Ruin

Last weekend had been amazing, Gemma thought as she traveled through town. Her mother was at a local shop trading for goods and had agreed to let her visit the library while she worked.

Spending time with Sir Armor and his sister was something out of her wildest fantasies.

Shining Armor was one of the bravest and strongest stallions she’d ever read about. And to know him personally and call him a friend was mind-blowing.

Twilight Sparkle was one of the smartest and kindest mares around. It was a pity she and her mother didn’t get along well. Gemma knew that being an Equestrian Princess was hard, but it still sounded rather wonderful. The small filly dreamed of guiding a people into greatness. She would educate her subjects and protect them from other groups that wanted to hurt them. Ponies like changelings that were scary and selfish. She shuddered at the thought as she ducked around the corner.

The town’s square was bustling as ever as Main Street was operating under its prime hours. Ponies moved with purpose even as they spoke with each other in passing. Bypassing the farmer’s market, she took a quieter route to Twilight’s abode.

She’d read so many stories but her favorite was the tale of the white knight who served and saved the Princess of Love. It was the love between the two that had saved all of Equestria forcing the terrible Changeling Queen and her subjects away from the land. Not even Princess Celestia in all her might and glory could accomplish such a feat.

The filly sighed dreamily as she continued through town. How exciting, she thought brightly.

The library was just ahead. She really hoped Twilight was home today. Spike was nice enough, but he was definitely no Twilight.

Knocking on the door, she pushed into the building and was ecstatic to find not one, but both of the Sparkle siblings.

“Sir Armor! Miss Twilight!”

“Jewels!” They both greeted brightly. Shining Armor sat casually at a table while Twilight was busy organizing a shelf with some new volumes halfway up a ladder.

The filly grinned as she shut the door behind herself.

“Back again?” Twilight teased. “And no bandages.” Her injury had healed perfectly thanks to her mother’s tending.

She flushed, hiding behind cerulean bangs. “Is it in yet?” Was her bashful reply.

“As a matter of fact it is.” Twilight sang descending her ladder and moving to grab something from a cupboard above her desk.

“Is what in?” Shining Armor asked curiously.

The little girl blinked as she regarded him. He looked calm enough, but there was something else on his mind today and he wasn’t as excited as he pretended. She debated on whether or not to ask him about it.

“A new book.” She supplied in lieu of her thoughts.

“Oh?”

Twilight approached the duo with a book magically in tow. “She’s obsessed with changelings,” was the princess’ wry reply. “I’ve never seen a filly with such romantic inclinations towards something that could’ve ended so badly for our country.”

That changed his mood, Jewels realized feeling uncomfortable as his gaze really focused on her. “How so?” He asked her. His face said one thing, but his emotions quite another.

“Don’t be shy now, Jewels!” Twilight laughed. “Go on and tell him!” She looked her brother in the eyes. “This is like her favorite thing to talk about.” She climbed back up her ladder, organizing her selection once again.

Shining Armor gave the child a reassuring smile and opened his forelegs to her. Shyly, she accepted climbing into his lap and opening the newest book on the table. “Well… Its only one of the most amazing stories ever lived through. A frightened princess, a brave knight and an evil queen.”

“Is that so?” Was his quiet response as he looked over her shoulder down at the pages that depicted one of the most difficult times of his life.

“It’s what the stories say. A beautiful love between a princess and her loyal knight… An evil Queen looking to hurt and destroy. Apart from all the ‘romance,” she blanched to which he genuinely laughed. “It really is a story of good versus evil. Love versus hate.” Her face glowed as she talked about it. “But… you were there… what was it really like?”

Twilight slowed her task as she turned to watch the two. It was almost surreal listening to this small girl question her brother so forwardly. They almost looked like father and daughter with her in his lap as he stared down in deep thought. Part of her wanted to change the subject, while another part really wanted to hear what he was going to say as the subject was still a touchy one for her brother.

“It wasn’t so black and white from what I remember.”

“What part? The changeling queen?” Jewels questioned. “But everyone knows Queen Chrysalis was evil.”

The stallion tightened his jaw as he really considered what he would say to this girl who was completely unaware of who her father and mother really were. “I would say disillusioned more than anything.”

“But…”

“Jewels maybe you should talk about something else.” Twilight interrupted as she studied her brother’s body language. While she didn’t know the extent of his thoughts, she knew he still had unresolved feelings about the matter.

