Twinkling Through The Dark

Chapters

Chapter 3: Reawakening and Discoveries
Chapter 4: Back on Track, with Letters and Gifts
Chapter 5: A Better Understanding of History
Chapter 6: A Step in the Right Direction
Chapter 7: Sunny reunions
Chapter 8: Twinkling Through the Dark
Chapter 9: Home is where the heart is
Chapter 10: The Morning After
Chapter 11: Day of Preparations…. and Revelations
Chapter 12: The Talk
Chapter 13: The Surprise
Chapter 14: No Pressure or Anything…
Chapter 1: Preperations
Chapter 2: The Nightmare of Windigo Pass

Chapter 3: Reawakening and Discoveries

Twilight slowly started to stir in her warm hospital bed in which she’d been in for the past four days. As she opened her eyes, everything was blurry and it took her time to start to see more clearly. But she started to feel intense pain in her chest and right wing. Having difficulty in breathing, Twilight began to panic.

“Is anypony out there? Please help me!” Twilight shouted out with what little breath she had in her. Twilight looked to her left and saw a pony holding her down, her vision still blurry, she mistaken the pony for her father.

“Dad? Is that you? I’m so scared!” Twilight said as tears of pain and fear started to come out of her eyes.

“Your highness, you need to calm down, the nurses are on their way.” Said Cirrostratus, who had not left the princess’s side for days. Twilight’s vision started to get better as she saw two nurses come in and with one of the nurses along with Cirrostratus, holding Twilight down while the other injected a strong painkiller into her to numb the pain.

The pain in Twilight’s wing and chest started to dissipate as she first saw what had happened to her wing and her chest. I’m a complete wreck! How am I able to help those foals now? Twilight thought to herself. Then she turned to a doctor in a white coat enter the room.

“Welcome back, your highness. It’s wonderful to see you awake.” Said Dr. Healthshield as he trotted into the room.
“Where am I and what happened?” Twilight asked.

“You are in the hospital your highness. You were suffering from exposure and an open compound fracture in your right wing and a punctured lung, had it not been for the quick thinking ponies of this village, you would not have survived. Also it is 1700h on December 10th if you wanted to know what the date is.” Dr. Healthshield answered the dazed and confused alicorn. When the date started to sink into her mind, she started to panic even more.

“Nonononononononononononononononono!!!!” Twilight blurted out as she realised she was late in her assignment. Twilight REALLY hated being tardy and tried to get out of bed, but the nurses restrained her.

“You are not in the condition to help any pony Princess Twilight! You need your rest!” Said one of the nurses as she tried to hold Twilight down. Her struggle didn’t last very long as Twilight realised that she just barely had the energy to sit up, let alone trot and she could barely lift anything, with magic or hooves. So she slumped back on her bed and started crying.

“I need to keep you on observation for the next day or two your highness. After that, we need to get you back on your hooves, so we have scheduled a week of rehabilitation. In the meantime, you have to rest and recover your strength. If you need any assistance, just press the green button on your bedside dresser to your left. You are in good hooves princess, you will be well looked after.” Dr. Healthshield said petting Twilight’s hoof trying to comfort her before he and the nurses left the room.

“Princess, you don’t need to worry about the testing. It has already been carried out” Cirrostratus said, trying to reinsure the upset princess.

“What do you mean?” asked a sniffling Twilight. Cirrostratus went on to explain that as he went through her saddlebags, he found all of the documentation she was carrying for the foals tests and he sent them to the town mayor and got them completed.

“Thank you so much, um…” Twilight went to thank the pony standing next to her, although she did not know his name. “Oh, my name is Cirrostratus, Princess Twilight.”

“Twilight is fine. I never liked being treated differently than anypony else.” Twilight said with a sheepish smile of her face. Twilight never liked the idea of every other pony bowing to her and always addressing her in formalities. To her, a pony is just a pony, regardless of wealth, power, or position in society. That’s why no pony in Ponyville or anywhere she frequently visits treat her like any other pony.

“Well, Twilight, the ponies of the village didn’t think the same way. For when they heard that you were in intensive care, condolences were flowing in by the cartload!” Cirrostratus went on saying as he pointed to the massive pile of flowers, chocolates, and get well cards to Twilight’s right.

“The foals were particularly worried and came in to wish you to get better while you were asleep.” Cirrostratus continued as tears were flowing down Twilight’s face. Twilight always had this fear that she wasn’t worthy of any ponies affection, and sometimes felt that she was undeserving of anything. For a whole village of ponies who never before meet her in person to give their hearts out for her was deeply touching.

“Your friends and family have been notified about your situation and Princess Celestia has requested that you stay here in the village until you get your strength back to come home or when the weather permits a chariot to pick you up. And judging by my forecasts, it would most likely be the former” Cirrostratus said informing Twilight that her loved ones know what happened and that Celestia had given her instructions on what she was going to do.

“How could you get these letters out?” Twilight asked. “Well our best messengers set out to get those letters out. They knew that it wasn’t safe to fly anywhere during the storm but they did it for you Twilight. Any pony would do anything for royalty. Although they won’t be able to return for a while, we have been getting replies from your assistant.” Cirrostratus went on saying that Spike has been sending all of the replies to her.

“Thank you…. Thank you so much for all that you are doing for me!” Twilight said, mustering enough strength to telekinetically grab Cirrostratus and hug him while sobbing into his chest. “You’re welcome Twilight.” Cirrostratus said back remembering treating his own foals when they were sick or upset, even though he had not seen or heard from either one in years. Twilight noticed that Cirrostratus was crying. “What wrong Cirrostratus? Are you alright? Twilight asked.

“I’m fine, this is just bringing back heart-warming moments from years ago. For you remind me of my son and daughter.” Cirrostratus said with teary eyes. It was at this time, Sunswirl came into the room. “Oh, Twilight, this is my wife, Sunswirl.” Cirrostratus said while holding onto her. Although Sunswirl was a bit confused on why her husband was talking to a princess so casually.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, and Sunswirl, and you can dispense with the formalities. I prefer if you just called me Twilight.” Twilight said while thinking; How many more ponies do I have to tell to stop being so formal with me? “Could you please continue to tell me more about your foals? I don’t like being left on my own for hours on end, well that’s if I’m not studying or reading that is.” Twilight asked with a curious and slightly sheepish smile.

“Well, they were the brightest bunch of foals we’ve ever seen. They loved each other’s company, and they adored us as much as we did them. They both were very eager for learning about magic and eventually our eldest daughter was sent to Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns in Canterlot. Not long after that we and the village learned that she had become Celestia’s star pupil, we were so proud and the village was also elated.” Sunswirl said as she also started crying.

“Although we were very proud, our son became quite upset and lonely when he lost his sister from his life. We then encouraged him to make a few friends, although it proved to be quite difficult for him. He was very shy and was relentlessly picked on for being a blank flank because they wouldn’t dare do that if his sister was around. But he did eventually find a friend, those two became almost inseparable. He would play with her every day. They were the last ponies in their class to be blank flanks and together they knew they would be safe from the bullies who by know were picking on ponies with what they perceived were weird marks.” Cirrostratus went on.

Twilight all but knew what their son was facing for she was also relentlessly bullied and harassed on a daily basis, with her parents, older brother and Princess Celestia being the only refuge from it. To the point where she wouldn’t interact with many if any of her peers out of fear.

“Then on the Summer Sun Celebration, he finally got his Cutie Mark in magic and we sent him also to Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns so he could see his sister again as traveling to Canterlot and back home is a very expensive undertaking you must understand.”

Oh, judging by my own experience trying to get here, I don’t blame you two.” Twilight said as she glanced at her injuries.
“However, thing started to go wrong. We don’t know how or why, but our daughter abandoned her studies and disappeared without a trace. And our son was doing so badly that he’d apparently dropped out and we never heard from him again.” Cirrostratus and Sunswirl said as they were starting to sob.

Twilight was beginning to have a sense to familiarity to what they were saying, as if she’d know of who they were talking about. But then her attention went to the filly who was their son’s closest friend. “But what happened to his friend?” Twilight then asked the couple who were by this time into the conversation, quite upset.

“We don’t know, she apparently she ran away from home and her parents, who are great friends of ours. They were so devastated that her father ran all over Equestria for over ten years trying to find her while his wife stayed to run their two businesses. Unfortunately, he was not able to find a trace of her.” Cirrostratus said.

“It wasn’t like they were bad parents, to the contrary, they poured all of their love into her as it was their only daughter. They said they were always there for her, giving her support whenever she needed it. Her mother used to sing to her every night.” Sunswirl went on noting that the filly’s parents were deeply affectionate to her.

“The only thing we do know is that it happened not that long after our son got his Cutie Mark. I just don’t understand and I regret to think that we will never will for she has not been seen again after that incident.” Cirrostratus lamenting. Now Twilight was have strong idea on who they were talking about, but she needed a name or picture to confirm her suspicions.
“Cirrostratus, Sunswirl, do you two have a family portrait with your son and daughter in it before they were separated? And if so, could you bring it over for me to see?” Twilight requested. She didn’t like intruding into other ponies personal affairs, but it felt like the right thing to do.

“Oh sure, I’ll be right back.” Sunswirl said and went back home to get the picture. The weather had cleared for now, and thick snow covered everything as far as the eye could see. But even still, ponies were starting to decorate for Heartswarming Eve, the smiles on everypony’s faces as they trotted by and the foals playing in the snow were signs of normality even in these conditions.

As Sunswirl came back home and went to grab the portrait off the mantle, she started to think to herself. Was the princess going to recognise our foals? She looks about the same age as they would be now, was she at Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns at the same time? Does she know where they went to or where they are know? But what if she doesn’t know them? Or what if she says that we will never see them again? A cold gust of wind broke her concentration as she realised that she was just standing in front of the Hearth with the front door open. With tears running down her cheeks, Sunswirl got her composure back together and grabbed the portrait and left for the hospital with an equal measure of hope and dread going through her mind.

“What are you thinking of Twilight?” Cirrostratus asked Twilight about what she was up to. “I have this nagging hunch that I need to clear up on, but I need to be absolutely sure that I’m right about this before I commit to anything serious.” Twilight stated, then Sunswirl returned. “I’m back pri….. Um, Twilight.” Sunswirl said, mentally kicking herself. This is going to take time to get used to… She thought to herself.

“Ok. Now show me your beloved foals.” Twilight said. She tried to grab the portrait with her magic, but her hold was very weak. As soon as she grabbed it in her hooves, she couldn’t hold on with her magic anymore. She was exhausted. Clearly the physical rehabilitation is going to include my magic too. I haven’t had this much trouble with lifting anything since Starlight took my Cutie Mark. Twilight thought to herself as she started to unwrap the protective fabric.

As soon as she saw the picture, Twilight was speechless. She had been correct in her assumptions and now Cirrostratus’s and Sunswirl’s story made complete sense. Then multiple thoughts went through Twilight’s mind. Sunset never told me anything about her family, let alone the fact that Sunburst was her younger brother. How did I not connect with Sunburst, we were in the same class! He might have not shut himself away for so long if he just had a friend to support him! Sunset becoming Celestia’s student almost led to the complete destruction of Equestria through leaving her brother alone and thus led him to Starlight and therefore her feeling abandoned because of him getting his Cutie Mark….. “Um, Twilight? Are you alright?” Cirrostratus said while waving his hoof in front of Twilight’s face.

“Sorry, sorry! I kind of blank out when in thought.” Twilight said, blushing in embarrassment. Twilight was trying to wrap her head around this information. She had no clue how to explain to Sunset’s parents where she had been, what she had done, or why she didn’t try to get back into contact with her parents. But a voice in her head told her to let Sunset explain her story, it would help mend the emotional wound better.

“I, um … I know who your foals are and more importantly, I know where they currently are at the present time.” Twilight said, taking a deep breath for she knew that this would change Cirrostratus’s and Sunswirl’s lives by telling them where their long lost foals were. Before Twilight could say another word, both unicorns were hugging and crying in her chest.
“THANK YOU! Thank you so much Twilight!!!!” Said Sunswirl and Cirrostratus as both started sobbing in Twilight’s hooves. Twilight tried to get them off as the pain from her chest started to build.

“Can…. You…. Please….. Let…..Go…..” Twilight said as the pain started to grow more and more intense.
“Sorry, sorry, sorry! I just can’t describe how this news is making me feel, our family, reunited after so many years….” Cirrostratus said while continuing to cry.

“How could we ever repay you for this?” Sunswirl said while still sobbing and sniffling. “Cirrostratus, Sunswirl, you two ponies helped save my life! This is the least I can do to repay the favour.” Twilight said for helping this broken family would mean everything for them. For they went out of their way to save a complete stranger for the same reason Twilight was helping them now; it’s the right thing to do. A nurse came in and said that the hospital was closing for visitors and as Cirrostratus and Sunswirl left the room, they were compelled to bow towards Twilight as a sign of their gratitude for helping them out to a degree they never thought would happen. And to their surprise, Twilight bowed back, well, as best she could that is.

“Nurse, could I have a quill, ink and some parchment? I need to write a few letters.” Twilight said to the one nurse once the two unicorns were out of earshot. However, Twilight just did not have the strength with her magic to do it herself and the nurse offered to write the letters for her before she left the princess for the night. Realising that she couldn’t write herself, Twilight asked the nurse to write what she said.

To my dear sister-in-law,

I regret to inform you by letter that I won’t be able to be present for Hearth’s Warming for my injuries and the weather as of late severely limit travel. It upsets me greatly that I won’t be able to see you, or Shining Armour or Flurry Heart this year. Please let them know that I love you three deeply and will try my hardest to make you for this year’s absence. For Princess Celestia has given me a very important assignment that I have to complete.

As soon as weather permits, I request that Sunburst is taken to my current location by chariot, for my royal duties require him to be at my side. He has to have the appropriate clothing as weather in my current location is quite severe. Under any circumstances he is not to be told where he is going or why but you can inform him that I have also requested that his dear friend, Starlight Glimmer will also be accompanying him in this assignment.

Thank you for your understanding,
Love, Princess Twilight Sparkle.

Dear Spike,

It is great to hear from you and the girls again. However I won’t be able to make it for Hearth’s Warming this year. For Princess Celestia has given me a very important assignment that I have to complete. I know that they will understand but tell them that I love them as deeply as ever.

However Spike, I need you to organise a few things for me. Firstly, you are to grab the diary and inform Sunset Shimmer that I request that her presence in Equestria is required immediately. Tell her to dress very warmly and to bring over sleeping supplies for she will be staying for the holiday.

Secondly, inform Starlight Glimmer that she is also going to be accompanying Sunset. Send for a chariot to collect them both and transport them to my current location. Under no circumstances that either Sunset or Starlight are to be told where they will be going or why but you can say that they will be staying by my side for this assignment.

Thank you,
Twilight.

p.s. Starlight can be told that Sunburst is accompanying her in this trip, but Sunset cannot know of this information.

Dear Princess Luna,

I request that you accompany me at my current location. I understand that your sister has informed you of the current situation and I hold grave thoughts of what this assignment will do to Starlight Glimmer psychologically as the village I am residing at the moment hold deep trauma for her and reuniting her with her family after so many years might trigger an emotional and psychological breakdown. But this needs to be done to if Starlight is to fully close the darkest chapter of her life.

I understand, that your personal connection with Starlight in relation to both of your pasts is strong and that a pony who shares the same understanding of what she’s going through will be invaluable to our goal.

Thank You,
Your dear friend, Princess Twilight Sparkle.

p.s. Could you come in a way that Starlight will not sense your presence as this might make things worse if she catches on before we enter the village?

Chapter 4: Back on Track, with Letters and Gifts

Twilight’s rehabilitation was difficult at first, she couldn’t get anywhere without assistance for the first few days. Stairs were impossible to traverse for she would be out of breath in a single flight of stairs and her ability in lifting anything telekinetically was on par with new born foals. However, things started to improve to the point where by the end of the week, not only Twilight was capable of navigating unaided, but she could levitate herself for extended periods.

On the 17th of December Twilight was discharged from the hospital, although she had been told not to try advanced magic like teleportation or transmutation for the next few months without working up to it and being unable to fly conventionally for the next few weeks. Although after that, she just had to check in to Ponyville General Hospital to finish her rehabilitation. Twilight was just about to trot out when one of the nurses called out to her.

“Princess Twilight wait! You forgot your belongings! You don’t want to freeze out there!” the nurse said while carrying her Scarf, winter shoes, hat, snow goggles, saddle bags and her heavy coat, which had been cleaned to remove the blood stains from the inside layer.

“Thanks! I don’t even remember coming in with these.” Twilight said, for she had no memory of any of the events that led her to entering the village.

“Oh you didn’t, Mr. Cirrostratus brought them in after you were admitted. They were already cleaned and maintained when he brought them to us.” The nurse explained to Twilight as she gave her the equipment and clothing. As Twilight donned her clothing, Dr. Healthshield came out to bid her safe travels. Twilight thanked him and all of his staff for taking care of her and she finally trotted outside for the first time in nearly a fortnight.

So this is Starlight’s home village. Twilight thought to herself after recognising the distinctive architecture of the buildings when she was shown in the flashback by Starlight. Reminds me of Ponyville for some reason. Twilight continued to think as she approached the post office, for she had to send very important letters out.

As she entered the post office, she was amazed how quickly some pony came out to serve her. Twilight reckoned that it was a small town and not too many ponies were using it at any one time.

“Good afternoon, your highness. How may I have the honour of serving you?” The mail director asked Twilight as he trotted towards the service desk.

“I have a few letters I need to be sent out. The first is for Princess Cadance in the Crystal Empire, the second is for Princess Luna in Canterlot and the final letter is for my assistant, Spike at my home in Ponyville. I request that these letters be sent ASAP, if that is possible.” Twilight requested as she handed over the three letters.

“We won’t be able to airmail these directly from here unfortunately, Princess Twilight. For the weather is too severe, however, we can deliver them by road until the mail pony gets to a relay station where weather permits airmail and we’ll request that it delivered at all haste.” The mail director explained to Twilight.

“That’s no problem, sir.” Twilight said as she gave the bits for postage.

“We’ll get these letters out before tomorrow, your highness.” Said the mail director just before Twilight left the post office. As Twilight walked past a row of shops, she walked past a bookshop. And Twilight being Twilight, she could not resist going inside. Although Twilight had been to plenty of bookshops before, this one felt different. Hard wood shelving was packed to the full with books on subject’s ranging from basic magic for foals, to the complete history of Equestria, to more practical items for any aspiring chemist or scientist. There were so many books scattered in boxes it was hard to get anywhere. Twilight then stumbled on a large hardcover book titled: Up and Beyond: The Ultimate Guide to Kiting sitting on a crystal table. I’m sure Starlight would love this for a Hearth’s Warming present! Twilight thought to herself as Starlight’s love of kiting was matched by Twilight’s love or reading.

“Is any pony there?” Twilight heard a call from around the corner. She then came across a middle aged unicorn stallion with a white coat, cyan made and tail, green eyes and Cutie Mark with a book shooting out a watch, test tube and stars. “Princess Twilight? Welcome to my humble book and magic shop! My name is Steller Clockwork, and how may help you your highness?” Steller introduced himself.

“Oh, Twilight is fine, I just prefer you not to address me by my title.” Twilight said before realising she got asked a question. “Just out of curiosity, how much does this book cost?” Twilight said while pointing to the book on kiting she just saw.

“Um, let’s see, oh its 500 bits.” Steller said as he found the price tag, thinking that the princess might reconsider due to the expense, but it showed how little he knew of Twilight when it came to her friends and love of books.

“I’ll take it! My friend and student will absolutely love this.” Twilight said as a look of glee and excitement was plastered all over her face.

“Your friend likes kiting?” Steller said as the two ponies trotted over to the till.

“You bet! If she isn’t studding, or out and about on chores, she’s got at least one kite flying if the winds are right.” Twilight said as she remarked how seeing Starlight kite flying with the joy and happiness it brought her reminded Twilight of herself when she was reading anything of great interest.

“Kind of reminds me of my daughter. She loved kiting from an early age. It would keep her happy for hours… on…. on.” Steller just stopped and started getting emotional as if this conversation was reopening an old memory.

“Are you alright?” Twilight asked, looking a bit concerned.

“I’m, I’m fine… Just thinking of some of the happiest moments from years ago. Don’t need to drag you in my personal problems. Oh, here’s your book. I hope it brings a smile into your friend’s heart”

“Thank you, Steller. Just by any chance, do you know of anywhere I can book a room for the next few days?” Twilight asked for she had no clue where she was going to stay for the next few days. She tried to ask Cirrostratus if she could stay, however he and Sunswirl were organising the preparations for the Hearth’s Warming Eve celebrations. Twilight understood the pressure of such a job and knew her presence would overcomplicate things.

“Oh, go to the Unicorn Range Hotel. It’s run by my wife and our home is next to it. If you would like, I’m about to close the shop for the day, I can take you there if you require some help.”

“That would be greatly appreciated. Oh I was just wondering, why is there so many books and boxes all over your shop?” Twilight pointing out the cluttered store.

