//-------------------------------------------------------// Sisters Forever -by Alexponylover95- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// Flurry, Meet Your New Sister //-------------------------------------------------------// Author's Note Hey everycreature! So a few days ago I thought of this crazy, new idea! Sometimes I just get the weirdest ideas in my head that I want to try out! I do hope you enjoy this one because I think it will be a good story! Also, don't worry I'm still going to work on my story about Gallus, that's not going away! And now lets get to the story! Flurry, Meet Your New Sister The Crystal Empire, in the Crystal Palace... It has been about a week since Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor, with a contingent of the Crystal Guards, left the Empire to confront a threat that has been looming over the horizon and was coming towards the Empire, King Sombra... Meanwhile, the royal couple left behind their six year old alicorn daughter, Flurry Heart, under the protection of the remaining Crystal Guards and Flurry's crystaller, Sunburst, back in the Crystal Empire, keeping her safe from any danger and well... She was the only royal left if the couple themselves didn't return... Young Flurry was currently looking out onto the streets of the Empire down below, keeping a lookout for her parents, who she has been very worried about since they left, she knew her parents were very capable of facing anything thrown at them, but there was still that underlining feeling in her heart... "It's been a week Uncle Sunburst, maybe we should go after them?" Flurry suggested to her crystaller. "I understand Flurry, but your parents told me very strictly that you are to stay here." Sunburst reminded the young filly. "Don't worry, they'll be back." Sunburst tried to reassure the little filly, but Flurry wasn't sure as she kept watch, but eventually hunger took over as she was led to the dining room, with Sunburst and a few guards. As Flurry found it hard to eat, she very much considered sneaking out herself and going after her parents, but turned out she didn't have to, because... "We're back..." A familiar voice came from behind Flurry as Flurry felt her heart work again as she looked back from the seat she was sitting on to see her parents, having returned from their ordeal. Both Cadance and Shining Armor looked very weary and bruised from the fight they had with Sombra, but they were very happy and overjoyed to be back with their daughter, who quickly launched herself at first at her mother and then her father, crying tears of happiness. "Mom, dad, you're back and okay!" Flurry explained. "Of course sweetie, Sombra stood no chance against us." Shining Armor said matter of factly. "But it was still rather difficult." "What matters is that we're back and safe and sound." Cadance added as she nuzzled her head against her young daughter's. "And we also brought back something for you too Flurry, I think you will like it very much." "What is it!?" Flurry asked, excited to know what her parents managed to bring back for her, despite the tough time they went through. "It's okay, you can come on out, there's nothing to be scared of." Cadance spoke as she turned her head to look behind her. And that's when Flurry saw it, a little unicorn filly, two years younger than she was, the filly had a rather dark purplish coat, almost to the point of being dark grey or even black, as well as having a redness colored mane. She was very shy and timid looking as she slowly came out from behind Cadance, obviously she was very nervous about being in such a new setting than what she probably was used to. Flurry was speechless as she looked up at her mother. "Flurry, meet your new sister, Precious Heart." Cadance then putting a loving wing over the shy filly as Flurry trotted up to her new, adopted sister. "Hello there, I'm your new sister, Flurry Heart." Flurry said softly, while in her head she was so excited to have a little sister. "Hi..." Precious Heart slowly let out, still keeping her head slightly turned away. "It's okay little sis, you'll get used to living here and I know we're going to have so much fun together." Flurry smiled as Precious Heart found the courage to smile just a little bit herself... Two Years Later... "Faster, higher sis!" Six year old Precious Heart excitedly told her eight year old sister, Flurry Heart, as the younger filly was on Flurry's back, the two currently in midair above the Crystal Empire, Flurry flapping her wings to keep her airborne. "Come on little sis, I'm getting tired..." Flurry complained as she had to carry her little sister on her back. "Plus we stay up here longer, we're going to get in trouble from mom and dad." "Oh come on sis..." Precious Heart pleaded. "Please..." The younger filly showing Flurry her puppy dog eyes. "Alright... Just one more lap and than we need to head on back to the palace." Flurry gave in. "Hang onto me." Flurry told her sister as Flurry began flapping her wings much harder, going faster as Precious Heart yelled out in excitement from the experience of flying and being up in the air. After the one lap, in which Flurry then gently settled down on the ground just outside the palace, Precious got off her older sister as they both looked around, no Crystal guards or their parents in sight, they were free for now as they entered the palace, seeking through the hallways back to their room, avoiding the guards trotting about. "Almost there sis, I think we're going to get away with this." Precious told Flurry as Flurry agreed. "Yeah, hopefully mom and dad don't realize we been gone." Flurry said as the two continued their way to their room, eventually their door in front of them as they were clear, or at least they thought they were... "We made it sis." Precious told Flurry, relieved, only... "And where have you girls been?" The voice of their father sounded as Flurry and Precious turned their heads to see their parents standing close by. "Oh, mom, dad..." Flurry nervously answered. "We were just..." "Out for a fly?" Cadance finished as the two sisters knew they were busted. "Yes..." Precious admitted. "What did we tell you girls about flying?" Shining Armor asked his young daughters. "To not do it without your