Son of the Sunby MaroonloverChaptersLove HurtsFamily FirstRemember Where You Came FromTake Pride In Your WorkOne Day, You'll Thank MeYou'll Never Understand Because You'll Never Be OlderAlways Stay PositiveNever Let Life Get You DownNever Lose YourselfSometimes, All You Need Is A Little PushLove HurtsI don’t remember much… I felt something warm… Then, woke up here. Nick was currently unsure of where here was. From what he could tell from the darkness, he’d been locked up in a dungeon of sorts. Horn, as is the case in circumstances of imprisonment, fitted with a ring of nullification. Why was he in a dungeon? This place of barely-lit pitch black seclusion, soundless aside some drips and drops from cracks in the ceiling was suitable for him? What had he done? At least, a notice or hint of his crime could be useful to stop him from raging against his chains. This was crazy. Insane. They looked official. Guards. Different décor mounted their armor for sure, but there was no mistaking who these guards were subjects to. Nick raised his voice once more, “I said tell me why-” Crack. Crack. He was left particularly shaken after that blow. Shivering uncontrollably. Not from the cold of this room, though it was depressingly freezing to any who decided to even creep near its entrance. But, that blow had some force behind it. No longer just a gut-punch. Or, a grinding of his head against the wall. Just a good old-fashion swing of the hoof to his muzzle, blood now coursing down his lips to dribble off to the ground, making the tiled flooring itself that much less unsanitary. Nick drank some blood after a quick coughing fit, not that he desired to. Just not much of a choice. Otherwise, he’d choke. He tried reasoning with them, “I’m a hero. You’re both he-” Crunch. Immediately, without any grounds to do so, the deep-red Unicorn’s face got a bit more color to it as blood splattered from his now cut lip. Such a mean uppercut to inflict on somepony who couldn’t fight back, not that it seemed to bother either guard. Coughing fit again. Almost asphyxiating on his own fluids again. These gotta be Princess Celestia’s guards. No way they’re not. The color schemes match too much to not be. Maybe… Nick’s face slightly puckered at the taste of his own blood washing down his throat as he reared his head back, far enough as it would let him with how he was essentially bound to the wall by chains that felt too tight, to bark at the top of his lungs, “Princess! Princess Celestia! There’s guards down here! I’m down here! I-I think they’re not who they say they are!” Both guards let him keep screaming throughout the entirety of his statement. Neither yelled at him. Nor, threatened or actually beat him some more. Just laid back, appearing to relax. Not a care in the world. That was...until a flame sprang from the center of the room, casting light every which way to shower the room in warmth. Their eyes lit up, eyebrows raising to look at the intense form of fireworks. They tensed up, pulling themselves up to a stature proper of a soldier as they watched the flames coil and dance into an inferno. When the hiss and crackle of the fire died around the mere ponies, she appeared. Princess Celestia, in all her glory, radiated pure sunshine, warmth pouring out from her body like a heat wave. She stared at them all for a decent minute before declaring, “What’s going on down here?” One of the guards flicked a hoof up in his defense, momentarily confused by the question, “Um...what you asked?” Nick’s look of confusion at the pony’s phrasing was reworked to joy as Celestia got in the stallion’s face, “Why is he like that?! What have you two been doing down here?!” The other guard spoke on their behalf, looking frightened, “Y-you said to deal with him-” Princess Celestia moved them out of her way, coming over to Nick to softly look upon her little student, “His face. It’s so...bloody.” Turning around, she growled out at the two, “Strong Back! Direct Break! You two...” She reared up, silent. Balancing on her back hooves with the grace of a ballerina, she stared down at the two, far surpassing them in height and power. Then, brought her hooves down. … Both stallions winced as the blows...never came. She was still gazing into their wildly-worried faces, but she didn’t strike them or anything. Nick was also concerned as he saw a hind leg of the solar royal lift back, only to spring at Nick. A short quick gasp later, Nick was reeling from a kick with enough force to easily break bones. His body desperately tried to curl into a defensive ball, but no such mercy occurred. Then, Celestia began to swiftly launch kick after precise kick into his body, landing shots into everywhere except his face. She shouted in hot-breathed fury to her ponysal guardians, “You two are to help me! Anywhere I kick is where you can feel free to break. That can mend. But, don’t hit him in the damn face! Only I can.” Soon, it was over. Like a stampede, it lasted only seconds. Those were some of the longest seconds imaginable. Nick’s body hung loosely from the shackles, no longer able to muster the fortitude to keep his balance up. He managed to slip out as he hung nearly suspended from the binds, “W-what are you doing, Princess? W-what’s going on? W-what-t-t-t-t...” Celestia had withdrawn from reprimanding her guards, neck turning to the side. One piercing royal eye looked Nick up and down, then the rest of her body followed suit as she sauntered over to her gift. Princess Celestia remarked as she saw him angle away from being touched by a hoof inching its way towards his bruised face, “No, no. Don’t run away.” Celestia, growing tired of him shoving his face away from her grasp, roughly smashed her hoof into his muzzle, specifically on his cheek. She elaborated on what would happen to him in the coming days, cryptically, “By the end of this lesson, you’ll promise me something, little pony. Whilst I promise not to fail you as I did...my previous adoptee. Forget all you’ve learned. Remember all our moments, this one included.” She cast a spell, its casting shining so bright Nick couldn’t see. Flash. When he opened his eyes, everything seemed taller. The chains that still bound him didn’t, but the world around him seemed to grow exponentially. The guards were even more large, the walls were oppressive in their length and width, and Celestia...was Princess Celestia. Always taller than anypony he had ever known, yet somehow bigger and now...badder than before. She grinned at Nick, the warmth emanating from her still no longer bringing comfort. It only brought sweat to his face. She said before leaving the room in a more normal fashion, via walking, “That should help you begin to forget some details, my child. My little one. My...son.” As she departed the dungeon by the staircase, the looming guards loomed much more so over Nicholas. First lesson learned: Love hurts. Family First...Princess Celestia? Are you sure? Yes, thoughtful student. I am certain. You will be as well, one day. Thank you for saying that. Thank you, princess. Nicholas was told by Celestia to start walking, and he did as he was told, ears dipped and sniffling. She had him trot in front of her, telling him to quicken his pace when he was beginning to get in her way. Soon though, Princess Celestia sighed in irritation, yanked him up by the nape of his neck, then hurriedly dashed into her throne room as he yelped. Princess Luna was in the throne room, casually sleeping in Celestia's throne of all places. Celestia brought Nick before Luna, deciding to deal with two annoyances at once: his crying and her sister's snoring. She promptly spit him out directly onto Luna's chest, making the mare lose air and nap-time when the colt impacted. Luna groaned in pain, cursing out loud until she opened her eyes to view a frightened child sitting on her stomach. She raised an eyebrow, wondering, "Sister, where did you-" Celestia growled at the current tread on her territory, "Get. Off. My. Bucking. Throne." Luna rolled her eyes, picked up the child in her front hooves, then flew to the side of the throne. Snorting in insult, Princess Celestia took her rightful seat of power, demanding her sister got on with whatever she was babbling about, "Hurry up with your shock and awe, freeloader. I've got a nation to rule, unlike you." Luna scoffed, holding the child in her hooves as if he were a foal, "Awww, how cute. Did you paint this one up? There's no way this is him." "What did I tell you?" "You said to dress up like a loser for awhile. Like cosplay, only lame." "Aside that!" "That this one wouldn't backfire?" "Stop with the damn flame puns already. Before you get actually roasted, you unsociable nerd." "I will as soon as you stop being so rude to me." "Apparently, you wish to get fired." "Okay, now which one of us is annoying who with the damn puns?" Nick exclaimed as his view was spinning, "I hate heights! Please, please, please put me down, Princess Luna!" Princess Luna immediately dropped to the floor, holding him away at arm's length, acknowledging, "Sounds like him. Definitely is acting strange." Princess Celestia was ashamed at what was currently being said, face in hooves yet somehow screaming without issue, "You absolute moron! I said that this is my son, so he is my son! Yes, admittedly, it will take time to actually make him grow accustomed to being with me after having to put up with that weak-minded, loving mare he spent most of his life with!" Nick did point out, "My mom-" Princess Celestia turned his head sideways magically, showing her teeth as she hissed, "The next few words that exit that muzzle I let you still have had better by about me." Nick, still being held by a now-worried Luna, gulped before explaining himself, "My...momalwayssaidIcouldthinkofyouasasecondonetome!" "I hope you have a really good grip on my sweet, disobedient child, sister," Celestia declared before winding her hoof back. Whack! Luna was really glad for placing him a hoof's space away from her main body because of two reasons. The first being pulling him in closer for a tighter grip would've meant she likely get a taste of his medicine. And, second, he...pissed himself from the backhoof. He shivered so hard his teeth chattered. He could feel a warm, fresh red mark on his already deeply red cheeks as an even warmer liquid coursed down his fur to drip onto the throne room tile. Princess Luna asked of her sister in surprise, "Why'd you do that?!" Princess Celestia shrugged, shaking her head at the state of her colt, "What? The slap? Oh, calm down. Every child needs, at least, one good smack to the face every once in awhile for them to know their place. It's like...Childcare 101. And, now you know why I'm fond of the color red as well as purple. Such amazing colors to smack around because of how rarely a mark or bruise is left...seen. Barely looks like he just got discplined, huh?" "I meant in the throne room! Smack him around all you want. Not my damn kid." "Oh. Yeah. Here, I can fix that." Celestia proceeded to cast a second Age spell on Nicholas, turning him into an actual foal of around two and a half years, saying in joy, "There. We're all good now." After calling for a maid, Luna explained to her sister the concept of cause and effect, "You slap a child as hard as you did, they're probably going to pee wherever. The problem I've been reacting to is the piss that was collecting on the floor! I've seen rocks less dense than you!" Celestia responded to the maid's appearance, "Can you please diaper my son? He's a tad...unruly, so he'll be spending the rest of today in that age. If he behaves...how I want, he can be aged up a year a day." Just as the maid sighed once reaching for the child who still had his mind for awhile, Celestia retracted her request, pointing to Luna to advise her, "Wait. No. You diaper him." Luna would've shoved the still-scared child into the maid's hooves if Celestia's magic had let her, which it didn't. She returned to wobbly holding the child at hoof's length, adding on with a whine, "Why me?! I'm no damn nanny!" "Because...I'm bigger, stronger, faster, more powerful, and twice as beautiful as you? And, by extension, willing -- and able -- to beat you into moondust?" "...Whilst most of what you said is debatable, one of those points isn't. Bitch." Celestia would've attacked her own blood relative, but Luna teleported a few hooves away. As she poofed everything she'd need for supplies from thin air, she still had to shout out questionnaires towards her sibling, "Is he really so different than before? I thought that-" Princess Celestia twirled her hoof around, remarking, "Events can be changed, Luna. What happens one time doesn't correlate with what happens at some other time. Don't ask me how it works because I only understand what I need to know to get by." As Luna finished wiping the foal down, who still was crying silently, she threw in, "Well, it must've been pretty damn different. I don't remember ever having to change his diapers, yet here I am. Playing nanny!" "You pull it off so well." "Maybe if you'd do stuff like this more often you'd still be like me." "Buck off. I'll fix everything. Just takes time." "Can you afford that time, sister?" "Of course. And, I'm certain the same rules apply to my little baby right there as well. Has to." Just as Luna finished laying the tabs down onto the foal, Celestia ported him over into her lap, grinning at the foal who now was curled into a ball for protection, "I'm sure you will. After all, she never developed your potential to the fullest, did she?! No, she didn't! Nope! But, I will. She'll never get a chance to use you. For your all mine now. I'll give you all the guidance you deserved as a child. But, you won't have to die like your brother did. Oh, no. That was such a sad mistake. One I plan on never happening again!" Remember Where You Came From...Princess Celestia, I'm scared. What scares you, my brave pony? ...Myself. Princess Celestia held up Nick in her hooves, cooing at him as she smirked, "Aww, how adorable you are. Why, I could just eat you up! You are small enough to do so, littler little pony." Nick was currently trying to keep his thoughts going...for once. Why is the princess acting like this? From the time I've known her, she's always been kind. Never once...hit me. What happened? Did I do something wrong? Princess Celestia detailed for him how he'd be able to get one year older by tomorrow, "Okay, Nicky. You must do several things to get a 'birthday', which means one extra year added to your age. Firstly, call me mommy." She then sat him in her lap as she instructed a maid to bring her a drink, which was quickly poured, brought, then placed before the princess. Celestia took a swig of wine, then told him to do so whenever he felt