“Oh, we just have waaaaay too much stock on hand. The weather hasn’t helped with sales even though we are in the middle of holiday season. But I will sell this stock off once the weather improves. For my sales are quite high given were we are.” Steller explained that the extreme weather has affected his sales although he did seem unfazed by the mess surrounding him.

“Oh I know that feeling. I can still remember those cold and dark nights trying not to trample over boxes of lamps and candles in dad’s shop in Canterlot when I was a filly.” Twilight remarked how she got used to this while helping her father in his Lamp and Candle store.

“I loved that store, heck if I was ever in Canterlot, I would always stop by to get my candles and lamps from there. Sure it’s a long trip for something as mundane as lighting, but it’s just…. wait a minute, you’re Night Light’s daughter?” Steller said with a sense of shocked realisation. “I knew he had two foals, but I didn’t know one was an alicorn.” Steller said questioning how could she be the way she is without much publicity.

“Actually, I was born a unicorn, studied under Princess Celestia, finished Starswirl the Bearded’s masterpiece, which apparently according to my friends, got myself killed completing it but then I was resurrected as an alicorn.” I can’t believe I just summed up my whole life in a single sentence. Twilight said before thinking how wired that she could sum up her whole life so easily.

“I really need to get in touch with your father, I haven’t spoken with him in years. We were great friends from when we were foals if you wanted to know.” Steller looking back.

“I wonder why he’d never spoke about you before.” Twilight questioned.

“Oh, he was never a talkative pony, especially about his friends. He preferred reading over socialising.” Steller went on remaking on Night Light’s more introverted personality.

“Well isn’t that ironic, considering that his daughter became the Princess of Friendship, although that ‘reading over socialising’ thing was so true for most of my life. Hmm like father, like daughter I guess.” Twilight said with a small laugh. “I will tell dad that you said hello whenever I meet up with him next.” Twilight said.

“Well, it’s getting late. How about we continue this wonderful conversation on the way to my home?” Steller said to Twilight as he was closing shop.

“Sure, besides, I haven’t really got the geographical awareness of this village to really get anywhere without help.” Twilight said with a sheepish grin.

Oh, she truly is Night Light’s daughter. Steller thought to himself as Twilight obviously picked up her father’s habit of explaining the simple with very technical terms and expressions. As Twilight and Steller Clockwork were leaving the shop, the wind started to pick up and it was getting harder for Twilight to trot through the snow.

The path towards Steller’s home was uphill climb, into the wind. Steller looked behind and saw the princess struggling to make any headway, so he came back down and helped Twilight along at a pace she could keep. Once the two ponies arrived on the front porch, Twilight got a breathtaking view of the whole village as Steller’s home overlooked the whole town.

Chapter 5: A Better Understanding of History

“It’s so beautiful up here.” Twilight remarked as she could see all of the lights of the houses and buildings down below.

You should see it in the summer time, for you can see Canterlot if the weather is good. Now come inside where it is warm.” Steller said with no exaggeration as the clear air can make one see for a few hundred kilometres around. Steller Clockwork and his wife’s home wasn’t fancy. A simple two story, stone home with a veranda that encircled the entire home. The Hotel was a short distance below the house which Steller told Twilight that the Hotel’s office was connected to the house viva a tunnel that was used primarily through the winter months to help service the hotel as the weather can get quite bad.

“Honey, I’m home and I’ve brought a special guest.” Steller announced.

“Oh, who is it?” called a voice from upstairs.

“You’ll see soon honey.” Steller answered back as his wife trotted down the stairs to see for herself who was this mystery quest.

“Twilight, this is my wife, Evernight Bliss.” Steller introduced his wife who had red violet coat, magenta mane and tail with turquoise stripes and light navy blue eyes. “She would prefer if you wouldn’t be formal around her.” Steller went on trying to save Twilight the trouble in which Twilight gave a light blush.

“Oh, anyway it’s a pleasure to meet you Twilight. I assuming that you are wanting to stay for the next few days?” Evernight stubbled as she tried to get over the shock and trying to form a coherent sentence.

“That’s right.” Twilight said, nodding.

“I’ll even let you stay for as long as you need for free! It’s the least I can do for you.” Evernight said, for she felt wrong to charge a princess, let alone one who was on the mend.

“I’d rather…. On second thought, I’ll take your offer.” Twilight said as she looked in her purse and saw she had spent the last of the bits she had on her for Starlight’s gift.

“But before I take your things and show you to your room, do you want to join us for dinner? I’ve got potato and carrot bake in the oven.” Evernight said.

“That sounds wonderful.” Twilight said after realising that she had not eaten since yesterday and was quite hungry. Twilight was amazed by the interior design, although Rarity might not approve in its age, Twilight always seemed to like designs from a few centuries ago.

The living room had a black granite fireplace with a white marble mantel piece with various pictures on it and three stockings dangling from the edge. A stained oak bookcase surrounded the fireplace and chimney with a large lounge in front of the hearth. Green velvet carpet floors with crimson red walls and stained wood edging. A large Hearth’s Warming tree, lavishly decorated stood near the front window. Then Twilight went under the stairs towards the kitchen and dining room, which was in a similar style to her own, albeit different colour scheme and lack of crystals.

“Please, have a seat. We’ll bring everything over for you.” Steller said as he showed Twilight to the head of the dinner table.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to at least help set up the table?” Twilight asked if she could help.

“Twilight, you are our honoured guest, you just need to relax, we have everything covered. But thank you for your offer. I’d just thought you would be used to having your servants getting you everything you need.” Evernight said as she’d didn’t expect a princess to help set up for a meal when she was a guest in her own home.

“Servants? No, I don’t have any, to tell you the truth, me and my assistant, Spike help each other with cooking and cleaning. Having some pony do everything for me just doesn’t feel natural.”

“Really? I just pictured royalty getting treated like that on a daily basis.” Evernight said as she started to set up all of the cutlery and the various plates, bowls and spices.

“Sometimes we appreciate the help, but we’d just like to be treated like any other pony. That’s especially true for Princess Celestia, who after 1000 years, has grown a little tired of the formalities to the point where she caused chaos twice with the Grand Galloping Gala by first inviting all of my friends without telling us how it actually was and drove us a little crazy and secondly by inviting Discord and you could probably guess how that would turn out. But it did make her very happy in the end to my amazement.” Twilight recalling the two disasters that almost drove her crazy, but looking back were actually pretty funny.

“Do you drink wine, Twilight? We had got Canterlot Sovereign, bottled from the 500th summer sun celebration.” Steller asked as he went through the wine rack on the kitchen buffet.

“Oh, normally I’m not really a drinker, but yes please, a glass will do.” Twilight said. She wasn’t an eager drinker, but on special or important occasions, she would have at least a couple of drinks.

As Steller Clockwork was serving up the main meal, Twilight noticed an extra dinner plate, cutlery set and cup next to Evernight’s seat. Twilight was just a bit curious and was just about to ask why there was an extra seat set up when Steller asked Twilight a question.

“Twilight, why did you come all the way out here, almost getting yourself killed in the process mind I ask?” Steller questioned Twilight. He could not understand why Twilight would do what she did to reach this village.

“I was assigned by Princess Celestia to come and help assess the unicorn foals for their potential for magical talent. But while I was in the hospital, a unicorn named Cirrostratus helped me out immensely by getting the testing done. I feel that by not performing the job myself, felt that I let everypony down. But sometimes events conspire so that you have to trust others to help you achieve the goal and I am thankful for his and his wife’s help.” Twilight answered acknowledging the efforts of the local residents undertook to help her in her time of need.

“That sounds like them alright. Cirrostratus has always been very supportive, even to ponies who he has never known before. We are greatly thankful to be good friends of those two wonderful ponies.” Evernight remarked.

These were the ponies who Cirrostratus and Sunswirl were talking about. Twilight thought to herself, she looked at the empty seat and just had to ask for what she knew would be a question that would bring back painful memories.

”That empty seat with the dinner plate and cutlery set up, who is that for?” Twilight asked. As soon as that question was out of Twilight’s lips, both Steller Clockwork and Evernight Bliss looked at each other with the unmistakable looks one sees when in pain of losing something or in this case some pony precious and dear to them. Evernight was obviously starting to get quite upset as she started crying and burying her head into her hooves. Then Steller came over to comfort her as Twilight looked on knowing that she had opened a deep personal wound but she knew this had to be done.

“Twilight, could you please come with us.” Steller asked Twilight to come with him and Evernight.

“Of course. Cirrostratus told me about what had happened to your daughter, and I need to ask what had happened. I know this is quite an upsetting subject to bring up on, and I’m deeply sorry for bringing this up.” Twilight said, expressing her deep regret for having to ask such a personal question as the three ponies left the dining room and headed up stairs.

The second floor consisted of a long hallway with a wooden floor and a hallway carpet mat in the middle and a hallway dresser on the right and side. The trio stopped at a door at the end of the hallway. Evernight tried to open the door, but was so upset, she could not concentrate her magic on the door knob. So Steller opened the door and let Twilight in first.

As the lights were turned on, Twilight looked upon a filly’s room. It looked like it belonged to a foal of about 9 – 10 years old. Everything was neatly organised and cleaned as if someone was still living there. As Twilight turned to her left, she saw a display cabinet with a few trophies, ribbons and pictures in it. All of the awards were for 1st prizes for junior kiting competitions, but it was when she looked down at the photos, that the gravity of what this room represented hit home for Twilight as she saw two photos, one of a family portrait and a personal photo and instantly knew who this room belonged to.

“Starlight always had this passion for kiting even at a young age. It was one of the few things near the end that kept her happy. Even to this day, seeing my little Starly flying her kites and showing her friend with the biggest smile on her face just bring tears to my eyes.” Evernight said while sniffling behind Twilight’s back.

“There was always something about her that caught our attention, as if she was special. Unfortunately, the other foals saw that as a reason to mercilessly bully and harass her when she started school. It did not help that she was still a blank flank when almost everypony had already got theirs. So it progressively got worse and worse. Then it started to get better when she first befriended Cirrostratus’s son, Sunburst.” Steller continued as Evernight was getting too emotional to tell the rest of the story.

“Starlight found a connection in him that she was desperate for; understanding of what she was going through and some pony she could relate to. When they were together, they seemed to forget everything else around them for they had each other for support.”

“Every weekend for example Starlight would ask if she could spend the weekend with Sunburst at his parent’s house and what Sunswirl told us, Sunburst would want to be with her. It looked like she would get over this, but then came that Summer Sun Festival.”

“We don’t blame Cirrostratus and Sunswirl for sending him to Canterlot. They wanted to see their son achieve his full potential, and just assumed, like we that soon, Starlight would join him. But that did not come to pass. For years afterward, Starlight suffered immensely at school. As the last blank flank in her class, she was being attacked, mentally, verbally and sometimes, physically by the others to the point where we wanted to home-school her for we felt like there was no other choice but we were told that we could not as the regulations in the area prevented it. She would almost always come home crying and lock herself in her room crying and sobbing for hours on end.”

“We tried everything to help her, but as the years went on, in just got worse and worse until her 10th birthday when she left for school and just never came home. I searched everywhere in town, nothing. Then in the nearby area, still nothing. Then I told Evernight that I will not come back until I brought our little Starly home, I had no idea how long I was going to be away for. I literally went all over Equestria, not coming home for 10 years before I felt I had to ask the Princess herself for I was so desperate that I had nowhere else to turn.”

“All she could say was that the same stars that aid in the escape of the Mare in the Moon will bring your daughter home, she continued and said this will happen although she said that she had no idea when and told me to go back home. I told her that I could not just abandon my daughter like that, but despite my desperate and distraught protests she told me that I had done all that I could and that the only thing left was to let go. At that point I completely broke down. Even though I could trust Princess Celestia with my life, personally I felt I had failed Starlight as her father and that’s something Twilight, no parent should ever have to feel.”

“The Princess seeing me curled up crying my heart out was also touched by my plight as if she knew exactly what I was going though. She then wrapped me in her wings and trying to comfort me before taking me home and explaining what she had said to Evernight, and she took it even worse. Even after almost 14 years, that day seems like yesterday.” Steller finished his heartbreaking story as both he and Evernight seeing Twilight on the floor crying and sobbing for she knew Starlight’s life wasn’t pleasant by any stretch of the imagination, but to hear it from her parent’s side, was so tragic, words could not describe it.

Evernight picked Twilight off the floor and hugged the quite heartbroken princess for her, nor her husband ever wanted to drive any other pony to the same emotional wreck that there were. Then Twilight wiped the stream of tears from her face. Twilight then felt for some reason an uncontrollable and instinctive urge to make decree even though she thought she should still be on the floor crying. Steller and Evernight sensing something amiss, stepped back and for what came next, they were thankful not to be right next to Twilight.

“STELLER CLOCKWORK AND EVERNIGHT BLISS!!! I PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE HEREBY DECREE THAT I WILL BRING YOUR DAUGHTER, STARLIGHT GLIMMER BACK HOME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!!” Twilight said whilst using the Traditional Royal Canterlot Voice as Steller and Evernight looked with shrunken pupils and blank expressions. Twilight then started gasping and writhing as the stress of using the Royal Canterlot Voice was pushing the limits of what she could do and reached for her pain medication.

“Sorry, I don’t know why, but have no control over it when I suddenly break into the Traditional Royal Canterlot Voice but what I said is what I will do. For what I just heard is so tragic, I just can’t bear to see you two suffer anymore. Now however, I’m too exhausted to do anything more tonight. So can you please show me to my room?” Twilight apologising for the sudden shouting. Then unexpectedly, Evernight got on her knees and started kissing Twilight’s hooves repeatedly and thanking her. All Twilight do is look around with the most awkward look on her face and thinking back; So this is what Celestia was telling me about happened when she had shown Rarity that suite in Canterlot….

Twilight was shown to her room, which turned out to be the best room on offer, complete with a spa! The one thing going through Twilight’s mind is how much Rarity would be freaking out over this.

“I hope you enjoy your stay, Twilight. If you need anything, just be free to ask the overnight staff in the reception room downstairs. Thank you again for going out of your way to helping getting my little Starly home. Also sorry for, that before.” Evernight said with a sheepish grin after the saying about what happened moments ago.

“Thank you. Just relax, I will handle it. All you need to know is that I will help anypony in need. Also you don’t need to apologise for thanking me like you did before. That reaction is completely understandable. Just to let you know, your nickname for Starlight is both sweet and adorable.” Twilight said just before going to bed for tomorrow would be a day where multiple lives would be changed for the better, but Twilight had this nagging thought in the back of her mind that it could go all horribly wrong.

Chapter 6: A Step in the Right Direction

Sunrise in the Crystal Empire was always something to behold for any pony not born in the empire to appreciate its beauty. The sight of all of the various coloured crystals sparkling and reflecting in the sunlight can take your breath away, it also was a major attraction for visitors. Even to the residents living there on a constant basis, it was not enough to diminish its beauty. Most ponies at this time were not too busy and tended to relax.

But for a unicorn living in an obscure home in a backstreet on the city’s edge, today wasn’t like that. Sunburst was almost always something or a recluse, mostly coming out of his house for his official duties and daily routines. Reuniting with his foal-hood friend, Starlight Glimmer made him get out more, but not by much as his years of near isolation made him very socially awkward.

However, he felt different being around Starlight, he could not describe it as if he felt he had to be around her for when he was alone, his overall spirit and feeling of self-confidence and worth seemed to dissipate. So every time she’d come to visit him, he felt more, well alive to put it simply. As he was preparing for his trip to Ponyville, he heard a knock on his door.

“Good Morning. What can I do for you?” Sunburst answering the door on to find it was Shining Armour at his front door. Sunburst instinctively bowed to the prince, with Shining rolling his eyes and picking Sunburst off the floor.

“How many times have I told you about bowing to me or Cadance?” Shining said. Like his sister, Shining had grown to not like the formalities that came with his title, especially the bowing and saluting. Years of being in the royal guard have made him numb to it to the point where if there wasn’t a need for it, he’d try to avoid it.

“I can’t help it, force of habit. What brings you here at this time of the morning? If it’s about Flurry Heart, I can be over at the castle in a moment.” Sunburst asked as he was always willing to see and watch over the baby alicorn for he loved to spend time seeing her playing in the castle, although not when she uses her magic to pull at his mane, cloak or run off with his glasses.

“No it’s not about Flurry, she’s fine although she is upset that Twily won’t be coming over for Hearth’s Warming this year.” Shining said expressing that his daughter loved her aunt and was looking forward to seeing her again. “Oh, did you want to come in? I’ve got the kettle going so did you want some Tea?” Sunburst asked for standing in a doorway in the cold is not exactly a good place for a conversation.

“Sure, why not.” Shining said coming inside, although he was a bit worried about the state of Sunburst’s home with books, potions and scrolls scattered all over the place. As the two stallions sat down at a small round table Sunburst asked about the state of Twilight. “I’ve heard something happened with Princess Twilight? Is she going to be alright?” Sunburst asked, knowing that the news of what had happened would hit Shining more, being his sister and all.

“Twily is going to be fine, although when we first heard the news, I was deeply worried. Which you can understand being her older brother I can be protective of her, sometimes a bit too overprotective. Oh which reminds me, Twilight has summoned you to immediately meet up with her on a royal assignment.” Shining explained his concern for his sister before handing Sunburst the letter.

Internally, Sunburst’s heart sank like a stone, for he knew that after Hearth’s Warming, he would not be able to see Starlight for at least 6 months. He could still write to her during this time but it wasn’t the same as having her with him in person. Shining picked up on the growing look of despair in Sunburst’s face and knew what he was going through and then told Sunburst what he’d love to hear right now.

“Don’t worry Sunburst, Starlight is going to join you too.” Shining said as he saw Sunburst’s face light up with joy. It was then Shining knew what his wife was telling him about. “Sunburst, delivering you this letter wasn’t the only reason we had come here.”

“Really? I thought it was a bit weird for a prince to be delivering mail, wait, ‘we’?” Sunburst said as the door was knocked on again and Sunburst went over to answer the door. Why do I all of a sudden have all of these visitors? Sunburst thought to himself as he opened the door and saw Princess Cadance and Flurry Heart alongside her mother, all snuggled in warm jackets.

“Cadance? What brings you hear this early? Come on in, I don’t want you to get cold. Oh you brought Flurry along, she just looks so adorable in that Cadance.” Sunburst said as he admitted the Princess and her daughter, who was sleeping on her mother’s back.

“Actually, we had come to help you out Sunburst.” Princess Cadance said explaining her and her husband’s presence.
“Me? I don’t understand what I need help with. And sorry if I’m being rude or anything but I need to get ready to head off to, um, where is Princess Twilight anyway?” Sunburst said, trying not to offend the royal couple as he tried to organise all of the packs and bags he was taking.

“You are getting flown to her location for she has requested that you aren’t told where you are heading off to. We have arranged a chariot to pick you up, it should be here in about an hour.” Shining stated.

“In the meantime, we need to ask a few questions.” Sunburst nodded, then Cadance continued. “How do you feel when you are around Starlight? Cadance asked for she’d knew that there was something about those two that she could not ignore.

“What do you mean? I mean is great to have her around, we love to spend time together studding magic, watching the great views of the empire and in general enjoying each other’s company for we had been separated for so long you understand?” Sunburst answered, trying to keep his composure but he was thinking he was getting an idea of why they had come to see him.

“And when she leaves, how do you feel then?” Cadance went on. “Well, I do miss her, for we love to see each other and…” Sunburst answered realising that his face was starting to burn up and growing smirks on Shining Armor and Cadance’s faces. Sunburst realised that he was being trapped in a mental corner, getting asked awkward questions about a subject that was not only personal, but deeply traumatic and depressive to him. Then Sunburst started to get defensive.

“Stop it! I and Starlight are just friends ok! Why are you two asking such invasive questions!?” Sunburst shouted at them.
“Sunburst, we are not here to judge you or your feelings for Starlight, we are here to help you express those emotions so that they don’t bottle up inside you.” Cadance said with a growing look of worry in her face.

“You don’t need to suppress them either, you may not realise it, but it’s hurting you more than you like to show and deep down, you know it true.” Shining said also worried by what was tearing Sunburst apart on the inside.

“I’m not hiding anything! Like I said, Starlight is just a friend of mine! Look I understand you are worried about me but there is nothing going on between me and Starlight.” Sunburst continued denying all claims of affectionate feelings towards Starlight, but Cadance could see right through his denials.

“Sunburst, I’m the Princess of Love. I can sense the feelings of other ponies love and affection for one another, and just to let you know even if you don’t admit it yourself; your love for Starlight is so strong I can sense it even if you are on the other side of Equestria.” Cadance stated and it was then that Sunburst realised that he could not deny it any longer for now anymore attempts to do so were now futile.

“FINE! I do love her, OK! I love her more that the whole of Equestria, she is sweet, kind, understanding, passionate and so beautiful that it hurts me deeply knowing that I’m not worthy of her affection. I mean, why should she love me? She’s one of the most powerful unicorns in Equestria, a protégé of the Princess of Friendship, a saviour of all Equestria, a pony capable of traversing the bonds of space and time. While I’m a pathetic excuse for a unicorn, I’m barely able to get beyond basic telekinesis! You tell me, why she should even care about me! Or if any pony should love this absolute failure of a pony that I am!” Sunburst exploded in an emotional rant and at the end, burying his head in his hooves and crying his heart out.

