Fuzzy Sparkle

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6

Chapter 1

Stitches and Threads

Twilight Sparkle had many dolls and plushies, some given by distant family members who knew only that a young filly relation was another year older. Others were given by closer family to entertain and keep the growing girl company. From an assortment of unicorns with large googly eyes, happy smiles and horns that were prime targets for chewing, to more personal dolls that had been handed down, mother to daughter for generations, Twilight had them all.

Shelves were filled with the silent protectors and companions of the tiny pony as she listened to her parents read her bedtime stories, the night’s plushie of choice occasionally lifted down by a bemused parent as Twilight insisted that ‘Miss Chewyhorn’ join her for the night, or that ‘Mr Brown’, the blue pegasus doll in Wonderbolt colours, be her pillow guard.

Her brother would end up giving her enough guard ponies so that she would never have to worry about any would be pillow thief, dozens of velvet spears ready to protect their owner and her other bedroom companions from the battlements of shelving that lined the room, ready in ambush between photos and books. Shining Armor earned a special place in Twilight’s heart the evening she found him giving her dolls a rousing speech after she’d had nightmares the night before.

"Shining? Shining, are you in here? You-" Twilight looked around her brother's room, looking for the colt in question. "-You promised to read for me..."

An ear perked as she heard his voice from her room? Trotting quickly down the hall to her bedroom, the small filly peeked in to see all her guard ponies in formation on the floor. The Wonderbolt team looked over the troops from atop a pillow while every other pony doll she had stood in attendance on the bed.

Standing over them all like she imagined Celestia might stand over her own ponies was Shining Armor with a foam sword at the ready.
"-so I expect you all to be on your guard tonight! No monster or, uh, nightmare is getting past you again or I'll have to tell mother you've been letting her down. You better protect Twilight 'cause she's the most important pony ever, okay?. Now back to your posts!"

There was one doll that Twilight favoured most, a gift from her grandmother that sat in pride of place at the end of her bed, the only place a doll of its size would fit. The large unicorn doll coated in the softest plush, blessed with a silvery mane and a shimmering platinum coat.

Twilight’s grandmother, Evening Star, had promised the young foal that the large golden eyes were perfectly capable of seeing in the dark, and that ‘Princess Fuzzy's' horn could see off any monsters that hid under Twilight’s bed.

Princess Luna, upon her return and resumption of her dream walking, would learn that peeking in on Twilight’s dreams came with the sensation that something was peeking back.

With the immutable belief of the young and innocent, Twilight never questioned her grandmother and made sure that her personal princess was present in anything she was doing so the large cotton stuffed protector could carry out her duty, regardless of grass stains or the occasional rain shower. She wouldn’t understand the poorly hidden smiles on her parent’s faces or the constant picture taking until years later.

Princess Fuzzy had been there when Twilight was learning to read, glass eyes keeping watch long after the filly had lost the battle to keep delving into the story books with her brother and playing the part of impromptu pillow for the sleeping children as their parents chuckled at the scene.

“Night, dear, come look at this.”

“I’m coming, I'm coming.''

"Aren't they just precious?"

Night Light softly stepped up alongside his wife, peering past her at the trio on Twilight’s bed. The tiny filly curled up against her oversized plushie, her brother Shining Armor sleeping beside her.
Velvet and Night Light thought it cute that a stuffed forelimb was resting protectively over brother and sister but by the time they had returned with a camera, the thought was gone in favour of future blackmail.

Princess Fuzzy had been there when Twilight was first learning to use her magic, through the headaches and the growing pains, the highs and lows, quiet company to a girl that struggled to understand the other ponies at kindergarten but never missed the silent half of their conversations.

"Now I need to focus....focus Twilight! You can-owowOW!" A telekinetic push became a solid shove and the small filly saw her doll's eyes seem wider for a moment as the plushie was catapulted off the bed.

"I'm Sorry!"

I forgive you.

Princess Fuzzy would find the floor more than a few times as Twilight struggled to control her magic, glass eyes always forgiving the apologetic pony.

The inclusion of Cadance as foal sitter had helped to ease the parent’s concerns as the pink alicorn drew Twilight from her shell as Shining grew busier, being the kind and supportive voice that she needed when immobile plush limbs could help no more.

Cadance privately noted the way the unicorn doll’s head would always be tilted so its large eyes could watch over her charge. Once, just to satisfy the niggling curiosity, she snuck into the filly’s room and stared at the doll that was now closer to Twilight in size. A long drawn out battle of wills had taken place between the two princess' and all she’d gotten from it was a feeling of foolishness for having a staring competition with a doll, one that she wasn't sure she'd won and chalked it up as coincidence.

“Cadance! My new book came! Can you read it to me tonight? Shining was going to but he’s stuck in that junior guard thing and couldn’t make it and I didn’t want to read it alone a-and...Fuzzy said her throat is sore.” The young pony’s voice was weaker as she trailed off and Cadance couldn’t help but sweep the filly into a hug.

“Of course, dear. Why don’t we make a cup of cocoa first and we can get started on it.”

Twilight whooped at the idea, but rather than leave her new book on the shelf, she dragged it over to her favourite doll, resting the book under its hooves. “Princess Fuzzy will make sure it’s safe,” she said with certainty, giving her doll a firm nod, and the foal sitter couldn’t help the giggles bubbling up at the sight.

“Grandmother! You made it!” Twilight’s voice was bright and she was quick to drag her plushie princess over to her grandmother, her happy babbling about her favourite doll and everything they had been up to and been doing together bringing a warm smile to the aged mare. "-then she told me I need to go slow and let myself grow."

Evening Star inspected her last and best creation. The tears and scuffs that years of play produced had been painstakingly repaired, some by her daughter, though the newest ones looked to be done by tiny hooves. The irregular and crooked stitching was done with care though. The glass eyes gleamed, though, as she hummed in thought.

Looking at the princess in her grip, Evening Star nodded thoughtfully while Twilight waited with baited breath to hear the results. “You’ve taken good care of her, my little Sparkle. I think she is very happy here with you.”

Handing back the doll, she let the bright and cheery mood of her granddaughter distract her from the feeling of gratitude in the doll’s eyes.

Princess Fuzzy was there when the news came of her maker. Platinum plush soaking away tears on the day Twilight was told that Evening Star had fallen asleep and had never woken up. Night Light and Velvet hadn’t missed the way the pony and doll seemed to lean on each other but were used to the oddness of Evening Star’s creation by now, never finding it worth worrying to look into something that they felt was harmless tricks of the light or just a stressed mind seeing things.

Twilight and her doll mourned their loss in silence, until her brother walked in, still sweaty from junior guard training, and pulled them both close. “Twilly, I-I just heard."

"It's not fair! She w-was here last week a-and she was fine!" Twilight buried her face in his chest.

"I’m here for you, Sis."

He didn’t say more, because he didn’t need to, even as it was his turn to be soaked in tears.

As the time for Twilight Sparkle’s proper schooling arrived, her parents surprising their daughter with an enrolment to Celestia’s own college, it had resulted in two things.

The first being another in a series of late nights as Twilight threw herself into studying everything she could to prepare for the entrance exam, occasionally working herself into panic attacks that Cadance was quick to help her deal with.

The second had been a long, drawn out argument that Princess Fuzzy couldn’t go with the young girl to her entrance exam.

One that ended with Night Light and Twilight Velvet huffing in amusement and resignation when their son had wordlessly grabbed the doll and walked out the front door.

“If Twilight needs her family there for her, then her family will be there.” His words drew out a blinding smile from his sister who nudged him, unease over the entry exam fading for the moment. “Besides, Cadance wanted to meet up later so...good timing?”

“Thank you, Shiny! I’m just so nervous, I studied and studied and I can’t think of what I might have missed and what if I missed-”

His hoof gently pressed to her lips. “You’ve got this, sis.”

Sure enough, his prediction had been accurate as Twilight passed the written section with only one panic attack from curve ball questions and her family was allowed to watch her attempt the practical portion.

Twilight had heard rumours of this part of the test, a task that changed from year to year but none of her research or questions had given away what the test was to be for this year. It irked her more because it was then something she couldn’t study up on and was building up to another anxiety overload until her brother ruffled her mane.

“Remember Cadance’s breathing exercise?”

“Y-yeah. I just-” Twilight tried to focus on the anxiety control exercise the pink alicorn had taught her when the voice of one of the professors' broke the moment as a cart was wheeled in.

“Your final task, Miss Twilight, is to hatch this egg.”

Fate played its hand...

Twilight stared at the large egg, lost for a moment as she reviewed everything she knew about dragons and their eggs and came up with very little. All the books had told her was that dragons possessed high levels of innate magic and nested around lava flows.

‘So, warmth and magic…but how hot? How much magic? Is it a constant or-’

Indecision trapped her and Twilight felt the cold, familiar fingers of panic grip her chest as the review board waited with a detached air. Glancing over, her eyes met the supporting sight of her family, even Princess Fuzzy’s passive expression seeming to cheer her on.

‘I.. I won’t let them down! Focus Twilight!’ Her horn sparked with magic build up as she started to cast a spell, then changed her mind to another, then another in a stuttering cycle as her family were watching with growing worry.

“Twiligh-” Shining Armor tried to support his sister but a flash of light from the window caught his attention as everything went to chaos.

Just as Twilight’s horn sparked, building for another spell, a nova of colour washed over the city, the windows of the school room blowing in as the air became choked with raw, unbound magic.

Had she been a graduate of the school, the struggling unicorn would have known the suddenly dangerous position she was in. As it was, Twilight’s horn became a magnet for all the magic in the air and the resulting surge of power flooded the heating charm she had been casting, mutating it and blasting the dragon egg with what was more a magical demand than a mere spell.

'This egg must hatch.' Magic commanded.

'The egg is not real, it is plaster and paint.' Reality replied.

'The egg must hatch. It must be real.' Rebuke.

'There is no dragon hatchling inside. The egg was not real.' Protest.

'This egg must be real to hatch, thus there must be a hatchling inside. Thus is was always a real egg.' Ultimatum.

A demand that resulted in a stone and plaster imitation egg cracking open, revealing a tiny hatchling that promptly swelled under the beam of magic, the unnaturally grown infant’s head crashing through the roof of the school.

The demand to hatch answered the spell lost its focus and Twilight found herself trapped in the grip of something else, her horn burning as wild magic lashed out, sweeping across the room. Her parents were caught trying to take cover behind a suddenly tiny desk and discovering life as pot plants while Cadance deflected the beam that surged for her with a shield of her own, leaving the blue disc cracked and creaking like glass.

“Twilight!” Shining Armor’s desperate call didn’t stop the glowing form in the middle of the room from blasting away with another spray of uncontrolled magic that would have struck had Cadence not yanked him to safety, dragging the struggling unicorn towards the door with her own magic and running past the professors who were turning green whilst sprouting leaves at an alarming rate.

‘S-stop! I can’t- I.. Help! Shining, help me, it hurts!’ The small pony writhed in the grip of the uncontrolled outburst, glowing with an eye watering intensity until another source of magic arrived to contain and resolve the situation. As Princess Celestia brought her focus to bear on Twilight, the surging magic lashed out one more time, draining the last of the unfettered spell, before it guttered out under the Princess’ attention, leaving a small, limp form behind.

Propped up in a seat where it could watch the proceedings, untouched until that moment, the doll, Princess Fuzzy, blinked her eyes and took a breath.

Author's Note

Hello!

This is a thing.

Writing is a learning experience. Maybe one day I'll learn not to fear that 'submit' button.

Chapter 2

Magic and Yarn

Princess Fuzzy liked to believe she was a reliable and dependable plushie, ready to face any nightmare or monster that threatened her ward. Now, she found herself shaking with worry, or perhaps fear, of the surge that had thrown her off the bench and to the floor. A floor that was feeling more uncomfortable with every passing second.