ready. Nick decided to get this over with, otherwise he'd be stuck in this diaper for longer than tolerable. Saddened by the feeling of disowning his one and only parent, Nick babbled out with a tear, "Mama Cewwy?" Celestia grinned with the same expression as a thief pocketing a golden watch undetected, "Heh. That's my colt. I'd suggest you get used to calling me that. I must hear a variation of that when you speak of your mother from now on. Because that's what I am. Correct?" Nick didn't think he'd survive a backhoof at this age, so he just laid down on her tucked backlegs, whimpering. Celestia wiped some wine off her muzzle before exclaiming, "Hello?! I've yet to hear any confirmation! Or, are you being a bad colt? You can imagine what happens to bad little colts who disrespect their elders, can't you?" He nodded meekly, breathing in a heavy sigh. She drank more alcohol, delivering a toast at his submission, "Right! Had better!" She requested to be topped off with more of her beverage, soon replenishing the hearty amount she'd downed within minutes. Then, returned to her demands, "You, dear child, will also accept a name change. I hereby decree your new name as...Kin. It's short for Kindle. For you will be that of a great flame. A passionate burn." Nick's eyes shot open at this injustice. My name? N-no. No, it is my name! ...She can't take it from me. ... Can she? Nick sat up, openly crying as he stared into the eyes of his ruler. Luna could be seen sitting cozily on a pillow, basking in the pleasure of a nightmare realized, "How interesting." She demanded a butler fetch her some pop-it-corn. Celestia smooched at the child in the air, asking as if unsure why he wept, "Aww, poor baby. What's the matter? Kindle? Kin? What's got my baby upset, huh? Mommy would love to know." Nick couldn't take it, shrieking out in a toddler's voice, "Na Kin! Num Nicky! N-nicky...Mama Cewwy." His hope she'd be lenient on him since he called her his mother was dashed, seeing as she placed a hoof above his head, the shadow it cast menacing. It completely enveloped his shaking form. ... She brought it down...to softly pet his mane, which the child did not see as he cowered in terror. "Mommy Cewwy," were his only rambles as he choked back saliva and sweat that pooled on his face uncontrollably. She awaited the colt's return to his senses, making her voice soft and sweet, "What's wrong, sweetheart? Are you okay? Did somepony scare you?" Bringing him onto her shoulder, she pat his back as he shuddered, diaper rustling as he was lightly bounced as well. Celestia told him with motherly authority, "Better? Good, my sweet baby. Now, you and I need to come to an agreement. You are now Kindle. Or, Kin. Whichever suits your fancy. In exchange..." The solar princess positioned him in her hooves that he may gaze up at her brilliantly glowing eyes, filled with love in this moment. Her words were a whisper, yet read loud and clear by the foal she carried, "...Your long-lost twin will be restored." Luna heard what was said, smiling at the scene before her. Nick didn't say anything. He stared. Stared into the eyes of the mare who promised him such a desire he thought impossible to achieve. Celestia's lips drew to the sides of her cheeks as she let tumble from her mouth, "Now, tell Mother your name." Nick thought on this proposal. To deny his mother by accepting this one? To disown his very name? To place his trust in somepony who he was now...unsure of? All for him. Nick splattered drool on himself as he dribbled out, "Kwindle. Num Kwin. You Mama Cewwy. Bot mine." Celestia's eyes twinkled, laughing slightly as she held up a...momentarily obedient foal of her own, "Hahahaha! Yes you are! You most certainly are. All mine." Take Pride In Your Work...What is it you desire most, Nicholas? To be like you, Princess. Somepony others look to for protection. ...A hero. Nick was being held by Princess Luna currently as she wiggled a hoof at him playfully, remarking in a quiet, hushed tone, "You have no idea what's in store for you." A lump was soon in his throat at that, which he quickly gulped down before even she noticed. Princess Celestia was now...fully hammered, eyes each waiting their turn patiently before having their own lengthy blink. Luna noticed the maid was standing around, simply bored as she held the wine bottle in her hooves. Princess Luna grinned as her horn pulsed, slowly tipping the wine bottle that the maid barely cared for. In one quick instance, all the remaining liquor soaked its way onto Celestia's back and front. The Princess of the Night smirked as she whispered once more, "Look, this is my favorite part." Without his permission, Nick was immediately held out to view the scene unfold. Celestia had gasped as she was now covered in alcohol, getting up to flick it from her fur. Literal growling ensued from the solar royal, glaring down at the maid by her side. The maid, for her part, was apologizing on her knees, hooves cupped over her head as she rationalized, "P-princess, I didn't mean to do it. It...just slipped from my grasp, I swear." Celestia jumped onto her throne, hooves standing on it as she thrust her head skyward. The maid got only glimpses of the piercing gaze of her eyes, which held only fury for the begging mare. Celestia stated simply as her horn lit up for a second, "You're fired." Almost instantly, the poor girl's body erupted in actual flames, her screams faintly heard as her body crisped and burned from the intense heat. Celestia didn't care to wait for the mare to drop dead before she walked towards the exit. The mare spasmed around for a couple moments before her body gave into the fire, collapsing to the floor as the flames expired with her. Nick saw the whole thing. When he was done, he was sat on Luna's back, who now had a bit of pep in her step. Luna asked to deliberately upset her now-sober sister, "You smell awful. Shall I run you a bath? Or, skip that part for the mane-cradling as the contents of thine stomach shower a nearby stall?" Celestia snorted out a puff of smoke, demanding, "Keep it up. We'll see how you smell after a taste of my blazing Sun." Luna chuckled to herself as she addressed the foal riding her backside, "Your mother just killed a pony. Aren't you proud?" Celestia was now off to draw herself a bath, commenting on the brought-up subject, "He should be." Nick kept low at the expectation he be proud of her. Luna, against Nick's wishes, prodded the topic further, "Well, he doesn't look it." Celestia glanced back at Nick, who tried his best to seem asleep. She was fooled, it seems. "What are you even talking about, you dream-diving nitwit? He's taking a damn nap," Celestia quietly declared to her sister in an only-irked tone. Luna raised an eyebrow as she felt him curl up onto her lightly bouncing back, guessing, "Hm. Perhaps he is tuckered out." ... No words were exchanged. No goodbyes. One moment the rhythmic beat of royal hooves paced forth, seemingly on path to a bath. But, after awhile, the clatter of hooves to carpet disbursed until only one remained. Nick opened his eyes as the trip abruptly ended, believing he had been riding Luna this entire time. When he was proven wrong by the mane of a multitude of colors and white body color, he tried to act asleep once more. ...I never did figure out Teleportation spells. Celestia gave him a passing look as she could have swore she detected him breathe heavily whilst she fumbled with the lock. Lock undone, she past through the door, closed it, locked it back up, and cast a magic spell apparently. Sighing, Celestia set him into her bed, kissed the top of his white spiked mane, then appeared to depart for her bathroom. Nick sighed in relief himself, amazed that had worked. His vision returned as his fright for his life dwindled. Nick wondered if he should try escaping, or simply go to sleep. The bed was of a soft velvet, sheets softer than a shepherd's flock. The sheets were consuming him in a warm embrace. The area around him peaceful, undisturbed aside the tip-tap of a bath running in the other room. He spread out his foal hooves to stretch, but didn't dare release from the motion. Not as if he were forced to. This blanket so nourishing to his aching mind and body after days' torture, he saw no reason to do much of anything now. He was scared. Tired. A tiny bit hopeful. Maybe he'd escape out to find the secrets of bringing his twin back? Maybe they'd then run off from this place of doubt and uncertainty? Maybe... Snore. ... Minutes later -- or what felt as though minutes later -- he was spurred awake. Smelling of hints of cherries and strawberries, Celestia had had her bath, opening the covers to slide herself in. Nick whimpered at the jostling from slumber. Celestia simply laughed to herself, levitating him into her chest as he seemed barely aware of his surroundings, "You're adorable, Kin." He wasn't even bothered by her calling him that damn name, nor being pressed into the fur of a pony he didn't know what to make of anymore. Celestia cooed to him, "Oh? Seems my colt's going to meet my sister in the realm of dreams. Finally. Because...I know you weren't asleep when she asked that question." Nick's heart skipped a beat, but he just pretended to half-hear her. Celestia pressed her lips into his ear, "Just like now." Nick couldn't take it anymore, giving up the trick as he lifted his face to greet her's. She smiled with an air of victory, "Oh, Kindle. You aren't the kind for subtlety. Never were, never will be." She forcibly snuggled him into her chest once more as she told her charge, "But, tomorrow's your birthday. And, by then, I'm certain you'll make me a proud mother." One Day, You'll Thank Me...Why did you choose me as your student, princess? Because, Nicholas, you are good in heart and mind. ...If you say so. Nick had awoken as the Sun got in his eyes. Whining, he sat up, viewing spread sheets and a door ajar. Rubbing his eyes, he didn't hear the telltale sign of a diaper crinkling. Glancing down, he did figure out he has somewhat older. Body still a bit lined with baby fat, yet he was out of that babyish garment finally. Guess she aged me up that year I was promised. Princess Luna entered the room as Nick inspected himself, indignantly responding to viewing the child, "Your mother is getting things ready for thy...party." Nick raised an eyebrow, asking with a little slurry of wording from his presently uncoordinated body, "Wha? Why yous 'ere, den?" Luna didn't answer his question in that moment. Simply snapped him onto her back with magic, then was off...somewhere. Nick wondered as to where they were headed, "...Can I at weast knows where be goning?" Luna whispered something inaudible as a response. Nick questioned her once more, prodding her with a hoof to shake an answer out. That was a mistake as she threw him off, strolled a bit ahead, only to circle back with an accusing hoof as her introduction to the interrogation. Nick rubbed his back, eyes brimming with tears from his rough displacement. Luna didn't slow her advance, poking him in the horn as she accused, "You! I should beat you within an inch of your life!" Nick's eyes grew, troubled by how she sounded just as violent as her sister all of a sudden. He admitted, "No idwea what you on abouz!" Luna jabbed him in the muzzle the second time, barking out, "Why can't I enter your dreams?! Hm?! Tell me right now, you little-" Nick shrugged, which sent Luna madly stomping around her subject of anger. She demanded to know again, "I could enter your dreams before! Before! What's so wrong with you?! Why are you like this?!" Nick's head tilted, suggesting to her an answer, "I no dweam. I no evan memfer da wast tiwe dat maffened. I doz get-" Luna scoffed as she knew where he was alluding towards, "Oh please, everypony dreams. And, I don't care for your nightmares. Nightmares only help me when I want to torment. I needed access to your dreams! How else would I know if my sister was planning something against me?!" Celestia would do such a thing? ...Maybe she would. Luna said more to herself, "Cheap harlot stabs me in the back! She thinks I've forgotten all this time! But, I didn't. Scars may heal, but intent persists!" Nick was curious, intercepting her muttering with a question of his own, "Um...wha?" Luna brought herself back to his plane of existence by acknowledging vaguely, "Well, she truthfully blasted me whilst we were facing the other. Still...my saying stays!" Nick didn't understand what she was referencing, drawing the conversation back to his dreaming, "Well, I no know. But...I no dweam. Eva." Luna scratched her chin, trying to think through why his brain was that way. Then...it dawned on her, eyes pin-pricking as she understood why. She stared down at him, critically studying him as she mumbled out, "It's the ones who you least suspect that are the most likely. But, should I tell her?" Smiling with naughty aims, the lunar lunatic brought him onto her back, disregarding the stare and mass blinking the child expressed. She sang in breathes, "You're both in the dark. I so hope you find the light, dear nephew of mine. Hehehe." Luna then kept walking with a bit of joy from the sounds of her whistling. No idea what she meant. Still no idea where I'm going. Honestly have no idea if I'm even happy to be stuck with this bundle of crazy over Celestia. Greatttt. You'll Never Understand Because You'll Never Be OlderDid you always want to be a princess? Hm...no. But, then again, I was very much in my youth when every option was open to me. I...am kinda bad at making decisions sometimes. Nick had been in Luna's room for over an hour, playing a magic card game with her. The blood-red colt exchanged with her as laid down a monster card, "Wou know...wou did'ot halve to kweep me in da dawk dis entiwe time." Luna shrugged as she played a spell card, wiping out his last remaining monster...that'd just been laid down. Then, when the field was cleared, promptly attacked his Life Points directly, sending him and his deck to the Shadow Realm...in game terms. Funnily enough, she couldn't do such a thing in actuality. Considering that shadow-ponies didn't have a realm other than the one they all resided in. Meh. They should be done with the blasted set-up by now. She gets up, picks the child up without explaining to him what's happening, then departs for the party. ... Nick was taken outside. To his surprise, he saw a cake, tons of ponies with birthday hats on, and even presents. He was brought over to a chair, placed gently in it, and had his head pat by a smiling Luna before she took her own seat on the adjacent side. Celestia was sitting on a more modest chair, still at a higher level of decorum than every other furnishing present, but still scaled back on the royal aspect