permission..." Both Flurry and Precious recited at the same time, hanging their heads low, expecting to be punished. "Look, it's not like we don't want you two to have fun together, but your father and I need to know what you two are doing, so we can make sure you don't get hurt or worse, okay?" Cadance said softly. "Yes mom." Flurry replied. "We're sorry." Precious added. "Apology accepted girls." Shining Armor forgiving his girls. "Now get cleaned up and look presentable, your Auntie Twily is coming over for a visit in a few hours." Flurry and Precious' father told the girls with a smile as the two sisters looked at each other, very happy that they were going to see their favorite Auntie. //-------------------------------------------------------// Motherly Instincts //-------------------------------------------------------// Author's Note Hey everycreature! So not the start I thought this story would have, but it's enough that I think I'm still going to continue on and I hope this second chapter peeks some more interest! Also, in regards to the cover art, yes I had to use an image from deviantart, and yes it's not the same pony I described in the first chapter, but there are no images that could directly relate to this story, so... Use your imagination! Motherly Instincts A few hours passed as Flurry and Precious got ready for the arrival of Princess Twilight Sparkle, the ruler of all Equestria, as well as their auntie, the two sisters very happy to see their auntie again, who they admired and loved as much as their parents. As the royal family gathered just outside the palace, the Equestrian ruler was seen trotting up towards the palace, with an escort of the Canterlot Royal Guards. As their Auntie Twilight got to them, the royals all bowed to each other first before well Flurry and Precious let loose. "Auntie Twily!" The two sisters said out loudly as they both hugged onto the much taller alicorn. "It's good to see you girls again, you both are bigger than the last time I saw you, at this rate you'll both reach your mother and I's height." Twilight chuckled as both sisters blushed. "It's good to see you Twily, we hardly ever get to see each other these days." Shining Armor smiled as he was happy to see his younger sister. "Well, I managed to get in some time, and need the family fun to relax a little." Twilight replied as Cadance spoke up. "Speaking of which, we had the royal chefs prepare a special meal for your arrival, so lets not keep standing here or else the food's going to get all cold." Cadance said as the royals all went inside to the dining room, where they all enjoyed a nice meal together, chatting about their lives, Twilight spoke mostly to the two sisters, Flurry and Precious letting their auntie know how far they were coming along in their magic lessons from their crystaller, Sunburst, along other topics. As the meal ended, Flurry and Precious wanted to spend some time with their auntie, but... "I'll spend time with you girls tomorrow, right now I have something very important to discuss with your mother." Twilight told the two sisters, promising them that she will still be around the next day. As Twilight and her own sister, well sister in law, Cadance, excused herself from the girls, with Shining Armor making sure the girls left their mother and auntie alone, the two alicorns went into a private room where they could talk. "So, Precious Heart seems much more comfortable living here." Twilight pointed out. "Yes, it's very much like she was living here all along." Cadance replied. "And I know what you're going to say Twilight, but I still don't think it's time yet to tell her the truth." "Cadance, you and I both know that Precious needs the truth, she wouldn't hate you for it, but the sooner she knows the better." Twilight advised. "I know..." Cadance sighed. "Sometimes I wonder what would happen if Shining Armor and I just ignored her cries and left." "Cadance, I know you wouldn't have done that no matter what, that's not you, you let your motherly instincts take over, which is normal for any mother like yourself." Twilight comforting Cadance and letting her know she made the right decision. As Cadance listened to Twilight, her mind went back to that very day, two years ago when she and Shining Armor went to face the biggest threat to the Crystal Empire... King Sombra... Two years ago... In the Mountains outside the Crystal Empire... "He's close, I can feel it..." Cadance spoke as she was leading up in front with her husband, the guards that came with them right behind. "Stay alert and keep your eyes open." Shining Armor told the Crystal Guards as they saluted and stayed focused. The group was currently in the mountain caves where Sombra was hiding, waiting for the opportunity to strike at the Empire he sought to conquer, luckily the royal couple got word of Sombra's appearance from the neighboring kingdom of Yakyakistan and so decided to hunt him down, away from the Empire to avoid any innocents and above all, their very young daughter, Flurry Heart, from getting hurt from the evil king. However they knew the risk involved in going after him, but they were more than willing to do anything to defend their kingdom. "I feel like he's very close... like he's around us..." Cadance spoke, having a funny feeling. "I suddenly have a bad feeling about this..." Shining Armor added as suddenly, the caves started shaking as rocks fell down at the back of the group, the guards there managed to duck in time as a whole mess of large boulders came down, blocking the way out as evil laughing could be heard... "Well, well..." The voice spoke. "Isn't it my favorite royal couple..." The voice chuckled as the royal couple and the guards formed a circle to have a 360 degree look around the area as those with unicorn horns lit up. "Sombra..." Cadance said under her breath. "Show yourself!" "Oh really princess..." Sombra sighed. "You're too boring, no I rather keep myself hidden thank you very much, so I can do this..." And all of a sudden, green disks of magic started to appear from multiple directions every second, both Cadance and Shining Armor knowing what this was. "Cover your eyes!" Shining Armor alerted his guards. "Don't let that magic hit you!" Only it was too late for about half the