The Son of infinity

by Krystl_Fae

Chapters

Chapter 1: LOST
Chapter 2: FOUND
Chapter 3: CONFUSION
Chapter 4: QUESTIONS
Chapter 5: IDENTITY
Chapter 6: SECRETS
Chapter 7: BEGINNING
Chapter 8: KNOWLEDGE
Chapter 9: PROGRESS
Chapter 10: OUTSIDE
Chapter 11: COMPROMISE
Chapter 12: ILLNESS
Chapter 13: SILENCE
Chapter 14: DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 16: TERMINAL
Chapter 17: TRUTH
Chapter 18: PRACTICE
Chapter 19: ADAPTION
Chapter 20: APPOINTMENT
Chapter 21: SPOOK
Chapter 22: INFERNO
Retrospective: A Story Already Long Told
Lament: The First Truth Begins To Reveal Itself
Chapter 15: MISTAKES
Family: Bringing Another Into The Fold

Chapter 1: LOST

Every Tale Has Its Beginning...

<<>>
Celestia (3rd Person)

It had been six hours.

"...and so, as the pretenses set forth by the committee indicate..."

Six. Bucking. Hours. Since this meeting had begun.

"...all clauses abiding without interactions entertained by sub-clause 342-c2, as explained in..."

I can't take this anymore!

"...Excuse me, ministers."

"...and- Yes, Princess?"

"I apologise, but there is a matter to which I must attend for the moment. If I am not back by the time at which you are completed, please give a copy of the completed document to my assistant, Miss Silver Quill, at your earliest convenience for my approval."

"Yes! Yes, but of course Princess! We shall have it to you as soon as we are able. Although, I hope this matter requiring your attendance is concluded swiftly, so that you may oversee the final alterations yourself."

"Thank you, minister Plumb, I hope so as well."

No thank you. I hope this "task" of mine takes until next week, at least with the rate at which you're progressing. With one last nod to the ministers, Princess Celestia left the meeting room. Six hours to decide if a new stall should be set up in Canterlot Square. I swear... sometimes I wonder if they are TRYING to make this difficult. A thousand years ago, my sister and I would have just approved or denied the request in a matter of moments, and that would have been the end of it. She shook her head in annoyance at the thought as she continued on her way down the hall, her plastered-on smile slipping for a moment at the memory of her long-lost companion. Celestia sighs.

Luna... my dear sister... oh how I have missed you these last thousand years...

The royal guards standing at the end of the hallway bowed to her as she walked past them, entering into her private chambers.

But soon, Luna. Soon we will be reunited once more, and I can atone for my mistakes... I only hope that you can forgive me after all that I have done.

Celestia walked out onto her balcony as the moon started to rise in the distant east and the final rays of daylight filtered through the mountains on the western horizon. After millennia of practice, Celestia's moving of the sun through the sky had become almost instinctual; though after the banishment of her sister, Celestia now had to strain her magic to move the sun and moon, a task which was no easy feat. Thankfully, since Luna had to also attend to the stars before she... left, the moon had already been moved into a semi-stable orbit, only requiring minor adjustments every few hours.... Or, if Celestia could get the delicate balance of the two celestial bodies right, every few days.

Celestia stood out on her balcony as the cold winter winds picked up, and looked out over the city of Canterlot with both joy and sorrow, her loneliness more biting than the freezing mountain air swirling around her.

I wish I could be out there, among my little ponies instead of trapped behind the castle walls by all this bureaucracy that comes from ruling a country...

Celestia stepped closer to the edge of her balcony, where the railing was slightly worn away from hundreds of years of use. It was the spot Celestia used to push off, leaping onto the spot before jumping off and taking flight, as it was difficult for her to gain any lift without a running start, her muscles atrophied from centuries of inactivity. The added weight Celestia had gained in the past millennium that she could not seem to shed didn’t help matters either, though nopony seemed to notice.

Perhaps... one little flight around Canterlot couldn't hurt...

...right?

Celestia jumped off her balcony with practiced ease, and was soon soaring over the city of Canterlot. Her ponies down below were all heading inside as the cold winter night set in. Celestia herself would have loved to be down there among them, seeing the hearth's warming re-enactment of the unification of the pony tribes. But alas, her duties to her country prohibited her from attending this year. A shame, but having seen the same play every year, attendance was more of a favour to her ponies than a treat for herself.

Celestia thought back to when her mother would take her and Luna to the town square, and all the other fillies and colts would sit together and watch the original re-enactment. Of course, over the years, she and Luna had altered the story slightly to contain less gore and violence, and to be more suitable for her ponies’ enjoyment as a tale of hope, as opposed to the horrific tragedy it truly was. Celestia had always ignored the darker parts in the original story’s telling, and only saw the positive outcomes and morals the story portrayed.

