Mother Moon, Joys of Parenthoodby ShadowStar_IMHPChaptersAfter the GalaDiscord and DippersNightshade EclipsedOperation Cookie!Luna's Hearth's WarmingDream Lesson OneThe Dreaded cave of DreadNightshade's First Birthday!It is Cadence's DestinyHome is where the heart is. Side Character story.After the GalaAuthor's Note I know this isn't much. Thanks to Princess Luna becoming friends with one of the Pastry Chefs in the Royal Kitchens, both being single mothers in the Mother Moon Universe. This sequence of events can be told. My sister is a Pastry Chef and my family been in the food business for three generations. We have catered parties, and she has made cakes for weddings and birthdays. From this experiance, I saw Applejack being ruder then even Blueblood during the Grand Galloping Gala. Think about it. The Gala is basically a Ball hosted by the leader of the nation. Imagine someone taking a food truck to a Presidential Ball? Or trying to sell Tacos at a Charity Dinner. Not only is she expecting ponies buying food at such a high-end event. It hosted by the Princess so she insulting the Royal Kitchen Staff, and the Princess by extension. We know it's a catered event because of the Cake that hits Rarity. That cake was part of the free catered food at the Gala. After the Gala “I can’t believe she was so rude.” Buttercream says as she walks into Nightshade suite Cream Puff bouncing in the buggy. Princess Luna looks over to her friend. “Hello Buttercream and you as well Cream Puff.” Luna was sitting on the soft purple couch watching her daughter Nightshade playing with blocks. The blocks were set up like a town and Luna smiled as Nightshade set pony figures among the town buildings. That smile turns to a frown as Nightshade then starts roaring like a monster and wrecks the peaceful community she been set up for the last ten minutes. With a shake of her head, she turns back to looking at Buttercream the filly Cream Puff dragging her faithful stuffed bunny Mr. Hops charged into the rampage to join her friend. “What do you mean Buttercream who was rude? It wasn’t that annoying Upper Crust was it?” “No, it’s that... Applejack. I can’t believe she done something so insulting.” Luna's ears spring up as she tries to puzzle out that comment. “Applejack? Do you mean the bearer of the Element of Honesty? Let me guess she said something blunt in such a way it came off as an insult?” “Yes, the bearer of Honesty, and no. I’m talking about what she did during the Grand Galloping Gala last night. Get this she brought a cart of bake goods to sell. Who does that? One of the grandest parties of the nation and she brings food to sell.” “Perhaps it just my not understanding the cultural norms of the time. I do understand such is very odd, not many ponies would bother even bringing bits to such an event except pay for a ride home.” “Okay, the Gala is hosted by the Castle, by Princess Celestia, and you now. It’s a fully catered party event we Chefs go out of our way to find and prepare the best foods and recipes from around the world. Not only was it dumb to expect she could make a profit during a Party she was invited to, but she also insults the Castle kitchen staff by offering her own foods. Oh by extension you and Celestia as well.” Buttercream heads to the kitchen area where a maid stops her. “let me get you what you want Buttercream. Your off duty and being today's Maid for the princesses it’s my honor to serve Princess Luna’s guest.” The soft yellow and rose red-maned mare in the maid outfit says stopping Buttercream. “I know my way around a kitchen... oh yeah I guess I can indulge the benefits of having a royal as a friend. Thanks, Rosewater.” Buttercream smiles and heads to one of the overstuffed chairs. “Some ice tea please.” “Cream Puff don’t put that up to your nose!” Buttercream rant stops as she goes over and prevents Cream puff from trying to fit a pony figure up her snout. “Seems I’m lucky Nightshade doesn’t try to do such things.” Luna smiles thought a twitch of her tail that quickly hidden in the mystical waves of magic the only sign of her doubts. In the little purple filly that was her daughter is the mind of Nightmare Moon. Thought one that regressed to a younger state of being. “Where was I?” Buttercream settled down and thanks Rosewater with a smile before taking a sip of the ice tea. “I do believe you were stating how Applejack insulted not just the castle staff, but my own royal person by trying to sell some of her apple pastries.” “Yeah her... am I just being angry for no reason? Bad enough my cake was destroyed before anyone ate it. Perhaps I’m just projecting.” Luna sipped her own ice tea thinking it over. “No, I do see your point. Bringing food to a catered event and expecting ponies to pay for it, not only foalish it is insulting to the host. Though I’m sure Applejack didn’t mean such an insult.” Buttercream sighs “no I’m sure she didn’t, I am projecting a little. I worked for two days on that cake. five tiers, each tier is two layers of sponge cake with a layer of strawberry and cream in between, then the icing with four different colors... all went splat on that poor mare who was with Blueblood.” “Rarity was quite frustrated from what I heard.” “Heard? wait you didn’t go to the Gala?” After taking a sip of tea Luna spoke up “Go to the upper society social events, and deal with those snobbish Nobles? I will rather be stuck on the moon again. I chose to avoid those type of social events, it’s enough that Cadence drags me to the club from time to time. Oh and I do so enjoy going to some modern concerts.” “Perhaps it was for the best. It was so chaotic I’m still trying to figure out how the pillars toppled over as they did.” Luna got a thoughtful expression on her face as she thought over what she been told. Later that day Luna walked into the ballroom where the cleaning up was still taking place. Celestia was already standing there looking it over. “Sister, I been thinking about the odd events that happened during the Gala. What do you think?” Celestia smiles and looks to Luna “It was quite exciting. But you are right things are odd. First, it seems Fluttershy couldn’t talk to the garden animals. They even seem repelled and afraid of her, where normally animals are attracted to her. At least that what Twilight Sparkles letter tell me.” “Not to mention your own agents looking them over.” “Now Luna, that is a lie. I don’t have agents, nor would they be looking them over.” Luna smiles “No? I’m sure agent Sweetie Drops just there in Ponyville by chance.” “Hush you. Sweetie Drops is retired and enjoying making candy with her marefriend Lyra. It just so happens she retired in the same town where the Bearers of Elements came from. She just sends me a letter from time to time to tell me how she’s doing.” With that Luna looked over the rubble. “How did the pillars fall? Aren’t such constructions flush with the ceiling and floor?” Celestia shook her head “no they were just decorations to dress up the ball in accent Pegasus style. It was this year’s theme. It is odd though they were heavy stone marble pillars and shouldn’t have fallen by being bumped.” Now that Luna pointed it out Celestia looked again. “It seemed like something was causing all the bearers problems. Blueblood antics being his normal for such event withstanding, the fact he didn’t seem to recognize Rarity as one of the Bearers is odd. Fluttershy scaring the animals, Pinkie Pie who from what I understand was the one who knocked the cake into the air. Rainbow Dash knocking the pillars...” The two royal sisters exit the ballroom and entered the royal gardens and both look to a statue in clear view. One of a spirit of chaos, a statue who seemed to be laughing silently. “First Princess Cadence Cutie Mark, now chaotic events happening in such a way. I feel my return from the moon is just the first of troubles for Equestria.” “We just have to have faith in the bearers, and Harmony itself my sister.” Discord and DippersAuthor's Note Had some fun with this little side story. I also had trouble writing more than four characters at once. Poor Peppermint Heart once more became a background Pony. Guess he's my AppleJack. As always I have Dyslexia and other learning disabilities that make writing hard. Spelling and Grammer are my arch foes! Any errors send a message or post the corrections and I would be happy to fix them. The Joy of Parenthood stories is just mostly a random slice of life events. A full Sequel is in the works just figuring out some minor elements. Discord and Dippers Luna rushes for her daughter’s suite her heart racing in her chest. The path to Nightshade’s chambers was getting difficult. She stops as she looks around lost after turning a corner that wasn't there before. The way has been twisted by the chaotic magic of Discord. Fear ran in her veins, it surprised her that she was more afraid of what could happen to her daughter than herself. Nightshade the reborn form of Nightmare Moon somehow found her way into Luna’s heart. So Luna continued running along the hallway having passed stairs that were moving on their own and she was sure she passed that table twice. But finally, the door was in her sight. So was Celestia. “Took you long enough Sister.” Celestia smiled as she opened the doorway. Gasping to catch her breath “How... I ran all the way.” Celestia nodded “I teleported.” Luna sighed and entered her daughter’s room. Unlike most of the castle, the suite looked normal. Soft purples and blues with silver trim. Right in the center of the play area was the purple alicorn filly Nightshade who was playing with a stuffed dragon. Playing with the little princess was the unicorn foal Cream Puff who was playing with the stuffed bunny Mr. Hops. Peppermint heart the Zony nanny was sitting in a stuffed chair sipping tea when the two Royals walked in. “Princess Luna, Celestia? What the matter?” Cream Puff wasn’t aware of the two newcomers and made a cute charging sound as Mr. Hops thrusts at the stuffed dragon like the knight she was pretending him to be. Nightshade on the other hoof was paying attention as her ears shifted to catch the talk. Not wanting to disappoint her friend the stuffed dragon roared and then bumps against Mr. Hops. “Has anything happened here? Canterlot is in danger, Discord is free and spreading chaos.” Luna says walking to Peppermint. Nightshade drops the toy dragon and stands up this catches Cream Puff’s attention. “Why you stopped playing? I was winning...” The unicorn’s lip quivers wondering why the game stopped. Looking to her friend “Bad guy doing something bad. I want to listen in to the grown ups.” She spoke simple knowing the mind in her friends head was cleaver but still that of a young foal. Nightshade then looks out the balcony door seeing pink clouds and a rainbow tied in a bow. A spike of fear overtakes her. The thoughts of listening to the grown-ups were lost as she shivers till Cream Puff nuzzles her. “We beat the bad guy!” Nightshade smiles and nuzzles back “No we can’t Discord is too strong.” She looks back at Luna “Even my mommy and aunt couldn’t stop him. Only the bearers of Harmony can... Twilight and her friends.” She hated having to say that, but it was the truth. That when the talk of the adults caught her attention again. The reason her attention went back to the adults was because of one voice. Discord voice echoed off the walls and she turned her fear returning with a spike of terror. “Well, well, well here I find all the royal family in one place.” The serpentine mix matching form of the Spirit of Chaos appeared with a flash of light. Luna moved and stood over the two foals. “You will not harm my daughter Discord!” Discord blinks and looks shocked even “Now now when have I ever harmed a foal. Really you harm me, Luna. After all, that little foal of yours is special. I know who she really is. All that beautiful chaos a thousand years ago. Destruction, mayhem, really Luna you and your Nightmare self done more harm to foals then I ever did.” “That is debatable Discord. Random teleports, unstable environment, not even time was stable. One day a foal goes too far from home, and the next day they returned forty years older.” Celestia stated as she moves to stand guard beside her sister. “Tomato, tomahto. Well, I’m here to offer a gift to you little foal, she did cause a bit of chaos after all.” With a snap of his tail, the third Alicorn reappeared full grown. This produces a gasp of shock by many of those in the room. Nightshade was slightly larger than Luna. Royal purple with free-flowing dark purple mane and tail so dark they appear almost as black masses of shadows. Nightshade looks down to Cream Puff with a sad look. The small foal scared her friend was now supersized ran from the Alicorns to the only other adult comfort the nanny zony stallion Peppermint Heart. Hiding behind the zony she peaked out looking at the full-grown Nightshade then to Discord. A new emotion struck Nightshade thrusting the fear way, sadness. She took a few steps forward “Don’t do this to me Discord.” “What... I figure you be happy. You are fully grown with all the magical might you had a thousand years ago. No waiting for your revenge.” Celestia looked to Nightshade hearing Discord. The thought that Nightmare Moon would join the spirit of chaos caused her to panic for just a moment. Her ears fall back against her scalp and tail flicks. “Revenge for a stupid plan? Stopping the moon so it always night not only would cause eternal darkness. The food crops will stop growing in eternal night, the seas will stop moving at the end of the tide, it would cause Equestria to freeze. Even with you controlling the Sun and Moon you won’t cause that kind of destruction.” She then looks to the terrified Cream Puff. “Besides that... I don’t have a foalhood of my own. Even if I remember the past it’s Luna’s foalhood.” Then looking at Discord “Please turn me back, don’t rob me of this.” Discord snorts “Fine I prefer foals anyway.” Then a smile comes to his face “Indeed foals all around.” Then another snap Nightshade was a foal again. She looked to her mother and sees Luna was a small foal the same age as her blue body light blue mane and tail. Celestia was also the same size with pink mane and tail. A gasp catches her attention there over where Cream Puff stood was the colt Peppermint Heart. “Now if you excuse me I have some Chaos to spread. Poor Twilight is so heartbroken that her friendship breaking apart. Any moment now I will win, enjoy your foal hoods!” Laughing the spirit of chaos vanishes in a flash of light. “What are we going to do? We all are foals” Celestia cried hiding her face in her wings and sniffling. “We can play?” Cream Puff asks as she picked up Mr. Hops from when she dropped it. Nightshade rolls her eyes at her aunt. Peppermint stood up and headed to the kitchen area “I can make a potion that could... Huh..” He stopped right at the counter finding himself blocked by a forcefield. “Foal proof security field Peppermint. None of us can go into the kitchen area.” Nightshade stated matter of fact. “We can still play. The toys of over there.” Cream Puffs again tries to get the other foals to play. Luna moves over to Celestia and nuzzles her “I’m sure Twilight will get everything fixed soon. She should have found the elements by now.” Celestia bolted up gasping “OH NO TWILIGHT! He said she be heartbroken, he must have done something to her friends to break up the friendship. Without friendship, they can’t use the elements of harmony.” “What are we going to do? We can’t stay here if she’s in trouble.” Luna asks. “We can play...” mumbles Cream Puff. “Twilight Sparkle, I’m sure she gives Discord some long-winded speech about friendship and then blast him. She’s good at those speeches.” Nightshade says as she went to Cream Puff and starts playing. Celestia blinks “Twilight speeches? That reminds me of Twilight friendship scrolls. If we can send them back she could remind her friends of what their friendship means to them.” “Really that way too many friends in that sentence.” Peppermint Heart says as he comes to the others. Nightshade sighs “Oh how are you going to get to the scrolls?” Celestia looks over “It down the hall to the solar tower shouldn’t take us to long.” Luna’s ears lower “Down the hall that been twisted with Discord’s magic. Unlike you, I went through them. Two doors down are the door to the gardens.” “But we are on the tenth floor...” a puzzled look comes to Celestia's face as she tries to figure out how the door just a few rooms away leads to the ground floor. Nightshade says as she rolls a ball to Cream Puff. “She said Discord’s Magic aunt Celestia. The castle all twisted up with chaos.” “Only one thing we can do. We have to make our way to Celestia chambers even if it’s through the chaos.” Peppermint speaks up as he gets a foal size saddle bag and starts putting things he might need into it. Then makes a face as he again looks to the kitchen. “I can’t get to my potion stuff...” “We are coming too. Cream Puff it’s adventure time to grab Mr. Hops.” Nightshade smiles standing up and heading to the door. Cream Puff following along behind her “Yay adventure!” “Where do you think you going? You two are just foals.” Luna eyes her daughter. “So are you MOM. Besides what are you going to do leave us foals here without a grown up. I might have a more grown-up mind but Cream Puff still young in every way. Even if one of you stay, we are all foals.” Points to Celestia “She even cried like a baby!” “DID NOT!” “DID TOO!” Besides Nightshade Cream Puff nodded her head agreeing with her friend. “Stop it both of you... alright seems we all need to go.” After a quick search for anything, the foals could find that was useful the five left the suite. The first thing they saw was a sofa walking down the hall. It stopped to bark at them before chasing the end table. Coming to the door two doors down from the suite Celestia horn lit up opening it. Sure enough, the hedge maze was in clear view. “You just had to open the door.” Luna sighed looking out and spotting a balloon that was laughing. “I was curious!” Celestia whined joining the herd. “Sure you were auntie...” Nightshade rolls her eyes. “So mom where to you did say you went this way. How far till we come to the Solar tower suite?” “If things haven’t changed there a picture we need to jump into. It’s a painting of the throne room, there a door just hidden in the picture to the right of the throne. That takes us to another hallway in the castle. Believe me, it was hard to find the way.” “Your Majesty, how did you find the way in the first place?” Peppermint asks as he looks for the painting. Luna looks puzzled a moment “Just felt a tugging sensation. Like I knew where Nightshade was.” Nightshade hearing her name lifted her head “Is it because we were one?” Peppermint Heart smiles “Or my guess little Princess, your Mother feeling her mother’s instincts kicking in. It a natural ability all Pony mothers have to instinctively know where the foal is. More so in Unicorns and Pegasus. Having foals that can teleport, or fly at fast speeds having a magical bond to the foal helps.” “Here we are!” Luna calls out not sure if she wants the talk to continue or not as she leaps into the painting. Her body seems to shift to match the painting itself. The others look at the painting of Luna waves them on. Shrugging her wethers Nightshade leaps in followed by Cream Puff. “Oh, I feel all funny.” Cream Puff says looking at her painted body. Following Luna as they make their way through the painting and out of a broom closet door. The hall they came to look normal. “I don’t trust it. It’s quiet... too quiet.” Nightshade spoke up looking up and down the hallway. “Don’t be silly Nightshade, everything is.....Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh.” The floor under Luna’s hooves suddenly shifts opening a large pit that was so long it looked bottomless. “MOMMY!” Nightshade’s horn lights up trying to grab hold of Luna but her magic wasn’t strong enough. Celestia yells “LUNA YOU HAVE WINGS!” From down in the pit, her soft voice echos... “Oh, I forgot.” Soon after Luna flys back up and lands on the solid floor. Peppermint goes to the edge and looks down then across the gap. “Seems the floor was an illusion. The three of you have a flight, me and Cream Puff will have to stay.” “No! Cream Puff comes with me.” Nightshade snorts and heads to a table and more importantly the shadow under it. Her horn lights up and the shadows seem to grow deeper and darker. Soon the two fillies vanish. “What, where did they go?” Peppermint goes to the table and sticks his head into the shadows. Luna’s and Celestia’s view he appeared headless. His head was completely hidden by the darkness. From the other side of the gap “Hurry up I can’t keep it open for long!” Nightshade stood there impatient stomping her purple hoof. The other three soon went through the shadows and came out from behind a love seat. “Interesting magic... how long you been keeping that secret?” Peppermint asked eyeing his royal charge suspiciously. Nightshade bites her lower lip then sighs responding “Um, about the time mommy got that giant stuffed Ursa.” Luna shook her head “All this time you could do that and kept it secret?” “Well, it not like I can do it all the time. It takes a lot of magic I been trying to build it up.” Celestia smiles “So you can get away from Gentle Breeze again?” “Maybe...” Nightshade stops and looks around. “How we get on the ceiling?” Hearing her all the other four foals stop and look about. Somehow they were on the ceiling of the hall or was it the hall upside down. With Discord, it was very hard to figure out. Luna stops at a door “I think this is it. The hall didn’t turn upside down before we left.” Celestia goes to the wall looking up at the door. “Hmm, this might be a problem.” “Nope Mr. Hops got this.” Cream Puff horn lights up and the stuffed bunny fly down/up to the door handle and moves around it getting more grip than just magic alone. Then with clear strain on her face, she opens the door. With a smug look, Cream Puff brings her stuffed bunny back. The five foals look into the room, then Peppermint goes to the wall and lowers down. “Climb up on me and into the room.” Celestia smiles “Peppermint three of us can fly.” She starts flying and goes to pick him up over the foot high wall area between the door and the ceiling. Luna goes to lift Cream Puff but she pushes the blue filly away. “NO, I go with Nightshade.” Smirking Nightshade starts flying and lifts Cream Puff. Then all five enter the room and screamed as gravity flipped again and they find themselves falling to the floor. Fear gripped Nightshade heart right before they connected. Then they bounced, the entire floor was changed into a bouncy castle floor. “Oh, this is fun! Mommy, I want a bouncy room!” Luna sighed seeing her daughter doing flips with each bounce. Celestia flew to her desk where the scrolls were kept. “That’s a lot of scrolls, what she been doing writing you every week?” “Yeah, every single week. At least she learning about friendship.” With that Celestia cast her spell sending the scrolls back to spike. “WE PLAY NOW!” Cream Puff yells in joy as she bounces right beside Peppermint Heart. Time was hard to judge as all five of the pony foals bounced on and played. Then with a flash of white light all but Nightshade and Cream Puff were full grown again. Unfortunately, Cream Puff was high in the air when reality returned and she landed on the floor with a thump. Like any foal, she starts crying. Peppermint rushes over and picks her up hugging her “Shoo I got you Cream Puff. Let me look at the boo boo.” The full-grown Celestia looks at Luna. “So her mind still mature or was... that means when she peed on me the first day. She did it on purpose.” “Oh sister, I knew that right after I enter her nightmare.” With a flick of her tail and a huff. “Alright, I need to head to Ponyville and see if Twilight and her friends are alright.” Nightshade EclipsedHate wasn’t a word big enough for what Nightshade was feeling. Despise? Rage? Right above her head was a ball of purple fluff. She reached up trying to swat the annoying fake breezie antenna. Her hoof barely even touches the antenna. Buttercream smiles “See Luna I told you she would love that Breezie costume.” Luna and Buttercream dressed as timber wolf was pushing the baby stroller down the castle hallway. Luna looks over the shade cover to see Nightshade try again to swat the antenna. Unlike her friend, she sees the frustrated look of Nightshade’s face. “Why is it a tradition to put foals into these strange outfits. I know that Nightmare Night a holiday, but what the point?” Luna asks as they head to the Pegasus chariot hanger. Buttercream sighed “Well way back when the holiday started it was a freighting time. The idea of disguising the foals to protect them from Nightmare Moon came about. Nowadays it’s just fun to let foals dress up, their costume contests, and it just fun to watch them play pretend dressed as their heroes.” “Bpfff” Nightshade ~ as I would fall for any silly costumes.~ “And this is fun for the foals?” Luna asks as they came into the hanger seeing the blue and silver of her own personal chariot. It was made by order from her sister. Personally, Luna thinks it looks too much like something Nightmare Moon would choose. “Oh yes, they take pride in winning the costume contests. There the joy of winning the best homemade outfits, the prettiest, the funniest, and scariest.” The two got on the chariot and Luna nods to the two Night pony guards. “Silverwing, Cumulus, We are ready” Silverwing looks back “Yes your Majesty. Next stop Ponyville.” “I heard they have a fun hay maze during Nightmare Night. Planning on checking it out myself.” Cumulus says as the two start running flapping their bat-like wings and taking off pulling the Night Chariot with them. Bored with the attempt of trying to swat the antenna Nightshade looks to Creampuff who was snoozing snuggling her Mr. Hops toy. The toy even had a pirate outfit on. ~All this for a night for me?~ Nightshade was to awake to take a nap so she stood up in the stroller and look around. The fake insect wings loosely held onto her own feather wings flapped as the town of Ponyville came closer. As the chariot landed she saw all the decorations. Bouncing up and down in the stroller she saw the group of ponies gather. The chariot lands and the group saw the gathered ponies. Bowing before her the arrival of the chariot was kind of spectacular. Yes, a holiday all for her! These ponies are submitting themselves to her greatness! “It’s Nightmare Moon coming to gobble us up!” A pink pony dressed as a chicken yells out and the group of foals around her scream. In the stroller beside her Cream Puff woke up crying having been frightened by the yell of the chicken pony. “HOW DARE YOU!” Nightshade blinks and looks behind her. The resulting gasp of the ponies around them was the reply. The timber wolf dressed Buttercream marched her way to the group. “I recognize you. Your Pinkie Pie the element of Laughter, well Look! Does she look happy to you?” Buttercream points her hoof at Luna. Nightshade then turns to focus on her mother. The drawn face ears down against her skull her tail low. Luna was sad and frightened? Emotions warred in the former Nightmare Moon. Sure she wanted praise and worship but... Jumping from the stroller Nightshade ran to Luna and tackled her front leg hugging it with all her might. “See even her own foal knows that the Nightmare Moon is gone. We came here to have a good time and you had to remind her of the worst time of her life. Some elements of Harmony.” Buttercream huffs and marches over to her own stroller. “Come on Luna we can celebrate Nightmare Night back in Canterlot.” Nightshade looks around and narrows her eyes. These Ponies were afraid of her mother... they hurt her mother. They hurt her MOTHER! Leaving Luna she marched her way foreword her eyes start glowing white. Then her horn lights up and blasts a bowl of fake spiders. Soon the toys started crawling out of the bowl. Another blast of magical lighting and fake bats decorations lift-off and flying around. Deep inside the little filly, a laugh erupted. The ponies scream and start running around in fear as the decorations of Nightmare Night came to life. “Nightshade! Stop!” Luna picks up the surging filly. “it’s alright Nightshade. They don’t deserve this.” As if a switch was flipped Nightshade stopped and look up at Luna’s face. She hugged her daughter. “Come on let's see what Canterlot has to offer on this night.” Her horn lighting up and returning the magically animated decorations back to their normal form and location. “Um, Princess Luna?” Luna turns to see Twilight Sparkle approaching. “Ah, Starswirl the Bearded. You even got the bells right.” Luna comments. “Finally someone gets it! Oh... what I mean is please give us another chance.” “Why should she? That Pinkie Pie basically crushed Luna’s spirit.” Buttercream marched up to Twilight Sparkle her own foal Cream Puff sniffling in her hooves having calmed down from crying herself. “But I didn’t mean to. It was like the best time to yell something like that with the creepy chariot, the clouds, and that hood and cloak. It couldn’t be better to frighten everypony. It was fun!” Pinkie Pie says her head hung low. “Wait? it’s fun to be frightened?” Luna tries to figure out what the pink pony was talking about. “Well duh, this is Nightmare Night. The night when fillies and colts face their fears and get candy for a reward. SEE!” She points to groups of costumed ponies the foals holding candy bags. “They know they are safe but at the same time have the chance to know that being scared isn’t a bad thing either. The rush and joy at just a little bit of fear.” Buttercream looks to Twilight Sparkle “You have some crazy ponies in this town.” Twilight sighs “Trust me you don’t know the half of it.” Then to Luna “please don’t leave yet. There all kinds of games and the costume contest.” “And candy!” Pinkie Pie calls out. “Yes and candy.” Luna looks to her daughter mirroring the confused expression they both have. Then to her friend Buttercream. “What do you think Buttercream? It was a misunderstanding.” Buttercream snorted “The more I know of these bearers of Elements the more I come to believe it was just luck they saved you. Alright, let us see what Ponyville Nightmare Night festival has to offer.” “Great! I go get my friend Applejack she can show you all the games.” Twilight says not spotting Buttercream’s eyes rolling hearing that name. Pinkie Pie went back to the foals as the other five headed for the festival when Nightshade spotted something that caught her attention. She leaped out of the stroller and charged at top speed to the Pumpkin catapult. Jumping onto the catapult mistakingly triggering the firing mechanism. “AGHHHHHHHHHHHHH” “NIGHTSHADE!” Luna horn lights up catching the filly in the mid arch. “Be more careful.” Sighing she draws the purple alicorn filly back to her. “I hate for you to end up like that pumpkin.” Buttercream smirks "Soon she be sticking toys up her nose." This got a look from Luna then they both chuckle. Applejack walks overseeing that the pumpkin hit the bullseye. “She got a perfect shot thought. Ya got good reflexes as well as Princess.” The night was spent playing games and even some trick or treating with Pinkie Pie. Soon it was late and the group head to the statue of Nightmare Moon. “Why is there a statue of Nightmare Moon in the woods? In Canterlot it normally a paper mache figure. Often made by the art class in school.” Buttercream says as the see the statue. Twilight stopped walking and blinked “I... really don’t know.” Shaking her head Luna pushed the stroller forward looking up at the statue. Luna sighed again as the zebra Zacora did her act with the green smoke. Nightshade tilted her head ~Eat foals? What kind of lies did they make up?