Arise, My Family

Celestia couldn’t be any happier. She was surrounded by her family and friends, all of them coming together after receiving the news about her newfound motherhood. Twilight, Luna, Shining Armor, Cadance, Spike, Flurry Heart, Twilight Velvet, and Night Light had all come at her invitation.

Of course, such a joyous occasion wouldn’t be complete without inviting those closest to her heart so that she could share her happiness with them. The Element Bearers, Starlight, the Pillars, Stygian, Novo, Rain Shine, and Thorax. While she looked at them as she sat next to her husband, their baby held neatly on her forelegs, she was reminded that life spun its thread for everyone, in some cases not for the best.

Applejack, now wearing the iconic scarf of the family’s matriarch, and the Apple Family had lost the venerable Granny Smith a week after her daughter was born. Twilight, despite her great work, was dealing with more problems as of late, though she had yet to discover what was causing it. Her suspicions that the more rowdy nobles, those opposed to her ascension to the throne, was valid but lacked proof. And not even Blueblood had uncovered the cause of it.

Being the closest thing to a mother he still had, she had to reprimand him for his awful behavior the last time he came, so, with a heavy heart, she decided to not invite him to see her daughter this day. A lesson was only a lesson if it stung, after all.

The rest of her friends and family had better news to tell, thankfully. Despite the loss of Granny Smith, under Applejack’s charge, Sweet Apple Acres and the entire Apple Family were slowly becoming a household of Equestria. Rainbow Dash now sported a mane-style similar to that of her idol and Wonderbolt mentor, Spitfire. Plus, she was now engaged with Soarin, who sat next to her munching on some moon pie.

Pinkie Pie sat next to her fiance, Cheese Sandwich, as they sampled (devoured) through pastries and snacks original to the draconequus empire. Apparently, they were going to start a tour-party across Equestria soon after their return. Rarity had become a famous and coveted fashion designer; her advice, input, and opinions helped shape Equestria’s newest trends.

Sweet, delicate, always caring Fluttershy, probably the only mare happier than her at the moment, was dedicated to her animal sanctuary, but also offered her services to treat any sort of creature, animal, or monster that required her aid, be it in medicine or as a translator.

Their motive for coming was mainly due to her invitation, but they also had other plans. Applejack and Rarity wished to open independent trade-agreements with the empire, Rainbow and Pinkie wished to be granted permission to perform tours and other events on their respective jobs. And Fluttershy merely wished to know more about draconequus culture and what animals inhabited the land.

Thorax had come to further improve the Hive’s relationship with other nations, which was commendable but he also adored babies. Novo had come with Skystar, both of them happy and eager to see her little bundle of joy. Looking at her right, she could see her husband wearing an exaggerated kingly attire, complete with a crown and golden beard.

Celestia giggled at his antics. He has received their guests a few minutes prior dressed as a court knight.

“Who goes there, knaves!?”

He had shouted upon opening the door. Most would be annoyed at his antics, but the chance to see her baby, plus the stress of being a father (and quite protective at that), had him a bit on edge, so she could excuse any chance he could get to unwind, even if just for a little while.

“Thank you all for coming,” said Celestia now that everyone was seated, refreshed, and quivering with anticipation. Everyone immediately stopped chatting and looked at Celestia. Using her magic, she levitated herself to the middle of the room where everyone could see the wrapped bundle she was holding, a protective wing over it. “I will not waste your time with idle chat, not now. Please, everycreature, say hello to my daughter, Diana.”

She lifted her wings and used her magic to remove the sheets, revealing the tiny sleeping baby nestled on her forelegs. Before she knew it, Fluttershy zoomed her way to her, eyes tearing as she saw the baby.

“Hi, little Diana! I’m your auntie Fluttershy and I’m going to love you lots and lots and lots and lots!” She said as she fawned over the baby. Suddenly, Diana let out a sleepy yawn that melted everyone’s heart with a unified ‘D’aaaaaawwwwwwww!’, while Fluttershy nearly fainted. “So cute. Adorable… must… protect.”

“She inherited her father’s charm, after all,” Discord said, now back to normal, as he rose from a puddle next to Celestia.

