Author's Note

Other chapter is being a bit of a butt. So Im giving you guys some filler to enjoy while I flesh it out. I ended up deleting like half of it because I didn't like where I had the chapter going. It kinda went off it's own rails.

Anyway I hope you guys like this, and I apologize for taking so long. I will be trying to write more, but Im also going to try less to hold it to a deadline. Deadlines make me wanna write less XD

Ch. 20: Homecoming and Help From An Unlikely Friend

Aero and his herd stayed in the Crystal Empire a little longer than they had planned. This wasn't a bad thing, but Celestia and Luna were getting more and more reports of nobles complaining that their Princesses weren't there to answer their questions and to solve their problems. Normally this wouldn't be an issue but when they got word that morning that Blueblood was trying to start a coup and that half the nobles were now following him they had no choice to to start packing.

That's why they all once more found themselves on the friendship express and why Aero was currently deep into a game of cards with Tia and Cadence who yelled with triumph as she slammed her cards down.

"Ha! A flush of moons, I win!" She giggled as she reached for the pile of pits. She yelped when Tia slapped her hooves away. "Now, now Cadence. It wouldn't do to celebrate early now would it?" She said as she showed her own cards, revealing a flush of suns. Cadence stared in shock but that paled in comparison to Tia's when Aero showed his.

"...A Celestial Flush..." Tia murmured as she sat back and looked at Aero. "Looks like I win." He replied with a smirk as he raked the rather large pile of bits into his saddlebag. Tia just blinked as she looked at her equally bewildered niece.

"Aero dear, what pray tell would you ever use that many bits on?" Moony asked as made her way over and laid her head on his shoulder. She licked his cheek seductively, causing the poor colt to shiver in want. "N-nothing, I wouldn't use it for myself. If anything Id rather use it for something that's a surprise." He replied as he kissed her cheek and pushed her off his shoulder. With a grin he got up and took his saddlebag with him, "And it's going to stay a surprise for later."

With that Moony pouted and sat down in his seat as she started shuffling the cards. "Very well then, be that way. For your sake it had better be a surprise for us ladies." She said as she dealt the cards out to Tia and Cadence for a regular fun round. Aero didn't stop however as he placed his bag next to Luna's and took his place at her side. Her and Daybreaker had him between them as they nuzzled his chest fur, which arguably was one of his favorite things when cuddling.

"It wouldn't be a surprise if I said what it was but I will tell you that yes, it is for my herd." Aero said like it was a matter of fact before laying his head across Daybreaks back while they covered him with their wings. He did in fact have a plan but he would need help when he got back to Canterlot. He wanted to do something special for them for Hearthswarming eve but it was proving difficult to think of what to do. Oh well, it was a problem for when they got back. With that he closed his eyes, deciding to take a nap, after all he was feeling really warm and happy.

His herd smiled as they watched the colt sleep. He had been through a lot recently so for him to be able to come back home and relax for a bit meant a lot for each of the mares in the room. Aero was somepony special to them, and the higher beings help whoever would harm a hair on his head. Tia and Cadence started whispering with Moony together about what the possible surprise would be. Behind them Sassy and Fleur were cuddled up with Chryssie and some drones in a large cuddle pile. It seemed that there was so much abundant love energy around their herd that the drones just couldn't help themselves and would fall asleep from overeating.

This is how they passed their time on the long ride home, content and happy to simply be together as a family.

Aero opened his eyes blearily as he tried to make sense of his surroundings, it wasn't until he looked down at what he was laying on that he realized what was going on. Luna had him curled up on her back with Daybreaker and Tia on each side to provide him a large bed of wings to lay on. It was one of the softest beds ever, and he showed them that by nuzzling into their wings. This caused them to look back at him and smile.

"I see you're finally awake my Prince. We have returned." Daybreaker said as she faced the now looming Canterlot Castle ahead of them. Aero looked up with a large grin and stood on their backs with his own wings spread out, feeling that familiar current of air that always seemed to come down the main street as the sun crested over the city. It certainly had been a while since they had been able to relax at home. Aero's mom had the same sentiment as she flew up and gave her son a hug.

"I love you so much sweetie, I need to stop by our house and get things cleaned up. It's bound to be dusty." She said happily before giving him a quick peck on the cheek and zipping off. Aero blushed and went to rub his cheek.

"Don't you dare!" Cadence yelled and dove in front of his face, holding his hoof back with her magic. "Good colts don't wipe off their mom's kiss!" She continued before pecking him on his other cheek and taking Tia's open side. Tia nodded her agreement along with the others, causing Aero to frown as they all laughed. In spite of their teasing, he was still in a really good mood. Being home was always a great feeling when you've been gone for long enough and now that they were back, he'd be able to finally track down his helper.

They all stopped and looked down to the pony who was standing at the front gate of the castle, fuming as carrying a clipboard as she stormed up to the Princesses. Raven was just the pony Aero was hoping to see, however she didn't look like she was in any mood to help anypony for any reason at all. She stood before them, a single large vein popping out of her forehead as she simply shoved the clipboard into Tia's hooves, turned around and began heading off in the direction of her room.