Inhale. Exhale.

“Princess! Princess Celestia! Are you okay? Is any pony injured?” A cadre of ponies thundered into the auditorium, their hooves beating out crashing echos and making Princess Fuzzy’s ears flicked back from the raw sound. ‘What…’

“Captain Brass, good," Celestia replied, "Fetch a stretcher for Miss Sparkle here and have her taken to the medical wing right away. No! No magic, we don’t know what it might do to her in that condition. I shall follow with her parents; have some pony bring the professors.”

"Yes, Princess!" the Captain's deep voice rang out. "Sparks, Pinpoint. With me." Steel shoes clattered on timber as ponies rushed to obey.

Fuzzy stared at her foreleg with faint horror as it slowly slid along the floor to touch it’s partner. New sensations and feelings kept hammering into her without pause.

“Princ...Cele-” the weak voice, a familiar voice, Twilight, muttered before the sounds of armored hooves on wooden flooring drowned it out.

‘Twilight!’ A stuttering breath as a wet tongue lashing the back of teeth- her teeth. Jaw muscles tensing and releasing. Speech tumbled forward, sloppy and weird but hers. “Twaa..”

“You're safe, Twilight. Just relax and rest." The Princess tried to comfort the moaning filly as she was carried away.

Shining's familiar voice could be heard from the doorway. “Twilight! Let me go, Cadance, I need to make sure she’s okay!”

“Auntie has it under control, you lump. Let the Guard do their thing and we’ll follow them to the medical wing.”

‘Shiny! I-I feel.. I feel! Please, help me.’ Fuzzy wanted to call out but a shock of fear, of the stomping hooves and unknown ponies stole her voice.

The minutes passed as hooves thundered from the room, the sounds of grunts and muffled words as guard ponies gathered the professors and Twilight’s parents away on stretchers, leaving it oddly silent aside from the soft gasps of a once-plushie.

Princess Fuzzy lifted her hoof, staring as she curled and flexed it, taking a deep breath, using Twilight’s calming technique to try and push down the worry bubbling inside. The sensation of a faint breeze coming from the holes in the room causing a shiver to run down her body, in turn causing the knot of worry inside her to twist. Smells she had never noticed before filled her nose and Fuzzy shook her head to try and focus.

“Deep... breaths… Hah.” No foal to give her voice. “Twilight.” Thoughts and feelings bubbled up inside her, things she had no name for, all revolving around the unicorn.

With her closest friend in mind, the platinum doll cautiously pushed herself up, leaning against a bench to steady herself after the first attempt had her face planting into the floor.

‘...I can feel- this isn’t right...No. Focus. Get u-’ A spike of raw, sharp pain in her hind leg left her gasping for breath, her body stumbling, almost tipping over like a foal before she could find her balance.

‘Something is very wrong!’ The insistent thought was pushed back again.

Princess Fuzzy, the platinum coated plushie looked around for a moment, taking in the feeling of standing on her own with a feeling of... pride? fear?

No strings or spells. No foal or parent holding her.

"F-find Twilight. Nothing else m-matters." she told herself, gritting her new teeth to try and silence the whimpers, then tenderly put one hoof in front of the other, new instincts sliding into place, each step smoother than the last but no less awkward as she limped along, the whispers of panic rising in the back of her mind.

With a last glance at the now empty room, she turned to the open door and began her trek.

The medical wing for Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorn's was fortunate enough that a foresightful builder had allowed for a trio of private rooms, each with a bed and a pair of visitor's chairs. Shining Armor hadn't even noticed the Princess as he sat by his sister's side, Cadance stealing the other chair with a look to Celestia as the pair waited for news.

“How is she, Doctor Humbug?” Princess Celestia gazed down at the sleeping pony on the bed for a long moment before glancing at the grey stallion who was muttering to himself and scribbling notes into a file. A nurse was carefully applying a gel to the filly’s horn, the sharp smell of the medicine mixing with the scent of burnt mane.

“She is fortunate." Doctor Humbug replied, "Judging by the ‘in depth’ examination I have taken in the last five minutes since you, and her brother, all but demanded I give you answers, she is sleeping off the effects of magical exhaustion.” His unconcealed bite earned a look from the Princess. “Still, a stage four magic depletion-”

“Stage four?” Shining Armor cut him off, “But the guard training only ever mentioned up to stage three. Why is there a stage four?” His worry was clear, only Cadance’ hoof on his back keeping him seated next to the bed.

Doctor Humbug sniffed. “Because, junior guard training doesn’t cover it unless you plan on taking medical training. Something I’ve brought up with the Captain before. In this case, she pushed too much magic through her body, which tried to shut down to protect her but something kept the flow open- likely the surge itself, though it was exacerbated by the flare that ended the surge. Thus the burns and stress fractures.”

“A-and my parents?” Shining asked, leaning into his friend’s calming touch as the pink alicorn spoke.

“They did catch the full brunt of the same magic that hammered my shield spell." Cadance rubbed at her horn, already coated with a healing goop.

“Oh, they’ll be fine. Probably won’t even remember it. Pony minds tend to block out abrupt transfiguration and they weren’t changed for long enough to cause other symptoms to crop up. I’ll have nurse Silver Mark wake them shortly.” Doctor Humbug then turned and pointed a hoof at Princess Celestia. “What you did, however, was plain stupid.”

“Excuse me?” It had been some time since a pony had spoken to her in such a tone as the towering alicorn stared down at the unicorn doctor.

Humbug’s blue eyes held all the warmth and care of an icicle as he met his princess’ gaze. “Ending a magic surge of this type by forcibly overpowering the immature spell matrix can result in magical feedback. Bleed-through runs the risk of stressing already overtaxed pathways past the point of recovery. You could very well have got it wrong and torn apart her ability to ever use magic.

“I knew what I was doing, I have been practising magic for quite some time, Doctor.” The mild rebuke was obvious.

“Yes, general magic. Not healing, not like this. Forty years of learning and I still..." Humbug trailed off, eyes distant for a moment, "There are some things, Princess, that you can never have enough practice for. This time, you were lucky. Any bleed-through was minimal.” He shook his head and scowled.

The alicorn bowed her head. "You are correct. I will remember for the future.” Celestia’s eyes moved to the other patient who was curled up in a large basket, snoring softly.

‘A dragon hatchling...from an imitation egg...is she? I’ve been- no, don’t get your hopes up, Celly. Let her grow.’

Cadance, looked between the pair and tried to ease the tension in the room, cutting in with a question of her own. “I didn’t expect the School to have a medical wing of its own, at least not one this large.”

Doctor Humbug huffed in reply, “You can thank nobles with more bits than brains for that after some little class challenge got out of control, ended up burning the original north wing to the ground. The pop up stand of a medical room they had lacked enough of everything so a few ‘noble’ children were left with crippling burns and one lost her horn. Medicine was not so advanced eight hundred years ago."

"They were difficult times." Princess Celestia looked up with a sorrowful look at a memory. “I would have done something had I not been sorting out a border issue with the griffons.”

The doctor chuckled unpleasantly. “How very polite of you, Princess, to refer to the Three Day War like that. Regardless,” He turned back to the pink alicorn, “funding to the School increased and the medical wing was added when they rebuilt. It might not be Canterlot Royal Hospital but we do our best.”

"It's very impressive. I did see quite a few non-unicorn students though." Cadance replied honestly.

"My School has grown so much since Star Swirl's time." The Princess' voice was soft. "Grown past what we envisioned, to teach more than just one tribe about more than just magic. Oh, but I could not let go of the name."

Shining Armor moved to the bedside and held one of his sister’s hooves. “She’s really going to be okay?” His eyes took in the goop covering her horn, the shortened mane with charred ends and the barely noticeable burns in her fur. The real eye catcher was the bright mark on her flank.

The grey stallion's horn lit up briefly, green symbols floating over the sleeping filly. “If the exhaustion is the only problem, then a few days of good rest at her age will see her back on her hooves, but I would say no magic for two weeks, and a course of treatments, to give her horn time to heal. A check up then will give me more to work with than I had now.”

Turning to the Princess, Doctor Humbug gave a short bow. "If there is nothing else, I have other ponies to check on." At her nod, he made for the door. "I'll have the nurse wake the parents."

Cadance watched the stallion leave before leaning against her friend. “Twilight will love it here. Her and..oh, oh dear." The pink alicorn looked around the room.

"Cadance?" The Princess' voice was curious. Celestia had heard a few stories about Evening Star's creations but had never seen one that caused such a reaction.

"Fuzzy, Twilight's doll, isn't here. She's something of an heirloom and a little weird but she's really important to Twilight. In all the rush I left her in the classroom."

"I see." Celestia murmured in amusement.

Shining missed the twitch of an ear but not the slight tug. "Twilly?"

The filly in question chose that moment to sneeze and stir, curling her hoof around her brother’s. "Fuz..."

"I'll be right back! She needs to be here." Cadance tried not to feel slightly silly as Princess Celestia watched her leave to retrieve a doll.

Twilight's eyes slowly crept open, looking up at the two white blurs above her, “Wh-what happened? Did I pass?”

Princess Fuzzy dearly wished she were home or at Twilight’s side as she braved the unknown, like the explorers from the bed time stories as the ache in her leg grew worse. Escaping the exam room had been trial enough but the hallway had revealed a new obstacle in the form of polished tiles that sent her sprawling painfully at the slightest misstep.

After discovering just how sensitive to impact her nose was for the third time, she resorted to walking along the side of the corridor for balance, making rest stops easy, stops that were needed more often as she limped along. The effort was draining in a way she didn't understand, a hollowness inside that sapped her as she pushed herself onward.

‘My leg is sore... plushies don’t feel pain..what am- no! No, focus!’

The end of the corridor opened into a small atrium, but the space before her, with so many other hallways and doors to choose from, made deciding where to go next a daunting prospect.

‘Something is wrong... it hurts. I don't understand..I'm-’

"Twil...Twilight.."

The ache in her hind leg had grown and the others kept shaking when she wasn’t paying attention. Slumping against a potted plant, the platinum pony looked for something- anything- to give an inkling on where her Twilight had been taken. An investigation revealed labels in some places but the letter and number combinations didn’t mean anything to Fuzzy and she could feel the unpleasant knot inside her middle twist as she took deep breaths.

“No sunlight...no moss...no glyph or map..I..” She trailed off. What was ‘A1-4 East Wing’ meant to mean?

Nothing she’d listened to or read with Twilight seemed to help- there was no map or ancient table to refer to and the wrongness wasn’t going away, nor was the hollow feeling inside her chest.

‘Twilight, what do I do? I'm...I'm scared.’ Glass eyes blurred and Princess Fuzzy couldn't hold in the sniffling. Trying to push back up to her hooves was too awkward, slipping and hurting too much.

"Don't think- just...just move!" The once plushie dragged herself forward on her forelegs as far as she could bear to, until numb and shaking, she curled up where she was.

I'm sorry Twilight, I'm not- I can't.." The wall holding everything in crumbled and Princess Fuzzy couldn't stop the sobs bubbling up.

She felt so very small and alone.

Author's Note

Hello!

The response chapter 1 received blew my mind and expectations and I have procrastinated enough over this. Either it's ready or it's not.

That publish button! I will beat you one click at a time!

Please enjoy and leave feedback if you would be so kind.

(Researching the School's dimensions resulted in much angst until I applied handwaveium.)
(Thanks to 'OneLonelyPickle' for taking the time to look this over. )

Chapter 3

Velvet and Plush

Princess Cadance knew that the original grounds of Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns could have odd effects on non-unicorns, ranging from sudden bouts of claustrophobia and loss of direction, to hearing and seeing mild hallucinations. More than one window had been broken by panicking ponies, and investigations over the years had ruled the effects to be the remains of the protective wards that had been placed on the foundations of the School when it was more a fortress to protect unicorns, before time and trust cemented the bonds between the tribes.