“I highly doubt that,” Novo chittered, pointing at Diana. “That right there? Yeah, that’s all Celestia and thank the Gods for that.”

“I’m so happy for you, Celestia!” Twilight said, nuzzling her former teacher.

“Indeed, my sister. The auntie-ing has been doubled!” Luna cheered before kissing Diana’s forehead.

“Look, Flurry, you’ll have a baby cousin to play with!” Shining said happily.

“Uaawwuuuuu!” Flurry replied before sticking a hoof in her mouth.

The rest of the guests were over the moon at the revelation. Pinkie was already planning her birthdays and anniversaries for the next twenty years, Rainbow Dash was convincing Soarin to ‘put a foal in her left field’ once they got back home, Applejack caressed the baby, promising to provide all the sweet apple cider she could drink, Fluttershy was still hyperventilating, now aided by Discord, Velvet and Night Light were overjoyed to see another baby in the family, despite not being directly related, it didn’t matter to them.

Novo, Skystar, Thorax, and Rain Shine were happy for their friend and moved by the adorableness of the baby.

“I’m an uncle again,” said Spike. Approaching to nuzzle the pony that was like a mother to him, he traced a claw over her cheek. “She’s beautiful, mom.”

“I know, Spike.” She turned to see him, her smile faltering as she did. “I was never that much of a mother for you, was I?” She sighed. “That’s one thing I regret with all my heart.”

Spike shrugged. “You were a Princess and had to deal with a lot of stuff. But you still taught me and raised me well. Aunt Velvet and Uncle Light helped a bunch. I’m not angry or jealous if that’s what you’re thinking, mom. I’m happy! Diana, my little niece, is going to have the best mom in the world! Look, Ember, isn’t she just precious?”

“Dragons may not do cute… but she is adorable!” Ember admitted, pressing a finger against her fuzzy cheek, earning a few unconscious licks from the infant, clearly trying to reach for a teat.

Slowly, Diana opened her eyes, yawned, licked her eyelids, and then opened her eyes to see the large group of creatures gathered around her. Instead of crying or cowering, she looked at her parents, then at the crowd, then at her parents again, and finally at Ember. Watching up at the strange blue thing in front of her, she sniffed the air and found herself comforted at the familiar scents of her home. Then, feeling safe and secured, she reached out with both hands at Ember.

Confused, the Dragon Lord looked at Celestia. The alicorn giggled before passing Diana to Ember’s care.

“Just be careful. Baby draconequus’ are easily surprised and highly emotional. If you make my daughter feel threatened, sad, or angry, her magic might begin to act up, since baby draconequus magic is very random and unpredictable. It could do nothing, it could erase you from reality,” he smiled widely. “And she’s my daughter who has OP Plz nerf alicorn blood.”

Ember wasn’t listening anymore like the others were. “Hi, baby?” She said nervously and Diana replied with a gentle babble. The world disappeared at that moment, her sole focus was now the baby in her hands. Her two wide, sparkling eyes, the cutest smile on her lips, and tilting her head curiously, as if trying to figure out who she was; all she knew was that she could trust her and was safe in her arms. “She’s so… fragile… and tiny… and fuzzy… Diana, I’ve only known you for like two minutes, but if anyone ever harms you, I’ll kick their butts, okay?”

“Gaaahhh!” Diana drooled happily.

“...Take her before my scales fall off…” Ember said, offering her to Spike.

Taking her from her arms, he replied. “Don’t mind if I do!”

One by one, everyone took their turn to hold baby Diana while she cooed and giggled. After ten minutes of passing Diana around, fawning, baby talking, and generally showering her with a tidal wave of love, the baby, somehow attracted more to Spike and Ember, raised her arms at them. Spike took her again and she blew her tongue at him in a playful manner. After kissing her forehead, Diana turned to Ember and extended her arms at her once more.

Ember smiled and picked her from Spike’s hands, but as she was doing so, Diana crawled up her arm until she came to rest on her shoulder and neck; nuzzling the Dragon Lord and licking her cheek.