She closed her eyes as she thought back to the first year that Luna had attended. As the play went on, Luna became frightened, before breaking into tears during the middle of the story, something that wasn't too uncommon among the younger fillies and colts in attendance. Celestia could still hear her little sister's crying as she held her in her arms, attempting to slow the flood of tears on Luna's face.

It only feels like it was yesterday... I can still practically hear her cries of loneliness and pain as if they were...

The smile that had formed on Celestia's muzzle started to wilt. Her sister had cried in fear, not anguish.

..as if they were....

Something was amiss. Celestia's smile waned even further, bordering on a frown as she tilted her head to the side in confusion.

..as if....

Celestia suddenly opened her eyes as she realised the truth: something was horribly, horribly wrong. The cries she had heard were not coming from her own mind, but the dark streets below her, near the outer edge of Canterlot, where few ponies lived and fewer still dared to roam at night. This particular part of the city was infamously known throughout the ranks of the royal guard as "Black Canterlot". Not only did these facts alone have her rattled, but the sound Celestia had heard had been made by somepony young, most likely still a foal.

Celestia looked around, her ears flicking back and forth, scanning for the sound she knew she had heard as panic began to set in. This was not the place for one as young as a foal to be wandering, especially at night, and Celestia knew it was only a matter of time before the cold started sapping their strength and the snow covered their body, leaving them undisturbed until some unfortunate pony stumbled upon their frozen corpse.

Celestia couldn't allow that to happen.

Celestia WOULDN'T allow that to happen.

She waited for any sort of sign to help her locate the source of the noise…

...

.....

.......

...THERE!!

Celestia briefly heard the faint cry as she passed over the area for the second time. It wasn't very long, or very loud, but it was enough to pinpoint a location. Though by the sound of it, Celestia had to hurry. The cry was weak, bordering on exhausted, and if she didn't hurry...

NO! I won't think about that! I WON'T! I HAVE to find them... oh, please, Faust, help them!

Celestia flew herself down into a small street, more of an alleyway really, and began searching the area for the source of the cry she had heard. But time was against her; it had begun snowing a few minutes ago, and now there was several inches of the white substance covering the ground, more than enough to make a foal's body look like just another pile of snow.

Oh please, Faust, please, please, please....

...and then she saw him. The body of a young colt, half buried in the snow, no larger than her adopted filly niece Cadance. His coat was a dark shade of grey, bordering on black, with a white mane and tail through which ran a dulled light blue streak. Celestia almost missed him as the snow and dark shadows hid his form quite well, and most ponies would have never even noticed him. But Celestia was not most ponies.

The Princess looked around for any patrolling guards, only to find none. She would have to organise a search party later to look for any clues as to why this colt was left here in the street, abandoned and freezing to death.

Left without much of a choice, Celestia took off one of her golden horseshoes and placed it next to the colt's body, before using her magic to levitate him onto her back, and hold him tightly against herself as she took off again, racing back towards Canterlot Castle.

Celestia wanted answers. Who was he? Why was he there? Why was he all alone? Does he have a family? Where are they? Who are they? Who is responsible for this? But despite Celestia's desire for information, she knew what she had to do right at this moment. If he did not get immediate medical attention, he would likely not survive the night.

As Princess Celestia landed at the front gates to Canterlot castle, the on-duty guards quickly stood to attention before noticing the worried look on the Princess' face and the limp body slung over her back.

"This colt needs immediate medical attention. Get him to the castle infirmary and make sure he is put in a stable condition with a guard watching over him."

She turned to the other guard.

"Bring me captain Shimmer Shield, I wish to speak with her. NOW!"

Both guards immediately saluted and shouted "Yes, Princess!" before moving to their appointed tasks, with the unicorn guardsman teleporting himself and the colt to the infirmary while the other headed to the barracks to fetch the current captain of the guard, Shimmer Shield.

Celestia began pacing nervously in front of the doors that led into the palace proper. She was concerned for the young colt she had found. Just what kind of pony could let their foal wander around like that, and at such a young age? Or was it... no, she couldn't consider the alternative. Sure there was the occasional con-artist, but nopony in Equestria would be so black-hearted as to abandon their own foal out in the cold at night.

"If you keep pacing in front of the palace like that, ponies may start to get worried, Princess."

"Gah!"

Princess Celestia jumped at the sudden interruption of her thoughts. She was so engrossed in them that she had completely missed Captain Shimmer Shield's approach.

"You called for me, Princess?"

"..Ah, yes. I found a young colt, around a decade younger than Cadance, in an alleyway in 'Black Canterlot'."

"Black Canterlot?! What were you doing there?"