“Sunburst, do you really think that Starlight wouldn’t love you for not being able to perform advanced magic?” Cadance said while rubbing Sunburst's back trying to reassure him. “To tell you the truth, Starlight has the same feelings towards you as you do towards her. But what I don’t understand is why you two haven’t expressed these feelings?” Cadance asked trying to get understand why Sunburst and Starlight won’t express their true feelings for one another.

“Well, is that I’m afraid. I’m afraid that if I lose her again, I just… I just don’t know what to do. When we were separated, initially I was excited but it took me longer to realise than I should of that I was truly lost without her. By the time I did realised how much I missed her, I tried to get into contact again, unfortunately by that time, she had disappeared without a trace. At that point I had become so grief struck that I could not move on with my life and isolated myself for years until Princess Twilight found me here and reunited me with Starlight.”

“Look, I know Starlight had it a lot worse than what I went through, but I don’t what it to happen all over again. Starlight doesn’t deserve me for what did to her and if it were to happen again, I just could not live with myself knowing the pain I would inflict upon her.” Sunburst went on explaining his deepest fears and thinking that he was responsible for the complete destruction of Starlight’s life and that he thought that after all that had happened, he should never even try to get into a relationship with Starlight.

After that Cadance and Shining Armour understood what he was going through and were hugging the emotional wreck Sunburst was becoming. Even little Flurry Heart, awoken to the yelling, came up upon the table and joined in, although she was way too young to understand what was going on, she could react to a pony being upset and would always try to hug as well. Cadance noticed this and was also tearing up.

“Sunburst, I can fully understand what you are going through now for I once also held the same fears and anxieties.” Shining said, seeing in Sunburst, what he once was years ago. “You…., you did?” Sunburst said as he wiped the tears flowing from his eyes and putting his glasses back on.

“Of course, I once thought that I wasn’t worthy of the attention and love of Cadance. How could a guard ever earn the respect and love of a princess? But I loved her so much that I would do anything for her and in the end, that’s what convinced her that I was worthwhile and needless to say, the rest is history. However at the end of the day, all you have to do is to show Starlight that you love her for who she is, and to show what lengths you would go to support her, whatever the situation. And most importantly, don’t act like the pony who you think you should be, but just be yourself.” Shining went on explaining that it’s not your abilities that makes some pony love you, but it’s who you are that is more important.

“But what if that is not enough? How could I be sure that she’d even consider me worthwhile after everything that’s happened?” Sunburst said, worried that that might not be enough.

“You have to try, and if you don’t, you might regret it for the rest of your life. Now ask yourself Sunburst, could you live with yourself if you could have tried to express your feelings and allow Starlight to do the same and chose not to out of fear? I’d think that would be the worst outcome for the both of you, but in the end it is up to you and Starlight and you two alone to sort this out.” Cadance went on worried that if they don’t do this, it might be worse than what had already happened before.

“Ok…. Ok I’ll do it, for her. I just can't stand to see Starlight upset and all alone.” Sunburst said with a determined tone to his voice. “Now that’s the spirit Sunburst! Now I think that’s the chariot, do you have everything you need?” Shining asked. “I think so, wait, I’d almost forgot.” Sunburst grabbing a pink gift box with a lavender bow from behind a book and he then quickly put it into his saddle bag. He tried to hide it from sight but Cadance got a glimpse of the gift but refrained from saying anything for she felt like she had done enough to expose Sunburst’s emotional pain and suffering for one day.

“I hope it all goes well for you Sunburst, for I think that Starlight is one lucky mare to have some pony as devoted and caring as you.” Cadance went on trying to encourage Sunburst although it was not helping his nervousness. “Cadance, stop it! You are making me blush even more!” Sunburst said with ever reddening cheeks.

“What? I’m being completely honest here. Also I’m practicing for when Flurry Heart is older so I can embarrass her like any self-respecting parent should.” Cadance said while giving Sunburst a wink and with the biggest smirk on her face. “Tell Twily we said we all love her very much!” Shining asked Sunburst when he sees Twilight.

“Of course, hopefully this turns all right, for all of us.” Sunburst remarked just before he got on the chariot as Cadance and Shining Armour loaded his belongings and bided him farewell. As Sunburst was admiring the scenery below him, he would have no idea how this task was going to affect his whole life, and of those closest to him.

Chapter 7: Sunny reunions

Meanwhile at the same time as Sunburst’s meeting with Cadance and Shining Armour, Spike had just finished writing Twilight’s message to Sunset in the Throne Room when a tired Starlight trotted in with coffee in her grip and donning her dressing gown and wearing slippers. For winter time in the castle was cold, especially the floors, being made of crystal and all. While Twilight has been away, Starlight and Spike have being helping with the Hearth’s Warming preparations that Twilight was going to do, on top of their own tasks.

“Just a question Spike, how do you and Twilight have the energy to do so much work?” Starlight said asking how the two seem to be able to do so many tasks without much stress. “Oh you’ll get used to it eventually.” Although Twilight’s super OCD is one thing no one could get used to fully. Spike said while thinking after all of the craziness that has been Twilight’s life, even he’s surprised to have kept up, although he thought something else was also up with Starlight as she looked utterly exhausted.

“Starlight, are you sure you are alright? It looks like you haven’t had much sleep lately.” Spike said, noting Starlight’s seemly lack of energy. “Don’t be ridiculous Spike, I have had plenty of sleep!” Starlight said, dismissing his concerns.

Coming from the pony who had to be pushed halfway through Ponyville because she fell asleep in the grocery store when I was getting marshmallows and cocoa for Hearth’s Warming. Spike thought to himself as his legs were still sore from yesterday. “You keep telling yourself that.” Spike muttered under his breath. “Have you got everything Twilight said you needed for the trip?” Spike asked Starlight.

“Yep, all set and ready to go! I’ll just be in my room Spike, Just let me know when the chariot arrives.” Starlight said as she trotted to her room. Moments later, Spike heard a loud thump from the library and assumed that Sunset Shimmer had arrived, so he ran over and opened the door and saw Sunset on the floor with two saddle bags and pack on her. Obviously, being in the human world for years has made Sunset lose touch with Equestria, and for the matter, being a quadruped.

“Hey, Sunset! Welcome back to Equestria! Oh um let me get you up.” Spike said as he helped Sunset back on her hooves. Sunset started to look around and seemed rather disoriented, going through the portal was almost nauseating at times. Then again being turned from a human to a pony and vice versa would make your head spin.

“Um, Spike, first where are we and second, you’re a dragon?” Said Sunset who seemed unfamiliar with her surroundings and did not remember that Spike was a dragon in this world. “Oh, this is Twilight’s castle, well her library that is and I’m pretty sure I told you already that I was a dragon.” Spike explaining where Sunset was and reminding her of his true form.

“Sorry Spike, just got knocked around going back through.” Sunset said as she rubbed her head and legs. “I know that feeling, anyway, the chariot won’t be here for a couple of hours did you want me to show you around?” Spike said as he always felt sore going back and forth through the portal and offering Sunset a tour of the castle.

“I’d like that plus it gets me reacquainted with walking on fours and using real magic again! Oh how I have missed just teleporting where I needed to go or picking multiple objects up without the limitations of only having two hands to work with!” Sunset said excitedly for being in a world with very limited magic, if at all had made her appreciate how easy it was in Equestria. Then Sunset wondered where was Twilight, as this was an important decision for her to come back on such short notice she’d had thought Twilight would be here to greet her.

“Um, Spike, Where is Twilight?” Sunset asked. “Oh, she is not here. Twilight got herself seriously injured and she had arranged you transport so you will be meeting up later on. Now I will make you some breakfast first.” Spike said as the two went to the kitchen. While in the kitchen, Sunset could not help but notice that Twilight’s kitchen had a lot of teacups for some reason and asked Spike why there were so many and Spike just said not to question it.

As the two went through the castle, Sunset was awestruck by the beauty that she was seeing around her. Sunset then started taking pictures with a camera she had brought from the Human world as her friends wanted to see what Equestria was like as actually traveling there would probably cause so much chaos that it would make Discord himself jealous. Then her mind started to drift towards why she was called over and the first thing that popped into her mind was that Twilight was going to make her have a heart to heart talk with Princess Celestia, which started to get her nervous. “Hey Spike, do you know what I’m doing with Twilight?” Sunset asked for she felt that she was deliberately being kept in the dark.

“Actually I have no idea either, for all she told me was that you are not to know where or why you were doing this but the one thing I do know is that you are not going to Canterlot.” Spike reassuring Sunset that a meeting with Princess Celestia was not the task, much to her relief. Then there was knocking on the door Spike answered the door and two royal guards were at the door. “Morning guys, I’ll just let them know you are here now.” Spike said and as he started to turn back to get Sunset and Starlight, the guard spoke up.

“Actually, there has been a problem with the double chariot sir.” Said the guard rubbing the back of his neck. Spike stepped aside and saw what the problem was. Spike had requested a chariot that could accommodate both Starlight, Sunset and all of the luggage in one trip but only saw a small chariot and asked where the one he had requested was.

“Well its undergoing repairs and we have only one single chariot spare, so we can only take Miss Shimmer and Miss Glimmer one at a time. I’m sorry for the inconvenience but at this time of the year, these chariots are in high demand. It only the fact that these passengers are required by Princess Twilight that you are even able to get one sent to you.” The other guard explained.

“Ok, um I’ll go see who’s ready to go first.” Spike said. Then on the guards then told Spike; “Just make it fast, it’s a 10 hour return flight and we need to get the passengers out soon if we are to deliver them both to Princess Twilight within the day.”
Spike went to find Sunset who for whatever reason, had wandered off. Probably just got more curious about the castle he thought. Then he found her near bedroom suites.

“Sunset, the guards are here to pick you up now. However, what are you doing here?” Spike asked a curious Sunset. “Oh, it could just be my imagination, but I could swore I heard screaming, sobbing and crying from up here and I thought somebody needed help so I came up here, I can tell that I’m close for I can hear it clearly.” Sunset said with Spike reminding her again that her word use in which Sunset face-hooved herself. This is going to take time to get used to. Sunset thought to herself.

“Um, give me a moment.” Spike said as he entered Starlight’s room and saw that she actually not packed anything and was clearly asleep but obviously having nightmares…. absolutely terrifying ones at that. So he walked out and guided Sunset to the front door. Sunset was asking who that was in the room but Spike was more focused on getting Sunset on her way to answer her question.

“Spike, can you please tell me who was that pony in the room?” Sunset asked again as she was getting on the chariot.
“Don’t worry, you’ll be meeting her later on.” Spike shouted as the guards flew way from Ponyville. Then Spike returned to help Starlight, who was still having whatever nightmare she was having. Worried, Spike went in to wake her up. “Starlight, Starlight! Wake up!” Spike said as he was shaking Starlight trying to wake her only for Starlight to start screaming at him in her sleep.

“NO! STOP IT!!!! LEAVE ME ALONE!!!!!” Starlight was screaming before Spike had to slap her in the face and then she’d woke up, but to only find a frustrated dragon yelling at her. “SNAP OUT OF IT!!!!” Spike yelled as Starlight came to and starting to feel pain in her left cheek. “Spike! You didn’t need to slap me to wake me up! A simple nudge would have done!” Starlight yelled back angrily enough for her neck veins to show.

“Sorry, I was trying to wake you but you were screaming, crying and sobbing so I had to do something more drastic.” Spike apologising to Starlight for hitting her but she realised that he had seen everything and then he was asking what happened. She just stated it was just a nightmare and that they would come and go every now and then. But Spike knew better, for Twilight used to have similar nightmares about the worst episodes of her youth and could spot the same signs in Starlight.
“Starlight, I’m getting worried, you should really get some help about this.” Spike said with a worried tone in his voice.
“Spike, thank you for the advice, but I just need to…. need to.” Starlight said while yawning.

“Look, I know you haven’t gotten much sleep lately, so how about I pack your things and you get some sleep. It’s going to be a few hours before they come back and it’s a long flight so you need your rest.” Spike said as he tucked Starlight into bed.
Then Spike took all of Starlight things, packed them and placed them outside her bedroom door. Shutting the blinds, Spike told her to try to get some sleep and that he will wake her in a few hours and shut the door. Starlight then closed her eyes, but with tears still flowing.

Meanwhile, at the village, Sunburst had just arrived and as he disembarked in front of the village hall, the guards said that the Princess was inside waiting for him. Sunburst thanked the guards and wished them a happy Hearth’s Warming.

As Sunburst entered the main hall, he was beginning to get more curious on why the Princess of Friendship would call him all this way, but judging by his last experience with the princess, this might change his life or those around him. As he closed the last door behind him a familiar voice called out to him. “Sunburst! It’s good to see you again!” Twilight said as she came up and welcomed him.

“Good morning, Princess Twilight! What may be of a service can I help you with? Oh, I’d almost forgot, your brother said that he loves you and hopes that you would see them soon.” Sunburst said relaying Shining Armour’s message, which Twilight hugged him and told Sunburst that she loves them too. “Well, I here to help make amends in your life, Sunburst. I’ve come across information that will help me achieve this and you are one of the puzzle pieces.”

“Piece of a puzzle? Your highness I don’t understand what you mean? Also, who is that cloaked pony on the podium seat?” Sunburst asked a bit confused to Twilight’s answer and asking who the mysterious pony was in the brown cloak over watching the two of them was.

“You’ll find out soon enough, oh, and there is another piece. Please excuse me Sunburst. I’ll be just a moment.” Twilight said as she heard another chariot land just outside. Twilight trotted outside as Sunburst, stroking his goatee thinking who the mystery pony was. “The princess is in the, oh never mind, she is right there Miss Shimmer.” The guard said, correcting himself mid-sentence. Sunset thanked them for the lift and took off to get back to Ponyville for Starlight.

“Twilight!” Sunset called out with Twilight doing the same thing as the two mares hugged, with Sunset being extra careful, noting Twilight’s broken wing. “It’s been so long since I last saw you! So, what going on?” Sunset said, very happy to see Twilight again, well the pony Twilight that is.

“Well, you will soon find out! Now let’s get out of the cold.” Twilight said as the two trotted inside. Then Sunset entered the main hall and saw two other ponies, one sitting down, but unrecognisable due to the cloak, and another with his back turned away. Sunset could not quite get the idea of who this pony was but there was something oddly familiar about him. It was only when he turned around to face her did it dawn on Sunset that she could not mistake those bright blue eyes. The two siblings just stared at each other for a good few minutes with shocked expressions before Sunburst finally spoke.
“Sunset? Is that really you?” Sunburst said with tears forming in his eyes.

“Sunburst? Oh look at you, I mean, oh come here!” Sunset said before both were hugging and crying in joy. For this has been the first time in nearly 20 years that they have seen each other. “Look at you, when we were last together, you were just small colt and now look how much you have grown! My little brother isn’t so little anymore.” Sunset said while shedding tears of joy

“You have become more beautiful now then you ever were. Where were you, all this time? Where were you? No pony said anything about you, it was just as if you had disappeared from the face of Equestria.” Sunburst said with the unmistakable sense of hurt in his voice. Sunset was silent for a moment deep in thought.

How do I explain what happened? The Mirror? Living in another dimension? Trying to steal Twilight's crown? How I became a she-demon once I obtained it? And what had happened afterward? Sunset thought to herself but then realised that she had to explain herself fully for only telling the truth, might her brother understand. Half an hour later and Sunburst was flabbergasted by what Sunset said. Sunset expected him to get angry at her for leaving him behind and trying to take over Equestria but was more amazed at his reaction.

“Did you really travel to another dimension?” Sunburst said while repositioning his glasses. “You are not mad at me? Even after abandoning you for my ambitions and leaving you all alone at home with mum and dad worrying sick over me?” Sunset said while wiping the tears from her eyes.

“Sunset, that doesn’t matter right know. All that matters is that you are home and you are making me so proud by helping others with their lives and forming such bonds that it completely overshadows what you might have done in the past.” Sunburst said that no matter what his sister had done in the past, the simple fact that she had come home was what was important. And some pony else also agreed.

“Well said Sunburst, could not have said it any better myself.” Said the cloaked pony, though Sunset could not see who said that, the voice was indication enough and was sending chills down her spine. As Sunset turned her head, all that she could see is the soft smile of Princess Celestia herself.

Sunset was motionless, she had been dreading this day for years and expected the worst. She did not expect Celestia to grab her and hug her in her hooves and wings and crying as she hugged. Sunset could not explain why she was so happy to see her again, even after their falling out all of those years ago. “I… I don’t understand? Even after all that I did you….” Sunset tried to speak but she was stopped by Celestia’s hoof placed on her mouth.

“Sunset, it was I that failed you, not me. I was so attached to you for company that I didn’t let you grow and make the friends you should have and instead became selfish and begin to seek power and control over others. My fear of being alone again destroyed your life and if it wasn’t for Twilight, you would not have become the pony you are now. It is I that should be apologising to you for my selfish actions, not you.” Celestia said, blaming herself for everything that happened to Sunset and she responded by crying and sobbing into her chest even harder.
Whilst all of this was going on, Twilight had left the village hall and brought Cirrostratus and Sunswirl to the door. “Now, you remember how I said I would help you two out by reuniting it?” Twilight said, recalling what she and pledged whilst in hospital.

“Yes, Twilight, but I don’t know why we are at the village hall for?” Cirrostratus said questioning why they were coming here of all places.

“There are two very special ponies in there that will love to see you two again.” Twilight said as she opened the doors and there before their unbelieving eyes, Sunset and Sunburst were there, with Sunset still in Celestia’s embrace. Sunburst was the first to recognise his parents and tapped Sunset and she also noticed. But before either one could respond, both Cirrostratus and Sunswirl were hugging them and weeping deeply with joy. Twilight and Celestia looked on overjoyed at the sight of a family reuniting after so many years. It was enough to bring tears to the two alicorn’s eyes. Then all four approached the princesses.

“Your highnesses, I just don’t know how to thank you two for all of the effort you two have put into to make this possible!” Cirrostratus said while bowing repeatedly.

“You have brought our little Sunset and Sunburst back home! I just…. can’t…. express….” Sunswirl said as she succumbed to the raw emotion of the whole experience. Once she had got her composure back, Sunswirl and her husband looked at their son and daughter and stated they would be going home now. They started to trot away as they noticed that the two princesses were still standing were they were, Sunset turned to her parents, nodded and then turned around and approached the two alicorn’s.

“Princess Twilight, Princess Celestia, would you two like to join us? It’s the least we could do to thank you two for all of the efforts you two had done for us.” Sunset offered dinner to the two princesses. They both looked at each other with a smile and then looked back at Sunset.

“I think that would be lovely, don’t you agree Twilight?” Celestia said with Twilight nodding in agreement as Celestia donned her cloak as to avoid being mobbed by the town’s ponies. As the six ponies were trotted towards Cirrostratus’s home, Sunburst dropped back to the princesses and asked where Starlight was. Sensing his anxiety, Twilight said that she’d be here before the day is done and that looked like it helped.

As the ponies walked into the house, Sunburst and Sunset were starting to be overwhelmed by the sense of emotion as they haven’t been home for so long. Sunswirl warned Celestia to watch herself as she was a head taller than the doorway and then ducked herself in. Sunset and Sunburst went upstairs to see their rooms, if they were still there that was. Cirrostratus and Sunswirl went to the kitchen and asked if the princesses wanted anything to drink.

“Coffee for me please with 3 sugars.” Twilight requested. “Just tea thank you.” Celestia said while bumping into a chandelier. She stopped it swaying with her magic before turning around and trotting right into the door frame! Twilight then proceeded to help the now dizzy Celestia to her seat.

Chapter 8: Twinkling Through the Dark

The evening went well. Although the dinner wasn’t as grand as Celestia was accustomed to, for her it was what it represented that made it special. Everypony was enjoying themselves, telling each other about some of the funnier moments of the past, like how in the human world, Sunset can touch somebody and see their memories. Although to be fair, human Pinkie Pie was just, well a bit weird to say the least. For that was why she was wearing gloves over her hooves so that she didn’t do into the minds of everypony she came into physical contact with.

Well, everypony except Sunburst who was getting more and more disappointed and depressed as the night went on. He didn’t eat anything, despite the fact that it was his favourite meal. After a while he excused himself from the table and went upstairs to his room. An hour went by and his mother was getting concerned and that went upstairs to see what was wrong.

“Sunburst, dear, are you alright?” Sunswirl said as she knocked on her son’s door but only heard him sobbing.

“Sunburst, what’s the matter? I know that this day has been quite an experience, but you don’t need to hide it, can you tell me what’s on your mind?” Sunswirl said as she entered to see her son curled up on his bed and crying.

“I’m fine mum. Thanks for asking.” Sunburst said, trying to hide his feelings.