today. The table where everything party-related occupied was a plain wooden one, styled for picnics. The garden where they were all present in was full of pockets of sunflowers/bloodroots, neatly-trimmed hedges, and even a fountain to boot. Sun was shining. This is...kinda nice. Nick thought so, at least. Princess Celestia had a hoof keeping her head up as she slouched at the table, asking in a tone sweeter than honey, "Kindle, honey. Can you count those candles on the cake for mommy?" Of course, I can do that. Nick spoke aloud as he emphasized every word, every face on him as he did so, "W...wone? Twou? Tree?" Celestia clapped modestly, eyeing everypony until they all get the message. They began to pound the ground, drum on the table, or -- in Luna's case -- lightly chuckle. Nick thought that didn't sound right, eyes narrowing in contemplation. Celestia knelt down to Nick's level, whispering in his ear, "What's wrong, my little pony?" Uncertainty in his eyes, Nick mumbled back, "No tree. Ah'm...sisth?" Roaring back as if being tickled by an unseen force, Celestia held her sides in such a leveled amount of acting that only Luna could see through, shrieking out, "Oh! Wow! Aren't you quite the little comedian?!" Nick was wondering what was so funny. He hadn't told a joke...had he? I'm not three. I'm six years old. My brother is...missing. Right? Nick declared at his own birthday party, watching for any signs of his twin, "My brudder. Where he ath?" Celestia began to slice the cake, barely even having to pay attention as she said, "He's been very naughty. He'll be brought back when he learns to behave." "Uh...he not see bery good, mommy. I take him cake?" "No, no, Kindle. It's not his time for cake. Now, you have two choices: either enjoy this cake and the presents I have out for you, or be sent to time-out. With your brother." Luna raised an eyebrow at what she perceived as a very ponysal threat towards the birthday boy. Nick asked as the plated cake with a fork shoved in it dangled above him now, tempting him until he drooled out, "Okay. I be good." Celestia smiled sincerely, wondering if he ever got the key words of her threat, but decided to let him enjoy himself instead of prodding the small child for an answer. Nick ate his cake first, eating it with barely any semblance of manners. Celestia just giggled at his childish mind, then passed out the cake to everypony else present. ... After licking the plate clean, Nick's attention was drawn to the presents all colored red, which he assumed were designated to him. Nick blinked, noting not a single one was blue. Guess my brother doesn't get his presents yet? ...Maybe because he's not of time-out yet? Yeah. No way he'd be left out of getting gifts! Nick then tugged on Celestia's hoof, which had been busy putting the fork down off her supposedly final slice of pastry. She glanced at him, smirking as she locked onto where his eyes were headed. Nodding to herself, she took a present from the top of the stack of ten in her magic grasp, whisking it over to replace the used plate. Before she told Nick he could open it, Celestia addressed the arrangement of butlers, chefs, guards, and maids accompanying as civilian-clothed guests on this sunny day, "Now, as you all know, I've been told by another -- perhaps at this very table -- that somepony has been stealing from the royal kitchen. As an attempt to get some small semblance of vengeance upon me for...dealing with a warrior who had done me a disservice on a previous day." Looks around the table were tense, but Nick had almost no idea what was happening. He wanted her to finish her speech quickly, so he might rip open his present quicker. She continued, petting her 'son' on his head as she narrowed her eyes, "But, don't worry. I just wanted to see all you sweat it out. Think of it as...hazing? Yes, hazing. Nopony will be dealt with today by Luna or myself..." A collective sigh of relief was delivered by everypony who had the misfortune to be stuck here on their day off. Celestia cruelly glowed with pure amusement at her next lines of dialogue, "Oh, what's with the sighing? I'm not finished speaking just yet." As audible as the previous relieved breathes had been, the gasps were even more evident. Celestia pushed the present to Nick, motioning him to untie it with her hooves, bringing them together before inching the two limbs apart slowly. Nick was overjoyed as he tore through the present, wrapping paper being strewn every which way until only the bare box remained. With an enthusiastic slapping of the lid open, he saw his shiny, new...blade. Tilting his head, he innocently inspected his gift, bringing it out to lay almost flat in his hooves. Celestia rubbed the poor tiny pony's back as she stated firmly, "Slip Rift and...Sing Along! Come on down! Earn the prize of a lifetime!" Sing immediately exclaimed, knowing where this was headed, "You royal bitch! I thought we had a deal!" Teleporting the short mare over to her side, Celestia slung a hoof the over now-upset mare's shoulder, adding in, "You and I would have had a deal. But, you lied to me." Slip Rift dropped a hoof onto the flimsy picnic table, breaking off a piece off the end as he shouted, "If she lied, then why am I in trouble?!" "Why? Little Miss Along here might've planted the idea in my head that somepony'd been stealing food out of retribution for a fallen comrade", she said with a wink towards her sister for a moment, "yet, you've been getting on my nerves as of late." Slip didn't even have words. His shoulders slumped, his chest lost all ability to puff out, and he only dragged his hooves back into his seat because the only thing he could hope for now was a quick death. Celestia'd been struggling with the thief in her hooves...if she weren't an Alicorn. One hoof was plenty to grip the mare's windpipe, staying any resistance from the mare. Having her hooves a little bloodied for the moment, Celestia shoved Sing into the ground. She was easily thrown to the dirt, about to get up until magic literally did the exact same task Celestia's hooves had been at a moment ago. Now though, with added effects. Such as lifting the girl right over to Nick, strung up with her belly right at his head level. Nick, unsure of what to do, said afraid, "W-wha I doz?!" Celestia ordered him without any form of kindness in her voice, only irritation, "A knife does what? It c-u-t-s! Think, my child! Think!" Nick's response? To toss the knife out onto the table, shaking head head in objection at hurting somepony. No! Celestia growled, forcing the rest of the onlooking staff to get up on the table and begin stomping the presents with a quick suggestive warning. Nick's eyes watered at his party being ruined for a reason he had a hard time understanding now. "Now, everypony! Unless you like being as baked as that cake is, I suggest jumping off the table very soon!", Celestia broadcast her aims as she then focused a shot of magic at the stamped-out presents. Within moments, the coal present in every last one of the gifts ignited, catching fire instantly as the 'guests' stood up to peer at the smoldering wreckage of what appeared to be a fine get-together. Celestia then made it very simple for Nick, "Okay. Tell me you want her to die. Say it happily, and we will once more be laughing and having fun. Why, I'll even buy you a toy for making me so proud." Nick curled up into a little ball, crying his eyes out at the parental decree. Celestia huffed out, and rolled her eyes as she broke the mare's neck within her powerful levitating clutch. It wasn't just Celestia's eyes that rolled in that moment. Slip didn't put up a fight, only waited his turn this entire sequence of events. Not even the coals erupting did more than startle him. Next, his view changed. He was just lounging about in acceptance, next he was now the second pony to be in the solar ruler's pressing magic. Didn't budge. Didn't see a point in asking for anything. Not like it'd be offered at this stage, anyways. Celestia stated the same as before. ... Nick kept crying. He took one last look at the pony suspended before him. Slip did have one last thought before his throat collapsed from pressure. Did make it quick, though. Celestia, fuming, rose from her chair. Knocking it away, she roughly snatched the child still unable to come to grips with what just happened in her hold, then leaped onto the table. It creaked from her weight, but didn't give way. She sounded into the little one's ear as they both stared into the growing flame in the mass of coals, "This was to be such a wonderful day. You ruined it. Ru-ined it. I hope that cake was delighting. I hope dearly so. Because this won't be. I just want you to know a few things, Kindle. You could've gotten more cake, and eaten it all day, too. So many toys your eyes would spin...like those corpses' had. But...no. You chose wrong. Those ponies were destined to die. They wouldn't have made it out alive. Their fate was to fall by your hoof. Or, mine. Yet, you didn't have it in you. Maybe I've been too nice. Perhaps I've been letting you get away with too much, along with others. Fear not, for tomorrow's sunrise brings a better tomorrow. A better tomorrow...to those who don't push against destiny itself. For now? We correct the present." In one quick mighty push, she shoved his front hooves into the blazing coals. His tears had renewed. His fear had renewed. But, his scars would stay as he screamed out unheard apologies, promises to be good, and finally just wails of agony. Always Stay Positive...I'll go out one day, and be the pony who saves the day! You will, hm? Yes, princess! After I get done with my studies, of course. He kept trying to walk as Celestia didn't bother to carry him. She was explaining to him as if he was in timeout...instead of dealing with severe burns on his front hooves, "You should've thought about that before you decided to speak out against me." Nick collapsed, flipping onto his back for just the most minute amount of relief it granted. His front hooves had barely sustained his travels into the buildind. Now, he wasn't sure if walking was possible now. "I'm not carrying you, Kindle", Celestia spat out as she pushed into his side to clear a way for herself into the hallway. He lay on the ground, hot tears rolling down his little cheeks as he begged for anything to help with the pain. Celestia stood over him, shaking her head in disapproval. ... "Get up," Celestia commanded once. Nick's pure instinctual response was to whimper as he held his cracked, bleeding hooves up as a sign of his injuries. The burning sensation didn't stop, even after he'd been freed of the consequences of his inaction. Celestia's eyes grew dull from the display before her, rolling them around in an apathetic way. She yawned, slapped his hooves away, then simply sauntered off without a care towards her charge who screamed at the very light tap against his roasted legs. "Mom! Pwease! Cewwy! D-dun weave me...", the little colt struggled out as he lay limply on the ground, unable to move. Sighing, Celestia looked back at him. He didn't move. He didn't scream. She only saw blood-red eyes distraught and terrified at the prospect of being abandoned in a hallway. He's not there yet. He's not mine just yet. Only time. Time won't heal those wounds I inflicted upon him this day. "Nor would I want them to," Celestia remarked under her breathe as she strode on back to the child. She sat down near him as he held out his hooves once more, desiring affection than any previous day. Celestia desired to understand, "Who is your mother?" Nick exclaimed as he staggered out, "Y-y-yow..." "Am I your only mother?" "...Dun know." "You need to give me a full answer, child." "N-n-nu?" Crushing her teeth so hard a scrapping could be heard from the large-and-in-charge ruler of her kingdom, "What do you mean by that?!" Nick's pure terror and shock at how she peered into him caused his body to defensively use his front hooves as a shield. No tact. Leaves himself completely at the mercy of whoever. Such a pitiful little one. Celestia promptly rose from her previous spot, backpedaled a few hooves until she was beside a window, and sat down once more onto tile. Spreading her hooves into a manner that suggested a hug, she proclaimed in a pacifying tone to him, "If you can make it into my loving hooves, I'll save you from the blaze, dear child of mine." She lightly lit her horn, pressing the Sun to flare her whole presence in a gold hue. As Nick rose himself from his spot, he heard terrifying words cast onto him from afar, "But, you may only be welcomed if you use your front hooves. Only." Nick managed to sit up, only to crash to the tile again upon hearing the torture he'd be forced to toil with. It...is only a few hooves away. He gingerly set one hoof an inch from the ground, eyes crossing views between Celestia and the unsuitable flooring. Choking back the upcoming sweat, tears, and blood, he dipped it onto the marble, shutting his eyes as he roared with wails. Then, in an instant of courage, he slammed his lef hoof right beside the other, joining its twin in stinging, pulsing union. Step by step, line by line, he pulled himself towards his savior, the light guiding his path as his eyes flooded in misery and sorrow. He was soon so close he could touch her, and she smiled at him in accomplishment over his tiny victory. So he thought. Because just as he'd almost be able to throw himself into her embrace, her light dissipated. His hope of safety, his dreams of security, and wanting of parental love were all dashed as she was no longer in his reach. But, down the opposite hallway, she gazed at him. Nick twisted his aching, punished body to fall upon his side as he took breathes of air mixed with the stench of blood and an all-too linger of burnt hair. His hair. In exhaustion, a single seen eye of his own crying self shared a glance at his 'mother'. She hailed to him, teasingly applauding his performance, "You did such a good job, my little one. Was that so hard? All you had to do was walk, and you did it! Now, come along for dinner. It should be done in half an hour. Hurry up!" All he could remember hearing as she wandered off was, "Before it gets cold!" He proceeded to cry to only himself as he lay within the hall, broken and forgotten for the time being. Never Let Life Get You Down...Princess, I'll always be at your side. Thank you, Nicholas. You are very brave for such a commitment. You will be at mine? Always. Nick wasn't sure when he'd passed out. But, he did remember waking up, considering the bump and rumble of his ride made getting some shut-eye rather impossible. The guard who he rode acknowledged the child with a snort, signifying he didn't want to be a babysitter in the simplest terms