"That does not matter right now. What matters is that the colt I found there was half buried in snow, and unconscious from the cold. I left one of my horseshoes to mark where I found him, and I want you to send a squad to find out as much as they can before any evidence is buried or lost."

"Yes, Princess; I'll lead the squad myself. But, how could somepony so young end up there at this hour?"

"That is one of the things I am hoping to find out. Thank you, Captain."

Shimmer Shield saluted and trotted off to ready a squad of guards to investigate. Celestia watched her leave for several seconds, before teleporting into the throne room. From here she walked to the infirmary, where the young colt was being kept. Inside the room, Frost Shield, the guard from the entrance, was standing beside Green Remedy, one of the palace healers, as they looked over the unconscious pony’s condition.

The colt lay on the bed between them, shivering despite the numerous blankets that covered him. Now that Celestia could get a better look at him, she was slightly shocked. His fur was roughly cut, as if he had cut it himself with a blunt piece of metal; his coat and mane both looked like they had never been washed in his life; and there was numerous places where his fur was patchy, as if it was growing back after an injury or burn. Now that his mane was out of the way, she could clearly see that he was a unicorn, though his horn was badly damaged and half of it was missing; but all this new information only raised more questions than it answered.

Noticing the Princess' shocked expression, Green Remedy turned away from Frost to address her.

"His condition was bad when he was brought here, Princess. He is suffering from severe hypothermia, exhaustion… and magical deprecation so great that it's a miracle he isn't in a coma right now. And those are merely the immediate issues we’ve had to deal with so far. It fails to even begin on many of his other injuries; or those which are so extensive that they may never heal entirely at all."

Celestia didn't know what to make of that. This colt had already suffered so much, and yet there was still MORE?!? She was reluctant to ask.

"Other...injuries...?"

Green Remedy nodded and pulled back the blankets so that the Princess could see.

What Celestia saw made her gasp, shocking her to the core. Her blood went ice cold as she looked at the pony on the bed. She struggled to think, to speak; even her heart skipped a beat at the sight in front of her. It was as if she were in some sort of horror novel. This was not something she ever though would be possible for any pony to suffer, let alone a mere FOAL!

As reality set in for the Princess, Green Remedy began extensively listing all the critical injuries. Celestia could barely hear her words through the haze of emotion racing through her mind as she gazed upon the helpless colt in front of her. “…broken femur, cracked and extensively chipped/broken horn, fractured skull, third degree burns, lacerations, severe bruising, malnutrition, three cracked ribs, several ingrown hooves, numerous severely infected (now cleaned and sterilised) wounds, dislocated shoulder, multiple missing or broken teeth, fractured muzzle, internal haemorrhaging, a collapsed lung, a failed kidney…” and still the list went on.

"...If I am completely honest, Princess, it is more than miraculous that he is still alive at all. If anyponyelse had suffered these injuries, they would most certainly be long dead by now. The fact that he is of such a young age, too... it is simply heartbreaking to think that this is even possible, even though I am seeing it right now with my own two eyes!"

Princess Celestia simply stood there for a few seconds before tentatively stepping closer to the bed. For over a millennia, she had persevered to ensure peace and prosperity for everypony. To ensure their safety and comfort; to make sure no harm ever came to her little ponies.

And then this colt appeared, and shattered everything she thought she knew.

Had Celestia managed to secure peace? To protect her ponies? If so, then how was this possible? This colt had suffered so muchtragedy, so much pain; and in Canterlot of all places; RIGHT UNDER HER VERY OWN NOSE!

Celestia charged a powerful healing spell and cast it on the colt. He groaned and moved slightly in his sleep as his broken bones were mended and many of his other injuries were healed, his almost violent shivering giving way to the occasional involuntary twitch.

"Thank you, Princess. We… could have had some unicorns come in and heal him themselves; but you, as an alicorn, are much more powerful than they are, and can cast significantly more powerful healing spells. I did not know if I should ask for your help, but… Still, thank you."

Celestia nodded in acknowledgement, “You should never need to worry about asking for my help. If I can do something to help save others, I will gladly do so.” Now that the colt was no longer in immediate danger, she relieved Green of her duties so the healer could get some sleep; and dismissed Frost Shield from his temporary post, whom soon went back to his night-time patrols of the castle grounds. Celestia remained in the room alone, looking at the poor colt laying in front of her. The scars and scratches were gone now, almost completely healed by her spell; but Celestia remembered what they looked like, and how closely they resembled the wounds her soldiers would receive in battle over a thousand years ago, back when war was prevalent between Equestria and it’s neighbours.

How could such a thing happen? Those lacerations and cuts had to have come from somewhere, and they were most certainly not natural. Who would do such a thing? He’s just a foal!