“Sunburst, you aren’t dear, you haven’t acted this way since you were a colt. It’s almost like you are missing something or some pony.” Sunswirl said before realising that Sunburst was wanting some pony else to be here with him. Sunswirl was trying to think of what pony would her son would be longing for until she understood what was going on.

“You miss Starlight, don’t you sweetie?” Sunswirl said.

“How? How did you know that?” Sunburst said as he turned to face his mother.

“I remember when you were younger that you loved her company so much that you would be like what you are now if you could not see her for a while. But this time it feels different, as if you… oh, ok, ok.” Sunswirl then figured out her son’s true feelings toward Starlight and just smiled and hugged her son. “Look, these feelings are completely normal and you don’t have to feel ashamed about it. Does she know?” Sunswirl said but before he could answer, Cirrostratus entered the room, although he had been just outside listing to everything. “Sunburst, Twilight said that Starlight should be here in about ten minutes.” Cirrostratus said then both he and Sunswirl repeated the same question.

“Well, Princess Cadance says that she does have the same feelings, but I actually haven’t expressed them to her yet. Also thanks dad, I, um really needed to hear that. I actually have been wanting to see her all day.” Sunburst said as he started to get more and more excited.

“I know, I always had a feeling that it would come to this someday. Tell you what, if you want any advice, on certain particular areas, I will be more than happy to help.” Cirrostratus said as he gave a small nudge in Sunburst’s shoulder while giving a smirk and a suggestive wink for good measure. Sunburst immediately caught on to what his father was hinting at.

“DAD! You are not helping!” Sunburst yelled at his father with his face turning a bright red. Cirrostratus could only chuckle at this.

“Your father is only teasing you Sunburst, now let’s fix you up, you don’t want to see Starlight looking like this.” Sunswirl said as she started to fix up Sunburst’s mane and glasses. And then the three started to head downstairs and heard noises coming from outside.

In her hurry to see Sunburst, Starlight had forgotten that she had no winter clothing besides her coat, but it was not enough to protect her from the cold and as she approached her destination, she was starting to regret getting a better coat. It was already dark by the time Starlight arrived in the village and it was getting colder by the hour and there was a gentle breeze passing though. Starlight started to get anxious about the setting, as it was like the start of her worst nightmares.

Ok Starlight, this is not a dream, you are awake, so pull yourself together. Starlight said to herself as she looked around. But that only helped reinforce her fears and by the time she recognised Cirrostratus’s house, Starlight was trembling in fear as she figured out where she was. It was her old village and all of the painful memories started to flood Starlight’s mind.

Then the door opened and Twilight and Celestia trotted out and asked her to come inside but Starlight couldn’t recognise the princesses due to the obscuring clothing both alicorn’s were wearing. But she then stopped dead in her tracks and was just frozen still in front of the door. Twilight saw Starlight standing there, crying and before Twilight could say anything, Cirrostratus asked who was at the door. Twilight said it was Starlight and as she turned around, Starlight was gone.

“Starlight! Starlight where are you! There is nothing to be afraid of, come back!” Twilight called out trying to get her student back. Sunburst heard the yelling and came out with Twilight and noticed hoof prints in the snow and started to follow them.

Starlight by now have galloped across most of the town by this point had already convinced herself that this was a dream and she felt that she had to get out of here, as she was being chased down by the same ponies that haunted her filly-hood. In reality, her fears were blinding Starlight to the truth, that or the constant stream of tears flowing from her eyes. Suddenly, in a yellow flash, a cloaked pony appeared in front of her and pleaded to her to stop running.

”LEAVE ME ALONE!!” Starlight screamed as she fired a magic bolt at Celestia. The princess was able to cast a shield spell in time to block the blast, but she underestimated its power and sent her flying a few metres. Twilight and Sunburst looked on as Starlight then teleported out of sight.

“Celestia! Are you alright?” Twilight said as she got Celestia back on her hooves. Celestia said she was fine but commented on the sheer power of the blast. Then Sunburst noticed another pony approaching donning a black cloak. Then the pony lifted the hood and revelled herself as the Princess of the Night.

“Princess Luna? What are you doing here?” Sunburst asked.

“Twilight requested my presence to help, for Starlight has a darkness in her that I wished I didn’t know all too well.” Luna went on explaining that she knew what Starlight was going through as she had experienced all those years ago and did not want another pony to go through the same thing.

“But how are we going to find her now? She could be anywhere by now!” Sunburst shouted with a growing sense of despair as he was feeling that he was losing her all over again. Then Luna came up to him.

“You my dear Sunburst are the key to finding Starlight Glimmer.” Luna said while placing her hoof on his shoulder. Sunburst didn’t understand where the princess was coming from, then Luna explained; “You have a deep personal connection to Starlight, Sunburst. Those who have that sort of connection can sense what the other is feeling, their fears, their anger, their hatred and especially, their pain and suffering. Search your feelings Sunburst and that will be our guide.” Luna said and Sunburst nodded. Then he lowered his head and closed his eyes and began to feel what the princess was talking about and it started to get stronger as faced the nearby forest.

“She went into the forest over there.” Sunburst said while pointing to the forest.

“Your feelings serve you well, Sunburst. Now lets us go, but we must be cautious.” Luna said while warning the others. “Why should we be cautious princess?” Sunburst asked Luna.

“In the state Starlight is in, if we force her into a corner, she will resort to channelling her anger and hatred into her magic and thus make it much more powerful. However by doing so, she will blind herself to her actions and might do something she will not ever do if she was calmer in mind. So don’t take everything she might say or do fully otherwise we might make a grave mistake that we might regret later.” Luna said with Celestia fully understanding what that was like.

“During the time loop me and Starlight were in, she could match me, hoof to hoof without much effort.” Twilight said recalling the potential for Starlight to approach and match alicorn levels of magical power if she fuelled her magic with her emotions.

“We should prepare for the worst, and we must be on edge and be ready for anything she might throw at us. And we must hurry, for she has no real protection from the cold out there.” Celestia said as the four entered the forest.

“That will be only a concern if we get her to snap out of it. Using the darkness like she is using can make you survive events and conditions that normally would be impossible. How do you think I was able to survive on the moon for 1000 years as Nightmare Moon without food, water or air?” Luna said explaining that the seemly impossible feats that could be achieved if one were to exploit their emotions.

“I never thought about that before now Luna.” Sunburst said, never questioning why no pony would talk about that awkward fact.

“Sunburst my dear, dark magic can be a pathway to many abilities and skills that most would consider to be unnatural. It can grant the user great power, however after what happened to me and what is happening to Starlight Glimmer, trust me, it’s not worth the corruption of your soul or mind.” Luna explained how the costs of such magic use is the user’s complete eventual mental destruction.

“Starswirl was right to say, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Everypony has a dark side to them. However it get quite dangerous when it concerns unicorns and if us alicorn’s succumb to it, well I don’t need to explain to you what could happen.” Luna went on saying that no pony is purely good, it’s what we do that separates the good from evil. Then Sunburst noticed a light in the darkness, like a star twinkling through the dark and the four raced over to it.

Starlight was now deep in the forest using a lighting spell to light her way, her mind racing, she did not notice the upcoming slope and stumbled and then fell down into a small clearing with a large rocks to her right and behind, and trees to her left and front. Starlight would still remember getting driven into the woods and being cornered like this and beaten relentlessly by her tormenters until they had their fun and leave her, bruised, bloodied and writhing in agony as she would try to get home after the ordeal and felt like it was going to happen again. And to her horror, four ponies came into view, although she thought that they were those same bullies and to make things worse, she could not register their voices or what they were saying.

“Starlight! It’s me Twilight! You need to come back with us, we want to help you but you need to calm down.”

“YOU LIAR! YOU DON’T WANT TO HELP ME! YOU JUST WANT TO HURT ME! WHAT DID I DO TO YOU TO DESERVE THIS?” Starlight screamed back as she started to crawl back towards the rock behind her.

“Starlight my dear, you are not being yourself. Now just take a few deep breaths and come with us back to the village so we can help you with your problems. You just….” Celestia went on before she was suddenly silenced as if she felt like she couldn’t breathe.

“QUIET!!!! YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT ME!!!! YOU THINK I’M A WEAK AND HELPLESS FILLY WHO CAN’T TAKE CARE OF MYSELF, WELL YOU ARE WRONG!!!!”Starlight went on while strangling Celestia before launching her into a tree and knocking her out by slamming her into a nearby tree, with Twilight galloping over in shock and fear for her former teacher’s wellbeing. After seeing what had happened to her older sister, Luna was losing grip on her own anger and started to shout back at Starlight trying to get through to her.

“STARLIGHT GLIMMER!!! THOU MUST HEAD THY WARNING!! IF THOU NOT CEASE THY ACTION, YOUR DARKNESS WILL CONSUME YOU COMPLETELY AND THOU WHILST BECOME THY OWN LIVING NIGHTMARE!!!!” Luna screaming in the Traditional Royal Canterlot Voice and partially reverting to her old linguistics. Starlight, incredibly was unfazed by even this.

“YOU ARE JUST A HYPERCRITE!!! YOU LIKE TO PICK ON THE SEEMILY WEAK BUT IN REALITY, IT IS YOU THAT ARE WEAK!!!” Starlight shouted back as she then fired another magic bolt, this time at Princess Luna, who then proceeded to fire back and the two beams collided in a blaze of green cyan and blue white light. But Luna underestimated Starlight’s power and was being pushed back and was struggling to keep her position. Starlight seemed to relish in fighting back and started to gloat about her power.

“NOW YOU WILL EXPERIENCE MY TRUE POWER YOU FOOL, MY UNLIMITED POWER!!!” Starlight yelled out as Princess Luna was hit and flew back a good distance away from the others. Sunburst was just standing there, almost paralysed by fear of what Starlight was becoming, his body and mind was telling him to run, but his heart was telling him otherwise. I can’t leave her now. If I do, I will lose her forever. Sunburst thought to himself as he realised that this was going to be extremely painful, but it would be far less to him if he didn’t do anything.

So Sunburst started to trot towards Starlight. Twilight noticed this. “Sunburst! Stop! What are you doing!?” Twilight yelled at Sunburst as she was clenching Celestia in her hooves. But Sunburst didn’t listen to her protests. “Twilight, if I don’t do this, I will regret it for the rest of my life, and I can’t risk it. Starlight needs me more than ever.” Sunburst said as he continued to trot towards Starlight, who by now, was positively seething with anger and hatred.

“Starlight, it me, Sunburst, please stop doing this! Do you have any idea what you are doing?” Sunburst called out. For a brief moment, it seemed that what he was saying got through to her. But she relapsed back and if anything Starlight got even angrier. “OH, I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING! I’M FINALLY DOING WHAT I SHOULD BE DOING WITH MY MAGIC. IT’S NOT LIKE YOU WOULD KNOW WHAT THAT FEELS LIKE, YOU IMPOTENT FOOL!!!” Starlight screamed back at Sunburst, her veins showing on her neck, mocking his lack of real magic. To Sunburst, it felt like a dagger going straight though his heart. He would be relentlessly picked on in school for his underwhelming magical abilities but Starlight was the last pony he’d ever thought to hear those words come from, but his love of her was way beyond mere words.

He moved closer to Starlight, which seemed to make her even angrier, to the point where she cast an arc of electrical power at Sunburst and he dropped to the ground in agony. But to Starlight’s shock, instead of galloping away in terror, he got up and continued to get closer. “GO AWAY!! LEAVE ME ALONE, CELESTIA DAMMIT!!!” Starlight screamed back as she fired another blast at Sunburst. At this point, he was screaming in agony. But even this wasn’t stopping him, continuing to bear unbelievable pain, he got closer and closer with Starlight upping the power the closer he got.

By the time he got right in front of her, Sunburst was at the limits of his endurance, only his love of her was keeping him standing. It was enough for him to do something that Starlight never saw coming, as she saw a hoof coming up to her cheeks she braced for what she thought was going to be the start of a vicious beating, instead he came up to her and kissed her, before finally passing out and collapsing on to the ground. It was at this moment that Starlight began to see things as they were and not she perceived them to be. She looked around and saw Celestia just beginning to wake up with Twilight looking at her in complete shock.

“Twilight? Where are we and what just happened?” Starlight said rubbing her eyes and seemed confused on what was going on around her.

“You don’t remember anything? Anything at all?” Twilight asked as she did not want to approach her just in case as she did not have the strength to fight back if she had to.

“The only thing I remember was me having one of my flashback nightmares, where I was cornered in a cold forest, and in my fear and anger, I nearly strangled a pony to death, blasted another to who knows where and I nearly electrocuted another. And now I’m waking up here with you, in the cold…. facing a pony gasping for breath…. another pony missing… and…. and….” Starlight said as she began to realise to her horror that that this wasn’t a dream and then saw Sunburst by her hooves, smoking and lying motionless.

“Sunburst? SUNBURST!! Nononononononononononononononono!!!!! Sunburst, wake up! Please wake up!!!!! PLEASE DON’T LEAVE ME!!!! TWILIGHT HELP ME PLEASE!!!!” Starlight screamed as she slumped on the ground, grasping and shaking Sunburst in her hooves trying to wake him, but seemly to no avail.

“What have I done!? THIS CAN’T BE HAPPENING, NO! IT’S NOT REAL, I COULDN’T OF… I COULDN’T HAVE DONE THIS TO HIM! I COULDN’T HAVE!!” Starlight screamed as she was grasping what she had done and just stared into black space. “I was going to tell him something today, something that he’ll would have been so happy to hear. I was going to… to…” Starlight said as she started to sob uncontrollably, burring her head into Sunburst’s chest. Then Twilight watched as the nearby trees and boulders started to break and shatter as she was pouring her grief and angst into everything around her.

Starlight thought that in her anger, she had just killed the only pony she ever truly loved. But then Starlight heard moans and Sunburst starting to move in her hooves, although he could not probably register what was going on around him, but for Starlight, this did not matter, for she would not have to bear the thought of the unthinkable.

“Sunburst, I’m sorry! I’m so sorry for everything!!!!” Starlight said as she began kissing the delirious stallion in her hooves and continuing to sob and cry. By this time, Celestia had gotten back on her hooves and Luna had made her way back. Luna could sense that Starlight was in pain, terrible emotional pain and approached Starlight and knelt down next to her.

Starlight then saw the empathetic gaze of Luna in front of her. “Princess Luna, I feel, I feel so cold….” Starlight said trembling as she was quenched in Luna’s grip and as she hugged the trembling unicorn. For she understood all too clearly that feeling of being touched by true darkness. Celestia and Twilight joined her in comforting Starlight before Twilight recommended that they moved on. Celestia then took Sunburst in her telekinetic grip, although Starlight didn’t want to let go. Luna said he’ll be fine and that they weren’t going to take him away from her and then Starlight let go, although it didn’t help her feelings or remorse or guilt for what she’d had done.

“I’ll guide the way out, and we should get Sunburst home.” Celestia recommended but Luna protested. “After all that, you want to separate them again? I think that would be unwise, for you saw that all three of us were unable to really put up much resistance to Starlight. Do you want to risk a relapse?” Luna explained with Starlight staring into Celestia’s eyes begging her to change her mind, although she thought she would have no say, but Celestia wasn’t finished. “As I was trying to say, we should get Sunburst and somepony else home as well.” Celestia went on and Twilight understood where Celestia was coming from and the five made haste from those cold, and lonely woods.

Chapter 9: Home is where the heart is

As the five ponies approached Steller Clockwork’s and Evernight Blisses’ home, Starlight felt understandably depressed. For in one day, she had almost had a complete nervous breakdown, nearly committed double regicide and almost electrocuted her most beloved pony to death and now was going to reunite with her parents, who she has not seen or spoken to in almost 14 years, today was not the best day in her life to say the least.

As Twilight knocked on the door, Starlight was beyond apprehensive, wanting to flee at the first possible opportunity, however Luna and Celestia completely blocked off any means of escape and were not taking chances this time around and had Starlight wrapped in their wings, not only as a means to prevent her escaping, but to try to keep her warm for it was so cold, that ice was forming on their wingtips.

“Twilight, what are you doing up at this hour for?” Steller asked as he answered the door before also noticing the Royal Sisters. “Princess Luna, Princess Celestia? What might bring you two here at this hour as well?” he went on asking.

“Hello Steller. It has been a few years since our last meeting. Do you still remember what I said to you all of those years ago?” Celestia said trying to jog Steller’s memory, which it did. “The same stars that aid in the escape of the Mare in the Moon will bring your daughter home.” Steller repeated Celestia’s statement. But before he could process what this meant, Luna chimed in.

“Well, I think that there is a very special pony who you would want to see again.” Luna said as Twilight stepped to the side to reveal Starlight standing behind her, with Starlight’s mane completely obscuring one side of her face. “Go on now.” Celestia said, pushing Starlight closer to her father who by now was in a complete state of disbelief. Steller took a step forward but Starlight turned her head away in shame for what she had done and expected to get the most severe verbal lashing in her life.

But she instead felt her head being turned to face her father and Steller brushed aside Starlight’s mane to show her bloodshot, purple eyes, for even though this was the first time Steller had ever seen his own daughter as an adult mare, he could still see the filly he once remembered. He then hugged her harder than ever in his life and started sobbing uncontrollably as 14 years of heartache and grief were coming to an end.

“Dad…I’m so…so…..so” Starlight stammered before her father placed a hoof over her lips. “I never thought… after all this time, you would look as beautiful as the day we lost you.” Steller said as tears started to flow down both Steller’s and Starlight’s face, in fact everypony there was quite touched by those words. Starlight began to finally realise that despite anything she had done, all of the pain she had caused them, her parents love for her was as strong as it has ever been.

“Come inside Starlight, you must be freezing, everypony come in!” Steller said as he walked his daughter over to the lounge and everypony followed with Celestia tending to Sunburst as best as she could. Starlight then looked at Sunburst with despair. “I hope he finds some pony good in his life.” Starlight said sadly. “What do you mean Starlight?” Twilight said noting a sense of resignation in Starlight’s tone.

“After what I did to him, I wouldn’t be surprised that he’ll never be my friend again, let alone his filly-friend.” Starlight stated that feeling that this was the end of her relationship with Sunburst. Twilight then observed; “Sunburst was the one who willingly risking his own life, against my frantic protests mind you, to do what he did.”

“He did? I don’t understand?” Starlight said, not getting Twilight’s point. “Would any pony else do what he did for you if he didn’t love you deeply.” Twilight said with Starlight starting to weep as she felt deeply touched by his actions. It was then that Starlight finally understood what that one act represented; that no matter what happens, Sunburst would be there for her. Twilight could only smile back as she heard hoof steps coming from above.

“Starlight, I think some pony else would like to see you.” Twilight said as Evernight came downstairs with Steller next to her. Starlight got up and trotted up to her mother and without a moment of hesitation, hugged her as hard as she could, sobbing all the way, with Evernight doing likewise. “My little Starly has come home, you have come back to us!!!” Evernight said as she after all of these years, finally got to see her beloved daughter once again.

“Starlight, we would like to show you something.” Steller said as guided Starlight upstairs towards her old bedroom. “We never gave up on you Starlight, we always hoped you would one day, come back home. So we kept everything as it was when you left.” Steller said trying to hold back his emotions as Starlight was looking around her room, remembering all of the pleasant memories that came with this place and the items in it. At this point, she could not hold it in any longer and curled up on the floor and releasing all of the feelings and emotions she had been repressing for most of her life in this moment.

“I’ve been a terrible pony! I’ve been ruining so many lives I can’t keep track of them all!! I’ve been a horrible leader, tormenting them in ways that I realise now were so horrible I can’t describe it!!! I’ve been a terrible student, brainwashing my teacher’s friends, messing with her most prised possessions and harming her mentors!!! I’ve been a monster, who almost killed the one I love the most in the whole of Equestria without realising what I was doing!!!”

“But…. but the worst part is that I’ve been the cruellest kind of pony to my parent’s. Blinded to my own anger and irrational hatred, I could not see that my own mother and father were the most supportive and understanding ponies in all of Equestria…. I…. I have…. I HAVE BEEN THE WORST KIND OF DAUGHTER ANY PONY COULD WANT!!!!!!!!” Starlight rambled on, sometimes incoherently due to the heartbreaking sobbing, crying, and screaming as she lay there, as a pony who’s very soul had been torn so many times that it was incalculable how much damage all of this has been causing her.
All Starlight’s parents could do is cuddle next to the sobbing wreck that was their daughter and let her let all of the stress out for that was the only way she could cope with the emotional turmoil she was going through. Twilight and Luna were also standing there and also could not stand to see Starlight like this and lay next to her to try to tell her that everything in her life wasn’t all her fault.

“Starlight, you are not a terrible student, for it is I who has failed you so often it scares me. I try to tell you not make friends out of my personal grudges, prioritise petty items over your development, and completely underestimating what it takes to teach you well, for I don’t have or probably never will have the wealth of knowledge or experience to teach you as well as Princess Celestia did for me. You have in fact did more to change yourself for the better than I have guided you to do so, and for that I’m so proud of you Starlight.” Twilight said admitting that she had been the main reason for Starlight’s failings much more often than on Starlight’s part.