to the colt. Nick asked of him, "Noooo. Not her. Take me away from here?! Please?!" A chuckle was all he was delivered as a reply, making Nick slump down in defeat. ... It was morning now. Celestia had expected some level of competence from her new Kindle. But, he didn't show anything. No push. No drive. Weak. She'd age him up, but not for his sake. He hadn't earned it. He didn't earn anything...aside her anger. He just sat there in a puddle of tears before falling asleep. The very thought of his collapse had made her head shake in absolute disappointment. What is wrong with him? What am I doing wrong? How has he survived this long? You'd think she'd have had the foresight to teach him anything?! Or, did she just expect him to become some sort of powerhouse once he grew up? As she rolled her eyes at the guard bringing in her sad excuse for a 'son', Celestia declared with a wave of her hoof, "Bring him up." The guard muttered something under his breathe before he marched up the stairs. Nick was then lifted into Celestia's hooves, his whimpering and shaking evident as her hooves contained his small form easily. Or, she relied on a different approach. We have opposite ideals, so...she'd have done different lessons than I. An idea roaring to life in her mind, Celestia aged up the child up by two years, instead of the one year that'd been planned for. As his body and mind grew within an instant, the princess of the sun whispered to her child, "What is it you want to be when you're older?" Nick's body was up to bat, but his mental age had some time that needed a restart. I'm...ten. Brother...gone. Lost. Made a friend as well. Stayed in town. Mom was still upset every year...on a certain day. I as well. Brain bringing Nick back to the forfront of his predicament, he heard Princess Celestia wonder of him again, "Hello?!" Nick's head tilted at her, asking, "Yes...Mommy?" "Answer me, colt." "For what?" "What. Do. You. Want. To. Do. Later. In. Life?!" "Oh...be a hero." Celestia jabbed a hoof at the guard who watched the two converse and argue. He suddenly realized he should've most likely excuse himself long before their dialogue began. Celestia's new smirk of fury extended at the sight of the wide-eyed stallion backing away, telling her charge, "Did I ever tell you where I get my guards from?" Nick rubbed his hooves gently, trying to comprehend how his hooves healed so well. Though...they were still cracked, and streaming with burnt bottoms. "No idea," he confessed before inspecting them even more. She dipped her head down to his ear, slipping out, "The local dungeons." Nick's eyes lit up at this bit of news, dribbling out his shock, "R-really?" Celestia pet his head, adding in, "Yes. Murders, rapists, propagandists, so on and so forth. They all get a chance to serve me, instead of serving their sentence." Nick's eyebrows narrowed as he thought through this planting of facts in his head, "But...how is that a punishment, then?" Celestia raised her head towards the ceiling, playing as if she was rolling the idea around, "Hm. I guess it isn't." So, he can't be forced. Maybe he takes suggestions better? She hugged the littler pony into a snuggle as she suggested, "Well, what would you do if you were given the power of punishing bad, bad criminals who are guilty of horrible things?" Nick stared down at his hooves, the pain long gone yet the itching remained. Celestia saw his eyes not drift off from his ruined hooves, declaring, "Maybe burn him? He'll still live, but he'll know what he's done. And, he'll never be able to forget it. The scars will make sure of that." Nick looked up at the guard, who struck up a nervous smile at the child. He asked to know what the warrior had done, to which the reply was quite gruesome. Nick wanted to know before giving an answer, "But, why make me do it?" "You're a hero, are you not? You fight bad ponies, yes? Well, he is bad. And...I think you're starting to change how I do things. Tell you what, if you bring upon this coward some form of consequence, I'll take that and run with it. That'll be how I hoofle these horrible guards from now on." "He...he won't die, right?" "All up to you." "I don't want him to...die." "So, be it, my Sun," Celestia announced as the guard had been trying to flee the throne room, but found the exits locked by some force. As he turned back to beg for mercy, a brilliant golden light crashed through the ceiling, showering him in its pure heat and intensity of power. His screams were cut off as the very blast discharged more sound than his voice could muster. As he fell unconscious from the overhead beam, his skin had been roasted, scarred, and irreversible wounded. Celestia said as she kissed the child on the back of his head for such a successful transition to power, "He deserved more than that, but you did a righteous act, Kindle. Lesson learned. For all of us today." Never Lose YourselfNick was treated with care for the rest of the day, being given cream for his burns, a bath, and treats whenever he gained the will to ask. Today was a good day for him. Even if that pony had...been hurt. But, he was okay! C...Celestia said so. Now, after a day of minor pain and major stress-relief, he was off to bed. And, once again allowed to stay in Celestia's room. Yet, she didn't nearly choke him as they strode to her bed because she never got in bed. She simply put him under the covers, pat his head, then replied with eyes twinkling of fire how she'd roast him alive were he to leave the room. So, he didn't dare think of getting up from bed. At all. ... Until those armored hoovesteps withdrew from earshot. Then, he decided to spring out of bed, intent on leaving this place. He would find his brother, then they would run. Run far away from this place! Maybe they'd find their mom, too. They'd be a family again. Nick was so eager to be out of here that he'd forgot how Celestia was more cunning, manipulative, and simply more experienced than his child brain could understand. Somepony not even above double digits in age was fully willing to escape the clutches of somepony hundreds of times older than he. And, this fact somewhat dawned on Nick when he saw armored hooves standing at the door, ready to order him back to bed as soon as the door even budged. But, Nick wasn't like Celestia. He didn't plan his next move. He ran with the events that unfolded. And, he might not know much when it comes to magic, but he did have a spell he'd been working on. Cracking open the door with his magic, he asked the pony who stared at him through the crack, "Can I come out now?" The stallion only half-chuckled before entering the chambers to let the kid know, "You'd best get back in bed. Before I stuff you in one of the pillow cases." Nick put a hoof out towards the stallion, and got only a shrug as his opposition's response. The guard was having none of this...whatever was happening, so he marched up to sling the disobedient colt back into bed. As he reached down to pluck Nick up, Nick's horn lit up, forming a small ball of light pointed at his now-worried target. Within an instant, the Pegasus guard held up his hooves to suggest with a hint of fear in his voice, "N-now...uhm, Kindle. Kin. D-don't do somethin' that'd put you on your mom's bad side. We both know how she is." Nick's eyes narrowed, and he fired out a volley of magic sphere, each with enough force to break bones. The guard clutched his ribs, groaning as he hit the floor in a pained daze. Nick threw the door closed as he slipped past the guard into the hallway, and then ran off. Unsupervised. Into the castle. He hoped to find his brother. He hoped to escape here soon. He hoped not to run into his 'mother'. Sometimes, All You Need Is A Little PushDay passed. I guess. My head, thoughts swirling... The guards grew tired of assaulting him after a couple hours. Nick didn’t even have the strength to cry out or even wince after hours of repeated beatings. He slept...for what it was worth. Bound by his bindings, unable to lie down. … Eyes and ears becoming aware of their bleak surroundings soon as a commotion started. Princess Celestia was in a conversation with her guards, to which she replied with a laugh once they said something in unison. Too hard to focus, really. She was walking over to him, magically opening the cage that just seemed unnecessarily secure. Nick’s heart rate accelerated as she trespassed into his ponysal space, muzzle nearing on his. She asked with a coo, “Hello, my child. Have you been having fun?” Nick’s expression of casual pain was soon surpassed by a quizzical look, demanding, “N-no. I’ve been getting attacked by your guards. And...you.” She seemed to be caught off-guard by his words, declaring to the guards, "Release him, please." Nick saw the look of sorrow she displayed, thinking this torture would be over. She's coming to her senses. He was unrestrained by the stallions, unlocking his chains that kept him aloft an inch off the ground. Princess Celestia, in turn, magically set Nick down on the ground like he was a priceless treasure. Strong Back asked of her with uncertainty, "We...uh, get some licks in again? Can we kick him while he's down?" Direct Break chimed in as well, adding fuel to the fire, "Yeah. Yeah! He should be a lot more lively today. We had to stop yesterday because he just went quiet after awhile. Got too boring." Nick saw Princess Celestia walk forward until she was nearly standing on top of them. Then, she reared back, not saying a word. Like yesterday. Nick closed his eyes, waiting for his back to be stomped or something equally excruciating. The guards, for their parts, were grinning down at him, patiently anticipating to get their second wind of beatings in after their princess. They had manners, after all. Then, she slammed her hooves down. Crack. Crack. ... Nick didn't open his eyes. He didn't feel anything. Honestly, he couldn't feel his hooves before with the suspension and constant barrage of punches inflicted yesterday on him. But, he expected collapsing lungs, spine being splintered into dust, probably rolling on the ground as his brain tried to comprehend the immeasurable damage that'd been done to his body. But... ... Eyes pulling from the darkness, he saw Princess Celestia only stare down at him. A gaze of Magenta onto her student, delivering upon him a calm, soothing response, "Nicholas. Sweetheart, you can stand." Nick blinked back at her, doubtful as to whether or not what she said was true. His hooves and most everywhere else, besides his face, was covered in bruises and scraps. But, she encouraged him once more, leaning back as she advised him, "Come now, time to get up." Nick did as he was told, shakily gripping the floor. He forced his body to summon its strength...finding it did so without effort. A moment after, Nick was standing up, completely fine. Mark-less. Unrestrained. Normal? He was still a child, unfortunately. Nick asked of her, staring up at the mare who raised the sun, "I'm...a kid still." Princess Celestia dropped to his level, laughing as if he had said something silly, "Oh? I hadn't noticed. But, you did, my little pony." "Y-yeah..." "What's wrong with being yourself, Nicholas?" "I...I'm not a kid." "Child, you already told me that." "But, I...I'm not! I swear-" "Swear? You never swear, Nicholas. Are you alright?" "I'm not ten!" "Hm? What age should you be, little pony?" "I should be..." Nick thought on what age he should be. My birthday was months ago. And, I turned... I turned... Nick opened his mouth, upset by the number that poured from his lips, "Ten?" Princess Celestia nodded to his answer, pleased by the small smile gracing her face, "Okay, then." Nick's bewilderment grew at noticing the two figures laying on the ground to his left and right. He prodded each once, never getting a groan or semblance that they were still unconscious. His mind didn't know how to check for a pulse or anything. Nick jumped to a logical conclusion, "Are they...dead?" Princess Celestia shook her head, grin remaining on her face, "No, my little one. They are alive." But, as a light sprang from behind Nick's shoulder, his fixation on the two out-cold soldiers waned like the Moon being outshone by the Sun. Before him, in Celestia's grasp, was a spear. An old spear, bloodied and unwashed for who knows how long. She pushed the lengthy object into the colt's hooves, asking of him in her warm, welcoming voice, "But, we can fix that." She grinned, not letting her bright magic dissipate. Her face was not one of shock, of discomfort, or sadness. Most definitely not mercy. Her hoof pat Nick's spiky white hair as he began to shake like a leaf, ending in her physically moving his face to the defenseless ponies fallen before them. Her muzzle drifted up his back, slightly resting on his shoulder. Her breathe was toasty, not unbearable. He didn't sweat like yesterday. If he could think through his thoughts gaining speed, he might be worried on why that was. Her voice tickled his cheek, daring him, "Go on. They hurt you. They openly desired to torture you." Tears stung at his vision, Nick quietly whimpering as he felt her magic seep onto his hooves, helping to draw back the heavy weapon. I wanna be a hero when I grow up. I wanna be a hero when I grow up. I promised him that. I promised. Growling, Nick wrestled whilst in her hold, thrashing wildly in every direction. Princess Celestia let out a sigh, roughly pluckering him off the spear to place him by her side. She clutched the child with both hooves, allowing the spear to remain at its previous angle via magic. Princess Celestia pushed her muzzle past Nick's lengthy hair, addressing the child by speaking into his ear directly, "Sometimes, all you need is a little push, my child." She proceeded to jab Strong Back through the neck, forceful enough to crack his windpipe into bits. He died with only a little wheeze of blood as his final words. Picking up the spear as a fine spray of red dispersed into the atmosphere, she launched it onto Direct Break, who had unfortunately woken up enough to groan. They heard a scream as he was brought back into the conscious world, having been struck in the side. The sharp, bladed stick was plunged right into his heart. But, he had a few precious moments of flailing about, eyes flicking to identify his murderer. They landed on Celestia as she narrowed a stare at him. Whatever he planned to say as his mouth prattled on noiselessly was lost once the color left him. Eyes stayed locked on his betrayer. Princess Celestia paid the corpse no mind. She simply tugged the child who sobbed openly at the savage display into a hug, whether he wanted it or not. Celestia thought on how much effort she'd have to put into this one, sighing on the inside. They never said motherhood would be easy.
