mental equivalent of knocking on a door. The knocks were answered, and she felt her consciousness brush up against another.
“Ember?”
“Huh?”
“Ember is that you, it’s Splendid.”
The other being felt confused. “No, this is Spike, and why are you in my head?”
Splendid giggled. “Sorry Spike, wrong number?”
“What? How did you even…” Splendid pulled back mentally, disconnecting from Spike.
Back in the void, she began searching for Ember again, but was overcome by a wave of nausea. Reeling, she woke up, sweating bullets. She noticed Sunny and Solar’s terrified eyes before she saw the mare above her.
Gulping, she quickly found herself hoisted up in a field of magic, and carted across the room. The mare dropped her unceremoniously in the corner, and she landed with an ‘oompf’.
The horn suppression ring was forced back on, and the mare tied her legs up, before leveling an angry glare at her.
“Take it off one more time, and I’ll have to take your horn.” The mare was reaching the end of her tether, and the lack of sleep was getting to her. The blood drained from Splendid’s face, not even wanting to consider what the mare had threatened.
“Now, who were you talking to?”
“No one.”
‘Thwack’. The mare gave Splendid a backhoof across the muzzle, causing Splendid to whimper. Across the room, Solar held Sunny as she couldn’t bare to watch.
“You were talking in your sleep, and your horn was lit.” She waved her forehoof in the air again. “Don’t make me ask you twice.”
“Spike. I-I was talking to Spike.”
“You talked to the Princess’s pet lizard? How?”
“I- I don’t know. I can just, I mean, my mind can leave my body, and I can find others.”
The mare pushed her muzzle forward, crushing Splendid’s back. Teeth bared, and fire in her eyes, she growled out.
“What others?”
“Dr… Dragons. I can talk to Dragons.”
The mare burst out laughing. She cackled, and fell onto her haunches. Taking a few moments to control herself, she looked over at Splendid.
“You really are mad, aren’t you? Telling a tale of a world through a portal, now saying you can talk to dragons?” She chuckled again. “You really are a basket case. No wonder they haven’t tried to rescue you yet.”
She knew the words weren't true, and she knew they were searching for her, but it still cut deep. Still a child by most accounts, the fact it had been over eighteen hours had started to feed into those little doubts in her mind. Unable to help herself, she broke down in tears.
On the other side of the room, Sunny thrashed against the magic barrier, trying to get to her friend, her own tears hitting the floor. The mare cast a disappointed look at them all, before huffing, and leaving the room, needing air.
Once again, Blueblood found himself surrounded by mares. All three of his aunts, Sunset, Adagio and Dragon Lord Ember formed a semicircle around him on the plush carpet of Luna’s bed chambers.
“Before I begin, please remember that this was the old me. I don’t mean that it will absolve me of my actions, but please remember that I have changed.”
His audience all nodded, varying degrees of smiles crossing their faces. “In my youth, I had many a tryst with members of the castle staff. My self centred plot-hole of a pony thought that it was a game, with the goal of seducing as many of the servants as possible.” The looks around him soured, but he knew worse was to come.
“Often I would coerce them, using my power to force them into it, threatening them with their job security. Some did it willingly of course, but they never wanted a repeat performance, my style a bit too heavy hoofed.”
His family blanched, Celestia going somewhat green. “But there was one. One of the maids assigned to clean my room enjoyed it, and we held a relationship in secret for almost two years.” Blueblood sighed, unable to look at the others. “By that point, she told me she loved me. At the time, I didn’t care; all she was to me was a bit of fun.”
He gulped, still unable to meet the eyes of anypony in the room. “Then one day, she came to me with the biggest smile on her face. When I questioned her, she told me she was pregnant, and that it was mine.
And I know it now, but not back then, that I made the biggest mistake of my life.” Sweat was now pouring from Blueblood, his legs were shaking and his head was low. “I told her she was nothing to me. I told her that the foal wasn’t mine, and that if she told anyone that it was, I would have her beaten. Then I had her fired, and I haven’t been able to locate her since.”
Collapsing to the floor, the stallion let the tears fall. “I ruined her life, and probably the life of her foal too. I was an evil pony, and she is right, I deserve to be banished from Equestria.”
He felt something touch his back, fearing for a moment that somepony had come to strike him. Opening his eyes, he found feathers of white, blue, and purple stretched out over him. Blinking at his unofficial mother, all he could muster was “Why?”