As emotions ranging from sorrow to guilt, and even anger, swirled inside of Celestia, she felt at a loss of what to do. In a brief moment of what may be described as ‘clarity’, she lifted the colt out of the bed in her telekinesis, and lay him gently on her back as she gingerly walked out of the infirmary and back to her own private chambers. She now understood just how bad his condition was when she had found him, and she knew he could not be left alone; at least not yet. Perhaps her motherly instincts, which had lain dormant her entire life so far, had kicked in and made her care personally for the poor helpless foal as if he was her own flesh and blood. She certainly cared more for the foal than would be considered normal; and, should her actions become known, they would most likely send shockwaves throughout Canterlot’s nobility and the media for weeks to come, causing nothing short of a political nightmare. But no matter how her ponies might feel on this, she couldn't leave him alone. She felt responsible for what happened to him; after all, it happened in Canterlot, right at the seat of her power in Equestria. And that should NOT have been possible.

As she walked down the hall to her chambers, the odd sound of three metal shoes and one hoof rhythmically echoed down the corridor. The guards standing either side of her door were only slightly surprised to see her entering her own chambers again without having left, as it was a somewhat common occurrence during stressful times for her to ‘escape’ through her window or via teleportation magic. They stood to attention with a salute, letting only a slightly confused look show on their face once they noticed the dishevelled foal the Princess carried on her back. Celestia shut the door behind herself with magic and made her way to the bedroom. She didn't even take notice of the small pile of papers on the side table as she walked in, too focused on her current task. Lighting the fireplace with magic, she placed the colt on the side of the bed facing the warmth of the fire before levitating over some blankets, and curling up protectively around him from behind as the blankets covered them. Before long, the cosy warmth of the fire and the comfort from cuddling the small, fragile foal in her hooves lulled Celestia to sleep.

Author's Note

Any constructive criticism is welcome. Chapters will be added as completed (and when I'm satisfied with them). Expect updates every few months... or once every year or so, I don't know when I'll write each chapter, I have numerous works going on behind the scenes that are all demanding my attention at any one time so it's hard to keep up. Expect the first seven chapters in quick succession (if I don't decide to release them all at once), but (possibly) a long break after that. That said, expect fluctuation between 1st and 3rd person- I'll try to keep it clean but my mind is a minefield of... getting off topic.
Thanks for reading,
- Krystl

Chapter 2: FOUND

New Perspective, New Problems

<<>>
????

Warmth... so much warmth... Wait… how can there be warmth? I… I should be dead, I... the cold. So much cold... and darkness......and pain. So. Much. Pain. I was in agony, freezing in the cold winter night. I was in pain, I was cold, I was afraid... alone... and yet... I'm alive!? This warmth, it... it feels so nice. I- I can't remember the last time I felt this warmth, this softness, this... comfort? How...? How did I get here? Where is here? Am I dead? Is this what it's like after you die? Is it finally over- at last…?

...no. I can feel the sun on my face, the gentle breeze in what fur remains on my body. I can't feel my injuries… my broken bones feel different; a good kind of different. Like the feeling after you remove a thorn from your hoof. I feel... How? How can I be feeling better? Did someone find me? Did they heal me? Take me h-...... no, that’s a fool's dream. No one cares for me, no one could love me. I'm ignored by the city guards as if I don't exist, the commoners and nobles alike steer clear of me. I'm not even worth caring for. I can barely even stand anymore, let alone walk. I'm broken, and not even kings, queens, and all of their men could fix that. I am alone, and yet... I'm no longer where I was. I had given up, resigned myself to my fate, to the eternal slumber of death; and yet I am still alive... somewhere.

I try to move, my atrophied muscles straining slightly from days; or was it weeks; of little or no use. I mentally braced myself for the slight movement to bring back the agony that was usually my constant companion.....but none came. I tried again, shifting slightly in what I could now tell was undoubtedly a couch or carpet, or perhaps a pillow of some kind, with a blanket draped over me for warmth ...still no pain assaulted my senses.

Feeling a little trepidatious, yet curious, I slowly tested a few of my muscles. My legs were fine, even my broken one! My neck, body, and head felt the same as my leg, even though they shouldn’t! I was now utterly confused. This couldn't be real... could it? There was only one thing left to do.

I slowly opened my left eye, the one not partially covered by whatever I was laying on. I instantly shut it again the moment it was opened because of the bright light assaulting my senses after who knows how long spent in the dark streets of the city. One thing was for sure: I was not where I was yesterday. After trying again, and blinking back the light that nearly blinded me, I started seeing a bit more of where I was.

