One and a Half Moons Later…

Sunrise. The sky painted with yellows, oranges, and blues. The fiery ball got larger as it rose past the horizon. The Lead breathed in deeply, taking in the fresh air. His tail wagged as Soundwave ran in circles around him. “I wanna go fwying, Uncle Emmber!” The little one piped, his red eyes bright. Ember laughed heartily.

“I know buddy, I know. But you can't fly up here. It's too high.”

“But Cwescent gets to fly up hwere…”

“That's because she's older than you, bud. I don't worry about her falling and hurting herself.”

The young pegasus colt pouted, his outspread wings quickly folding back at his sides. He then started to jump in place as another figure appear on the landing. “Papa!”, He exclaimed, running up to hug the other pegasus. Collin smiled, picking his son up and holding him close to his chest.

“Hey there, kiddo. You keeping the old stallion company, are you?”

The Lead rolled his eyes and snorted. “Well thanks. I'm only a moon older than you.”

“You're still old.”

“Anyways, what brings you up here, Collin?”

He cleared his throat, gently putting the little one down. “Go down to your mother, bud. I'll be there in a minute.” Soundwave ran off, his hoofbeats growing quieter as he vanished into the tunnels.

“He looks up to you, you know.” Ember raised an eyebrow.

“Does he now? I haven't noticed.” He said with a hint of sarcasm.

“No need to be sassy.” Collin took in a deep breath before he sat down. “So Sirena and I have discussed over it, and-”

“You're leaving.”

“Well, yes. We figured that since Soundwave is old enough to be fit for travel, we'd like to start things anew, if you get my meaning.”

“I got it loud and clear. We’ll miss you.”

“And we you. Don't worry, we'll stop by to visit. I know Speckle won't be able to go long without seeing Sirena.”

“Isn't that the truth.” He then after and stood, leaning towards the other and kissing his cheeks, nose and forehead, scratching the stubble that was growing under his chin.

“H-Hey, what's with all the love today?”, Collin inquired as he laughed, his wings fluttering. Ember chuckled as he nuzzled his fellow Alpha affectionately.

“It's a custom. We like to show leaving members how much we care about them before they go.”

The pegasus smiled and nuzzled him back. “At least you do it gently. I think Speckle would of broke my back if she hugged me any harder.”

“That’s how she is. Now come, we must give you three a proper send off.”

The pack had gathered together, forming a circle around Sirena, Collin and Soundwave. Smiles were upon every face, and eyes gleamed with happiness. Ember was about to start speaking when his ears pricked, picking up another sound. Crescent heard it too, and she went running towards the source. “Limelight!” She cried happily, tackling her twin sister to the ground. The teal unicorn yelped at the sudden action, but she smiled, her tail swaying side to side.

“Hi, Cres. It's good to see you too.”

“Still the jumpy one, eh Crescent?” another voice asked.

The purple pegasus looked up and grinned at Quetzal, who was standing in front of them. “Maybe. It might be the fact that I'm happy that you all are back. We missed you.” Firefly floated down, landing next to the Beta, followed by Mist.

“I'll say,” the latter said, “That if it weren't for that telltale streak in your mane, then I wouldn't have recognized you. Missed me, Cres?”

Crescent smiled shyly and blushed, nodding once before getting off Limelight and helping her stand. “Of course I missed you, you goof. Where's your brother?”

“He’s coming. You know him, always has to go off the beaten path.”

Dust appeared moments later, darting ahead and teasing his brother by wagging his tail. “Last one to hug Alpha Ember is a muddy stick!”

“Hey, no fair! You have a head start!”

They both took off, running down the path and plowing into said stallion, knocking him over. They laughed and he ruffled their manes. “Welcome back,boys. Still lively as ever, I see.” They beamed and hopped off him, running around to greet the others. They tilted their heads at Lovelace and Valentine's responses, confused, but smiled politely anyways. Soundwave was elated, bouncing in place as they crouched down and greeted him. Limelight approached her parents, being swept into a warm embrace.

“Mom, Dad…”, she started, her voice cracking as she began to cry.

“Shhh, it's ok. We're here. Your home.”, Ember cooed softly, gently holding the young mare, her eyes closed as he continued to comfort her.

Speckle's horn lit, picking something up and bringing it over to them. “There's someone who we’d like you to meet.”, She said with a slight smile.

Limelight's eyes cracked open, and she gasped as she reached out to hold the little thing that was given to her. It was a earth pony foal, his navy blue coat soft and smooth against her chest. His black and grey mane rested against his head, and curious lilac colored eyes stared up at her. “His name is Obsidian.”, Crescent said behind her.

“Well hello there, Sid! I'm Limelight, one of your big sisters. You're probably not going to like us very much in the future, cause we’ll be teasing the mess out of you.”

The foal didn't understand her, but he tilted his head and cooed, placing a hoof on her nose, his lips curled up in a smile. The others reformed the circle, Ember coming towards the trio. He glanced around at everyone, smiling brightly. “It has been a long few moons. Decisions have been made, some resulting in joy, others not. But in it all, it has made me realize how grateful I am for each and every one of you. You all are my family, and I have done and will continue to do everything in my power to make sure that nothing comes between that. So as we send these three off so they can begin a new chapter in their lives, I want you to remember this: We may not last forever, but the love we share with each other will.” He walked up to Collin and pressed foreheads against him one last time. “Good luck out there, Lead.” he murmured to him before pulling away, Collin grinning from ear to ear. He looked at his mate, seeing her smiling back.

“You ready to go, Love?”

“As ready as I'll ever be.”

“And what about you, buddy?” Soundwave nodded quickly, his wings flapping excitedly. They changed forms, Sirena picking up her son by the scruff of his neck and placing him on her back. One by one the other pack members transformed as well, waiting for the signal. Ember scurried up to the landing, fixing his eyes on the rising moon before closing them and letting out a howl. Soon, everyone's howls filled the air, even Obsidian joined in, though his was a bit scratchy. The pair ran through the opening in the circle and into the darkening forest, off to start a new adventure.

Author's Note

And so it ends. Back when first I started this, I thought it would just sit and maybe get a few reads at most. I am so pleased at all the positive feedback that this and my other stories are getting, thank you so much! Until the next thing I come up with, I hope you enjoyed!