So as she gawked at a familiar looking pony lying on the floor of the atrium, a pony whom she had last seen sitting on a bench as a doll, Princess Cadance couldn't help but wonder if she might have been imagining things too. Stepping closer, the differences became more evident as did the sight of rhythmic movements.

‘Breathing? But, that’s not possible…

...it’s just a plushie...right?’

The dragon egg had apparently been plaster, but Twilight still hatched a dragon from it.

Princess Fuzzy had only ever been a plush doll, but Twilight had always treated it as a living creature, so maybe...

‘Is she...alive too?’

The pony’s twin-toned silver/steel mane caught her attention first, flowing in a far more natural way than before, the body’s chunky and doll-like proportions gone, replaced by the slender and elegant form of a young mare. Long legs were now capped by rigid hooves and the princess could see the play of muscle under platinum fur as the pony shifted.

Cadance’ eyes narrowed at the mare’s hindleg, not liking the unnatural angle it lay in.

“Fuzzy? Is...is that you?” Cadance knelt down beside the silently shaking mare, watching in wonder as a tear welled up over the glass eyes before trailing down stained cheeks to the floor, the center of each golden eye glowing with a soft light that seemed to shift and focus on her.

"Cadance? You came back..." The reply was soft and scared, with an odd accent, a lilt that was common to old equish. The way Twi had always projected it when she spoke for the plushie...but now, to hear it as clear and real as Cadance herself was...oddly reassuring.

Proof she hadn’t been imagining it after all was nice, but the life in those strange eyes was far above what she’d been prepared for. The joy, gratitude and hope that shone was almost as surprising to Cadance as the faint stirrings of emotion she could feel from the mare.

‘I suppose every foal has an invisible friend or favorite toy. Trust Twilight to bring hers to life.’

"Of course I did. You’re Twilight’s best friend; you’d be the first thing she asks about when she wakes up." Shuffling closer, Cadance leaned in, spotting tiny marks and scars along Fuzzy’s coat that resembled stitch work and mismatched threads, “This isn’t...what are you doing out here? What happened to you..?”

“I was watching Twilight, something-” Fuzzy sniffed and Cadance saw another tear well up over the glass eyes before trailing away. “Something went wrong a-and there was a flash and now- something is wrong.” She reached out to the alicorn, whimpering as her leg shifted painfully, and cried into Cadance’s shoulder, “I don’t understand! My leg- it’s not... it hurts!”

“Fuzzy! I’m here, it’ll be okay.” Cadance ran a hoof down the unicorn’s back as the crying dwindled to sniffles, trying not to think of the mess coating her front, or how impossible the thought sounded. “Let's get you to the medical wing and the doctor can take a look at you. Twily’ll be there and you can keep each other company while we work things out.”

“Twilight…” There was raw desperation in the word as with a weak nod of agreement, Cadence wrapped her magic gently around Fuzzy and lifted, noticing how light the exhausted pony felt, and how she just naturally cuddled up between Cadence's shoulder blades in the exact spot she had carried the doll. Whatever the creature was, it was far more than the simple plush toy of the past, but less than the young mare she now resembled.

In a calm tone that she’d used on Twilight before, Cadance called out, “You hold on, okay? I’m going to break a rule or three.”

Two forelegs wrapped around her neck. “I won’t tell Shiny.”

Closing her eyes to better focus on the blue magic building up at the tip of her horn, Cadance reached for her teleport spell’s destination. "I should find that weird but you know, this actually explains a lot.”

Princess Fuzzy smiled into Cadance’ mane as the emptiness inside faded for a moment. “Thank you.”

Cadance activated the spell a moment later, a thunderous pop echoing as the teleport spell sent the two ponies to the medical wing, leaving a shallow crater in the stone flooring.

Princess Celestia’s presence filled the room, pressing down on Twilight and keeping her gaze on the floor. Still, it was not as bad as Twilight first thought, because the Princess was warm, like friendly sunshine on the back of her neck, and even her voice was gentle and comforting. “Twilight Sparkle, you have a great gift, a potential for magic that I haven’t seen in a long time. Have you had problems focusing your magic?”

“I-maybe? I can cast the spells from books but....” Twilight rubbed her hooves together, unpleasant feelings bubbling up as memories of her long night practicing with Fuzzy came to mind.

“I understand. You have raw power but what you need is time and focused attention so you may learn how to harness it. Which is why I would like to take you as my personal student.” Princess Celestia’s announcement was met with a cheer from the Sparkle family and a gasp of surprise from Twilight as a dream came true. “You certainly earned your place in the School, along with a certain something else.”

‘My cutie mark!’ Twilight stared down at her flank where the Princess was pointing. It was a vibrant mark of several stars that she had never seen before, and the sight brought a feeling of validation to warm her heart, along with another sensation that she lacked words to describe.

Twilight yawned and snuggled into her brother’s back. The bustle in the medical wing’s foyer passed by in a haze as the rush from discovering her cutie mark faded, leaving only the sapping exhaustion. Still, she was not permitted to rest long. A hoof nudged her barrel and she whined at the annoyance.

“Twilight, dear. Do you think you can stay awake long enough to say goodbye to the Princess?” Her mother’s voice dragged Twilight up from the fugue of slumber as Velvet ruffled her mane. “Tomorrow when you're not drooling on your brother, we’ll have to get you a new manecut.”

It wasn’t that she didn’t like the attention from her family, but considering the current audience...

“Mo~oom! Not in front of the Princess!” Twilight grumbled as her mother inspected her horn and burnt mane again, tutting to herself as Princess Celestia’s muffled chuckles echoed in her ears.

“I’m allowed to be worried, sweetie, even if Doctor Humbug says you just need bed rest. You gave all of us a scare and we’re supposed to worry about you.” Velvet continued brushing her daughter’s mane, the comb floating in her magic deftly arranging it as best she could over the burnt patches. “That's what family does. I already sent your father off to pick up some things for you.”

Family… Fuzzy…

Princess Celestia gently broke in. “We shall discuss Twilight’s education when she is feeling better. My aid shall be in contact with you-”

She turned sharply to the side as a blue bubble of magic sprang into existence with a soft hum that rose in pitch, until, with an oddly subdued ‘pop’, it burst to reveal a blinking alicorn with a limp figure on her back.

“See, Twilight? I told you she’d be back.” Shining smirked at Twilight as she poked him into motion. “She has Fuzzy too, see? You should trust me mor- ow! No biting!”

Twilight’s attention was fixed on the pony atop her foal sitter. ‘Something is off…’

Princess Cadance looked around at the infirmary with a wince as she rubbed her horn. “Oh- oh that was a mistake after all. Whew..looks like we made it just fine, though. See, Fuzzy? One medical wing, just as promised.”

The chair behind the younger alicorn tipped over, the front half having vanished with the bubble, and Princess Celestia raised a brow at her niece who had the grace to look somewhat embarrassed. “Dear Niece, while I’m sure Twilight appreciates having her doll returned, I am quite certain that…” Celestia trailed off as the doll moved.

“My passenger required express service.” Cadance muttered to the monarch’s curiosity. “Twilight’s light show had one more side effect we didn’t notice at first.” Her horn glowed, lifting said passenger from her back to drift slowly to the floor, legs hanging limp briefly before straightening for touchdown.

“You strained your own horn and violated a dozen rules to return her doll?” Celestia shook her head. “While the animation spell on it looks remarkable, I fail to see how this excuses you.”

“Twilight?” The pony looked around with effort before spotting the entranced filly.

With a wobble, the platinum unicorn seemed to find her balance in a way no true plushie could, drawing a gasp from the room as it looked up at Twilight. “I found you…”

“Look at her, Auntie. Pay attention to the details.” Cadance reached out and brushed the unsteady unicorn’s ear, which flicked and twitched erratically. “She’s more alive than any animation spell could ever hope to achieve.”

“Fuzzy?” Twilight stared at a face both familiar and not, watching the glowing lights in her friend’s golden eyes shift and move as she always imagined they had. Eyes that had watched over her for so long she barely remembered a time they hadn’t, to guard her from the monsters and terrors Twilight’s growing imagination had created.

The room faded from focus as the pair studied each other, the moment shattering as Fuzzy shuffled on her hooves then winced, hissing in pain.

‘She’s hurt!’

Fuzzy yelped as she tried to step forward, injured leg collapsing under her as her hoof slipped on smooth tiles. Twilight didn't hesitate and leapt down to catch her, missing a gasp from behind her, as wondrous purple eyes met bright gold. “Fuzzy!”

She looked the same but different in some small way. Sounded, even- she buried her nose into her friend and sniffed- even smelled the same as her favorite plushie. Twilight didn’t quite know what was happening but she knew without a shadow of doubt that the young mare in her hooves was her Princess Fuzzy.

“I was so w-worried, you were glowing and hurting and then all those ponies- the hall a-and my leg-hrk!” The mare was babbling, shivering as dampness trailing from her eyes, until small hooves gripped her in a tight hug that she slowly returned.

‘Safe…’

“I’m here, Fuzzy. It’s going to be okay..” Twilight snuggled into her friend, a feeling of warmth bubbling in her chest as her best friend nickered softly, though something was off…oh, yes. The leg! “Doctor? Doctor Humbug, could you please look at Fuzzy’s leg, please? It’s always bothered her, and never been quite straight.”

The doctor blinked. “Fuzzy?” He ever so slowly looked between Celestia and Fuzzy, then back to the Princess again, who sighed and gave a short nod. “Oh, yes. Fuzzy,” he said with mild bewilderment. “Why don’t you put your… ah… friend up here on the table and...I’ll see what I can do.”

“Do you suppose you might be able to fill the rest of us in on things?” Princess Celestia’s question broke the moment and the pair looked up at the curious ponies watching them. “Your grandmare, Evening Star, held quite the reputation but I have never seen one of her creations quite so lively and vocal.”

Twilight rubbed her cheek against Fuzzy’s warm fur as magic slowly lifted them from the floor and back to the private room she’d just left. “Princess Celestia! This is Princess Fuzzy. She’s very special. Grandma told me so.”

Princess Celestia eyed the day’s paperwork on her desk and huffed, pushing it aside to focus on the report she had been waiting for, the quiet of her office broken by the burbles and snores of the tiny dragon bundled up in her lap. The hungry whines from earlier had been silenced by the powdered emerald and oatmeal mash one of her School’s professors had delivered, along with the results of the inspection she had ordered.

“Your Highness, as you can see, we compared the dragon egg shell to the plaster mock-up we had in storage and there is no difference between them. We spoke to the pony who made them for our entrance exams and he informed us that both were made by him.” Cold Case, a blue unicorn and one of her best researchers, paused his report with an air of confusion. His deep voice hummed as he thought. “A transmutation effect should have worn off or be reversible, but nothing I or any of my colleagues did made a difference.”

“There is no difference aside from the fact that one is made of actual dragon egg. Complete with hoof made irregularities and paint strokes.” The monarch's horn glowed as she lifted a fragment of shell from the box on her desk. “See here, the paint is thin enough to see the white plaster, yet it is a dragon’s egg.”

It was slightly disturbing to see a hair from the paint brush fused to the end result.

“It’s also completely impossible, since no dragon egg would ever be this smooth. Natural ones have a rough, almost scaled texture to better grip stone.” It has been a long time since she’d been to the Dragonlands but she’d never forget the visit.

“So, how did it happen? How did she do it? I know that foal magic can give results we consider impossible but even factoring in a surge-”

“It was something more.” Celestia looked out her windows at the setting sun, consumed in her own thoughts. The gentle warmth of her oldest friend washing through her, memories drifting up.