~ Her eyes widen seeing how much candy was given as tribute to Nightmare Moon. To her! That was her candy. Nightshade once again jumped out of the stroller and charge headfirst into the candy. “MINE!” Luna face hoofed “Of course her first word would be mine.” She went over and picked up Nightshade who somehow got a lollypop unwrapped and in her mouth. “Nightshade it’s not all for you.” “Mine.” Nightshade waved the lollypop like a scepter. “You can’t even eat all that. If I remember right most of that candy gets donated to the hospitals for all the foals who couldn’t trick or treat. So no my little Nightshade it not yours.” Nightshade pouts putting the lollipop back in her mouth and crossing her hooves over her barrel. With the night over the group got back on the Chariot. “thank you Twilight I was glad you talked us into staying. Perhaps a friendship letter about giving someone or something a second chance, first impressions aren’t always correct.” “That I know very well Princess. I thought all the ponies here were crazy when I first arrived.” The sound of lighting strike and laughter of Rainbow Dash was heard. “I’m not sure yet if I was right or wrong. But I wouldn’t change it.” Author's Note This was more of a challenge then I thought. Most of Luna Eclipsed was the emotional side of things. In this story Luna already learned not to use the Royal Canterlot Voice, has a friend who is very Loyal. So most of the episode was useless, more than I first thought I rewatched the episode a few times to have it fresh in my mind. Once more Buttercream has something to say about a bearer of Element. Of all the ponies Pinkie Pie should have picked up on Luna's depression. She had a whole song about making others happy. So she should have been more aware of Luna sadness. This is one of the times when she failed the Element of Laughter. https://youtu.be/lQKaAlMNvm8 I always wanted to show Nightshade's ego she might not be evil but she still Nightmare Moon at her core. The desire to be Loved or at least Praised, add the greed and the impulsiveness of a foal. Like always I have learning disabilities and writing is a challenge for me. I found that I have trouble writing multiple characters. Once more Applejack was reduced to a minor cameo. Spelling and Grammar errors are the banes of my existence help me eradicate them! If you see errors, please if you see any send me a message or post it and I will make corrections. Operation Cookie!She walked back and forth in her prison cell. Her hoofs stop against the ground as she studies the gangs of fellow inmates from her cell. The mass of pony thugs was having their meals as she continued her unfair confinement. She goes to a shadowy spot and puts her hoof down ready to shadow step out of the cell. Only to look confused as she felt resistance to her magic. “Look Gentle Breeze seems the enchantment Celestia put on the playpen is working. She can’t use that shadow power.” Azure Moon's voice called out to her fellow caretaker. ~So it’s Celestia's fault, is it? One day Celestia! One day!~ Nightshade thinks to herself as she moves away from the failed attempt to shadow step. Celestia learned about her ability and already moved to keep her in confinement. It was unfair and it was time to do something about it. She turns to look at her fellow prisoners in the cell. There was her trusty right hoof mare Bonnie Cream puff and her partner in crime Clyde Hops. Cream Puff was drinking from the bottle she snuck into the prison. Hops dutifully stood by the wall blue eyes unblinking and watchful. Then there Buster though not the best agent of hers he still loyal. It was time for an inspiring speech! “I Want cookies too!” Now that was a perfect speech. Nightshade nods solemnly as she looks out of the playpen to the caretaker Gentle Breeze and her fellow caretaker Azure Moon. The other two foals in the playpen came over. “What’s a cookie?” Buster asks. “It a yummy thing to eat. See the older foals are munching on some now. I think those are chocolate chips the very best kind.” Nightshade smiles as the other baby foals look at each other than at her. “How we get cookies?” Cream Puff asks “I see mommy make those a lot but never had them. Just suck on tasty stuff on a wooden spoon when she does.” “Okay time for plan Cookie Monster! Buster, I want you to push against the wall there. Cream Puff, use your magic on that wall there. Me I fly up and get our cookies!” The three foals split up to perform their part of the plan. Buster lifts on his rear legs and puts his front hoofs against the net and pushes. The gems on that side started to glow a little bit brighter as the magic resisted the enhanced strength of an earth pony foal. On the other side of the pen Cream Puff, looked at the net. She didn’t know any magic beyond the simple telekinetic field every unicorn picks up. Thought it an instinctive spell fine control is learned. Much like running is not complex but a professional runner can outperform and outlast any novice. So not knowing any better Cream Puff picks up Mr. Hops her stuff bunny and slams him against the net. Now all four gems were glowing as the magic stored in them resists the foals. Gentle Breeze narrows her eyes seeing the odd behavior. “She’s up to something.” Azure Moon hearing Gentle looks over “Really Gentle she just a baby what could she do.” Just as if Azure spoke a challenge to fate Nightshade went into action. Leaping up in the air and casting her magic against the Anti-Pegasus field keeping her in. The flash of light was bright enough the older foals screamed and bunch up together herding instincts kicking in as they look around in confusion. Gentle Breeze faces hoofs seeing the Purple Royal Foal break the enchantment and fly free of the playpen. “I told you she was up to something. Same as last time our trouble maker got out. You calm the others and I get her.” Gentle was the only one that could fly and thought Azure was a Unicorn her magic was minor she never developed beyond the instinctive basic telekinesis of her tribe. Gentle went flying after the trouble maker. “Come on Nightshade your not surging this time. Just give up no tricks going to help you.” PPPPBBBHHH Nightshade blew a raspberry and flew in the direction of the kitchen. The next part of the operation was tricky. She needed to let Gentle Breeze catch her just on the border of the kitchen. Close enough to trick the foal proofing spell keeping the older foals from the kitchen. The foals including her two fellow babies were no longer panicking but laughing watching the royal filly play a game of tag with Gentle Breeze. Sure enough Gentle was right she didn’t feel the building magic of a surge, in one way she needed to be caught, and not having a surge causing a distraction was a good thing. The bad part was she underestimated Gentle Breeze flight skills. Hooves came close enough she felt them brush her mane. As skilled as Gentle Breeze was, Nightshade was Nightmare moon reborn. Though her foal body didn’t have the muscle memory of her former life her mind still has the combat maneuvers and memories of much harsher times over a thousand years ago. Below the foals laugh as Nightshade performs a snap roll twisting her body to spin out of the hooves' grasp before performing a half loop so she was flying upside down over the foals' heads before righting herself and heading to the kitchen. This caused cheers and stomps of the foals' little hooves. “Children don’t encourage her.” Azure Moon sighed and softly “She’s a little Wonderbolt.” Gentle Breeze growled in frustration as she just manages to stop before hitting the wall. Sure she was skilled at flying indoors but stunts like the ones Nightshade just did were near professional. Already she was thinking of how to write it down for the report to Celestia. Twisting she resumed her race after the royal pain... princess. All was going according to her daring plan now was the hard part she flew to the kitchen and right before hitting that forcefield that kept foals out she twists her belly up in the air and back to the kitchen. Her flight speed dropped due to this and Gentle Breeze hooves caught her. “Got you!” Just as the words you were spoken Gentle realized something was wrong she felt the field let the two of them passed. The field detected her holding Nightshade so didn’t prevent the filly from entering the kitchen. This dawning came to her she looked to Nightshade's smiling face. “Clever girl.” Nightshade horn lit up. Unlike Cream Puff or even Azure Moon, Nightshade knew hundreds of spells and a good number of them were combat spells. True a large number of those spells she lacked the amount of magic needed but a simple stun spell she could muster even if it was weak. The magic hit and Gentle Breeze's limbs instantly went numb as the sensation of her limbs nerves falling asleep take hold her grip on Nightshade was lost. “Why you little...” Gentle fell to the floor as her wings went limp. “Gentle Breeze you okay?” Azure Moon took a few steps to her friend. “Yeah, I’m fine. Somehow she knows a weak stun spell, it will wear off in a moment.” Nightshade got her objective and without care tosses the top of the cookie jar behind her smacking Azure Moon in the face. A quick levitation spell and two cookies fly out and to the playpen. Her payment to her friends' taken care of it was time to enjoy the spoils of war. She dove headfirst into the cookie jar causing it to wobble. “Nightshade!” Azure Moon looked up and spotted Nightshade's head still in the jar fall off the counter. “I shall like to know why thou summoned me to the hospital telling me my daughter was here. But insisted that it not to rush.” Luna was not happy. She got woke up early without any coffee, then told her daughter was at the hospital. Who it was that woke her added to her frustration. Both Celestia and Cadance were with her as they headed down the hall to the medical room where Nightshade was located. “If my filly needs medical attention why is she not in the emergency room. This is just a normal doctor's office.” Cadance could not hide her smile hearing the frustration in Luna’s voice. A voice of a loving mother worrying over her foal. A good sign that Luna was recovering from the dark taint that corrupted her so many years ago. “Because Luna it’s not a medical emergency. With the light of her horn, Celestia opens the door revealing a royal purple filly sitting on the medical bench with a cookie jar firmly planted on her head. “She got her head stuck in the cookie jar.” The sound of Cadance laughing echoed off the hall walls. Only a thousand years of practice could Celestia keep from joining her. From inside the jar was the clear sound of a happy filly munching on cookies. Author's Note Well, it not much but the Joy's of Parenthood was never meant to be more than short moments of life. A little bit of fun and warm up as I finally start the sequel to Mother Moon, Daughter Nightmare. Once more I'm sorry that my spelling and grammar skills are poor. Dyslexia and other learning disabilities limit my skills. Part of my writing here is practice and an attempt to overcome my limitations. Constructive criticism is always welcomed. Luna's Hearth's WarmingIt was almost time for Hearth’s Warming and throughout Canterlot the ponies were decorating. In the royal castle Neat and Tidy the two castle decorators were finishing up on the grand hall decorations. Both were twins the only thing different was their mane’s colors one silver the other a golden yellow. “Wonderful decorations Neat and Tidy. I see there are figures on the hearth already.” Celestia spoke as she entered the hall. “There is more this year than before.” Luna followed her sister into the hall looking at the fireplace mantle had an assortment of Celestia figures. Though there were more of her sister she did see some of herself as well. “Why are there so many? I thought the tradition was one doll for a pony.” “These are the award-winning figures from across the land. Each represents a different city. This year some send both figures of you and your sister. So we ended up with more than we have space for. Some were quite a cleaver making the two figures interconnect like so.” Neat’s horn glows a golden hew and two figures move together with the bases of both fit like puzzle pieces. “This piece when viewed from above mimics the Equestrian Flag. Even have both your cutie marks in the center.” Celestia moves closer spotting another set of figures of Cadence “Cadence got more this year as well.” Tidy nods “Indeed she has been more outspoken lately. She always been popular, but now she displaying a bit more assertiveness.” Tidy looks to Luna “I think your training in combat might have unexpected effects.” Luna blinks “Really? Part of the training is self-confidence.” Luna then spots another set of figures that fit together this time Luna and Celestia were looking down at a figure of Nightshade. “I see Nightshade also has a few fans.” “Ah yes, that from Ponyville. She did make quite a rememberable display during Nightmare Night.” “That reminds me. I think we should decorate the personal suites for Hearths warming. Perhaps have our private ceremony in Nightshade’s suite. That way she can open her presents in peace out of the public eye?” “Very well Princess we will start decorating your suites right away.” Tidy states as he brings a notebook up to make a memo. “No, tidy. I think for the private suites it should be... well us as a family to decorate. A little normal life activity.” “Ah, yes that a good idea Princess. We shall deliver the decorations to your doors tonight.” “Indeed a good idea Luna. A nice family gets together will be enjoyable. Should we include Prince Blueblood?” Celestia taps her chin thinking. "I would include Princess Cadence and Shining Armor but they already left to go to her parents." “He is family and I'm sure it be more enjoyable for him than that snotty Upper Crust yearly Hearth's Warming Party,” Luna replied. Celestia then looks to Neat and Tidy. “Thank you Neat, and you as well Tidy. I have Hearth’s Warming cards to send out.” With a turn, Celestia turns heading out. Luna nods joining Celestia on the way out of the hall. Once at the suite she enters “Okay Peppermint you have the rest of the day off. I’m taking Nightshade shopping, and to say goodbye to Buttercream and Cream Puff before they leave for Baltimare. The sounds of a chair being pushed aside and a purple filly running under the couch were her answer. “Sorry Princess but Nightshade... being a bit stubborn." Peppermint heart states as he rights the chair then goes to the couch. “Nightshade if you don’t go, they leave anyway without saying goodbye to you. Don’t you want to say goodbye?" “NO, BYE BYE!" Nightshade screams as she leaps in the air throwing a tantrum and a stuffed cow at Peppermint Heart. Then Luna lights her horn and Nightshade was caught in the blue magic field. Luna looked down at her daughter. “Nightshade we need to get going stop arguing.” “NO!” The little filly crossed her hooves sitting down in front of her Mother. “I don’t want them to go either, but pouting here isn’t going to stop them.” Luna’s horn lights up and Nightshade lifts off the ground still pouting. Luna looks at her daughter who was now hovering upside down. “Me being your mother, you don’t get the option of not going.” “She... didn’t break anything did she Peppermint Heart?” “Oh no just lots of stomping and throwing stuffed animals. Typical royal pain.. er.. royal temper tantrum.” “She can be a hoof full, we don’t pay you enough.” “Nonsense, I think she holds back. I heard about how she thew vases as Gentle Breeze during that first magic surge.” Luna shakes her head wondering what stories the staff share about her daughter. “Have a Happy Hearth’s Warming Peppermint Heart.” “You too as well Princess Luna.” “Now come along Nightshade we going to be late and miss them.” “NO!” Nightshade continues to swings her hooves about to no avail as Luna carried her out of the suite and along the halls of the castle. At one time Nightshade would not be distracted easily. Once she would hold a grudge for a thousand years. Now having the body of a foal not even a year old all the pretty lights and decoration for Hearths warming distracted her. “ooh ah” Luna sighs trying to figure out if it was good her former darker side was now a foal or not. There were times when she looked at her daughter and swore her eyes were cold, calculating, then others... the sound of foalish laughter stopped her though and she looked back seeing Nightshade in a pose with one of the wreaths around her neck. “How did... never mind.” With a quick thought, the wreath went to a passing maid. “Please take care of that Glitter Dust.” “Of course your majesty.” The maid didn’t even seem surprised. Even the staff was getting used to the mischief-maker that was Nightshade. It wasn’t long after that Nightshade settled down and riding on Luna’s back the two walked the streets of Canterlot. With guards following of course still far enough away that the illusion of privacy was there. The lights and decorations of the holiday were on full display as they continued to the train station. Luna smiles brighten seeing what she can truly say was her best friend, Buttercream. “Buttercream! Good, I was afraid we miss you, Nightshade was pouting that you two were leaving.” Buttercream was loaded with bags. Saddlebags were stuffed hanging off her sides. The baby stroller had items stuffed in any nook and cranny she could find. There was even a pouch or two in the carriage with Cream Puff. Luna holds back a laugh seeing the filly stuffing her stuffed bunny in one of those pouches. “Almost Luna. Luckily the train running a little late. OH, that reminds me almost forgot to give you this.” Buttercream pulls out a package and hands it over to Luna. “Happy Hearths Warming Luna. Open it!” “You didn’t need to get me anything, besides it not Hearths Warming yet.” “I won’t be here for Hearths Warming. So do it now come on.” Luna smiles and opens the package lifting a blue sweater with white snowflakes designed in it. “Oh... Buttercream’s beautiful. I um... well” A flash and a package appear before Buttercream. “I needed help, Pinkie Pie gave me a few ideas.” Buttercream opens the package and gasps. Tossing the wrapper aside it revealed a brand new Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield. “Luna... this is a Kitchen Aid Mixer. His products are some of the best.” “It was nothing a few hundred bits. Just change for me.” “hun... hundred bits?” “Closer to three.” “I.. this is too expensive I can’t.” “Expensive? I have been going over my account records I think I make three times that per day if I include interest.” Buttercream’s ears lay back then she shakes her head. “This what I get for being friends with a pony that has a bank account older than most banks. Luna I need to show you what life is like for a... well common pony. A cheap version of this item can go about 50 bits.” “really? Well, I did want top-quality and the reviews for this item were very good.” “Thank you, Luna. I will cherish it every time I make a cake, just what am I going to do with it now?” “I got that taken care of.” With another flash of magic, the mixer was gone. “There if I remember right it in your living room. Luna looks down spotting the two foals in Buttercream’s baby stroller. Nightshade was trying to hide under the covers it was almost good enough if her tail wasn’t showing. “Looks like you got a stole away.” With a glow of her horn, Nightshade comes floating out via the telekinetic. “Has she been giving you trouble?” “She doesn’t want you to leave. I’m with her, we are going to miss you two.” “We going to miss you as well, but my mother hasn’t seen Cream Puff since she was born. It only a week then we are back.” Luna felt shocked when Buttercream hugs her, then she returns it with her hug. “Got to tell me all about it when you get back. Happy Hearths Warming Buttercream, you too Cream Puff.” Luna adds a sound barrier around Nightshade to cut out the wailing. She smiles sadly as the two boarded the train. Looking up she spots that Nightshade wasn’t wailing and dropped the sound spell. “Finish fussing? They are going to be back soon my foal it’s just a week.” Pouting “No” crosses her forelegs floating in Luna’s magic. “Come on Nightshade. We still have some shopping to do." This got Nightshade stopping her fussing and she looks at Luna. “Oh this going to be a good doozy!” Both Luna and Nightshade gasp in surprise and turned to look at the Pink pony of surprises Pinkie Pie. “How... when did you get here Pinkie Pie.” “Oh, I took the train to see It’s right there.” The Princesses turn to look at the train pulling into the station. “But it just arrived.” “Of course how else would I get here?” Pinkie Pie says tilting her head. Luna looks at a very confused looking Nightshade shakes her head then looks to the Train as the rest of the Mane 6 got off the train. “Princess Luna, and Nightshade. We getting a Royal reception.” Rarity bows before the princesses then did a double-take seeing Pinkie Pie standing by them. She shakes her head chalking it up to Pinkie being Pinkie. “Ah Lady Rarity, no we were here to say fair well to our friend Buttercream. She and her daughter are spending Hearth’s Warming with her family in Baltimare.” “As much as I wish to be Princess Luna, I am not a noble.” “Really? Hmm. Well, I and Nightshade have some shopping to do. We see you at the Play I’m looking forward to watching your performance.” “Happy Hearth’s Warming Princesses.” Twilight Sparkle smiles and waves as the group separate. “They aren’t nobles... I wonder.” Luna mumbles to herself as they head to the shopping district. It wasn’t long before they came to the shops that Nightshade whacked her upside the head. “TIA!” “Celestia where?” Luna looked around expecting her sister. “NO, Tia...” Nightshade points to a shop. “Oh, you think there a present in there? Alright, let see what we can find.” A mischief smile comes to her face matching her daughters as they walked along the shop shelves. “TIA!” Nightshade motions to some cushions one was a sky blue with gold trim. “Indeed that does look like her. Alright, we got her gift.” Time has passed on and the day of Hearth’s Warming has arrived. In the private suite of Princess Nightshade, the Royal family was sitting by the fire. “Ah, a nice family get together. Much more relaxing than going to Upper crust Hearth’s Warming party. I thought I would have to be very vocal about how abusive you were Aunt Celestia. Treating to take my weekly allowance if I didn’t”.. Prince Blueblood makes air quote motions with his forehooves. “Spend Quality time with the family. On the plus side, I don’t have to listen to Father introducing me to yet another Proper Noble Unicorn Mare.” He sighs and picks up a mug of hot cocoa. “Your welcome Blueblood.” Celestia sips her tea and notes Nightshade has disappeared. “Where Nightshade?” Just then the deep purple glow of Nightshade magic moved a small box in white wrapping decorated in crayons over to Luna. “Seems it time for presents.” Taking the gift from her daughter she opened the box and gasps. Lifting a small figure of a silvery pegasus with a deep blue mane. Tears came to her eyes and she wipes them away. Luna had on the deep blue sweater from Buttercream on. “Luna? What is it.” “it.. a figure of Shadow Striker. Not quite right but close enough... but how.” She saw a card in the box. Dear Princess Luna The other day I was walking Nightshade when she saw a porcelain shop. After a game of 20 questions, I figured out what she wanted. This figure is the result of those many questions. I don’t know who he was but it was clear he was important to Nightshade and this was your Hearth’s Warming gift. Signed Peppermint Heart. Luna horn glows and Nightshade was snatched up and given a hug. “Thank you Nightshade.” “Aww, I wish I could have met the... wait how did Nightshade know what her father looked like?” Blueblood lowered his mug puzzling it over. “Blueblood I guess you can learn another top secret. Nightshade is older then she looks. Her body new but her mind was once Nightmare Moon.” “Nightmare? Well, that kind of explains a few things. Is she safe?” “PBTHHHHHHH” the little purple filly blew a raspberry at him. “Of course Blueblood. She was once the Nightmare, that is no longer the case. Besides, do you want to be known as the Stallion who locked up a baby? To all extent and purpose, Nightshade is a foal in mind and body. Just has some memories from long ago, but her life begins on that Summer Sun Celebration.” Luna adds lowering down Nightshade and seeing the filly run to the gifts again. “I would have to agree to that. Not even my father would dare use that in his plots.” A gift wacks him upside the head. “Very funny Royal pain.” He takes the gift and opens it to see a gold compass. “It lovely Nightshade. Oh, look even got the compass rose to match my cutie mark.” A large present was pushed slowly to Celestia it being too large for Nightshade to use her magic on. “Thank you Nightshade.” Celestia opens it to see the sky blue pillow. “A lovely cushion” She rises and moves the cushion to sit and as she lowers a loud “BBBBBBBFRRRRFFFFF” sound was heard. “A whoopee cushion.” From outside the royal suite, the guards could hear the laughter of Blueblood, Luna, and the joyful glee of a filly. In Ponyville Pinkie Pie smiles. “Nope Not yet. That wasn’t the doozy.” Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie walk into the court chamber. They expected to see Celestia but on the throne was Luna. “Oh, Luna what’s the problem? We came as soon as we could.” Twilight speaks up glancing at the other ponies gathered. Nobles and newspaper ponies were in attendance. What was going on? “The problem was I became aware you weren’t rewarded properly for saving me and Nightshade, not to mention saving all of Equestria from Nightmare Moon. All six of you need to bow now.” Luna stood up and walked down the steps. “It not often done in modern times but there is no reason I can’t use my royal right, so. For service to the kingdom above and beyond the call of duty. By the powers vested in me, I grant you, six heroes of Equestria, the noble rank of DAME. From this day forward you are so knighted.” She smiles “Arise Lady Twilight Sparkle, Lady Rarity, Lady Fluttershy, Lady Apple Jack, Lady Rainbow Dash, and Lady Pinkamena Diane Pie.” “Dame.... me a real noble. Lady? Oh my.” Rarity rises only to fall back onto a couch Pinkie Pie pushed into place just at the right time. “Now this is the Doozy!” Pinkie Pie says as she bounces around the others who were stunned. Luna smiles “Happy Hearth’s Warming my friends.” Author's Note Happy Hearth's Warming! Well, this tale went off in ways I didn't expect. I was going to bounce back and forth between Luna and Nightshade but for some reason, I kept writing Luna's perspective. By the time I stopped and looked back, it was 2,700+ words long. Adding Nightshade's perspective would push its way into the 3000+ range. Almost enough for its own story! The reason I didn't do that was time. It's already 12/26 and I wanted this done before the Holiday's ended. It dawned on me that Luna has the power to Knight the mane 6 and they should have been knighted given they literally saved the world. So in this Universe, the mane 6 are now technically Minor Nobles! Nightshade really showing how much she changed. Getting gifts for her family and yes she got her friends gifts too just there was no point in typing it out. Of course, she got Celestia a Whoopee CUSHION! After reading it again I made some small changes to smooth out the story flow. Report any spelling or Grammar errors to Santa so he can put them on the Naughty List and send them a big sack of coal. Dream Lesson OneAuthor's Note A little note on time. In the Mother Moon universe, the Royal Wedding happens After Discord return. This takes place 3 months after the Changeling Invasion. Yes that Scootaloo nightmare from "Sleepless In Ponyville." I added a little explanation of why Nightshade shifts from Adult to Filly in the Dream Realm! Hope you enjoyed this little dream walking lesson! Remember I have trouble with spelling and grammar, like any nightmare talk about it and let me know. Dream Lesson One The laughter of Nightshade faded in the dream realm as the three ponies settle down. Twilight shakes her head looking down the rows of doors on the dream realm. She could see faint glowing colors from each door. The doors were different shapes and designs and it seemed as none repeat themselves. “So what does the other magical glows mean?” “Oh let me tell!” Nightshade bounces up springing like Pinkie Pie. Luna chuckles “Alright Nightshade I let you guide this lesson.” Part of Luna wanted to see how Nightshade handles this. “Okay... um. First is the difference between Physical magic and Mental magic.” Nightshade form shifts to her more adult appearance. With her physical form came a more mature voice pattern. “Celestia is well skilled in physical magics. Runes, spells, enchantments all use energy outside the body or guided by the body like how Peguses fly and manipulate the weather. But Mental magic the energy stays in the body charging up the mind.” “All magic has to be linked to the mind. Without it, our magic wouldn’t take form.” Twilight says as the three walks along with the doors of the endless hallway. “Well duh, but you send the magic out of your body. Right now you are using magic as a transmitter of your thoughts rather than use your thoughts to give form to magic. This is the key difference between physical magic and mental magic. Everything you see is your brain translating what it picking up in the ambient magic transmitted by dreaming ponies.” “Unlike other life on Equus Ponies are one of the few that not only absorb magic from what we eat but also absorb ambient magic in the air. An Earth pony who absorbs the energy around them could yank a building off its foundation when just a few days later struggle with the weight of a cake.” “I know that Nightshade. You still haven’t answered my question if Pinkish Red means... romantic activities. What do the other colors mean.” Twilight speaks up to the royal purple alicorn. Luna smirks watching the interplay as she motions with her snout to a deep blue glowing door. Nightshade seeing the motion nods. “I’m getting to that Twilight. Because all magic has a mental element to it, magic has strong reactions to emotions. Get too angry a unicorn with enough power could burst into flames. This is why tending to strong emotions in the dreams of ponies is necessary. A foal that gets too angry or scared in a nightmare could cause a fire in the physical world. The stronger or brighter the glow the stronger the emotions. Each emotion has different shades, like this door. Deep blue is depression.” Luna leans down “Go ahead and just touch your hoof to the door. There no need to intrude on pony privacy without need.” “Wait you let me open that pinkish door when it wasn’t necessary to see... that?” Luna smirks “My Nightshade seems to have a prankster nature to her. Much like Celestia once upon a time.” “I do not take after Celestia!” Nightshade huff and looks away. Luna laughs. “Celestia had our old castle made with secret passages and even a slide so she could sneak around the castle to play pranks.” Nightshade stomps her hoof “She’s lazy and stupid.” “Celestia not lazy or stupid.” Twilight turns to stare at Nightshade. “Oh really? She didn’t tell you anything just send you on some tests and hope for the best. That Dragon she sent you and your friends could have been taken care of easily if she bothered to just go herself.” “That not true she had to handle the day court she couldn’t just leave it behind with no warning.” “Twilight, Nightshade. We have a lesson to do leave this petty squabbles for another time. Twilight, remember even if Nightshade might look like an adult now she’s still a foal.” Nightshade form reverted to the five-year-old and she huffs crossing her forelegs in front of her barrel. “I’m not like smelly, stupid, fat, Celestia.” “Now back to the lesson Twilight go ahead and touch the door.” Luna motions to the deep blue glowing door. Twilight looked at the door noting it was a basic wood door of cherry wood one might see on an Earth Pony house. She reached out to just touched the door when what she saw changed. The room was a hospital and there was an elderly old mare in the bed the ticking of a heart monitor going as she looked at the mid-age stallion beside her. “It's alright, you be fine. Remember mommy loves.... you.” The monitor started a steady line as the mare passed away. “MOM!” Twilight stepped back shaking her head “His, mother died. He’s dreaming about her passing away.” Luna nods and looks to the door “It’s a normal dream, sad and could easily turn into a Nightmare. We let him be, the hardest part of dream walking is learning when to intrude and when to keep yourself from intruding. Many years ago before I...” She looked to Nightshade who was stomping and kicking at little Celestia dolls she conjured. “We became nightmare moon I made that mistake. I tried to fix every dream, it turned out that the nobles use that to inspire fear of me. With comments like how I was monitoring pony thoughts.” “poopy heads.” Nightshade was still in her filly and flys up to land on Luna’s back. “Luna, I have to ask why does Nightshade change from a grown mare to a young filly?” Twilight asks looking at the filly now on Luna’s back. She tries not to react when Nightshade gives her the stink eye. “That, I fear is the result of our time being bound to the moon. Did you notice I spoke in old Equish where Nightmare Moon spoke modern? Nightmare Moon was still able to access the dream realm.” Luna looked to the filly on her back “Nightshade mind is more developed than her physical body. Her physical form can’t handle it all so a part of her is still bound to the Dreams. As she grows she would integrate fully and the more adult form will fade.” “I’m too smart for my body!” “When Nightshade's emotions are stronger she a filly in the dreams. That goes back to our lesson magic reacts to our emotions. In the dream, you see Nightshade as a filly when she broadcasting stronger emotions when she calmer she seems an adult here in the dream realm.” “MOM! A nightmare!” Luna’s head snapped around seeing a door glowing with a sicking black haze in the distance. Twilight moves to run but suddenly the world shifts and they stood before the shadow cloaked door. “What, how did we get over here so fast.” Phhhhhhthhhhhhh Nightshade blows a raspberry “Twilight, remember everything even distance is all in your head. Luna just changed our focus. How else do you think she watches out for nightmares for all of ponykind?” “Oh... Okay, so this black haze like glow is a nightmare?” “Indeed Twilight and a bad one. If left alone it would affect the pony for the rest of her life.” Luna reaches out and touches the door. Then steps back. “It’s Scootaloo the filly that hangs around Rainbow Dash all the time.” “Scootaloo? She was going on a camping trip with Rainbow, Applejack, Rarity, and her friends. Why would she be having a nightmare?” Twilight wondered out loud. Luna’s magic lifted Nightshade off her back. “You two stay here and I shall tend to this.” Luna then walked into the door. “Let watch!” Nightshade prances up and taps the door instead of opening a window seemed to form showing Scootaloo running through a forest with a headless horse chasing after her. Twilight watched as Luna stopped the headless horse and gave Scootaloo a prep talk. Then Twilight saw the dark haze fade and once Luna was out of the door itself vanished. “Where did the door go? Is Scottaloo alright?” “Scootaloo is fine, just needs to face her fears. The cause of this was some scary story she was told now she afraid if Lady Rainbow Dash finds out, Rainbow will be disappointed in her.” “The door disappeared because she woke up.” Nightshade stretches her wings as she returns to her adult form. “A foalish fear.” “Nightshade? We became Nightmare Moon because of the feeling of rejection did we not?” Luna looks to her daughter who huffed and looked away. Then Luna looked to Twilight. “Some nightmares are needed for a Pony to grow. Where others would harm them. If I didn’t interfere the dread of being rejected would grow, and... we all know how that very thing affected me.” “That and Sombra’s evil magic, the whole feeling of being betrayed, oh let not forget the Nobles slandering us. Er... you.” Nightshade moves past the other two ponies and motions to a door with a grayish haze. “There a Nightmare that the result of guilt. See how their sparks of different colors I see angry red and yellows sparks in the gray. The nightmare there is caused by anger and fear. I bet ten bits someone got mad and now feeling guilty and is afraid of the result.” Twilight walks up to the door and touched it. “I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU FORGOT OUR ANNIVERSARY!” She backed up having seen and heard the yelling mare. “Um... It seems some stallion forgot their wedding anniversary. The Mare now is having the Nightmare she damaged their marriage by overreacting.” “We heard, that a very potent nightmare, but one I don’t think would have lasting effects. Come it time for me to end this spell. I want to double-check on Scootaloo, and as I said we are using magic so our bodies aren’t getting rest even if we are laying down on those soft pillows Spike provided.” “Oh, it’s Pinkie Pie’s dream! She so random!” Nightshade shifts to the five-year-old form and runs into a pink door with party balloons. Twilight spots a carnival on the other side of the door. Twilight looks to Luna “Is she going to be alright?” Luna looks down “I’m sure Nightshade is safe even if Pinkie Pie dreams tend to be chaotic." “No, I’m asking about Scootaloo. That was a dark nightmare.” Luna nods “If she faces her fear and tells Rainbow Dash she’s afraid she be fine. If not the fear will take root and could take a life of its own.” With that, her horn flair and the dream walk ends. Twilight Sparkle opens her eyes seeing her Library. “Wow, it was all in our heads.” A yawn was heard and Twilight turns her head seeing Spike barely awake. “go ahead and get to sleep...” She yawns herself. “I will be getting to bed as well once I get something in me. I’m famished.” “That the drain on your magic Twilight. Once you are used to using mental magic your body will adapt. Now if you excuse me.” Luna stands and goes to the window where she lights up her form. Twilight watches and for a moment she saw Luna’s face on the moon. “There that should help Scootaloo.” “Thank you for the lesson Luna.” “It was my pleasure Twilight. Now, how about we enjoy those cucumber sandwiches Spike had prepared.” “Sure he does make fine snacks” “Thanks, Twi. Twilight tried once to make a cake and it came out hard as a brick.” “I followed the directions!” "Twilight cooking is affected by altitude. The recipe you followed was written for Canterlot because of the lower air pressure on the mountain food takes longer to cook. Down here in Ponyville it's faster." “But... The book said twenty minutes!” "It said for approximately twenty minutes." Luna chuckles smiling as she takes a bite of a sandwich. The Dreaded cave of DreadNightshade’s Pov The air was thick with moisture and the faint taste of mold, spider webs hung down from the ceiling of the caves just barely brushing the three adventurers. “Come on we just starting exploring. The treasure will be min...umm...ours.” Nightshade marched right past her and deeper into the caves. Following Nightshade was her friends Cream Puff and Buster. She adjusts her explorer’s helmet and lights her torch. Plunging deeper into the dreaded caves of dread! She was glad for the torch shining its magical light brightens the brownish sandstone walls reflected slightly as the three came to an intersection. “Okay... it’s this way.” Nightshade turned left followed by Buster. “You sure Nightshade it looks scary.” “Buster, of course, I’m sure. The scary stuff always has the best stuff.” Not paying attention Cream Puff felt a strand of the spider webs on her back and squealed. Charging ahead to get away from the web she took the right path. After a few feet down the tunnel, she slows and looks around... alone. Her heart continued to beat fast as the sudden fear of the strange sensation of the web was replaced with the fear of being alone. Cream Puff always had this fear it was why she was given the stuffed bunny. She was missing Mr. Hops who she left with her mommy. That means she was now alone, in the dark cave with just her glow stick. “Nigh... nightshade?” She sucked in a breath getting ready to scream. “There you are Cream Puff. You went the wrong way.” Nightshade came up to her friend. Buster followed and unlike Nightshade noticed the signs of fear in Cream Puff. The lowered tail and ears up and alert. Wide eyes he came closer and hugged Cream Puff. “We here Cream Puff. It okay you are safe.” Nightshade blinks “Wait what’s wrong?” “I..I.. was alone... where were you?” Cream Puff let out her breath slowly calming down. “We went to the left path. Then I noticed you were not with us.” Buster gives Nightshade a stink eye. “I mean... Buster noticed. So we came back looking for you.” Yup completely believable Nightshade thought to herself. The cave shook slightly “Cave in!” The top of the cave opens and Buttercream’s head looked down. “You alright in there Cream Puff?” Buttercream looks down at the foals. “Mommy, I good.” Cream Puffs looks up to her mother. “You are braking immersion.” Nightshade pouts. “What that means Nightshade?” Buster asks as Buttercream lowers the ceiling. “It means it not pretend.” “Oh, well can we play more,” Buster asks looking innocently at the fillies. “Yes, we still have the treasure to find.” Nightshade headed farther down the cave as the other two foals look at each other and shrugged. Then followed the group leader into the darkness. Turning the corner Nightshade stops and raises her wing. “There are bears ahead guys. We have to be sneaky.” “I got this.” Buster wasn’t sneaky instead he charges forward turns and bucks the bears missing both. His hooves end up stuck in the cave wall. “Help..” The two bears turn and growl as the two move forward Buster's heart started beating faster as fear set in. Trapped in the dirt of the cavern wall he was helpless. Just then the bears went flying into the cave wall blasting through the rock. The two fillies having shoved the stuffed two stuffed Teddy-bears through the cardboard wall. “Oh no Buster falling out and down the cliff,” Nightshade says as she grabs Buster front left hoof. Cream Puff grabs his right hoof and both pull him back into the cave. Once save the three foals look out of the opening and down the cliff. “Are they okay?” Asks Cream Puff. “Yeah see they are getting up. We better hurry before they find their way up again.” “That’s like a thousand miles below. Thanks for saving me you two.” Buster says as he looked at the two Teddy-bears laying just an inch away. “We are a team. Now let get going I want that candy... er. We are so close to the treasure.” Nightshade turns and heads back into the cave followed by the other two. They're in a cave that was in an octagon shape was a bowl with sparkling gems. “The treasure!” The roof shakes and a large white head looks down. “Having Fun?” “Oh no a horrible fat monster that going to sit on us! Quickly grab the candy... I mean treasure.” The three foals grab the candy dish and scurry for the safety of the smaller cavern. Soon all three run out of the box caves and to their mothers where the start dividing up the candies. Celestia blinks “Why does she always have to say something about my weight?” Luna’s Pov Outside the mass of boxes that been tapped Luna smiles as her filly and friends went into the maze. Sipping her coffee she moves the large cup from her lips and looks to her guest. “Vanilla Bean you were right this Moonlit Champion drink is tasty.” “Um... thanks, Princess.” Vanilla Bean was a pale yellow earth pony with a brown mane and tail a light brown like coffee with cream in it. Her brown eyes were a little panicky. “Glad you like my work.” Princess Luna sighed the mare was afraid that was clear. She hoped she was over the fear ponies had of her but it seemed that there... her thoughts were interrupted by Buttercream. “Relax Vanilla. Luna not going to hurt you.” “Oh, no... no.. it not that. She... awesome I saw her fight those nasty Changelings. I don’t know what to say to the Princess.” Blink... blink It took a moment for what Vanilla Bean said to processed. “You think I’m awesome?” “Oh yes... Princess Luna. Even wounded you didn’t stop or give in to despair. It was very... inspiring. Me and Donut Joe started throwing hot coffee and even the cooking oil at the Changelings after we saw you and Cadence.” Luna blushes a little and looks to the drink she was sipping “Is that why he named this drink the Moonlit Champion? Is it in honor of me?” “It was my idea, but yes.” With a worried look “It’s too much? You don’t like it?” “No.. I mean I love the drink. Thank you.” Buttercream chuckles and leans over to Vanilla Bean “Luna not used to being complimented.” “Why not? A Princess as awesome as Luna should be complimented often.” Luna smirks and takes another sip “it’s a very long story and one that very sad. Perhaps I tell you another ti...” The squeal of a foal causes all three mothers to snap their heads to the cardboard box maze the foals had set up. Buttercream stood up and headed to the boxes “That’s my Cream Puff’s squeal.” She lifted part of the box and looked down. “You alright in there Cream Puff?” “Mommy, I good.” Cream Puffs looks up to her mother. Buttercream smiles at the foals and closes the box and headed back to the couch where the other two mothers were watching. “They are fine, looks like Cream Puff just got separated for a time.” “I thought Cream Puff didn’t scare that easy,” Luna states as she looks at the boxes as she focuses on the sounds of the foals. “She’s brave when with others. She has isolation anxiety when she alone she panics. That’s why she normally with her stuffed bunny. I’m surprised Nightshade got her to leave him with me.” Buttercream nudges the stuffed bunny. “Isolation anxiety is a normal problem with foals. Our herding instincts want us to be around others, being alone is hard to get used to. It was very hard for me a thousand years ago, it was just me and Celestia. I’m happy that it seems Nightshade won’t be growing up lonely.” “Well, you aren’t alone anymore either Luna. You got me and Vanilla Bean... right Vanilla?” “What.. oh sure I will be more than happy to hang out.” “Thank you two. This means a lot, more then I can even say.” Luna smiles and blinks as a pair of hooves burst out of the cardboard. “Seems Buster got stuck.” Luna laughs seeing the colt's hooves sticking out. “Oh, dear wonder what they are doing in there.” Vanilla Bean asks right before the side of the box rips fully and two stuffed Teddy-bears pop out followed by the three foals looking out of the hole. “Having an adventure.” Luna smiles as she sips her drink then see Celestia walk into the suite. “I see the foals are having fun in the maze.” “Indeed sister, they are having a blast. I do believe they are near the treasure room.” “Oh?” Celestia moved to the octagon chamber and lifts the roof. “Having Fun?” “Oh no a horrible fat monster that going to sit on us! Quickly grab the candy... I mean treasure.” Celestia blinks as the three foals scramble to the candy dish then back into the box maze. “Why does she always have to say something about my weight?” “It seems there will always be snide side to my Daughter.” She looks down as the three foals split up the candies. Author's Note I wanted to have a little fun. Here we see how the personalities of the three foals interact with each other. Nightshade still has a bit of an ego and greedy side. Not as potent as Nightmare Moon's but it still there. Cream Puff is trusting but has anxiety attacks when alone so would tend to go with any wild idea Nightshade has. Buster is more careful but willing to be the brave guard like his father when he has to. I had a happy birthday, it was on the 13th! Still counts! Nightshade's First Birthday!Author's Note I didn't think of much mischief for the Canterlot Three to do here. I did, however, add a lot of info for future events! Can you figure them out? Nightshade's First Birthday! T-Four months Luna’s POV Unlocking the door the two sisters walk into the royal office to discuss the event’s in day court. “So Blueblood made another show in court today.” Luna chuckles “What did he do this time?” “Oh just demanded a broken down playground be torn down and a garden be put in its place, with a statue to himself of course.” Celestia smiles. “So he wants us to repair the playground in a poor section of the city. A noble request, and adding the statue idea makes it seem it just for his ego. I approved the idea, let just add a small statue in the corner, oh better yet it the center of the merry go round.” The two sisters stop walking as the chair behind one of the desks turn around by itself. Or so it seemed, in the chair was Pinkie Pie. “Ah good... we need to talk. From my calculations, we have four months to prepare for Nightshade’s first birthday party.” “Four months, but the summer sun celebration is six months away,” Celestia states looking at the door to the office. The door that was locked and had a guard standing by it. “Oh, silly Celestia didn’t the Doctor FeelGood tell you she was a healthy two months old? That means we need to adjust the day of her birth to fit. Or else ponies would get curious. On top of that it’s unfair to Nightshade she has to have a birthday on the Summer Sun Celebration. It's like having a birthday on the worst day you ever had.” Pinkie leans forward her hooves together in an almost sinister pose. “Now let’s talk about her birthday party.” Luna looks to Celestia “Why did I feel a chill go down my spine?” She faced Sombra, Discord, Tirek, and her inner nightmares. For some reason, this pink smiling pony was more freighting then them all. “I don’t know Luna... maybe it best we just go along with her.” “Good now sit, we have lots to go over.” Pinkie Pie smiles she been planning for months. T- one month Luna slams down a letter “THAT ARROGANT... Ugh, I can’t even say what.” Celestia looks up from the pile of letters she was going over. “What’s is it Luna?” “It’s Count De Money. He has the nerve to offer his son as a betrothed to Nightshade.” “That is arrogant. I can’t wait to tell Blueblood his father offering him as a betrothed to a one-year-old filly.” Celestia shakes her head “I’m so glad Blueblood took after his mother.” “I wish I could have met princess Red Carpet if her son anything to go by she must have been impressive.” Luna uses her magic to write a note in reply to Count De Money. “A five-time award-winning actress as well as a direct heir to Princess Plantuim. I still can’t understand why she fell in love with De Money as she did.” “Perhaps he did love her, a pity it didn’t include their son. Now it just seems De Money is just trying to use Blueblood for his ambition.” Luna picks up another letter and looks it over. “Celestia, is this Rich's Barnyard Bargains a good investment?” Celestia looks up from a letter “It not a bad investment, owned by the Rich family currently led by Filthy Rich originally named Berry Rich before he changed his name. The Rich family has the only contract for the Zap Apple Jam from the apple family. The Barnyard bargains chain has 15 locations throughout Equestria. Why you ask?” “Because he offering 20 stock shares for a birthday present for Nightshade. He and his family confirm they be here for the birthday party.” Celestia taps her chin “He’s not a bad pony, but his wife is a social climber and a bit of an elitist. From what I hear their daughter Diamond Tiara is much the same as well a bit of a bully.” “Sounds like they will fit right in with the Canterlot nobility. Most of the guest list are social climbers with egos larger than the sun. I just hope they wouldn’t ruin Nightshade’s first birthday party.” Birthday Party She didn’t expect a thing, why would she, after all, she wasn’t technically born till the Summer Sun Celebration so when Luna put her in her stroller she didn’t suspect a thing. That was till they walked past the daycare center. Nightshade moved to look up to her mother and point her hoof to the door. “You passed it," of course unable to talk yet it was just babble. “No, we aren’t going to the daycare today. Gentle Wind having a day off from taking care of you.” Nightshade tilts her head “Why? She loves me. She said so herself I keep her on her hooves.” Luna chuckles not sure what Nightshade said but knew what was coming. They turned the corner and headed out to the gardens when... “SURPRISE!” Nightshade screamed and jumped from her stroller and bolted under Luna’s legs before she turned to face the pink monstrosity. “Why is the pink one here? Don’t you know she’s an abomination?” Nightshade babbled from the shelter of Luna’s legs. “Aww, I think I scared her. Come on every pony! Happy Birthday, Nightshade!” Pinkie Pie bounced out of the way of Luna and Nightshade reveling the garden decorated in stars, balloons painted to look like planets, and streamers of gold and red mimicking shooting stars. Nightshade seeing her friends Buster and Cream Puff scampered over to the two foals. There were others about most from the daycare center including the caretakers. The others about she didn’t take long to group them into the social elites and the other ponies. Luna spoke up as she entered the gathering. “Nightshade and I wish to welcome you all to her birthday party. This being her first birthday there aren’t any events just let your foals have fun. There the bouncy castle, the ball pit, an obstacle course, the royal playground, and even a small dance floor. Have fun every pony.” “Let’s play.” Cream Puff states as she heads for the obstacle course. “Okay, I lead.” Nightshade rushes ahead followed shortly by Buster. The three foals came to the course. It wasn’t much there were wheels on the ground followed by a rope net you crawled under, and last a balance beam. Nightshade joined her friends jumping from wheel to wheel when her ears turn hearing some older foals in pretty dresses talk. “Ugh, why are they doing that? They get all dirty.” “Yeah, Stardust but what you expect she’s playing with a mud pony after all.” Nightshade snorts hearing the snobbish unicorns talk about her friend. Her horn lights up as she gets ready to blast those unicorns when Cream Puff’s voice distracts her. “Hurry up Nightshade!” The spell fades as she turns seeing her friends at the rope. Ignoring the snobs she runs after her friends and being so small the net above the three wasn’t much trouble at all. At the balance beam, she easily leaps and glides onto the beam. Followed by Buster with his Earth Pony enhanced strength. Cream Puff, however, was stuck unable to leap upon the beam. Then a filly came over and lifted her onto the beam. “There ya go.” Nightshade looks back at the pale light yellow earth pony with a bright pink bow and red mane and tail. Standing with the Earth pony filly was an orange and purple pegasus filly and a Unicorn filly with pink hair. “Having an adventure you three? Don’t worry the Cutie Mark Crusaders are here to help.” Scootaloo says smiling. The three smaller foals continue on the balance beam as the CMC followed alongside. “Woo, there almost done fell off.” Apple Bloom says as she helps Buster keep his balance. “What are you blank flanks doing here? Don’t you know this is for important ponies.” Came the voice of Diamond Tiara approaching the group with Silver Spoon. “Leave us alone Diamond Tiara.” Scootaloo snorts facing the bullies. She didn’t notice Nightshade moving up beside her with an angry face. “Or what? You going to flap your little wings and pretend to fly?” “Everything alright over here?” Buttercream was, of course, keeping an eye on her daughter and their friends. So when the two fancy-dressed foals went over she came right up behind them. Diamond Tiara looks to the earth pony and huffs. “Nothing a staff pony needs to worry about. Go along and do something useful.” Buttercream raises her brow. Then looks to Nightshade “Don’t worry Princess I got this.” Nightshade blinks and looks to her friend's mother. “What do you mean?” Buttercream smiles and looks to the fillies. “You are from Ponyville, right? Home of Sweet Apple Orchards? The only orchard where Zap Apple Jam is made? One of the Suppliers for apples here at the castle? Well you two fillies, that Apple Bloom the youngest of the Apples that are one of the wealthiest families in the nation.” “Wait I’m wealthy?” Apple Bloom blinks. “No, she’s