The filly looked up at her with confusion in her eyes, “but you said-“

“Jewels!” She reprimanded. Shining Armor stared up at her sharply. He wasn’t the only one with unresolved feelings on the matter. She avoided his eyes and turned back to her work. Twilight still didn’t care for changelings. They were shady at best and even with the time passed, she still didn’t know the full extent of her brother’s relationship with the deceased mare she still loathed.

“What have you been saying, Twilight?” She flinched at his tone.

His anger was unpleasant and the small girl quickly rushed forward to dispel whatever she had inadvertently caused. “Please don’t be mad, Sir Armor! I didn’t know it was something you didn’t like to talk about.”

Shining Armor softened at the pleading in the sharp features that stared up at him hopefully. Swallowing his anger, he smiled down at her nuzzling her with a tickle. Giggling, Gemma immediately changed the subject. “When will you be cooking for us again?”

Twilight’s ears perked at the word ‘again.’ Was… he courting Amber Stone? She looked slyly over her shoulder.

“That depends on your mother.” Shining Armor answered with a chuckle.

“Well that would be never…” She huffed petulantly. “She likes you too, you know. As friends.” She quickly added aware of how odd the two were in regards to each other. Old friends, weird friends, angry friends… Adult friends were strange.

Shining Armor grinned, “Is that right…”

“Hello,” a voice called from the doorway. Everyone turned to see the topic of conversation.

“Mama!”

“Hello, Amber.” Despite the two mares making eye contact, Amber did not return the greeting. “It’s only my home you’re waltzing into,” Twilight muttered to herself clearly annoyed by the other.

“Sharing my secrets, Jewels?” Her mother teased despite her real feelings. She barely acknowledged the other occupants of the library. Especially Shining Armor. That night in the meadow had backfired in more ways than one. She couldn’t even look him in the face, a testament that made him smirk.

The filly smiled conspiratorially at Shining Armor. “Maybe,” she grinned broadly, hopping out of the stallion’s lap. “Is it time to go?”

“Yes it is.” Amber smiled down at her daughter. “Thank you Twilight for letting her visit.”

Twilight turned, somewhat surprised. “You’re welcome. She’s always a joy.” What was with that mare? She ran just as hot as she did cold.

“Say goodbye.” Amber instructed halfway out of the door.

“Bye!” Jewels called as the door shut behind her.

Shining Armor stared at the door a moment longer. With a sigh, he turned to find Twilight glaring at him. “Dinner?” She questioned. “And what was that? You two didn’t even say a word to each other.” He opened his mouth to speak, but after placing his hooves on the table, he realized that the small girl had left her book.

He grinned. “I don’t know… Maybe I’ll ask her about it.”

Twilight scowled.

*-*-*-*-*

After returning from the library, the two lounged about, did some chores and had their family meal. Despite it being a lazy day, they still stuck to their schedule.

“Baby,” Amber prompted as she watched her daughter play in the cauldron outside for bath time. Her head rested on her forelegs atop the cauldron’s brim. She mulled over her thoughts, anxious about the effect her next words would have. The sun had set leaving the sky a dusky purple and dark blue. The moon shone softly giving them all the light they needed.

Gemma’s eyes were alit as she splashed around in the sudsy water playing with her doll. “Yea?” Was her absent response as she made the doll dive a few times before soaring over head as she played out her fantasies.

Amber swallowed as she lifted her head. “How would you like to go on a trip?” Staying in Ponyville delivered all sorts of memories she’d rather live without. Of course her daughter wouldn’t see it that way, but if she could sell it right…

“A trip?” Blue eyes blinked as the child considered what her mother was proposing.

“Yes.” Amber smiled. “Across the ocean. It’d be our adventure.” She quickly added in hopes of steering the conversation to where she wanted.
Gemma wasn’t fooled and gave her mother her full attention before lowering her doll into soapy water. “You want to leave Ponyville?”

“It doesn’t have to be permanent.” Amber assured.

“Is… Is this because of Shining Armor?”

“No… Partly.” It was too bad her kid could basically smell lies. She’d never understand the emotional danger Shining Armor presented to them or the physical danger that he brought with the public’s scrutiny of him. “But mostly because I miss my family.”

“But ponies don’t come from anywhere else…” Gemma blinked as she tilted her head in confusion.