“Bluey.” Celestia nuzzled his head. “What you did was horrible, but you are right, that isn’t you anymore. Ever since you learnt the error of your ways, you have worked hard to set things right. Not only have you served your country, but you’ve gone out of your way to track down some of those you had hurt. Even those you didn’t technically, like Adagio here. You’ve tried to make up for your dimensional counterpart, and I couldn’t be more proud of the stallion you have become.” She pulled him into a hug, wings and all.
Ruining the moment, the doors burst open, and Spike ran in, “There you are! You’ll never believe what just happened!”
Ember walked over and elbowed him. “Let me guess, Splendid spoke to you in your head.” Spike's jaw hit the floor, and Ember giggled, before pushing it closed. “She visited me earlier. It would seem her powers are growing fast.”
A thestral guard walked in the open door. “Your Highnesses. Princess Luna, you summoned me?”
“Captain Dead Eye, thank you for coming. We need the ward index checking. An ex-staff member entered the castle on the day of the party, and we don’t think they have left. Can you look into it?”
“At once your highness,” he said, bowing and leaving the room.
The mare had left a few minutes ago, and still Sunny thumped away at the barrier. But each time, no response came from Splendid.
“Sunny, stop!” Prince Solar pulled her backwards, “You’re going to crack your hooves. Chances are she made it sound proof.”
She pulled free, and hit the barrier again, but Splendid still didn’t look up. Crying, Sunny gave in, and crawled back over to Solar, who pulled her into a hug. “I’m sure she’s fine.”
Sunny hoped she was, but seeing Splendid hurt made her feel hurt too, and she settled down, watching Splendid’s prone form, waiting for her to get up.
Not ten minutes had passed, and Captain Dead Eye came running back into the room.
“You were right your Highness. An ex-maid by the name of Well Kept entered the castle, and has yet to leave.”
“That’s her.” All eyes turned to Blueblood. “That’s her, I remember it now.”
Celestia laid a hoof on his shoulders. “Do you remember anything else that might help us find her? Somewhere only she would know?”
Blueblood’s face went scarlet, and he nodded. “Yes, there is such a place, but none of you are going to like it.”
Luna strode over to her nephew. “Now Bluey, I have been alive for millennia, I doubt you could have anything to upset me.”
“I’d rather not, at least in present company.”
“Nephew, now is not the time to be coi. Pray tell, where and what is this place?”
“Auntie Luna, I don’t want to say it in front of everyone.” Blueblood was starting to get agitated, his blood pressure rising.
Luna wasn’t impressed with his tone, and spoke in a voice approaching the Royal Canterlot standard. “And I don’t care what you do or don’t, tell us this instant.”
“FINE - THEY ARE LIKELY IN MY SEX DUNGEON!” Blueblood screamed, stunning everypony else in the room, “ARE YOU HAPPY NOW?
Luna’s shock quickly melted into a smile. “Very.”
Blueblood blinked, taken aback by her quick recovery.
“Come now nephew, I walked the dream world, you think I haven’t seen far worse than that? So mush mush; show us the way.”
Well Kept was angry. It wasn’t supposed to go like this. When she had planned it out, she had accounted for a great many outcomes, but never had she considered that they would do nothing.
And then to top it off, when she finally had a chance to get back at him, his foal turns out to be a nutcase, unable to provide any real information. She silently fumed as she made her way towards the tunnel exit, having decided that she wanted a drink, a hard drink.
Working her way back through the maze, she was starting to feel the effects of both a lack of sleep and food, along with the justified feeling of paranoid. As she approached the hidden door, she began to hear voices, at least four, that much she could tell. Moving quietly again, she looked through the spy hole.
On the other side, there was three princesses, one prince, two dragons and two more parents. “Buck buck buck buck buck.” Well Kept swore to herself. She didn’t know how they had tracked her here, but it didn’t matter, she needed an escape plan.
Turning, she threw caution to the wind and ran back the way she had come.
“Are you telling me you there is a secret tunnel system, in my castle, and I don’t know about it?”
Blueblood looked up at his aunt. She sounded a little miffed, so he decided to play it safe.
“I don’t know how it got there, but yes.” He hummed in thought. “It actually connects to quite a few of the rooms, but I personally blocked most of them off. At the time I wanted to keep it a secret.”
“And one of the exits is hidden in here. This all seems a little far-fetched…” Celestia stopped talking. Hers, Luna’s, and Twilight’s ears perked up, swiveling. “Do you two hear that?”