It started with the outline of a room; But how could I be in a room? Is it a prison cell? Are they going to release me from my misery? and soon I could barely make out the sunlight streaming through the open window, between a crack in the curtains that the gentle breeze had created. Shifting my head slightly to get my eyes out of the sun and into the shade cast by the curtains, I adjusted quickly to the light levels. I was indeed in a room; indoors; in a building; with a window, and doors, and a roof, and a floor... this simple fact nearly giving me a headache trying to figure out the whos, hows, and whys. The ‘window’ turned out to actually be a sliding glass door that was left open to allow a light breeze into the room, which had in turn slightly opened the curtains that had been drawn across the entranceway in an attempt to keep out the sunlight.

There was another light source, a small glimmer coming from under a mantlepiece, but what the source of light was I couldn’t make out, as it was blocked by couches, and likely a table too, in a small seating arrangement between where I was and the light. It almost seemed as if it was designed for a small family to gather around before the light source. The mantle could indicate that it’s a fireplace... I had never seen fire before. Well, real fire anyway; I had had plenty of experience with the magic variety, as my- …as my burns would have told if they were still there. I wonder what it looks like. The rest of the room slowly came into focus. The walls were white, with yellow and orange trims, and there was a cream-coloured carpet on the floor; the curtains were white with orange and red trimming, emblazoned with a sun-like symbol in the middle, reminiscent of the symbol on the guard uniforms I had occasionally seen.

Perhaps whoever 'saved' me; though I'm still rather unsure about that; was a high-ranking commoner or noble, perhaps even one of the guards themselves. I couldn't see outside through the bright sunlight, so I continued to look around inside. As I lifted my head to look around properly, I-…

...am I on a BED?!?

I looked around, and pressed down on the material a few times to confirm it. Yep. Without a doubt I have somehow managed to sleep on a bed! An actual BED!

Ideas immediately began to whirl around in my head. Did I break into this house while sleepwalking? Did I hurt whoever lived here? Can I escape without them or anyone else noticing? What about the guards, they'll be looking for me! I can't hide my presence here; even though I seem to be cleaner, I’ve still left a foal-sized greyish mark where I was sleeping. What do I..... wait. Who sleeps on a bed this bi- no, this HUGE anyways?!? The bed itself was no less than four times my length long and wide, and if I was standing beside it, I could probably only just rest my chin on the mattress.

Whoever owns this place had to be rich... then again, I considered the other beggars in the street to be rich; richer than me at least. They would only show up once or twice a year, always different ponies, and would normally be gone within the week, if not sooner. When someone noticed them, they were taken, and supposedly given accommodation, food, and a temporary dividend until they could find a way to support themselves; all paid for by 'the crown', whoever that is. I never found out just who the ruler of Equestria was; finding out this place was called Equestria was difficult enough for me. I think some passerby once mentioned a… prince? A princess maybe? So it was definitely some kind of royalty like kings or queens. Perhaps even just princes and princesses out of respect to some former ruler, or something… Who knows?

But, wherever I had ended up, and however I had ended up here, I was now more afraid than I had ever felt on the streets. My heartbeat was echoing in my ears, I had spots swimming in my vision, I could almost feel the sweat starting to accumulate as a shiver went down my spine. But despite all of that, a part of me still felt comfortable, perhaps even safe; an emotion I could not recall feeling in all the time I can remember; it felt so odd, the sensation was almost alien to me.

I didn't know what to think. Normally my Instincts would prove right, and they hadn’t failed me in all the time I had lived. There were times I had thought my Instincts let me down, only to soon be corrected as the position I would have been in, had I not trusted them, was the epicentre for some form of incident (There had been icicles falling from rooves, a pile of snow from on top of buildings crashing to the ground, the odd runaway cart, a falling pegasus or stray unicorn spell; even a lightning strike had been avoided thanks to trusting my instincts.).

But this time, while my mind told me to run, to flee the building as fast as I possibly can, my Instincts told me to stay and fall back asleep in the comfortable bed. This had never happened before. My instincts only ever kicked in when they were really needed, or I was indecisive; and never did they contradict my brain to this extent. But now, they were telling me to do the exact opposite of what my rational brain wanted me to do.

Forced to decide between surges of adrenaline from my fight-or-flight response and possibly malfunctioning Instincts, I did the only stupid thing I could do. I contradicted BOTH of them, carefully and quietly- OUCH! -falling off the bed; sneaking into the farthest corner of the room from the door with the blanket, and curling up in a ball to hide myself in the cotton sheets from whatever decided to come through that door.

Quite simply: it had to be the worst idea anyone had ever deliberately come up with in all of history. There was no way to escape should anyone show up, there was no way they wouldn't notice the missing sheets or dirty spot on the bed from my coat, and they would definitely notice the shaking ball of cotton blankets in the corner that had two eyes peeking out from the folds of fabric. If anything were to happen, there was nothing I could do about it.