“Yes… but I didn’t always live here.” Was Amber’s patient response.

“What about my school, and my friends? What if I don’t want to leave my home?” Her anxiousness bled through her voice as she clutched the brim, completely letting go of her doll that now floated alone on its side. Bright eyes filled with tears and Amber knew that her daughter would never see things her way. Her attachment to Shining Armor was a little overwhelming and it frightened the mare.

Her smile, despite her true feeling, was encouraging and comforting. “No decisions now. Just a thought. Just think about it.”

The little girl calmed herself and nodded with sniffles.

Amber mentally sighed as Gemma began to play with her doll once again.

*-*-*-*-*

“So none of you find it odd that Shining Armor has an interest in Amber Stone?”

Twilight and her friends were having a relaxing day at the lake. Something that had proved difficult for everyone to do together given their responsibilities and conflicting schedules. Rarity looked rather sweet underneath her big sun hat, while both Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash rocked a pair of shades. Fluttershy had just setup up a giant umbrella for their picnic, while Applejack simply enjoyed the sun.

Twilight had been ranting about the town’s newest development for the past thirty minutes and counting.

Rarity and Applejack traded a look from their position on their beach towels as Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes with a huff as she floated on her tube in the water. Even Pinkie Pie pushed her sunglasses up and turned to give her friend a look as she too floated lazily on a raft.

“Your obsession with your brother is kinda weird.” Dash called out as she adjusted in her tube.

“Yea!” Pinkie chimed in. “its borderline creepy.”

The alicorn scowled. “So I’m overreacting?” Twilight too rested on a beach towel in the sand.

“Yes.” Rarity snickered as she popped a strawberry into her mouth from the basket of fresh fruit and lemonade they’d brought with them. Fluttershy was just behind her setting up a picnic blanket.

Twilight narrowed her eyes, “You mean the same way I was overreacting about his wedding?”

The rest of the group groaned.

“C’mon!”

“Seriously?!”

“Not fair!”

“That was ages ago!” Rainbow Dash lamented. “Can we please let that go?!”

“Yeah!” Pinkie huffed.

“You’re just trying to deflect from the issue at hand! Just because Cadance was actually a changeling, it doesn’t make your obsession any less of an obsession.” AppleJack weighed in matter-of-factly. “You need a hobby that isn’t your brother.”

Twilight opened her mouth to defend herself, “A real hobby!” Rarity sang before she could utter a word.

Twilight blinked and looked to Fluttershy who was calmly laying out their spread for later. The gentle pegasus could feel her friend’s eyes burning into her back. She looked apologetically over her shoulder. “Sorry, Twilight. They do have a point.”

The mare sighed with a sour look on her face.

“We know you worry about him. But not every mare can meet your expectation of being a Princess of Love. Cadance found her love and it wasn’t your brother.” Rarity smiled genially at her friend from under her sun hat. Siblings sometimes made you crazy and that was okay.

“But it should’ve been.” Twilight petulantly replied.

“Not very Princess-y, Princess.” Rainbow Dash snickered.

“It’s not your decision to make. His choices are his for better or worse.” Applejack lectured as she flopped over onto her stomach.

“Food is ready!” Fluttershy sounded brightly. “Your concern is touching Twilight. Really. It’s just not your life to live. Besides, didn’t your brother and his ex-wife ban all changelings, anyway?”

“Yeah!” Rainbow Dash concurred. “So get out of his way.”

Rarity laughed at the pouting on lavender features. “Besides, I overhead them outside my shop one day and it sounds like they might be leaving town.”

“Leaving?” Twilight ears twitched at the sound as a smile grew on her face.

“You see,” Pinkie shook her head and shuddered. “Creepy.”

The group had shared a good natured laugh at Twilight’s expense who reluctantly dropped the issue in favor of just relaxing and enjoying their company. It turned out to be a wise decision as the group truly enjoyed themselves and the time spent with each other.

After returning from the lake with her friends, the Princess of Friendship was in a much better mood.

A lazy day with friends was always a good idea. With a contented sigh, she entered her home and flopped down in the nearest chair. She wondered what her brother was up to and made a mental note to see him before the day was over.

*-*-*-*-*

Soldiers were rather easy to recognize in Equestria and there were many things that made them so. For example, haircut, mannerisms, and solemn expressions marked by piercing glares. They moved differently, robotically even, and even the way they talked was a dead giveaway.