“Playful little lady, eh?” Ember laughed before taking Diana off of her shoulder. Using a hand to support her weight as she laid her back down on her palm, she brought a finger against her exposed tummy. “Coochie coochie coo! Aaaa-coochie coochie coo!”

“Bwaaaaggghuu!” Diana chirped happily at the affection.

“Well, I guess we found who is going to be her favorite aunt, eh?” Spike said, elbowing his girlfriend’s side which caused her to blush.

“S-Shut up,” she replied as she handed Diana back to Celestia. She looked sad for a moment, but being handed back to her mother caused her to brighten and giggle happily. “I’m not ready for kids yet.”

“Who said anything about having kids now, Ember?” Spike smirked while she blushed. “Why, Ember, my love, already thinking on how many hatchlings you’re going to want?” He teased, eyebrows waggling and everything.

“Do you want to get a first-hand experience with a Dragon Fisting Technique, love?” Ember asked as she glared dagger into Spike’s soul and slowly raised a trembling arm.

“You know you love it when I tease you like that, Ember,” Spike proclaimed before kissing her cheek. “Ufff!” Then she punched him in the stomach, just hard enough to cause some pain and expel air.

The group began to laugh when, unexpectedly, the door was slammed open as somepony barged into the house. To the surprise of everyone, it was Blueblood, and he clearly wasn’t there to make any friends with the expression he was using.

“Blueblood! What are you doing here?!” Luna questioned. “Have you forgotten you were not invited as punishment for your previous transgression?”

“I am Prince Blueblood! Of the Noble Blueblood Household, I carry the blood of my ancestor, your sole brother! To be treated as a commoner… the very nerve, and by my beloved aunties no less!? Where is auntie Celestia?”

“Here I am, Blueblood,” Celestia stepped forth, the circle of friends and family opening to reveal her. “Why have you come uninvited?”

“I am a Royal, of your blood! I require no invitation. Not when the rube has been invited,” he said eyeing the Bearers, Spike, Ember, and Thorax.

“Blueblood, that’s enough!” Twilight said loudly. She walked up to him, blocking him from advancing any further. “You may be a Royal in Equestria, but that gives you no right to step into somepony else’s home like this!”

“As the descendant of Prince Blueblood, the brother of Celestia and Luna, he of his blood, I have every right to be here. Invited or not, usurper,” Blueblood called, blazing fury reflected on his eyes.

“Usurper? I am no usurper! Celestia and Luna gave me the throne voluntarily, they abdicated by royal decree, you self-righteous, self-centered fool!” Twilight called.

“Please. I still haven’t figured out how you managed to manipulate them into giving you the throne, but I will find out. As for my precious aunt,” he said, exasperated and disgusted. “I still can’t believe she decided to marry that,” he spat as he pointed at Discord. Everycreature gasped at his rudeness and disrespectful behavior, but he continued. “But, then again, what do I know? Maybe it really is love, or maybe I’m the only sane pony in here.”

“Sane pony my fat flanks!” Pinkie called.

“Ah have more common sense in mah hat than you have in your head, pardner!” Applejack chastised.

“Ohohoho, yeah, no. Screw you, buddy,” Soarin spat, standing up and center, just in case the Prince tried anything stupid.

“You can be such a damn asshole sometimes, Blueblood, but you’re pushing it this time,” Spike joined Soarin, ready to lash against his cousin if push comes to shove. Shining and Cheese also joined the line, alongside Rainbow and Applejack.

“Thine snob twat knows no bounds, nephew. Leave, begone! Before I unleash my wrath upon your sorry flank,” Luna warned.

At all this, Blueblood merely scoffed. “I did not come to seek hostilities nor to see any of you. I’ve come as a mere pleasantry and tradition before my beloved aunt Celestia.”

“Let him through,” Celestia requested softly. Begrudgingly, her request was granted. As Blueblood approached, Discord coiled himself around his wife to protect her and their daughter. “Nephew. It is good to see you, although you were not invited.”

He scoffed at the sight. “I know. I know. I won’t be here long, auntie. It’ll only take me a few minutes to satisfy what tradition, traditions you installed, mind you, demand,” he sighed. “Auntie, please, I beg of you, it is not yet too late. Coe with me, return to Equestria and retake the throne, your rightful place. Leave this misbegotten snake you call husband and return home.”