Love HurtsI don’t remember much… I felt something warm… Then, woke up here. Nick was currently unsure of where here was. From what he could tell from the darkness, he’d been locked up in a dungeon of sorts. Horn, as is the case in circumstances of imprisonment, fitted with a ring of nullification. Why was he in a dungeon? This place of barely-lit pitch black seclusion, soundless aside some drips and drops from cracks in the ceiling was suitable for him? What had he done? At least, a notice or hint of his crime could be useful to stop him from raging against his chains. This was crazy. Insane. They looked official. Guards. Different décor mounted their armor for sure, but there was no mistaking who these guards were subjects to. Nick raised his voice once more, “I said tell me why-” Crack. Crack. He was left particularly shaken after that blow. Shivering uncontrollably. Not from the cold of this room, though it was depressingly freezing to any who decided to even creep near its entrance. But, that blow had some force behind it. No longer just a gut-punch. Or, a grinding of his head against the wall. Just a good old-fashion swing of the hoof to his muzzle, blood now coursing down his lips to dribble off to the ground, making the tiled flooring itself that much less unsanitary. Nick drank some blood after a quick coughing fit, not that he desired to. Just not much of a choice. Otherwise, he’d choke. He tried reasoning with them, “I’m a hero. You’re both he-” Crunch. Immediately, without any grounds to do so, the deep-red Unicorn’s face got a bit more color to it as blood splattered from his now cut lip. Such a mean uppercut to inflict on somepony who couldn’t fight back, not that it seemed to bother either guard. Coughing fit again. Almost asphyxiating on his own fluids again. These gotta be Princess Celestia’s guards. No way they’re not. The color schemes match too much to not be. Maybe… Nick’s face slightly puckered at the taste of his own blood washing down his throat as he reared his head back, far enough as it would let him with how he was essentially bound to the wall by chains that felt too tight, to bark at the top of his lungs, “Princess! Princess Celestia! There’s guards down here! I’m down here! I-I think they’re not who they say they are!” Both guards let him keep screaming throughout the entirety of his statement. Neither yelled at him. Nor, threatened or actually beat him some more. Just laid back, appearing to relax. Not a care in the world. That was...until a flame sprang from the center of the room, casting light every which way to shower the room in warmth. Their eyes lit up, eyebrows raising to look at the intense form of fireworks. They tensed up, pulling themselves up to a stature proper of a soldier as they watched the flames coil and dance into an inferno. When the hiss and crackle of the fire died around the mere ponies, she appeared. Princess Celestia, in all her glory, radiated pure sunshine, warmth pouring out from her body like a heat wave. She stared at them all for a decent minute before declaring, “What’s going on down here?” One of the guards flicked a hoof up in his defense, momentarily confused by the question, “Um...what you asked?” Nick’s look of confusion at the pony’s phrasing was reworked to joy as Celestia got in the stallion’s face, “Why is he like that?! What have you two been doing down here?!” The other guard spoke on their behalf, looking frightened, “Y-you said to deal with him-” Princess Celestia moved them out of her way, coming over to Nick to softly look upon her little student, “His face. It’s so...bloody.” Turning around, she growled out at the two, “Strong Back! Direct Break! You two...” She reared up, silent. Balancing on her back hooves with the grace of a ballerina, she stared down at the two, far surpassing them in height and power. Then, brought her hooves down. … Both stallions winced as the blows...never came. She was still gazing into their wildly-worried faces, but she didn’t strike them or anything. Nick was also concerned as he saw a hind leg of the solar royal lift back, only to spring at Nick. A short quick gasp later, Nick was reeling from a kick with enough force to easily break bones. His body desperately tried to curl into a defensive ball, but no such mercy occurred. Then, Celestia began to swiftly launch kick after precise kick into his body, landing shots into everywhere except his face. She shouted in hot-breathed fury to her ponysal guardians, “You two are to help me! Anywhere I kick is where you can feel free to break. That can mend. But, don’t hit him in the damn face! Only I can.” Soon, it was over. Like a stampede, it lasted only seconds. Those were some of the longest seconds imaginable. Nick’s body hung loosely from the shackles, no longer able to muster the fortitude to keep his balance up. He managed to slip out as he hung nearly suspended from the binds, “W-what are you doing, Princess? W-what’s going on? W-what-t-t-t-t...” Celestia had withdrawn from reprimanding her guards, neck turning to the side. One piercing royal eye looked Nick up and down, then the rest of her body followed suit as she sauntered over to her gift. Princess Celestia remarked as she saw him angle away from being touched by a hoof inching its way towards his bruised face, “No, no. Don’t run away.” Celestia, growing tired of him shoving his face away from her grasp, roughly smashed her hoof into his muzzle, specifically on his cheek. She elaborated on what would happen to him in the coming days, cryptically, “By the end of this lesson, you’ll promise me something, little pony. Whilst I promise not to fail you as I did...my previous adoptee. Forget all you’ve learned. Remember all our moments, this one included.” She cast a spell, its casting shining so bright Nick couldn’t see. Flash. When he opened his eyes, everything seemed taller. The chains that still bound him didn’t, but the world around him seemed to grow exponentially. The guards were even more large, the walls were oppressive in their length and width, and Celestia...was Princess Celestia. Always taller than anypony he had ever known, yet somehow bigger and now...badder than before. She grinned at Nick, the warmth emanating from her still no longer bringing comfort. It only brought sweat to his face. She said before leaving the room in a more normal fashion, via walking, “That should help you begin to forget some details, my child. My little one. My...son.” As she departed the dungeon by the staircase, the looming guards loomed much more so over Nicholas. First lesson learned: Love hurts.
Family First...Princess Celestia? Are you sure? Yes, thoughtful student. I am certain. You will be as well, one day. Thank you for saying that. Thank you, princess. Nicholas was told by Celestia to start walking, and he did as he was told, ears dipped and sniffling. She had him trot in front of her, telling him to quicken his pace when he was beginning to get in her way. Soon though, Princess Celestia sighed in irritation, yanked him up by the nape of his neck, then hurriedly dashed into her throne room as he yelped. Princess Luna was in the throne room, casually sleeping in Celestia's throne of all places. Celestia brought Nick before Luna, deciding to deal with two annoyances at once: his crying and her sister's snoring. She promptly spit him out directly onto Luna's chest, making the mare lose air and nap-time when the colt impacted. Luna groaned in pain, cursing out loud until she opened her eyes to view a frightened child sitting on her stomach. She raised an eyebrow, wondering, "Sister, where did you-" Celestia growled at the current tread on her territory, "Get. Off. My. Bucking. Throne." Luna rolled her eyes, picked up the child in her front hooves, then flew to the side of the throne. Snorting in insult, Princess Celestia took her rightful seat of power, demanding her sister got on with whatever she was babbling about, "Hurry up with your shock and awe, freeloader. I've got a nation to rule, unlike you." Luna scoffed, holding the child in her hooves as if he were a foal, "Awww, how cute. Did you paint this one up? There's no way this is him." "What did I tell you?" "You said to dress up like a loser for awhile. Like cosplay, only lame." "Aside that!" "That this one wouldn't backfire?" "Stop with the damn flame puns already. Before you get actually roasted, you unsociable nerd." "I will as soon as you stop being so rude to me." "Apparently, you wish to get fired." "Okay, now which one of us is annoying who with the damn puns?" Nick exclaimed as his view was spinning, "I hate heights! Please, please, please put me down, Princess Luna!" Princess Luna immediately dropped to the floor, holding him away at arm's length, acknowledging, "Sounds like him. Definitely is acting strange." Princess Celestia was ashamed at what was currently being said, face in hooves yet somehow screaming without issue, "You absolute moron! I said that this is my son, so he is my son! Yes, admittedly, it will take time to actually make him grow accustomed to being with me after having to put up with that weak-minded, loving mare he spent most of his life with!" Nick did point out, "My mom-" Princess Celestia turned his head sideways magically, showing her teeth as she hissed, "The next few words that exit that muzzle I let you still have had better by about me." Nick, still being held by a now-worried Luna, gulped before explaining himself, "My...momalwayssaidIcouldthinkofyouasasecondonetome!" "I hope you have a really good grip on my sweet, disobedient child, sister," Celestia declared before winding her hoof back. Whack! Luna was really glad for placing him a hoof's space away from her main body because of two reasons. The first being pulling him in closer for a tighter grip would've meant she likely get a taste of his medicine. And, second, he...pissed himself from the backhoof. He shivered so hard his teeth chattered. He could feel a warm, fresh red mark on his already deeply red cheeks as an even warmer liquid coursed down his fur to drip onto the throne room tile. Princess Luna asked of her sister in surprise, "Why'd you do that?!" Princess Celestia shrugged, shaking her head at the state of her colt, "What? The slap? Oh, calm down. Every child needs, at least, one good smack to the face every once in awhile for them to know their place. It's like...Childcare 101. And, now you know why I'm fond of the color red as well as purple. Such amazing colors to smack around because of how rarely a mark or bruise is left...seen. Barely looks like he just got discplined, huh?" "I meant in the throne room! Smack him around all you want. Not my damn kid." "Oh. Yeah. Here, I can fix that." Celestia proceeded to cast a second Age spell on Nicholas, turning him into an actual foal of around two and a half years, saying in joy, "There. We're all good now." After calling for a maid, Luna explained to her sister the concept of cause and effect, "You slap a child as hard as you did, they're probably going to pee wherever. The problem I've been reacting to is the piss that was collecting on the floor! I've seen rocks less dense than you!" Celestia responded to the maid's appearance, "Can you please diaper my son? He's a tad...unruly, so he'll be spending the rest of today in that age. If he behaves...how I want, he can be aged up a year a day." Just as the maid sighed once reaching for the child who still had his mind for awhile, Celestia retracted her request, pointing to Luna to advise her, "Wait. No. You diaper him." Luna would've shoved the still-scared child into the maid's hooves if Celestia's magic had let her, which it didn't. She returned to wobbly holding the child at hoof's length, adding on with a whine, "Why me?! I'm no damn nanny!" "Because...I'm bigger, stronger, faster, more powerful, and twice as beautiful as you? And, by extension, willing -- and able -- to beat you into moondust?" "...Whilst most of what you said is debatable, one of those points isn't. Bitch." Celestia would've attacked her own blood relative, but Luna teleported a few hooves away. As she poofed everything she'd need for supplies from thin air, she still had to shout out questionnaires towards her sibling, "Is he really so different than before? I thought that-" Princess Celestia twirled her hoof around, remarking, "Events can be changed, Luna. What happens one time doesn't correlate with what happens at some other time. Don't ask me how it works because I only understand what I need to know to get by." As Luna finished wiping the foal down, who still was crying silently, she threw in, "Well, it must've been pretty damn different. I don't remember ever having to change his diapers, yet here I am. Playing nanny!" "You pull it off so well." "Maybe if you'd do stuff like this more often you'd still be like me." "Buck off. I'll fix everything. Just takes time." "Can you afford that time, sister?" "Of course. And, I'm certain the same rules apply to my little baby right there as well. Has to." Just as Luna finished laying the tabs down onto the foal, Celestia ported him over into her lap, grinning at the foal who now was curled into a ball for protection, "I'm sure you will. After all, she never developed your potential to the fullest, did she?! No, she didn't! Nope! But, I will. She'll never get a chance to use you. For your all mine now. I'll give you all the guidance you deserved as a child. But, you won't have to die like your brother did. Oh, no. That was such a sad mistake. One I plan on never happening again!"