“Aye sister,” Luna agreed, “I just heard what sound like somepony running, behind that wall.”
Sunset, Adagio, Spike and Ember looked at Twilight questioningly. She blushed, rubbing her forehooves and looking at the floor, “Alicorn hearing.”
Blueblood approached a bookcase. “Now I know there was a hidden lever somewhere around …”
His word died in his throat, as the bookcase in question was ripped from the wall, surrounded by a magical aura.
Everyone stared at Celestia, who had the decency to look bashful. “What? She’s had my son for twenty hours. I need to hug him.” Twilight walk up and kissed her deeply, causing the rest to groan.
“Come, into the tunnels, before my sister gives us all nightmares, ones that I refuse to help with.” Luna strode into the revealed passageway, her night vision making her the perfect leader.
They walked for a few hundred yards, before they came across a four-way junction, two of the turns becoming stairs.
“Nephew, which way through this maze?”
“Erm, let me think. Hmmmm. Aha. Up this flight, and the next, then down two on the other end, a left, then a right, then another left, another right. That leads to another junction where the maze has letters marking the passages, a-d. I think it is a ‘b’, then ‘a’.”
Luna raised an eyebrow at him. “Up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, b, a, stop?”
“That sounds about right, yeah.”
Happy with their route, the group set off, following behind luna. They kept the power of their horns low so that it wouldn’t affect Luna’s ability to see in the dark.
The door swung open, and the mare came barreling through, slamming it behind her. Sunny could hear her swearing under her breath, and she was scrambling around gathering her items.
Sunny smiled; the only reason the mare would be this panicked was that she had been found out, and rescue was likely on the way. But the smile fell away as her gaze swept back over Splendid, who still hadn’t moved.
Solar came and joined her by the barrier. “Tartarus, stone, or the Moon?”
“What?” Sunny spun her head to look at him.
“Which punishment do you think my mothers will give her.” He pointed at the mare, “Sent to Tartarus, imprisoned in stone, or sent to the Moon?”
Sunny giggled. “You mean if Sunset and Adagio don’t get her first?”
He nodded. “In that case, I hope she gets sent to the moon. I hear it’s nice this time of year.” The pair descended into giggles.
“Would you two shut the buck up!” Startled, they found the mare inches from them, on the other side of the barrier. “You think this is funny, do you? ‘Cause I don’t. If they try and breach this room I’m going to have to do something drastic, and that won’t be a laughing matter.”
Emitting a low whine, Sunny and Solar moved away from the barrier again, keeping their distance, and the mare went back to collecting her things.
‘BANG BANG BANG’, the door rattled.
“IN THE NAME OF ME, OPEN UP!”
Solar turned to the door, “Mother?”
“‘In the name of me?’ Seriously?” Twilight deadpanned.
“Look, everypony else gets to justify things in my name, why can’t I?”
“Ughh.” Twilight face-hoofed, her wife antics getting to her. “Look, just focus on getting that door open.” She looked back to Blueblood. “Tell me again how, and why, you have a room even I can’t just break into.”
“When I found this place, the inside made it look like a vault of some sort. It was already pretty strong then, magically, and at the time I had a keen interest on magical locks, and keeping various activities hidden. So I may have added a few bits and pieces.”
“Is there anything else we need to know about it before Celestia and Luna brute force their way in?”
“Errrm. Once inside, there I designed a system of magical barriers that segregate the room. The spells are designed to implode unless they are deactivated from inside.”
“Great - boobytraps.” She glared at Blueblood. “What was so important it had to be destroyed before anyone could get a chance to see it?”
Blueblood coughed, and covered his muzzle with a foreleg. “Certain… ‘Equipment’.”
“Oh for the love of…”
“Buck buck buck NO!” Well Kept lit her horn, and a series of barriers appeared across the door. At the same time, the lights around the room dimmed.
A thunderous assault could be heard from the other side of the door, and all four ponies in the room could feel their horns itch from the sheer amount of magic being thrown around.
Sunny and Solar were herded to the back wall, and a barrier boxed them in, whilst the mare and Splendid were off in the corner, more barriers between them and the door.
The room started to shake, but the door held firm. Instead, cracks started to appear either side of the door frame, running up and arching over the top. The magical assault stopped for a moment before a myriad of colors seeped in through the cracks.
The combined magic of three alicorns and two unicorns created a multi-hued field that blankets the back of the door frame. With a huge shudder, the magic pulled, trying to rip the entire doorway free, rather than bash it down.