“Why you meanie! You apologize to Discord right now!” Flutterhsy demanded.

“I will not apologize for saying the truth!” He snapped back without turning his head, his eyes fixated on the increasingly angrier face of Celestia. “Was he not a villain that drowned Equestria in misery? Is he not a near-omnipotent being that can bend the rules of nature as he sees fit? A liar? A Backstabber? A traitor? And an abomination?” He spat with venom.

No one, not even Discord, especially not Discord, could rebuke that. Sure, he was now reformed and had truly turned over a new leaf, all thanks to Celestia giving him a chance and Fluttershy trusting him. But before that, he was all that and more. The situation in the room began to die down. While no one, including Novo, would ever completely agree with what Blueblood had just said as the truth, it brought a sense of understanding from his point of view. He wasn’t the brightest, nor the most perceptive, or controlled of individuals.

He didn’t notice he had won, at least partially, with his latest argument. All he had to do now was simply shut up and sit back.

Remember that little detail about Blueblood not being the brightest star in the night? Instead of shutting up, he took a step forward.

And then he really fucked up.

“But shaving your head and tail to the point of baldness? Utterly disgraceful and disgusting. No wonder the draconequus hid in their rotten piece of land. Their culture is complete and absolute trash,” he declared with a chin held high. “I’ve prepared wigs and spells to hide that hideous maneless scalp of yours, auntie, until you grow it back to its magnificence. Come now, let’s end this foolishness.”

“There, there, dear. It’s fine… he’s not worth even our contempt,” Discord said as he caressed her bald head with his glowing lion paw. The rest of the guests felt the room’s temperature increase for a moment as Celestia’s face turned red with anger, but thankfully for all Discord, for once, kept his cool and decided to be the mature one and help his wife calm down.

“Oh?” Blueblood exclaimed as he noticed something he had not seen before. “Auntie, please don’t tell me you are some of those creatures that think pets are people or family?” He said before picking Diana with his magic. “I really thought you were… pregn-… w-what?” He stared in disbelief as the ‘pet’ was, in reality, a baby draconequus looking at him curiously. “What is this!?”

Discord smirked as he raised his griffon claw, preventing everyone else from moving or saying anything. “Blueballs, I wouldn’t do that if I were you~ My daughter might not be as nice as her parents~”

“This!?” He shouted pointing an accusatory hoof at Diana. “This is your child!? Auntie… please tell me you jest! This…. This thing can’t seriously be your daughter! Auntie, it doesn’t even look anything like a pony! D-Do you have any idea how much effort I’ve put on preventing nobles from revolting against that usurper!? Equestria is on the verge of having a Civil War! And yet you’ve come to a foreign land, adopted its hideous traditions and customs, subjugating yourself, a Goddess made flesh, to their rules, married a monstrosity and now you’re telling me you gave birth to this creature!?”

Diana’s curiosity vanished. For a baby, she was doing her best impression of giving Blueblood a death glare.

Discord snarled as pretty much everyone, especially Ember, were ready to pounce on Blueblood. “Listen to me well, you conceited idiot. If you value your safety, you should shut up and treat my daughter right, or you’ll regret it.”

“Is that a threat? Let it be known that despite who you are, I do not fear you, Discord. Nor would I resort to something as distasteful and cowardly as to use a… ‘baby’ in self-defense. I will, however, not refrain from speaking the truth or my mind!”

“In that case,” Discord’s expression became serious.

“Huh?” Blueblood muttered, confused, as Diana teleported out of his magic grasp. “Wha-?”

Out of nowhere, Discord was now very buff, muscular, and wearing clothes only someone in a post-apocalyptic world would use. He pointed a finger at him as Diana appeared floating at her mother’s side. “Omae wa mou shindeiru.”

“What!?” He yelled, confused.

Suddenly, he was encased by an invisible force, not magic but not entirely unfamiliar. Before Blueblood could do anything, Diana let out a cry and he was flung up to the ceiling where he crashed against a surprisingly soft surface. Half a second later, he was slammed onto the floor. Then up against the ceiling, then he was on the floor again.