not, she just a blank flank farm pony. My Daddy Filthy Rich I’m more wealthy than any farm pony.” Diamond Tiara snorts. “Apple Bloom, who’s sister is a Dame, who owns more land then most of Ponyville combined. Who with one word to her big sister Lady Applejack could cut the supply of apples and zap apple jam to your father’s Barnyard Bargains? I might be just a chief here at the castle but I know that filly could ruin your father’s business. Not only would he not have any apples from Sweet Apple Orchard, but none of the apples from any of the Apple family, then you have the friends of those Apples following along, like her cousins the Oranges. Tell me how would your daddy make his bits if all the farms stop selling to him?” “Indeed, Lady Applejack and her family are that powerful. Besides the Oranges, they have ties to the Pears as well. Wealth doesn't always mean Bits my little pony. One should never judge a book by its cover.” Diamond Tiara turns to see Luna approaching. “Princess this servant is talking back to me.” Luna raised a brow. “I see.” Luna looks to Buttercream “I did give you the day off correct?” “Yup, wanting me to spend time with my daughter on your daughter’s special day.” “Ah good. So how about we get some coffee, my treat.” “It’s always your treat Luna. One of these days I going to insist on paying.” “WAIT, you are friends with a servant?” Diamond gasps out shocked at the display of the royal princess and the kitchen chief. Luna looks down and smiles “Yes. Now run along and play like good foals.” Luna then looks to the CMC “Thanks for taking care of our daughters. I see they are in good hooves." “Cutie Mark Crusaders are on the job.” Apple Bloom smiles and gives Luna a salute. Luna nods then give Nightshade a wink and headed to the drinks with Buttercream. “Wow, I didn’t know I was wealthy.” Apple Bloom looks to the smaller foals “How about the ball pit next?” The three smaller foals look at each other than run to the ball pit not even slowing as they jumped into the mass of softballs. The CMC barely heard Diamond Tiara say behind them. “But she a servant...” The foals playing distracted them for a bit longer than from the tables. “It’s cake time!” “Oh no, you don’t Pinkie Pie! This Birthday cake is provided by the Kitchen staff!” Buttercream called out. “BRING IT OUT, BOYS!” Four Earth pony servants came out carrying a massive multi-layered purple and silver cake decorated with stars. “I spent the last week making sure everything was perfect. Alternating vanilla and chocolate cake with my signature buttercream icing! It even has chocolate chips in it!” Luna picks up Nightshade and the other three foals and placed them at the head table. “As much as my sister might want the first slice. That honor goes to the birthday girl.” Luna served her daughter first setting the cake down. Just to see the filly smash it into her mouth with abandonment. “Just like Celestia!” The voice caught Nightshade by surprised and she stuck her tongue out and blew a raspberry “Phtttttp. I am not like Celestia at all.” It wasn’t long after the cake that the presents were opened. Various toys were offered as well as some that were meant to be display toys not for playing. Others were clear attempts to bribe the Princess. Really why would a one-year-old filly need with designer dresses and jewelry? With a sleeping Nightshade Luna heads away from the fading party. Or she tried there standing in front of her was Pinkie Pie. “Did I do a good job? Did she like it?” Pinkie Pie was looking at the snoring Nightshade her muzzle still had some cake frosting on it. “you did a wonderful job Pinkie Pie.” Luna smiles at the smaller pony. “Good with how I messed up the whole Nightmare Night I was worried. Black Snooty didn’t know how to smile. Both of you do now.” Pinkie walked with Luna down the hall. “Indeed, there wasn’t much for... um.... black snooty to smile about.” “Not anymore, she has friends and family.” Pinkie looks off as if hearing something. “She’s going to need them.” Luna stops and turns to ask Pinkie what she meant but the hall was empty except for her and the snoring Nightshade. “Just when I stopped being spooked by that pony she says something like that.” It is Cadence's DestinyNightshade was enjoying her dream. It wasn’t special or anything just a simple dream about flying over silvery clouds in the moonlight. Landing on a cloud she looks down to the dream version of Equestria below. “Oh, my sleeping ponies. So snug in your beds.” Her head snaps up something was wrong. There was something else in her dream. Her eyes widen watching a shadow grow from the north. “WHO’S THERE?!” In the dark clouds two eyes open green with a purple glow. A horn appears black darker than the darkest night with a red tip. “CRYSTALS” The dream turned nightmare shatters as nightshade scrambles from her blanket screaming in terror. She starts flying just as the door opens reveling Peppermint Heart her part zebra nanny. “Nightshade? You alright?” Fear all nightshade knew was fear she didn’t wait, didn’t even noticed Peppermint as she zipped past him at top speed. Her horn lights up blasting the doors to her chambers open. Her instincts crying out for only one pony. Her scream awoke her, her throat already sore from her crying. The purple missile of terror flew past guards and servants heading for the royal court chamber. Luna sat on the throne as night court continues. There wasn’t a large group, mostly poor that couldn’t get to see Celestia the day before, or couldn’t wait any longer for the next day court. At least it wasn’t any nobles who were trying to sneak something past her that Celestia already turned down. Before her now were a Stallion and Mare both were earth ponies. The mare was a brown coat with a leaf green mane, the stallion was tan with a sandstone mane. “Your.. majesty, our farm was destroyed during the parasprites infestation. We have been waiting for the insurance company, but we need aid now. Without our farm, we can’t pay the mortgage.” “We going to lose our home! I just found out I’m with foal. Please, Princess, help us.” “I understand the Parasprites that infested Fillydelphia was devastating. Due to emergency measures ruling 52 all mortgages should have been put on hold. I will have someone investigate your claim right away. No one should go homeless double so when expecting. I will also personally pay for your farm recovery.” “If I may ask what bank has your mortgage?” “That will be Money and Capital.” The Mare replied. “Count de Money’s bank, I should have known. I’m sure he would say it a missed file or a mistake of an underling.” Looking to her assistant Midnight Oil. “I want an investigation into the Money and Capital bank. Make sure they didn’t misfile any other mortgages that would have been covered by the emergency action. Make sure my ruling is followed. I want their home ready to welcome the new member of the family.” “Oh thank you princess!” the couple smiles broadly at the princess of the night. “It is my pleasure my litt... what is that noise?” Luna stood up just as the screaming Nightshade blasted the court hall doors open and flew into her hooves balling her eyes out. “Oh, dear... The night court is dismissed. Seems I have a family issue to tend to.” Midnight oil Luna’s assistant nods. “As you wish Princess.” The unicorn aid headed to the couple. “If you follow me I get your information and send someone to see why you are being intimidated.” Picking up nightshade till she could look her daughter in the face “Now my little Nightshade, what got you so upset?” Nightshade’s teal eyes look into her own. “So... sombra....back.” Fear ran down Luna’s spine. Wishing there were a pair of hooves she could charge into. “We need to tell Celestia.” “Stupid Celestia.” Nightshade paced back and forth. Its been a day and already the Princess of the sun was messing things up. Sending Cadence and Shining Armor to the Crystal Empire was smart. Cadence cutie mark was the Crystal Heart after all. It was the stupidity of not telling Cadence how to get to the Crystal Heart that was stupid. She knew why, oh she knew very well why. If Luna could fall for Sombra’s trap, so could Cadence. Nightshade knows that Celestia going to summon Twilight and her friends to do the hard part spiring Cadence. This was unacceptable. Nightshade needed to do something... She curls up and closes her eyes technically it was nap time. Hopefully, she could find Cadence's dream. The train ride was long and boring. Cadence even finished her latest romance novel ‘Fifty Shades of Grey mane’ and tossed it aside. “Ugh, really I don’t know why ponies like that story. The stallion a stalker and manipulator it gets the whole BDSM thing wrong. Not to mention it’s a clear rip off of those Twilight Belle stories.” “Twilight Belle? Isn’t that the one where the young unicorn falls in love with the vampire pony?” Shining Armor asks putting down his novel. “So... how do we do that BDSM thing correctly?” Cadence sighs “I tell you later Shiny. Right now I’m going to take a nap we still have a long way to go.” “Alright dear, I go back to reading Pirates of the Caribbean.” “They should have ended the books after the third one.” Cadence yawns and closes her eyes. Soon she finds herself in the dungeon room of the Shades of Grey mane story. “Oh come on I can’t even get it out of my mind. Ugh... Okay well, I’m dreaming so... what did aunt Luna tell me...” Before Cadence even remembers her lucid dreaming lessons the world shifts and she finds herself in a crystal throne room. “Okay, that wasn’t me. Who’s there?” “I glad you are aware enough to tell you aren’t alone.” The figure of a purple alicorn fully grown with black mane and tail walks out from behind the crystal throne. “Cousin we need to talk.” “Nightshade? Is that you? What’s going on.” “What is going on is Celestia doesn’t trust you... No that’s not right... she afraid for you.” “Okay, nightshade I know you pretending to be a grown-up in this dream but insulting Celestia not right.” Nightshade rolls her eyes. “I’m not trying to insult her. It is just so easy... no no... I’m here for an important message. You know the Crystal Empire is back, so is Sombra.” Cadence nods “Yes we are going to help protect those crystal ponies till Twilight and the gang can come and help defeat Sombra.” “There a faster way, it just not easy. In the Crystal Castle... in this very room is a secret passage.” Nightshade horn lights up with dark magic, magic Cadence never seen before. A blast of this dark magic hits a crystal creating a shadow across the floor opening the passage down. “That spell will be hard for you to cast Cadence. Like all magic, it draws on emotions, in this case, negative emotions. Hate, fear, helplessness, but it the only way to open the passage.” Nightshade starts walking down. Followed close behind by Cadence. “I don’t understand, why didn’t Celestia tell me about this secret passage?” “The answer to that is Nightmare Moon.” “Hold on Nightmare Moon didn’t appear till after Sombra was banished.” Nightshade smiles sadly and motions as an image of Luna and Shadow Striker appeared. “The Stallion is Shadow Striker, Luna’s husband for only one day. They came this way to stop Sombra. The goal was the Crystal Heart, a magical artifact almost as powerful as the Elements of Harmony. With it, they could have banished Sombra for good.” “I know this part, Sombra magic blinded Luna causing her to kill Shadow Striker.” “That was the start of Nightmare Moon, Luna’s guilt. Celestia is afraid you do the same thing. She’s afraid you will fall for the trap and lose yourself.” Cadence looks down “Like I almost did during the Changelings’ invasion.” “Do you understand why they are afraid. They love you and don’t want you to suffer as Luna did. If Sombra’s magic infects you, and you end up killing Shining Armor.” “NEVER! I would never...” “QUIET! Do you think Luna wanted to kill the only stallion she loved? THAT WE LOVED!” Cadence backed away her ears flat against her head. “I’m... I’m sorry I forgot you were part of Luna at the time. This... oh god... this is when you were...” “In one way yes... this was when my mind started to form separate from Luna’s. This was when I became another personality. It could be said I was born when Shadow Striker died.” Nightshade looks at the dark doorway. “To get the crystal heart you need to face your greatest fear. I’m betting your magic of Love can overpower Sombra’s magic. Keep yourself focused on the love you feel from Shining even as you face what you dread the most.” Cadence looks at the dream version of the doorway. “If... If I wait for Twilight to come? So is Celestia sending Twilight to recover the Crystal Heart? Wouldn’t Twilight suffer as well?” Nightshade nods “Yes, but Twilight doesn’t have anyone she loves with all her heart. She has friends and will fear to lose them. But the devastating fear of seeing your lover... de...dead. No Twilight has not felt emotional love that deep. Her fear is something stupid like failing a test or something.” “Fear of being a disappointment isn’t stupid. It’s a valid fear.” “Yeah, yeah whatever. You get my point. Your heart loves Shining Armor as much as Luna loved Shadow Striker. Deep in your heart, you already fear to watch him die as he grows old and you remain young looking being an alicorn. That a fear Twilight would not have, Sombra’s magic wouldn’t strike her as deep.” Nightshade was standing tall ignoring the tears falling from her cheeks as she cries remembering the death of Shadow Striker. Cadence moves over and nuzzles Nightshade. “So it shall be my choice. I face my fear of losing Shining Armor, or let Twilight face her fear.” Nightshade nods and motions to Cadence cutie mark. “Your Cutie Mark is a near copy of the Crystal Heart. One way, or another your destiny is the Crystal Empire.” “Thank you Nightshade for telling me.” Nightshade looks up as the dream starts to fragment. “You are waking up. Whatever you choose Cadence, kick that smoky crystal addict moron flank for me.” “And for Luna.” “Yeah, yeah, her too.” Cadence wakes up seeing Shining Armor looking worried. “You were crying, love. Are you okay?” “Just a sad dream. I’m better now knowing you are with me.” Twilight and the rest of the gang get off the train. Looking around they spot the massive glowing dome covering the crystal empire. “Oh my, that impressive.” Rarity says seeing the shining crystals of the city. “That it is, now that we know where the Crystal Empire is, we be able to expand these train tracks into the shield.” Cadence walks out of the train station beside her was Shining Armor. “Cadence! We came as fast as we could. Celestia sent us to help you stop Sombra.” Twilight turns hearing Cadence’s voice. Cadence smiles a slightly sad look to her face. Memories of a nightmare of seeing her dead body next to her brother’s flash in her mind the only sound her insane laughter. With a quick shake of her head, she banished the fear-induced nightmare. “It was hard but Shining Armor and I stopped him.” “You should have seen it Twilight. Cadence seemed to know where the Crystal Heart was hidden and charged right in. She ordered me to stay outside to cast my shield spell, just in time too as the sky filled with darkness. The creepy clouds had green eyes... Just as my shield started to fail Cadence came charging past me and put this large Crystal Heart in the center of the tower. The blast of magic was so strong it broke the spell on the Crystal Ponies and destroyed what remained of Sombra. They are calling her the ‘Brave and Glorious Princess’” “I rather just be called Cadence. Now let get inside the shield, I’m cold and craving those Crystal Berries, oh with pickles.” Twilight’s eyebrow raises “Pickles?” Author's Note How many of you think it should have been Cadence that got the Crystal Heart? It really is her Cutie Mark! Home is where the heart is. Side Character story.Home is where the heart is. Side Character story. Aftermath It was a week after her wedding and Princess Cadence was setting up the first group theory session for those still coping having been a prisoner of the Changelings. The room was a nondescript four walls and door room for meetings and groups. The wall opposite the door had four large windows to let in the light, the floor a light brown wood. The walls used to be plain white had a fresh coat of light green paint. A set of tables were along the wall with the windows where drinks and snacks were set up. Finally, cushions were on the floor in a large circle, spar cushions in the far corner in case she needed more. “Cousin you should still be on your Honeymoon.” Prince Blueblood was looking around the chamber. “Our citizens need closer Bluey. With me taking up psychology classes, this is the best way I can help.” Cadence says as she moves around the chamber looking at every detail once again. It has to be just right, calming enough to ease the tension but not so much that it’s boring. “You haven’t earned that doctorate yet Cadence. I have no idea why you started going back to school anyway.” “It’s simple, it was Luna. Helping her awoke a passion to understand the mind and spirit better. It so fascinating, combine that with how magic reacts to emotions, and how my unique magic affects emotions.” She turns and looks at Blueblood “I saw in Luna how manipulation of a mind can corrupt not just the pony thoughts but the magic they wield. It worst then what the Changelings do, they get the best benefit if their prey is happy. Sombra made her feel nothing but sorrow. I want to make sure I don’t become another Sombra, he broke her mind. If he had my power it would have been much worst.” “So you saw what could happen if you lose control.” Blueblood nods. “I wish I could stay but, well I play with ponies perceptions.” He hugs Cadence. “Still you could have waited a week more.” “I know, but Shiny still recovering from his ordeal. We talked about it and being around friends and family will help him recover better then us being by ourselves in Neighagara falls.” Then Blueblood headed out and in a voice slightly above normal speech. “Cadence you should be at home as a proper trophy wife.” “Blueblood get that stick out of your plot. You are just jealous I married Shining Armor.” To anyone in the hall, it would seem the two are arguing. Both try to hide the smirk. “You could have had a real Prince, now you just have a Prince Consort.” He slammed the door and headed down the hall passing a thestral stallion, with deep red mane and tail, on the way. Cadence didn’t notice right away that she wasn’t the only one in the room. Then she turned and spotted Mixer standing at the door. “Mixer my friend. What are you doing here?” Mixer lowers his head then looks at Cadence. “We haven’t talked in over a year Cadence, you didn’t even notice that Changeling wasn’t me at the bar. Can you call us friends?” She took in a breath “Oh, well... I hope we are friends.” Mixer walked into the chamber “There was a you in that cocoon dream, she and I were friends. I like to think that friendship wasn’t based on lies.” He sat down on a cushion. “How... can I be sure that anyone I knew, that knew me for the last year, really knew me? Or that I knew anyone.” His head snaps up “Why? Why did you all save me? I was happy, I finally had what I wanted... Then it all ended when I was cut out.” “Oh Mixer, I’m sorry but it was a lie. Just a dream.” “Cadence my whole life a lie.” He raises his hoof and looks at it. “I look in the mirror and I hate what I see.” “I thought you liked being a thestral?” “It not the thestral part I despise. It the male part... In the dream, some Unicorn discovered a spell that can change a Stallion into a mare, or a mare into a stallion. I had that change. All my life I felt off, that my body was wrong. I had no interest in mares... but I didn’t figure it out till the dream. Being a mare in that world... I finally felt normal.” “Do you know how I got my cutie mark? I snuck into my father's liquor cabinet and started drinking. I couldn’t stand the taste of the strong alcohol so I started mixing drinks. They found me a few hours later passed out and my cutie mark on my flank.” He looks to the cocktail glass with a bottle cutie mark. “I was trying to get drunk enough to not care, get drunk enough that the anguish I felt went away.” “Oh...” Cadence couldn’t say anything the shock that a friend of hers had such feelings. “I got the job serving as a bartender soon after and fell in love with a stallion, it didn’t last but, I thought I finally figured it out. I was gay. It still wasn’t right every time I looked in the mirror I wanted to brake it.” “Then the changelings... the dream. I had the spell cast and I felt like I belonged in that mare’s body. I fell in love for real, or so I thought. Got married, had... had... I had a daughter. And it all gone!” He burst into tears and took off running out of the chamber. “MIXER!” She got up and tried to run after him only to come face to face with other ponies. “Um... Princess is this where the group therapy is being held?” A mare looked at her then down the hall where the stallion went charging. “Or is this a bad time?” “No... I have to catch up with him later. Come this way.” She looked to a guard. “Could you send someone to watch after him. I’m afraid of what he would try to do.” Nodes were in the Club Arcane mopping the floor. Sure it wasn’t the best job it still he was where he enjoyed being. No longer mixing drinks but cleaning up when the place was closed. The emotional energy in the place was still strong enough he savored the flavors. It was another boring morning nothing special was going on and so he took his time sweeping. Then the doors banged open and the gray and red blur of Mixer streaked past to the office. “If anyone asks I’m not here!” Waves of sadness were gut-wrenching. Nodes set his broom aside and went to the office. Inside he saw Mixer crying curled up in a ball as if he was a foal. “Um... Boss? What’s the matter?” “Wait... You. It was you that put me in that cocoon.” Nodes saw the sad but almost crazed look in his eyes when the stallion looked at him. “Yeah. You know it was me... part of my probation?” Nodes take a step back. “Put me back...” Mixer rushes forward hugging Nodes. “Please put me back.” “I.. I can’t do that. You know they won’t let me even if you ask.” Mixer looked around then at Nodes. “Where is it Nodes. Please tell me where the Hive? Please, Nodes you took my life away from me. Let me have my happiness.” Nodes sat down. He could feel the despair in the air around Mixer it was so much he fought being sickened from it. If he had to tell others what the feeling was like he would have to tell them to imagine smelling a rotting corpse, then taking a bite of it. “The Bad Lands... south of Applelooza, there is an area where there no magic. You can tell because everything stops growing there. In the center is a large hill structure, that the hive nest.” Nodes lower his head. “I told no one not even the princess. I might be a traitor but that’s my family. Please don’t tell anyone else. I don’t want to see anyling hurt.” “Thank you Nodes.” Mixer takes a deep breath. “I need to get things in order. Get back to work I notice you are slacking today.” It was a few minutes later that a guard walks in. He heads to the office seeing Mixer “Sir are you alright Princess Cadence was worried.” “Yes, I’m alright now. Just needed to clear my head, I know what I need to do.” “Alright sir, I make sure she knows.” The guard walks away leaving Mixer writing letters. Two months later Mixer stood at the edge of a small cliff. Overlooking an empty land in the distance he sees a mound of black rock. With black figures flying in and out of it. “Finally.” He heads into the magicless area feeling what magic he had faded away. He tried to flap his wings only to remain grounded. Without the magic to aid his body didn’t have the lift to take off. So he continued on foot till two of the Changelings came flying at him each one landing on either side of him. “What have we here? A lost Pony, you took a very wrong turn.” “I’m not lost, I know where I am. Take me to your Queen I have a request.” Nodes looked at the Police officer and Royal guard at his door in the middle was a light brown pony with a dark brown mane. “Nodes, we like a word with you.” “Of course come inside.” The Changeling steps aside as all three enter. “I’m Legal Tender a lawyer speaking on behave of Mixer. Sorry for the Police and Guard being present. They are just confirming this is all legal and nothing shady going on.” “I don’t know what you mean.” “Two months ago I was approached by one Mixer. Your boss or was, you see Mr. Nodes he formally signed ownership of the Club Arcane to you.” “What? But... why?” “His words and I quote. ‘For the last year, he ran the Club Arcane even better then I have done. If anypony, I mean anyone could manage it he can.” “I still don’t understand. I know Mixer went on a trip, but isn’t he coming back?” “No Nodes he never arrived in Los Pegasus. The authorities checked he never even got a room or rented any property. In other words, he never planned on arriving in the city.” Nodes sat down remembering the day Mixer came into the club crying. He did it. After two months he went to the Hive. “You don’t know where he is Mr. Nodes?” The Policemare asks looking. Years of lying and being an infiltrator prevented him from reacting. With the pure skill of a liar, he looked the mare in the eyes. “I have no idea where he’s at. I just hope he finally happy again.” Cadence walked into the magical/medical lab. "Any news?" A Stallion with the long gold mane in a shirt that had a music band logo looks up from the microscope. "Ah, Princess Cadence welcome again. We came up with some interesting facts." He hopped down from his stool and walked over to a whiteboard with notes and markings on it. "What have you discovered Void Science?" Cadence smiled to the somewhat odd Scientist. The guy seems to counter any typically Nerd scientist trope. "We were looking into how the body develops, seems if a developing foal gets more estrogen it develops into a filly if testosterone then we get a colt." "What about those who are... saying they feel like they got the wrong sex?" "We still in theory stage here but we think it might be the amount of either or both hormones. Too much of either or both and you have different parts developing differently. You might get a colt that has more feminine features like a smoother muzzle. Or a brain wired for females in the body of a male. This throws out any idea of a binary system of the sexes. It not Male or Female, but a range between both." "Any progress into a spell to switch a body of somepony who suffers from being what they feel is the wrong sex." "Not yet, but we think if we target the hormones and transmute them into the other type... the body would start developing to the other sex. The problem with that those treatments would be needed early if it does any good. We still not sure how to cause such changes for a full adult. This is all still just theory we haven't even tested to see if we could target just one hormone in a body." "I see. Keep up your research." She turns and looks out the window wondering where Mixer was. Softly to herself "I hope I can make that dream come true. If not for you, for others like you." Mixer looked at the house. It was a simple building nestled in the shade of the trees of Hollow Shades. Though technically there is an abandoned town with the same name in the shade of a massive cliff. This one was in a vast forest grove fruit trees abundant and the thestral have all the sweet fruits and shade they could want. She opened the door and smiled as a gray and bright red ball of fluff tackles her. “MOMMY!” Mixer starts crying she was home. The changeling looked at the Hive’s new addition. It was strange for Pony to seek them out to beg to be cocooned, even stranger was the overwhelming sense of Love coming from the cocoon right away. He shrugs “Oh well food is food.” Author's Note I had to get this idea out of my head! I thought hard about this when the idea bloomed, what do the Ponies in the cocoons feel? What happens when they are "Freed" from the cocoons? So I put myself in the pony's horseshoes. Mixer I wrote right off the bat as being gay with him teasingly flirting with Cadence for fun. He was just a fun addition and was meant to be nothing more. Then I had an idea, a wonderful evil idea. The Sequel I'm writing now about the Canterlot Wedding. Mixer became a Changeling then finally Nodes in the new story. That got me thinking about what happened to the real Mixer, and what would happen to him when freed. Mixer being gay was the start but his emotional turmoil of feeling he was in the wrong body is new. I thought of a transgender that got a year of being in a body they feel they should have. Being a male or female for one year fully reproductive abilities and everything, then have it yanked away and told it was a dream. As for the cutie mark, I did think that Mixer got his mark when sneaking into his father's Liquor cabinet before this. Yes, that a pony version of Kyle Hill from the Youtube show Because Science. I had to write this now because imagining the emotions of this short story was overwhelming me to a point I couldn't write anything else. Hope you enjoy it! P.s. we all know I say every time I have learning disabilities that make spelling and grammar mistakes hard for me to spot. If you notice any please tell me and I will make the changes. Note tell me what the mistake is so I know what you mean and can avoid making the same mistake later.
