Chapter 51

– Mother’s Day –

“Mom, come on. We’re gonna be late!” Comet said, pushing Starlight toward the door.

“Comet, ok. I’m coming.” Starlight chuckled.

Comet pushed Starlight out the door and ran in front of her pointing in the direction of the school, “I promised Silverstream and Ocellus we’d meet them and their parents at the school.”

“And we still have more than fifteen minutes before the meetup. Comet sweetie, slow down a bit.” Starlight said.

Comet scrunched up her face, “But this is our first Mother and Daughter event. It has to be perfect!”

“Now Comet, we’ve talked about perfection.” Starlight smiled with a raised eyebrow.

Comet sighed, “Perfection doesn’t exist. We just need to give it our best effort.”

“That’s right. Now stop being such a silly filly.” Starlight said, tickling the filly on her side.

“Mom! Stop that!” Comet said through her giggles.

“I don’t think I will. Come here!” Starlight said, picking Comet up and continued to tickle her.

“Been her official Mom for a week and you’ve already found her weak spot. You’re good Starlight.” Tala said, appearing above them.

Starlight chuckled and put Comet down, “Thanks Tala. You heading for the school?”

“Yeah, I’ll be there soon. Can’t believe the Princess asked me to host the games.” Tala said.

“Of course she did, you’re the coolest Auntie Tala. The First Mother’s Day School Festival Games, featuring Sky Claw Tala as referee!” Comet cheered.

Tala puffed up her chest, “Now that’s an intro I can get behind. I gotta fly over to get everything set up. See you two there, and you better win or I’ll never let you hear the end of it.”

Tala flew off towards the school, leaving Starlight and Comet on the road. They continued to walk down the path, smiling and laughing all the way. Only a week had passed since Tourmaline tried to steal all the magic in Equestria. But that one week was filled with happiness for Comet, she finally had a real mom. And Starlight was the best mom ever.

The school’s front door was in front of them soon enough, both ponies walked through the doors to find Princess Twilight standing in the hallway greeting all that came through the doors. Standing next to her was an older mare, a gray coat with white and purple streaks in her mane.

“Starlight, Comet! There you two are. I was getting worried.” Twilight said.

“Sorry, Mom was too busy making kissy faces with Dad, so I had to push her out the door.” Comet giggled.

Starlight blushed, “Comet!”

The older mare giggled, “Oh young love. I remember when your father wouldn’t let me leave the house. I also remember a little filly pushing me out the door so she could go to the library.”

Twilight blushed in embarrassment, “Mom, not in front of my friends!”

“Oh, are you Princess Twilight’s Mom?” Comet asked.

“Yes dear, Twilight Velvet. It’s so nice to meet you.” Velvet said, shaking both Comet and Starlight’s hoof.

“Are you competing with Princess Twilight in the games?” Comet asked.

“Of course, I may not be as young as I used to be, but I’d never miss a chance to spend some quality Mother-daughter time with my little Twilight.” Velvet said.

“Mom!” Princess Twilight said, embarrassed.

“Alright alright, now how about we make our way to the track field. I’m sure Rainbow Dash and Tala have things ready for everyone.” Velvet chuckled.

Princess Twilight puffed her cheeks at her mother and gave her a nudge with her snout, Comet and Starlight giggling behind the pair as they made their way to the track field. The field was filled with pairs of mothers and daughters.

Rainbow Dash could be seen flying around with an older mare, same coat color as Rainbow but with a short orange mane. The two saw Comet and her group and rushed down to meet them as they entered the field.

“Hey Starlight, Comet, there you two are.” Rainbow greeted.

“Oh is this the little hero you told me about Rainbow?” The older mare said.

“Yep, Comet this is my Mom, Windy Whistles.” Rainbow said, gesturing to Windy.

“Nice to meet you ma’am.” Comet said politely.

“And so polite. Aren’t you a cutie?” Windy cooed.

Comet blushed just as Starlight wrapped a hoof around her, “Yes, she is the cutest filly ever.”

“Mom!” Comet said, pushing against Starlight.

All the mares giggled, and as the gigglefest went on, more mares and the mothers appeared around them. Fluttershy and Posey, Pinkie and Cloudy Quartz, and Rarity and Cookie Crumbles.

All of them seemed really nice, Comet was surprised how so many of her professors’ moms were. Cloudy was so sophisticated, Comet barely believed Pinkie was related to her. Cookie seemed so laid back compared to Rarity, and Posey was even more shy than Fluttershy, if that was even possible.

“Comet!”

Comet looked over her shoulder and saw Ocellus running towards her. Silverstream was right behind her. Comet ran to meet them halfway and all three ended up in a hug, giggling like the school fillies they were.

“Where were you? We’ve been waiting for like, ever!” Silverstream said.

“Sorry, I had to drag Mom out the door. Grown ups sure take forever.” Comet said.

The girls giggled, and then two more creatures joined the group. One was a changeling, light blue with purple wings. The other was a hippogriff, yellow with purple hair and purple eyes.