‘What was impossible when Magic itself was willing to court you?

“Something more? Did someone sneak a real dragon egg in and paint it? How would they ever find one that matched our moulds so...Princess?” Somepony asked, beseeching her attention as the Sun reached for her, ready to rest for a time.

‘What limit did it put on potential? Did it even have one?’

“Princess Celestia?” The pony called again.

The Sun sank below the horizon, the heat of their bond fading as its darker partner rose slowly in its place. The connection between the Moon and Monarch was cold and distant by comparison.

‘Clumsy fumbling compared to Her finesse.’

“If we could work out how to replicate the feat, we could use it for a great many things. Why, getting feedback on spells would be so much better than mere observation, let alone the advantages in other fields. Oh, if I could get my hooves on the spell formula, discover how it works then-” The excited rambling ended when Cold Case actually paid attention to his Princess’ cool expression.

“No. I have my suspicions on the how but I do not want to see the Sparkle family harassed over this.” Her order was clear and the unicorn bowed deeply.

“Yes, your Highness! Of course. B-but the potential-” Daring to look up, Cold Case spoke rapidly. “The Doctor reported the doll has an active magical core- a faux body that mostly runs on magic! We could help a lot of ponies. Imagine, animated stone statues that can actually give a report to a guard pony or golems that can brave the dangers of the wild lands without needing months of rune crafting and maintenance!”

Princess Celestia looked down at the tiny dragon in her lap. “I have read Doctor Humbug’s report. It is more than a doll, as my niece made clear to me.”

“But less than a pony! It might have fur and horn, even magic of its own- another impossibility, I might add, but while it has a heartbeat there isn’t a heart in it. None of the bone structure is realistic. It’s like some foal’s idea of what a pony is.” Cold Case found himself puffing slightly, legs trembling as he remembered who he was speaking to.

“Regardless. We could rip the doll away, steal away a filly’s prized possession- her creation, to experiment with and better the nation. But what cost would you have us pay? Would you have Us cull a dream?” A hoof traced along soft scales that wouldn’t harden for weeks. In time, she planned to return the hatchling to Twilight.

A mother, however unorthodox, shouldn’t be parted from her child, though perhaps siblings would be more accurate.

“You will limit your investigation to observation only. In time, that order may be amended, but you will ask both Twilight and Fuzzy for permission.” Her decision made, Princess Celestia pushed the box of egg shell fragments back to her researcher who bowed to the floor again before making his escape, the box floating after him in an azure aura.

Watching the unicorn leave, Celestia eyed the stacks of paperwork still demanding her attention and let out a deep sigh. Perhaps a break was in order. “Kibitz?”

A stout stallion with the beginnings of a moustache on his upper lip peered into the room and gave a short bow. “More tea and cakes, Highness?”

“I…No, just the tea.” The temptation was there but she had to be strong. “Though if I asked…?”

“The Cook has a new batch of Red Velvets, I believe. Princess Cadance claims they are quite good.” Her stomach chose that moment to rumble in agreement with the servant.

“Yes. Please.”

“At once, Highness.” The middle-aged servant moved back from view and Princess Celestia wondered if it was a learning experience or pettiness to have her niece suffer a crash course in managing a kingdom.

Twilight Velvet crept down the hall to her daughter’s room, nudging the door open to peer in and muffling her amusement with a hoof at the sight of her Twilight snoring softly against her bedmate while legions of smaller dolls and plushies stood guard. The soft light of the bedside lamp almost seemed to dance on their glass eyes, giving the illusion of movement as she crept in.

“Smart Cookie wasn’t fazed as the evil Witch prowled closer, for she was merely waiting for the time to strike.” Princess Fuzzy read, an ear flicking towards Velvet as she turned the page, horn glowing faintly before turning to meet Velvet’s gaze with her golden eyes glowing in the dark room.

"I imagine Twilight's enjoying the role reversal." Velvet found the comment slip out, her curiosity and amusement roused as she compared the new Fuzzy with the old of the morning.

“She was most insistent that it was my turn to read to her, yes.” Fuzzy pushed the book away and curled around Twilight, who snuggled deeper into the mare’s furry chest. “A task I find I’m enjoying. A great deal has changed. Finding the pleasant side of things is welcoming.”

“The doctors and researchers might have it just as bad.” Velvet pointed out quietly, “You just drove them to pull their manes out over a doll having magic. An inanimate object coming to life, living and breathing, is impossible according to every researcher or mage for the last thousand years.”

“I am still coming to terms with existing,” Fuzzy replied, staring down at her ward. “Everything is so new. I can smell things. Taste them." She shifted in bed, moving her cast to a more comfortable position. "The doctors and mages want to know where my tears come from, why I feel pain, if I feel cold or warm. They want to poke at my teeth with scary tools, test my horn, and ask all kinds of questions I can't answer, and every question reminds me of a simpler time when I lacked need for voice or motion.” She nuzzled the sleeping filly beside her.

“The doctor learned very fast, the researcher not so much.” A unicorn mage, Cold Case, had made the mistake of trying to shave away ‘samples’ while the doctor was tending to Princess Fuzzy’s broken leg, only to learn that Princess Fuzzy’s teeth were perfectly capable of leaving marks on his foreleg. Doctor Humbug pushed him aside to treat the grumpy mare like he would any other patient under his care after that and Velvet had been rather amused at the excessive bandaging and plaster the Doctor had used on what he’d called a ‘simple oblique fracture’.

Fuzzy didn’t see the humour but Shining Armor and Cadance had written ‘get well soon, and no more biting!’ messages on the cast to Twilight’s delight.

“Today, I felt the wind for the first time.” Fuzzy’s voice held a sense of wonder. “Existing is different in a way I can’t describe and my ears won’t stop twitching at every new sound.

“Twilight is special, not just for giving me the gift of telling her such. To me, she’s the most important pony ever.” Fuzzy’s horn glowed faintly and a blanket floated over to Velvet, who grabbed it in her own magic. “She is family. All of you are, and I shall protect you as befitting my title.” While the older mare tucked the blanket over them both, Fuzzy nuzzled the snoring filly and settled in beside her.

A moment passed as Velvet mulled things over before looking at Fuzzy with a smile, “Welcome to the family then, ‘Princess’ Fuzzy Sparkle.”

Author's Note

Ahoy! Have at thee, vile Publish button!

So, turns out I needed an extra week for editing and revision.

Huge thanks to 'Georg' for taking the time to review and help edit this chapter.

I hope you all enjoy the story and please let me know if I've still managed to duff it up somewhere.

Chapter 4

Spindle and Feathers

Soft morning light filled the bedroom as Fuzzy pulled aside the curtain and peered out at the world outside. The lawn and garden glittered with dew and she stopped to appreciate the moment and look about, to take in details she’d never seen or really understood.

The night had passed and she felt odd, the hollow feeling receding but her body was sluggish and heavy, like mud in the winter. Maybe if she focused...

A light breeze danced in the trees, inviting the branches to sway and play with it, the flowers in the garden bobbing about while bees began their morning work. Past the Sparkle family grounds, Canterlot itself seemed to be waking as she could already see ponies going about their day. The postal service pegasi flitting around, saddle bags bulging with mail and packages while others pulled carts or wagons.

Her horn glimmered as she carefully opened the window, letting the chilled air seep in and bring the smell of a new day.

At least, Fuzzy hoped that was true. So far her nose hadn’t done anything new besides itch.

On the bed behind her, the mound of blankets stirred as the filly beneath grumbled at the fresh air, a hoof pulled the covers tighter as a rumble echoed through the room. Fuzzy crept up and peered into the nest Twilight had made in her sleep, ears dipping back as the purple filly’s belly let out an angry noise.

Something within wanted freedom, roaring to the world its demands for food and threatening to start on any unlucky pillow within reach.

“Twilight?” Fuzzy poked the grumbling belly with her nose “It’s morning. You always have breakfast in the morning.” She nuzzled higher, prodding the beast awake only for Twilight to latch onto her ear and begin gumming it. “Ah! Twilight, wake up! I’m not a gingerbread pony!” Memories of her ears being gnawed on in nights past flashed through her mind and Fuzzy wobbled as she tried to free herself.

‘Grouugurgle’

Hoofsteps at the door grabbed her attention as Night Light nudged the door open. “My word! Was that my darling filly making that noise?” He stepped into the room, a grin on his face turning to outright laughter at the looks Fuzzy was giving his daughter’s grumbling belly while Twilight’s forehooves held her tight.

Fuzzy’s gold eyes turned to him, worry in her voice. “Help! I think she ate a monster in our sleep and it’s trying to escape- or it’s possessed her and now she wants to turn everypony into her puppet! Just like in Smart Cookie and the Gingerbread Pony. We’re only on chapter seven, so I don’t know how to banish it yet!”

Night Light didn’t hide his amusement when Twilight’s belly gurgled in response. Fuzzy growled back, ear ridged. “Oh, don’t worry about it, Fuzzy. I’ve had plenty of experience dealing with this particular beast. But why don’t I save you from being her next meal, hm?”

“Please do! I’m not as soft as I used to be and- ah!” The unease in her own belly churned as Night Light reached in and ruffled Twilight’s mane. Fuzzy’s ear came free as the purple pony mumbled a protest and batted at the unwanted attention.

A soft glow spread over her as Twilight floated free of her nest and drifted to Night Light’s back, gripping on like a lilac limpet.

Night Light smiled at Fuzzy, horn aglow as she slowly transformed the nest back into a bed again. “The doctor said Twilight might eat more after a surge like yesterday, so I’m not surprised her belly is complaining or she’s chewing on things again.” He nuzzled the platinum unicorn, missing the surprised expression on her face. “Good morning by the way, Fuzzy. Would you like to come help me with breakfast?”

“I… ” Fuzzy opened her mouth to answer but when nothing came forth, she glanced at Twilight, wondering what she should do. Routine would have her waiting for Twilight to eat before coming to fetch her for their trips to the park or library, if she didn’t have school that day.

‘But that was… before.’

“If you aren’t sure, or your leg is sore, you can stay here. Maybe catch a nap without the purple pony eater to worry about.” Night Light waited patiently, watching Fuzzy wrestle with something she’d never had before.

A choice that didn’t include Twilight? No! She…

Nightlight was waiting for her to decide- to make her own decision.

The thought was alien and strange to Fuzzy. “I… Twilight will be right there with us?”

“Of course.”

“Then… I’d like to help. Smart Cookie says that food brings a… f-family together. I don’t think I can be what I was anymore… but maybe being something new will be okay too?” A warmth settled inside her chest as Night Light smiled at her, the stallion reached over to give her a brief hug.

“Come on then,” He said brightly, walking slow enough for Fuzzy to keep up. “Let's go feed the beast in her belly so she can wake up properly and greet the new day.”

She paused at the doorway, glancing back at the window and the morning light outside. “A new day…ah! I’m coming!”

Shining ambled down the stairs with a yawn, the scent of eggs and toast beckoned him onwards to the kitchen where he could hear his father talking to somepony. It took him a moment to place the voice that replied.

“Now we’ve added the strawberries, we flip it over, like so! No- watch how I hold it. See? Not too much magic in your grip or you overdo it again.”

Stepping into the kitchen, Shining saw Twilight sitting at the table, horn covered in balm and snoring into a half eaten pancake, while his father had roped Fuzzy into helping him at the counter. The smaller mare was balancing carefully on a seat and consulting a cookbook as Night Light guided her through the art of pancakes. “Let that one cook a little more, then we’ll mix up more batter.”

“Add another thirty counts...look for browning…”

“Good morning, everyone.” Shining Armor sat next to his sister, mussing her mane and earning a muffled squeak in protest. “I see you have a new assistant.”

“Yes, my first choice is testing the new ‘pancake pillow’ so I’m using the new alternative.”