Remember Where You Came From...Princess Celestia, I'm scared. What scares you, my brave pony? ...Myself. Princess Celestia held up Nick in her hooves, cooing at him as she smirked, "Aww, how adorable you are. Why, I could just eat you up! You are small enough to do so, littler little pony." Nick was currently trying to keep his thoughts going...for once. Why is the princess acting like this? From the time I've known her, she's always been kind. Never once...hit me. What happened? Did I do something wrong? Princess Celestia detailed for him how he'd be able to get one year older by tomorrow, "Okay, Nicky. You must do several things to get a 'birthday', which means one extra year added to your age. Firstly, call me mommy." She then sat him in her lap as she instructed a maid to bring her a drink, which was quickly poured, brought, then placed before the princess. Celestia took a swig of wine, then told him to do so whenever he felt ready. Nick decided to get this over with, otherwise he'd be stuck in this diaper for longer than tolerable. Saddened by the feeling of disowning his one and only parent, Nick babbled out with a tear, "Mama Cewwy?" Celestia grinned with the same expression as a thief pocketing a golden watch undetected, "Heh. That's my colt. I'd suggest you get used to calling me that. I must hear a variation of that when you speak of your mother from now on. Because that's what I am. Correct?" Nick didn't think he'd survive a backhoof at this age, so he just laid down on her tucked backlegs, whimpering. Celestia wiped some wine off her muzzle before exclaiming, "Hello?! I've yet to hear any confirmation! Or, are you being a bad colt? You can imagine what happens to bad little colts who disrespect their elders, can't you?" He nodded meekly, breathing in a heavy sigh. She drank more alcohol, delivering a toast at his submission, "Right! Had better!" She requested to be topped off with more of her beverage, soon replenishing the hearty amount she'd downed within minutes. Then, returned to her demands, "You, dear child, will also accept a name change. I hereby decree your new name as...Kin. It's short for Kindle. For you will be that of a great flame. A passionate burn." Nick's eyes shot open at this injustice. My name? N-no. No, it is my name! ...She can't take it from me. ... Can she? Nick sat up, openly crying as he stared into the eyes of his ruler. Luna could be seen sitting cozily on a pillow, basking in the pleasure of a nightmare realized, "How interesting." She demanded a butler fetch her some pop-it-corn. Celestia smooched at the child in the air, asking as if unsure why he wept, "Aww, poor baby. What's the matter? Kindle? Kin? What's got my baby upset, huh? Mommy would love to know." Nick couldn't take it, shrieking out in a toddler's voice, "Na Kin! Num Nicky! N-nicky...Mama Cewwy." His hope she'd be lenient on him since he called her his mother was dashed, seeing as she placed a hoof above his head, the shadow it cast menacing. It completely enveloped his shaking form. ... She brought it down...to softly pet his mane, which the child did not see as he cowered in terror. "Mommy Cewwy," were his only rambles as he choked back saliva and sweat that pooled on his face uncontrollably. She awaited the colt's return to his senses, making her voice soft and sweet, "What's wrong, sweetheart? Are you okay? Did somepony scare you?" Bringing him onto her shoulder, she pat his back as he shuddered, diaper rustling as he was lightly bounced as well. Celestia told him with motherly authority, "Better? Good, my sweet baby. Now, you and I need to come to an agreement. You are now Kindle. Or, Kin. Whichever suits your fancy. In exchange..." The solar princess positioned him in her hooves that he may gaze up at her brilliantly glowing eyes, filled with love in this moment. Her words were a whisper, yet read loud and clear by the foal she carried, "...Your long-lost twin will be restored." Luna heard what was said, smiling at the scene before her. Nick didn't say anything. He stared. Stared into the eyes of the mare who promised him such a desire he thought impossible to achieve. Celestia's lips drew to the sides of her cheeks as she let tumble from her mouth, "Now, tell Mother your name." Nick thought on this proposal. To deny his mother by accepting this one? To disown his very name? To place his trust in somepony who he was now...unsure of? All for him. Nick splattered drool on himself as he dribbled out, "Kwindle. Num Kwin. You Mama Cewwy. Bot mine." Celestia's eyes twinkled, laughing slightly as she held up a...momentarily obedient foal of her own, "Hahahaha! Yes you are! You most certainly are. All mine."
Take Pride In Your Work...What is it you desire most, Nicholas? To be like you, Princess. Somepony others look to for protection. ...A hero. Nick was being held by Princess Luna currently as she wiggled a hoof at him playfully, remarking in a quiet, hushed tone, "You have no idea what's in store for you." A lump was soon in his throat at that, which he quickly gulped down before even she noticed. Princess Celestia was now...fully hammered, eyes each waiting their turn patiently before having their own lengthy blink. Luna noticed the maid was standing around, simply bored as she held the wine bottle in her hooves. Princess Luna grinned as her horn pulsed, slowly tipping the wine bottle that the maid barely cared for. In one quick instance, all the remaining liquor soaked its way onto Celestia's back and front. The Princess of the Night smirked as she whispered once more, "Look, this is my favorite part." Without his permission, Nick was immediately held out to view the scene unfold. Celestia had gasped as she was now covered in alcohol, getting up to flick it from her fur. Literal growling ensued from the solar royal, glaring down at the maid by her side. The maid, for her part, was apologizing on her knees, hooves cupped over her head as she rationalized, "P-princess, I didn't mean to do it. It...just slipped from my grasp, I swear." Celestia jumped onto her throne, hooves standing on it as she thrust her head skyward. The maid got only glimpses of the piercing gaze of her eyes, which held only fury for the begging mare. Celestia stated simply as her horn lit up for a second, "You're fired." Almost instantly, the poor girl's body erupted in actual flames, her screams faintly heard as her body crisped and burned from the intense heat. Celestia didn't care to wait for the mare to drop dead before she walked towards the exit. The mare spasmed around for a couple moments before her body gave into the fire, collapsing to the floor as the flames expired with her. Nick saw the whole thing. When he was done, he was sat on Luna's back, who now had a bit of pep in her step. Luna asked to deliberately upset her now-sober sister, "You smell awful. Shall I run you a bath? Or, skip that part for the mane-cradling as the contents of thine stomach shower a nearby stall?" Celestia snorted out a puff of smoke, demanding, "Keep it up. We'll see how you smell after a taste of my blazing Sun." Luna chuckled to herself as she addressed the foal riding her backside, "Your mother just killed a pony. Aren't you proud?" Celestia was now off to draw herself a bath, commenting on the brought-up subject, "He should be." Nick kept low at the expectation he be proud of her. Luna, against Nick's wishes, prodded the topic further, "Well, he doesn't look it." Celestia glanced back at Nick, who tried his best to seem asleep. She was fooled, it seems. "What are you even talking about, you dream-diving nitwit? He's taking a damn nap," Celestia quietly declared to her sister in an only-irked tone. Luna raised an eyebrow as she felt him curl up onto her lightly bouncing back, guessing, "Hm. Perhaps he is tuckered out." ... No words were exchanged. No goodbyes. One moment the rhythmic beat of royal hooves paced forth, seemingly on path to a bath. But, after awhile, the clatter of hooves to carpet disbursed until only one remained. Nick opened his eyes as the trip abruptly ended, believing he had been riding Luna this entire time. When he was proven wrong by the mane of a multitude of colors and white body color, he tried to act asleep once more. ...I never did figure out Teleportation spells. Celestia gave him a passing look as she could have swore she detected him breathe heavily whilst she fumbled with the lock. Lock undone, she past through the door, closed it, locked it back up, and cast a magic spell apparently. Sighing, Celestia set him into her bed, kissed the top of his white spiked mane, then appeared to depart for her bathroom. Nick sighed in relief himself, amazed that had worked. His vision returned as his fright for his life dwindled. Nick wondered if he should try escaping, or simply go to sleep. The bed was of a soft velvet, sheets softer than a shepherd's flock. The sheets were consuming him in a warm embrace. The area around him peaceful, undisturbed aside the tip-tap of a bath running in the other room. He spread out his foal hooves to stretch, but didn't dare release from the motion. Not as if he were forced to. This blanket so nourishing to his aching mind and body after days' torture, he saw no reason to do much of anything now. He was scared. Tired. A tiny bit hopeful. Maybe he'd escape out to find the secrets of bringing his twin back? Maybe they'd then run off from this place of doubt and uncertainty? Maybe... Snore. ... Minutes later -- or what felt as though minutes later -- he was spurred awake. Smelling of hints of cherries and strawberries, Celestia had had her bath, opening the covers to slide herself in. Nick whimpered at the jostling from slumber. Celestia simply laughed to herself, levitating him into her chest as he seemed barely aware of his surroundings, "You're adorable, Kin." He wasn't even bothered by her calling him that damn name, nor being pressed into the fur of a pony he didn't know what to make of anymore. Celestia cooed to him, "Oh? Seems my colt's going to meet my sister in the realm of dreams. Finally. Because...I know you weren't asleep when she asked that question." Nick's heart skipped a beat, but he just pretended to half-hear her. Celestia pressed her lips into his ear, "Just like now." Nick couldn't take it anymore, giving up the trick as he lifted his face to greet her's. She smiled with an air of victory, "Oh, Kindle. You aren't the kind for subtlety. Never were, never will be." She forcibly snuggled him into her chest once more as she told her charge, "But, tomorrow's your birthday. And, by then, I'm certain you'll make me a proud mother."
One Day, You'll Thank Me...Why did you choose me as your student, princess? Because, Nicholas, you are good in heart and mind. ...If you say so. Nick had awoken as the Sun got in his eyes. Whining, he sat up, viewing spread sheets and a door ajar. Rubbing his eyes, he didn't hear the telltale sign of a diaper crinkling. Glancing down, he did figure out he has somewhat older. Body still a bit lined with baby fat, yet he was out of that babyish garment finally. Guess she aged me up that year I was promised. Princess Luna entered the room as Nick inspected himself, indignantly responding to viewing the child, "Your mother is getting things ready for thy...party." Nick raised an eyebrow, asking with a little slurry of wording from his presently uncoordinated body, "Wha? Why yous 'ere, den?" Luna didn't answer his question in that moment. Simply snapped him onto her back with magic, then was off...somewhere. Nick wondered as to where they were headed, "...Can I at weast knows where be goning?" Luna whispered something inaudible as a response. Nick questioned her once more, prodding her with a hoof to shake an answer out. That was a mistake as she threw him off, strolled a bit ahead, only to circle back with an accusing hoof as her introduction to the interrogation. Nick rubbed his back, eyes brimming with tears from his rough displacement. Luna didn't slow her advance, poking him in the horn as she accused, "You! I should beat you within an inch of your life!" Nick's eyes grew, troubled by how she sounded just as violent as her sister all of a sudden. He admitted, "No idwea what you on abouz!" Luna jabbed him in the muzzle the second time, barking out, "Why can't I enter your dreams?! Hm?! Tell me right now, you little-" Nick shrugged, which sent Luna madly stomping around her subject of anger. She demanded to know again, "I could enter your dreams before! Before! What's so wrong with you?! Why are you like this?!" Nick's head tilted, suggesting to her an answer, "I no dweam. I no evan memfer da wast tiwe dat maffened. I doz get-" Luna scoffed as she knew where he was alluding towards, "Oh please, everypony dreams. And, I don't care for your nightmares. Nightmares only help me when I want to torment. I needed access to your dreams! How else would I know if my sister was planning something against me?!" Celestia would do such a thing? ...Maybe she would. Luna said more to herself, "Cheap harlot stabs me in the back! She thinks I've forgotten all this time! But, I didn't. Scars may heal, but intent persists!" Nick was curious, intercepting her muttering with a question of his own, "Um...wha?" Luna brought herself back to his plane of existence by acknowledging vaguely, "Well, she truthfully blasted me whilst we were facing the other. Still...my saying stays!" Nick didn't understand what she was referencing, drawing the conversation back to his dreaming, "Well, I no know. But...I no dweam. Eva." Luna scratched her chin, trying to think through why his brain was that way. Then...it dawned on her, eyes pin-pricking as she understood why. She stared down at him, critically studying him as she mumbled out, "It's the ones who you least suspect that are the most likely. But, should I tell her?" Smiling with naughty aims, the lunar lunatic brought him onto her back, disregarding the stare and mass blinking the child expressed. She sang in breathes, "You're both in the dark. I so hope you find the light, dear nephew of mine. Hehehe." Luna then kept walking with a bit of joy from the sounds of her whistling. No idea what she meant. Still no idea where I'm going. Honestly have no idea if I'm even happy to be stuck with this bundle of crazy over Celestia. Greatttt.