guards as they started to turn on their own comrades and the royal couple, fights began to break out as Shining Armor fought with one of his guards while Cadance faced two more turned ones as she backed up towards the cave wall, the two guards smiling as they knew they had her cornered, but as they charged at her, Cadance quickly threw up a protective shield as the guards hit it and were knocked out. The fighting continued until suddenly the turned guards all stopped at once and began trotting to a dark area and as the guards all were lined up, the area suddenly lit up as it was Sombra, in his unicorn form, wearing his bright red cape with an evil smile on his face, eager to finish this. Cadance and Shining Armor, with the remaining guards not affected, all stood strong, still resisting as Sombra took some steps froward. "You two should give up, because once I defeat the both of you, the Crystal Empire is at my mercy..." Sombra chuckled. "And maybe I'll even force your daughter to be my bride..." "That will not happen..." Cadance said as she turned to Shining Armor. "Honey, we have no other choice, we have to do it." "Cadance, no, it's too risky..." Shining Armor argued. "I don't care, the stake of an entire empire rests on us." Cadance willing to make a sacrifice as Shining Armor had to give in to Cadance's determined look while Sombra yawned, very bored by all this. "Well, I waited long enough, goodbye you two..." And Sombra lit up his horn, powering it as he then shot his dark magic at the royal couple, the couple holding onto each other's hooves as they closed their eyes and when they opened them... "No! It can't be!" Sombra yelled as the royal couple had a bright pinkness light radiating out from them in the shape of a heart as they literally rose. "You know what's stronger than your dark powers Sombra?" Shining Armor taunted. "Love." Cadance simply added as the couple reached their climax of power as their love fueled magic shot out in all directions... Unblocking their way out, freeing all of the turned guards and last, but not least, wiping away Sombra as he yelled out... "NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Sombra's last word roared out as Cadance and Shining Armor settled down, powering down their combined magic as they got back on the ground. As Sombra was now gone, the guards all helped each other out, reassuring each other they were all comrades once again as Cadance and Shining Armor were physically exhausted from their combined magic, needing a couple solid minutes to calm down their excitement. "Well, that was a little easier than I thought..." Shining Armor commented as it was like Sombra was never here. "Lets just hope we never have to deal with him again." Cadance hoped. "Lets get back home." "Right." Shining Armor said, but before the group could start to leave, Cadance thought she heard something even deeper down in the caves, it wasn't loud or evil sounding, but gentle and almost too quiet as Cadance's ear picked up what sounded like to her... "Is that a foal..." Cadance said quietly. "Cadance?" Shining Armor asked his wife. "You ready to go?" "Honey, I hear something..." Cadance said. "It sounds like a foal deeper in the cave." "Honey, it's just your imagination or you're thinking of Flurry." Shining Armor suggested. "I think I know what I'm hearing Shining Armor, I'm going down there and see what it is." Cadance said, sounding very sure of herself. "Alright, but I'm going with you." Shining Armor said as he turned to his sergeant. "Take the men and wait for us at the cave entrance, this shouldn't take long." "Yes sir." The guard saluted and carried out the order while the royal couple went deeper into the caves. It took some time as the soft crying became louder as Cadance kept a sharp ear out eventually Cadance found what she was hearing... In a separate little cave, sat a little filly, who had a rather dark purplish coat, almost to the point of being dark grey or even black, as well as having a redness colored mane. She was crying and had her face covered, but as the royal couple went inside, the filly heard them and was scared as she backed away. "It's okay little child, we're not going to hurt you." Cadance softly told the filly in her loving mother's voice. "What are you doing here?" "My daddy told me to wait here while he went somewhere..." The little filly cried. "But he hasn't come back yet." And something clicked in Cadance's mind as she had another question for the child... "And who is your daddy?" "Well... He's a unicorn and wearing a red cape, do you know him?" The little filly asked, part of Cadance wanted to tell the truth, but she lied... "Sweetie, your daddy is hurt and wouldn't be coming back, I'm sorry, why don't you come with us?" Cadance smiled sweetly as she offered a hoof. At first, the little filly hesitated, just staring at Cadance's hoof and then at her face and then at Shining Armor's, Cadance waited and finally the little filly accepted the hoof as Cadance brought the filly onto her back. "Now, what is your name child?" Cadance asked. "I don't have one..." The filly answered, Cadance thinking and thought of one. "How about we call you Precious Heart?" Cadance suggested. "Okay, that sounds nice." The little filly finally managed a small smile as Cadance smiled back. "And I'm your new daddy, Shining Armor and this is your new mother, Cadance." Shining Armor told the filly. As the royal couple, with the filly made it out of the cave, the two gave each other looks, like they were silently discussing the manner at hoof and well it wasn't until their introduced Precious to Flurry and the two little fillies were alone together, getting to know each other, that Cadance and Shining Armor talked to each other for real. "Cadance, I don't think this is a good idea..." Shining Armor expressing. "She's King Sombra's daughter, who knows what will happen in the future." "I know Shining Armor, but as a mother I simply couldn't leave her there, I'm worried too, but we shouldn't be thinking like that." Cadance agreeing, but staying to her decision to take in the little filly as their own. "We have the chance to give Precious a new life now, we can raise her for a new, more bright future than if she stayed with Sombra, plus Flurry needs a