After the GalaAuthor's Note I know this isn't much. Thanks to Princess Luna becoming friends with one of the Pastry Chefs in the Royal Kitchens, both being single mothers in the Mother Moon Universe. This sequence of events can be told. My sister is a Pastry Chef and my family been in the food business for three generations. We have catered parties, and she has made cakes for weddings and birthdays. From this experiance, I saw Applejack being ruder then even Blueblood during the Grand Galloping Gala. Think about it. The Gala is basically a Ball hosted by the leader of the nation. Imagine someone taking a food truck to a Presidential Ball? Or trying to sell Tacos at a Charity Dinner. Not only is she expecting ponies buying food at such a high-end event. It hosted by the Princess so she insulting the Royal Kitchen Staff, and the Princess by extension. We know it's a catered event because of the Cake that hits Rarity. That cake was part of the free catered food at the Gala. After the Gala “I can’t believe she was so rude.” Buttercream says as she walks into Nightshade suite Cream Puff bouncing in the buggy. Princess Luna looks over to her friend. “Hello Buttercream and you as well Cream Puff.” Luna was sitting on the soft purple couch watching her daughter Nightshade playing with blocks. The blocks were set up like a town and Luna smiled as Nightshade set pony figures among the town buildings. That smile turns to a frown as Nightshade then starts roaring like a monster and wrecks the peaceful community she been set up for the last ten minutes. With a shake of her head, she turns back to looking at Buttercream the filly Cream Puff dragging her faithful stuffed bunny Mr. Hops charged into the rampage to join her friend. “What do you mean Buttercream who was rude? It wasn’t that annoying Upper Crust was it?” “No, it’s that... Applejack. I can’t believe she done something so insulting.” Luna's ears spring up as she tries to puzzle out that comment. “Applejack? Do you mean the bearer of the Element of Honesty? Let me guess she said something blunt in such a way it came off as an insult?” “Yes, the bearer of Honesty, and no. I’m talking about what she did during the Grand Galloping Gala last night. Get this she brought a cart of bake goods to sell. Who does that? One of the grandest parties of the nation and she brings food to sell.” “Perhaps it just my not understanding the cultural norms of the time. I do understand such is very odd, not many ponies would bother even bringing bits to such an event except pay for a ride home.” “Okay, the Gala is hosted by the Castle, by Princess Celestia, and you now. It’s a fully catered party event we Chefs go out of our way to find and prepare the best foods and recipes from around the world. Not only was it dumb to expect she could make a profit during a Party she was invited to, but she also insults the Castle kitchen staff by offering her own foods. Oh by extension you and Celestia as well.” Buttercream heads to the kitchen area where a maid stops her. “let me get you what you want Buttercream. Your off duty and being today's Maid for the princesses it’s my honor to serve Princess Luna’s guest.” The soft yellow and rose red-maned mare in the maid outfit says stopping Buttercream. “I know my way around a kitchen... oh yeah I guess I can indulge the benefits of having a royal as a friend. Thanks, Rosewater.” Buttercream smiles and heads to one of the overstuffed chairs. “Some ice tea please.” “Cream Puff don’t put that up to your nose!” Buttercream rant stops as she goes over and prevents Cream puff from trying to fit a pony figure up her snout. “Seems I’m lucky Nightshade doesn’t try to do such things.” Luna smiles thought a twitch of her tail that quickly hidden in the mystical waves of magic the only sign of her doubts. In the little purple filly that was her daughter is the mind of Nightmare Moon. Thought one that regressed to a younger state of being. “Where was I?” Buttercream settled down and thanks Rosewater with a smile before taking a sip of the ice tea. “I do believe you were stating how Applejack insulted not just the castle staff, but my own royal person by trying to sell some of her apple pastries.” “Yeah her... am I just being angry for no reason? Bad enough my cake was destroyed before anyone ate it. Perhaps I’m just projecting.” Luna sipped her own ice tea thinking it over. “No, I do see your point. Bringing food to a catered event and expecting ponies to pay for it, not only foalish it is insulting to the host. Though I’m sure Applejack didn’t mean such an insult.” Buttercream sighs “no I’m sure she didn’t, I am projecting a little. I worked for two days on that cake. five tiers, each tier is two layers of sponge cake with a layer of strawberry and cream in between, then the icing with four different colors... all went splat on that poor mare who was with Blueblood.” “Rarity was quite frustrated from what I heard.” “Heard? wait you didn’t go to the Gala?” After taking a sip of tea Luna spoke up “Go to the upper society social events, and deal with those snobbish Nobles? I will rather be stuck on the moon again. I chose to avoid those type of social events, it’s enough that Cadence drags me to the club from time to time. Oh and I do so enjoy going to some modern concerts.” “Perhaps it was for the best. It was so chaotic I’m still trying to figure out how the pillars toppled over as they did.” Luna got a thoughtful expression on her face as she thought over what she been told. Later that day Luna walked into the ballroom where the cleaning up was still taking place. Celestia was already standing there looking it over. “Sister, I been thinking about the odd events that happened during the Gala. What do you think?” Celestia smiles and looks to Luna “It was quite exciting. But you are right things are odd. First, it seems Fluttershy couldn’t talk to the garden animals. They even seem repelled and afraid of her, where normally animals are attracted to her. At least that what Twilight Sparkles letter tell me.” “Not to mention your own agents looking them over.” “Now Luna, that is a lie. I don’t have agents, nor would they be looking them over.” Luna smiles “No? I’m sure agent Sweetie Drops just there in Ponyville by chance.” “Hush you. Sweetie Drops is retired and enjoying making candy with her marefriend Lyra. It just so happens she retired in the same town where the Bearers of Elements came from. She just sends me a letter from time to time to tell me how she’s doing.” With that Luna looked over the rubble. “How did the pillars fall? Aren’t such constructions flush with the ceiling and floor?” Celestia shook her head “no they were just decorations to dress up the ball in accent Pegasus style. It was this year’s theme. It is odd though they were heavy stone marble pillars and shouldn’t have fallen by being bumped.” Now that Luna pointed it out Celestia looked again. “It seemed like something was causing all the bearers problems. Blueblood antics being his normal for such event withstanding, the fact he didn’t seem to recognize Rarity as one of the Bearers is odd. Fluttershy scaring the animals, Pinkie Pie who from what I understand was the one who knocked the cake into the air. Rainbow Dash knocking the pillars...” The two royal sisters exit the ballroom and entered the royal gardens and both look to a statue in clear view. One of a spirit of chaos, a statue who seemed to be laughing silently. “First Princess Cadence Cutie Mark, now chaotic events happening in such a way. I feel my return from the moon is just the first of troubles for Equestria.” “We just have to have faith in the bearers, and Harmony itself my sister.”
Discord and DippersAuthor's Note Had some fun with this little side story. I also had trouble writing more than four characters at once. Poor Peppermint Heart once more became a background Pony. Guess he's my AppleJack. As always I have Dyslexia and other learning disabilities that make writing hard. Spelling and Grammer are my arch foes! Any errors send a message or post the corrections and I would be happy to fix them. The Joy of Parenthood stories is just mostly a random slice of life events. A full Sequel is in the works just figuring out some minor elements. Discord and Dippers Luna rushes for her daughter’s suite her heart racing in her chest. The path to Nightshade’s chambers was getting difficult. She stops as she looks around lost after turning a corner that wasn't there before. The way has been twisted by the chaotic magic of Discord. Fear ran in her veins, it surprised her that she was more afraid of what could happen to her daughter than herself. Nightshade the reborn form of Nightmare Moon somehow found her way into Luna’s heart. So Luna continued running along the hallway having passed stairs that were moving on their own and she was sure she passed that table twice. But finally, the door was in her sight. So was Celestia. “Took you long enough Sister.” Celestia smiled as she opened the doorway. Gasping to catch her breath “How... I ran all the way.” Celestia nodded “I teleported.” Luna sighed and entered her daughter’s room. Unlike most of the castle, the suite looked normal. Soft purples and blues with silver trim. Right in the center of the play area was the purple alicorn filly Nightshade who was playing with a stuffed dragon. Playing with the little princess was the unicorn foal Cream Puff who was playing with the stuffed bunny Mr. Hops. Peppermint heart the Zony nanny was sitting in a stuffed chair sipping tea when the two Royals walked in. “Princess Luna, Celestia? What the matter?” Cream Puff wasn’t aware of the two newcomers and made a cute charging sound as Mr. Hops thrusts at the stuffed dragon like the knight she was pretending him to be. Nightshade on the other hoof was paying attention as her ears shifted to catch the talk. Not wanting to disappoint her friend the stuffed dragon roared and then bumps against Mr. Hops. “Has anything happened here? Canterlot is in danger, Discord is free and spreading chaos.” Luna says walking to Peppermint. Nightshade drops the toy dragon and stands up this catches Cream Puff’s attention. “Why you stopped playing? I was winning...” The unicorn’s lip quivers wondering why the game stopped. Looking to her friend “Bad guy doing something bad. I want to listen in to the grown ups.” She spoke simple knowing the mind in her friends head was cleaver but still that of a young foal. Nightshade then looks out the balcony door seeing pink clouds and a rainbow tied in a bow. A spike of fear overtakes her. The thoughts of listening to the grown-ups were lost as she shivers till Cream Puff nuzzles her. “We beat the bad guy!” Nightshade smiles and nuzzles back “No we can’t Discord is too strong.” She looks back at Luna “Even my mommy and aunt couldn’t stop him. Only the bearers of Harmony can... Twilight and her friends.” She hated having to say that, but it was the truth. That when the talk of the adults caught her attention again. The reason her attention went back to the adults was because of one voice. Discord voice echoed off the walls and she turned her fear returning with a spike of terror. “Well, well, well here I find all the royal family in one place.” The serpentine mix matching form of the Spirit of Chaos appeared with a flash of light. Luna moved and stood over the two foals. “You will not harm my daughter Discord!” Discord blinks and looks shocked even “Now now when have I ever harmed a foal. Really you harm me, Luna. After all, that little foal of yours is special. I know who she really is. All that beautiful chaos a thousand years ago. Destruction, mayhem, really Luna you and your Nightmare self done more harm to foals then I ever did.” “That is debatable Discord. Random teleports, unstable environment, not even time was stable. One day a foal goes too far from home, and the next day they returned forty years older.” Celestia stated as she moves to stand guard beside her sister. “Tomato, tomahto. Well, I’m here to offer a gift to you little foal, she did cause a bit of chaos after all.” With a snap of his tail, the third Alicorn reappeared full grown. This produces a gasp of shock by many of those in the room. Nightshade was slightly larger than Luna. Royal purple with free-flowing dark purple mane and tail so dark they appear almost as black masses of shadows. Nightshade looks down to Cream Puff with a sad look. The small foal scared her friend was now supersized ran from the Alicorns to the only other adult comfort the nanny zony stallion Peppermint Heart. Hiding behind the zony she peaked out looking at the full-grown Nightshade then to Discord. A new emotion struck Nightshade thrusting the fear way, sadness. She took a few steps forward “Don’t do this to me Discord.” “What... I figure you be happy. You are fully grown with all the magical might you had a thousand years ago. No waiting for your revenge.” Celestia looked to Nightshade hearing Discord. The thought that Nightmare Moon would join the spirit of chaos caused her to panic for just a moment. Her ears fall back against her scalp and tail flicks. “Revenge for a stupid plan? Stopping the moon so it always night not only would cause eternal darkness. The food crops will stop growing in eternal night, the seas will stop moving at the end of the tide, it would cause Equestria to freeze. Even with you controlling the Sun and Moon you won’t cause that kind of destruction.” She then looks to the terrified Cream Puff. “Besides that... I don’t have a foalhood of my own. Even if I remember the past it’s Luna’s foalhood.” Then looking at Discord “Please turn me back, don’t rob me of this.” Discord snorts “Fine I prefer foals anyway.” Then a smile comes to his face “Indeed foals all around.” Then another snap Nightshade was a foal again. She looked to her mother and sees Luna was a small foal the same age as her blue body light blue mane and tail. Celestia was also the same size with pink mane and tail. A gasp catches her attention there over where Cream Puff stood was the colt Peppermint Heart. “Now if you excuse me I have some Chaos to spread. Poor Twilight is so heartbroken that her friendship breaking apart. Any moment now I will win, enjoy your foal hoods!” Laughing the spirit of chaos vanishes in a flash of light. “What are we going to do? We all are foals” Celestia cried hiding her face in her wings and sniffling. “We can play?” Cream Puff asks as she picked up Mr. Hops from when she dropped it. Nightshade rolls her eyes at her aunt. Peppermint stood up and headed to the kitchen area “I can make a potion that could... Huh..” He stopped right at the counter finding himself blocked by a forcefield. “Foal proof security field Peppermint. None of us can go into the kitchen area.” Nightshade stated matter of fact. “We can still play. The toys of over there.” Cream Puffs again tries to get the other foals to play. Luna moves over to Celestia and nuzzles her “I’m sure Twilight will get everything fixed soon. She should have found the elements by now.” Celestia bolted up gasping “OH NO TWILIGHT! He said she be heartbroken, he must have done something to her friends to break up the friendship. Without friendship, they can’t use the elements of harmony.” “What are we going to do? We can’t stay here if she’s in trouble.” Luna asks. “We can play...” mumbles Cream Puff. “Twilight Sparkle, I’m sure she gives Discord some long-winded speech about friendship and then blast him. She’s good at those speeches.” Nightshade says as she went to Cream Puff and starts playing. Celestia blinks “Twilight speeches? That reminds me of Twilight friendship scrolls. If we can send them back she could remind her friends of what their friendship means to them.” “Really that way too many friends in that sentence.” Peppermint Heart says as he comes to the others. Nightshade sighs “Oh how are you going to get to the scrolls?” Celestia looks over “It down the hall to the solar tower shouldn’t take us to long.” Luna’s ears lower “Down the hall that been twisted with Discord’s magic. Unlike you, I went through them. Two doors down are the door to the gardens.” “But we are on the tenth floor...” a puzzled look comes to Celestia's face as she tries to figure out how the door just a few rooms away leads to the ground floor. Nightshade says as she rolls a ball to Cream Puff. “She said Discord’s Magic aunt Celestia. The castle all twisted up with chaos.” “Only one thing we can do. We have to make our way to Celestia chambers even if it’s through the chaos.” Peppermint speaks up as he gets a foal size saddle bag and starts putting things he might need into it. Then makes a face as he again looks to the kitchen. “I can’t get to my potion stuff...” “We are coming too. Cream Puff it’s adventure time to grab Mr. Hops.” Nightshade smiles standing up and heading to the door. Cream Puff following along behind her “Yay adventure!” “Where do you think you going? You two are just foals.” Luna eyes her daughter. “So are you MOM. Besides what are you going to do leave us foals here without a grown up. I might have a more grown-up mind but Cream Puff still young in every way. Even if one of you stay, we are all foals.” Points to Celestia “She even cried like a baby!” “DID NOT!” “DID TOO!” Besides Nightshade Cream Puff nodded her head agreeing with her friend. “Stop it both of you... alright seems we all need to go.” After a quick search for anything, the foals could find that was useful the five left the suite. The first thing they saw was a sofa walking down the hall. It stopped to bark at them before chasing the end table. Coming to the door two doors down from the suite Celestia horn lit up opening it. Sure enough, the hedge maze was in clear view. “You just had to open the door.” Luna sighed looking out and spotting a balloon that was laughing. “I was curious!” Celestia whined joining the herd. “Sure you were auntie...” Nightshade rolls her eyes. “So mom where to you did say you went this way. How far till we come to the Solar tower suite?” “If things haven’t changed there a picture we need to jump into. It’s a painting of the throne room, there a door just hidden in the picture to the right of the throne. That takes us to another hallway in the castle. Believe me, it was hard to find the way.” “Your Majesty, how did you find the way in the first place?” Peppermint asks as he looks for the painting. Luna looks puzzled a moment “Just felt a tugging sensation. Like I knew where Nightshade was.” Nightshade hearing her name lifted her head “Is it because we were one?” Peppermint Heart smiles “Or my guess little Princess, your Mother feeling her mother’s instincts kicking in. It a natural ability all Pony mothers have to instinctively know where the foal is. More so in Unicorns and Pegasus. Having foals that can teleport, or fly at fast speeds having a magical bond to the foal helps.” “Here we are!” Luna calls out not sure if she wants the talk to continue or not as she leaps into the painting. Her body seems to shift to match the painting itself. The others look at the painting of Luna waves them on. Shrugging her wethers Nightshade leaps in followed by Cream Puff. “Oh, I feel all funny.” Cream Puff says looking at her painted body. Following Luna as they make their way through the painting and out of a broom closet door. The hall they came to look normal. “I don’t trust it. It’s quiet... too quiet.” Nightshade spoke up looking up and down the hallway. “Don’t be silly Nightshade, everything is.....Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh.” The floor under Luna’s hooves suddenly shifts opening a large pit that was so long it looked bottomless. “MOMMY!” Nightshade’s horn lights up trying to grab hold of Luna but her magic wasn’t strong enough. Celestia yells “LUNA YOU HAVE WINGS!” From down in the pit, her soft voice echos... “Oh, I forgot.” Soon after Luna flys back up and lands on the solid floor. Peppermint goes to the edge and looks down then across the gap. “Seems the floor was an illusion. The three of you have a flight, me and Cream Puff will have to stay.” “No! Cream Puff comes with me.” Nightshade snorts and heads to a table and more importantly the shadow under it. Her horn lights up and the shadows seem to grow deeper and darker. Soon the two fillies vanish. “What, where did they go?” Peppermint goes to the table and sticks his head into the shadows. Luna’s and Celestia’s view he appeared headless. His head was completely hidden by the darkness. From the other side of the gap “Hurry up I can’t keep it open for long!” Nightshade stood there impatient stomping her purple hoof. The other three soon went through the shadows and came out from behind a love seat. “Interesting magic... how long you been keeping that secret?” Peppermint asked eyeing his royal charge suspiciously. Nightshade bites her lower lip then sighs responding “Um, about the time mommy got that giant stuffed Ursa.” Luna shook her head “All this time you could do that and kept it secret?” “Well, it not like I can do it all the time. It takes a lot of magic I been trying to build it up.” Celestia smiles “So you can get away from Gentle Breeze again?” “Maybe...” Nightshade stops and looks around. “How we get on the ceiling?” Hearing her all the other four foals stop and look about. Somehow they were on the ceiling of the hall or was it the hall upside down. With Discord, it was very hard to figure out. Luna stops at a door “I think this is it. The hall didn’t turn upside down before we left.” Celestia goes to the wall looking up at the door. “Hmm, this might be a problem.” “Nope Mr. Hops got this.” Cream Puff horn lights up and the stuffed bunny fly down/up to the door handle and moves around it getting more grip than just magic alone. Then with clear strain on her face, she opens the door. With a smug look, Cream Puff brings her stuffed bunny back. The five foals look into the room, then Peppermint goes to the wall and lowers down. “Climb up on me and into the room.” Celestia smiles “Peppermint three of us can fly.” She starts flying and goes to pick him up over the foot high wall area between the door and the ceiling. Luna goes to lift Cream Puff but she pushes the blue filly away. “NO, I go with Nightshade.” Smirking Nightshade starts flying and lifts Cream Puff. Then all five enter the room and screamed as gravity flipped again and they find themselves falling to the floor. Fear gripped Nightshade heart right before they connected. Then they bounced, the entire floor was changed into a bouncy castle floor. “Oh, this is fun! Mommy, I want a bouncy room!” Luna sighed seeing her daughter doing flips with each bounce. Celestia flew to her desk where the scrolls were kept. “That’s a lot of scrolls, what she been doing writing you every week?” “Yeah, every single week. At least she learning about friendship.” With that Celestia cast her spell sending the scrolls back to spike. “WE PLAY NOW!” Cream Puff yells in joy as she bounces right beside Peppermint Heart. Time was hard to judge as all five of the pony foals bounced on and played. Then with a flash of white light all but Nightshade and Cream Puff were full grown again. Unfortunately, Cream Puff was high in the air when reality returned and she landed on the floor with a thump. Like any foal, she starts crying. Peppermint rushes over and picks her up hugging her “Shoo I got you Cream Puff. Let me look at the boo boo.” The full-grown Celestia looks at Luna. “So her mind still mature or was... that means when she peed on me the first day. She did it on purpose.” “Oh sister, I knew that right after I enter her nightmare.” With a flick of her tail and a huff. “Alright, I need to head to Ponyville and see if Twilight and her friends are alright.”
Nightshade EclipsedHate wasn’t a word big enough for what Nightshade was feeling. Despise? Rage? Right above her head was a ball of purple fluff. She reached up trying to swat the annoying fake breezie antenna. Her hoof barely even touches the antenna. Buttercream smiles “See Luna I told you she would love that Breezie costume.” Luna and Buttercream dressed as timber wolf was pushing the baby stroller down the castle hallway. Luna looks over the shade cover to see Nightshade try again to swat the antenna. Unlike her friend, she sees the frustrated look of Nightshade’s face. “Why is it a tradition to put foals into these strange outfits. I know that Nightmare Night a holiday, but what the point?” Luna asks as they head to the Pegasus chariot hanger. Buttercream sighed “Well way back when the holiday started it was a freighting time. The idea of disguising the foals to protect them from Nightmare Moon came about. Nowadays it’s just fun to let foals dress up, their costume contests, and it just fun to watch them play pretend dressed as their heroes.” “Bpfff” Nightshade ~ as I would fall for any silly costumes.~ “And this is fun for the foals?” Luna asks as they came into the hanger seeing the blue and silver of her own personal chariot. It was made by order from her sister. Personally, Luna thinks it looks too much like something Nightmare Moon would choose. “Oh yes, they take pride in winning the costume contests. There the joy of winning the best homemade outfits, the prettiest, the funniest, and scariest.” The two got on the chariot and Luna nods to the two Night pony guards. “Silverwing, Cumulus, We are ready” Silverwing looks back “Yes your Majesty. Next stop Ponyville.” “I heard they have a fun hay maze during Nightmare Night. Planning on checking it out myself.” Cumulus says as the two start running flapping their bat-like wings and taking off pulling the Night Chariot with them. Bored with the attempt of trying to swat the antenna Nightshade looks to Creampuff who was snoozing snuggling her Mr. Hops toy. The toy even had a pirate outfit on. ~All this for a night for me?~ Nightshade was to awake to take a nap so she stood up in the stroller and look around. The fake insect wings loosely held onto her own feather wings flapped as the town of Ponyville came closer. As the chariot landed she saw all the decorations. Bouncing up and down in the stroller she saw the group of ponies gather. The chariot lands and the group saw the gathered ponies. Bowing before her the arrival of the chariot was kind of spectacular. Yes, a holiday all for her! These ponies are submitting themselves to her greatness! “It’s Nightmare Moon coming to gobble us up!” A pink pony dressed as a chicken yells out and the group of foals around her scream. In the stroller beside her Cream Puff woke up crying having been frightened by the yell of the chicken pony. “HOW DARE YOU!” Nightshade blinks and looks behind her. The resulting gasp of the ponies around them was the reply. The timber wolf dressed Buttercream marched her way to the group. “I recognize you. Your Pinkie Pie the element of Laughter, well Look! Does she look happy to you?” Buttercream points her hoof at Luna. Nightshade then turns to focus on her mother. The drawn face ears down against her skull her tail low. Luna was sad and frightened? Emotions warred in the former Nightmare Moon. Sure she wanted praise and worship but... Jumping from the stroller Nightshade ran to Luna and tackled her front leg hugging it with all her might. “See even her own foal knows that the Nightmare Moon is gone. We came here to have a good time and you had to remind her of the worst time of her life. Some elements of Harmony.” Buttercream huffs and marches over to her own stroller. “Come on Luna we can celebrate Nightmare Night back in Canterlot.” Nightshade looks around and narrows her eyes. These Ponies were afraid of her mother... they hurt her mother. They hurt her MOTHER! Leaving Luna she marched her way foreword her eyes start glowing white. Then her horn lights up and blasts a bowl of fake spiders. Soon the toys started crawling out of the bowl. Another blast of magical lighting and fake bats decorations lift-off and flying around. Deep inside the little filly, a laugh erupted. The ponies scream and start running around in fear as the decorations of Nightmare Night came to life. “Nightshade! Stop!” Luna picks up the surging filly. “it’s alright Nightshade. They don’t deserve this.” As if a switch was flipped Nightshade stopped and look up at Luna’s face. She hugged her daughter. “Come on let's see what Canterlot has to offer on this night.” Her horn lighting up and returning the magically animated decorations back to their normal form and location. “Um, Princess Luna?” Luna turns to see Twilight Sparkle approaching. “Ah, Starswirl the Bearded. You even got the bells right.” Luna comments. “Finally someone gets it! Oh... what I mean is please give us another chance.” “Why should she? That Pinkie Pie basically crushed Luna’s spirit.” Buttercream marched up to Twilight Sparkle her own foal Cream Puff sniffling in her hooves having calmed down from crying herself. “But I didn’t mean to. It was like the best time to yell something like that with the creepy chariot, the clouds, and that hood and cloak. It couldn’t be better to frighten everypony. It was fun!” Pinkie Pie says her head hung low. “Wait? it’s fun to be frightened?” Luna tries to figure out what the pink pony was talking about. “Well duh, this is Nightmare Night. The night when fillies and colts face their fears and get candy for a reward. SEE!” She points to groups of costumed ponies the foals holding candy bags. “They know they are safe but at the same time have the chance to know that being scared isn’t a bad thing either. The rush and joy at just a little bit of fear.” Buttercream looks to Twilight Sparkle “You have some crazy ponies in this town.” Twilight sighs “Trust me you don’t know the half of it.” Then to Luna “please don’t leave yet. There all kinds of games and the costume contest.” “And candy!” Pinkie Pie calls out. “Yes and candy.” Luna looks to her daughter mirroring the confused expression they both have. Then to her friend Buttercream. “What do you think Buttercream? It was a misunderstanding.” Buttercream snorted “The more I know of these bearers of Elements the more I come to believe it was just luck they saved you. Alright, let us see what Ponyville Nightmare Night festival has to offer.” “Great! I go get my friend Applejack she can show you all the games.” Twilight says not spotting Buttercream’s eyes rolling hearing that name. Pinkie Pie went back to the foals as the other five headed for the festival when Nightshade spotted something that caught her attention. She leaped out of the stroller and charged at top speed to the Pumpkin catapult. Jumping onto the catapult mistakingly triggering the firing mechanism. “AGHHHHHHHHHHHHH” “NIGHTSHADE!” Luna horn lights up catching the filly in the mid arch. “Be more careful.” Sighing she draws the purple alicorn filly back to her. “I hate for you to end up like that pumpkin.” Buttercream smirks "Soon she be sticking toys up her nose." This got a look from Luna then they both chuckle. Applejack walks overseeing that the pumpkin hit the bullseye. “She got a perfect shot thought. Ya got good reflexes as well as Princess.” The night was spent playing games and even some trick or treating with Pinkie Pie. Soon it was late and the group head to the statue of Nightmare Moon. “Why is there a statue of Nightmare Moon in the woods? In Canterlot it normally a paper mache figure. Often made by the art class in school.” Buttercream says as the see the statue. Twilight stopped walking and blinked “I... really don’t know.” Shaking her head Luna pushed the stroller forward looking up at the statue. Luna sighed again as the zebra Zacora did her act with the green smoke. Nightshade tilted her head ~Eat foals? What kind of lies did they make up?~ Her eyes widen seeing how much candy was given as tribute to Nightmare Moon. To her! That was her candy. Nightshade once again jumped out of the stroller and charge headfirst into the candy. “MINE!” Luna face hoofed “Of course her first word would be mine.” She went over and picked up Nightshade who somehow got a lollypop unwrapped and in her mouth. “Nightshade it’s not all for you.” “Mine.” Nightshade waved the lollypop like a scepter. “You can’t even eat all that. If I remember right most of that candy gets donated to the hospitals for all the foals who couldn’t trick or treat. So no my little Nightshade it not yours.” Nightshade pouts putting the lollipop back in her mouth and crossing her hooves over her barrel. With the night over the group got back on the Chariot. “thank you Twilight I was glad you talked us into staying. Perhaps a friendship letter about giving someone or something a second chance, first impressions aren’t always correct.” “That I know very well Princess. I thought all the ponies here were crazy when I first arrived.” The sound of lighting strike and laughter of Rainbow Dash was heard. “I’m not sure yet if I was right or wrong. But I wouldn’t change it.” Author's Note This was more of a challenge then I thought. Most of Luna Eclipsed was the emotional side of things. In this story Luna already learned not to use the Royal Canterlot Voice, has a friend who is very Loyal. So most of the episode was useless, more than I first thought I rewatched the episode a few times to have it fresh in my mind. Once more Buttercream has something to say about a bearer of Element. Of all the ponies Pinkie Pie should have picked up on Luna's depression. She had a whole song about making others happy. So she should have been more aware of Luna sadness. This is one of the times when she failed the Element of Laughter. https://youtu.be/lQKaAlMNvm8 I always wanted to show Nightshade's ego she might not be evil but she still Nightmare Moon at her core. The desire to be Loved or at least Praised, add the greed and the impulsiveness of a foal. Like always I have learning disabilities and writing is a challenge for me. I found that I have trouble writing multiple characters. Once more Applejack was reduced to a minor cameo. Spelling and Grammar errors are the banes of my existence help me eradicate them! If you see errors, please if you see any send me a message or post it and I will make corrections.