“Honey, it is also our fault as parents for not doing enough to support you” Evernight went on. “Mum, you haven’t been…” Starlight tried to object but she was stopped as her father went on. “Had we have known what your full potential was, or if we knew what you would of became, I would of sold our bookshop to pay for you to go to Canterlot for it is now obvious that you needed the kind of teaching that Princess Twilight received. We are terrible parents for letting this happen to you, what kind of a father, unwillingly or not, lets his own daughter go through all this and not do anything to stop it. I and your mother completely understand if you chose not to forgive us for failing you so completely and utterly.” Steller said trying to get Starlight to understand that it’s the actions of the parents that help determine what a kind of a pony their foal becomes.

“Mum, dad, do you know what the biggest and most unexpected lesson that Twilight has taught me? Is that everypony deserves a second chance, regardless of their actions. If that weren’t the case, I would be at the very least, sent to Tartarus for my actions, or most likely condemned to death. If anything else, it is I that should be begging for forgiveness from you as it was I who ran always from home, I who never even bothered to see or write to you for almost my whole life, I who deserves to be left unloved by any pony.” Starlight stating that her parents aren’t the ones who should be begging for forgiveness for their actions and that after what she has done to those who loved her, she felt that being unloved by any pony felt like the best punishment she could receive. But there was one who would not let her suffer that fate.

“No Starlight, you don’t deserve that at all.” Sunburst said as he finally got back up and came upstairs when he heard Starlight breaking down and just felt like he had to get to her, although it was hard to keep his balance, let alone climb a flight of stairs.

“You…. you don’t hate me at all? Even all that I did to you, you still care about me?” Starlight said, shocked that Sunburst would still care from her. “Starlight, I know what you went through after we were separated, it made what happened to me an afterthought in comparison. I understand that it wasn’t my choice to leave for I was only a colt and my parents thought it was in my best interest, but they never understood what would that one reasonable action would do to you, Starlight.”

“When you told me what happened to you after I left for Magic School, I felt so incredibly guilty for damaging you so much, destroying your whole life and leaving you as you are now as a wreak of a pony, alone, unwanted, and an feeling of abandonment so strong that you almost destroyed Equestria. It’s all my fault, if I had known what would have happened to you, I would have never left you in the first place. I certainly cannot leave you now Starlight. I can’t leave the mare I love with all of my heart. I can’t lose you again, not again.” Sunburst said as he knelt in front of Starlight crying his heart out and blaming himself for all the pain he had caused Starlight.

Starlight was at a complete loss of words, she had no idea how much Sunburst blamed himself for everything that happened, or the pain that her life story caused him. And even after everything she had done to him, he still loved her so much was beyond her wildest imagination. “Sunburst, I had no idea that you felt this way, I’m so sorry Sunburst, for everything, and… and I love you so much, please don’t do that again! I can’t lose you again!” Starlight said sobbing while hugging Sunburst as hard as she could. But before Sunburst could respond, Luna spoke out. “I think we will retire to bed.” Luna said with Twilight following close behind. “Sunburst, are you coming? I’m pretty sure your parents would be getting worried after you bolted out of home like you did.” Twilight asked.

“Don’t worry Twilight, Princess Celestia has already gone to tell them where I am and to let them know that I’m staying with Starlight tonight. After everything that has happened, she needs me here to comfort her.” Sunburst said with Twilight giving a suggestive look, taking what Sunburst said completely out of context.

“NO, not in that way!! First the Princess of Love, second my own farther and now third the Princess of Friendship! Why everypony must be teasing me like this!” Sunburst called out. Starlight, seeing an opportunity to help the ever reddening Sunburst, decided to tease her teacher back. “Well Sunburst, I think Twilight here is just teasing you because she is quite jealous that you have at least got a special some pony.” Starlight said while giving Twilight a smirk. Twilight, well didn’t take it too well and her right eye twitched. “STARLIGHT!!!!!!” Twilight yelled out at Starlight teasing her for still being single, and a princess to boot. Starlight, her parents, Sunburst and even Princess Luna started to laugh at Twilight’s expense. “It’s not FUNNY! IT’S NOT FUNNY AT ALL!!!!!!” Twilight cried out as Luna pushed Twilight out of the room while rolling her eyes.

“Anyway, I think that we should all be heading off now. For its going to be a big day tomorrow” Evernight said as she now has got to look after almost the entire royal family, with no warning mind you. Then both she and Steller came up and hugged Starlight.

“Welcome back home honey, we’ll see you in the morning.” Steller said. “I love you mum and dad.” Starlight said back then they left her room, leaving Starlight and Sunburst alone together. “Starlight, could we lay down, I’m still a bit disorientated.” Sunburst said noting how he was still trying to recover after everything that had happened tonight. Starlight then lifted Sunburst into her bed and then climbed in herself.

Sunburst looked at the time and saw it had just past midnight so Sunburst then reached inside his coat and pulled the gift box out and handed it to Starlight.

Starlight opened the box and was amazed to what was inside; it was a locket in the shape of her cutie mark, edged in gold leaf, with the mark made of the same type of crystal that the Crystal Heart was made of. “Open it.” Sunburst said and as Starlight did, she was dumbstruck to see a picture of themselves when they were foals on the inside and a message above it. It read;

“To my dearest Starlight; may your beauty and grace light up my heart as bright as all of the stars in the night sky.”

“Happy Birthday, Starlight.” Sunburst said and at that point, Starlight could not hold it back any longer and started to passionately kiss Sunburst. For tonight, all of the bad memories of when she left home were now being replaced with those of reunion, understanding, and love of those who would always be there for her.

Chapter 10: The Morning After

Starlight started to stir in her bed as the first rays of dawn started to peak through the curtain blinds, as she started to open her eyes. Starlight awoke to the sight of Sunburst cuddling her in the embrace of his hooves and his muzzle, just centimetres from her own. Clearly still asleep, Starlight gave Sunburst a quick kiss before getting up and brushing her mane. She just noticed her saddle bags and pack in her bedroom, realising some pony came in and placed them in her room, and most likely noticing her sleeping with Sunburst.

I really hope no pony brings that up, otherwise I’m never not going to hear the end of it. Starlight thought to herself as she trotted out as quietly as possible, trying not to wake Sunburst unnecessarily. As she entered the kitchen, her mother was up making pancakes. “Good morning honey, and happy birthday as well!” Evernight said as she went to hug Starlight and then noticed the locket around Starlight’s neck. “Where did you get that locket from? It’s absolutely gorgeous.” Evernight went on with awe of the lockets beauty.

“Oh, Sunburst gave this to me this morning. It’s so beautiful and I’m getting this feeling from it that I can’t describe, as if Sunburst love for me can be felt through the crystal.” Starlight said with her mother giving Starlight this look that one gets when they are coming on to something. “That wasn’t the only lovely feeling he gave you this morning wasn’t it?” Evernight said trying to get Starlight to confirm her suspicions. “What do you mean? I don’t know where you are coming from?” Starlight said. Then Evernight went up and placed her hoof around Starlight’s neck. “Did he make this morning, well, memorable?” Evernight said as Starlight’s cheeks started to go bright red as she understood where her mother was coming on about.

“MUM! NO! We didn’t do ‘that’! We just slept together and that was it! Sure, the bed was just a bit too small for the both of us, so we had to get really close to get comfortable and…” Starlight denied her mother’s accusations, although Evernight was smirking and she could not help but to exploit Starlight’s bad word choice. “I’m sure it was pretty comfortable, Starly.”
“PLEASE STOP IT! YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH YOU ARE EMBARRASSING ME RIGHT NOW!?” Starlight yelled out. Evernight, sensing that the questions were getting too uncomfortable for her daughter to take, stopped. “Honey, first as your mother, it’s an unofficial duty for me to embarrass my foals as much as I can and second, Twilight told me to do this to get back at you from last night after I was given your things and we saw you two together sleeping as me and the princess put them into your room.” Evernight explained that it was partially Twilight’s idea.

Of course she did! Starlight thought to herself as she rolled her eyes. Then Evernight told Starlight to take a seat at the table. Then Steller came in from outside after clearing some snow and sat down next to Starlight. “Happy birthday honey! Say, did Sunburst give you that locket?” Steller said as he also noticed Starlight’s new locket. Please not you too dad! Starlight thought thinking he’ll say the same things as Evernight did, and to Starlight’s surprise, he didn’t and instead gave her a large box and a birthday card.

To our dear Starlight,

We hope you have a great day for we can’t describe how happy and proud you make us darling.

Love,

Mum and Dad

“Sorry for its simplicity as you came back so suddenly, we haven’t had enough time to prepare properly. But we hope you will find it useful.” Steller said as Starlight opened the box and found an upper class pen, ink and letter kit. “We were assuming that after Hearth’s Warming, you will be returning with Twilight and we thought we would give you something to help you keep in touch.” Evernight said as Starlight hugged her parents back and thanking them for the gift.

Then Sunburst came into the kitchen while wearing a starry decorated dressing gown, his mane messier than normal. “Good morning, everypony.” Sunburst said then Evernight got him seated next to Starlight. “Sunburst, are you feeling better now?” Evernight said as she was serving up breakfast. “Oh yeah, I feeling a lot better. Who knew that a good night’s sleep would be all that was needed?” Sunburst answered. “That’s good to know because I couldn’t help but notice that you two looked absolutely adorable together last night.” Evernight stated as she could not resist a last little bit of fun in further embarrassing Starlight and Sunburst. Sunburst could only give out a small squeak and Starlight was now having to bury her head in her hooves to try and mask her face for it was so red, it could blend in with the walls!

“Evernight dear, could you please stop? I don’t think Sunburst can take any more hints and Starly over here has probably turned every shade of red!” Steller said asking his wife to lay off her provocations, however funny it was to creep out his daughter. After, Starlight and Sunburst faces had returned to their normal colours, Sunburst said that he’d needed to check in on his parents and that he’ll meet Starlight in town and gave her a quick hug.

“Why does everypony have to ask such provocative questions about me and Starlight!?” Sunburst muttered under his breath as he trotted to home. On the way back, he bumped into Princess Celestia who was on her way back to Canterlot.
“Morning princess. You are already leaving?” Sunburst asked. “My work is done here, Sunburst. My sister has already left but Princess Twilight is staying for a little while longer if you need her.” Celestia said. She then asked where Sunburst was going and then he told her that he was heading home. “I just came back from your parent’s house, thankfully without trotting into a door frame this time. I told them that you would be over shortly.” Celestia said, just before Sunburst gave her a hug. “Thank you, thank you for everything you have ever done for me, even though I haven’t amounted to much.” Sunburst thanking the princess for the effort she had put in for him, although Sunburst still felt even after all these years that it was a bit too much for some pony of his abilities.

“Sunburst, you may not realise it, but you have done much more than you think you have. You were the only pony who knew what to do to save the Crystal Empire when its plight was most dire, knew to send Thorax to stop Chrysalis, and most importantly, knew what to do to help save the most important mare in your life from herself. You are truly a great pony Sunburst, especially when you stop doubting yourself and do what is right, and Starlight is the luckiest mare in Equestria to have some pony so wise and devoted as you are.” Celestia said as she placed her hoof on Sunburst cheek and he could not help but blush and tear up by what Celestia had said, and then she left for Canterlot.

Before Sunburst got to the front door, his parent’s and Sunset were already waiting for him and they all hugged him hard for Celestia had told them what that had happened the night before, save for what happened this morning, although he’d like to not tell any pony else to save himself any more embarrassing questions.

“Sunburst, are you alright? From what we had heard, it was quite an ordeal you went through last night.” Sunswirl said as the four sat down on the lounge, drinking some hot chocolate. “Something about you being absolutely selfless in the face of danger for Starlight’s sake. Princess Celestia wasn’t being crystal clear about details.” Sunset said, although she knew Celestia tended to speak in riddles and hyperbole quite a lot on important subjects.

“Although, Twilight did tell us about, other things.” Cirrostratus said with Sunburst realising that Twilight had also spoken to his parents and was not liking where this was going. “I never would have thought that you could charm mares into the bed so easily.” Cirrostratus said, much to his son’s horror. “NO!!!! WE DID NOT DO ANYTHING THAT INTIMATE!!! WHY MUST EVERYPONY KEEP ASKING ME THESE QUESTIONS!!!!!?” Sunburst screamed out as it seemed that what had happened last night seemed to be spreading everywhere he went.

“I knew you didn’t Sunburst, I mean all you did was give Starlight a present and then you two were kissing and hugging for 30 minutes or so.” Sunset said as she realised she wasn’t wearing her gloves and had her hoof on Sunburst. Her pupils’ dilated to pinpricks as she realised what she had seen and said. Sunset recoiled and was fiercely apologising, but it did nothing for her brother’s ever reddening face.

“YOU TOO SUNSET!!!! EVEN MY OWN SISTER IS DOING THIS TO ME!!!!!” Sunburst screamed out as he then curled on the floor squeaking and shaking as he could not take anymore and his father lost all control and was laughing his head off at his son’s expense soon thereafter. Sunset on the other hoof was covering her face in her hooves for she did not want to know about what her brother and Starlight were up to.

“Would everypony please leave Sunburst alone, you are not helping him by bombarding him with all of these very personal questions!” Sunswirl said as she came over and try to comfort her son who was redder than an apple at this point. “How about you go to your room and calm down for a moment. Would that help?” Sunswirl suggested so Sunburst could relax and get away from everypony for a moment. He nodded in agreement, trying not to speak as to avoid any pony else taking anything he says out of context.

Later on in the morning, Starlight and her parents were going through the shopping area of the village and stopped at a photography store. “Not trying to be rude, but why are we stopping in a photography store?” Starlight asked her parents. “Well honey, we have not gotten a family portrait since you were 7 years old and we would love to see your face of you now to remember this moment.” Evernight said with Starlight face-hoofing herself for taking that long to realise what they meant. After the photos were taken, Starlight noticed Sunburst with Sunset trotting by and rushed out to see him. Taking the opportunity, Steller asked the photographer for a special request for one of the photos.

Meanwhile, Starlight raced out and hugged Sunburst, catching him off guard but she slipped on the snow and both ponies crashed into one another and fell to the ground. And as if the forces of cause and effect were acting against them, they landed in a rather, well, awkward position and Sunset could not help saying something. “Sunburst, I know you love her very much, but could you not do this in public.” Sunset said giving a suggestive wink. It took a moment to realise that Starlight was laying on top of him and Starlight also took a moment to realise this as well and both ponies jumped of each other as quickly as possible.

“SUNSET!!! WHY MUST YOU SAY THAT!!!?” Sunburst yelled at his sister who could only give a small chuckle. “Sorry, I couldn't help myself. It was just too easy.” Sunset said noting that she had to say it for it was too obvious not to. Then she turned to Starlight. “Ah, it’s good to see you again Starlight.” Sunset said. Sunburst asked how they have met and Sunset explained how she met Starlight after going back for a new book and taking Starlight to the human world for a few days.

“Sunburst, how do you know Sunset Shimmer?” Starlight said and Sunburst explained that Sunset was his older sister. Starlight was quite surprised and just looked at the two back and forth her head and hooves pointing at the siblings. “Sunburst, why didn’t you tell me that you had a sister?” Starlight asked Sunburst why he never told her about Sunset before. He explained that it was an issue he ever brought up as a colt because Sunset leaving left an emotional wound that he’d rather not open up unnecessarily.

Starlight understood the feeling about not talking about feelings and experiences that you didn’t want to talk about. But now she started to get quite nervous around Sunset. Starlight and Sunset had met before, they were friends but this time it was quite different. Considering what she had done to Sunburst the night before, and now knowing that Sunset was Sunburst’s older sister. Starlight became even more apprehensive than ever before.

“Starlight, don’t worry, you know that Sunset is quite a nice pony.” Sunburst said as he got Starlight on her hooves. Sunset tried to approach Starlight, but she was quite shy and turning her head and backed off giving a squeak. “Starlight, what’s the matter?” Sunset said with Sunburst placing his hoof on Sunset’s shoulder. “It’s been a few highly emotional days for her, Sunset. How about we go and get something from that café over there, my shout. Come on Starlight, it will be fine.” Sunburst said noting that how pent up Starlight has been and suggested to grab something to eat may help.

The three ponies were sitting at a table, with Sunset trying to get Starlight to tell her about what was troubling her, but to no avail. It was to Sunset as if Starlight was trying to hide something from her, maybe that’s what is causing the problems. “Starlight, my sister has got the ability to see your thoughts if she forms a connection with you, maybe if she could see what’s troubling you, she could help.” Sunburst said. Starlight began to hyperventilate, realising that Sunset could see everything she had done. NONONONONONONONO!!! She will see what I did to all of those ponies, to the timeline, to Sunburst! She’ll never accept me as her brother’s filly-friend and probably start getting protective and try to drive me away!!! Starlight thought to herself. “I don’t think that is a good idea.” Starlight said as she started to have a panic attack.

Then from around the corner, Twilight trotted up and noticed the three ponies sitting together and came over. Sunset seizing the opportunity, took a glove off and place her hoof on Starlight’s. For Sunset it was a revelation on why Starlight was so apprehensive around her. As Sunset lifted her hoof off, she felt shocked to her core. Sunset knew some ponies didn’t have a nice life, but this was at a level that she thought wasn’t possible in Equestria. Starlight, now realising that Sunset now knew her history and felt that it was over for her and started to weep and sob in her hooves.

“You truly understand now, that how much of a monster I was, a cruel ungrateful pony. Just say it, you don’t me around Sunburst anymore and you don’t accept me.” Starlight said, but Sunset said nothing and Starlight now was begging. “JUST SAY IT!!!! PLEASE SAY THAT YOU HATE ME AND BREAK US APART ALREADY!!! I KNOW YOU WANT TO!!!!” Starlight screamed and proceeded to cry and sob even louder in her hooves. To Starlight’s surprise, Sunset was hugging her.

“I’ve seen what done and I understand what you went through, for I have been in a similar situation, albeit it was nowhere as bad as what you went through. I also didn’t feel like I deserved forgiveness or a second chance, but Twilight over here did and it turned out for the better. You understand I will always be there for Sunburst, he’s my little brother after all. However, I will respect his choice. But more importantly, it will be very hypocritical of me if I don’t give you a chance.” Sunset said with teary eyes as she was quite empathetic of what Starlight went through and her thoughts. Twilight was touched by this as she was in Sunset’s position not that long ago and was so proud of Sunset.

“Thank you, thank you for giving me a chance!” Starlight said as she was crying into Sunset’s chest and Twilight and Sunburst also joining in the hug. “Everypony deserves a second chance Starlight. Even if you don’t feel like you deserve it.” Sunburst said as he gave Starlight a quick kiss but then he turned to Twilight begging her to stop encouraging ponies to tease him and Starlight in certain areas.

“Oh, I don’t know what you are talking about Sunburst.” Twilight said while staring out into the sky. “Oh, you know very well what he’s talking about Twilight. Why must you sneak into my bedroom while we are sleeping!?” Starlight said, pointing an accusing hoof at Twilight. “What gave you any impression that I did that?” Twilight asked, with the biggest smirk she could pull. “Because mum told me that you and she went in there when putting my things in early this morning and ‘just could not help watching us’!” Starlight stated. Both Sunburst’s and Sunsets pupils had contracted to pinpricks and Sunburst was starting to go red again. “Well Starlight, may this be a lesson in ‘not making fun of my lack of experience in intimate relationships’. Oh and by the way, you two make the cutest moans while in the bed together.” Twilight said while smirking some more and giving a good suggestive wink at the now ever reddening couple.

“Twilight, you are creeping me out more than what goes on in Pinkie’s mind…” Sunset bluntly said while being disturbed by Twilight’s last comment. “Now you must Pinkie Promise that you will stop teasing my brother and Starlight over here, otherwise…” Sunset said, trying to stop Twilight, but she argued that it was not malicious but then Sunset went further. “As I was saying, otherwise I’ll tell them about how you were so awkward around somebody in particular…” Sunset said as Twilight placed her hooves over Sunset’s mouth trying to stop her speaking any further. “Don’t. You. DARE!” Twilight said as she looked at an ever smuger Sunset before she removed Twilight’s hoof and continued.

“I won’t…. if you stop teasing my brother and his filly-friend. If not, Pinkie also gave me footage of The Fall Formal and of your, well…. particular style of dancing.” Sunset said while levitating her phone. Twilight’s eyes shrunk to pinpricks. “OK, FINE!” Eventually, Twilight relented and proceeded to do the movements much to Starlight’s and Sunburst’s relief.

“Didn’t Celestia once tell you to only use your powers of manipulation for good?” Twilight said with a grumpy tone to her voice. Sunset said that she’ll do anything to help her little brother. “Even openly blackmailing royalty?” Twilight remarked. “Twilight ask yourself, would your brother do anything to help you?” Sunset said smugly with Twilight seeing her point, albeit slightly annoyed by her friend’s ‘methods’ of helping Sunburst…

Chapter 11: Day of Preparations…. and Revelations

During the course of the day, Starlight, Sunburst and Sunset were spending as much time as possible with each other. And of course, Starlight and Sunburst were also trying to be together in-between all of this. This was the happiest time of their lives, which is not saying much given their pasts.