friend." Shining Armor knew he wasn't going to change his wife's mind as he sat down next to her on their bed. "I know, I'm just worried." Shining Armor sighing as Cadance gave her husband a loving kiss on the cheek. "Me too, but I'm sure taking her in was the right choice, we just need to help make sure of it." Cadance determined to give the little filly the life she deserved in her new home. //-------------------------------------------------------// First Signs //-------------------------------------------------------// Author's Note Hey everycreature! There's not much to really say, so I guess just keep enjoying the story! First Signs Princess Twilight Sparkle stayed for a couple more days in the Crystal Empire before needing to return to Canterlot, she couldn't be anyway for too long or else she knew her captain of the guard would start to get worried. As the royal families were at the train station, Princess Twilight said her goodbyes for now, especially to the two sisters. "Goodbye Auntie Twilight, we're going to miss you." Flurry spoke. "Yeah, I wish you could stay longer." Precious added. "Me too girls, but I have responsibilities back in Canterlot, but I'll be back before you miss me too much." Twilight smiled as she wrapped one front hoof each around the two sisters. As Twilight said her goodbyes to the two sisters, the next Friendship Express, bound for Canterlot, arrived at the station, the engines slowing down to a stop as the conductor called out... "All abroad, next stop Canterlot!" "Well, that's me." Twilight said as she quickly whispered to Cadance. "Remember what we talked about." "I know Twilight, I'll think about it." Cadance said quietly back. With the families waving at each other as Twilight boarded the train, the car doors closed as the express began rolling down the tracks and on with its next stop down the line. With the train disappearing from view, the royal family began the trot back to the palace. And as night began to fall and after a nice dinner, which they enjoyed, it was time to head off to bed, with Cadance and Shining Armor making sure their girls were all nice and tucked into their beds. As Precious climbed into the bed across from her sister's, Shining Armor made sure his adopted daughter was all warm and comfortable underneath her covers. "All good sweetie, you're not cold?" Shining Armor asked his six year daughter. "No daddy, I'm good." Precious replied as Shining Armor made sure his daughter was all tucked in as the little filly herself yawned a little. "Goodnight daddy, I love you." Shining Armor remembered when he and Cadance first brought the little filly to the palace, at first he felt a little uncomfortable, because seeing her made him think of Sombra, but after some time he began to see a sweet, innocent looking filly who needed a home and family to take care of and love her. And plus he and Cadance always did talk about having a second foal so Flurry could have someone to play with. "Goodnight sweetie, love you too." Shining Armor smiled as he bent down and gave a kiss on the top of his adopted daughter's forehead. As both Flurry and Precious closed their eyes, and Cadance waiting at the bedroom door for her husband, Shining Armor quietly left and joined his wife, the couple making sure to tightly close the door. "I know that look Shining." Cadance spied her husband's face. "It's the look you always get when you think about something that's tough." "Well, I'm a little worried, the girls are growing up and well Precious Heart..." Shining Armor pausing for a second. "I know I agreed to take her in and I don't regret it, but I just can't help escape this feeling that something bad will happen with her." "I know, I do too..." Cadance sighed. "But as long as we raise her right, she'll be okay and with Flurry as her sister I'm sure she can get through anything if something should come up." "I guess you're right Cadance." Shining Armor replied. "Still, I know one day we have to tell her the truth, I just hope she accepts it and stays with us." Cadance letting out her fear. "She will, I'm sure." Shining Armor now being the one to reassure his wife as the two continued going to their bedroom, to sleep for the night and rest for tomorrow. About a week passed since Princess Twilight left back to Canterlot after her visit as a new, sunny day sprung up in the Crystal Empire and, with permission from their parents, Flurry and Precious were outside, walking down the streets of the Empire to enjoy the bright day. Of course being an alicorn and daughter to the royal couple, crystal ponies, when they saw Flurry, took a bow, which made Flurry a little uncomfortable, especially since she just wanted some time with her sister. "Sometimes I wish I was born a normal pony..." Flurry complained. "Why sis?" Precious asked. "It's so great to be an alicorn, you get to fly like a pegasus, use unicorn magic, and have the strength of an Earth pony, I wish I could be like that." "Well, that is if you don't mind seeing everypony bowing to you." Flurry replied. "I'm just glad I have at least one pony who doesn't treat me like royalty all the time." Flurry smiled at her little sister as Precious smiled back. "How about we head on back home?" "Sounds good to me." Precious agreed as the two fillies began the trot back to the palace. As they arrived back at the palace, underneath the tall crystal structure was the artifact that helped protect the kingdom, the Crystal Heart, a relic created by the Crystal Empire's first ruler, Princess Amore, to help fend off any invaders. As long as there was hope and love in the Empire, the Crystal Heart shone bright and did its job. Flurry and Precious knew all about the story, Cadance and Shining Armor having told them from time to time as goodnight stories, the two sisters were always fascinated by the Crystal Empire's first princess and wished they had a chance to meet her, but sadly she has been gone for a long time now. "You ever thought that Amore would be happy to know the Empire's in good hooves sis?" Precious asked Flurry. "I bet she is little sis, mom and dad do a great job now." Flurry answered. "I just hope I can live on to Amore's standard when I have to take mom and dad's place." "You will sis." Precious smiled to comfort