Shining snickered as Twilight’s eyelids opened enough for her to glare at him. “How’s that working out?”

“Only two floorcakes so far. She’s got a surprisingly good grip. Must run in the family.”

The smell of butter and toast reached Shining’s nose and he pried the juice jug from his sister’s hooves. “Is Mom going to be joining us?”

“Browning? Check. Now to turn it…”

Night Light grimaced and shook his head. “She got called in early this morning to deal with some odd reports on a moon cult. She’s going to take the opportunity to sort out some other paperwork while she’s at the palace, too.” His magic floated a plate loaded with eggs and toast over to his son while he helped Fuzzy with the complex process of flipping a pancake.

“Turn with the plate and use the pan to catch- eep! Caught. Much better than last time.”

The batter in her mane spoke of some less than successful attempts, but the platinum mare was almost dancing on her forehooves as she worked.

Shining chuckled as he dug in, enjoying his father’s cooking. In less than a month, he’d be off to the Royal Academy of Canterlot for the next stage of his guard officer training and he had no illusions that their cooks preferred quantity over taste.

“Is this okay?” Fuzzy’s unblinking eyes looked up anxiously, ears threatening to droop as she awaited judgement.

Night Light ‘hrm’ed as she offered a slightly misshapen pancake for inspection, letting her fidget before handing down his decision. “Not bad for the first attempt.”

Her smile could have lit the room and Night Light chuckled, ruffling her mane before looking back to his son.

“I know you probably had plans, but would you and Fuzzy be able to entertain Twilight today? I have the Astrological Society pulling my tail to get observations on some odd star movements that can probably wait a few years, but they insist are vitally important.”

“Twilight? I have a new pancake for you. You need to eat so you can recov- ow! That’s my ear- ow! Help!”

Shining Armor knew his father was much more a night owl than most other ponies and often napped during the day so he could spend time with his family. “That’s okay. I’ll see if Cadance is free and we can go for a picnic in the park. If not, we’ll go to the library instead.”

Night Light grinned at him, a knowing glint in his eyes. Then he reached over to save Fuzzy from his daughter. A spoon dripping with honey floated past her nose and Twilight gave up the captive ear to catch the sweet smelling treat instead.

“Could you see if the library has the new Smart Cookie book?” Fuzzy spoke up as she wiped syrup and honey from Twilight’s muzzle with a cloth, then she replaced the smooshed pancake. A fork floated up in a faint glow of purple only for Fuzzy’s gold to carefully catch it. “No magic, remember? For two weeks.”

“But I wanna use magic… ‘m a unicorn…”

Twilight’s tired grumble left a smile on Shining’s face. “Yes, and good little unicorns eat their breakfast and take their medicine.”

Cadance was delighted to join them in the park for lunch, taking the opportunity to favor Shining Armor with a peck on the cheek that left him blushing while Twilight covered her eyes and complained. “Eww! No kissy faces!”

Fuzzy watched silently when Cadance took that as a challenge and leaned in, lips puckering. Twilight squealed and jumped away, the pink alicorn chasing the laughing unicorn while Shining Armor unpacked plates and sandwiches from the basket he’d brought.

“Does this mean Twilight is better?”

“Huh?” Shining responded eloquently, glancing at the oddest member of his family. “Oh, no. She’ll probably crash and sleep for the afternoon after she’s eaten. If anything, this is good for her.”

“Should I help her?” Fuzzy kept her eyes on where Twilight had lost the race and been caught, legs flailing as Cadance tickled her with her wingtips until begging was heard.

“Do you want to?”

She hesitated. This was time for Cadance and Twilight, wasn’t it?

“Fuzzy! Help! Aaahaha- stooop!” The call to arms was heard and Fuzzy marched to join the battle, being particularly careful of her leg cast. She wasn’t sure how she was going to help but maybe just being there would be enough.

The battle had ended in a surprise mutual surrender to Princess Fuzzy after she found a mud puddle, threats of muddy coats causing the ‘Loving Hearts’ and ‘Booktopia’ empires to crumble, helped by Shining announcing that ‘muddy ponies don’t get lunch.’

“The Princess gave you homework?” Twilight eyed the thick textbook in Cadance’s hooves.

“She sure did. Flying is great and I got my weather licence, but my horn casting courses are kicking my flank. Severe Snap alone wants twelve pages by next week on intermediate duelling spells and common counters.” Cadance grumbled, leaning against Shining who was trying not to blush more than he already was.

Twilight and Fuzzy glanced at each other before looking back to Cadance. “Can we look?”

“Sure. Look all you want. It’s pretty advanced for what you’ve learned so far though.”

They weren’t listening anymore, not with a new textbook to read.

“Thaumaturgical equations? Fuzzy, which book did we see that in?”

“Bright Spark’s ‘Treatise on Magic’. But he referenced Sun Shimmer’s ‘Beginner’s Guide’ a lot.” Fuzzy shook her head. “And he can’t draw a straight line either.”

“Don’t we have Sun’s book at home? It sounds familiar.” Twilight flicked over another page, her horn glimmering briefly before Fuzzy nudged her and took over page duties.

“Yes. It had the horn exercises you needed to stop the headaches.”

Cadance let out a puff of amusement as her plan played out successfully, watching the pair read her textbook. She wasn’t going to tell them it was one she’d already finished and she was far more curious in how Twilight was treating her ex-plushie and how the platinum unicorn was responding.

‘She doesn’t even notice she’s making suggestions on her own, or coming up with her own ideas.’

A pink wing stretched around Shining, pulling his muzzle closer as she began her own lesson plan.

There was one new lesson for the Sparkle family to learn for the day, however.

“Dad?”

Night Light turned the page of his new recipe book. “Hmm? Yes, Twilight?”

“What setting do you use for Fuzzy? Mom says we got muddy and muddy ponies don’t get dessert.”

He scribbled down a note. Some of the new Prench cuisine was giving him ideas and his hooves were itching to experiment. “Oh, uh… I used the light cycle with one cup of detergent. Good for delicates.”

“Thanks, Dad!”

Yes, he might just be able to top Butter Toast at the next bake off and take the blue ribbon! That would wipe that smug smile off her-

Night Light stopped and replayed the conversation before sprinting for the laundry. “Twilight, wait!”

Ten minutes later they managed to extract a dripping Fuzzy from the machine, and he ran a bath for the pair while explaining that, no, ponies do not go in the washing machine.

“Fuzzy is a pony now. Ponies use a bathtub.”

Author's Note

Well.... I lost an August somewhere around here.

Again, huge thanks to Georg for taking the time to help craft this from 'words' to a chapter.

As always, please enjoy!

Chapter 5

Bind and Fray

Canterlot was said to be a city with flagstones etched in gold, a place where young ponies could display their creations alongside those of famed artists from across the realm. Where silk and gems fit for royalty could be found adorning anypony who visited the famous restaurants that hosted renowned chefs.

Other places offered halls that served food with pleasantly soothing background music by day, then as the moon rose, drinks accompanied by music and dancing that would have more conservative ponies blanch in shock.

Though for all its wealth of art and culture, Canterlot still had its poorer areas. Despite Princess Celestia’s efforts to change things, apartment blocks housing the ponies who worked long hours for short bits were common sights in the ‘poor quarter’ and were often home to more unsavoury businesses.

So Cold Case didn’t hide the disgust on his face at the bland and depressing looking apartment his address book had led him to, with hallways smelling of mold and mildew and years of plaster crumbling down grime-encrusted walls. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”

Cold Case prided himself on solving problems others had given up on, finding solutions where every other pony had thrown in the towel. His cutie mark had only supported this after he invented an illusion spell to re-enact a series of events according to information at hand.

But to learn how a doll could be so animated by observation alone? Without being able to examine and test with a standard battery of spells? That was well beyond even his intellect.

He’d run into a Princess-sized roadblock and no animation spell could convince that kind of lead weight to step aside, so after a week of looking over his options he’d turned to a far less reliable but still viable choice.

Family.

“Scotch and Sons, Private Investigators?” Cold Case stared at the label on the door in bewilderment.

“Isn’t it great? I have my own office again!” The tawny furred unicorn behind him chuffed while he sipped from a glass of whiskey, completely missing, or ignoring, the look Cold gave him. “Take that you Canterlotian high rollers! Scotch Bonnet’s still in the game!”

“Scotch, this is an apartment, not an office. You live here! I’ve been here before!” Cold Case gestured to the sign. “You don’t have any sons, or even a marefriend. In fact, I’m pretty sure you don’t have any friends either.”

“Ouch! That almost hurt!” Scotch snarked, squeezing past the desk and the book shelves that lined the wall, his cutie mark of a pony silhouette on a folder standing out against his stained fur.

Cold Case took a minute to look around the living room turned office. Pin boards covered with papers ran along a wall. The comfortable sofa was replaced by a solid desk that looked like it had been stolen from a library and the window blinds were half drawn, leaving the room dim. The reek of countless cheap cigars rose in invisible eddies through the air, seeping from the filthy carpet with every step, joined by the sounds of cats screaming as a record player spun.

“You don’t even have your junior partner’s name on the door- wait, tell me that isn’t the ‘sons’ part. Scotch, you know Mossy Rocks is a mare and you aren’t related!” He knew the temperamental earth pony mare who Scotch would occasionally drag in to help with a case was going to be more than a little angry at being left off the nameplate.

A brief glow of his horn silenced the noise that masqueraded as music and Cold Case distantly wished there was another option he could trust instead of the unkempt unicorn.

“Aye, but that's not important! It sets the common pony mind at ease to see a family business, see? But the important part is you need my help, yes?” Scotch sat at the desk with a grin, adjusting his green cap over his scarlet mane. “You only come to me when mother asks you to, or when you’re stuck with a case and I saw mother last week. She says hello, by and by.”

It wasn’t the first time Cold had asked for help, but it burned his pride a little to admit it. “I’ll try to visit her, but yes. I have a potential breakthrough in the field of animation spells.”

“Oh? You’ve been working on that one for a while now. What’s stopping you now, Chilly?” Scotch rubbed his chin idly.

“An order by the Princess.”

Scotch Bonnet coughed up whiskey, sneezing into a hoof. A moment later, his magic reached out and closed the blinds fully, leaving only a small lamp on his desk to illuminate the room. “Cold Case, some might consider me a little sketchy-”

“Some?”

Scotch Bonnet slammed a hoof on the desk with a growl. “The Royal Guard doesn't count! Those teetotallers couldn’t find their own plot, let alone a clue, but trying to skirt around an order from the Princess is a quick way to a boring life on a rock farm.”

“Scotch Bonnet, I helped you solve the Low Bridge case, and remember the Cooper’s Ring case? Our talents work well together, and this is serious.”

The tawny unicorn smirked at the reminder. Low Bridge had started with a corpse and bewildered investigators scratching their heads, and thanks to Scotch and Cold, ended with breaking up a smuggling ring that dealt in, of all things, moonshine and tea. “They almost called in my investigator’s license for those but we got results. I only call you in when it’s important, but you’re asking a lot.”

“I know.” Cold Case smiled. He could see the spark of curiosity in his half-brother’s eyes. “If I complete my spell, it could save countless lives and earn me a place in the history books. You’ll be credited with helping me. All you have to do is help me catch a runaway doll.”

Scotch Bonnet contemplated his empty glass and reached for the bottle of whiskey instead, taking a noisy gulp directly from the source before turning back to Cold Case. “Alright, let’s hear your pitch.”

Night Light peered into Twilight’s bedroom where his daughter and her… friend were reading a book and felt a small knot of worry twist. He hadn’t missed the way Fuzzy had slowed down. The enthusiasm she’d shown the first few days fading away, looking tired and listless, until she only seemed to perk up around Twilight.