<<>>
Celestia (3rd Person)

Celestia paced the room in front of the throne; her throne. She had awoken nearly two hours earlier to find the young colt still asleep in her bed. With somewhat-practiced ease, she silently crept from the covers and closed the curtains, exiting through the door to the balcony, and leaving it slightly ajar to let a cool, but not quite cold, breeze into the room. She had adjusted the sun and moon as they rose and set respectively, before flying off to breakfast. Celestia dared not to use the other exit from her room, as the sound could have awoken the room's other occupant, and she had completely forgotten about using a muffling spell; her mind still focused on the colt, stressing about his condition and worrying about those still-unanswered questions. A brief breakfast and a few adjustments to her weekly schedule later- Day court could wait, damnit. -she was now pacing around the throne room in worried contemplation.

"Um, Princess..?"

Celestia stopped pacing momentarily to look at the guard captain.

"Are you alright, your majesty?"

"Yes, I am fine, thank you. Your concern is appreciated, if unnecessary. You are dismissed, Captain."

Captain Shimmer Shield saluted somewhat unsurely, but soon left the throne room none-the-less, leaving Celestia to her worried pacing.

It had been a short time since Shimmer Shield and her squads had returned to the castle with their report. As it turned out, the horseshoe Celestia had left was easily found and completely undisturbed, and they were soon able to begin investigating.

However… other than the location where Celestia found the colt, the amount of information and evidence the guard managed to provide concerning the foal was beyond lacklustre. They didn't find a single pony who had even seen the colt before; and there was no trace of where he came from, or who he was. It was as if he had appeared out of thin air; without any family, relatives, friends, acquaintances, or even knowledge of his mere existence before last night. The search had been such a failure that Shimmer had even spoken of abdicating her position as captain should she prove incapable of finding any further information.

This is what left Celestia pacing the throne room in such a state. None of her questions had been answered; no clues or information about the colt even existing, and if not for her personal oversight of the royal guard, she would likely have thought that they were incompetent fools who failed a simple task. But the Princess knew the ponies Shimmer Shield took with her for the investigation. They were the kind of pony whom could tell you who took the last cookie from the cookie jar by studying the wind in the next town over. They were the best the guard had to offer, certainly the best in Canterlot, perhaps even in all of Equestria, and they had drawn a blank. It wasn't even as if he HAD appeared out of thin air; or teleported there; there was zero magical residue in the entire area around where Celestia found him, other than the traces of her own magic from when she picked him up with her telekinesis.

Celestia was at a complete loss. For the first time in centuries, she had no idea of what happened, or how to go about finding out what did. She was stumped. She could always try asking the colt himself, but the memories may be too traumatic for him, or he may have amnesia. She wasn't even sure if he would wake up in the next few days; he may sleep off his exhaustion for a few months before finally waking up. Then again, he may not even wake up at all...

Celestia’s head shot up at that thought. He may not even wake up; he might not even be alive right now. I left him in my room, alone, after all that he just went through. The poor foal must be terrified. I know I would be after waking up like that.

Celestia instantly made up her mind; she had to go back and check on him, to make sure he was ok. She should've thought of this sooner, but now is a good a time as any. But she had to make haste; who knows what could have happened while she was gone. For all I know he could have jumped off the balcony!!

<<>>
????

It felt like I spent hours in that corner worrying. In reality, my mind knew it was likely only several minutes, but fear and stress seemed to make it drag on longer than it really was.

I heard the signature clop of hooves from outside the door. They were muffled, as if the noise was from an adjoining room to the one outside. It didn't last long, as the sound of a door opening signalled the entrance of whoever it was into the room beyond this one. Soft hoofsteps slowly grew louder; though they were kept deliberately quiet, as if attempting not to wake someone. Did they know I was here?

A soft click sounded as the door opened.

I froze in fear. I slowed my breathing as much as I could, which isn’t saying much. It’s harder to do so when adrenaline is running through your veins at fifty miles an hour. The door slowly stopped opening, not quite far enough for me to see the other side, nor whoever was opening it.

A white leg cautiously stepped through the doorway, followed by a white muzzle connected to a long, flowing mane. I didn’t even notice the bright pastel colours of their mane at the time, I was so intent on hiding. As the.... Um...? As the mare(?) stepped through the open door, opening it a little bit wider in the process, she looked around as if searching for something; or someone.

Her magenta eyes finally looked over to the (now bare) bed, and soon found the bundle of sheets I had hidden in. As she walked across the room slowly, like she was trying not to startle or scare me, I noticed just how tall she was. She stood taller than any other pony I had ever seen, nearly twice the height of some of them, but not quite three times my height. THIS is who owns this place?!? Ohh horseapples....