Flurry. "And I'll be right next to you to help if you need it." "Thanks little sis, I know I can always count on you." Flurry replied. "You know I remember mom and dad told us that if you really look into the heart you can see your destiny, maybe if I do so I can see my future." And so both sisters decided to really look at the heart for an extended period of time, but that was a huge mistake... As Precious Heart stared into the heart, she saw a very frightening image that she couldn't really explain from her young mind, but it was her as an older teenager, with eyes that glowed bright green as her sister, also a teenager, was bruised and weak before her as she let out a laugh, that wasn't out of happiness and joy, but a sinister sounding one. "NO!" Precious shouted out loud as she torn her look away from the heart and fell down, scooting away from the Crystal Heart as Flurry instantly became concerned, coming to her little sister as Precious was shaking all over. "Sis, sis!" Flurry saying as Precious was covering her eyes with her hooves as Flurry was very confused. "It's okay, you're alright." "Flurry... I... I..." Precious not knowing what to say or think, but as she tried to stand back up, she found she couldn't as her legs were rather weak and gave in. "Hey, hey, don't move." Flurry told her sister as a couple of Crystal guards, who noticed the little fillies, came over in a hurry. "Your highness, is everything alright?" One of the guards asked. "No, please bring my sister to our room and get a doctor." Flurry ordered as the guards went to fulfill the little filly's orders. "It's okay sis, we're going to take you to your room, everything's going to be fine." Flurry staying by Precious' side. As Precious was taken to her room and a doctor arrived, Flurry had to stay outside so the doctor could privately attend to the little filly and see what was wrong. As Flurry waited, Cadance and Shining Armor came rushing up, clearly having heard what happened. "Sweetie, are you okay, you're not hurt?" Cadance asked quickly as she checked over her older daughter. "I'm fine mom, don't worry we didn't go outside the kingdom." Flurry told her mother. "What happened Flurry?" Shining Armor asked. "I don't know, one moment we were both staring at the Crystal Heart to see our futures, the next Precious was frightened by something." Flurry told her parents as Cadance and Shining Armor both looked at each other. Before either one of them could say something, the doctor came out from the room, bowing as he saw the royal couple having arrived. "Your highnesses." The doctor said respectfully. "How is our daughter doctor, is she ill?" Cadance asked right away. "Well, I couldn't find anything wrong with her, it's very strange, nothing like I have seen or felt..." The doctor reporting. "But I suggest she stays in bed for some time, rest up from whatever she has and she should be back to normal." The doctor suggesting. "Thank you doctor." Shining Armor said as the doctor once more bowed before excusing himself. As the doctor left, the family went into the bedroom, where Precious Heart was in bed, the covers thick over her as she looked like she seen a ghost. She was going to get up as her parents and sister came in, but Cadance stopped her by holding up a hoof. "How are you feeling sweetie?" Cadance asked. "A little hot, but also cold mommy and weak." Precious answered. "What did the doctor say?" "He says that you should rest sweetie, relax until you feel fine again to come out." Shining Armor answering. "I'm sorry I did this to you little sis..." Flurry apologized. "It's okay sis, it's my fault, I shouldn't have looked myself..." Precious not blaming Flurry for what happened. "Well, we should leave and let you rest sweetie, you'll feel better in no time." Cadance giving her daughter a kiss on her head, letting her know everything was going to be alright. "Thank you mom." Precious Heart replying with a slightly weak voice as she snuggled up more underneath her covers as the rest of her family started to leave. "Wait, sis, can you actually stay with me for a little, I could use the company." "Sure thing little sis, I'm right here." Flurry smiled as she returned to her sister's side, holding onto one of Precious' hooves as Cadance and Shining Armor left, watching the close bond the two sisters shared as they closed the door behind them. //-------------------------------------------------------// To the Best Sister //-------------------------------------------------------// Author's Note Hey everycreature! So before we get to the next chapter, I did forget to mention that I am using some inspiration from the Fiendship is Magic Issue #1, which is about Sombra's origins, as well as the Siege of the Crystal Empire story arc from the main Friendship is Magic comic line, both of which I love and really adds to Sombra's story, so much that I wish they could have used some aspects from them to the show... Oh well! Anyway, enjoy! To the Best Sister The next day came and after a goodnight's sleep or well as good as she could, Precious woke up slowly, opening her eyes as she looked towards Flurry's bed, expecting to see her sister there as she was last night. Precious remembered last night, Flurry stayed besides her until she fell asleep, making sure she had the company and wasn't scared of being alone. Precious wondered where Flurry went and was about to get out of bed herself and look for her sister, but then the door opened and Flurry trotted in, holding onto a small tray with her magic which had a small bowl of what looked like soup, steam rising from the bowl. As Flurry came in, she saw her sister start to get out of bed. "Sis, don't move, you need to rest." Flurry said as she made sure Precious got back in her bed. "Sorry if I made you worried, I didn't want to wake you." "That's okay big sister, what did you bring? Precious asked as Flurry brought the tray onto the bedside next to her sister's head. "Well, I went to the kitchen and the royal chefs suggested a nice hot bowl of turnip soup to help make you feel better." Flurry smiled as she helped her sister take a spoonful. "Delicious, thanks sis." Precious smiled as Flurry smiled back. "So, how are you feeling?" Flurry asked. "Better, still a little sore and my head hurts