Operation Cookie!She walked back and forth in her prison cell. Her hoofs stop against the ground as she studies the gangs of fellow inmates from her cell. The mass of pony thugs was having their meals as she continued her unfair confinement. She goes to a shadowy spot and puts her hoof down ready to shadow step out of the cell. Only to look confused as she felt resistance to her magic. “Look Gentle Breeze seems the enchantment Celestia put on the playpen is working. She can’t use that shadow power.” Azure Moon's voice called out to her fellow caretaker. ~So it’s Celestia's fault, is it? One day Celestia! One day!~ Nightshade thinks to herself as she moves away from the failed attempt to shadow step. Celestia learned about her ability and already moved to keep her in confinement. It was unfair and it was time to do something about it. She turns to look at her fellow prisoners in the cell. There was her trusty right hoof mare Bonnie Cream puff and her partner in crime Clyde Hops. Cream Puff was drinking from the bottle she snuck into the prison. Hops dutifully stood by the wall blue eyes unblinking and watchful. Then there Buster though not the best agent of hers he still loyal. It was time for an inspiring speech! “I Want cookies too!” Now that was a perfect speech. Nightshade nods solemnly as she looks out of the playpen to the caretaker Gentle Breeze and her fellow caretaker Azure Moon. The other two foals in the playpen came over. “What’s a cookie?” Buster asks. “It a yummy thing to eat. See the older foals are munching on some now. I think those are chocolate chips the very best kind.” Nightshade smiles as the other baby foals look at each other than at her. “How we get cookies?” Cream Puff asks “I see mommy make those a lot but never had them. Just suck on tasty stuff on a wooden spoon when she does.” “Okay time for plan Cookie Monster! Buster, I want you to push against the wall there. Cream Puff, use your magic on that wall there. Me I fly up and get our cookies!” The three foals split up to perform their part of the plan. Buster lifts on his rear legs and puts his front hoofs against the net and pushes. The gems on that side started to glow a little bit brighter as the magic resisted the enhanced strength of an earth pony foal. On the other side of the pen Cream Puff, looked at the net. She didn’t know any magic beyond the simple telekinetic field every unicorn picks up. Thought it an instinctive spell fine control is learned. Much like running is not complex but a professional runner can outperform and outlast any novice. So not knowing any better Cream Puff picks up Mr. Hops her stuff bunny and slams him against the net. Now all four gems were glowing as the magic stored in them resists the foals. Gentle Breeze narrows her eyes seeing the odd behavior. “She’s up to something.” Azure Moon hearing Gentle looks over “Really Gentle she just a baby what could she do.” Just as if Azure spoke a challenge to fate Nightshade went into action. Leaping up in the air and casting her magic against the Anti-Pegasus field keeping her in. The flash of light was bright enough the older foals screamed and bunch up together herding instincts kicking in as they look around in confusion. Gentle Breeze faces hoofs seeing the Purple Royal Foal break the enchantment and fly free of the playpen. “I told you she was up to something. Same as last time our trouble maker got out. You calm the others and I get her.” Gentle was the only one that could fly and thought Azure was a Unicorn her magic was minor she never developed beyond the instinctive basic telekinesis of her tribe. Gentle went flying after the trouble maker. “Come on Nightshade your not surging this time. Just give up no tricks going to help you.” PPPPBBBHHH Nightshade blew a raspberry and flew in the direction of the kitchen. The next part of the operation was tricky. She needed to let Gentle Breeze catch her just on the border of the kitchen. Close enough to trick the foal proofing spell keeping the older foals from the kitchen. The foals including her two fellow babies were no longer panicking but laughing watching the royal filly play a game of tag with Gentle Breeze. Sure enough Gentle was right she didn’t feel the building magic of a surge, in one way she needed to be caught, and not having a surge causing a distraction was a good thing. The bad part was she underestimated Gentle Breeze flight skills. Hooves came close enough she felt them brush her mane. As skilled as Gentle Breeze was, Nightshade was Nightmare moon reborn. Though her foal body didn’t have the muscle memory of her former life her mind still has the combat maneuvers and memories of much harsher times over a thousand years ago. Below the foals laugh as Nightshade performs a snap roll twisting her body to spin out of the hooves' grasp before performing a half loop so she was flying upside down over the foals' heads before righting herself and heading to the kitchen. This caused cheers and stomps of the foals' little hooves. “Children don’t encourage her.” Azure Moon sighed and softly “She’s a little Wonderbolt.” Gentle Breeze growled in frustration as she just manages to stop before hitting the wall. Sure she was skilled at flying indoors but stunts like the ones Nightshade just did were near professional. Already she was thinking of how to write it down for the report to Celestia. Twisting she resumed her race after the royal pain... princess. All was going according to her daring plan now was the hard part she flew to the kitchen and right before hitting that forcefield that kept foals out she twists her belly up in the air and back to the kitchen. Her flight speed dropped due to this and Gentle Breeze hooves caught her. “Got you!” Just as the words you were spoken Gentle realized something was wrong she felt the field let the two of them passed. The field detected her holding Nightshade so didn’t prevent the filly from entering the kitchen. This dawning came to her she looked to Nightshade's smiling face. “Clever girl.” Nightshade horn lit up. Unlike Cream Puff or even Azure Moon, Nightshade knew hundreds of spells and a good number of them were combat spells. True a large number of those spells she lacked the amount of magic needed but a simple stun spell she could muster even if it was weak. The magic hit and Gentle Breeze's limbs instantly went numb as the sensation of her limbs nerves falling asleep take hold her grip on Nightshade was lost. “Why you little...” Gentle fell to the floor as her wings went limp. “Gentle Breeze you okay?” Azure Moon took a few steps to her friend. “Yeah, I’m fine. Somehow she knows a weak stun spell, it will wear off in a moment.” Nightshade got her objective and without care tosses the top of the cookie jar behind her smacking Azure Moon in the face. A quick levitation spell and two cookies fly out and to the playpen. Her payment to her friends' taken care of it was time to enjoy the spoils of war. She dove headfirst into the cookie jar causing it to wobble. “Nightshade!” Azure Moon looked up and spotted Nightshade's head still in the jar fall off the counter. “I shall like to know why thou summoned me to the hospital telling me my daughter was here. But insisted that it not to rush.” Luna was not happy. She got woke up early without any coffee, then told her daughter was at the hospital. Who it was that woke her added to her frustration. Both Celestia and Cadance were with her as they headed down the hall to the medical room where Nightshade was located. “If my filly needs medical attention why is she not in the emergency room. This is just a normal doctor's office.” Cadance could not hide her smile hearing the frustration in Luna’s voice. A voice of a loving mother worrying over her foal. A good sign that Luna was recovering from the dark taint that corrupted her so many years ago. “Because Luna it’s not a medical emergency. With the light of her horn, Celestia opens the door revealing a royal purple filly sitting on the medical bench with a cookie jar firmly planted on her head. “She got her head stuck in the cookie jar.” The sound of Cadance laughing echoed off the hall walls. Only a thousand years of practice could Celestia keep from joining her. From inside the jar was the clear sound of a happy filly munching on cookies. Author's Note Well, it not much but the Joy's of Parenthood was never meant to be more than short moments of life. A little bit of fun and warm up as I finally start the sequel to Mother Moon, Daughter Nightmare. Once more I'm sorry that my spelling and grammar skills are poor. Dyslexia and other learning disabilities limit my skills. Part of my writing here is practice and an attempt to overcome my limitations. Constructive criticism is always welcomed.
Luna's Hearth's WarmingIt was almost time for Hearth’s Warming and throughout Canterlot the ponies were decorating. In the royal castle Neat and Tidy the two castle decorators were finishing up on the grand hall decorations. Both were twins the only thing different was their mane’s colors one silver the other a golden yellow. “Wonderful decorations Neat and Tidy. I see there are figures on the hearth already.” Celestia spoke as she entered the hall. “There is more this year than before.” Luna followed her sister into the hall looking at the fireplace mantle had an assortment of Celestia figures. Though there were more of her sister she did see some of herself as well. “Why are there so many? I thought the tradition was one doll for a pony.” “These are the award-winning figures from across the land. Each represents a different city. This year some send both figures of you and your sister. So we ended up with more than we have space for. Some were quite a cleaver making the two figures interconnect like so.” Neat’s horn glows a golden hew and two figures move together with the bases of both fit like puzzle pieces. “This piece when viewed from above mimics the Equestrian Flag. Even have both your cutie marks in the center.” Celestia moves closer spotting another set of figures of Cadence “Cadence got more this year as well.” Tidy nods “Indeed she has been more outspoken lately. She always been popular, but now she displaying a bit more assertiveness.” Tidy looks to Luna “I think your training in combat might have unexpected effects.” Luna blinks “Really? Part of the training is self-confidence.” Luna then spots another set of figures that fit together this time Luna and Celestia were looking down at a figure of Nightshade. “I see Nightshade also has a few fans.” “Ah yes, that from Ponyville. She did make quite a rememberable display during Nightmare Night.” “That reminds me. I think we should decorate the personal suites for Hearths warming. Perhaps have our private ceremony in Nightshade’s suite. That way she can open her presents in peace out of the public eye?” “Very well Princess we will start decorating your suites right away.” Tidy states as he brings a notebook up to make a memo. “No, tidy. I think for the private suites it should be... well us as a family to decorate. A little normal life activity.” “Ah, yes that a good idea Princess. We shall deliver the decorations to your doors tonight.” “Indeed a good idea Luna. A nice family gets together will be enjoyable. Should we include Prince Blueblood?” Celestia taps her chin thinking. "I would include Princess Cadence and Shining Armor but they already left to go to her parents." “He is family and I'm sure it be more enjoyable for him than that snotty Upper Crust yearly Hearth's Warming Party,” Luna replied. Celestia then looks to Neat and Tidy. “Thank you Neat, and you as well Tidy. I have Hearth’s Warming cards to send out.” With a turn, Celestia turns heading out. Luna nods joining Celestia on the way out of the hall. Once at the suite she enters “Okay Peppermint you have the rest of the day off. I’m taking Nightshade shopping, and to say goodbye to Buttercream and Cream Puff before they leave for Baltimare. The sounds of a chair being pushed aside and a purple filly running under the couch were her answer. “Sorry Princess but Nightshade... being a bit stubborn." Peppermint heart states as he rights the chair then goes to the couch. “Nightshade if you don’t go, they leave anyway without saying goodbye to you. Don’t you want to say goodbye?" “NO, BYE BYE!" Nightshade screams as she leaps in the air throwing a tantrum and a stuffed cow at Peppermint Heart. Then Luna lights her horn and Nightshade was caught in the blue magic field. Luna looked down at her daughter. “Nightshade we need to get going stop arguing.” “NO!” The little filly crossed her hooves sitting down in front of her Mother. “I don’t want them to go either, but pouting here isn’t going to stop them.” Luna’s horn lights up and Nightshade lifts off the ground still pouting. Luna looks at her daughter who was now hovering upside down. “Me being your mother, you don’t get the option of not going.” “She... didn’t break anything did she Peppermint Heart?” “Oh no just lots of stomping and throwing stuffed animals. Typical royal pain.. er.. royal temper tantrum.” “She can be a hoof full, we don’t pay you enough.” “Nonsense, I think she holds back. I heard about how she thew vases as Gentle Breeze during that first magic surge.” Luna shakes her head wondering what stories the staff share about her daughter. “Have a Happy Hearth’s Warming Peppermint Heart.” “You too as well Princess Luna.” “Now come along Nightshade we going to be late and miss them.” “NO!” Nightshade continues to swings her hooves about to no avail as Luna carried her out of the suite and along the halls of the castle. At one time Nightshade would not be distracted easily. Once she would hold a grudge for a thousand years. Now having the body of a foal not even a year old all the pretty lights and decoration for Hearths warming distracted her. “ooh ah” Luna sighs trying to figure out if it was good her former darker side was now a foal or not. There were times when she looked at her daughter and swore her eyes were cold, calculating, then others... the sound of foalish laughter stopped her though and she looked back seeing Nightshade in a pose with one of the wreaths around her neck. “How did... never mind.” With a quick thought, the wreath went to a passing maid. “Please take care of that Glitter Dust.” “Of course your majesty.” The maid didn’t even seem surprised. Even the staff was getting used to the mischief-maker that was Nightshade. It wasn’t long after that Nightshade settled down and riding on Luna’s back the two walked the streets of Canterlot. With guards following of course still far enough away that the illusion of privacy was there. The lights and decorations of the holiday were on full display as they continued to the train station. Luna smiles brighten seeing what she can truly say was her best friend, Buttercream. “Buttercream! Good, I was afraid we miss you, Nightshade was pouting that you two were leaving.” Buttercream was loaded with bags. Saddlebags were stuffed hanging off her sides. The baby stroller had items stuffed in any nook and cranny she could find. There was even a pouch or two in the carriage with Cream Puff. Luna holds back a laugh seeing the filly stuffing her stuffed bunny in one of those pouches. “Almost Luna. Luckily the train running a little late. OH, that reminds me almost forgot to give you this.” Buttercream pulls out a package and hands it over to Luna. “Happy Hearths Warming Luna. Open it!” “You didn’t need to get me anything, besides it not Hearths Warming yet.” “I won’t be here for Hearths Warming. So do it now come on.” Luna smiles and opens the package lifting a blue sweater with white snowflakes designed in it. “Oh... Buttercream’s beautiful. I um... well” A flash and a package appear before Buttercream. “I needed help, Pinkie Pie gave me a few ideas.” Buttercream opens the package and gasps. Tossing the wrapper aside it revealed a brand new Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield. “Luna... this is a Kitchen Aid Mixer. His products are some of the best.” “It was nothing a few hundred bits. Just change for me.” “hun... hundred bits?” “Closer to three.” “I.. this is too expensive I can’t.” “Expensive? I have been going over my account records I think I make three times that per day if I include interest.” Buttercream’s ears lay back then she shakes her head. “This what I get for being friends with a pony that has a bank account older than most banks. Luna I need to show you what life is like for a... well common pony. A cheap version of this item can go about 50 bits.” “really? Well, I did want top-quality and the reviews for this item were very good.” “Thank you, Luna. I will cherish it every time I make a cake, just what am I going to do with it now?” “I got that taken care of.” With another flash of magic, the mixer was gone. “There if I remember right it in your living room. Luna looks down spotting the two foals in Buttercream’s baby stroller. Nightshade was trying to hide under the covers it was almost good enough if her tail wasn’t showing. “Looks like you got a stole away.” With a glow of her horn, Nightshade comes floating out via the telekinetic. “Has she been giving you trouble?” “She doesn’t want you to leave. I’m with her, we are going to miss you two.” “We going to miss you as well, but my mother hasn’t seen Cream Puff since she was born. It only a week then we are back.” Luna felt shocked when Buttercream hugs her, then she returns it with her hug. “Got to tell me all about it when you get back. Happy Hearths Warming Buttercream, you too Cream Puff.” Luna adds a sound barrier around Nightshade to cut out the wailing. She smiles sadly as the two boarded the train. Looking up she spots that Nightshade wasn’t wailing and dropped the sound spell. “Finish fussing? They are going to be back soon my foal it’s just a week.” Pouting “No” crosses her forelegs floating in Luna’s magic. “Come on Nightshade. We still have some shopping to do." This got Nightshade stopping her fussing and she looks at Luna. “Oh this going to be a good doozy!” Both Luna and Nightshade gasp in surprise and turned to look at the Pink pony of surprises Pinkie Pie. “How... when did you get here Pinkie Pie.” “Oh, I took the train to see It’s right there.” The Princesses turn to look at the train pulling into the station. “But it just arrived.” “Of course how else would I get here?” Pinkie Pie says tilting her head. Luna looks at a very confused looking Nightshade shakes her head then looks to the Train as the rest of the Mane 6 got off the train. “Princess Luna, and Nightshade. We getting a Royal reception.” Rarity bows before the princesses then did a double-take seeing Pinkie Pie standing by them. She shakes her head chalking it up to Pinkie being Pinkie. “Ah Lady Rarity, no we were here to say fair well to our friend Buttercream. She and her daughter are spending Hearth’s Warming with her family in Baltimare.” “As much as I wish to be Princess Luna, I am not a noble.” “Really? Hmm. Well, I and Nightshade have some shopping to do. We see you at the Play I’m looking forward to watching your performance.” “Happy Hearth’s Warming Princesses.” Twilight Sparkle smiles and waves as the group separate. “They aren’t nobles... I wonder.” Luna mumbles to herself as they head to the shopping district. It wasn’t long before they came to the shops that Nightshade whacked her upside the head. “TIA!” “Celestia where?” Luna looked around expecting her sister. “NO, Tia...” Nightshade points to a shop. “Oh, you think there a present in there? Alright, let see what we can find.” A mischief smile comes to her face matching her daughters as they walked along the shop shelves. “TIA!” Nightshade motions to some cushions one was a sky blue with gold trim. “Indeed that does look like her. Alright, we got her gift.” Time has passed on and the day of Hearth’s Warming has arrived. In the private suite of Princess Nightshade, the Royal family was sitting by the fire. “Ah, a nice family get together. Much more relaxing than going to Upper crust Hearth’s Warming party. I thought I would have to be very vocal about how abusive you were Aunt Celestia. Treating to take my weekly allowance if I didn’t”.. Prince Blueblood makes air quote motions with his forehooves. “Spend Quality time with the family. On the plus side, I don’t have to listen to Father introducing me to yet another Proper Noble Unicorn Mare.” He sighs and picks up a mug of hot cocoa. “Your welcome Blueblood.” Celestia sips her tea and notes Nightshade has disappeared. “Where Nightshade?” Just then the deep purple glow of Nightshade magic moved a small box in white wrapping decorated in crayons over to Luna. “Seems it time for presents.” Taking the gift from her daughter she opened the box and gasps. Lifting a small figure of a silvery pegasus with a deep blue mane. Tears came to her eyes and she wipes them away. Luna had on the deep blue sweater from Buttercream on. “Luna? What is it.” “it.. a figure of Shadow Striker. Not quite right but close enough... but how.” She saw a card in the box. Dear Princess Luna The other day I was walking Nightshade when she saw a porcelain shop. After a game of 20 questions, I figured out what she wanted. This figure is the result of those many questions. I don’t know who he was but it was clear he was important to Nightshade and this was your Hearth’s Warming gift. Signed Peppermint Heart. Luna horn glows and Nightshade was snatched up and given a hug. “Thank you Nightshade.” “Aww, I wish I could have met the... wait how did Nightshade know what her father looked like?” Blueblood lowered his mug puzzling it over. “Blueblood I guess you can learn another top secret. Nightshade is older then she looks. Her body new but her mind was once Nightmare Moon.” “Nightmare? Well, that kind of explains a few things. Is she safe?” “PBTHHHHHHH” the little purple filly blew a raspberry at him. “Of course Blueblood. She was once the Nightmare, that is no longer the case. Besides, do you want to be known as the Stallion who locked up a baby? To all extent and purpose, Nightshade is a foal in mind and body. Just has some memories from long ago, but her life begins on that Summer Sun Celebration.” Luna adds lowering down Nightshade and seeing the filly run to the gifts again. “I would have to agree to that. Not even my father would dare use that in his plots.” A gift wacks him upside the head. “Very funny Royal pain.” He takes the gift and opens it to see a gold compass. “It lovely Nightshade. Oh, look even got the compass rose to match my cutie mark.” A large present was pushed slowly to Celestia it being too large for Nightshade to use her magic on. “Thank you Nightshade.” Celestia opens it to see the sky blue pillow. “A lovely cushion” She rises and moves the cushion to sit and as she lowers a loud “BBBBBBBFRRRRFFFFF” sound was heard. “A whoopee cushion.” From outside the royal suite, the guards could hear the laughter of Blueblood, Luna, and the joyful glee of a filly. In Ponyville Pinkie Pie smiles. “Nope Not yet. That wasn’t the doozy.” Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie walk into the court chamber. They expected to see Celestia but on the throne was Luna. “Oh, Luna what’s the problem? We came as soon as we could.” Twilight speaks up glancing at the other ponies gathered. Nobles and newspaper ponies were in attendance. What was going on? “The problem was I became aware you weren’t rewarded properly for saving me and Nightshade, not to mention saving all of Equestria from Nightmare Moon. All six of you need to bow now.” Luna stood up and walked down the steps. “It not often done in modern times but there is no reason I can’t use my royal right, so. For service to the kingdom above and beyond the call of duty. By the powers vested in me, I grant you, six heroes of Equestria, the noble rank of DAME. From this day forward you are so knighted.” She smiles “Arise Lady Twilight Sparkle, Lady Rarity, Lady Fluttershy, Lady Apple Jack, Lady Rainbow Dash, and Lady Pinkamena Diane Pie.” “Dame.... me a real noble. Lady? Oh my.” Rarity rises only to fall back onto a couch Pinkie Pie pushed into place just at the right time. “Now this is the Doozy!” Pinkie Pie says as she bounces around the others who were stunned. Luna smiles “Happy Hearth’s Warming my friends.” Author's Note Happy Hearth's Warming! Well, this tale went off in ways I didn't expect. I was going to bounce back and forth between Luna and Nightshade but for some reason, I kept writing Luna's perspective. By the time I stopped and looked back, it was 2,700+ words long. Adding Nightshade's perspective would push its way into the 3000+ range. Almost enough for its own story! The reason I didn't do that was time. It's already 12/26 and I wanted this done before the Holiday's ended. It dawned on me that Luna has the power to Knight the mane 6 and they should have been knighted given they literally saved the world. So in this Universe, the mane 6 are now technically Minor Nobles! Nightshade really showing how much she changed. Getting gifts for her family and yes she got her friends gifts too just there was no point in typing it out. Of course, she got Celestia a Whoopee CUSHION! After reading it again I made some small changes to smooth out the story flow. Report any spelling or Grammar errors to Santa so he can put them on the Naughty List and send them a big sack of coal.