Everyone would’ve laughed if they weren’t staring in abject horror at what a baby was able to do.

“Bwaaaa! Pfffftttt! Buuwaaa!” Diana said as Blueblood was used as a newfound toy. After a minute of pummeling, Diana stopped and brought a dizzy, disheveled but mostly unharmed Blueblood back to the ground. Before he could protest further, Diana blew a raspberry at him and the next moment he was the size of a mouse.

“What is this?!” Blueblood squeaked, his voice high-pitched and annoying… more than usual. Then, out of nowhere, a cat with the biggest smile anyone had seen on an animal appeared in front of Blueblood. “...N… Nice kitty?”

“RRRRaaawwwuuu!” The cat meowed before striking at Blueblood. The stallion cried in a panic and ran away, the cat was soon upon him in fast pursuit.

“Bawawawa! Pfffft!” Diana babbled and laughed as she teleported again, this time back on her mother’s embrace.

“That’s my little girl!” Discord said proudly, kissing her cheeks and nuzzling her, making her purr with happiness.

The group began to laugh at Blueblood’s predicament while he cried in terror and desperation as he ran and dodged the cat’s swipes.

Celestia didn’t say anything. She merely opted to hug her daughter tightly and nuzzle her free cheek. She couldn’t deny she was happy to see her nephew like that, having a taste of his own medicine and facing the consequences for his actions. But no matter what a snobbish, conceited, self-serving stallion he was, he was still family and part of her beloved brother’s line.

“Discord, I think that’s quite enough.”

“Can’t we keep him like this instead? Less annoying and if we strap him into a conduit-wheel, just imagine how much we’ll save on electricity!”

“Discord,” she repeated, raising an eyebrow in the process.

“Oh, alright, fine. Diana, my precious daughter, that’s enough. You can stop now,” he ended with a kiss.

“Buuuaaawwwaaa!” She cried and snapped her tail, momentarily turning it into fingers.

At that moment, Blueblood was back to his original size, the cat was gone, and he crashed into a wall. Shaking his head, he turned to Celestia, Diana, and Discord. He let out a cry of fear before crawling away from them. “Stay away from me and keep your daughter caged!” As he was about to turn up and flee, Ember grabbed him by the back of his neck.

“You ain’t going nowhere,” she said in a menacing, dark tone.

While that was happening, Discord conjured up a cellphone, did a quick text, and sent it. As Blueblood was trying to not piss himself in fear, surrounded by a group of very angry creatures, a knock was heard on the door. Discord teleported in order to open it and five armored, suited, and serious looking draconequus’ officers, four bucks and one doe, stepped inside the house.

The group, or rather those that hadn’t seen one of them up-close before, were rather impressed by their attire. Professional pants, folded long-sleeve vests, an official jacket over it; not too gaudy, not too slick, just professional. They wore black, polished shoes, an oversized cap detailing their rank and district, badges on their right side of their chests. Under their jacket and vest, a white shirt could be seen; immaculate and properly vapor-dried, adorned with a black tie. Their jacket was adorned with several golden buttons and a few stripes denoting their specialization, squad, and field. Finally, each carried a belt that contained a walkie-talkie, magic-nullifying handcuffs and rings, a stun pistol, pepper spray, and an electro shocker. Only the captain was also wielding a real gun.

For a species known for their less than lawful nature, the officers in front of them were the embodiment of the law and they all exuded an aura of respect and authority.

“Lord Discord,” the one in charge bowed his head in respect. “We were dispatched to attend your call. What seems to be the matter?”

“Oh, nothing much. That white and gold ass over there,” he pointed at Blueblood with his tail. “Broke into my home, uninvited, mind you. Then proceeded to insult our empire, although that may just be his ego talking, then he insulted me, my wife, and my daughter. Then my daughter slammed him up and down and finally played cat and mouse with him. Him being the mouse, mind you.”

The five officers giggled. “I see, I see. There is no punishment for being a jerk other than warnings, but he disrupted the peace, committed an invasion of private property, and attempted burglary. That is more than enough for us to take him away.”