Except, of course, only if they didn’t want to be recognized.

Shining Armor had been a soldier for a long time and disappearing and blending in was a major part of some operations if a pony was ever sent out into the field. Such was the case now as he casually stood in a crowd, bidding his time as his gaze followed the graceful form of Amber Stone.

A few days ago, Twilight had ‘casually’ asked him when Amber was leaving. A revelation that was unsurprisingly surprising, despite him accounting for such risk. That mixed with the mare’s elusiveness made the stallion overjoyed and yet furious at her denial.

He’d wanted to wait until after she’d taken Gemma to school to have the conversation he wanted to have with her. Smirking, he quietly and carefully followed her as she navigated the path that led outside of the town’s city limits. It was laughable how easy it was to tail her, he thought using the brush-line as concealment. Maybe a few years ago she was an apex predator, but not today. She was almost inside her home when he’d accosted her attention demanding to talk.

“Chrysalis!” He bellowed making her halt.

Completely caught off guard once she realized she had a visitor, Amber could barely get a word in before the stallion pounced.

“What do you think you’re doing?” He glared as he stalked forward invading her personal space.

“What are you on about?” She replied shrinking away in discomfort and confusion.

“You think ignoring me will make me stop? You think leaving will make your feelings for me disappear?” Amber honestly hoped so. “It’ll only make me try harder.” Shining Armor towered over her in this form as he stared down on her with burning coals in his eyes. She was ashamed to admit that she was slightly intimidated.

“You’re crazy. Not everything I do revolves around you and your silly male ego.” Amber tried to hide her insecurity behind bravado as she puffed out her chest and stood a tiny bit taller.

“We finally have a chance to be together.” Shining Armor exclaimed heatedly. She rolled her eyes and tossed her mane. “Really be together… We could both have what we want.”

“What?” She scoffed. “Sex?” That’s all it would be, she tried to convince herself.

Shining Armor clenched his jaw. “A family.”

She honestly hadn’t expected that and it showed on her face. “A life with each other and our daughter.” He’d spent a long time thinking about what he’d do if he ever saw her again. He was willing to do whatever it took it to be with her and be a father Gemma. Even if it meant sailing across the seas and into foreign lands.

He was serious and it made her feel worse. She wanted a real chance with stallion, but how would she ever explain this to her daughter? What if the shock was too much? Gemma adored him, and if she picked him over her…

Cinnamon eyes softened and Amber sagged against the doorway. “She doesn’t know… and I don’t know if I want her to… She’s so attached to you already, and there’s too much for her to understand right now. I’m afraid she’ll hate me.”

Shining Armor kissed her forehead and embraced her tightly. “She could never hate you.” He murmured against her ear after they broke apart. “I tried, and I couldn’t.” She wanted to laugh at the quip but instead shook her head as she seriously considered them as a family. Hindsight really was a hell of a thing. “You don’t have to be alone anymore.” He said as he rested his forehead against hers. “We can leave together.”

She gasped as she leaned away from him, completely thrown off guard by the suggestion. “You… you mean the three of us?” Amber’s eyes were wide as she truly considered the idea. To leave Ponyville, be herself, and have her love seemed too good to be true! And Gemma would-

“But what about Gemma…” It was the first time she’d actually referred to girl as such in his presence and the admission was not lost upon him. “If she doesn’t accept what we are…” She trailed allowing him to come to his own conclusions about the idea of heritage in regards to their daughter.

Uncertainty had never looked so pretty he thought as he watched her expression change. Lifting her chin with his hoof, he gave her a comforting smile. Apart from being the thing he wanted to do, this was the right thing to do. Family was everything, and it was time that they took their chance to be one. Leaving Equestria would be bittersweet for him, but he’d gladly go if it meant being with the ponies he loved most.

“Family is everything.” He whispered before kissing her soundly. Amber was a fighter and even in comfort he knew she just couldn’t accept anything initially. So when he took advantage of her surprise and deepened the kiss, he mentally smirked when she moaned into the kiss as she leaned into him.

“Just think about it…” He rasped after they’d separated for air.

“I…”

“Think about it.” And with a chaste kiss to the corner of her mouth, Amber Stone couldn’t help but stare as Shining Armor left her to consider his offer.