They all watched, some with amusement and some with concern before she finally rounded the corner and disappeared from sight. It was silent as Tia looked down at the clipboard. It took a few seconds to sink in before her eyes widened and she dropped it and rushed inside. The rest followed suit as they too took a look at the clipboard. Soon the only ones left were Chryssie, Sassy and Fleur with Aero standing between them.

He too picked up the clipboard and read it out loud, "Dear Princess Celestia, Take care of Blueblood immediately or I will end his sorry excuse for a life myself. I will make it look like an accident, don't test me. Yours with utmost respect, Raven."

At that, they all burst out into laughter and ran inside as well, rounding corners and scaring the tartarus out of the staff before slamming into the throne where the doors had already been thrown wide open. What they found would be known far and wide as one of the greatest sights in history. Celestia, Luna, Daybreaker, Moony and Cadence all held an absolutely terrified Prince Blueblood's face down. He was at that moment pissing himself in fright and Aero could tell because of the puddle beneath his hooves that was at the moment growing and heading right for him. Aero found it extremely difficult to keep from laughing as he watched the poor stallion struggle in vain to get free and escape his punishment.

"Blueblood, I and my sister have tolerated your presence in this castle. We allowed you because you were our nephew, and you were truly related to us by blood. How that is I do not know as I refuse to be related to one who would seek to usurp our throne with such paltry ways!" Tia yelled, using her Royal Canterlot Voice for the first time in over a thousand years. Aero's ears flattened back at the volume as she continued her tirade, though he could see some joy in her eyes as she finally had a chance to tear him down.

"Even my sister Luna had a better chance than you of usurping me and she needed the powers of Darkness and the help of Nightmare Moon to do it! AND YOU THINK TO BE HER EQUAL OR MINE!? YOU WILL LEARN YOUR PLACE AND YOU WILL LEARN IT THIS DAY!" She finished as her horn lit, causing Blueblood to vanish in a bright flash of light. With a deep breath and a hoof against her chest she brought herself to calm. She looked around to her guards and nodded.

"Let it be known by all present that the pony known as Blueblood as hereby been banished to the Chaos Plane of existence to be a snuggle buddy for Discord, Lord of Chaos. He will be stripped of all titles henceforth." She announced, authority filling her voice as she tried desperately to not break character. It wasn't until she bade the guards leave that she burst out into loud laughter. Before anybody could ask why she found this so funny, she lit her horn and a window appeared before them.

Tia collapsed onto the stone floor as she clutched her stomach, tears streaming down her face as she devolved into silent, pained laughter. Aero and the others all peaked in and their eye's widened as they too burst into uncontrollable laughter.
There inside was what could only be explained as Discord's home. It looked like sever flights of stairs going in every which direction. One landing had a single bed with a nightstand and lamp. And of course Discord who was currently chasing Blueblood around while wearing a cheetah-print nightgown and matching nightcap as he yelled "Come now dear Bluey, we really must have our beauty sleep!". Blueblood, now in a similar outfit was fleeing for his terrified life as he sprinted up and down stairs only to find himself back where he began.

It was truly a sight to behold and as the window blinked out of existence, the Royal Herd came together in a laughing, giggling pile before calming down and cuddling together. Tia was the first to recover and upon giving Aero a quick kiss, she turned to the rest. "While that was certainly fun, we do have some stuff we must take care of ladies. And yes Chryssie, you are part of this too. Bringing together multiple kingdoms is no easy feat." She explained before bidding the rest of them farewell. All the Royalty disappeared in a flash of light, leaving Fleur, Sassy and Aero standing in an empty Throne room.

"Well my darling Aero, I believe Sassy and I will be heading to the Boutique for the time being. There are some dresses we want to check in on while we're here." Fleur said, brushing her tail along Aero's jaw. "You could come with us if you would like."

Aero stood there, taking in the sweet perfume that wafted from his lovely herdmate. He didn't really have anything planned for the rest of the day other than trying to find help for his Hearthswarming shopping. But this, in and of itself, would be a perfect opportunity for him to get help while out with the girls. "Sure, I don't have anything else I plan on doing." He replied as she joined their side, following them out of the throne room.

It felt nice to be walking through the halls again, feeling the familiar stones beneath his hooves. The Crystal Castle was impressive in it's own right, but it wasn't what Aero considered home. He loved Canterlot, it brought him the loves of his life and soon, it would bring him children that he would love more than anything. Sassy and Fleur watched the colt as he stared off into space.

"Aero dear, Bit for your thoughts?" Sassy said, leaning down to nuzzle his mane back into place in a few spots. He was shaken from his daydreaming and regarded her with a side eye.

"I don't mind, I was just thinking about what it's going to be like to be a father. Knowing that soon I'm going to be holding a foal in my hooves that's my own flesh and blood. I myself am just a colt, but feel like I've grown up a lot lately. I'm only just starting to realize how much is on my shoulders and how much more is still to come." He explained as the two led him outside the castle and onto the main street.