As midday approached, Starlight and Sunburst were encouraged by Sunset to spend the rest of the day together and both were quite excited as they stayed in town and Sunset started to make her way back to hotel where Starlight’s parents were preparing a surprise birthday party. Meanwhile in the hotel’s main function room, Twilight was helping Starlight’s parents set up her birthday party. This was quite important as it was the Starlight’s first birthday party she ever had since she ran from home. Starlight had never celebrated her birthday’s as it was on her birthday she ran from home and started her decent into darkness and tended instead to lock herself away and cry and cry until the next day.

But it was quite stressful as everypony was trying to keep it a surprise, however Twilight seemed unfazed by it all. “Twilight, how are you so undaunted by this? It’s driving everypony crazy!” Steller said, his mane starting to go on the fritz, but Twilight had everything covered. “I know how stressful this is for you, that’s why I have called for my secret weapon.” Twilight said with sublime confidence. “Secret weapon? I’m confused.” Steller said scratching his head.

“How about you take a rest. You have been at it all day, don’t worry though, I get this place all ready just you wait.” Twilight said as told Steller to have a break. Twilight then turned around and was startled by the unmistakable sound of a party cannon.

“SURPRISE!!! Hey Twilight, I got you this cake, hope you like it…” Pinkie said while appearing around the corner without warning giving Twilight a cake decorated with a sentence saying “Glad you are ok” on it with cake frosting then Pinkie gave her a great big hug, with Twilight trying to keep her composure and managing the pain at the same time.

Twilight then opened her eyes to see that her friends had also travelled with Pinkie. “Girls! I can’t believe that all of you would come! What about your families that you are going to be away from for Hearths Warming?” Twilight said as she could not understand why her friends would be away from their families, especially at this time of year.

“Twi, I can understand where you are coming from, but you are considered family to us and you need us more right now.” Applejack stated as she took off her hat. Applejack understood, probably more than any pony the importance of family and thought this was the best idea.

“Besides darling, everypony understands what you went through and they all agreed that this was the best thing to do, besides, it would have been you that would have spent Hearth’s Warming without your family.” Rarity said while placing her hoof on Twilight’s chest. And the other’s nodded in agreement. Twilight then telekinetically grabbed her friends and hugged them while tearing up.

“Where’s Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked. “Unloading all of Rarity’s luggage….” Applejack said with an exasperated sigh. “What? I just got prepared that’s all Applejack.” Rarity said as Rainbow and Fluttershy came in with loads of luggage bags. “Prepared for what? A fashion show?” Rainbow said in a deadpan tone. “One never knows darling.” Rarity said with sublime confidence as Applejack and Rainbow both face-hooved themselves.

“Um, Twilight, are you going to be ok to go home soon?” Fluttershy said, breaking the sudden silence. “Not right now for there is some ponies that need my help first and I need yours if I am going to be successful.” Twilight said asking for help from her friends. “Oh, sure Twilight. Just who needs help?” Fluttershy said as Evernight came in with a dining cart full of cutlery, cups, plates, and bowls and was clearly under stress with her mane all over the place. “Twilight! There you are, some ponies came into reception and I’m struggling to juggle serving them and getting this all set up plus the cooking and um, why are the new arrivals in here?” Evernight said as she was one step away from a nervous breakdown.

“I’m assuming that’s one of the ponies you want us to help Twilight?” Rainbow said. “Of course she needs help, just look at her mane!” Rarity said as she gasped at Evernight’s frazzled appearance. “Twilight, if you like me to I can make her an herbal tea that can get her to relax.” Fluttershy said with Twilight nodding in agreement and Fluttershy went to put a kettle on before coming back and asking where the kitchen was with a sheepish smile and blushing in embarrassment.

“It’s the fourth door to your right.” Twilight said and Fluttershy went to the kitchen. After a few minutes Evernight began to calm down enough for Twilight to introduce Evernight to her friends. “You have got quite a lovely hotel here Evernight. I have been to a few myself but not one with this much beauty both inside and out.” Fluttershy said complementing Evernight on her business and its location.

“Twilight here wasn’t kidding that this was a hard place to get to. Even flying here was a struggle, even for a Wonderbolt like myself, and that is saying something.” Rainbow said which is quite rare for her to say that something was a physical challenge. But for Evernight it was more of the fact that Twilight was friends with one of Equestria’s best fliers. “Wait, you’re a WONDERBOLT!” Evernight said in shock.

“Yep she sure is. Now hold still, I can’t fix your mane if you are moving.” Rarity said while she was getting Evernight’s mane in order. “Thank you Rarity. I knew planning a party is hard, especially a surprise party, but this…. this is so important to get perfect…” Evernight said as she began to hyperventilate.

“Don’t you worry Evernight, if there is one thing Pinkie Pie knows how to do best is planning and organising parties!” Rainbow said as Pinkie’s eyes lit up as she rush over and asked what Evernight needed and what needed be done. Evernight handed over her checklist. “No problem Evernight, this party will go just as you wanted.” Pinkie said with a somewhat serious face. “You’re sure you could handle it?” Evernight asked Pinkie, clearly not knowing what she was capable of. “Can handle it? I’m the best party organiser in all of Equestria! I can handle it for sure you silly pony!” Pinkie said while giving a small giggle. “You promise that everything will be alright?” Evernight asked and Pinkie did her movements for the Pinkie Promise complete with an actual cupcake to her eye.

“All right now Miss Evernight, let’s get this surprise party ready for, um who is this party for anyway sugarcube?” Applejack said before asking who the party was for. “Oh it’s for my daughter’s birthday.” Evernight answered. “That’s so sweet! What’s her name darling? For it sounds like she’s the most wonderful pony in all of Equestria by the sounds of it.” Rarity asked, touched by the effort Evernight was putting in. “Starlight Glimmer.” Evernight said with the girls having blank expressions of shock on their faces, except Twilight.

“Am I hearing things right? You’re Starlight’s mother?” Applejack asked as she pointed her hoof at Evernight. Rarity could only give out moan and Fluttershy was covering her mouth with her hooves. “Twi, she aren’t serious, is she?” Rainbow said only to be given a glare from Twilight and that was enough to get her answer.

“All five of you know Starlight? How did you all meet her?” Evernight asked with the girls staring off into space to try and avoid the question except for Pinkie. “Well, the map called us to this village where she enslaved all of the ponies there, took their cutie marks, including ours, then she lock us into a room where she tried to brainwash us and…” Pinkie went on before Twilight intervened. “PINKIE!” Twilight shouted at Pinkie for talking too much. “What? That’s what happened and don’t get me started on the whole time loop thing you went through….” Pinkie continued with now everypony giving her a death glare and it was now that Pinkie stopped talking. “What she meant to say darling is that it wasn’t the best introduction.” Rarity said trying to downplay what Pinkie said.

“She was very petty, insensitive, and rude, had no concept of personal space, and tended to throw temper tantrums like she had the maturity of a foal…” Rainbow went on like Pinkie had done. “RAINBOW DASH!!” Applejack calling Rainbow out on her tactlessness this time. “What? She was, but she has gotten a lot better, spare that time she brainwashed us to do those friendship lessons.” Rainbow said with Applejack giving her a strong death glare.

Evernight had her ears drooped back and looking down in shame for what Starlight had done just made her feel like a terrible mother more and more, and as she began to cry, Applejack came over. “Don’t look so sad sugarcube. Sure we all had a bad start with her, but she really turned herself around.” Applejack standing next to Evernight trying to reassure her. “She really has become such a good pony now, even saving us and all of Equestria from Queen Chrysalis.” Fluttershy said along with Applejack, being the only two ponies to fully speak positively about Starlight. “Now if some ponies would be so kind and apologise to Miss Evernight here for being so tactless!” Applejack said with an angry look towards Rainbow and Pinkie.

“Sorry about all that, just was speaking the truth. I didn’t mean to hurt you.” Rainbow said with Pinkie crying and giving Evernight an ‘apology cake’. She questioned where Pinkie got the cake from but Twilight said to not really question it. “Pinkie, can you help set up the party decorations and the baking?” Twilight asked before Pinkie smiled and ran off to the kitchen. “Applejack could you also help in the kitchen and sort out the catering?” Twilight asked Applejack. “You can count on me Twi!” Applejack answered. “Rarity, could you help me get Starlight a present?” Twilight asked Rarity. “Of course darling, and maybe I could touch it up a bit if you would like?” Rarity said as she was always looking to add a personal touch to any clothing.

“Rainbow and Fluttershy, could you keep a lookout for Starlight? So that they don’t come back too early?” Twilight asked the two pegasi. “You can count on us Twilight, come on Fluttershy!” Rainbow said as she started to push Fluttershy out of the room. “But you two cannot be seen, for it may spoil the surprise.” Twilight said. Before Rainbow and Fluttershy left the room, Sunset trotted in. “Um Twilight, are you still here?” Sunset said before noticing her friend’s pony counterparts also in the room. “Um, Twi, what is going on here?” Applejack said starting to get confused.

“Oh, I was going to tell you later on about Sunset being here, but now’s a good time as any. Twilight said and then she explained why Sunset was here as well. “Whoa Twi, you have been one busy pony haven’t you.” Applejack said shocked that Twilight could accomplish so much AND being on the mend at the same time. “Sure it’s been tough, but it’s also been worth it.” Twilight responded.

“Anyway, Twilight would you like me to do anything before I head home and get ready for tonight?” Sunset asked. “Actually, yes. Could you keep Starlight away from here for as long as possible and out of sight of me and Rarity so we can help set up?” Twilight asked. “That might be a tough one as they have already covered half of the town, but I’ll try my best” Sunset remarked. “On second thought Twilight, could I help out here instead? I’m not that good at hiding…” Fluttershy said and Twilight agreed and so everypony went on with their tasks.

Meanwhile on the edge of the village, Starlight and Sunburst were checking out all of the best views of the village and the surrounding countryside and in the process, recalling all of the best moments of their foal hood. “This tree looks familiar?” Starlight said while placing her hoof on her chin and Sunburst could only mumble as this was the place where Starlight first used a levitation spell… on Sunburst… and placed him on the top of the tree, much to the young colt’s dismay.

While in town, Sunburst bought a picnic set and started to set up everything. Starlight had no clue and was touched. “Sunburst, you didn’t have to do this for me. We could have had something back in the vill….” Starlight said before she was cut off by Sunburst’s hoof placed on her mouth. “I know we could have, but up here we’ll be alone and we can enjoy this wonderful view together.” Sunburst explained then Starlight hugged him and thanked him for all of the effort he’d put in just to make her happy when she felt that it ought to be her putting the effort in to make him happy after what had happened.

Sunburst started to feel the unease in Starlight’s body language. “Is what happened last night still bothering you Starlight?” Sunburst asked with Starlight lowering her head and her ears drooping back. “Yes, yes it is.” Starlight answered with Sunburst coming right next to her and putting his right foreleg on Starlight’s back. “What is it? I know you feel guilty of what you did, which is completely normal but there is something else, is there?” Sunburst asked and Starlight took a couple of deep breaths before she started.

“It’s how easily forgiven I have been is what’s bothering me. I know it’s the right thing to do is to forgive ponies for their mistakes but after everything that I did, not just what I did to you but to the village, and to the timeline, I felt that I could not be forgiven for my actions. I felt that I needed to be punished for my petty actions and when Twilight and her friends forgave me and offered me an apprenticeship under the princess I just was dumbfounded.”

“I went into that throne room expecting to be imprisoned in Tartarus, or Twilight, or any of the princesses to execute me. I felt that the latter option was the most likely as I felt too dangerous to be kept alive. And when they didn’t do anything of the sort, it left me so unprepared for what was to come. To do all of what I did and not suffer any consequences almost broke me. For the first few weeks in Ponyville I didn’t go out, out of fear that the towns ponies would judge me for what I did.” Starlight recalling her thoughts about being forgiven for what she had done. “Well, did they?” Sunburst asked.

“THEY DID!!!! I don’t know how, or when but they found out about everything and avoided me completely. Being left on my own terrified me! After everything that happened here, I was on my own for the better half of 10 years, cold, alone, living hoof to mouth until I ‘founded’ that village. I was physically not alone, but I still felt alone and when Twilight and her friends freed the town, those fears and pain came back and they come back hard. It was three to four months or so before we reunited that the pain was so intense that I… that I…” Starlight went on with tears flowing from her face, but from Sunburst’s as well. Hearing all of this was digging at his emotions. But it was about to get worse for him as Starlight continued.

“…that I decided that I would rather take my own life rather keep suffering like this. I felt that I had no other choice and the only reason I’m alive now is that Twilight caught me in the act and stopped me.” Starlight said as she slumped onto the quilt and sobbed and sobbed as she recalled her darkest moments of her life. Sunburst was at a loss of words. He could not believe what he was hearing but fully understanding what Starlight went through was destroying him emotionally and was on the verge of a mental breakdown himself. “Even now, I’m still visiting the Royal Canterlot Mental Hospital every so often and I will defiantly need to stop by again after all of this. Now… now you know Sunburst… Sunburst?” Starlight finished as she got back up, only to see her colt-friend curled up and crying and sobbing.

“Sunburst, I’m sorry! I didn’t meant to drive you to tears!” Starlight said as she rubbed his back. Then Sunburst spoke up. “What have I done!? How could I have done this to you! I know you think that you are a monster, but… but… WHAT KIND OF FRIEND AM I THAT WOULD DO THIS TO YOU!!!?” Sunburst screamed out at the top of his lungs as he sobbed. Then he felt being lifted up and turned around only to see Starlight’s tearful eyes. He begged to her to stop crying as he absolutely hated to see her so upset.

“I know how deeply you blame yourself for what happened between us. I know how much you want to fix this. But writing to me every week, visiting every time you get an opportunity and even risking your own life to help mine just proves to me that you are the most dedicated, loyal and compassionate pony I could have ever known and I’m so fortunate to have.” Starlight said as she hugged Sunburst and then whispered in his ear; “And also the most handsome stallion I’ve ever known.” Starlight added on.

“If you would like it, I could take you in to see my physiatrist to help you get over your guilt. He’s great his job and…” Starlight offered to Sunburst for him to come and get help but before she could finish, Sunburst pulled her in and started to kiss her. Starlight just closed her eyes and let this moment sink in. After what seemed like an eternity, Sunburst stopped and placed his hoof on Starlight’s cheek and accepted the offer. The two ponies then comforted each other and watching the beautiful surroundings before them.

Down in the village, Rarity and Twilight were agonising what to get Starlight for her birthday. They eventually settled on a new heavy coat as Starlight’s was a bit tattered and worn. Rarity began to inspect all of the most dazzling coats out there and started to ask which one Starlight would like the most. But Twilight knew that Starlight liked simplicity and function over style as much as possible and it started to look like Rarity was looking for coats that she would want and completely missing the point of why they were there in the first place. Then Twilight noticed a black coat with a hood, grey woollen edging and good insulation and thought this would do nicely and picked one for unicorns.

“Rarity, how about this? Plus it’s in the right size too!” Twilight asked but the white unicorn had, well a few words to say about it but one of her main points against it in her opinion was that it’s was a coat for stallions. Twilight didn’t see what the big deal about it was. Rarity, well she did not take it well. “Darling, seriously? You can’t be serious, it’s a huge deal! You can’t have a mare dress in stallions clothing! She has to stand out and be admired for what she has.” Rarity said but Twilight just raised an eyebrow.

“Firstly, this is for Starlight, not you. Second, like me, she is more function over style. Just look at these, they have so little insulation that they can barely keep you warm and the ones that would keep you warm as well as this would you would be paying over 1000 bits for it! This coat is ten times cheaper, but it will keep her warm and it’s simple! Starlight likes simplicity and she definitely does not like to stand out! When was the last time you made clothes for her?” Twilight argued, Rarity said that Starlight had never asked her for a new outfit more than once. Sensing that she was not going to win this argument, Rarity lamented. “Ok, but could I at least put a streak on it with her mane colours and her cutie mark on the flank so it looks at least a little more feminine?” Rarity said trying to strike a compromise. Twilight agreed and then they left the shop trying to not be noticed by Starlight but it seemed that Rainbow and Sunset were doing a good job.

Chapter 12: The Talk

Starlight and Sunburst packed up and headed back to the village. They decided to see Sunburst’s parents first before heading back to Starlight’s. Not just because his parents were closer, but Starlight hadn’t seen his parent’s since he got his cutie mark all those years ago. Starlight tried to drone out that one moment that haunted her thoughts and trying to focus on all of the good memories she had here.

Sunburst knocked on the door and opened it and then called out for his parents in which Cirrostratus came out first. “Sunburst, welcome back home, wait, is that Starlight Glimmer?” Cirrostratus said as he noticed Starlight standing behind Sunburst. “Yep, sure is.” Starlight said as she started to get even more nervous. “Why don’t you two sit down on the lounge and I’ll bring Sunswirl over here so we can talk?” Cirrostratus said and then Sunburst and Starlight sat down. Please don’t start asking me ‘those’ questions dad, please not in front of Starlight. Please. PLEASE!!!! Sunburst thought to himself with Starlight also looking uncomfortable.

Then Sunburst’s parents came into the lounge room, with Sunswirl carrying come tea and biscuits and placed them on the coffee table. For a while, there was nothing but silence until Sunswirl broke the silence. “Sunburst dear, what happened at magic school? You haven’t spoken about what happened in any real detail.” Sunswirl asked but Sunburst just poked and stared into his cup, too ashamed to answer his mother’s question. “Sunburst, answer the question now!” Cirrostratus said in a more aggressive tone, but this also didn’t move Sunburst, in fact it was making his insecurities worse. But not sensing this, he grabbed Sunburst in his telekinetic grip and pinned him to the floor. “ANSWER ME NOW!! Tell me why we spent tens of thousands of bits for us to send you there only for you to just drop out!!!” Cirrostratus screamed as his son.

“Honey, what are you doing!?” Sunswirl screamed out in shock of her husband’s actions but Cirrostratus was determined to get an answer for he was actually quite furious at Sunburst’s actions for at least Sunset had all of her expenses covered by Princess Celestia so when she disappeared, although still angry, at least it did not affect their financial situation as Sunburst had. Starlight was just paralysed by fear as she wanted to intervene and help him, but at the same time she did not to anger his father either. Eventually, Sunburst finally spoke up. “YOU KNOW WHY I LEFT MAGIC SCHOOL? IT’S BECAUSE I’M AN ABSOLUTE FALURE!!!” Sunburst screamed out as he pushed his father of him.

“Sunburst, don’t talk so badly about yourself! You can, you just need to keep on trying and…” Sunswirl asked but it fell on deaf ears as Sunburst continued with tears flowing. “I can’t do any magic other than basic telekinesis! I can’t even perform the feat that got me my cutie mark for Celestia’s sake! I know you tried to help me achieve the best I could, but all that did was to show me how really pathetic I truly was!! And not only that, but by sending my away, you also unintentionally destroyed Starlight’s life as well!!! Do you have any idea of what happened to her after we were separated?” Sunburst screamed at his parents who were just in a state of disbelief. They had never seen their son so angry or emotionally charged as he was right know, but they also saw Starlight crying in the background. Sunburst then sat down next to her and trying to calm her down. Sunswirl got the point of what her son was saying, but Cirrostratus hadn’t.

“Sunburst, I think you are being a bit overprotective. Getting a cutie mark cannot do anything like what you are saying.” Cirrostratus said in a calmer tone, but that statement caused Sunburst to snap. “DO YOU WANT TO KNOW? YOU DROVE HER INSANE!!! You may not realise it but Starlight is one of the most gifted unicorns in Equestria in terms of magic. Not only she could do the most complex spells out there, but in her anger of me leaving her she stole and entire village worth of ponies cutie marks, was able to fight Princess Twilight to a standstill and altered the very fabric of space and time all out of her hatred of what happened that day and afterwards the emotional pain was so great she even tried to commit suicide just because of what I did to her! SO HOW DARE YOU TELL ME THAT GETTING A CUTIE MARK AND SENDING ME AWAY WAS NOT DAMMAGING!!!!” Sunburst exploded in rage with his veins showing on his neck as it finally hit home to Cirrostratus of what had truly happened and he just slumped back in his chair, burring his head in his hooves out of shame.

“Sunburst, did you maybe want to spend some time by yourself to calm down, please?” Starlight asked the seething stallion and he could see in her eyes as if she was begging him to do so and he nodded, gave Starlight a quick hug and kiss and went to his room, slamming the door behind him and leaving his parents and Starlight alone. Sunswirl then took a seat next to Starlight and placed her hoof on Starlight’s. “Starlight, the last time we saw you, you were a young, happy and very cheerful filly. Starlight, is what Sunburst said true?” Sunswirl asked with her still tearing up from before. Starlight took a deep breath as she just gave a nod in response.