The stonework creaked, and mana sparks flew where the wall tried to repair itself. Slowly but surely, the doorframe was starting to tilt away from vertical, the flowing manes of the alicorns visible through the gap.
With a final pull, and an ear-splitting squeal, the door frame, complete with door, came free, sailing over the top of the gathered ponies and back down the passageway.
The group strode into the room, as far as they could, up to the first barrier. Celestia and Luna had walked in side by side but peeled away as they got closer, revealing Blueblood.
“YOU!” Well Kept snarled, fire returning to her eyes, the panic was forgotten. She turned to Celestia. “Why is he here? Did you not read my demands? Do you want your child harmed?”
Once Celestia had gotten in, the first thing she had done was search out her son. Finding him next to Sunny, both completely unharmed had allowed her mind to calm down. He was here, he was safe, and one way or another she would have him back.
Celestia turned to address the foalnapper. “It’s funny really. When we first got them, Bluey over there actually got up to inform the press. He was willing to submit, to give up everything if it meant the foal’s freedom. It was me that stopped him.”
“What?” This caught Well Kept off-balance. “No! No way! Blueblood would never do anything like that. The Blueblood who used me, the Blueblood who tossed me aside at the first sign of commitment, the Blueblood who had me fired, the Blueblood who had me beaten to the point I lost the foal would never do anything that kind, ever!”
“What?! I never had you beaten! What are you talking about?” Blueblood looked both enraged and troubled. The other ponies in the room were too stunned to add to the conversation.
“So what? Are you saying that the three stallions who jumped me two days later and beat me within an inch of my life had nothing to do with you, did they?”
“I swear, on my life, on my station, and on my crown, I had no knowledge or involvement with that. Even as I was back then, I would never have done that, only threaten.”
“Even if I believed you, why should that matter. You still ruined my life. You tore my heart out, and cost me the job I loved.” By this point, the mare was in hysterics, tears flowing from her eyes.
Blueblood sighed and sat down on his haunches. “You’re right. It doesn’t matter. What matters here is that you have three innocent foals. Whether or not I caused the act, those three certainly didn’t. Don’t make them suffer for my past sins.”
“Don’t you get it? I have to, I have to do this because it’s the only way to make you feel as hurt as you made me feel!”
“No, it isn’t.” Princess Luna stepped forwards. “He doesn’t need you to do this for him to feel as hurt as you. Because he already hurts far worse on his own.”
Well Kept stood defiantly. “Horse shit.”
“Neigh, tis not.” Luna often slipped back into old Equestrian when agitated. “While his treatment of you may have been his worst transgression, we both know there was much more. But the stallion before you is not the same as the one you knew. Each of his sins weighs heavily upon him, and before you think I take that just upon his word, let me tell you this; the nightmares I have personally pulled him from are not ones I would even wish upon my worst enemy.”
“She’s right.” Blueblood stepped closer to the barrier. “I have changed and I am doing my best to make amends. I know I can never replace that what you lost, or make up for the years I took from you, but if you release the foals I promise to help you, in any way I can.”
Well Kept stared at him, before looking at Luna, and back again.
“No - this is some kind of trick, a lie to get me to lower my guard, and let you finish what you started.” She back away from the barrier, and lit her horn. “I will never submit to you ever again Blueblood, ever!” Her eyes held a crazed glint, her body twitching.
“I've heard enough.” Celestia stepped up to the barriers, “I let Blueblood try it the nice way, but you said no. Now you stand between me, two members of my family and a family friend. Move, or be moved.”
“Fat chance. You'll have to get past these barriers first.”
“What barriers? These ones?” Celestia lifted her foreleg. The tip of her hoof glowed a brilliant gold before returning to normal. She reached out and gently tapped the first barrier, and it shattered like glass. Stepping forward, she tapped the second barrier, shattering that one as well.
Well Kept had thought she was safe behind five of the strongest barriers she had ever seen, but she was wrong. Celestia advanced as if she was simply wading through water. As she reached the last barrier, Well Kept made the last move she could, charged her horn and fired.
Throughout the whole exchange, Sunny has sat and held Solar. Both of their spirits had been lifted by the arrival of their guardians, but they knew they weren't out of the woods just yet.
As Celestia made her way through the barriers. Sunny realised something; Splendid was still sealed in the corner, where no-one could get to her. Getting to her hooves, Sunny got ready to run. She didn't know what was going to happen when the last barrier fell, but she wasn’t going to leave Splendid on her own.