Dream Lesson OneAuthor's Note A little note on time. In the Mother Moon universe, the Royal Wedding happens After Discord return. This takes place 3 months after the Changeling Invasion. Yes that Scootaloo nightmare from "Sleepless In Ponyville." I added a little explanation of why Nightshade shifts from Adult to Filly in the Dream Realm! Hope you enjoyed this little dream walking lesson! Remember I have trouble with spelling and grammar, like any nightmare talk about it and let me know. Dream Lesson One The laughter of Nightshade faded in the dream realm as the three ponies settle down. Twilight shakes her head looking down the rows of doors on the dream realm. She could see faint glowing colors from each door. The doors were different shapes and designs and it seemed as none repeat themselves. “So what does the other magical glows mean?” “Oh let me tell!” Nightshade bounces up springing like Pinkie Pie. Luna chuckles “Alright Nightshade I let you guide this lesson.” Part of Luna wanted to see how Nightshade handles this. “Okay... um. First is the difference between Physical magic and Mental magic.” Nightshade form shifts to her more adult appearance. With her physical form came a more mature voice pattern. “Celestia is well skilled in physical magics. Runes, spells, enchantments all use energy outside the body or guided by the body like how Peguses fly and manipulate the weather. But Mental magic the energy stays in the body charging up the mind.” “All magic has to be linked to the mind. Without it, our magic wouldn’t take form.” Twilight says as the three walks along with the doors of the endless hallway. “Well duh, but you send the magic out of your body. Right now you are using magic as a transmitter of your thoughts rather than use your thoughts to give form to magic. This is the key difference between physical magic and mental magic. Everything you see is your brain translating what it picking up in the ambient magic transmitted by dreaming ponies.” “Unlike other life on Equus Ponies are one of the few that not only absorb magic from what we eat but also absorb ambient magic in the air. An Earth pony who absorbs the energy around them could yank a building off its foundation when just a few days later struggle with the weight of a cake.” “I know that Nightshade. You still haven’t answered my question if Pinkish Red means... romantic activities. What do the other colors mean.” Twilight speaks up to the royal purple alicorn. Luna smirks watching the interplay as she motions with her snout to a deep blue glowing door. Nightshade seeing the motion nods. “I’m getting to that Twilight. Because all magic has a mental element to it, magic has strong reactions to emotions. Get too angry a unicorn with enough power could burst into flames. This is why tending to strong emotions in the dreams of ponies is necessary. A foal that gets too angry or scared in a nightmare could cause a fire in the physical world. The stronger or brighter the glow the stronger the emotions. Each emotion has different shades, like this door. Deep blue is depression.” Luna leans down “Go ahead and just touch your hoof to the door. There no need to intrude on pony privacy without need.” “Wait you let me open that pinkish door when it wasn’t necessary to see... that?” Luna smirks “My Nightshade seems to have a prankster nature to her. Much like Celestia once upon a time.” “I do not take after Celestia!” Nightshade huff and looks away. Luna laughs. “Celestia had our old castle made with secret passages and even a slide so she could sneak around the castle to play pranks.” Nightshade stomps her hoof “She’s lazy and stupid.” “Celestia not lazy or stupid.” Twilight turns to stare at Nightshade. “Oh really? She didn’t tell you anything just send you on some tests and hope for the best. That Dragon she sent you and your friends could have been taken care of easily if she bothered to just go herself.” “That not true she had to handle the day court she couldn’t just leave it behind with no warning.” “Twilight, Nightshade. We have a lesson to do leave this petty squabbles for another time. Twilight, remember even if Nightshade might look like an adult now she’s still a foal.” Nightshade form reverted to the five-year-old and she huffs crossing her forelegs in front of her barrel. “I’m not like smelly, stupid, fat, Celestia.” “Now back to the lesson Twilight go ahead and touch the door.” Luna motions to the deep blue glowing door. Twilight looked at the door noting it was a basic wood door of cherry wood one might see on an Earth Pony house. She reached out to just touched the door when what she saw changed. The room was a hospital and there was an elderly old mare in the bed the ticking of a heart monitor going as she looked at the mid-age stallion beside her. “It's alright, you be fine. Remember mommy loves.... you.” The monitor started a steady line as the mare passed away. “MOM!” Twilight stepped back shaking her head “His, mother died. He’s dreaming about her passing away.” Luna nods and looks to the door “It’s a normal dream, sad and could easily turn into a Nightmare. We let him be, the hardest part of dream walking is learning when to intrude and when to keep yourself from intruding. Many years ago before I...” She looked to Nightshade who was stomping and kicking at little Celestia dolls she conjured. “We became nightmare moon I made that mistake. I tried to fix every dream, it turned out that the nobles use that to inspire fear of me. With comments like how I was monitoring pony thoughts.” “poopy heads.” Nightshade was still in her filly and flys up to land on Luna’s back. “Luna, I have to ask why does Nightshade change from a grown mare to a young filly?” Twilight asks looking at the filly now on Luna’s back. She tries not to react when Nightshade gives her the stink eye. “That, I fear is the result of our time being bound to the moon. Did you notice I spoke in old Equish where Nightmare Moon spoke modern? Nightmare Moon was still able to access the dream realm.” Luna looked to the filly on her back “Nightshade mind is more developed than her physical body. Her physical form can’t handle it all so a part of her is still bound to the Dreams. As she grows she would integrate fully and the more adult form will fade.” “I’m too smart for my body!” “When Nightshade's emotions are stronger she a filly in the dreams. That goes back to our lesson magic reacts to our emotions. In the dream, you see Nightshade as a filly when she broadcasting stronger emotions when she calmer she seems an adult here in the dream realm.” “MOM! A nightmare!” Luna’s head snapped around seeing a door glowing with a sicking black haze in the distance. Twilight moves to run but suddenly the world shifts and they stood before the shadow cloaked door. “What, how did we get over here so fast.” Phhhhhhthhhhhhh Nightshade blows a raspberry “Twilight, remember everything even distance is all in your head. Luna just changed our focus. How else do you think she watches out for nightmares for all of ponykind?” “Oh... Okay, so this black haze like glow is a nightmare?” “Indeed Twilight and a bad one. If left alone it would affect the pony for the rest of her life.” Luna reaches out and touches the door. Then steps back. “It’s Scootaloo the filly that hangs around Rainbow Dash all the time.” “Scootaloo? She was going on a camping trip with Rainbow, Applejack, Rarity, and her friends. Why would she be having a nightmare?” Twilight wondered out loud. Luna’s magic lifted Nightshade off her back. “You two stay here and I shall tend to this.” Luna then walked into the door. “Let watch!” Nightshade prances up and taps the door instead of opening a window seemed to form showing Scootaloo running through a forest with a headless horse chasing after her. Twilight watched as Luna stopped the headless horse and gave Scootaloo a prep talk. Then Twilight saw the dark haze fade and once Luna was out of the door itself vanished. “Where did the door go? Is Scottaloo alright?” “Scootaloo is fine, just needs to face her fears. The cause of this was some scary story she was told now she afraid if Lady Rainbow Dash finds out, Rainbow will be disappointed in her.” “The door disappeared because she woke up.” Nightshade stretches her wings as she returns to her adult form. “A foalish fear.” “Nightshade? We became Nightmare Moon because of the feeling of rejection did we not?” Luna looks to her daughter who huffed and looked away. Then Luna looked to Twilight. “Some nightmares are needed for a Pony to grow. Where others would harm them. If I didn’t interfere the dread of being rejected would grow, and... we all know how that very thing affected me.” “That and Sombra’s evil magic, the whole feeling of being betrayed, oh let not forget the Nobles slandering us. Er... you.” Nightshade moves past the other two ponies and motions to a door with a grayish haze. “There a Nightmare that the result of guilt. See how their sparks of different colors I see angry red and yellows sparks in the gray. The nightmare there is caused by anger and fear. I bet ten bits someone got mad and now feeling guilty and is afraid of the result.” Twilight walks up to the door and touched it. “I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU FORGOT OUR ANNIVERSARY!” She backed up having seen and heard the yelling mare. “Um... It seems some stallion forgot their wedding anniversary. The Mare now is having the Nightmare she damaged their marriage by overreacting.” “We heard, that a very potent nightmare, but one I don’t think would have lasting effects. Come it time for me to end this spell. I want to double-check on Scootaloo, and as I said we are using magic so our bodies aren’t getting rest even if we are laying down on those soft pillows Spike provided.” “Oh, it’s Pinkie Pie’s dream! She so random!” Nightshade shifts to the five-year-old form and runs into a pink door with party balloons. Twilight spots a carnival on the other side of the door. Twilight looks to Luna “Is she going to be alright?” Luna looks down “I’m sure Nightshade is safe even if Pinkie Pie dreams tend to be chaotic." “No, I’m asking about Scootaloo. That was a dark nightmare.” Luna nods “If she faces her fear and tells Rainbow Dash she’s afraid she be fine. If not the fear will take root and could take a life of its own.” With that, her horn flair and the dream walk ends. Twilight Sparkle opens her eyes seeing her Library. “Wow, it was all in our heads.” A yawn was heard and Twilight turns her head seeing Spike barely awake. “go ahead and get to sleep...” She yawns herself. “I will be getting to bed as well once I get something in me. I’m famished.” “That the drain on your magic Twilight. Once you are used to using mental magic your body will adapt. Now if you excuse me.” Luna stands and goes to the window where she lights up her form. Twilight watches and for a moment she saw Luna’s face on the moon. “There that should help Scootaloo.” “Thank you for the lesson Luna.” “It was my pleasure Twilight. Now, how about we enjoy those cucumber sandwiches Spike had prepared.” “Sure he does make fine snacks” “Thanks, Twi. Twilight tried once to make a cake and it came out hard as a brick.” “I followed the directions!” "Twilight cooking is affected by altitude. The recipe you followed was written for Canterlot because of the lower air pressure on the mountain food takes longer to cook. Down here in Ponyville it's faster." “But... The book said twenty minutes!” "It said for approximately twenty minutes." Luna chuckles smiling as she takes a bite of a sandwich.
The Dreaded cave of DreadNightshade’s Pov The air was thick with moisture and the faint taste of mold, spider webs hung down from the ceiling of the caves just barely brushing the three adventurers. “Come on we just starting exploring. The treasure will be min...umm...ours.” Nightshade marched right past her and deeper into the caves. Following Nightshade was her friends Cream Puff and Buster. She adjusts her explorer’s helmet and lights her torch. Plunging deeper into the dreaded caves of dread! She was glad for the torch shining its magical light brightens the brownish sandstone walls reflected slightly as the three came to an intersection. “Okay... it’s this way.” Nightshade turned left followed by Buster. “You sure Nightshade it looks scary.” “Buster, of course, I’m sure. The scary stuff always has the best stuff.” Not paying attention Cream Puff felt a strand of the spider webs on her back and squealed. Charging ahead to get away from the web she took the right path. After a few feet down the tunnel, she slows and looks around... alone. Her heart continued to beat fast as the sudden fear of the strange sensation of the web was replaced with the fear of being alone. Cream Puff always had this fear it was why she was given the stuffed bunny. She was missing Mr. Hops who she left with her mommy. That means she was now alone, in the dark cave with just her glow stick. “Nigh... nightshade?” She sucked in a breath getting ready to scream. “There you are Cream Puff. You went the wrong way.” Nightshade came up to her friend. Buster followed and unlike Nightshade noticed the signs of fear in Cream Puff. The lowered tail and ears up and alert. Wide eyes he came closer and hugged Cream Puff. “We here Cream Puff. It okay you are safe.” Nightshade blinks “Wait what’s wrong?” “I..I.. was alone... where were you?” Cream Puff let out her breath slowly calming down. “We went to the left path. Then I noticed you were not with us.” Buster gives Nightshade a stink eye. “I mean... Buster noticed. So we came back looking for you.” Yup completely believable Nightshade thought to herself. The cave shook slightly “Cave in!” The top of the cave opens and Buttercream’s head looked down. “You alright in there Cream Puff?” Buttercream looks down at the foals. “Mommy, I good.” Cream Puffs looks up to her mother. “You are braking immersion.” Nightshade pouts. “What that means Nightshade?” Buster asks as Buttercream lowers the ceiling. “It means it not pretend.” “Oh, well can we play more,” Buster asks looking innocently at the fillies. “Yes, we still have the treasure to find.” Nightshade headed farther down the cave as the other two foals look at each other and shrugged. Then followed the group leader into the darkness. Turning the corner Nightshade stops and raises her wing. “There are bears ahead guys. We have to be sneaky.” “I got this.” Buster wasn’t sneaky instead he charges forward turns and bucks the bears missing both. His hooves end up stuck in the cave wall. “Help..” The two bears turn and growl as the two move forward Buster's heart started beating faster as fear set in. Trapped in the dirt of the cavern wall he was helpless. Just then the bears went flying into the cave wall blasting through the rock. The two fillies having shoved the stuffed two stuffed Teddy-bears through the cardboard wall. “Oh no Buster falling out and down the cliff,” Nightshade says as she grabs Buster front left hoof. Cream Puff grabs his right hoof and both pull him back into the cave. Once save the three foals look out of the opening and down the cliff. “Are they okay?” Asks Cream Puff. “Yeah see they are getting up. We better hurry before they find their way up again.” “That’s like a thousand miles below. Thanks for saving me you two.” Buster says as he looked at the two Teddy-bears laying just an inch away. “We are a team. Now let get going I want that candy... er. We are so close to the treasure.” Nightshade turns and heads back into the cave followed by the other two. They're in a cave that was in an octagon shape was a bowl with sparkling gems. “The treasure!” The roof shakes and a large white head looks down. “Having Fun?” “Oh no a horrible fat monster that going to sit on us! Quickly grab the candy... I mean treasure.” The three foals grab the candy dish and scurry for the safety of the smaller cavern. Soon all three run out of the box caves and to their mothers where the start dividing up the candies. Celestia blinks “Why does she always have to say something about my weight?” Luna’s Pov Outside the mass of boxes that been tapped Luna smiles as her filly and friends went into the maze. Sipping her coffee she moves the large cup from her lips and looks to her guest. “Vanilla Bean you were right this Moonlit Champion drink is tasty.” “Um... thanks, Princess.” Vanilla Bean was a pale yellow earth pony with a brown mane and tail a light brown like coffee with cream in it. Her brown eyes were a little panicky. “Glad you like my work.” Princess Luna sighed the mare was afraid that was clear. She hoped she was over the fear ponies had of her but it seemed that there... her thoughts were interrupted by Buttercream. “Relax Vanilla. Luna not going to hurt you.” “Oh, no... no.. it not that. She... awesome I saw her fight those nasty Changelings. I don’t know what to say to the Princess.” Blink... blink It took a moment for what Vanilla Bean said to processed. “You think I’m awesome?” “Oh yes... Princess Luna. Even wounded you didn’t stop or give in to despair. It was very... inspiring. Me and Donut Joe started throwing hot coffee and even the cooking oil at the Changelings after we saw you and Cadence.” Luna blushes a little and looks to the drink she was sipping “Is that why he named this drink the Moonlit Champion? Is it in honor of me?” “It was my idea, but yes.” With a worried look “It’s too much? You don’t like it?” “No.. I mean I love the drink. Thank you.” Buttercream chuckles and leans over to Vanilla Bean “Luna not used to being complimented.” “Why not? A Princess as awesome as Luna should be complimented often.” Luna smirks and takes another sip “it’s a very long story and one that very sad. Perhaps I tell you another ti...” The squeal of a foal causes all three mothers to snap their heads to the cardboard box maze the foals had set up. Buttercream stood up and headed to the boxes “That’s my Cream Puff’s squeal.” She lifted part of the box and looked down. “You alright in there Cream Puff?” “Mommy, I good.” Cream Puffs looks up to her mother. Buttercream smiles at the foals and closes the box and headed back to the couch where the other two mothers were watching. “They are fine, looks like Cream Puff just got separated for a time.” “I thought Cream Puff didn’t scare that easy,” Luna states as she looks at the boxes as she focuses on the sounds of the foals. “She’s brave when with others. She has isolation anxiety when she alone she panics. That’s why she normally with her stuffed bunny. I’m surprised Nightshade got her to leave him with me.” Buttercream nudges the stuffed bunny. “Isolation anxiety is a normal problem with foals. Our herding instincts want us to be around others, being alone is hard to get used to. It was very hard for me a thousand years ago, it was just me and Celestia. I’m happy that it seems Nightshade won’t be growing up lonely.” “Well, you aren’t alone anymore either Luna. You got me and Vanilla Bean... right Vanilla?” “What.. oh sure I will be more than happy to hang out.” “Thank you two. This means a lot, more then I can even say.” Luna smiles and blinks as a pair of hooves burst out of the cardboard. “Seems Buster got stuck.” Luna laughs seeing the colt's hooves sticking out. “Oh, dear wonder what they are doing in there.” Vanilla Bean asks right before the side of the box rips fully and two stuffed Teddy-bears pop out followed by the three foals looking out of the hole. “Having an adventure.” Luna smiles as she sips her drink then see Celestia walk into the suite. “I see the foals are having fun in the maze.” “Indeed sister, they are having a blast. I do believe they are near the treasure room.” “Oh?” Celestia moved to the octagon chamber and lifts the roof. “Having Fun?” “Oh no a horrible fat monster that going to sit on us! Quickly grab the candy... I mean treasure.” Celestia blinks as the three foals scramble to the candy dish then back into the box maze. “Why does she always have to say something about my weight?” “It seems there will always be snide side to my Daughter.” She looks down as the three foals split up the candies. Author's Note I wanted to have a little fun. Here we see how the personalities of the three foals interact with each other. Nightshade still has a bit of an ego and greedy side. Not as potent as Nightmare Moon's but it still there. Cream Puff is trusting but has anxiety attacks when alone so would tend to go with any wild idea Nightshade has. Buster is more careful but willing to be the brave guard like his father when he has to. I had a happy birthday, it was on the 13th! Still counts!
Nightshade's First Birthday!Author's Note I didn't think of much mischief for the Canterlot Three to do here. I did, however, add a lot of info for future events! Can you figure them out? Nightshade's First Birthday! T-Four months Luna’s POV Unlocking the door the two sisters walk into the royal office to discuss the event’s in day court. “So Blueblood made another show in court today.” Luna chuckles “What did he do this time?” “Oh just demanded a broken down playground be torn down and a garden be put in its place, with a statue to himself of course.” Celestia smiles. “So he wants us to repair the playground in a poor section of the city. A noble request, and adding the statue idea makes it seem it just for his ego. I approved the idea, let just add a small statue in the corner, oh better yet it the center of the merry go round.” The two sisters stop walking as the chair behind one of the desks turn around by itself. Or so it seemed, in the chair was Pinkie Pie. “Ah good... we need to talk. From my calculations, we have four months to prepare for Nightshade’s first birthday party.” “Four months, but the summer sun celebration is six months away,” Celestia states looking at the door to the office. The door that was locked and had a guard standing by it. “Oh, silly Celestia didn’t the Doctor FeelGood tell you she was a healthy two months old? That means we need to adjust the day of her birth to fit. Or else ponies would get curious. On top of that it’s unfair to Nightshade she has to have a birthday on the Summer Sun Celebration. It's like having a birthday on the worst day you ever had.” Pinkie leans forward her hooves together in an almost sinister pose. “Now let’s talk about her birthday party.” Luna looks to Celestia “Why did I feel a chill go down my spine?” She faced Sombra, Discord, Tirek, and her inner nightmares. For some reason, this pink smiling pony was more freighting then them all. “I don’t know Luna... maybe it best we just go along with her.” “Good now sit, we have lots to go over.” Pinkie Pie smiles she been planning for months. T- one month Luna slams down a letter “THAT ARROGANT... Ugh, I can’t even say what.” Celestia looks up from the pile of letters she was going over. “What’s is it Luna?” “It’s Count De Money. He has the nerve to offer his son as a betrothed to Nightshade.” “That is arrogant. I can’t wait to tell Blueblood his father offering him as a betrothed to a one-year-old filly.” Celestia shakes her head “I’m so glad Blueblood took after his mother.” “I wish I could have met princess Red Carpet if her son anything to go by she must have been impressive.” Luna uses her magic to write a note in reply to Count De Money. “A five-time award-winning actress as well as a direct heir to Princess Plantuim. I still can’t understand why she fell in love with De Money as she did.” “Perhaps he did love her, a pity it didn’t include their son. Now it just seems De Money is just trying to use Blueblood for his ambition.” Luna picks up another letter and looks it over. “Celestia, is this Rich's Barnyard Bargains a good investment?” Celestia looks up from a letter “It not a bad investment, owned by the Rich family currently led by Filthy Rich originally named Berry Rich before he changed his name. The Rich family has the only contract for the Zap Apple Jam from the apple family. The Barnyard bargains chain has 15 locations throughout Equestria. Why you ask?” “Because he offering 20 stock shares for a birthday present for Nightshade. He and his family confirm they be here for the birthday party.” Celestia taps her chin “He’s not a bad pony, but his wife is a social climber and a bit of an elitist. From what I hear their daughter Diamond Tiara is much the same as well a bit of a bully.” “Sounds like they will fit right in with the Canterlot nobility. Most of the guest list are social climbers with egos larger than the sun. I just hope they wouldn’t ruin Nightshade’s first birthday party.” Birthday Party She didn’t expect a thing, why would she, after all, she wasn’t technically born till the Summer Sun Celebration so when Luna put her in her stroller she didn’t suspect a thing. That was till they walked past the daycare center. Nightshade moved to look up to her mother and point her hoof to the door. “You passed it," of course unable to talk yet it was just babble. “No, we aren’t going to the daycare today. Gentle Wind having a day off from taking care of you.” Nightshade tilts her head “Why? She loves me. She said so herself I keep her on her hooves.” Luna chuckles not sure what Nightshade said but knew what was coming. They turned the corner and headed out to the gardens when... “SURPRISE!” Nightshade screamed and jumped from her stroller and bolted under Luna’s legs before she turned to face the pink monstrosity. “Why is the pink one here? Don’t you know she’s an abomination?” Nightshade babbled from the shelter of Luna’s legs. “Aww, I think I scared her. Come on every pony! Happy Birthday, Nightshade!” Pinkie Pie bounced out of the way of Luna and Nightshade reveling the garden decorated in stars, balloons painted to look like planets, and streamers of gold and red mimicking shooting stars. Nightshade seeing her friends Buster and Cream Puff scampered over to the two foals. There were others about most from the daycare center including the caretakers. The others about she didn’t take long to group them into the social elites and the other ponies. Luna spoke up as she entered the gathering. “Nightshade and I wish to welcome you all to her birthday party. This being her first birthday there aren’t any events just let your foals have fun. There the bouncy castle, the ball pit, an obstacle course, the royal playground, and even a small dance floor. Have fun every pony.” “Let’s play.” Cream Puff states as she heads for the obstacle course. “Okay, I lead.” Nightshade rushes ahead followed shortly by Buster. The three foals came to the course. It wasn’t much there were wheels on the ground followed by a rope net you crawled under, and last a balance beam. Nightshade joined her friends jumping from wheel to wheel when her ears turn hearing some older foals in pretty dresses talk. “Ugh, why are they doing that? They get all dirty.” “Yeah, Stardust but what you expect she’s playing with a mud pony after all.” Nightshade snorts hearing the snobbish unicorns talk about her friend. Her horn lights up as she gets ready to blast those unicorns when Cream Puff’s voice distracts her. “Hurry up Nightshade!” The spell fades as she turns seeing her friends at the rope. Ignoring the snobs she runs after her friends and being so small the net above the three wasn’t much trouble at all. At the balance beam, she easily leaps and glides onto the beam. Followed by Buster with his Earth Pony enhanced strength. Cream Puff, however, was stuck unable to leap upon the beam. Then a filly came over and lifted her onto the beam. “There ya go.” Nightshade looks back at the pale light yellow earth pony with a bright pink bow and red mane and tail. Standing with the Earth pony filly was an orange and purple pegasus filly and a Unicorn filly with pink hair. “Having an adventure you three? Don’t worry the Cutie Mark Crusaders are here to help.” Scootaloo says smiling. The three smaller foals continue on the balance beam as the CMC followed alongside. “Woo, there almost done fell off.” Apple Bloom says as she helps Buster keep his balance. “What are you blank flanks doing here? Don’t you know this is for important ponies.” Came the voice of Diamond Tiara approaching the group with Silver Spoon. “Leave us alone Diamond Tiara.” Scootaloo snorts facing the bullies. She didn’t notice Nightshade moving up beside her with an angry face. “Or what? You going to flap your little wings and pretend to fly?” “Everything alright over here?” Buttercream was, of course, keeping an eye on her daughter and their friends. So when the two fancy-dressed foals went over she came right up behind them. Diamond Tiara looks to the earth pony and huffs. “Nothing a staff pony needs to worry about. Go along and do something useful.” Buttercream raises her brow. Then looks to Nightshade “Don’t worry Princess I got this.” Nightshade blinks and looks to her friend's mother. “What do you mean?” Buttercream smiles and looks to the fillies. “You are from Ponyville, right? Home of Sweet Apple Orchards? The only orchard where Zap Apple Jam is made? One of the Suppliers for apples here at the castle? Well you two fillies, that Apple Bloom the youngest of the Apples that are one of the wealthiest families in the nation.” “Wait I’m wealthy?” Apple Bloom blinks. “No, she’s not, she just a blank flank farm pony. My Daddy Filthy Rich I’m more wealthy than any farm pony.” Diamond Tiara snorts. “Apple Bloom, who’s sister is a Dame, who owns more land then most of Ponyville combined. Who with one word to her big sister Lady Applejack could cut the supply of apples and zap apple jam to your father’s Barnyard Bargains? I might be just a chief here at the castle but I know that filly could ruin your father’s business. Not only would he not have any apples from Sweet Apple Orchard, but none of the apples from any of the Apple family, then you have the friends of those Apples following along, like her cousins the Oranges. Tell me how would your daddy make his bits if all the farms stop selling to him?” “Indeed, Lady Applejack and her family are that powerful. Besides the Oranges, they have ties to the Pears as well. Wealth doesn't always mean Bits my little pony. One should never judge a book by its cover.” Diamond Tiara turns to see Luna approaching. “Princess this servant is talking back to me.” Luna raised a brow. “I see.” Luna looks to Buttercream “I did give you the day off correct?” “Yup, wanting me to spend time with my daughter on your daughter’s special day.” “Ah good. So how about we get some coffee, my treat.” “It’s always your treat Luna. One of these days I going to insist on paying.” “WAIT, you are friends with a servant?” Diamond gasps out shocked at the display of the royal princess and the kitchen chief. Luna looks down and smiles “Yes. Now run along and play like good foals.” Luna then looks to the CMC “Thanks for taking care of our daughters. I see they are in good hooves." “Cutie Mark Crusaders are on the job.” Apple Bloom smiles and gives Luna a salute. Luna nods then give Nightshade a wink and headed to the drinks with Buttercream. “Wow, I didn’t know I was wealthy.” Apple Bloom looks to the smaller foals “How about the ball pit next?” The three smaller foals look at each other than run to the ball pit not even slowing as they jumped into the mass of softballs. The CMC barely heard Diamond Tiara say behind them. “But she a servant...” The foals playing distracted them for a bit longer than from the tables. “It’s cake time!” “Oh no, you don’t Pinkie Pie! This Birthday cake is provided by the Kitchen staff!” Buttercream called out. “BRING IT OUT, BOYS!” Four Earth pony servants came out carrying a massive multi-layered purple and silver cake decorated with stars. “I spent the last week making sure everything was perfect. Alternating vanilla and chocolate cake with my signature buttercream icing! It even has chocolate chips in it!” Luna picks up Nightshade and the other three foals and placed them at the head table. “As much as my sister might want the first slice. That honor goes to the birthday girl.” Luna served her daughter first setting the cake down. Just to see the filly smash it into her mouth with abandonment. “Just like Celestia!” The voice caught Nightshade by surprised and she stuck her tongue out and blew a raspberry “Phtttttp. I am not like Celestia at all.” It wasn’t long after the cake that the presents were opened. Various toys were offered as well as some that were meant to be display toys not for playing. Others were clear attempts to bribe the Princess. Really why would a one-year-old filly need with designer dresses and jewelry? With a sleeping Nightshade Luna heads away from the fading party. Or she tried there standing in front of her was Pinkie Pie. “Did I do a good job? Did she like it?” Pinkie Pie was looking at the snoring Nightshade her muzzle still had some cake frosting on it. “you did a wonderful job Pinkie Pie.” Luna smiles at the smaller pony. “Good with how I messed up the whole Nightmare Night I was worried. Black Snooty didn’t know how to smile. Both of you do now.” Pinkie walked with Luna down the hall. “Indeed, there wasn’t much for... um.... black snooty to smile about.” “Not anymore, she has friends and family.” Pinkie looks off as if hearing something. “She’s going to need them.” Luna stops and turns to ask Pinkie what she meant but the hall was empty except for her and the snoring Nightshade. “Just when I stopped being spooked by that pony she says something like that.”