a little, but I'm fine." Precious answered truthfully. "Well, that's good to hear, because I'm going to be staying with you all day and until you get better and out of bed." Flurry stating. "But, I don't want to hold you back sis, plus doesn't mom and dad need you?" Precious asked as the royal family needed their young upcoming princess. "Mom and dad can manage without me for a few days, they have done so plenty of times before." Flurry reassured her sister. "Right now, my sister needs me to look after her." Flurry not giving in. "I love you sis." Precious shed a tear. "Love you too little sis." Flurry said as she got held another spoonful of soup. "Now you better finish this bowl before it gets cold." As Flurry made sure Precious got another spoonful of hot soup, unknown to the two sisters, Cadance and Shining Armor were looking in through the slightly open door, watching as Flurry took care of her little sister. "I hope this is the last time something like this happens..." Shining Armor spoke quietly as Cadance softly closed the door. "I hope you're right honey, because I'm starting to think things may get worse..." Cadance sighing as she feared what the future laid ahead, she just hoped they could pull through it together as a family. A few months passed and well Precious, after a few days after the incident regarding the Crystal Heart, was back to normal, Flurry staying by her sister's side most of the time, making sure her sister got the necessary comfort and treatment to get well. And soon enough, Precious, after putting aside her fears, was brave enough to go outside once more and enjoy the fresh air, although, with Flurry's understanding, she stayed away from the Crystal Heart, not wanting to experience what she did that put her in her condition. Which Cadance and Shining Armor were thankful that Precious would do so, not wanting her to go through such a thing for her sake. And well today, a few months after Precious was back to normal, it was a special day for her as today was Precious Heart's birthday, the family all together celebrating the little filly's day. Today wasn't actually Precious' real birthday, but she didn't know her real one, so Cadance and Shining Armor just made the day they took her in, her birthday. Her first birthday, well Precious was rather confused at first, not knowing what to do and why it was happening, but by the end of the day she grew to really like it and then her second birthday was great, with Precious getting the hang of it. And today was the third birthday of the little filly since she lived in the Crystal Empire. The family was currently in the dining room, a cake that was specially ordered by Cadance to the royal chefs, placed in front of where the little filly was sitting down, a party hat on her head as the rest of the family had the same. With Shining Armor lighting up the candles with his magic, he held onto a camera as he took a few pictures of his daughter, as well as Flurry and Cadance, who were on either side of the seated filly. "Okay, everypony smile!" Shining Armor said as he took a few pictures of his three girls of his own family before putting down the camera. "Okay sweetie, remember, while you blow out the candles, make a wish." Cadance told her younger daughter as Precious nodded her head before taking a deep breath as she blew out the candles one by one. "Good job sweetie." Cadance smiled. "So, what did you wish for?" Flurry asking. "Oh come on sis, you know I can't tell you." Precious reminding her older sister. "Well I thought I could trick you a second time..." Flurry expressing her slight disappointment. "Nice try sweetie, but you know your sister is as smart as you." Shining Armor chuckling as he cut the cake into slices and putting them on plates as Cadance passed them out, first to Precious since it was her birthday, then Flurry, before herself and lastly Shining Armor. After the family enjoyed the delicious cake, which was a nice chocolate layered cake, Precious' favorite, from the chefs, it was time for the presents for the little birthday filly. First Shining Armor, who gave his daughter a pretend guard's helmet made from plastic, not the real metal the guards wear, so she could have something more to play with, with Flurry, plus Precious did talk about how she thought the uniforms the guards looked to be very cool. "Thanks dad, I love it." Precious smiled as she wore the helmet, which was a little big for her, nearly covering her eyes. "How do I look?" "Good sweetie, in fact I say in no time you could join your daddy in patrols around the kingdom." Shining Armor chuckled while Cadance rolled her eyes and gently took off the play helmet from her daughter's head so she could receive her gift. "And I know you have been asking for awhile from me now sweetie, and well I think it's about time you started learning." Cadance said as she gave Precious a wrapped package, which the little filly tore open to find a book about simple spells for little unicorn fillies to perform, Precious, being a unicorn, has been asking to start learning how to use her magic properly. "I'm sure Sunburst and your sister can help you learn as well, but if you ever want to try something on your own, this should help." "Thanks mom, I'll be sure to use it." Precious smiled as she accepted the gift. Now the only family member present left was Flurry as she came up to give her gift to her little sister, smiling as Flurry gave Precious a little wrapped box, as Precious tore open the wrapping, she then took the lid off the small box to find a small bracelet to put around her hoof with a heart shaped charm that could open up. Precious was rather surprised her sister managed to get this... "I spent the last weeks getting it personally made by the jewelry shop owner in the Empire and since well I'm the daughter to the royal couple, it was a top order and special attention was paid to it." Flurry answering her sister's unspoken question. "Good ahead, open it up." Flurry urged her sister to see what was inside as there was more. So Precious opened it up and the first thing she saw was a small picture of her and Flurry together, Flurry having her hoof over her sister lovingly. On the other side of the charm was a small engraved message, which read... "To the