“What to do…”

He had noticed that Fuzzy looked different but he wasn’t sure why until Shining had mentioned that the mare’s coat needed brushing. Sure enough, up close he could see the subtle changes in her fur, her coat was thicker in places rather than a single uniform length of plush.

More than that, Shining pointed out that Fuzzy had ‘a mare’s walk’ once her cast had been removed, and the muscles now moved and flexed where none had been before

“I wish Velvet was here…” His dear wife had been called in to deal with urgent casework at the palace at a time he needed her advice most, while the requests for his midnight sky observations kept pouring in.

Twilight hadn’t noticed Fuzzy’s condition at first but when Fuzzy had tripped over her own hooves and struggled to get up again, she’d run to Shining Armor, tears in her eyes and begged him to help. She’d then thrown herself into reading every book the household had on medical ailments and their causes.

Early the next morning, Shining found her asleep atop a confused Fuzzy, drooling into her mane and a biology book well above her understanding held in a death grip.

Food and drink hadn’t been the solution even if they did help for a time; Fuzzy had read enough books that she understood that eating and drinking were vital to ponies, though they had discovered she could go to interesting lengths for oranges.

* * *

Princess Fuzzy Sparkle froze mid stir when a new scent caught her attention, the bowl of pancake batter suddenly unimportant as Night Light placed a pitcher of liquid on the kitchen table. She left the bowl on the bench, the stirring spoon floating after her, unable to stop sniffing at the enticing smell of fruit that had her mouth watering.

The larger stallion eyed her with amusement, a glass already in hoof as he filled it. “Orange juice, fresh from the market. Want some?”

She couldn’t refuse. The scent was irresistible as her nose worked overtime. Gold magic gripped the glass and brought it close enough for a pink tongue to take a tentative taste.

“Tastes good, I take it? Fresh Press assures me he uses the finest fruit around and I’m inclined to believe him.”

She heard Night Light trail off as her world shrank down to the explosions of flavor that danced along her tongue, missing the chuckles of amusement at her changing expressions. A second taste and she cocked her head thoughtfully.

Eventually, Fuzzy found her nose stuck in an empty glass and a vague wish for more of the delectable juice. Once she had gotten the glass pried off her nose, she managed to speak. “It’s… good.”

There was more in the pitcher...

“Heh, I’ll be sure to tell him-woah!”

Night Light managed to keep her from getting her head stuck in the pitcher but it had been a near thing.

She wasn’t trusted around the fruit either after he caught her trying to fit several in her mouth and smuggle them away to eat later.

* * *

Twilight watched on, a hoof shaking with nervous energy while Fuzzy chewed slowly, tilting her head one way then the other. She swallowed with a thoughtful look, set the fork on the table and pulled Twilight into a hug.

“I-I know, it's terrible- I burnt the pancake and it probably tastes bad-”

“No, I love it.”

“H-how can you say that?”

“You made it.” Fuzzy nuzzled her friend, “Thank you.”

Twilight returned the affection before looking at the list on the table, carefully putting a large tick in the box beside 'pancakes'. "Okay! Next we try broccoli.”

Fuzzy eyed the small green vegetable, giving it a sniff and shaking her head. “I don’t like it.”

“You haven’t even tried it! ” Twilight’s eyes were wide and pleading. “Okay! What about the brussels sprouts? I’ll even give you an orange if you try them.”

Fuzzy ended up eating the small bowl of greens but still resolved to never touch them again.

Not even for an orange.

* * *

There was one discovery that had startled all parties when it came to Fuzzy’s newfound diet.

The sink was nice and smooth. Cool to the touch, too. Fuzzy liked that in a sink, especially when she had a good, solid grip on it.

“Hrrrk-!”

She didn’t like the way her insides were trying to join her outside though. Being a plushie had been safe in that regard.

“Okay! So… no milk for either of us it seems. I’ll just… assume you’ve got the same allergy I do.”

“Hrrk-!... Guuh…”

Twilight cringed at the disparaging moan that echoed her words.

* * *

They also realised that not all knowledge could be found in a book.

Fuzzy glared at the wall, ears pressed back and tail flicking furiously as the bath slowly filled.

“Don’t worry, Dad will have fresh sheets on soon. You aren’t the first pony to have issues like this.” Twilight tried to sound supportive but Fuzzy hunched down further.

“I don’t want to talk about it. None of the stories mentioned this.”

Some learning experiences were less pleasant than others, but at least there were bubbles, so it was not all that bad.

* * *

Night Light was feeling stumped and a little irritated at himself, with the feeling that they’d all missed something itching at him.

“Can you get Noble Dream’s book down? I saw something there I want to check.”

“Dad? I sent a letter to Cadance, she’s busy with special duties but she promised she’ll try to stop by later.” Shining shifted uneasily on his hooves, looking as worried as Night Light felt.

“Ah… of course. Let me… uff- it feels like it might be stuck.”

He sighed in relief, rubbing tired and aching eyes. “Good. I wish I knew what I was looking for, but your mother is the graduate, not me.”

“Maybe it’s something simple we’re overlooking?”

Simple? It hadn’t been food, nor drink. The lack of any oranges in the house attested to that; even the peels were missing. Was it magic perhaps? An illness? He was loathe to have just any doctor visit but perhaps there wasn’t a choice anymore.

Night Light shook his head. “I’d probably realise what I’m missing if I wasn’t so tired.”

“What if she’s tired? I haven’t seen Fuzzy sleep, just sort of curl up and doze. But that isn’t really sleeping and if she didn’t sleep before then maybe...” Shining thought aloud, trying to think of the times he’d seen the platinum unicorn.

“Let me help… ugh! M-my head!”

Both felt a sudden build up of magic, dangerously fast and entirely uncontrolled.

“Twilight, you aren’t supposed to use magic yet-”

“I forgot to put on that horn stuff on- argh- Fuzzy! It’s happening again!”

A voice surging with panic and fear calling for the one it trusted most.

“I’ve got you, Twilight, I’m here.”

~Fzzap~

Father and son flinched away from the pulse of magic and shared a look before pushing into the bedroom, hearts hammering in worry. A magical surge for a healing horn could be horribly painful and both expected to see Twilight in agony.

Instead, Night Light and Shining watched in awe as Fuzzy lifted her horn from Twilight’s, thin arcs of magic jolting between them for a few moments until the pressure in the room faded, the magic slowly dissipating like a lightning strike that had been grounded in… her.

“Does… does that happen often?”

Fuzzy glanced at the two stallions, eyes glowing as bright as the day she’d first awoken. “It used to, yes. Twilight would get those awful headaches.” Then she pulled her ward into a hug, both yelping as static charge gave them a jolt. She recovered, burying her nose in the purple mane and gently helped a shivering Twilight through her breathing exercises.

“I don’t know what I’m going to tell my Velvet when she gets home...”

Shining snorted. “You think mom’s going to freak? Cadance is going to go nuts when she hears about this.”

Twilight Velvet turned down the path to her home, blinking her dry, aching eyes to bring the front door into focus. The last four days of living in her office, reviewing and writing reports on all manner of ‘ponies of interest’ her investigations department had found, had culminated in staring her assistant into a crying mess for the crime of bringing her more case files.

If it wasn’t paperwork, it was grilling ponies for details. From innocent stargazers that were brought in ‘just in case’ to a rare few ponies of a more insidious nature, including one mare who’d acquired quite the morbid collection of bone artworks.

Working for the Palace Intelligence Network opened the doors to meeting all kinds of weird and confusing ponies.

It wouldn’t have been so damn creepy if she hadn’t been so eager to tell us who they’d been made from.

In the end, she’d drawn the line at dealing with a rotund earth pony who thought he was ‘The Nightmare Reborn’ and handed him over to a colleague. Now she wanted nothing more than to crawl into bed beside her sweet Night Light and sleep for a week.

She opened the door and slid her saddlebags off, the smells of dinner cooking reminding her that she’d skipped lunch, and a rapid beat of approaching hooves gave her just enough warning to brace herself.

“Mom’s home!” A purple missile crashed into her and Velvet looked down at Twilight’s beaming smile. “Mom! We missed you so much!”

“I missed you too, honey.” The weight on her shoulders felt lighter and Velvet nuzzled her daughter, taking in the trimmed hair and gunk-free horn. “Shouldn’t you have something on that horn?”

“I asked the doctor when we visited and he said it healed enough to eat with, so I can let it heal on its own.” Twilight’s hooves danced as she shared the good news

“That's great news!” A knot of worry in Velvet’s chest came loose and fell away. Her daughter was so gifted, had so much to offer, that the possibility of permanent injury taking her future away had terrified Velvet.

“Twilight, why don’t you get cleaned up for dinner and let your mother get inside the door before you talk her ears off?” Night Light, her handsome hero and studly stallion, came to her rescue. She expected him to grab her saddle bags, but the added kiss was a welcome surprise as her purple limpet detached and scurried away.

“Long day?” She could see the shadows under his eyes again. Time and stress might have eroded his looks, but the twinkle in his eyes never dimmed nor did his beautiful smile ever fail to warm her heart.

“Let’s feed the hungry mare, then we can tell you how it went.” He walked off, saddle bags floating along behind him. “It has been quite a doozy.”

* * *

Fuzzy couldn’t shake the odd fatigue that gripped her. Even the sudden rush of magic from her Twilight hadn’t lasted more than a few hours before it was all she could do to keep her nose from dropping onto her empty plate. Dinner had been another whirlwind of flavors and smells but by the end, she’d struggled to pay attention to anything, so Shining had carried her to Twilight’s bedroom where they could read in peace.

As she lay on the floor, an odd urge settled on her-one she couldn’t muster the will to ignore. She dragged herself up the side of the bed, pushing a book aside to flutter to the floor, and pressed her cheek to Twilight’s chest, earning a surprised squeak and a muffled query she couldn’t even understand.

“Fuzzy? What are you doing? That tickles!”

Instead, all she could hear was the steady beat, strong and clear. It was comforting in a way she didn’t understand.

“Are you tired? Is- is that it?”

Darkness crept in at the edges of her vision, part of her trying to rally, refusing to leave her ward unguard. Princesses did not abandon their little ponies no matter what!

“It’s okay, Fuzzy. It’s my turn to protect you.”

Princess Fuzzy slowly let her frayed grip in awareness slip away, sinking down until all she could hear was the ‘ba-boom’.

Time could have passed but Fuzzy couldn’t bring herself to mind, not until she realised she was standing before a door with a familiar cutie mark on it.

“Twilight…”

She reached out. The door handle was warm, opening with the slightest touch as she stepped through.

* * *

The bedroom was quiet, the soft peace stirred only by a duet of faint snores from the unicorns curled up on the bed. The watching eyes could just faintly see a glow where the sleeping unicorn’s horns touched, purple and gold aura flickering in a rhythmic pattern.

A last look about the room showed only a few books out of place and Velvet giggled faintly at the sight of several other lesser plushies that had been pushed off the bed into a heap on the floor. Twilight Sparkle only had one true friend with her this evening, and all was right in the house.

“Sleep tight, you two.”

Velvet pulled the door closed and went to find her own snuggleable stallion.

Author's Note

Hello!

Fuzzy returns!

Huge thanks to Georg for the help given to refine this.

Please enjoy!

Good grief, I might need real cover art if I keep this up...

(Some minor edits done, mostly to reduce character confusion.)

Chapter 6

Sewing and Scares

Fuzzy staggered into the bedroom, horn flaring with gold light as she slipped her saddlebags off and half collapsed to the floor with a sigh. That didn’t relax Twilight's grip on her neck one bit, as the smaller unicorn held firm and snored faintly, drooling into Fuzzy’s silver mane.