It is Cadence's DestinyNightshade was enjoying her dream. It wasn’t special or anything just a simple dream about flying over silvery clouds in the moonlight. Landing on a cloud she looks down to the dream version of Equestria below. “Oh, my sleeping ponies. So snug in your beds.” Her head snaps up something was wrong. There was something else in her dream. Her eyes widen watching a shadow grow from the north. “WHO’S THERE?!” In the dark clouds two eyes open green with a purple glow. A horn appears black darker than the darkest night with a red tip. “CRYSTALS” The dream turned nightmare shatters as nightshade scrambles from her blanket screaming in terror. She starts flying just as the door opens reveling Peppermint Heart her part zebra nanny. “Nightshade? You alright?” Fear all nightshade knew was fear she didn’t wait, didn’t even noticed Peppermint as she zipped past him at top speed. Her horn lights up blasting the doors to her chambers open. Her instincts crying out for only one pony. Her scream awoke her, her throat already sore from her crying. The purple missile of terror flew past guards and servants heading for the royal court chamber. Luna sat on the throne as night court continues. There wasn’t a large group, mostly poor that couldn’t get to see Celestia the day before, or couldn’t wait any longer for the next day court. At least it wasn’t any nobles who were trying to sneak something past her that Celestia already turned down. Before her now were a Stallion and Mare both were earth ponies. The mare was a brown coat with a leaf green mane, the stallion was tan with a sandstone mane. “Your.. majesty, our farm was destroyed during the parasprites infestation. We have been waiting for the insurance company, but we need aid now. Without our farm, we can’t pay the mortgage.” “We going to lose our home! I just found out I’m with foal. Please, Princess, help us.” “I understand the Parasprites that infested Fillydelphia was devastating. Due to emergency measures ruling 52 all mortgages should have been put on hold. I will have someone investigate your claim right away. No one should go homeless double so when expecting. I will also personally pay for your farm recovery.” “If I may ask what bank has your mortgage?” “That will be Money and Capital.” The Mare replied. “Count de Money’s bank, I should have known. I’m sure he would say it a missed file or a mistake of an underling.” Looking to her assistant Midnight Oil. “I want an investigation into the Money and Capital bank. Make sure they didn’t misfile any other mortgages that would have been covered by the emergency action. Make sure my ruling is followed. I want their home ready to welcome the new member of the family.” “Oh thank you princess!” the couple smiles broadly at the princess of the night. “It is my pleasure my litt... what is that noise?” Luna stood up just as the screaming Nightshade blasted the court hall doors open and flew into her hooves balling her eyes out. “Oh, dear... The night court is dismissed. Seems I have a family issue to tend to.” Midnight oil Luna’s assistant nods. “As you wish Princess.” The unicorn aid headed to the couple. “If you follow me I get your information and send someone to see why you are being intimidated.” Picking up nightshade till she could look her daughter in the face “Now my little Nightshade, what got you so upset?” Nightshade’s teal eyes look into her own. “So... sombra....back.” Fear ran down Luna’s spine. Wishing there were a pair of hooves she could charge into. “We need to tell Celestia.” “Stupid Celestia.” Nightshade paced back and forth. Its been a day and already the Princess of the sun was messing things up. Sending Cadence and Shining Armor to the Crystal Empire was smart. Cadence cutie mark was the Crystal Heart after all. It was the stupidity of not telling Cadence how to get to the Crystal Heart that was stupid. She knew why, oh she knew very well why. If Luna could fall for Sombra’s trap, so could Cadence. Nightshade knows that Celestia going to summon Twilight and her friends to do the hard part spiring Cadence. This was unacceptable. Nightshade needed to do something... She curls up and closes her eyes technically it was nap time. Hopefully, she could find Cadence's dream. The train ride was long and boring. Cadence even finished her latest romance novel ‘Fifty Shades of Grey mane’ and tossed it aside. “Ugh, really I don’t know why ponies like that story. The stallion a stalker and manipulator it gets the whole BDSM thing wrong. Not to mention it’s a clear rip off of those Twilight Belle stories.” “Twilight Belle? Isn’t that the one where the young unicorn falls in love with the vampire pony?” Shining Armor asks putting down his novel. “So... how do we do that BDSM thing correctly?” Cadence sighs “I tell you later Shiny. Right now I’m going to take a nap we still have a long way to go.” “Alright dear, I go back to reading Pirates of the Caribbean.” “They should have ended the books after the third one.” Cadence yawns and closes her eyes. Soon she finds herself in the dungeon room of the Shades of Grey mane story. “Oh come on I can’t even get it out of my mind. Ugh... Okay well, I’m dreaming so... what did aunt Luna tell me...” Before Cadence even remembers her lucid dreaming lessons the world shifts and she finds herself in a crystal throne room. “Okay, that wasn’t me. Who’s there?” “I glad you are aware enough to tell you aren’t alone.” The figure of a purple alicorn fully grown with black mane and tail walks out from behind the crystal throne. “Cousin we need to talk.” “Nightshade? Is that you? What’s going on.” “What is going on is Celestia doesn’t trust you... No that’s not right... she afraid for you.” “Okay, nightshade I know you pretending to be a grown-up in this dream but insulting Celestia not right.” Nightshade rolls her eyes. “I’m not trying to insult her. It is just so easy... no no... I’m here for an important message. You know the Crystal Empire is back, so is Sombra.” Cadence nods “Yes we are going to help protect those crystal ponies till Twilight and the gang can come and help defeat Sombra.” “There a faster way, it just not easy. In the Crystal Castle... in this very room is a secret passage.” Nightshade horn lights up with dark magic, magic Cadence never seen before. A blast of this dark magic hits a crystal creating a shadow across the floor opening the passage down. “That spell will be hard for you to cast Cadence. Like all magic, it draws on emotions, in this case, negative emotions. Hate, fear, helplessness, but it the only way to open the passage.” Nightshade starts walking down. Followed close behind by Cadence. “I don’t understand, why didn’t Celestia tell me about this secret passage?” “The answer to that is Nightmare Moon.” “Hold on Nightmare Moon didn’t appear till after Sombra was banished.” Nightshade smiles sadly and motions as an image of Luna and Shadow Striker appeared. “The Stallion is Shadow Striker, Luna’s husband for only one day. They came this way to stop Sombra. The goal was the Crystal Heart, a magical artifact almost as powerful as the Elements of Harmony. With it, they could have banished Sombra for good.” “I know this part, Sombra magic blinded Luna causing her to kill Shadow Striker.” “That was the start of Nightmare Moon, Luna’s guilt. Celestia is afraid you do the same thing. She’s afraid you will fall for the trap and lose yourself.” Cadence looks down “Like I almost did during the Changelings’ invasion.” “Do you understand why they are afraid. They love you and don’t want you to suffer as Luna did. If Sombra’s magic infects you, and you end up killing Shining Armor.” “NEVER! I would never...” “QUIET! Do you think Luna wanted to kill the only stallion she loved? THAT WE LOVED!” Cadence backed away her ears flat against her head. “I’m... I’m sorry I forgot you were part of Luna at the time. This... oh god... this is when you were...” “In one way yes... this was when my mind started to form separate from Luna’s. This was when I became another personality. It could be said I was born when Shadow Striker died.” Nightshade looks at the dark doorway. “To get the crystal heart you need to face your greatest fear. I’m betting your magic of Love can overpower Sombra’s magic. Keep yourself focused on the love you feel from Shining even as you face what you dread the most.” Cadence looks at the dream version of the doorway. “If... If I wait for Twilight to come? So is Celestia sending Twilight to recover the Crystal Heart? Wouldn’t Twilight suffer as well?” Nightshade nods “Yes, but Twilight doesn’t have anyone she loves with all her heart. She has friends and will fear to lose them. But the devastating fear of seeing your lover... de...dead. No Twilight has not felt emotional love that deep. Her fear is something stupid like failing a test or something.” “Fear of being a disappointment isn’t stupid. It’s a valid fear.” “Yeah, yeah whatever. You get my point. Your heart loves Shining Armor as much as Luna loved Shadow Striker. Deep in your heart, you already fear to watch him die as he grows old and you remain young looking being an alicorn. That a fear Twilight would not have, Sombra’s magic wouldn’t strike her as deep.” Nightshade was standing tall ignoring the tears falling from her cheeks as she cries remembering the death of Shadow Striker. Cadence moves over and nuzzles Nightshade. “So it shall be my choice. I face my fear of losing Shining Armor, or let Twilight face her fear.” Nightshade nods and motions to Cadence cutie mark. “Your Cutie Mark is a near copy of the Crystal Heart. One way, or another your destiny is the Crystal Empire.” “Thank you Nightshade for telling me.” Nightshade looks up as the dream starts to fragment. “You are waking up. Whatever you choose Cadence, kick that smoky crystal addict moron flank for me.” “And for Luna.” “Yeah, yeah, her too.” Cadence wakes up seeing Shining Armor looking worried. “You were crying, love. Are you okay?” “Just a sad dream. I’m better now knowing you are with me.” Twilight and the rest of the gang get off the train. Looking around they spot the massive glowing dome covering the crystal empire. “Oh my, that impressive.” Rarity says seeing the shining crystals of the city. “That it is, now that we know where the Crystal Empire is, we be able to expand these train tracks into the shield.” Cadence walks out of the train station beside her was Shining Armor. “Cadence! We came as fast as we could. Celestia sent us to help you stop Sombra.” Twilight turns hearing Cadence’s voice. Cadence smiles a slightly sad look to her face. Memories of a nightmare of seeing her dead body next to her brother’s flash in her mind the only sound her insane laughter. With a quick shake of her head, she banished the fear-induced nightmare. “It was hard but Shining Armor and I stopped him.” “You should have seen it Twilight. Cadence seemed to know where the Crystal Heart was hidden and charged right in. She ordered me to stay outside to cast my shield spell, just in time too as the sky filled with darkness. The creepy clouds had green eyes... Just as my shield started to fail Cadence came charging past me and put this large Crystal Heart in the center of the tower. The blast of magic was so strong it broke the spell on the Crystal Ponies and destroyed what remained of Sombra. They are calling her the ‘Brave and Glorious Princess’” “I rather just be called Cadence. Now let get inside the shield, I’m cold and craving those Crystal Berries, oh with pickles.” Twilight’s eyebrow raises “Pickles?” Author's Note How many of you think it should have been Cadence that got the Crystal Heart? It really is her Cutie Mark!
Home is where the heart is. Side Character story.Home is where the heart is. Side Character story. Aftermath It was a week after her wedding and Princess Cadence was setting up the first group theory session for those still coping having been a prisoner of the Changelings. The room was a nondescript four walls and door room for meetings and groups. The wall opposite the door had four large windows to let in the light, the floor a light brown wood. The walls used to be plain white had a fresh coat of light green paint. A set of tables were along the wall with the windows where drinks and snacks were set up. Finally, cushions were on the floor in a large circle, spar cushions in the far corner in case she needed more. “Cousin you should still be on your Honeymoon.” Prince Blueblood was looking around the chamber. “Our citizens need closer Bluey. With me taking up psychology classes, this is the best way I can help.” Cadence says as she moves around the chamber looking at every detail once again. It has to be just right, calming enough to ease the tension but not so much that it’s boring. “You haven’t earned that doctorate yet Cadence. I have no idea why you started going back to school anyway.” “It’s simple, it was Luna. Helping her awoke a passion to understand the mind and spirit better. It so fascinating, combine that with how magic reacts to emotions, and how my unique magic affects emotions.” She turns and looks at Blueblood “I saw in Luna how manipulation of a mind can corrupt not just the pony thoughts but the magic they wield. It worst then what the Changelings do, they get the best benefit if their prey is happy. Sombra made her feel nothing but sorrow. I want to make sure I don’t become another Sombra, he broke her mind. If he had my power it would have been much worst.” “So you saw what could happen if you lose control.” Blueblood nods. “I wish I could stay but, well I play with ponies perceptions.” He hugs Cadence. “Still you could have waited a week more.” “I know, but Shiny still recovering from his ordeal. We talked about it and being around friends and family will help him recover better then us being by ourselves in Neighagara falls.” Then Blueblood headed out and in a voice slightly above normal speech. “Cadence you should be at home as a proper trophy wife.” “Blueblood get that stick out of your plot. You are just jealous I married Shining Armor.” To anyone in the hall, it would seem the two are arguing. Both try to hide the smirk. “You could have had a real Prince, now you just have a Prince Consort.” He slammed the door and headed down the hall passing a thestral stallion, with deep red mane and tail, on the way. Cadence didn’t notice right away that she wasn’t the only one in the room. Then she turned and spotted Mixer standing at the door. “Mixer my friend. What are you doing here?” Mixer lowers his head then looks at Cadence. “We haven’t talked in over a year Cadence, you didn’t even notice that Changeling wasn’t me at the bar. Can you call us friends?” She took in a breath “Oh, well... I hope we are friends.” Mixer walked into the chamber “There was a you in that cocoon dream, she and I were friends. I like to think that friendship wasn’t based on lies.” He sat down on a cushion. “How... can I be sure that anyone I knew, that knew me for the last year, really knew me? Or that I knew anyone.” His head snaps up “Why? Why did you all save me? I was happy, I finally had what I wanted... Then it all ended when I was cut out.” “Oh Mixer, I’m sorry but it was a lie. Just a dream.” “Cadence my whole life a lie.” He raises his hoof and looks at it. “I look in the mirror and I hate what I see.” “I thought you liked being a thestral?” “It not the thestral part I despise. It the male part... In the dream, some Unicorn discovered a spell that can change a Stallion into a mare, or a mare into a stallion. I had that change. All my life I felt off, that my body was wrong. I had no interest in mares... but I didn’t figure it out till the dream. Being a mare in that world... I finally felt normal.” “Do you know how I got my cutie mark? I snuck into my father's liquor cabinet and started drinking. I couldn’t stand the taste of the strong alcohol so I started mixing drinks. They found me a few hours later passed out and my cutie mark on my flank.” He looks to the cocktail glass with a bottle cutie mark. “I was trying to get drunk enough to not care, get drunk enough that the anguish I felt went away.” “Oh...” Cadence couldn’t say anything the shock that a friend of hers had such feelings. “I got the job serving as a bartender soon after and fell in love with a stallion, it didn’t last but, I thought I finally figured it out. I was gay. It still wasn’t right every time I looked in the mirror I wanted to brake it.” “Then the changelings... the dream. I had the spell cast and I felt like I belonged in that mare’s body. I fell in love for real, or so I thought. Got married, had... had... I had a daughter. And it all gone!” He burst into tears and took off running out of the chamber. “MIXER!” She got up and tried to run after him only to come face to face with other ponies. “Um... Princess is this where the group therapy is being held?” A mare looked at her then down the hall where the stallion went charging. “Or is this a bad time?” “No... I have to catch up with him later. Come this way.” She looked to a guard. “Could you send someone to watch after him. I’m afraid of what he would try to do.” Nodes were in the Club Arcane mopping the floor. Sure it wasn’t the best job it still he was where he enjoyed being. No longer mixing drinks but cleaning up when the place was closed. The emotional energy in the place was still strong enough he savored the flavors. It was another boring morning nothing special was going on and so he took his time sweeping. Then the doors banged open and the gray and red blur of Mixer streaked past to the office. “If anyone asks I’m not here!” Waves of sadness were gut-wrenching. Nodes set his broom aside and went to the office. Inside he saw Mixer crying curled up in a ball as if he was a foal. “Um... Boss? What’s the matter?” “Wait... You. It was you that put me in that cocoon.” Nodes saw the sad but almost crazed look in his eyes when the stallion looked at him. “Yeah. You know it was me... part of my probation?” Nodes take a step back. “Put me back...” Mixer rushes forward hugging Nodes. “Please put me back.” “I.. I can’t do that. You know they won’t let me even if you ask.” Mixer looked around then at Nodes. “Where is it Nodes. Please tell me where the Hive? Please, Nodes you took my life away from me. Let me have my happiness.” Nodes sat down. He could feel the despair in the air around Mixer it was so much he fought being sickened from it. If he had to tell others what the feeling was like he would have to tell them to imagine smelling a rotting corpse, then taking a bite of it. “The Bad Lands... south of Applelooza, there is an area where there no magic. You can tell because everything stops growing there. In the center is a large hill structure, that the hive nest.” Nodes lower his head. “I told no one not even the princess. I might be a traitor but that’s my family. Please don’t tell anyone else. I don’t want to see anyling hurt.” “Thank you Nodes.” Mixer takes a deep breath. “I need to get things in order. Get back to work I notice you are slacking today.” It was a few minutes later that a guard walks in. He heads to the office seeing Mixer “Sir are you alright Princess Cadence was worried.” “Yes, I’m alright now. Just needed to clear my head, I know what I need to do.” “Alright sir, I make sure she knows.” The guard walks away leaving Mixer writing letters. Two months later Mixer stood at the edge of a small cliff. Overlooking an empty land in the distance he sees a mound of black rock. With black figures flying in and out of it. “Finally.” He heads into the magicless area feeling what magic he had faded away. He tried to flap his wings only to remain grounded. Without the magic to aid his body didn’t have the lift to take off. So he continued on foot till two of the Changelings came flying at him each one landing on either side of him. “What have we here? A lost Pony, you took a very wrong turn.” “I’m not lost, I know where I am. Take me to your Queen I have a request.” Nodes looked at the Police officer and Royal guard at his door in the middle was a light brown pony with a dark brown mane. “Nodes, we like a word with you.” “Of course come inside.” The Changeling steps aside as all three enter. “I’m Legal Tender a lawyer speaking on behave of Mixer. Sorry for the Police and Guard being present. They are just confirming this is all legal and nothing shady going on.” “I don’t know what you mean.” “Two months ago I was approached by one Mixer. Your boss or was, you see Mr. Nodes he formally signed ownership of the Club Arcane to you.” “What? But... why?” “His words and I quote. ‘For the last year, he ran the Club Arcane even better then I have done. If anypony, I mean anyone could manage it he can.” “I still don’t understand. I know Mixer went on a trip, but isn’t he coming back?” “No Nodes he never arrived in Los Pegasus. The authorities checked he never even got a room or rented any property. In other words, he never planned on arriving in the city.” Nodes sat down remembering the day Mixer came into the club crying. He did it. After two months he went to the Hive. “You don’t know where he is Mr. Nodes?” The Policemare asks looking. Years of lying and being an infiltrator prevented him from reacting. With the pure skill of a liar, he looked the mare in the eyes. “I have no idea where he’s at. I just hope he finally happy again.” Cadence walked into the magical/medical lab. "Any news?" A Stallion with the long gold mane in a shirt that had a music band logo looks up from the microscope. "Ah, Princess Cadence welcome again. We came up with some interesting facts." He hopped down from his stool and walked over to a whiteboard with notes and markings on it. "What have you discovered Void Science?" Cadence smiled to the somewhat odd Scientist. The guy seems to counter any typically Nerd scientist trope. "We were looking into how the body develops, seems if a developing foal gets more estrogen it develops into a filly if testosterone then we get a colt." "What about those who are... saying they feel like they got the wrong sex?" "We still in theory stage here but we think it might be the amount of either or both hormones. Too much of either or both and you have different parts developing differently. You might get a colt that has more feminine features like a smoother muzzle. Or a brain wired for females in the body of a male. This throws out any idea of a binary system of the sexes. It not Male or Female, but a range between both." "Any progress into a spell to switch a body of somepony who suffers from being what they feel is the wrong sex." "Not yet, but we think if we target the hormones and transmute them into the other type... the body would start developing to the other sex. The problem with that those treatments would be needed early if it does any good. We still not sure how to cause such changes for a full adult. This is all still just theory we haven't even tested to see if we could target just one hormone in a body." "I see. Keep up your research." She turns and looks out the window wondering where Mixer was. Softly to herself "I hope I can make that dream come true. If not for you, for others like you." Mixer looked at the house. It was a simple building nestled in the shade of the trees of Hollow Shades. Though technically there is an abandoned town with the same name in the shade of a massive cliff. This one was in a vast forest grove fruit trees abundant and the thestral have all the sweet fruits and shade they could want. She opened the door and smiled as a gray and bright red ball of fluff tackles her. “MOMMY!” Mixer starts crying she was home. The changeling looked at the Hive’s new addition. It was strange for Pony to seek them out to beg to be cocooned, even stranger was the overwhelming sense of Love coming from the cocoon right away. He shrugs “Oh well food is food.” Author's Note I had to get this idea out of my head! I thought hard about this when the idea bloomed, what do the Ponies in the cocoons feel? What happens when they are "Freed" from the cocoons? So I put myself in the pony's horseshoes. Mixer I wrote right off the bat as being gay with him teasingly flirting with Cadence for fun. He was just a fun addition and was meant to be nothing more. Then I had an idea, a wonderful evil idea. The Sequel I'm writing now about the Canterlot Wedding. Mixer became a Changeling then finally Nodes in the new story. That got me thinking about what happened to the real Mixer, and what would happen to him when freed. Mixer being gay was the start but his emotional turmoil of feeling he was in the wrong body is new. I thought of a transgender that got a year of being in a body they feel they should have. Being a male or female for one year fully reproductive abilities and everything, then have it yanked away and told it was a dream. As for the cutie mark, I did think that Mixer got his mark when sneaking into his father's Liquor cabinet before this. Yes, that a pony version of Kyle Hill from the Youtube show Because Science. I had to write this now because imagining the emotions of this short story was overwhelming me to a point I couldn't write anything else. Hope you enjoy it! P.s. we all know I say every time I have learning disabilities that make spelling and grammar mistakes hard for me to spot. If you notice any please tell me and I will make the changes. Note tell me what the mistake is so I know what you mean and can avoid making the same mistake later.