As she finally got close to where I was, her expression changed from one of curiosity, caution, and worry, to one of concern and... relief? Am… am I reading this right?

With both my instincts AND my brain (I’m normally excellent at reading ponies’ expressions and faces) labelled under 'malfunctioning' for the moment, I watched as the situation unfolded in front of me. She approached with a small smile on her face. She looked kind...ish. I don't know whether to trust my mind's observations at the moment or not.

And then... she spoke. Softly, quietly, and with a gentle voice, she spoke to me.

"Hello there, little one..."

I shied away a little at the sudden noise. She merely smiled more and spoke again.

"It's alright, I won't bite."

She steadily approached and held out her hoof, which I shied away from, deeper into my blanket camouflage, which didn’t do anything since I was already as deep into the blankets as I could get without going through the solid wall at my back.

She sat down in front of me, and slowly reached her hoof out further, removing the sheet covering me slightly and causing me to flinch and shut my eyes tight when she touched my now exposed shoulder. But instead of pulling me out of the blankets and throwing me out the window, or… whatever I was expecting at this point, she merely started rubbing her hoof over my (somewhat patchy) coat like she was petting a foal. Which admittedly, I am still a foal, but.. nobody's ever treated me like one before.

I opened my eyes slowly to see her smiling at me, a genuine smile, if my instincts were to be believed. One of caring and compassion; genuine happiness. The petting she was giving me felt soothing, and I almost wanted to let go, but I stayed my desire for comfort to err on the side of caution; though I was more than a little curious now. Why hasn't she thrown me out or attacked me? Called the guards…? Why is she treating me so... nicely?

"See, I'm not going to hurt you."

She spoke to me almost like one would imagine a loving mother would speak to their foals. I didn't respond; I wasn't sure if I even could with my dry throat. She soon dropped her hoof, still smiling that gentle smile, and spoke again.

"What is your name, my little pony?"

That… caught me slightly off guard. Not her asking my name; all bets were off at this point; but how she said "my little pony". She said it, not in any malicious or controlling sense, but in a way which made it sound like she was going to take care of you and look after you; or, in this case, me. After some time of silence from me, she dropped the question and spoke.

"Would you like something to drink? Some water, perhaps?"

I slowly, and cautiously nodded my head from inside the blankets. She nodded once in confirmation and looked over to a nearby table, from where she levitated over a cup and pitcher, pouring some water from the pitcher into the cup, before levitating it over to me in her magic with a warm smile on her face. I carefully reached my hooves out of the blankets a little ways and grabbed the cup of water, bringing it back to me and my safety blankets before slowly drinking from it. I tried to keep my eyes on the mare in front of me the whole time, to make sure she didn't try anything, which she didn't.

"Would you like something to eat as well?"

I at first shook my head a little, before realising that she could easily tell I was starving. She was likely the same pony that healed me, and this was most likely her house; though why she did any of this is beyond me.

"Are you sure? It doesn't look to me like you have had much of anything for some time."

Her response was in a tone which said 'I'm trying to look out for you, and I want to help you, but I can't unless you let me’, yet also contained concern and pity. I could tell that there would be no use in lying, so I resigned myself to my fate with a shameful nod from under the blankets, my eyes slightly downcast.

I could almost feel the pity and concern radiating off of her. She nodded again and slowly stood, making her way over to the door to the other room… rooms… whatever it was. When she exited, she left the door slightly more ajar than how she had left it when she entered; and if I tried, I could see a sliver of the room outside the door. From the open doorway I soon heard the sound of another door opening, and a soft conversation followed before someone else, if the different gait was anything to go by, left to likely do some task or other. I assumed it was to get something to eat when the mare from before came back in and sat near me again; resuming her petting of my coat. I wanted to remain awake, but the warmth from the den of blankets I had made for myself, combined with the gentle petting from the strange white mare, and the drowsiness from my remaining exhaustion was more than enough for me to fall asleep.

Chapter 3: CONFUSION

NLQGQHVV

<<>>
Celestia

I opened the door slowly with magic, hoping not to startle the colt whom was holding onto my side as if I might disappear at any moment. In the last few hours, I had managed to get him to open up to me, enough that he felt comfortable with my presence. So far, he had stayed in the bedroom the whole time, so I had decided to take him out and into the main living space of my chambers. He was quite nervous, though I guess that I would be too, if I was in his position.

I had made sure the guards outside my chambers knew not to disturb us while we were here, and to not let their presence be known, as it would almost certainly frighten the foal by my side. I draped a wing over him to hold him close as we entered the main room.

It was nothing much; a seating area cantered around a fireplace took up most of the center of the room, with one of the sides constituting my “study”, comprised of a desk covered in papers, while the other side was made into a lounge area for the summer months, with large glass doors that could be opened to let the cool summer breeze through.