“Hey… I remember him,” the doe said. “My partner and I arrested him for causing a scene during Lady Celestia’s Ceremony. He’s a foulmouthed creature, that’s for sure.”

As Ember handed him to the officers, he began to cry out. “I am Prince Blueblood! You can’t do this to me! I demand a lawyer!”

“Yeah yeah. You are not required to make a statement against your will. You have the right to request appoint a defense counsel--”

The doors closed a second before the officers teleported away with Blueblood in tow.

“See you at the court trial!” Discord said into the void itself before laughing his tail off.

“What are we going to do with him, Tia? Without us to keep him in check, he’s been even more of an insufferable prick than before,” Luna asked, sadden, angry, and disappointed by Blueblood's behavior. WAfter letting out a sigh, she continued. “At least now he won’t be causing problems for a while.”

“I still don’t know, Lulu. But his punishment must be something he won’t soon forget,” she then shook her head and smiled at her family and friends. “I’m so sorry Blueblood spoiled our reunion like that.”

“Nonsense, Celestia. It is his fault for acting like a foal,” Starswilr commented. “My dear student, I am so, so very proud to be alive to be here this day and see the mare you’ve become,” his fellow Pillars nodded, smiling at her. “The little filly I trained is now happily married and her own mare.”

“Living and visiting all around Equestria is fun, Tia. But I found the perfect place for me to call home. Transylmania, home of the thestrals, I hope you, Discord, and my niece come visit soon,” she ended with a wink.

“Oh! That reminds me,” Twilight blushed. “Flash couldn’t come, his mom was sick. But we’re engaged now!”

“Then we will be more than happy to attend the wedding,” Celestia said, nuzzling her former student. “Make sure the cake is enough for a thousand guests. I lay claim to half of it already.” Both alicorns giggled but Twilight nodded. “What about you, Cadance, Shining? Is everything alright in the Crystal Empire?”

“Couldn’t be better,” Shining replied as Flurry babbled. Teleporting to Diana, the baby alicorn nuzzled Diana and Celestia’s chest, trying to squeeze herself some room next to her cousin. “Don’t you dare cry. Don’t you dare cry, Shining,” he muttered to himself.

“What Shining tried to say is that everything is alright in the Empire, auntie. Growth is better than anticipated, economy, job accessibility. Everything, really, auntie.”

As the two alicorns talked and discussed, Flurry Heart watched up to Celestia’s bald head and tail. She exchanged a few baby noises with Diana, then looked at Celestia again.

“Cewesiiia?” Flurry asked, gaining her attention. It was no secret she could semi-talk now, though she still preferred baby talk and noises. “Why iz hed ’n ta-il no laik mommy?”

“My, aren’t you a smart little cookie?” Celestia nuzzled Flurry’s head, earning a babble and a coo. “I’m bald because it is a tradition of the draconequus’ people, Flurry. That is how they live,” she rubbed her chin with a wing. “It’s… like a game, but you only win if you follow the rules and don’t cheat. I followed the rules because I love Discord and because I wanted to start a family, like your mommy and daddy.”

Flurry obviously didn’t understand everything Celestia told her, but the filly understood enough that it was what her aunt wanted. Smiling, Flurry nuzzled back. “Yu look pweetty, Cewesiiia.”

“Awwwww, thank you, sweetie!” Celestia said, ending with a kiss on Flurry’s cheek. “What about you, Spikey dear?”

“Eh, same old, mom. Nobles will be nobles, and political struggles are always present, but I manage well enough. I’m not the Friendship Ambassador just for anything, you know? Job is fine and I’m on the verge of finally convincing the Buffalo Tribes to join Equestria proper! Plus, a little side project I’ve been working on. As for my private life, well, Ember and I aren’t planning on getting hitched just yet, we’re too busy, but give it a few years and maybe you’ll get a few nephews and nieces to pamper!”