At that moment, she was even more thankful that she’d grown taller, since it meant she could see the pillows from where she was and pull them down. All it took was a brief tug of her magic to snag the softest pillow, arrange it on the rug for maximum fluff, and snuggle her aching legs up to it for some quality nap time. Relaxing into the soft fluff, Fuzzy could see the various family photos on shelves, protected zealously by tiny guard ponies meticulously painted gold and white by Shining Armor.

She remembered the first, a picture of two tiny ponies in an old mare’s lap. When Evening Star whispered a wish and held her out to a wide-eyed Twilight, telling the tiny filly that ‘Princess Fuzzy’ would protect her.

Another picture was from months later, during Hearth’s Warming with extended family. Twilight was still tiny, her warm scarf wrapping around both plushie and pony as presents were passed out. As the last was given out, Twilight had snuggled her and asked her mother to tie a ribbon into Fuzzy’s hair so she had a present too.

The spark...

The third was from two years after that day. Shining Armor was on his back, tongue out and making a goofy face while Twilight was posed on Fuzzy’s back, caught mid-cheer at having defeated him in the imaginary battle they’d fought. The difference in size was noticeable with Fuzzy, now large enough that Twilight could stand on her back and not topple over, and it hadn’t gone unnoticed.

“So, did you ask your mother why her doll is growing?”

“I did. She just smiled and said “How curious.”. I’m pretty sure it’s some enchantment she’s made but I don’t know if removing it is a good idea, let alone where to start.”

“Twilight is rather attached to her little princess, she practically treats it like a sister. Besides, she’ll probably grow out of it once she makes some friends at kindergarten.”

Glass eyes watched as time and again, her Twilight tried to reach out. Struggling to make friends with the other colts and fillies until she used books and the stories within to hide from cruel laughter.

On and on the pictures went in a slideshow of Twilight and Fuzzy’s growth. The plushie was glad once she was tall enough to stand protectively over her friend, albeit with help. Just the right size for a small purple unicorn to huddle up to when cold or scared, with a fluffy chest that Twilight could snuggle into when her headaches started or her panic attacks began.

When the rest of her family was busy, when even Cadance or Shining Armor couldn’t stop to listen, Twilight had always had her plushie to talk to.

Fuzzy let the memories fall away when she felt hooves shift, her passenger crawling up to share the pillow, yawning as the events of the morning caught up.

The day had been far longer than they expected and it had all started with a visit to an old friend of Night Light’s who had ‘a talent for dresses.’

* * * * *

Fuzzy peeked over the carriage window sill, watching the streets of Canterlot rumble by. There was so much to fill her senses, from the crisp morning air broken by bird calls to the soft clip-clops of the stallions pulling the wagon. A scattering of ponies were already out and about, some tending to small gardens and hedges, others leaving their homes to go to work.

She ducked down as the carriage trundled past a small group gathered around a coffee cart, then tentatively peeked back up once curious eyes were no longer observing her. The unease in her belly continued to spin unabated despite the relative tranquility of her surroundings. While nothing had happened yet, the tales she’d read informed her that the mode of transport they were using was highly likely to be stopped by bandits or carried off by a dragon. If she kept a close watch, maybe she could spot them first and alert Night Light.

He’d had some odd expressions on his face when she warned him about the risks of carriages, though the stallion pull team had laughed. Maybe they were experienced at fighting off brigands? Another glance out the window didn’t reveal any burly thugs with eye patches, though one pony did have a monocle…

A classic sign of villainy second only to a goatee.

“Dad, can we stop at the library on the way home? We finished ‘Smart Cookie and the Serial Thread’ last night.” Twilight pulled the book from the saddlebag on Fuzzy’s back then tossed her head to get some of her purple mane out of her eyes. “Shiny said he saw a series we might like to try, too.”

“We have a few books waiting to pick up.” Fuzzy lifted a letter from her saddlebag in a faint golden aura then slipped it back inside for safe keeping.

“I’m sure we can swing past on the way home, girls. I wanted to see if they had that new Germane cookbook after all.” Night Light brushed back Twilight’s mane. “You need another trim. How are you going to be able to look up at the sky with hair down to your nose shetland style?”

Fuzzy smiled softly as the pouting purple pony climbed up her back to escape her father’s grasp, “I don’t like the mane pony. She smells weird. Besides, I can tie it back like Cadance.”

“Yes, but you want to look your best for when you go to school, don’t you?” Night Light countered, smiling as he pointed out the window to the majestic towers of the palace. “Princess Celestia’s new student probably shouldn’t look like she just crawled out of bed on her first day- which reminds me! Fuzzy, dear. We’re getting you fitted for clothes too.”

That got Fuzzy’s attention and the platinum unicorn tilted her head in confusion. “But I have all those clothes in the closet. A whole chest of them, actually. I’ve been dressed as a doctor, a noble lady, even a guard once, although...” Fuzzy thought for a moment. “I’ve outgrown them, haven’t I?”

“In any case, play clothes don’t make for a respectable presentation. Velvet and I agreed that you should have some seasonal gear and a nice dress for formal occasions.” The stallion patted his saddlebags. “It’s also a tradition in this family that new beginnings need new outfits and that goes for both of you.”

A moment passed as he blinked in realization. “Wait, is that why Shining was complaining that someone had adjusted all his straps?”

Fuzzy found the outside world much more interesting at that point while Twilight just giggled into her ear. “Will there be a lot of crowds?”

“Not for a while yet, that’s why we left early.” His calm voice soothed the tension in her belly. “Don’t worry. Hemming Way’s an old friend. She’ll get you and Twilight kitted out without a problem.”

“Oh. What’s she like?” Visions of an old mare, wise and powerful, filled her mind.

“Hm? Hemming Way? She’s... interesting.”

A bell rang cheerfully as they entered the store, soft carpet crushing beneath Fuzzy’s hooves as she looked around the colorful store at the many, many things there were to behold. Banners hung from the ceiling in places with pictures of cities and ponies in strange and unusual outfits. Ponyquins posed in places to show off several styles of dresses and suits. One wearing a flowing, frilly attire, another in thin cloth that almost shimmered in the light, while a third was draped with a vibrant purple robe.

“Woah…the books never mentioned anything like this,” Fuzzy wondered, slowly realizing what Night Light had meant by ‘play clothes.’ The costumes she and Twilight had crafted worked well with a little imagination but compared to what she could see…

“They only like to talk about questing for some magical robe or suit of armor.” Twilight grumbled and brushed past her, eyeing a rather pretty scarf. “Usually made by some wise old pony.”

“Did a wise old pony make these too?”

A faint pattering of hoof steps was their only warning as a cheerful “Non!” rang out from a mare who’s red dress seemed to be half ruffles and bows.

"Ah, Night Light, mon chou ! Viens, entre ! Ça fait du bien de te revoir. Et tu as amené ta belle jeune fille - oh, et qui est-ce ?" Fuzzy watched as the pastel yellow unicorn greeting them wrapped her hooves around Night Light and kissed his cheeks, ignoring his spluttering. Once she was done teasing Night Light, she leaned down to smile at Twilight and Fuzzy. "Mon chou, tu ne m'as jamais parlé d'une autre fille?!”

Fuzzy shared a glance with Twilight, earning a shrug and ear twitch.

The mare’s eyes locked onto her when Fuzzy looked back. The piercing gaze made tension inside her belly twist again as old hazel eyes examined her from nose to tail, and an odd feeling of being naked began to bloom in Fuzzy’s chest. “Hello?”

“Ah, wonders and awe… you have such interesting eyes, but no expression? Non, the expression is all in the eyes! I’ve never seen it before…but it won’t stop me from making you look fantastique.” Drifting along behind the chattering and smiling mare came a swarm of sewing needles, measuring tapes, and bundles of thread that had Fuzzy and Twilight backing away.

The weight of Twilight’s old saddlebags tugging at her sides seemed to mount as the passage from Clever Cookie’s latest book came to mind.

‘The mare laughed and spoke, her voice haunting and beautiful even as she gushed about her latest work, how it was sure to win her first place in the art gallery competition. Her victim tried to fight free even as ribbons pulled the struggling hero closer, needles flashing as they began to sew. “Especially”, the witch sneered, “since the main competitor will be my center piece!”

Just like the book said! They weren’t at the last chapter reveal yet, but that didn’t stop Fuzzy from giving the strange mare her best defiant look, posed like the heroes on all of Twilight’s book covers.

“Hemming-” Night Light tried, only to get a petite hoof pressed against his nose and the mare’s full attention.

“Non! You have one darling fille I barely see, and now you have two! I thought we were good friends, but to hide such beauty from moi?” Hemming glared at him for a moment before chuckling brightly. “You should visit more- why, I bet your darlings here don’t even remember me! Though I thought you had a fine stallion of a son..”

Obviously, this was some kind of enchantress, because there were even pony statues in the store window! Their glassy eyes looking out at the world they could never touch again, their smiles stitched into place. It was disturbingly similar to the book and sent a shiver down Fuzzy’s back.

She could almost hear them whispering and didn’t want to think about the similarities she once had with them.

In the book, Cookie had run for help which was as good a plan as any in Fuzzy’s opinion. So she slowly crept for the door, the slight pressure of Twilight huddling behind her kept her focused. She didn’t know this witch and she wasn’t about to let her do anything to her friend.

A floorboard creaked under hoof, doubtlessly giving them away but Fuzzy readied herself to act.

“Chéri!” Hemming Way was up close to them again, almost nose to nose with Fuzzy while Night Light rubbed his face with a hoof, obviously trying to shake off the spell the unicorn mare had cast.

“Ah… plan B!” Fuzzy had read enough books with Twilight to know what to do when the sneaking plan failed and spun, scooping up her petrified purple pony pal with a startled yelp and dashing for the door-

*thump!*

Twilight held the ice pack in place on Fuzzy’s head with a hoof, and inspected the groaning unicorn's slightly squashed nose. “Well you didn’t break it or mom would have freaked out. Doctor Twilight says ice cream and sleep should fix it.”

“Like when Shining broke his leg climbing that tree?”

“Pretty much, yeah, but he didn’t get ice cream.” She curled closer, hugging her platinum friend. “You forgot that step one of Plan B is making sure the door is open, didn’t you?”

Fuzzy sulked. “In the books, the doors never shut themselves.”

“I am so sorry, dears. I forget how flighty some ponies are.” Hemming Way continued her apology by offering hot cups of cocoa to soothe any lingering fears while her measuring tapes floated around.

Night Light stuck his head up from behind a rack of clothes where he had taken cover. “I did warn you, remember?”

Hemming rolled her eyes at him. “Yes, yes. That’s in the past now. Making these two look magnifique is the present.”

After the apologies and proper introductions were given, Fuzzy contented herself with sulking over her cocoa and watching Hemming Way decorate Twilight with one outfit after another, each rejected in turn as they argued about comfort and style. She didn’t understand it herself but Fuzzy did make sure the cloud of tailoring supplies didn’t suddenly try to make Twilight one with the dress.

Night Light was relieved when at last the sketches were sketched, the measurements taken and the mock-up dresses put aside. Even more so when they were all sensible, tasteful and affordable. Velvet’s tastes could be… eclectic to the point of eye watering.

Though that one skimpy outfit he had spotted did show some promise. ‘How to get her to wear it…’

“They’ll be ready for you before the term starts, so you’ll be truly dazzling!” Hemming Way danced on the spot, yellow mane bouncing along. “Oh, and Night Light, here’s that nice little number you were eyeing for Velvet.”

Fuzzy and Twilight watched in amusement as he took the offered bundle, blushing through his fur.

“Can we see?” Twilight’s curiosity got the best of her.

“Er- no. That would be, just... no. It’s boring adult clothes, nothing interesting at all.”

Purple and gold eyes stared up at him and the muffled giggles of his old school friend alerted Night Light that help wasn’t coming from that corner.