Comet saw them approach, “Oh, are they your moms?”

“Yes! This is my Mom, Ocean Flow!” Silverstream said, hugging her mother.

“It’s so wonderful to meet you, Comet. Silversteam talks about you all the time in her letters.” Ocean Flow said.

“Nice to meet you two ma’am. I’m so glad you could come. Sorry we couldn’t have the festival by the water.” Comet said.

“Oh, it’s no trouble. It’s actually been nice to fly again. Anything to spend the day with my baby bird.” Ocean said, nuzzling her daughter.

Silverstream giggled.

“And this is my Mom, Nessilia.” Ocellus said.

“Hello, I’m so happy Ocellus has made so many wonderful friends.” Nessilia smiled.

As the group finished their greetings, more of Comet’s friends arrived. Sandbar, Yona, Gallus, and Smoulder joined the groups.

“So none of your parents could make it?” Comet asked.

“Yeah, I haven’t seen my Mom in years. Dragon parents don’t exactly stay around after your molting.” Smoulder said, shrugging.

“Griffins aren’t much better. Last time I saw my Mom was when she dumped me with Grandpa Gruff.” Gallus said.

“Yona’s Mom couldn’t make it. Big blizzard keep Yaks home for least week.” Yona frowned.

“My mom is on a business trip in Manehatten. She tried to get out of it, but no luck.” Sandbar said.

“Sorry you guys. I feel bad.” Comet said, her ears lowering.

Smoulder came up and put an arm around her shoulder, “Hey come on. None of that. We can’t have the hero of the school all moopy. You and Counselor Starlight are gonna win this.”

“Not if we win!” Ocellus and Silverstream shouted in unison with their mothers.

Comet’s smile was so bright, one might think it could outshine the sun. She was so happy to have her friends, and her new mom.

“One last thing, and done!” Trail said, placing a bow on a present.

“Wondrous, Brother!” Zala said, clapping her hooves for him.

“I hope Mom will like it. It’s a shame she couldn’t make it.” Trail said, picking up the present.

“True, but we all know with her health, she can’t travel as much as she used to. Perhaps we can all visit her in the coming weeks.” Zala suggested.

“Oh, eager to introduce your beloved to her sis?” Trail asked with a smirk.

Zala blushed, “Well, yes I suppose. Zecora has been a lovely companion. I only hope Mother approves.”

“Hey come on. This is Mom we’re talking about. She’ll love Zecora. Where is she anyway?” Trail asked.

“She went off this morning to gather herbs for some potion she has been working on. I offered to go with her, but she insisted that I stay home.” Zala said.

“Maybe she’s actually planning a surprise for you.” Trail said.

Zala blushed and thought about that for a moment, “Do you think?

Trail chuckled, “Well, I guess you’ll just have to wait and see. Wanna come to the post office with me?”

Zala nodded and both went out the door. As they walked towards the post office in Ponyville, several ponies were walking around the squares and pathways. Mothers and the children were especially frequent, but given what day it was, that wasn’t surprising. It made Trail think about Comet and Starlight at the school. It was their first Mother-Daughter event, and he hoped that it would be one they would remember for years to come.

When Comet asked Starlight if she could be her mother, it made Trail’s heart melt. Comet had never had a mother. Tala and Zala were her aunts and they gave her a maternal figure in her life, but not a true mother figure. Starlight had taken that role with stride, within only a week, Comet and Starlight had gotten even closer. Comet only called her Mom now, even during magic practice.

“It is a wonderful holiday brother. To see mothers and their children enjoying their day together truly makes all worries just disappear.” Zala said.

“You always were great with Comet, and children in general. I honestly think you’d make a great mother sis.” Trail said.

Zala blushed, “I have thought about it. I know there are options for mares like myself and Zecora. Though I have been reluctant to speak to Zecora about it. We have been together for only a short while, and I don’t wish to overwhelm her.”

Trail put a hoof on her shoulder, “Maybe not today. But I think you should talk about it with her someday. I know you two would be great parents. And any child would be lucky to call you mother.”

“Thank you brother, someday.” Zala said, smiling.

The door to the post office was soon right in front of them. Opening said door revealed a room that had glass casings on the wall. And on the far end of the room was a booth, containing a familiar face. The first face Trail saw when he came to Ponyville.

“Ditzy! How’s it going?” Trail asked as he came up to the booth.

“Oh hello Trail. It’s been so busy today. Packages and letters everywhere, Mother’s Day is a lot of work.” Ditzy said.

“Well, I’m afraid I’m here to add to the pile.” Trail said, placing a package on the desk.

“Oh, sending a present to your Mom?” Ditzy asked.

“Yeah, she couldn’t make it, so we’re hoping this cheers her up.” Trail said.

“Aww that’s so sweet. I’ll be sure this gets to her.” Ditzy said, placing the present on a pile of packages behind her.

But as soon as she did, the pile collapsed and fell on top of her.

“Ditzy! You ok?” Trail asked, looking over the desk.

“Oops, my bad. I’m ok.” A muffled voice came from the pile.