“I swear I don’t know how it is possible I fell in love with an idiot like you, Spike,” Ember spat back, blushing hard but not countering any of his points. “I don’t know if this is worth mentioning, but I got nothing more interesting to say. The Dragon Lands are progressing smoothly, tourism and migration treaties have been drafted, and stuff like that. I might just be able to pull my species back from the mud and into glory again.”

“That’s so splendid to hear! Oh, how I miss the old Dragon Empire! That aside, you said you’re not planning on starting a family just yet. Then… are you not official mates yet?” She asked, raising an eyebrow curiously.

“No. Not yet,” Ember replied as she reached a hand for her lover. Grasping his tightly, she rested her head on his shoulder. “We’ll be official mates in a few months from now. Stupid dragon traditions for the Dragon Lord and all that,” for a moment, she looked at Spike and he nodded. “Don’t tell anyone I said this but… I’m not the Dragon Lord. Spike is. He won the Gauntlet and handed me the scepter, but I’m more like a Senechal or a Lord-Holder? Still, I’m fine with things as they are.”

“Yeah, same here. For a dragon, I’m not that much of a dragon. Male dragons must be strong and dominant, but I am not into being dominant, so I let my sweetheart here do most of the heavy lifting in our relationship. That doesn’t fit well with dragon traditions, but hey, details,” Spike shrugged. “Technically speaking, the female is expected to stay at home most of the time and take care of the hatchlings until they are old enough to move out or have gone through the Molt. The male provides for the family and helps here and there, taking over caring for the kids to let her do other things once in a while.”

Spike shuddered. “Yeah, no thank you. I’m not big on following dumb traditions like that.”

“Nor am I,” Ember stood firm alongside her boyfriend. “We’ll be mates in our own way.”

“Speaking of mates!” Skystar jumped. “Guess what, aunt Celestia!?

“Is this divine punishment or some sort, or just a joke on behalf of the Gods to test my patience?” Novo muttered to herself, not bothering to reel her daughter in for she knew it did absolutely nothing.

“Silverstream and Gallus are an item now! They do smooches and have dates and even hold claws in public!” She blushed as she pressed her face against Celestia’s.

Remind me to congratulate her the next time I see her, then,” Celestia replied. “That reminds me. How are you handling the school, Starlight?”

“It’s a lot more work now that I’m the Headmare, but we’re making it work. As Skystar said, Gallus and Silverstream are in a relationship, similar to Sandbar and Yona. Ocellus and Smolder are still single and I think they are aiming to become teachers after they graduate. As for the rest of the school, it’s doing great!”

The group of family and friends continued talking over several minutes until the food was ready. They then moved to eat, chat some more, take a few photos, and finally, as the time for their departure neared, Discord opened up portals directly with their homes. Once everyone was gone, leaving Celestia, Discord, and Diana alone in their house, the couple washed the dishes, saw a movie in the living room, and finally, with night starting, moved to their bedroom.

Celestia put Diana in her cradle next to their bed and kissed her cheek. “Goodnight, my beautiful baby.”

Diana yawned, conjured an Ember-shaped plushie out of nothing, and hugged it tightly.

They then climbed to their bed, watching their baby fall asleep within seconds. Flopping across its surface, they sighed, exhausted but happy.

“I wonder what the future will hold for us, Tia,” Discord said. Then, he chuckled. “Huh… never thought I’d be saying that.”

“Things change, Lord of Chaos,” she cuddled up to him. “But… I wouldn’t worry too much about that right now. Whatever the future holds, we will face it together. And we will do all we can for our daughter and future babies.”

“Already planning on that, you horny mare?” He chuckled. “Good. Cause I want a biiiiig family. But, ehh, let’s wait until Diana is older to see how she turns out.” As if on queue, Diana sneezed in her sleep and morphed into an alicorn. “Something tells me we are in for a wild ride with our daughter, Tia.”

“Wouldn’t be your daughter otherwise,” Celestia replied. “I love you, Dizzy.”

“I love you too, my lovely wife, my Baldlestia,” Discord replied, licking her bald head and kissing the base of her horn.

The married couple nuzzled and cuddled for several moments, whispering sweet nothings until they fell asleep in each other’s arms.

Chapter 9 end.

Author's Note

Special thanks to anyone that read this!