Best Sister, who I love with all my heart." Precious had a couple tears start to shed as this was by far the best gift she ever received from anyone. "Thanks sis, I love it so much, I'm going to keep it forever." Precious coming froward and giving her big sister a hug. "You're welcome sis." Flurry replied as she hugged her sister back, Precious slipping on the bracelet, which was a little loose, but she would grow into it. "Yeah, sorry about that, it was the smallest size chain the shop owner had at the time." After Flurry gave her gift, Cadance and Shining got the rest of Precious' birthday gifts, from her adopted family who lived outside the kingdom, which Precious loved each and every single one of them, but not one came close to the gift Flurry got for her. After the gift giving to the little filly, the family decided to take a trot around on the streets, to enjoy the bright day as a family and as the sun began to disappear over the horizon, the moon rising up in the sky, it was time for the family to head on back and have a good night's sleep. As Shining Armor made sure Flurry was comfortable in her bed, Cadance tucked in Precious. "Did you have a good birthday today sweetie?" Cadance asked. "Yes mommy, I just wish my first daddy could be here today to wish me a happy birthday." Precious admitting as Cadance tried her hardest not to think of Sombra. "Well, wherever he is, I'm sure he's happy for you." Cadance smiling her best. "Thanks mommy, goodnight." Precious yawned and began to close her eyes. "Goodnight, my little Precious Heart." Cadance saying as she gave her adopted daughter a kiss on her forehead before joining Shining Armor, who was waiting for his wife at the bedroom door, as Cadance joined her husband, they softly closed the door to the bedroom, ending Precious' birthday. //-------------------------------------------------------// First Nightmares //-------------------------------------------------------// Author's Note Hey everycreature! So we're back here and that's all there is to say! First Nightmares A few months passed since Precious' birthday and the two sisters were sound asleep in their beds or well at least one of them was... Precious was twisting and turning in bed as she was having some bad dreams. "No... No... It's not possible..." Precious mumbled in her sleep as inside her mind... Precious imagined herself, cold and alone in the Frozen North, outside the Crystal Empire, just having a thin cloak to protect herself from the howling winds that almost seemed to carry her, not being able to move by her own legs. The snow blew into her face, blinding her, not that she could see clearly in the first place since it was so dark, Precious just had a slight glow from her horn, to light her way and making sure she didn't fall into a ravine. "So cold..." Was all Precious could say as her teeth clattered from the biting freezing wind. "Got to keep going, home can't be too far away..." As Precious continued trotting through the deep snow, suddenly something began to happen in front of her... Black smoke formed into a mass as a few seconds later, a pair of what seemed like green eyes showed, with dark purple smoke coming out from them, it towered above the unicorn filly, casting a shadow above Precious as she was very afraid now, cowering from the terrifying sight before her. "Who are you..." Precious asked as she trembled more from fear than the cold now as in the back of her mind, she could hear someone else calling her, but she couldn't make out the voice or even what it was saying. "You mean you don't recognize me? The shadow spoke, laughing deeply as its "head" was right above the filly, staring directly down at her. "You will soon enough..." And then the shadow dove down, heading straight for the filly as Precious tried to light up her horn and blast the shadow away, but she was too late as the black shadow engulfed her. Precious found herself closing her eyes as the shadow somehow managed to possess her in a way, the filly finding out that her head hurt a lot as she held her hooves to her head, trying very hard to not submit, fighting the corrupting influence inside her. However it was too much for her, she kept hearing this background voice calling to her, still not clear as Precious had to force her eyes open, as she noticed her vision seemed to change, her eyes colored green as she saw the same dark purple smoke coming out. "NO!" Precious screamed out as she then woke up in her real life, finding herself sweating, out of breath as she panted, feeling her throat all dry, and also feeling lightheaded. It took at least a minute before she could make sense of what was happening and see Flurry on her bedside, having a very concerned look on her face. Precious tried speaking, but found that she couldn't find the voice to speak, her throat being that dry. "Breathe sister." Flurry told Precious, holding onto the younger filly's hoof. "Nice and easy." Flurry instructed her little sister as the filly did so, calming down as she felt her heartbeat go slower. "Sis, I..." Precious began speaking through her dry throat, but Flurry stopped her. "Don't talk yet, I'll get some water for you, be back in a minute." And Flurry teleported to the kitchen in the palace, before teleporting back with a glass full of cool water for her sister to drink. "Drink slowly." Flurry told her sister as Precious drank, feeling relieved as the water refreshed her dry throat. "Thanks sis." Precious smiled as she finished the last sips of water. "You're welcome, now are you alright?" Flurry asked, sitting down on her sister's bed. "I tried waking you up for awhile, but you didn't wake, I was starting to get really worried, I almost got mom and dad in here." "I just had a bad dream, I'm fine now." Precious lied a little to her sister, which clearly wasn't enough to convince Flurry. "Seemed like more than a bad dream to me..." Flurry expressed her worries. "Look sis, you know you can tell me anything right?" Flurry said in a comforting voice as she got closer to her sister, Precious knowing Flurry would just keep asking if she didn't say the whole truth. "Okay, but you have to promise not to tell mom and dad, I don't know what they'll do if they know." Precious asked. "I promise, like Auntie Pinkie