Trail and Zala chuckled as Ditzy pulled herself out of the pile of packages with her usual goofy grin.

“Ditzy, what of Dinky? Shouldn’t you be with your daughter?” Zala asked.

“Oh, she’s in school with Miss Cheerilee right now. I have a big day planned for us after she gets out. I’m taking her to the park and showing her the duck pond. She loves animals.” Ditzy said cheerfully.

“That sounds wonderful. I’m sure she’ll love it.” Zala said.

“Well, I better get this mess sorted out. Thank you for coming by. I hope Comet is enjoying her time at the school.” Ditzy said.

“Thank you, Happy Mother’s Day Ditzy.” Trail said, leaving with Zala out the door.

As the two moved back towards the house, a chill suddenly went up Trail’s spine, making him turn around suddenly and look into the crowd.

“Brother, what is wrong?” Zala asked.

Trail hesitated for a moment before speaking, “Nothing. It must have been nothing.”

The two continued back home, the confusion of the situation disappearing.

“Yes! That was so much fun!” Comet said, jumping up and down.

Starlight sighed, “It was, but that was exhausting. Who knew swimming through a ball pit with a filly on your back could be so intense.”

“Yeah, good thing it wasn’t water or Silverstream and Miss Ocean Flow would have won.” Comet laughed.

“We totally would have!” Silverstream said, coming up beside Comet with Ocean Flow standing next to Starlight.

“I admit, you did better than I thought you would Starlight. You should come to Seaquestria sometime. I’m sure you and Comet would love to enjoy some underwater exploration.” Ocean Flow said.

Silverstream gasped, “We could totally have an underwater sleepover!”

Comet squeed, “That would be so cool! Mom, can we try it sometime, please!?”

Starlight looked at Comet as she gave the most adorable puppy eyes, “Alright alright. No need to bust out the waterworks. I’ve actually wanted to see Mount Aris and Seaquestria for a while. Twilight tells me there’s so much to see.”

Both Silverstream and Comet yelled, “Yipee!”

“What are you “Yipee”ing about kiddo?” Tala asked, landing next to them.

“Starlight is gonna take me to have a sleepover with Silverstream in Seaquestria someday! It’ll be so cool!” Comet said, jumping up and down.

“Hey, now that does sound cool. I’ve never been around that area either. You gotta take notes for me kid. Maybe that’ll be your Dad’s next book.” Tala said.

“I’m sure Novo would be delighted to have the famed adventurer Trail Blazer document Mount Aris and Seaquestria.” Ocean Flow said.

“It’s still hard to believe that Queen Novo is your aunt. Doesn’t that technically make you royalty? Comet asked Silverstream.

“I mean, technically yeah. But Mom and I really don’t have a claim to the throne, and I don’t really want one. Skystar has it covered. Oh! You should totally meet them both when you visit!” Silverstream cheered.

“I get to meet Queen Novo and Princess Skystar! EEEE!” Comet squealed.

As the girl’s excitement filled the room, Princess Twilight looked over at them. It was so nice seeing everyone so happy. All the tragedy that occurred only a week ago seemed like a distant memory.

Suddenly, the door to the courtyard opened behind her. She looked at the door with confusion, all of her students and the mothers that RSVP’d had already arrived.

From the door, a well dressed mare appeared, she had a very Canterlot appeal to her. A light blue coat with a byzantium mane, her green eyes looked straight at Twilight.

“Ah, Princess Twilight. I had hoped to find you first.” The mare said.

“Yes, hello. May I help you?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, you could point out the filly known as Comet Trail.” She answered.

Twilight then noticed a unicorn stallion behind her, his attire looked very professional.

“Why would you be looking for Comet? Who are you?” Twilight asked.

“Someone who has been eager to meet this young filly for quite some time. Now please, point her out to me.” The mare said, her tone betraying her choice of words.

Starlight and Comet had come up behind Twilight, “Hey Twilight, Tala is ready to start the next event. Oh, who is this?”

Comet stayed next to Starlight, looking at the noble mare with a raised eyebrow.

The mare’s head immediately snapped towards Comet, her green eyes seeming to scan every inch of Comet.

“So you are Comet Trail.” The mare stated.

“Yeah, who are you?” Comet asked.

“Come come now dear. Surely you must recognize me.” The mare said, a smile coming to her face.

That smile made Comet’s stomach turn. Comet didn’t know why, but she suddenly had the urge to run. Run far away from this mare. But there was something else too. Something familiar.

“I don’t know you.” Comet said, taking a step closer to Starlight.

Starlight noticed this and put a foreleg in front of Comet protectively, “Who are you?”

The mare huffed and stuck her nose in the air, “I am Pampered Pearl. I am your mother.”

Twilight, Starlight and Comet gasped, Comet in particular getting a pale expression on her face as she looked at the mare more closely. Her eyes, the color of her mane.

Her birth mother..

Author's Note

Hey guys, Hades here.

Sooooo, what a nice Mother's Day surprise huh?

What awaits our heroes? Check it out next time.

Hades