“I’m just so ashamed of what I had done to so many that every time some pony brings this up, I only get depressed, but I know why Sunburst had to say it. Look, I don’t blame you two for what you did, you just wanted to see your son achieve your best and that’s understandable, but how I took it wasn’t acceptable to say the least. I understand how it feels about something that you’re not exactly proud of but he has done great things.” Starlight said as Cirrostratus got up and sat next to her as well.

“What has he done? Can you please tell us Starlight?” Cirrostratus asked as he was feeling like he needed hear something good about his son right about now. “It was his magical knowledge that ended up saving the whole Crystal Empire from becoming an eternal frozen wasteland and saved all of us from Queen Chrysalis.” Starlight said recalling Sunburst’s triumphs. “But wasn’t you, Trixie, Thorax and Discord that did the last one?” Cirrostratus said seemly confused. “Yes, but if it wasn’t for Sunburst sending Thorax, we would not have a chance against Chrysalis on our own. But more importantly, he saved me from myself.” Starlight acknowledging Sunburst’s crucial contributions but also went to fully explain what had happened the night before.

“I was so blinded by my anger and fears that I could not see that I was harming the one pony I loved above all else and the fact that he still went on caring and loving me is what convinced me that he was the one pony I could… I…” Starlight said as she could not say anymore as the event was still fresh in her mind and was getting to her. Then both Sunswirl and Cirrostratus were hugging Starlight. “We are so sorry for what we did to you Starlight. Now we realise that it was wrong to send Sunburst away and we don’t know what we could do for you to make up for our actions.” Cirrostratus apologising to Starlight for everything both he and Sunswirl had put Starlight through.

“You can’t change what has happened, but could you at least please give me a chance, even after everything I have done?” Starlight asked for a chance. “Of course Starlight. We never would separate you two again after everything that’s happened. Also, I could not help but notice that how you have changed since the last time I saw you. You have grown into such a beautiful young mare, I think Sunburst is so lucky to have you Starlight.” Sunswirl said as the two mare’s hugged each other then came a knock on the door. Cirrostratus answered the door and there was Sunset.

“Hey dad, have you seen Starlight anywhere? I’ve been trying to find her.” Sunset asked and Cirrostratus pointed to Starlight on the lounge next to Sunswirl, much to Sunset’s relief. “There you are Starlight, um where is Sunburst?” Sunset asked. Sunswirl explained that he’s in his room and it would be best not to disturb him at the moment. Sunset asked what had happened but her parents said it was best that they not talk about it at the moment.

“Ok. Anyway, Starlight your parents want you home by 7 o’clock.” Sunset told Starlight in which she looked at the time and still had a few hours left. “If you won’t mind, I would like to stay here for a while and sleep if that ok?” Starlight asked. “Of course Starlight, we’ll wake you at 6 o’clock if you would want.” Sunswirl said and Starlight nodded in agreement. “Um, could you show me were Sunburst’s room is? I can’t remember.” Starlight asked and could not help but blush. Cirrostratus went to speak but Sunswirl covered his mouth thinking that he was going to do the same thing with Starlight as he had been doing with Sunburst.

“I’ll show you Starlight if you like.” Sunset offered and then the two went upstairs, much to Sunswirl’s and Sunset’s relief. Sunset then came back down and told her parent’s that they had been invited to Starlight’s birthday party by her parents but were told to keep it quiet for it was a surprise. Meanwhile in Sunburst’s room, Starlight found him lying in his bed and had calmed down but was still angry after what had happened.

“Sunburst, I’m sorry what happened down there. I should’ve stepped in to help you as you did for me.” Starlight apologising for her actions before, or lack thereof. “But I should be apologising to you Starlight, what was I thinking? Telling mum and dad about your past! I should have known better not to bring it up, I know how much you hate ponies bringing it up, but I was just so angry that I…” Sunburst said as he knew how much it hurt Starlight hearing about what she had done, but he was surprised that Starlight wasn’t angry at all.

“Sunburst, I think it was the right thing for you to tell your parents what I had done for they needed to see how much it affected you and I know what it is like to be so angry that we do things we regret after we are clearer in mind.” Starlight reassuring Sunburst as she only knew too well about what anger could do to you. “How about we get some sleep? Apparently I have to be home by 7 o’clock and I figured that after this morning, a rest might help us calm down.”

Starlight suggested that they both get some rest, then as they tried to get into bed only to find that Sunburst’s bed quilt was just too small for both of them. Sunburst let Starlight have the quilt and although Starlight didn’t want to let him get cold, Sunburst insisted on it and the two then went to sleep. Later, Sunswirl was trying to find where Starlight went to as she wasn’t in the guest bedroom only to find her sleeping in Sunburst’s embrace. Sunswirl was so touched by this but tried not to make any noise that might wake them up and proceeded to get a bigger quilt and placed it over the sleeping ponies and let them alone for the moment.

Chapter 13: The Surprise

Sunburst awoke to see Starlight curled in his hooves and her muzzle buried in his chest. He looked his clock and it read 5:30pm. He got up and left his room as quietly as possible so that Starlight could get at least another 30 minutes sleep. Sunburst also knew that he had to confront his parents after his outburst. So he took a deep breath and headed downstairs as he headed towards the kitchen, he saw his parents and Sunset sitting at the dining table and Sunset first took notice of his presence.

“Hey Sunburst! Did you rest well?” Sunset asked and Sunburst said that it was good and then sat down next to her, opposite of his parents. Sunburst was apprehensive, as a colt he would always listen to whatever his parents told him and he certainly never explode in rage towards them. As he tried to pluck the courage to speak, his father spoke up.

“Sunburst, I’m sorry for what I did to you this afternoon. It’s just when you dropped out of magic school and left without a trace, I got so worried for you but then that worry soon turned into anger and for years I had bottled it up trying to keep my calm and nice demeanour until now. I just…. couldn’t…” Cirrostratus explained before eventually Sunswirl continued for him.

“What your father is trying to say is that he’d would never do what he had done to you this afternoon and when he realised what he had done, he completely broke down. Also, we are both so proud of you Sunburst. When Starlight told us how you not only saved the Crystal Empire and the whole of Equestria, we knew you had achieved what we hoped you would be.” Sunswirl said with tears also starting to form in her eyes and Sunset holding his left hoof.

“But what you have done to stand up for and support Starlight has also proven to us that you are the caring, empathic, supportive and devoted pony we hoped you would grow up to be. The same goes for you too Sunset, both of you have shown to us that you two are the best ponies any parent could want.” Cirrostratus said, so proud of his foals that he could not hold back his own emotions and then Sunset and Sunburst got up and hugged their parents and just cried their hearts out and Cirrostratus and Sunswirl could just keep their foals in their embrace as they loved them dearly. Sunswirl then took note of the time.

“How about you go and have a shower Sunburst to freshen up for it has been quite an emotional day for you.” Sunswirl suggested and then started to trot over towards Sunburst’s room to wake Starlight up. Sunswirl opened the door to see Starlight hugging Sunburst’s cape he unintentionally left on the bed. She trotted up the bed and started to nudge Starlight to wake her up. Starlight was talking about Sunburst in her sleep before opening her eyes only to see his mother waking her up.

“Um…. Sunswirl… did… did you hear me talking about Sunburst in my sleep?” Starlight said looking quite embarrassed by her talking about Sunburst in her sleep within earshot of his own mother. Sunswirl didn’t say anything but Starlight took that as a yes and covered her head in the quilt as she realised Sunswirl heard everything she had said and also that this quilt wasn’t the same one that was in here before and knew some pony had brought it in and seen her with Sunburst.

“Don’t worry Starlight, It was I who brought in the quilt and I won’t tell any pony else about this.” Sunswirl said trying to reassure a very embarrassed and red Starlight knowing that if her husband found out, he’ll just use this to tease Sunburst further and was also saving herself more frustration. Starlight hugged Sunswirl and thanked her for not speaking about this. She looked around and noticed that Sunburst was not here and asked where he was. Sunswirl said he was having a shower and offered for her to have one as well once he had finished. Starlight thanked her and trotted out and headed towards the bathroom.

As she was about to open the door, Sunburst opened the door, hair still wet and wearing a towel. Starlight just stood there, mesmerised by his mere presence. “Starlight, are you alright?” Sunburst said as he waved his hoof in front of her face. “I’m fine it’s just that you look so… so… um.” Starlight said after she shook her head and was stammering quite a bit, and blushing profusely. My Celestia, he’s even more attractive with his mane wet and without his glasses! Get a hold of yourself Starlight!!! Starlight thought to herself and as she had zoned out she didn’t realise Sunburst had been trying to talk to her.

“Starlight you can use the bathroom know.” Sunburst said as Starlight acknowledged him and as she trotted into the bathroom, sweating and her face turning ever redder. Sunburst said that he’ll be in the lounge room waiting for her but before he left he whispered into her ear. “I know that your parent’s hotel has a spa room, maybe, I’ll talk to them about us using it ok.” Sunburst said and gave her a wink before he left and shut the door behind Starlight leaving her with her heart racing and her face completely red as she realised that he knew exactly what she was thinking.

After Sunburst got dried and dressed, he came down stairs, only to find his father sitting on his chair reading a book. Sunburst tried to sneak past without being noticed, but to no avail. Then Cirrostratus closed his book and placed it on the coffee table. “Well, Sunburst, I have just one question.” Cirrostratus asked with Sunburst looking with his a sense of dread on his face as he knew what was coming. “Where in Equestria did you learn to flirt like that?” Cirrostratus said pulling a smirk for good measure. As Sunburst’s eyes dilated to pinpricks, face turning beet red, he galloped to the kitchen squeaking and as he did, his father could only laugh some more.

Twenty minutes later, Starlight came down to see everypony waiting for her, all dressed for the weather. Then Sunburst noticed Starlight coming down the stairs and he come up to her with her coat and helped Starlight put it on. “Starlight, have you thought of maybe getting a new coat for that one is a bit tattered and looks too small on you to keep you warm enough.” Cirrostratus stated, but Starlight already knew of this. “I know it’s too small and a bit worn. I had been needing a now coat, but nothing in Ponyville seemed to either fit or was more for show than keeping me warm, or was way too expensive for me to ever afford with the allowance that Twilight gives me.” Starlight said as Sunset looked confused.

“But doesn’t Rarity live in Ponyville as well? Why don’t you ask her to make you one?” Sunset asked however Starlight explained that she had already asked Rarity for a coat on the lines of what Twilight had as she always liked what Twilight had but Rarity wouldn’t go there on the grounds she ‘doesn’t make military like clothing’ as she regarded it as quite drab. Sunset seemed unsurprised by this. “We need to start heading off now if were are going to get there in time.” Sunswirl said as everypony left the house.

Starlight questioned why Sunburst’s entire family was coming along with them but Cirrostratus explained that they were coming to see her parents again before Hearths Warming which she understood. As they approached the hotel, Sunswirl said they had to stop at the hotel to see Twilight about getting her back home and she, Cirrostratus and Sunset went to the hotel and Sunburst and Starlight continued on.

Sunburst opened the door for Starlight and saw her parents sitting by the fire place. “Welcome back home Starly! How has your day been?” Evernight asked as she hugged Starlight. Starlight explained that it had been quite emotional for the both of them, but other than that it had been rather nice. Then Steller got up and said that they had to show Starlight something and the four ponies went back to the hotel, although through the access tunnel. Just before they opened the door towards the function room, Starlight asked what was going on and then both Steller and Evernight opened the doors for only for Starlight to be coated in party confetti.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY STARLIGHT GLIMMER!!!!” Shouted everypony with Pinkie swinging on a harness to place a party hat on a shocked Starlight. Starlight just had a shocked expression on her face as she looked around and was just at a loss of words. Her lips were quivering, tears, although these were of joy were forming on Starlight’s face as she then telekinetically grab everypony and hugged them and thanking them for all of the effort they put into this on such short notice. Nailed it! Pinkie thought to herself.

As every pony sat on the roundtable, Starlight was just so happy about all of this, that she was approaching Pinkie’s happiness levels, although to be fair, no pony probably could. Twilight was the first to give Starlight her a large decorated box and said it’s from all six of them. Starlight opened it and saw a black coat with a reflective raised turquoise green and imperial purple streak running along the edges and her cutie mark on both sides of the flank. “Go on, put it on darling.” Rarity said as Starlight took off her old coat and reviled her locket and it rested in front of the coat.

“It was hard to find something that would fit and suit your particular tastes Starlight, and I couldn’t help but give it a little touch up just to brighten it up a bit.” Rarity said as she levitated a mirror in front of Starlight and she was adoring it. “Thank you, Rarity, and the rest of you!” Starlight said as she hugged Rarity. Rarity then pointed out the locket and was admiring the craftsmanship and beauty of it. “When did you get that locket darling? It absolutely dazzling!” Rarity asked and Starlight just said that she had got it this morning and tucked it back under her coat. She then asked Starlight who gave her it but she didn’t answer but Rarity came to her own conclusion. “Was it a very special some pony huh?” Rarity said while giving her a little nudge.

Twilight then told Rarity to wait to after they had finished giving Starlight her presents, she agreed but gave Starlight a wink before sitting down to let her know that she was on to her. Twilight then levitated Starlight a blue wrapped present with a yellow bowtie and said it was going to be a Hearths Warming present but she reckoned it was close enough and Starlight opened it to find the kiting book that Twilight had bought a couple of days ago. “I know how much you like kites but I know you don’t have really any books on them so, what do you think?” Twilight said with a sheepish grin as most get annoyed by Twilight buying books as presents.

“Oh wow, Twilight giving some pony a book, how unusual.” Rainbow whispered to Applejack and both snickered. “That sure is Twilight alright!” Applejack said back. Starlight flicked through a few of the glossy pages, put the book down and gave her a great big hug as she had never got a book as a gift before and kept hugging her teacher more before Twilight asked to stop and rushed for her medication. Starlight was apologising fiercely but Twilight was just so happy that some pony finally loved a gift she gave she ignored the pain of the hug.

Next came Sunswirl of all ponies with two gifts, Starlight opened them only to find an empty photo album and a full one, but both with her and Sunburst’s cutie marks on them. Starlight opened the filled one only to find picture after picture of her with Sunburst as foals. “After what Sunburst told us about what happened to you, we were so upset by what happened to you that we figured that we and your parents had all of the photos of you and Sunburst we had copied and made into an album so that it make you remember how happy you two were together and to make you happy for years to come and the empty one is for everything later to come.” Sunswirl explained as Starlight closed the album and cried as this was so touching that she could not hold it in. “Thank you, thank you so much, I just can’t describe how…” Starlight was choking up as she could not express how she was feeling right now.

Then her parents came up and lifted off a sheet to reveal a large portrait of Starlight with her parents and recognised that the picture was taken this morning. “I know that soon that you will be leaving for Ponyville and we just wanted something to remind you of how much we love you Starlight.” Evernight said, but she was crying as all of the effort to plan and prepare this was pulling off and both she and her husband wanted to cherish this moment for as long as possible. At this point, Starlight could not hold back her emotions and just hugged her parents and cried and saying that she loves them in between her sobbing.

As the party continued, everypony was enjoying themselves, although Rainbow had a bit too much cider and actually passed out on a chair! Fluttershy and Sunset took her back to her room and came back. Twilight and Sunset came up to Starlight and asked about the locket and then she opened it and let them have a look and were dumbstruck on how sweet and touching this was. “This is the most beautiful this I have ever seen!” Sunset said tearing up with Twilight doing the same and then hugged Starlight with Twilight saying that she is very lucky that she has such a caring and supportive pony that loves her this much.

“Twilight, if it wasn’t for you, all of this would not have been possible, so it should be I thanking you.” Starlight said as she actually bowed to Twilight for the first time. Twilight got her up and said that this was Starlight’s day and that she should be enjoying it, and not bowing to me, even if she felt it was warranted. “How about we get a photo of you and your parents Starlight? I’d think they would love a picture of this moment.” Sunset asked and Starlight said that would be wonderful and went over to her parents who were talking to Sunburst. Although they said they would not let their emotions show, the picture captured a teary eyed Starlight getting hugged by her parents who were also tearing up as well.

Chapter 14: No Pressure or Anything…

Later on during the party, Starlight approached Twilight. “Um Twilight, could we talk, in private please?” Starlight said nervously as she looked around to see if no pony heard what she had said. “Of course Starlight, is outside ok?” Twilight said as the two ponies slipped out of the function room and went outside of the hotel. Twilight asked what was on Starlight’s mind. “It’s just that, well my mum is sort of, pressuring us.” Starlight said looking quite embarrassed about telling Twilight. “’Pressure’? What do you mean… oh…ok.” Twilight said as she realised what Starlight was talking about. Starlight then trans-mutated some snow into a couple of chairs and they sat down and continued.

“It’s not like we don’t love each other, but it seems that she is trying to speed the whole thing along and its making me feel uneasy just to be near her or show any affection to Sunburst as it might cause her to egg us on, you know?” Starlight went on growing more frustrated and upset. “Starlight, I understand completely where you are coming from.” Twilight said while rubbing Starlight’s back. Starlight looked shocked as she never thought Twilight would knew what she was going through.

“My own mother is also pressuring me, she is like ‘why aren’t you married yet?’or ‘why don’t you have a colt-friend yet? You are a Princess for pony sake!’” Twilight said trying to imitate her mother’s voice. “It was worse for Shining Armour after he started to date Princess Cadance. Dad was starting to get sick and tired of it to the point where he tried to time them being at home when she wasn’t. It got worse until they had Flurry Heart when she finally got off his case.” Twilight explained what she and her brother went through and what Twilight still occasionally goes through.

Then they heard the door behind them open and Sunburst came out looking for Starlight as he noticed that she was missing. “Starlight, there you are, I’ve been looking all over for you.” Sunburst said as he then noticed Twilight and stepped back. “Oh, are you having a private chat? Sorry for interrupting! I’ll just go back in…” Sunburst said as Twilight called out telling that he could stay and got up and let him sit down.

“Sunburst, Me and Starlight were just talking I have a question for you and I’m sorry in advance if this is too personal or intrusive of a question. Is any pony from home pressuring you about Starlight in particular areas of interest?” Twilight said in a supportive tone trying to not offend Sunburst as she knew that he did not like these sort of questions, especially after what she had done this morning. “How do I know that you would not tell any pony else after what you pulled this morning.” Sunburst said with a thread of hurt in his tone of voice as he did not either appreciate what Twilight said or done this morning.

“Sunburst, Starlight, I’m so sorry for my behaviour this morning. I took this way too far and after thinking about it I realised how hurtful I was being to you to. Now I will Pinkie Promise right here and now that I will keep this conversation completely confidential.” Twilight said, expressing her regret over her actions but Pinkie burst from the door shouting to them to come back inside and also her Pinkie Sense told her some pony was about to make a Pinkie Promise.

“Pinkie Pie, not now please. I’m having a serious discussion with Starlight and Sunburst here and would appreciate it if you went back inside.” Twilight said in a calm voice, but when Pinkie argued for them to come back in, she started to get frustrated. “Pinkie, I said. Not. Right. Now. Now go back inside, we will be coming back in in a little bit.” Twilight said as she started to get more and more frustrated of Pinkie’s antics. But when she didn’t stop Sunburst had enough as well but he did not take it so well. “THE PRINCESS TOLD YOU TO GO BACK INSIDE, NOW GO BACK INSIDE!!!” Sunburst screamed at Pinkie and now she got the point and slowly backed off.

Sunburst turned around only to see Twilight pull the same face of shock she last pulled when Starlight screamed at her to be quiet back in her old village. It took him a moment to realise what he had done and was burring his head in his hooves in frustration and shame as this was the second time today he had exploded in anger at some pony. “What’s going on with me today!?” Sunburst said as Starlight was petting his back trying to comfort him. Eventually, Sunburst answered Twilight’s original question.

“Yes, Twilight. My father has been on my case about Starlight.” Sunburst said thankfully in a calmer tone. Twilight began to understand why Sunburst has been so frustrated. She explained to Sunburst that all of these provocations and privacy intrusions have made him angrier and angrier, but by not expressing his frustrations as events happen, he’d bottled them up until it reached the point that he was letting them out in massive outbursts. But Twilight went back to the main issue Starlight and Sunburst were having.

“Look, at the end of the day, it should be you two and only you two that get to decide how quickly you two want to proceed with your relationship. No pony has the right, not even your parents, to tell you directly, or not, how fast you should take it, especially if either one or both of you are starting to feel uncomfortable. The best advice I can give you two is to talk it out with them as they might continue until you tell them to stop. If you tell them that they are making your relationship uncomfortable, I’m pretty sure they will listen.” Twilight giving the couple some sound advice and guidance.

“Thank you Twilight, we really needed to hear some pony say that.” Starlight said with Twilight appreciating the complement. Then Sunburst asked Twilight how was the best way to apologise to Pinkie Pie for screaming at her in the way that he did. Twilight said it would involve baking a cake. Sunburst was confused but Twilight explained that whenever she would make a pony upset, she would bake them their favourite cake as an ‘apology’ and she would expect the same thing if it was her that was upset. Sunburst understood but said that he had not the first clue in how to bake but Starlight said that she’ll help. Then the three ponies went back into the function room and Twilight brought Pinkie over.