Time seemed to slow as the last barrier came down, Celestia punching though with the intention of hitting Well Kept in the face. As it fell, Sunny took off, sprinting across the room. At the same time. Well Kept aimed her horn at Splendid.
Just before she released the shot, Sunny slammed horn first into the mare’s flank. Using her horn like a lance, she sent the mare sprawling, a fresh wound just below her cutie mark. As she tumbled, she lost control of her magic, and it fired off into the ceiling, raining down chunks of stone.
At the point of impact, Sunny had both felt, and heard a crack. She had hit Well Kept’s hip bone so hard she had cracked her horn. The pain was excruciating, and when Sunny landed, her hooves gave out on her, and the world went black.
“SUNNY!” Splendid had finally come to, just in time to see her strike, and then go down. Pushing off the wall, Splendid slid along the floor and caught Sunny before she hit the floor. She pulled her head around to talk to her, but her eyes had rolled back, and there was a nasty crack through half of her horn.
“Sunny, Sunny talk to me. Sunny, please, I can’t lose you!”
By this point, Well Kept was restrained and in the care of Princess Luna, while Princess Twilight and Celestia were hugging the life out of their son.
Sunset and Adagio ran over to Splendid. They tried to hug her, but she pushed them back.
“No, Sunny needs help!” Both of her parents gasped when they saw the filly in her arms.
“Princesses!” Sunset shouted.
Luna and Twilight came over. Upon seeing the condition of Sunny’s horn, Twilight vomited, while Luna took a closer look.
“This is not good. Come with me into the hall, we will teleport straight to the infirmary.”
Luna cast a glance at the mare, but Blueblood walked over tapped her. “I will take her to the guard station. It will give me the chance to have a long needed talk with her.”
Luna nodded, and the group moved into the hallway, before disappearing in a flash.
Sunny slowly regained consciousness, and she slowly opened her eyes. The light levels in the room were turned down low, but even that amount was enough to make her body remember the headache that was waiting for her.
Her forehead felt as if someone had tried to crack it open, which in reality, she almost had. She brought her hooves up, intent on feeling her horn, but her hooves got caught in magic.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”
The voice sounded familiar, but in her groggy and pained state, she struggled to place it. She struggled to turn but found herself strapped down.
“Sorry about that, we couldn’t have you rolling over onto it.” Adagio walked around the edge of the bed so that Sunny could now see her. “How’s the pain? I can get the nurse to up the dose.”
“No. Hurts, but… manageable.” She forced out, finding her mouth rather dry. Adagio brought a drink of water over in her hoof.
“Here.” She held it out for her to drink from. Placing the empty glass on the nightstand, Adagio untied the straps holding Sunny in place.
“How long?”
Adagio grimaced. “About a week. They had to keep you under a magically induced coma so they could work on your horn. Apparently is unbearable otherwise.”
Sunny didn’t seem particularly phased by all this. “Where’s Splendid?”
Adagio smirked, while she worked on getting another glass of water. “She’s in our room, sleeping if she has any sense. She spent the first three days by your bedside, refusing to move or sleep.” Adagio laughed. “We had to wait for sleep to finally claim her, and we carted her out. Since then, she spends all day here and then swaps with someone when she sleeps. It was my turn tonight.”
A smile settled across Sunny’s face, and she lay back. “Damage?”
“In a week, there will be none.”
Sunny blinked, unbelieving.
Chuckling, Adagio moved closer. “According to the doctors, the crack in your horn was one of the worst they had ever seen. But, and here is the weird part, because you don’t live here, meaning you haven’t used it much, the condition of your horn is almost as new as a babies would be. Apparently, this meant that this was an extremely clean break, something they were able to put back easily. All that is left now is for it to slowly knit back together, and then the rings on your horn can come off.”
Sunny looked up and saw a cage made out of rings on her horn.
“Other than that, if you are near magic, you will experience slight headaches.”
Sitting there slightly stunned, Sunny didn’t notice the door to her room had opened until someone shouted;
“SUNNY!”
She was then assaulted by a yellow missile, only a few shades darker than herself. With an ‘oomph’, Sunny found herself wrapped in hooves, with a muzzle crushed against her shoulder. She could feel tears too.
Sunny looped her forelegs around her and pulled her close. She positioned Splendid’s muzzle into her neck, and she rested her chin on her head. Rubbing up and down on her arms, Sunny managed to get Splendid to stop crying.
“Why?”
“Why what?” Sunny asked in confusion.