Behind them were four guards who unsurprisingly, appeared out of nowhere. They followed the trio at a safe distance, though one that was noticeable to just about any passerby as many stopped to watch the new Prince go about his day. One such mare was Twilight, who once again was back in Canterlot to pick up some more books and to smooth out issues Blueblood had caused. When she saw him, she vanished in a flash of purple light before reappearing right in front of him. Aero yelled in surprise as she wrapped her forehooves around his neck and pulled him into her chest floof.

"Oh my gosh your here! I missed you so much!" She said before leaning down and kissing him quickly on the lips, her face blooming with a light but endearing blush. "I was in town running some errands when I saw you guys. What are you up to?"

Aero grinned and explained the previous events that had happened that day. She too laughed when he explained Blueblood's punishment. "I always said he would get his karma one day. Now, since you're all going to the Boutique, why don't we all go together?" She asked, "I was going to head that way myself after my stuff was done so I could see if Rarity was in today."

"Hmm, Of course Princess, It would be an honor to have you accompany us." Fleur said with a light bow. Twilight chuckled and brushed a hoof through the air.

"Please no formality, After all we're all herdmates right?" She said, bringing her hooves around Sassy and Fleur's necks. "We can use it as bonding time!"

Sassy smiled in agreement along with Fleur as Aero flapped his wings and landed on Twilight's back. She spread her wings out across the other two so he could sit more comfortably while they made there way down. The Boutique could be seen rising just ahead of them, it was a bit taller than it's surrounding buildings, but it had a charm to it that brought life to the city. At least that's what many would say.

When they got there, the front door was open and a long line of ponies stretched out of the shop and along the walkway. Aero snickered behind a hoof as they walked past many frustrated ponies who upon noticing just who it was that was passing them, seemed to go very quiet. With exception of one particular pony.

"Ah, Fleur darling, how are you?" A gentlestallion said, from his spot at the front. He had a single monocle and a well coifed blue main.

"Oh my! Fancy Pants, it has been too long my friend!" She said as she leaned forward and kissed the air near each cheek. "I'd like to introduce you to my fiance, Prince Aero." She waved Twilight forward, allowing Aero to shake hooves with him.

Fancy regarded the colt for but a moment before bowing and shaking his outstretched hoof. "What a delightful colt you are, Should you ever need my assistance with anything, I'd be more than happy to be of service."

For Aero, the world stopped but for a second. Fancy Pants was perfect. "Hey Twilight, is it okay if I stay here and talk with Fancy Pants for a bit while you ladies head inside?" He asked, smiling at Fancy as he hopped off her back. The older stallion seemed almost taken back by this. He watched with interest as Aero spoke with Twilight before she nodded, smiled and brought the others inside with her. Aero turned and joined Fancy at his side, sitting politely as they waited.

"I know this might seem a little weird, since I only just met you. But is there any chance you'd be willing to help me out with my plan?" He asked, looking up at him. Fancy was never one who could say no to a foal, and despite Aero being somewhat older than a foal now, he still could not say no.

"Of course, I'd be happy to. What exactly did you have planned?" He inquired. After all, to do ones best to help, one would need all the information they could get their hooves on. What he didn't expect was for little Aero to launch into a fully drawn out, prepared plan for a Hearthswarming evening with his entire Herd. It seemed his only issue left to tackle was setting it up, and getting gifts for all of them.

Fancy Pants smiled and brought a hoof around Aero's neck, "You came to just the right pony."

A few hours later Twilight began leaving the Boutique and as she, Sassy and Fleur looked around, they noticed Aero and Fancy walking up mainstreet back to the shop. Fleur narrowed her eye's in mock suspicion as her and Sassy looked at each other and then at Twilight. She was standing there and smiling, but her eyes were very different. As Aero got closer he could see the vast intelligence in them going into overdrive as she tried to figure out what exactly it was that he had been doing with Fancy Pants all this time. He was known even by her as quite the Philanthropist, and often had his hooves in many charity events.

"Hey! Sorry for being gone so long. Fancy invited me to have lunch with him while you ladies were discussing business." He explained with a happy grin. It wasn't hard for any of them to notice that Aero's belly seemed quite full at the moment, almost as though he had eaten too much.

"I'm guessing your eyes were bigger than your stomach huh?" Twilight said, her eyes becoming once more as happy as her smile. It was a smile that proved contagious as Fancy too chuckled lightly.

"Indeed Princess, Prince Aero seems a fine colt. He and I got to know each other quite well. I've extended an offer through Aero to help the family in any way I possibly can. From charity work to even watching the little ones." He explained with a bow. While low he gave a quick wink to Aero, who caught his eye and winked back.

"Fancy that would be amazing! Thank you! Would you like to join us at the castle for dinner tonight?" Twilight offered, showing a hoof toward the castle. To any other pony it was no question how they would answer. Fancy however could hear more to it in the offer. It wasn't just a dinner, it was work. He smiled as he donned his work face and gave a deep bow.

"It would be an honor Princess, I look forward to it and will leave our little party for now so that I may clean up a bit as it were." He replied as he turned and began walking away.

Aero and the girls watched him leave before they too made their way back to the castle for what Aero could only feel would be an interesting and different dinner.