Alarms went off in his head warning him of curious fillies and unguarded packages. “Ask your mother when you’re older.” ‘There. Sorted.’

* * *

The visit to the library was routine by comparison.

Fuzzy followed the prancing form of Twilight who was humming happily and making a beeline straight to the new additions table. With her new perspective, she wasn’t quite sure what to expect but the building felt remarkably mundane, smelling of ink and gardenias, and lacking in old scholarly ponies or floating candles.

In fact, it looked rather a lot like the study back home and the elderly librarian at the main desk wore a simple vest instead of the story mandated voluminous robes. Another look around failed to spot any conveniently displayed signs of ominous tomes or ancient relics.

She almost felt lied to. There wasn’t even a library mascot.

“Fuzzy, push this for me!” A book cart was thrust into her hooves and purpose returned, Twilight tugging her along to browse the rows of books. They wandered from one section to the next, from history to adventure, picking out the sequels to the titles they’d read and debating over new choices.

Arctic Crunch’s book, a story of surviving an expedition into the frozen north, was approved while Lunar Dash’s ‘authentic’ tale of flying to the moon met with rejection. The artwork on the cover was nice, though.

Fuzzy felt more relaxed as they perused the shelves, quite glad that the library was mostly deserted.

“Oh, what about this one? Or that one- oh, I can’t decide. Can we get both? Wait, pull that one down for me!” Twilight almost danced around while Fuzzy pulled the cart loaded with their finds.

One after another, interesting novels, guides and manuals joined the ‘check out’ pile until a slightly bemused librarian found them. “So that's where my book cart went. How about we get those checked out and you can come back once you’ve read what you have, hmm?”

At the front counter, Night Light looked up from his newest volume on Germane baking techniques and bit his lip to stop from chortling when Fuzzy pulled the groaning cart up to the desk. Twilight sat atop her back and began to pass one book after another to the librarian, who dutifully stamped each and passed them back, whereupon Twilight would slip the borrowing approved book into Fuzzy’s saddlebags.

All carried out with great care and attention, though Fuzzy and her bags looked a little strained by the end of it.

* * *

Family: a group of one or more parents and their children living together as a unit.

The line in the dictionary failed to mention where living plush dolls fitted in. “Vexatious.”

“Welcome to the family, Princess Fuzzy Sparkle.”

Golden eyes read the entry again as she savored the memory, feeling the same soft warmth fill her chest as she picked up a picture frame beside her, the three ponies captured in that moment staring back at her.

“Evening Star…”

A much smaller Twilight beaming at the camera, hooves wrapped around one of Evening Star’s, the tired looking mare’s smile equally bright. Between them was a plush doll, familiar golden eyes watching the world pass by.

Fuzzy knew distantly that she should have stayed that size, just big enough for a tiny filly to hug, then hold as time passed, but something inside her ached at the idea of being left on a shelf while Twilight grew up.

She turned the pages of the dictionary while thinking, flipping back and forth until a purple hoof held it in place.

“I miss her too.” Twilight curled up against her, snuggling up to her chest fluff and making the warmth inside Fuzzy flare all the more. “What were you looking for in the book?”

“It’s not important.” Not quite a lie but it was bothering her, like an itch in her horn.

“Fuzzy?” Twilight’s voice was small and vulnerable, making the taller unicorn pull her close, protective instincts tingling.

“I’m scared.” Fuzzy looked down at sparkling purple eyes, felt their horns brush and the words spilled out. “You’re going away to that school and... part of me is worried I’ll end up sitting on a shelf and just…”

She trailed off, unable to hide her feelings as purple and gold magic sparked between their horns.

“Silly Fuzzy.” Without waiting for a response, Twilight nuzzled into her chest and continued, “I’m scared too. I’m going to be meeting whole classrooms of new ponies all at once, and my family won’t be there to help when things go wrong.”

Fuzzy pulled her friend close, “Do you have to stay at the School? I could learn the path there so even if Velvet or Night Light doesn’t have time, I could get you.”

“Mom said that was too dangerous, but I have a plan. And!” Twilight’s voice was firm, the same tone she used as a princess when they acted out scenes from their books. “You should call her ‘Mom’ too.”

* * *

“Good to see Slim Jim’s updated their menu, this pasta tastes great! How’s yours, Twilight?”

Twilight Velvet looked up from her glass of wine, eyeing her friends across the table. They were so different in personality and characteristics, and yet had an unbreakable bond. After all, Garden Party was a messy pegasus just as bright as a yellow dandelion, while Opal Dust had never been seen in public without his suit coat perfectly clean and pressed. A casual glance in public would never lead one to believe they were married, especially since Opal was a unicorn, and mixed marriages were somewhat rare, even more so considering his family’s views, but Velvet had seen the couple in private and if nothing else, their five children showed the depths of their affection for each other.

She needed her old friends' company at this time, but friends made it difficult to hide deep thoughts when they knew you so well. Still, the pause in their quiet conversation pulled her from her musing. “What?”

“Did the wine try to hide something from you? You’re glaring at it like it owes you answers,” Garden Party wondered, the buttercup yellow pegasus making a mess of her own pasta dish.

“I’m fine.”

“Uh-huh.” Opal Dust snorted, the speckled unicorn waggling a hoof in the air. “We’re not a pair of colts, Velvet.”

“Really, I am.”

Garden Party and Opal Dust exchanged looks, their twitching ears and subtle changes of expression conveying a conversation all their own before the pair turned back to their life-long friend. “You’re eating normal, so it’s not another foal.”

“Red wine means things with your stallion are good.” Garden tapped her own glass.

“You’re not looking at the clock, so you’re not expecting company at home.” Opal noted dryly.

“So spill.”

“Am I a bad parent?” The words slipped out, good wine aiding their escape, but Velvet’s hooves were too late to stop them as her friends stared in shock.

“My daughter had a surge during her School entry exam- a surge at her age!- and now her plush doll is a walking, talking pony. I… how bad could my little girl’s childhood be that she needed to bring her imaginary friend to life? Did I push her too hard? Was I not around enough?”

Opal signaled the waiter for another bottle before replying. “Velvet, dear. We love you and we’d help you rob a bank or bury a body, but you’ll need to start from the beginning on this one.”

“Well, it started when I was wearing this tight little number and Night Light couldn’t keep his hoo-”

“Velvet!”

* * *

“Did you get the legal records?”

“Sure. Used the staff door, slipped in and out of the records room without a hitch and got the address of this cute little secretary there too. Hey, think I should get an assistant of my own?”

“You need a minder.”

“Pfft. You need a mare. Anyway, the secretary had quite a nice rump, wore glasses and she sounded well educated-”

“Scotch, please.” Cold Case grumbled, trying not to touch the floor of his brother’s office. He was still trying to get the scent of cigars out of his clothes from the last visit. “I need those old rulings to build my case and proving that a construct isn’t a pony is a start.”

The grubby unicorn didn’t pause. “--and are you sure you’re not interested? Mother will be disappointed- she really wants grandfoals you know?. Maybe if you got a mare and took that stick out of your a-”

“Scotch!”

“-ss you’d focus less on what you want more on what you’ve- Oh fine, be that way. Turns out, put on a janitor’s hat, wear the right ID card and they don’t look twice.”

“Excellent.” He looked around. “Where are they?”

“Oh. There were quite a few files, so I had Cold Rocks drop the box off at your place- don’t worry! I know you like to dress it up in your part of town, so I told her to wear something nice.”

“Scotch…”

“Oh, wasn't Mother dearest going to visit you later today?”

Cold Case left at a gallop while cursing his brother. The last thing he really needed was his mother meeting the ornery earth pony and deciding she was ‘suitable’.

* * *

They sat together in the garden, watching the sun set in a brilliant array of colors but its warmth paled compared to the simple peace of the moment.

Twilight listened to her brother talk about the aftermath of the party with his Academy squad mates, a small part of her mind jotting down every word while the rest of her just basked in his presence. She could see his passion in every gesture and wave of his hoof, and hear the excitement that burbled up when he commented about the antics of his friends.

A pang of longing spiraled her heart but she pushed it back down.

Nearby, Fuzzy was spread out on the grass and frowning at a manual as she slowly assembled a small telescope that claimed to be able to see the Mare of the Moon. Twilight wasn’t sure the packaging was honest though, since she doubted the Mare had such a goofy smiling face.

“We never found out where Capstone got his hooves on that Stalliongrad stuff, but I swear it was eating through the shot glass. I don’t remember what it tasted like, either.” Shining Armor chuckled to himself then blinked and nudged her. “Please don’t tell Mom.”

“Heh!” Twilight tried to follow his tale and smile, but like Fuzzy, her brother could always tell when something was wrong. Was she shivering?

“Feeling nervous about tomorrow?”

“Kind of?” She didn’t want to worry them about her headaches or returning night terrors. The way food refused to settle. Going to the magic school? It was a dream come true! She’d make her family so proud of her.

Shining Armor frowned and turned to her, his bright blue eyes full of a brother’s love and support. “Twi…?”

Twilight caved. “Yes! Oh my gosh, yes. I’m worried about the classes- what if I mess up and they laugh or- or what if I lose control and turn everyone into potted plants again! Princess Celestia might change her mind and- and I’ve even read Wavering Thought’s ‘Changing Checklists’ and-”

With every word, the tendrils of panic spread through her chest. Her mind could not help but bring up everything that could go wrong, old nightmares long forgotten, fears for her future, causing her breath to catch with every hammering heartbeat. Her horn wreathed itself in violet flames as her magic instinctively surged into protective action, but that only made the agony spiking in her head flare even harder.

Two pairs of limbs wrapped around her as her best friends held her tight, their heartbeats giving her mind an anchor until the panic attack passed and she could return the hug. Fuzzy’s horn brushed against hers, the painful excess of magic slowly fading away while Shiny fussed over her, both unicorns talking about nothing and giving Twilight time to calm down and process.

In good time, Fuzzy made a supply run to bring back a cup of hot cocoa to ‘help her sleep’ and she could feel it working. Her eyes felt so heavy even after the afternoon nap.

“Bedtime soon, Twily. Long days and long nights make for a bad start to big pony school,” Shiny said with a yawn of his own, missing her smile.

Twilight wasn’t quite ready to let the moment end though as the first stars peeked through the fading light. “On one condition. You gotta tell me the names of all the stars like Dad used to.”

Shining glanced at the sky then back to her with a look of understanding and she could see the feeling reflected in his bright eyes. “That might take a while. Why don’t you cuddle up and point them out so I don’t miss any.”

She smiled, shuffling over until his leg hugged her protectively to his chest. This close, Twilight could feel the steady thrum of his heart, each beat soothing the lingering fears of her mind.

A glimmer of gold magic heralded the arrival of a blanket that wrapped around her, a corner wiping away hot tears. “Need to keep warm too.” Fuzzy fussed, snuggling up with her telescope in hoof to sandwich the smaller mare between her best friends.

"So, where should I start?" Shining's warm voice tickled her ear, making everything twitchy.

Twilight nickered softly, gesturing vaguely at the myriad of stars slowly appearing. "That bright one over there."

Tomorrow could wait a little longer.

Author's Note

Hello!

I am a little over the projected upload date, but here goes.

Once again, a huge thanks to Georg for helping take this from legible to presentable. They're a great writer, check out their stuff if you haven't already.

Also, a thank you to DracoLazarus for revising my french. It really is the details that count when it comes to languages.

I've learned a lot in both the writing and editing processes. One such thing is that I have trouble accepting 'good enough' versus 'perfect'. I'm not that the latter stage yet, so until I get there, I must accept the former. Procrastination is ever a foe.

I've probably still managed to miss something, though if I waited until I had the perfect chapter this would never upload.

Please leave your thoughts and comments and I hope you enjoy this one.