“Why did you put yourself in danger to save me?” Splendid was looking at her now, tears in the corners of her eyes.
Sunny pulled her close again. “Because I know you’d do the same for me.” Sunny surprised Splendid, by leaning in and quickly kissing her nose. Splendid’s face exploded in a blush.
“That’s it!” Adagio walked towards the door. “There isn’t enough medical alcohol in here for that. I’m out!” And with that, she left the room.
Sunny laughed. Her head was killing her, but it felt good to laugh, and she pulled Splendid close again, the poor girl still sputtering from the kiss.
“Sign here, here and here, initial here, hoofprint there, and magic print here. And, we’re done!” Celestia exclaimed happily. She set the giant, three hundred page legal document down, and turned to the others in the room. Other than herself and Twilight, everypony else on the room was basically asleep.
She chuckled, “Not that anyone seems in the mood, but I would like to celebrate the fact that Prince Blueblood is now the legal brother of Sunset Shimmer, and Splendid is his legal heir.”
Sleepy cheers met her ears. “Ok, I get it, this took a while. Tea and Cakes should already be on the way.”
Once the refreshment had arrived, everypony became more animated, and Blueblood called for attention. Everypony moved to listen, and he ensured they all had a drink, be it tea, coffee, or something harder like his brandy.
“I’d like to start off by letting you all now that I now consider you all my family, and after the events of the last two weeks, I’ve realised how important it is to remind people how much I love them. So I do - I love each and every one of you.” Everypony in the room had a different reaction, ranging from a loving smile to an embarrassed blush.
“With that out of the way, I want to give my thanks to a very special set of mares. For years now, I looked into the future, and the only thing I saw was the death of my family, the end of a lineage. I was haunted by the idea that my family, it’s name, my bloodline would disappear into the silence.” He quieted before continuing, “And now, through an unfortunate turn of events, two wonderful mares persevered, forging magic in a world where there was none. And through their kindness, I no longer have to fear.”
He turned to face his new niece. “And Splendid. It fills me with an indescribable joy, and an undying gratitude, that you have accepted to continue your family’s legacy. So here’s to Splendid.” He raised his glass, and everypony else did the same with their drinks.
“To Splendid, the heir to a silenced blood!”
View Online
First Day in a New School (10 1/2 years later)
Beep Bee-boo-beep! Beep bee-boo-beep!...
Without opening her eyes Splendid reached over and hit her alarm clock, cutting out the noise. Then with a groan, she curled deeper underneath the blankets. She really didn’t want to go to school today, she’d much rather stay underneath the warm blankets. This stayed true until she heard her door open and the low sound of a foot tapping on the floor, muffled only by the green carpet.
“Splendid Scale! You do not want to be late for your first day at Canterlot High.”
Splendid peeked her head out from under the covers with a groan and a slight pout, “Mama… can’t I just stay home?”
Sunset rolled her eyes and placed a hand on her hip. “If you don’t get up and get dressed you’ll be late and you know how your mother doesn’t like being late…”
Then there was a squeak, along with a rustling of sheets and a loud thud as Splendid ungracefully fell to the floor. “I..I’m Up!”
Sunset couldn't help laughing before she crossed the room. Grabbing the edges of the sheets, she pulled them back, unrolling her daughter from her cloth prison. A slightly dizzy Splendid looked up at her mother. “Thanks.” She said with an impassive tone
Sunset chuckled again. “You’re welcome. Now get cleaned up and get dressed, I’ve got breakfast started downstairs.”
She turned and left the room. Splendid hauled herself up, and almost crawled her way to the nearby bathroom, to start on her morning routine. She had inherited her mother’s natural good looks, but she still needed to look after herself.
Soon after, with her hair under control and fully dressed, Splendid dropped down into her chair at the kitchen table. Her mother looked back over her shoulder, a smile on her face. “Nice of you to join the land of the living.” Splendid stuck her tongue out, receiving a laugh in return.
Still chuckling to herself. Sunset crossed the to the table, bringing a couple of frying pans with her. Careful not to burn herself, she slid eggs, fried toast, and bacon onto the two plates on the table, before taking the pans back to the cooker.
“Wow mom, it’s normally just cereal. Pulling out the stops today, why?”
“Because I'm so darn proud of you! I know we’ve given you some of the best tutors around, and I’m pretty smart myself, but I never expected them to put you a year ahead!”
Splendid blushed. “Mooooooom. Please don’t let that get around, I don’t want any extra trouble fitting in.”