Pie says, cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." Flurry confirmed, letting her sister know she wouldn't say a word. "Okay, I imagined this black smoke creature, he possessed me, I guess he turned me into him, because I had the same green eyes with the dark purple smoke coming out of them, it was so scary it was like it was real and I couldn't get him out my head." Precious summed up. "Sounds like something mom and dad once told me, about this evil unicorn king named Sombra who had that ability, but he has been gone for a long time now..." Flurry thought. "I hope so, I really don't want that to happen to me for real." Precious started to shake with fright. "Hey, as long as you're in here, you're safe sis and I'm not going to let anything hurt you, okay?" Flurry comforted her younger sister as she then hugged Precious. "Thank you sis, I know you'll always be here for me." Precious replied as she hugged back. "Hey, do you mind sleeping with me in my bed tonight, I'll feel a lot better and maybe sleep during the night if you're next to me." "Sure thing sis." Flurry smiled as she got in the bed next to her sister and even thought it was a tight fit, the two fillies managed to stay on the bed, Flurry putting the covers over them with her magic as the young alicorn yawned. "Goodnight sis." "Goodnight." Precious replied as with her sister's loving warmth nearby, Precious managed to sleep properly, although that lingering thought of Sombra stayed in the back of her mind... About a week passed and the two sisters, with Cadance and Shining Armor, were currently in the town of Ponyville, more specificallly the School of Friendship, the royal couple were invited to be guest speakers for a class and Flurry and Precious were left to go about by themselves, provided, with promises to their parents, that they would stay inside the school. It was expected that the two might play a trick on another class or play hide and seek or something like that, but now they were actually going to do something else... Ever since the family arrived at the school and the two sisters were free to roam about by themselves, they took this opportunity to try and solve Precious' problem, for the younger filly, ever since that night a week ago has been having sleeping issues. Flurry very much wanted to tell her parents, but kept the promise, and well when they got to the school, Flurry told her sister that they could talk to someone else who would be helpful and not tell mom and dad if they asked her to keep it a secret. "Sis, are you sure about this?" Precious asked Flurry as the two were standing by a rather large set of doors. "Yes, I'm sure our Auntie can help and promise not to inform mom and dad." Flurry answered as she knocked on the door. "Come in." The voice called as Flurry opened it, Precious following as the two entered and at the opposite end of the room, sitting behind a desk was a pinkish color coated mare, with a purple mane that had pale light blue streaks in it. "Oh, look who it is, my two favorite nieces." The mare smiled as she put down the paperwork she was currently attending to. "Hello Auntie Starlight." The two fillies smiled as Starlight got off her chair and trotted over to the two, accepting their hugs before breaking them. Starlight wasn't really one of the two sisters' aunties, but she was a very good friend to their actual auntie Twily, in fact Twilight handed over leadership of the School of Friendship to Starlight, entrusting her with being in charge of the school once Twilight took over rulership of all of Equestria. Flurry and Precious both loved their Auntie Starlight, they felt comfortable sharing things with her and she offered great advice when they needed it and no one else was around. "So, what can I help you two with?" Starlight asked. "Well first Auntie Starlight, can you promise that whatever we say, you wouldn't tell mom and dad." Flurry asked seriously. "Okay, I promise, but it sounds like you two have something serious to say..." Starlight putting a hoof to her chin. "Go ahead sis, tell Auntie Starlight." Flurry urged Precious as the younger filly took a deep breath before speaking. "Okay, you see Auntie Starlight, I been having these bad dreams, nightmares about this black smoke creature, possessing me and controlling my actions and I couldn't fight back." Precious revealed. Just like everyone else, Starlight knew about the filly's true origin, but just like everyone else, she saw a little filly who needed a home and new life, accepting her for what she was, in fact Starlight very much understood the filly because she went through similar times, having been shown a better way by Twilight and given a second chance, which she used it and didn't regret it. "I may have just the thing to try and help." Starlight said. "Hypnosis, if I can get into your mind I can convince it to forget these nightmares you been having, want to give it a try?" "I guess I have no other option right now." Precious replied. "Okay, take a seat." Starlight told the filly as Precious took the seat in front of the desk while Starlight returned to her chair behind the desk, Flurry grabbing hold of her sister's hoof to let her know she was right next to her. "Okay, all you have to do is keep your eyes on the star." Starlight taking out a gold, metal star on a chain, starting to swing it in front of Precious. Precious focused her eyes on the star, watching as it moved from left to right and back again, as she started to feel her eyes go heavy and her eyelids started to drop. "You should begin to feel sleepy any moment, just listen to the sound of my voice." Starlight spoke as to Precious, her auntie's voice sounded like echoes to her ears. As Precious closed her eyes, her mind drifted off as she heard Starlight's voice, but it seemed to trail off as the filly opened her eyes, only to see the black smoke creature, known as Sombra, in front of her... "NO!" Precious shouted out as she didn't want to see that creature again, shooting her eyes open and surprising both Flurry and Starlight, cowering down as she felt her sister's hoof resting on her back, looking up as she didn't say anything. "This is worse than I thought..." Starlight said in her head, knowing this wasn't anything she witnessed before.