“Sorry for yelling at you Pinkie Pie. It’s been such a stressful and frustrating day that I should not have snapped at you.” Sunburst apologising to Pinkie and then he asked what cake she wanted for him to make for her. Pinkie proceeded to pull a recipe book out of her mane and selected one and then Starlight just grabbed the book, and came out of the kitchen with the said cake and said that she made it for him as he could not make it himself. Pinkie inspected the cake and ate the whole thing in one bite….

“Apology accepted Sunburst. Now, what’s your favourite cake for I’m really, really sorry for making you so angry!” Pinkie said while hugging Sunburst’s leg. He told her that he liked Orange Jaffa cake and then Pinkie ran into the kitchen and a few moments later, came out with an Orange Jaffa cake. Sunburst ate a slice and really enjoyed it and said that her apology was accepted and then Pinkie gave a huge smile and bounded off.

As the party wound down, everypony said goodbye and wished again Starlight a happy birthday. After Pinkie cleaned up with some party vacuum and left, it was just Starlight’s parents, Sunburst and Starlight herself left in the function room. Starlight suggested that they head of bed but her parents said that they had to show them one more thing and Steller proceeded to blindfold his daughter and Evernight did the same for Sunburst. Although Starlight did not know that her parents were up to, she let them guide her to whatever they was taking them.

Both Starlight and Sunburst have had a couple of jugs of cider each and were a little bit disorientated and weren’t exactly sure where they were going but all they knew that they went outside and then back inside and then their blindfolds were removed. To their shock, Starlight’s parents had set her up with the best luxury cabin in the entire site as Evernight recently had a few cabins built near the tree line above the hotel and their home. It had everything, including of all things a spa room, games room and a large wine rack, even a bottle of champagne on ice with two glasses, a vase with roses, and a box of chocolate in a heart shaped box on the coffee table next to the fireplace which was already set up and lit!

“Sooooooooooooo, what do you think?” Evernight said while she nudged Starlight and Sunburst, who were just were staring in the distance. Ok, this is as subtle as a train wreck, Evernight! Sunburst thought to himself as the hints before him were just so obvious and over the top that it would not look out of place if he just got married and he and Starlight were on their honeymoon! Even Steller thought that this was over the top, given that it had only been a couple of days. Finally, Starlight have had enough.

“Mum, could we talk?” Starlight said to her mother who took a seat on the lounge. “Look, I appreciate all of the work and effort you put into today, and you too dad and you honestly have no idea how much this has been to me. But this, seriously mum, this is too much. Not the effort you put into this but you may not realise it, but you are putting me and Sunburst under a lot of pressure. So much that we haven’t been able to enjoy ourselves fully without being worried that you or Sunburst’s father would take it as a sign and either make it into a joke at our expense or pushing us to being so uncomfortable around each other that we have to separate ourselves just to play it safe. So could you please leave us to develop our relationship at our own pace? Please!” Starlight said as she slowly started to get more and more upset as went on and by the end she was sitting on the floor crying.

Evernight had no idea that she was making Starlight so uncomfortable and came over and hugged her quite upset daughter. “Starlight, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to make you so uncomfortable, I thought that those little jokes were nothing serious. But it’s good that you told me that I was going too far. Please stop crying, you know how much I love you and don’t want to see you be so upset.” Evernight said as she could not help but get upset herself by just seeing Starlight upset. As Starlight wiped the tears off of her face she asked if she would keep her word and to her surprise, she did the movements for a Pinkie Promise. Starlight then hugged her mother and thanked her for understanding. Although she added that it didn’t mean that she would not have some fun every once in a while, but that was ok for Starlight.

“Evernight? Isn’t there some pony else that you should be apologising to as well?” Steller said as Evernight realised that this meant Sunburst as well. Evernight went on and apologised to Sunburst for making him uncomfortable as well and he thanked her for stopping as well. Although he stated that it might me harder to convince his father it stop as he is well, enjoying this too much. “Sunburst, your father is a kind and understanding pony, I’m sure that if you tell him how you really feel about this, he’ll understand.” Steller said and Sunburst thanked him for the reassurance.

“Hey Sunburst, did you still have some of that Orange Jaffa cake left?” Starlight asked but before he could answer, Steller placed the cake on the table and said that he thought you might forget it so he took it with him. “I think we should leave you two alone know.” Steller said and as they were about to leave, Starlight came up and gave them a hug and thanked them for understanding and being the best parents she could have hoped for and they hugged her back even harder.

Then Steller and Evernight both telekinetically picked up Sunburst and had him join in too. Initially he was confused but Steller said that as of now, both he and Evernight would consider Sunburst part of the family as well. Sunburst was touched by this and hugged back as well. Then they said good night and left them alone.

Starlight said that she would be going to sleep and Sunburst said that he’ll stay up for a while longer. A couple of hours later, Starlight awoke and heard noises coming from downstairs. She donned her dressing gown and went down to investigate. She found her way to the spa room only to find Sunburst relaxing in it with candles lit all around it and he had the champagne and glasses nearby as if he knew she would be coming! Starlight was having the same reaction she had earlier on, but this was way more intense. Initially, she pinched herself it see if she was just dreaming, but she wasn’t. Then Sunburst noticed Starlight in the room and shut the door behind her. “Starlight, would you like to come in? The water is nice and warm and you look freezing standing there.” Sunburst said as he noticed that Starlight was shaking, although unknown to him, it was out of sheer nervousness, and was blushing profusely.

“Sunburst, I um… you are so… um…” Starlight stammered as she was just simply so love struck with Sunburst that she could not finish her sentence, let alone move. Then unexpectedly for Starlight, Sunburst telekinetically lifted Starlight, took off her dressing gown and put it on the rack and then placed her in the spa next to him. Her nervousness was sky rocketing as she had never been this close and personal with him before. Sure they had slept together, but this was something else altogether.

“Starlight, are you sure you are alright? It’s the setting is it, I knew I used too few candles and left the water temperature too low.” Sunburst said as he thought that what was causing the problem, oblivious to what Starlight was really feeling. “Sunburst, it’s not the water or the candles, they’re perfect. It’s that I’m, I’m quite nervous about this.” Starlight said and then Sunburst placed his hooves on Starlight’s and he reminded her that if she was still uncomfortable about anything, that they could take their time with this.

“Sunburst, it’s not that I’m nervous with you’ll or that you would take this too fast, it’s that I’m not sure if you’ll think I’m taking it too fast and make you uncomfortable.” Starlight said letting Sunburst know about what was making her nervous. “Starlight, as long as you are happy and comfortable, then I’ll be as well….” Sunburst said before he was cut off with Starlight grabbing him and kissing him as passionately as she could for she could not keep her feelings in check any longer. At first, Sunburst was shocked how much she wanted him but eventually he fell for her love of him.

An hour, and a couple of bottles of champagne later, they were still in the spa but Starlight had, well other plans. “Hey Sunburst, would you mind if we continue this up in the bedroom, hmm?” Starlight said with the most seductive look she had given Sunburst at this point and got out of the spa while brushing her tail over Sunburst’s face. It was clear to Sunburst that Starlight was no longer having any measure of subtlety about this, or maybe it was the fact that she drank most of the champagne herself, but he had so fallen for Starlight that he didn’t care at this point. Sunburst then said that he would like that and the two love struck ponies finished for what was now, the best night of their lives.

Chapter 1: Preperations

There is always a sense that winter had a magic of its own. The cold, and sometimes unforgiving wind would always bring the ponies of Equestria together. Either by a roaring hearth, warm eggnog, or simply the joy, warmth and comfort of each other’s company, ponies always seemed to enjoyed winter.

The start of December was always a wonderful time for Princess Twilight Sparkle. For this was the time in which the principality would send out ponies to the four quarters of Equestria to find unicorn foals who processed greater than normal potential in raw magic ability. Every year, ponies would be sent to different areas to seek outstanding fillies and colts for Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns in the royal capital of Canterlot.

Although Twilight had been only performing this crucial task for 4 years, she had always had great joy in helping foals for whatever reason, either helping them in learning, tending to them in times of sickness, or looking after her new niece. This year, she has been assigned to the area around Unicorn Range, northwest of Ponyville. It would be a day flight, however the weather was set to be quite harsh, high gales, -20oC temperatures and near blizzard conditions and although Twilight was a lot stronger in her flying abilities than when she started flying, she couldn’t handle the extreme weather conditions. So she had to trot all the way there, a 4 day journey.

Twilight awoke so early, Celestia had not even raised the sun yet, fortunately, it was a full moon and that would help a lot with helping her early on. Spike was up with her, helping Twilight going through her checklist and packing all of the provisions and equipment for the trip.

“Saddle Bags and pack, check!”

“Tent, check!”

“Tent Pegs, check!”

“Sleeping bag, check!”

“Sleeping mat, check!”

“Cooking pots and utensils, check!”

“Water canteen, check!”

“Scarf, winter shoes, snow goggles and hat, check, check, check and quadruple check!”

“Food from Applejack, Pinkie and Fluttershy, check!”

“Um Twilight?”

“Yes Spike?”

“Do you have a heavy coat?” Spike had forgot to point out that Twilight had never got a new heavy coat since becoming a princess. Twilight cleared her wardrobe and finally found one that fit. However, it did not have any wing slits but it this weather, it would be better if her wings didn’t end up as ice blocks. Also this one was special, a gift from Shining Armour; a Royal Guard issue heavy coat intended for the guards as they escorted the princess, even in the harshest winters, it would keep her warm. Twilight always preferred functionality over form, sometimes to Rarity’s dismay. Also it was one of the few personal items that survived after her original home was destroyed.

As Twilight trotted down the main foyer, she was surprised that her friends had come to see her off, even Rarity who has a thing for her beauty sleep. They were all visibly tired, even Pinkie Pie but they would do anything for their friend.

“Hi girls! You all came here at this time of the morning just to see me off?” Twilight asked, surprised that they would all come to see her go just for royal duties.

“Yep! Sure did Twi!” Applejack answered and the others nodded in acknowledgement. “You might just see it as another job but we won’t see you for over a week. So we wanted to see you before you head off.” Applejack went on explaining that they would miss her.

“Don’t worry Twilight! I will throw you a welcome back home party when you come back!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed in her hyperactive tone. Of course you will! Twilight thought to herself.

“Are you not going with Twilight, Spike?” Fluttershy asked.

“Not this time for I and Starlight have to look after the castle while Twilight is gone.” Spike answering Fluttershy’s question although tomorrow night was ‘guy’s night’.

“Speaking of Starlight, where is she? Shouldn’t she also be here, if we could get up to greet you Twi, she should also.” Rainbow Dash questioned.

“Rainbow Dash! You don’t need to be so rude! I’m sure Starlight probably has a good reason for being still asleep.” Fluttershy said scolding at Rainbow’s remark.

“What?” Rainbow said as the others just stared at her.

“Starlight had just come back from the Crystal Empire yesterday afternoon.” Twilight said explaining Starlight’s absence. The weather has been so bad that train services have been stopped in several different regions, including cutting off all train access to the Crystal Empire. So Starlight had to trot all the way there and back. She had been away for a month with Sunburst studding magic together and spending time with Flurry Heart.

“She’s completely exhausted, and when Starlight got back to Ponyville, she was shaking and shivering so hard, she could rival Pinkie in the power of vibration!” Twilight went on to say. “I’m pretty sure no pony can match me Twilight you crazy mare!” Pinkie said while giving Twilight a little nudge.

“Isn’t Sunburst coming over for Hearth’s Warming soon darling?” Rarity asked. For she had noticed that those two were spending more and more time together as of late.

“Yes he is Rarity, he’s staying for two weeks. Why do you ask?” Twilight was a little confused but had a hint where this conversation was going.

“It’s just that those two are starting to act, how to say this, more than ‘just good friends’. Because I personally think that it’s getting to the point where I’m need to think of a good formal dress for Starlight if she needs to get one for dining out if you know what I mean darling” Rarity said trying to word her answer in a way that Twilight understood what she was going on about but trying to put some tact into it.

“Rarity, I’m the Princess of Friendship, not love. If there was anything going on between Starlight and Sunburst, I’m sure Princess Cadance knows about it.” Twilight bluntly said. Although she herself couldn’t help but see that the nature of Starlight’s relationship to Sunburst changing to the point where it was no longer platonic. It was little things like if they were studding in the library alone, they had a hard time keeping each other’s eyes off from one another, the awkward blushing if they got a little too close together or said something out of place. Twilight was now deep in thought when Rainbow Dash broke her concentration.

“Hey, egghead! Are you in there?” Rainbow said while waving her hoof in front of Twilight’s face.

“Sorry, anyways I have to get going. I’ll see you girls soon!” Twilight said as she hugged the others before trotting out of the castle.

“Bye Twilight! Take care now!” Shouted the girls as Twilight headed out of town. However, Pinkie Pie in her excitement decided to open the doors to shoot her party cannon in which the wind burst into the castle and the others struggled to close the massive doors. After struggling for 5 minutes, they finally got the doors shut. Then the girls proceeded to glare at Pinkie, who in response she gave an awkward smile. Then the girls herd yelling coming down the foyer.

“Hey is Twilight still here? I just wanted to say g... yawn... goodbye before she left!” Said a very tired Starlight wearing a lavender purple dressing gown.

“Sorry sugarcube, you just missed her.” Applejack said.

“Oh, Ok. I just want to… to say….” Starlight mumbled before passing out and started snoring on the floor. Fluttershy went with Spike to set up Starlight’s bed with Rarity behind them with a sleeping Starlight in her telekinetic grip. Meanwhile Applejack was holding her anger and frustration back as Rainbow was down on the floor laughing her head off as she heard Starlight mumbling about Sunburst in her sleep. Rainbow stopped as she opened her eyes and saw an angry Applejack giving her a death glare and realising she had gone too far.

Chapter 2: The Nightmare of Windigo Pass

Weather is like a wild animal, hard to control or battle against and is unforgiving to the unprepared. Twilight was seldom unprepared however. She had once asked Princess Celestia why such important tasks were performed in the most undesirable times or circumstances. She said that these tasks test those performing the examinations as much as those being tested. Only now did Twilight realised that the reigns she had been going to were progressively more and more challenging and this was proving to be the most challenging to date.

There was only one small village in the Unicorn Range, and there was only one navigable road to it; the infamous Windigo Pass. It has the distinction of being the only road in Equestria where more ponies died trying to travel though than have lived.

The village where Twilight was heading was difficult to reach even in the best of circumstances. Fierce winds prevented any ballooning or chariot flight for most of the year, the rugged and steep terrain limited train access to just the foothills and the route up the ridge includes sheer drop-offs and very narrow paths. Add the conditions that were enveloping around her, Twilight began to wonder why no pony has come out here for years, it is a death trap!

There were safer roads, however only experienced guides could traverse, and the only living ponies who knew how all lived in the town. Windigo Pass can be traversed by any pony, however the mortality rate was extreme. But Twilight had to do it, just because some ponies are born in inaccessible regions, doesn’t mean they can’t get the same opportunities as others. There was little protection from the cold wind, hardly any vegetation, or natural wind breaks, its full force was beating into Twilight’s body. Her heavy coat was still keeping her warm, although it was showing signs that it was at its limits, and every time the wind blew up underneath her underside, it felt like a bunch of needles stabbing her stomach…. repeatedly.

Twilight hadn’t slept in 3 days, and if she did, she would freeze to death for the wind would blow her tent away and with it, the little protection it provided. That’s if she could even erect one in the first place, for the route was so narrow that she had to rear up on her hind legs. Although her time in the human world got her to walk as a biped, it wasn’t easy to keep balance in her pony form and keeping her balance was now a matter of life and death.
Don’t you buck up know Twilight! Just concentrate! Twilight’s mind was racing on trying to focus on the road and levitating her equipment for she could not wear it and navigate the path at the same time. Although there was an easier path though Windigo pass it was clogged with many metres of snow, and even though Twilight could blast the snow away, it would sap what little energy she had left. For many sections were rich in Manaite rock, the same kind of rock that made up Chrysalis’s throne. Although it was unrefined and in low concentrations, it would sap any unicorn/alicorn magic to the point where even simple magic was very demanding.

Suddenly, part of the lip gave way and Twilight fell. She had just been able to grab the edge of the cliff, however, she could see that she didn’t have the physically strength left to hall herself up or magically levitate herself and her equipment. Twilight had to quickly get back up on the trail because she was weakening rapidly, the Manaite was draining her magical strength so quickly that she was only able to perform the simplest of incantations. Naturally she let go of the pack and barely got herself back on the shelf.

Twilight finally started the downhill section towards the village, but she was on the point of collapse, hungry, exhausted physically, magically and mentally drained, she took a few haphazard steps before collapsing in the snow. As she lay there, the only one thing going through her mind… how she let everypony down and was going to die in this frozen wasteland. Her vision blurring, a shadowy pony shaped figure appeared before Twilight slipped out of consciousness.

The pony in question was Cirrostratus, who was covered horn to hoof in winter survival clothing was on the way home after a supply trip to Vanhoover. As a permanent resident, he knew every way into his home village so took the flanking path behind the town. As he approached the intersection that leads down Windigo Pass he noticed what seemed to be a mound of snow on first impression. As the stallion looked closer he realised that it was a pony and rushed over to help. Without hesitation, Cirrostratus took Twilight in his grip and rushed her to his home. He knew that if he did not get her out of the elements, she would die.

The sun was setting by the time Cirrostratus got home. Although the intersection where he found the unconscious mare was only 25km away, by the time he found her, a blizzard had set in and it was near zero visibility. He then slammed open the door and with just as much force, slammed it shut. His arrival spooked his wife, Sunswirl.

“Honey, are you alright… WHAT HAPPENED!!!?” Sunswirl shouted as she saw the near lifeless pony in her husband’s hold.
“I found her on the road. Now find the thermo-blanket!” Cirrostratus said as he placed Twilight near the hearth. As his wife went to get the survival equipment needed to save Twilight’s life, Cirrostratus took off her saddle bags to try to identify this mare. As he did, a feather with the same colour as her coat came loose. It also was half-covered in blood. Sunswirl then came back into the room with the cold weather survival kit and got a thermos-blanket out and then knelt down to first take off the heavy coat. But before she did, she saw her husband with a shocked expression on his face.
“Honey, what is it? Sunswirl asked before Cirrostratus took off the heavy coat and unveiled Twilight’s wings, one of which was suffering an open, compound fracture.

“Oh. My. Celestia!” shouted Sunswirl who was openly shocked to see a princess in a serious condition on her living room floor.

“I need to find the town surgeon. We can’t lose her! I do not what to know what Celestia would do to us if she dies…” Cirrostratus said with dire urgency. He did not want to be responsible for one of the princesses of Equestria dying on his watch. So he donned his winter equipment to go back out there to get help.

“Cirrostratus, it’s a white out! You can’t go out there! Sunswirl shouted, worried that he’ll do something reckless.

“We are out of our depth, if we don’t get help the princess will die! It’s up to us to save her life and we should do whatever it takes to save her! Cirrostratus answered, determined to do anything to help. He asked his wife to look after her while he went out to find the town surgeon. It was a struggle to move even a short distance to the Village Hospital although he could cast a weather bubble spell, he saved it just in case he really needed it.

As he entered the hospital, Cirrostratus saw the entire hospital staff wrapping up a monthly meeting when he charged into the emergency room.

“Cirrostratus, what brings you here in such a hurry, especially in this weather? Said Dr. Healthshield in a curious manner.
“There is no time to explain Doctor! It’s an emergency!” Cirrostratus said in a desperate tone.

“I’m sorry, we’ve are just about done shutting all of the equipment down. All you could do is try to get to Royal Vanhoover Hospital as they are always open.” Said one of the nurses.

“You’ve got to help, Princess Twilight’s life is in mortal danger!” Cirrostratus yelled out. At which point, everypony’s attention had been captured.

“THE PRINCESS OF FRIENDSHIP!!!!!!!? Get everything back online NOW!” Dr. Healthshield shouted out to his staff. ”I need two nurses with me and Cirrostratus, can you cast a weather bubble spell for us?” Dr. Healthshield went on to ask. Cirrostratus nodded in agreement and all four started to gallop out of the hospital.

When the four ponies got inside Cirrostratus home they saw Sunswirl had trying to keep Twilight breathing and preventing her drowning in her own blood coming out of her mouth. Dr. Healthshield got Twilight in a protective shield bubble and rushed her to the hospital. With Cirrostratus and Sunswirl close behind. The two ponies waited in the waiting room all night waiting for any good news. By the time Dr. Healthshield came back out, he was exhausted, he spent nearly 12 hours in surgery trying to stabilise Twilight.

“Dr. Healthshield, is the princess going to make it?” Sunswirl asked.

“Yes, the princess should make a full recovery. However she won’t be able to fly for the next few months. Although she should be back on her hooves in the next few days. Now I have to write a letter to Princess Celestia about what happened and I will put in you two’s selflessness for that I have to say certainly saved her life.” Dr. Healthshield said as he walked back into the ward.