“Don’t worry so much, you’ll be fine.” Sunset smiled, and turned back to the cooker, before frowning; “You still got that headache?”
Splendid nodded slightly, watching as her mother set the table for the two of them.
“Momma’s already at work then, mom?”
With a slight shake of her head, Sunset answered her daughter's question as they ate, “Yes, she went into the boutique an hour early so she could be here when you got home.”
Splendid nodded slightly, as she scarfed down her food to which Sunset responded, “Slow down Splendid, you make your Aunt Pinkie’s table manners look less… messy.”
“Oh okay.” Splendid responded with a mouth full of food.
Sunset smiled as Splendid slowed down and a few minutes after she finished her own food. “Now don’t forget to be home on time after school…”
Splendid pouted and Sunset continued, “Don’t give me that look… it’s family movie night tonight.”
Hoooonk. Honk honk.
“Oh! There’s the bus little one.”
Sunset looked out the window where the yellow bus was parked and stood up with Splendid. She gave her daughter a tight hug, and after she let her go, watched as Splendid picked up her backpack.
“See ya, Mom! Love ya.” Splendid said hurriedly as she waved back at Sunset and ran out the door.
Splendid was swiftly greeted by the shouting and screaming of the other children on the bus.
“Hey! Sit down!” Splendid was startled when the bus driver yelled at her. She hadn't realised how long she was standing at the front of the bus. Splendid paced herself down the aisle, looking into each seat on either side.
A few rows down Splendid came across a seat with only one kid sitting in it. The girl in front of her had slightly lighter azure hair in a pixie cut with a lighter Turquoise stripe running down the front and back. Her skin was a pale butter yellow and she was wearing a t-shirt that said ‘Keep Calm I'm a Writer,’ and a pair of camo cargo shorts with black converse sneakers. The girl was scribbling away in a plain back book, only once pushing her glasses off her nose. “Umm, excuse me…” Splendid mumbled, unsure of how to approach.
“Sit down!” The driver barked again and without thinking Splendid dropped into the seat next to the stranger.
A few moments of not talking and no further attempts to speak with her mystery seat partner, Splendid began to wonder just what it was that had this person so enthralled. Cautiously, Splendid leaned closer to try to catch a glimpse of what the girl was writing.
“Um, what are you doing?” Splendid looked up from her snooping to find that her face and the girl’s face were too close for comfort.
“Oh, sorry!” Splendid scooted away, her face slightly crimson. “I was… just wondering what you were writing.”
The girl suddenly pulled back, hiding her notebook. Her cheeks flushed red and seemed to squeeze herself up against the side of the bus. “It’s nothing, really, I’m just doodling ideas for a—an adventure romance story.”
“Really?” Splendid’s face split into a grin. “Those are some of my favourite kinds!”
Splendid stuck her arm out. “Hi, I’m Splendid Scale, what’s your name?”
Hesitantly, the other girl reached out and shook her hand. “I’m Sun Scroll.” She tucked her arm back in and looked down at the floor. “You really like that kind of stories?”
Splendid shook her head up and down vigorously. “My mothers and my auntie Rarity used to read them to me all the time. Any chance you can tell me about your story?”
Sun scroll looked down at her notebook for a few seconds, then back up at splendid. Any doubt she had was washed away by the innocent smile she was greeted by. “Ok.” She flipped through a few pages; “It’s a romance between a princess and a long lost friend. Unlike most stories, in this one, it’s the princess that goes on the quest.” Splendid’s smile grew, encouraging her to continue. “I haven’t got much else yet. But I got the idea for the princess from our vice principal Luna. I met her last summer at the open day, and she just looked so beautiful; I had to use her in a story.”
“That sounds great, I…”
Screeeeeeeeeeeach! The bus jolted to a stop, interrupting Splendid and sliding her into the seat in front. “Oww!”
Sun Scroll leant down and picked Splendid up. “Are you ok?” Sun Scroll looked worried, so Splendid was quick to assure her.
“I’m fine, really. I bumped my head, but it wasn’t hard; don’t worry.” Sun Scroll let out a relieved breath. “The only thing that hurts is this annoyingly persistent headache.” Sun Scroll tilted her head quizzically. “Don’t worry about it; it’s nothing.”
“COME ON EVERYONE, GET OFF MY DANG BUS!” Hollered the driver.
The pair jumped, but they didn’t need to be told twice; so they joined the now quickly following line of students leaving the bus. As soon as the last student was off, the doors slammed shut, the wheels spun, and the bus took off.