You'll Never Understand Because You'll Never Be OlderDid you always want to be a princess? Hm...no. But, then again, I was very much in my youth when every option was open to me. I...am kinda bad at making decisions sometimes. Nick had been in Luna's room for over an hour, playing a magic card game with her. The blood-red colt exchanged with her as laid down a monster card, "Wou know...wou did'ot halve to kweep me in da dawk dis entiwe time." Luna shrugged as she played a spell card, wiping out his last remaining monster...that'd just been laid down. Then, when the field was cleared, promptly attacked his Life Points directly, sending him and his deck to the Shadow Realm...in game terms. Funnily enough, she couldn't do such a thing in actuality. Considering that shadow-ponies didn't have a realm other than the one they all resided in. Meh. They should be done with the blasted set-up by now. She gets up, picks the child up without explaining to him what's happening, then departs for the party. ... Nick was taken outside. To his surprise, he saw a cake, tons of ponies with birthday hats on, and even presents. He was brought over to a chair, placed gently in it, and had his head pat by a smiling Luna before she took her own seat on the adjacent side. Celestia was sitting on a more modest chair, still at a higher level of decorum than every other furnishing present, but still scaled back on the royal aspect today. The table where everything party-related occupied was a plain wooden one, styled for picnics. The garden where they were all present in was full of pockets of sunflowers/bloodroots, neatly-trimmed hedges, and even a fountain to boot. Sun was shining. This is...kinda nice. Nick thought so, at least. Princess Celestia had a hoof keeping her head up as she slouched at the table, asking in a tone sweeter than honey, "Kindle, honey. Can you count those candles on the cake for mommy?" Of course, I can do that. Nick spoke aloud as he emphasized every word, every face on him as he did so, "W...wone? Twou? Tree?" Celestia clapped modestly, eyeing everypony until they all get the message. They began to pound the ground, drum on the table, or -- in Luna's case -- lightly chuckle. Nick thought that didn't sound right, eyes narrowing in contemplation. Celestia knelt down to Nick's level, whispering in his ear, "What's wrong, my little pony?" Uncertainty in his eyes, Nick mumbled back, "No tree. Ah'm...sisth?" Roaring back as if being tickled by an unseen force, Celestia held her sides in such a leveled amount of acting that only Luna could see through, shrieking out, "Oh! Wow! Aren't you quite the little comedian?!" Nick was wondering what was so funny. He hadn't told a joke...had he? I'm not three. I'm six years old. My brother is...missing. Right? Nick declared at his own birthday party, watching for any signs of his twin, "My brudder. Where he ath?" Celestia began to slice the cake, barely even having to pay attention as she said, "He's been very naughty. He'll be brought back when he learns to behave." "Uh...he not see bery good, mommy. I take him cake?" "No, no, Kindle. It's not his time for cake. Now, you have two choices: either enjoy this cake and the presents I have out for you, or be sent to time-out. With your brother." Luna raised an eyebrow at what she perceived as a very ponysal threat towards the birthday boy. Nick asked as the plated cake with a fork shoved in it dangled above him now, tempting him until he drooled out, "Okay. I be good." Celestia smiled sincerely, wondering if he ever got the key words of her threat, but decided to let him enjoy himself instead of prodding the small child for an answer. Nick ate his cake first, eating it with barely any semblance of manners. Celestia just giggled at his childish mind, then passed out the cake to everypony else present. ... After licking the plate clean, Nick's attention was drawn to the presents all colored red, which he assumed were designated to him. Nick blinked, noting not a single one was blue. Guess my brother doesn't get his presents yet? ...Maybe because he's not of time-out yet? Yeah. No way he'd be left out of getting gifts! Nick then tugged on Celestia's hoof, which had been busy putting the fork down off her supposedly final slice of pastry. She glanced at him, smirking as she locked onto where his eyes were headed. Nodding to herself, she took a present from the top of the stack of ten in her magic grasp, whisking it over to replace the used plate. Before she told Nick he could open it, Celestia addressed the arrangement of butlers, chefs, guards, and maids accompanying as civilian-clothed guests on this sunny day, "Now, as you all know, I've been told by another -- perhaps at this very table -- that somepony has been stealing from the royal kitchen. As an attempt to get some small semblance of vengeance upon me for...dealing with a warrior who had done me a disservice on a previous day." Looks around the table were tense, but Nick had almost no idea what was happening. He wanted her to finish her speech quickly, so he might rip open his present quicker. She continued, petting her 'son' on his head as she narrowed her eyes, "But, don't worry. I just wanted to see all you sweat it out. Think of it as...hazing? Yes, hazing. Nopony will be dealt with today by Luna or myself..." A collective sigh of relief was delivered by everypony who had the misfortune to be stuck here on their day off. Celestia cruelly glowed with pure amusement at her next lines of dialogue, "Oh, what's with the sighing? I'm not finished speaking just yet." As audible as the previous relieved breathes had been, the gasps were even more evident. Celestia pushed the present to Nick, motioning him to untie it with her hooves, bringing them together before inching the two limbs apart slowly. Nick was overjoyed as he tore through the present, wrapping paper being strewn every which way until only the bare box remained. With an enthusiastic slapping of the lid open, he saw his shiny, new...blade. Tilting his head, he innocently inspected his gift, bringing it out to lay almost flat in his hooves. Celestia rubbed the poor tiny pony's back as she stated firmly, "Slip Rift and...Sing Along! Come on down! Earn the prize of a lifetime!" Sing immediately exclaimed, knowing where this was headed, "You royal bitch! I thought we had a deal!" Teleporting the short mare over to her side, Celestia slung a hoof the over now-upset mare's shoulder, adding in, "You and I would have had a deal. But, you lied to me." Slip Rift dropped a hoof onto the flimsy picnic table, breaking off a piece off the end as he shouted, "If she lied, then why am I in trouble?!" "Why? Little Miss Along here might've planted the idea in my head that somepony'd been stealing food out of retribution for a fallen comrade", she said with a wink towards her sister for a moment, "yet, you've been getting on my nerves as of late." Slip didn't even have words. His shoulders slumped, his chest lost all ability to puff out, and he only dragged his hooves back into his seat because the only thing he could hope for now was a quick death. Celestia'd been struggling with the thief in her hooves...if she weren't an Alicorn. One hoof was plenty to grip the mare's windpipe, staying any resistance from the mare. Having her hooves a little bloodied for the moment, Celestia shoved Sing into the ground. She was easily thrown to the dirt, about to get up until magic literally did the exact same task Celestia's hooves had been at a moment ago. Now though, with added effects. Such as lifting the girl right over to Nick, strung up with her belly right at his head level. Nick, unsure of what to do, said afraid, "W-wha I doz?!" Celestia ordered him without any form of kindness in her voice, only irritation, "A knife does what? It c-u-t-s! Think, my child! Think!" Nick's response? To toss the knife out onto the table, shaking head head in objection at hurting somepony. No! Celestia growled, forcing the rest of the onlooking staff to get up on the table and begin stomping the presents with a quick suggestive warning. Nick's eyes watered at his party being ruined for a reason he had a hard time understanding now. "Now, everypony! Unless you like being as baked as that cake is, I suggest jumping off the table very soon!", Celestia broadcast her aims as she then focused a shot of magic at the stamped-out presents. Within moments, the coal present in every last one of the gifts ignited, catching fire instantly as the 'guests' stood up to peer at the smoldering wreckage of what appeared to be a fine get-together. Celestia then made it very simple for Nick, "Okay. Tell me you want her to die. Say it happily, and we will once more be laughing and having fun. Why, I'll even buy you a toy for making me so proud." Nick curled up into a little ball, crying his eyes out at the parental decree. Celestia huffed out, and rolled her eyes as she broke the mare's neck within her powerful levitating clutch. It wasn't just Celestia's eyes that rolled in that moment. Slip didn't put up a fight, only waited his turn this entire sequence of events. Not even the coals erupting did more than startle him. Next, his view changed. He was just lounging about in acceptance, next he was now the second pony to be in the solar ruler's pressing magic. Didn't budge. Didn't see a point in asking for anything. Not like it'd be offered at this stage, anyways. Celestia stated the same as before. ... Nick kept crying. He took one last look at the pony suspended before him. Slip did have one last thought before his throat collapsed from pressure. Did make it quick, though. Celestia, fuming, rose from her chair. Knocking it away, she roughly snatched the child still unable to come to grips with what just happened in her hold, then leaped onto the table. It creaked from her weight, but didn't give way. She sounded into the little one's ear as they both stared into the growing flame in the mass of coals, "This was to be such a wonderful day. You ruined it. Ru-ined it. I hope that cake was delighting. I hope dearly so. Because this won't be. I just want you to know a few things, Kindle. You could've gotten more cake, and eaten it all day, too. So many toys your eyes would spin...like those corpses' had. But...no. You chose wrong. Those ponies were destined to die. They wouldn't have made it out alive. Their fate was to fall by your hoof. Or, mine. Yet, you didn't have it in you. Maybe I've been too nice. Perhaps I've been letting you get away with too much, along with others. Fear not, for tomorrow's sunrise brings a better tomorrow. A better tomorrow...to those who don't push against destiny itself. For now? We correct the present." In one quick mighty push, she shoved his front hooves into the blazing coals. His tears had renewed. His fear had renewed. But, his scars would stay as he screamed out unheard apologies, promises to be good, and finally just wails of agony.
Always Stay Positive...I'll go out one day, and be the pony who saves the day! You will, hm? Yes, princess! After I get done with my studies, of course. He kept trying to walk as Celestia didn't bother to carry him. She was explaining to him as if he was in timeout...instead of dealing with severe burns on his front hooves, "You should've thought about that before you decided to speak out against me." Nick collapsed, flipping onto his back for just the most minute amount of relief it granted. His front hooves had barely sustained his travels into the buildind. Now, he wasn't sure if walking was possible now. "I'm not carrying you, Kindle", Celestia spat out as she pushed into his side to clear a way for herself into the hallway. He lay on the ground, hot tears rolling down his little cheeks as he begged for anything to help with the pain. Celestia stood over him, shaking her head in disapproval. ... "Get up," Celestia commanded once. Nick's pure instinctual response was to whimper as he held his cracked, bleeding hooves up as a sign of his injuries. The burning sensation didn't stop, even after he'd been freed of the consequences of his inaction. Celestia's eyes grew dull from the display before her, rolling them around in an apathetic way. She yawned, slapped his hooves away, then simply sauntered off without a care towards her charge who screamed at the very light tap against his roasted legs. "Mom! Pwease! Cewwy! D-dun weave me...", the little colt struggled out as he lay limply on the ground, unable to move. Sighing, Celestia looked back at him. He didn't move. He didn't scream. She only saw blood-red eyes distraught and terrified at the prospect of being abandoned in a hallway. He's not there yet. He's not mine just yet. Only time. Time won't heal those wounds I inflicted upon him this day. "Nor would I want them to," Celestia remarked under her breathe as she strode on back to the child. She sat down near him as he held out his hooves once more, desiring affection than any previous day. Celestia desired to understand, "Who is your mother?" Nick exclaimed as he staggered out, "Y-y-yow..." "Am I your only mother?" "...Dun know." "You need to give me a full answer, child." "N-n-nu?" Crushing her teeth so hard a scrapping could be heard from the large-and-in-charge ruler of her kingdom, "What do you mean by that?!" Nick's pure terror and shock at how she peered into him caused his body to defensively use his front hooves as a shield. No tact. Leaves himself completely at the mercy of whoever. Such a pitiful little one. Celestia promptly rose from her previous spot, backpedaled a few hooves until she was beside a window, and sat down once more onto tile. Spreading her hooves into a manner that suggested a hug, she proclaimed in a pacifying tone to him, "If you can make it into my loving hooves, I'll save you from the blaze, dear child of mine." She lightly lit her horn, pressing the Sun to flare her whole presence in a gold hue. As Nick rose himself from his spot, he heard terrifying words cast onto him from afar, "But, you may only be welcomed if you use your front hooves. Only." Nick managed to sit up, only to crash to the tile again upon hearing the torture he'd be forced to toil with. It...is only a few hooves away. He gingerly set one hoof an inch from the ground, eyes crossing views between Celestia and the unsuitable flooring. Choking back the upcoming sweat, tears, and blood, he dipped it onto the marble, shutting his eyes as he roared with wails. Then, in an instant of courage, he slammed his lef hoof right beside the other, joining its twin in stinging, pulsing union. Step by step, line by line, he pulled himself towards his savior, the light guiding his path as his eyes flooded in misery and sorrow. He was soon so close he could touch her, and she smiled at him in accomplishment over his tiny victory. So he thought. Because just as he'd almost be able to throw himself into her embrace, her light dissipated. His hope of safety, his dreams of security, and wanting of parental love were all dashed as she was no longer in his reach. But, down the opposite hallway, she gazed at him. Nick twisted his aching, punished body to fall upon his side as he took breathes of air mixed with the stench of blood and an all-too linger of burnt hair. His hair. In exhaustion, a single seen eye of his own crying self shared a glance at his 'mother'. She hailed to him, teasingly applauding his performance, "You did such a good job, my little one. Was that so hard? All you had to do was walk, and you did it! Now, come along for dinner. It should be done in half an hour. Hurry up!" All he could remember hearing as she wandered off was, "Before it gets cold!" He proceeded to cry to only himself as he lay within the hall, broken and forgotten for the time being.