Splendid took a moment to view her surroundings. The main building of Canterlot High stood before them; looking closely enough, she could see where part of the front entrance was newer than the area around it; a memento to her mother’s time here. Seeing it caused her to smile.
The next object to catch her eye was the large statue of a horse, rearing up on a large square base. She instantly recognised it from the huge collection of photos she had at home. Her parents had so many with the statue in, but none since her birth. Just being there looking at it caused Splendid’s hackles to rise.
“Hey!” Splendid was knocked out of her stupor as Sun Scroll put her hand on her shoulder; “Are you sure you’re ok?” Splendid nodded again. “Alright, we need to head to orientation then.” The pair walked towards the main entrance. As they walked past the statue, Splendid felt as if she was walking through a field of static electricity, and her headache got slightly worse. She grimaced, but as she got further away from it, the feeling went away.
~~~~ Later that Day ~~~~
By the time lunch rolled around, Splendid was feeling awful. Her headache had turned from just a minor annoyance to a full-blown migraine. Already, she had almost snapped at two of her teachers.
Splendid was currently standing in line behind Sun Scroll. Holding her lunch, Splendid inched forward with the line and tried her best to block out the overwhelming noise.
“Are you okay, Splendid?” Sun Scroll asked when she noticed how Splendid was holding her head.
“I'm fine. I'm fine.” Splendid lied, waving a hand.
“Are you sure?” Sun Scroll persisted placing a hand on Splendid’s shoulder.
Splendid put on the best smile she could muster. “Yeah. Sun Scroll - I'm fine.”
Sun Scroll took her hand off Splendid’s shoulder. “Ok. And please, just Sunny.” She stuck her tongue out, before turning around and paying for her lunch. Splendid paid for her lunch and followed Sunny to a table near the edge, the pair hoping to get some distance from the noise.
Sunny frowned when she looked at the way Splendid was holding her head, and massaging her temples. But rather than beat a dead horse, she tried to lighten the mood.
“So how are you finding CHS?”
Splendid looked up from her dinner tray and smiled. “I think I’m going to like it here. The staff seem nice, the facilities are good quality, and the curriculum they have looks fun.”
Sunny looked at her funny. “‘The curriculum looks fun’?”
Splendid blushed. “I like learning ok? With mothers and aunts like mine, it was kinda inevitable anyway.” Sunny nodded in understanding, and the conversation lulled for a while. Splendid cleared her throat, getting Sunny’s attention. The other girl looked up to see her blushing. “The best part was meeting you, though.” Sunny then noticed that Splendid seemed unable to look at her. “I find it hard to make friends normally, I’ve just always felt different. Add in the whole fast track thing, and it’s almost impossible.”
Sunny reached over and grabbed her hand, the blush on Splendid’s face intensifying. “I’m honoured to call you my friend.” Splendid was finally able to bring her eyes up and look at Sunny. Her face held a smile… for about fifteen seconds.
The red on her face drained away almost instantly, giving her a ghost's complexion. Then her eyes rolled back in her head, and was it not for the quick actions of her new friend, she would have face planted her dinner.
Sunny sat there stunned for a few seconds before she jumped out of her chair. “HELP! Help! Get the nurse!”
“… Come on, time to go meet…” Sunny pulled away from the door. She still could not comprehend half of what she had heard, but she needed to move quick. She moved too quick, however, and she slipped, hitting the ground with a small thump. Wide-eyed, she scrambled to her feet and ran around the corner, just as the door to the nurse’s room opened.
Peeking around the corner of the lockers, she watched as the trio moved towards the front of the school. Last period was in progress, so the halls were empty, and Sunny decided to follow them. She liked stories, and this was likely to inspire her to write something, but right now her primary concern was Splendid’s well-being, and something was afoot.
She managed to follow them to the front doors but had to keep her distance. She slowly pushed them open to see them fifty yards ahead, moving behind the giant statue on the front lawn. She ducked into a nearby bush, and waited for them to come out the other side, allowing her to move up - but they didn’t.
Confused, Sunny crept over to the statue. She couldn’t hear them, so they weren’t on the far side. Confused, she made her way to the edge and looked round. They were nowhere in sight. She scratched her head and walked around to the side she was sure they went around.
“Huh.” She exclaimed, having lost them. Confused and annoyed, she sat down on the statue’s base in a huff, and leant back, only for her world to become completely grey.