Never Let Life Get You Down...Princess, I'll always be at your side. Thank you, Nicholas. You are very brave for such a commitment. You will be at mine? Always. Nick wasn't sure when he'd passed out. But, he did remember waking up, considering the bump and rumble of his ride made getting some shut-eye rather impossible. The guard who he rode acknowledged the child with a snort, signifying he didn't want to be a babysitter in the simplest terms to the colt. Nick asked of him, "Noooo. Not her. Take me away from here?! Please?!" A chuckle was all he was delivered as a reply, making Nick slump down in defeat. ... It was morning now. Celestia had expected some level of competence from her new Kindle. But, he didn't show anything. No push. No drive. Weak. She'd age him up, but not for his sake. He hadn't earned it. He didn't earn anything...aside her anger. He just sat there in a puddle of tears before falling asleep. The very thought of his collapse had made her head shake in absolute disappointment. What is wrong with him? What am I doing wrong? How has he survived this long? You'd think she'd have had the foresight to teach him anything?! Or, did she just expect him to become some sort of powerhouse once he grew up? As she rolled her eyes at the guard bringing in her sad excuse for a 'son', Celestia declared with a wave of her hoof, "Bring him up." The guard muttered something under his breathe before he marched up the stairs. Nick was then lifted into Celestia's hooves, his whimpering and shaking evident as her hooves contained his small form easily. Or, she relied on a different approach. We have opposite ideals, so...she'd have done different lessons than I. An idea roaring to life in her mind, Celestia aged up the child up by two years, instead of the one year that'd been planned for. As his body and mind grew within an instant, the princess of the sun whispered to her child, "What is it you want to be when you're older?" Nick's body was up to bat, but his mental age had some time that needed a restart. I'm...ten. Brother...gone. Lost. Made a friend as well. Stayed in town. Mom was still upset every year...on a certain day. I as well. Brain bringing Nick back to the forfront of his predicament, he heard Princess Celestia wonder of him again, "Hello?!" Nick's head tilted at her, asking, "Yes...Mommy?" "Answer me, colt." "For what?" "What. Do. You. Want. To. Do. Later. In. Life?!" "Oh...be a hero." Celestia jabbed a hoof at the guard who watched the two converse and argue. He suddenly realized he should've most likely excuse himself long before their dialogue began. Celestia's new smirk of fury extended at the sight of the wide-eyed stallion backing away, telling her charge, "Did I ever tell you where I get my guards from?" Nick rubbed his hooves gently, trying to comprehend how his hooves healed so well. Though...they were still cracked, and streaming with burnt bottoms. "No idea," he confessed before inspecting them even more. She dipped her head down to his ear, slipping out, "The local dungeons." Nick's eyes lit up at this bit of news, dribbling out his shock, "R-really?" Celestia pet his head, adding in, "Yes. Murders, rapists, propagandists, so on and so forth. They all get a chance to serve me, instead of serving their sentence." Nick's eyebrows narrowed as he thought through this planting of facts in his head, "But...how is that a punishment, then?" Celestia raised her head towards the ceiling, playing as if she was rolling the idea around, "Hm. I guess it isn't." So, he can't be forced. Maybe he takes suggestions better? She hugged the littler pony into a snuggle as she suggested, "Well, what would you do if you were given the power of punishing bad, bad criminals who are guilty of horrible things?" Nick stared down at his hooves, the pain long gone yet the itching remained. Celestia saw his eyes not drift off from his ruined hooves, declaring, "Maybe burn him? He'll still live, but he'll know what he's done. And, he'll never be able to forget it. The scars will make sure of that." Nick looked up at the guard, who struck up a nervous smile at the child. He asked to know what the warrior had done, to which the reply was quite gruesome. Nick wanted to know before giving an answer, "But, why make me do it?" "You're a hero, are you not? You fight bad ponies, yes? Well, he is bad. And...I think you're starting to change how I do things. Tell you what, if you bring upon this coward some form of consequence, I'll take that and run with it. That'll be how I hoofle these horrible guards from now on." "He...he won't die, right?" "All up to you." "I don't want him to...die." "So, be it, my Sun," Celestia announced as the guard had been trying to flee the throne room, but found the exits locked by some force. As he turned back to beg for mercy, a brilliant golden light crashed through the ceiling, showering him in its pure heat and intensity of power. His screams were cut off as the very blast discharged more sound than his voice could muster. As he fell unconscious from the overhead beam, his skin had been roasted, scarred, and irreversible wounded. Celestia said as she kissed the child on the back of his head for such a successful transition to power, "He deserved more than that, but you did a righteous act, Kindle. Lesson learned. For all of us today."
Never Lose YourselfNick was treated with care for the rest of the day, being given cream for his burns, a bath, and treats whenever he gained the will to ask. Today was a good day for him. Even if that pony had...been hurt. But, he was okay! C...Celestia said so. Now, after a day of minor pain and major stress-relief, he was off to bed. And, once again allowed to stay in Celestia's room. Yet, she didn't nearly choke him as they strode to her bed because she never got in bed. She simply put him under the covers, pat his head, then replied with eyes twinkling of fire how she'd roast him alive were he to leave the room. So, he didn't dare think of getting up from bed. At all. ... Until those armored hoovesteps withdrew from earshot. Then, he decided to spring out of bed, intent on leaving this place. He would find his brother, then they would run. Run far away from this place! Maybe they'd find their mom, too. They'd be a family again. Nick was so eager to be out of here that he'd forgot how Celestia was more cunning, manipulative, and simply more experienced than his child brain could understand. Somepony not even above double digits in age was fully willing to escape the clutches of somepony hundreds of times older than he. And, this fact somewhat dawned on Nick when he saw armored hooves standing at the door, ready to order him back to bed as soon as the door even budged. But, Nick wasn't like Celestia. He didn't plan his next move. He ran with the events that unfolded. And, he might not know much when it comes to magic, but he did have a spell he'd been working on. Cracking open the door with his magic, he asked the pony who stared at him through the crack, "Can I come out now?" The stallion only half-chuckled before entering the chambers to let the kid know, "You'd best get back in bed. Before I stuff you in one of the pillow cases." Nick put a hoof out towards the stallion, and got only a shrug as his opposition's response. The guard was having none of this...whatever was happening, so he marched up to sling the disobedient colt back into bed. As he reached down to pluck Nick up, Nick's horn lit up, forming a small ball of light pointed at his now-worried target. Within an instant, the Pegasus guard held up his hooves to suggest with a hint of fear in his voice, "N-now...uhm, Kindle. Kin. D-don't do somethin' that'd put you on your mom's bad side. We both know how she is." Nick's eyes narrowed, and he fired out a volley of magic sphere, each with enough force to break bones. The guard clutched his ribs, groaning as he hit the floor in a pained daze. Nick threw the door closed as he slipped past the guard into the hallway, and then ran off. Unsupervised. Into the castle. He hoped to find his brother. He hoped to escape here soon. He hoped not to run into his 'mother'.
Sometimes, All You Need Is A Little PushDay passed. I guess. My head, thoughts swirling... The guards grew tired of assaulting him after a couple hours. Nick didn’t even have the strength to cry out or even wince after hours of repeated beatings. He slept...for what it was worth. Bound by his bindings, unable to lie down. … Eyes and ears becoming aware of their bleak surroundings soon as a commotion started. Princess Celestia was in a conversation with her guards, to which she replied with a laugh once they said something in unison. Too hard to focus, really. She was walking over to him, magically opening the cage that just seemed unnecessarily secure. Nick’s heart rate accelerated as she trespassed into his ponysal space, muzzle nearing on his. She asked with a coo, “Hello, my child. Have you been having fun?” Nick’s expression of casual pain was soon surpassed by a quizzical look, demanding, “N-no. I’ve been getting attacked by your guards. And...you.” She seemed to be caught off-guard by his words, declaring to the guards, "Release him, please." Nick saw the look of sorrow she displayed, thinking this torture would be over. She's coming to her senses. He was unrestrained by the stallions, unlocking his chains that kept him aloft an inch off the ground. Princess Celestia, in turn, magically set Nick down on the ground like he was a priceless treasure. Strong Back asked of her with uncertainty, "We...uh, get some licks in again? Can we kick him while he's down?" Direct Break chimed in as well, adding fuel to the fire, "Yeah. Yeah! He should be a lot more lively today. We had to stop yesterday because he just went quiet after awhile. Got too boring." Nick saw Princess Celestia walk forward until she was nearly standing on top of them. Then, she reared back, not saying a word. Like yesterday. Nick closed his eyes, waiting for his back to be stomped or something equally excruciating. The guards, for their parts, were grinning down at him, patiently anticipating to get their second wind of beatings in after their princess. They had manners, after all. Then, she slammed her hooves down. Crack. Crack. ... Nick didn't open his eyes. He didn't feel anything. Honestly, he couldn't feel his hooves before with the suspension and constant barrage of punches inflicted yesterday on him. But, he expected collapsing lungs, spine being splintered into dust, probably rolling on the ground as his brain tried to comprehend the immeasurable damage that'd been done to his body. But... ... Eyes pulling from the darkness, he saw Princess Celestia only stare down at him. A gaze of Magenta onto her student, delivering upon him a calm, soothing response, "Nicholas. Sweetheart, you can stand." Nick blinked back at her, doubtful as to whether or not what she said was true. His hooves and most everywhere else, besides his face, was covered in bruises and scraps. But, she encouraged him once more, leaning back as she advised him, "Come now, time to get up." Nick did as he was told, shakily gripping the floor. He forced his body to summon its strength...finding it did so without effort. A moment after, Nick was standing up, completely fine. Mark-less. Unrestrained. Normal? He was still a child, unfortunately. Nick asked of her, staring up at the mare who raised the sun, "I'm...a kid still." Princess Celestia dropped to his level, laughing as if he had said something silly, "Oh? I hadn't noticed. But, you did, my little pony." "Y-yeah..." "What's wrong with being yourself, Nicholas?" "I...I'm not a kid." "Child, you already told me that." "But, I...I'm not! I swear-" "Swear? You never swear, Nicholas. Are you alright?" "I'm not ten!" "Hm? What age should you be, little pony?" "I should be..." Nick thought on what age he should be. My birthday was months ago. And, I turned... I turned... Nick opened his mouth, upset by the number that poured from his lips, "Ten?" Princess Celestia nodded to his answer, pleased by the small smile gracing her face, "Okay, then." Nick's bewilderment grew at noticing the two figures laying on the ground to his left and right. He prodded each once, never getting a groan or semblance that they were still unconscious. His mind didn't know how to check for a pulse or anything. Nick jumped to a logical conclusion, "Are they...dead?" Princess Celestia shook her head, grin remaining on her face, "No, my little one. They are alive." But, as a light sprang from behind Nick's shoulder, his fixation on the two out-cold soldiers waned like the Moon being outshone by the Sun. Before him, in Celestia's grasp, was a spear. An old spear, bloodied and unwashed for who knows how long. She pushed the lengthy object into the colt's hooves, asking of him in her warm, welcoming voice, "But, we can fix that." She grinned, not letting her bright magic dissipate. Her face was not one of shock, of discomfort, or sadness. Most definitely not mercy. Her hoof pat Nick's spiky white hair as he began to shake like a leaf, ending in her physically moving his face to the defenseless ponies fallen before them. Her muzzle drifted up his back, slightly resting on his shoulder. Her breathe was toasty, not unbearable. He didn't sweat like yesterday. If he could think through his thoughts gaining speed, he might be worried on why that was. Her voice tickled his cheek, daring him, "Go on. They hurt you. They openly desired to torture you." Tears stung at his vision, Nick quietly whimpering as he felt her magic seep onto his hooves, helping to draw back the heavy weapon. I wanna be a hero when I grow up. I wanna be a hero when I grow up. I promised him that. I promised. Growling, Nick wrestled whilst in her hold, thrashing wildly in every direction. Princess Celestia let out a sigh, roughly pluckering him off the spear to place him by her side. She clutched the child with both hooves, allowing the spear to remain at its previous angle via magic. Princess Celestia pushed her muzzle past Nick's lengthy hair, addressing the child by speaking into his ear directly, "Sometimes, all you need is a little push, my child." She proceeded to jab Strong Back through the neck, forceful enough to crack his windpipe into bits. He died with only a little wheeze of blood as his final words. Picking up the spear as a fine spray of red dispersed into the atmosphere, she launched it onto Direct Break, who had unfortunately woken up enough to groan. They heard a scream as he was brought back into the conscious world, having been struck in the side. The sharp, bladed stick was plunged right into his heart. But, he had a few precious moments of flailing about, eyes flicking to identify his murderer. They landed on Celestia as she narrowed a stare at him. Whatever he planned to say as his mouth prattled on noiselessly was lost once the color left him. Eyes stayed locked on his betrayer. Princess Celestia paid the corpse no mind. She simply tugged the child who sobbed openly at the savage display into a hug, whether he wanted it or not. Celestia thought on how much effort she'd have to put into this one, sighing on the inside. They never said motherhood would be easy.