The colt was looking around at the unfamiliar space, when the fireplace managed to catch his attention. I had kept both this one and the one in my room lit throughout the day to keep the rooms warm, as it was still the middle of winter, but the one in my room had died out last night, and I had not thought to light it again this morning.

Seeing that the fireplace was his source of interest, I walked the colt over and we stood in front of the flames. The fire itself seemed to mesmerize him, like someone who had just seen the stars for the first time. There was a look of wonder on his face, as if… I wonder…

“Have you not seen a fireplace before?”

The colt snapped out of his trance and jumped a little at the unexpected sound of my voice, but managed to calm down soon enough. He looked thoughtful for a moment, staring at the ground, before he raised his head and moved it side to side.

I was intrigued. How could anypony not have seen fire before? Unless, perhaps…

I decided to ask another question.

“I… do not mean to be rude, or to push you, and you do not have to answer if you don’t want to, but… just how long have you been on the streets of Canterlot?”

He continued looking up at me for a few seconds, before looking down and doing something with his hoof. At first I thought he didn’t want to answer, and I was about to repeat that he didn’t have to; but then he moved back a little, revealing what he had written in some of the stray ashes that littered the immediate area around the fireplace.

13YRS?

I looked back at him. “13?” He took the hint, and gestured to his head with a hoof while shaking his head side to side. He doesn’t remember…

13 years… that’s almost how old I would guess him to be. Was he aba- …was he lost when he was very young, and had to grow up on the streets when his parents never found him? I don’t remember any such incident coming to my attention… And I was still unwilling to accept the possibility that he was abandoned.

The next day, I left him in my chambers so that I could speak with the captain of the guard. I ordered her to round up every missing pony case file over the past twenty years, and look for anyone under the age of ten. She quickly got to work; and while she searched through the mountains of documents, I reorganised my schedule for the next few weeks, until when I would start preparing study material to send to Twilight for the “semester”.

Twilight… I would need to look into introducing the two of them… Cadance too. They would likely be concerned about my recent behaviour as well, but that would all be resolved in due time. Perhaps I should take on the colt as a student as well. He certainly has magical potential within him, the preliminary reports I received from Green Remedy proved that, though the numbers would need to be double checked next time he had a check-up. They didn’t seem to accurately line up with any normal unicorn’s magical abilities.

Despite the numerous complaints I knew the council members would give, I told Silver Quill to announce my temporary leave of absence. I would remain with the colt for as long as possible during the next week, though I asked to be notified of anything immediately worthy of my attention. I would also make a point of spending only one or two days a week working through petitions in day court rather than the usual five. While the council could wait, my ponies could not. It might also be good for the colt as well, learning to adapt to being on his own in an unfamiliar place.

I soon returned once more to my chambers, and found the colt (I really need to find out his name…) reading one of the many books I had collected and stored on one of the bookshelves around the room. When he noticed me, he almost went ballistic; attempting to hide that he had been reading something while I was gone. I smiled and giggled a little bit at his failing antics. It was rather cute to watch him struggle around, but I got a hold of myself and walked over to him, placing a hoof on his shoulder.

“It’s alright, you don’t have to hide it from me. You can read anything you want; and if you need any help, just let me know.”

He looked a little relieved that I wasn’t mad with him, and stopped trying to hide the book from me. It was a book I had not read for a long time: Magical Theory 3rd Edition – Beings of Magic (Advanced) by Starswirl the Bearded. I was interested in why he chose this book instead of one of the many others lining the bookshelves around the room, but I chose to shrug it off.

“It is getting rather late; would you like me to get something from the kitchen for you while I am there?”

He nodded his head in response.

As I left the room, I could make out the faintest sound of his sigh of relief. I turned my head a little to look back through the doorway, and saw that he had resumed reading. While his behaviour was undoubtedly adorable; after what he has gone through, his odd behaviour only troubles me even more.

<<>>
Celestia

Green Remedy finished packing her equipment into her medical bag.

“As far as I am aware, Princess, the young colt is in good health; though I would recommend giving his mane and tail a trim sometime soon.”

“Thank you, Green Remedy.”

“It’s fine, your highness, I’m happy to be of help. Is there anything else you wanted from me while I was here?”

Green Remedy had arrived that morning at Celestia’s request to check up on the foal and ensure he was alright. He was very nervous at first, but when I explained to him that Green Remedy had been the one to heal him, leaving out the part where he was on death’s doorstep and how she saved his life, he started to calm down to the point where he was merely shy.

“Actually, yes. I would like to speak with you for a moment if that is fine.”

“Of course, Princess.”

I turned to the colt. “We will be back shortly.”

He nodded his head and after Green Remedy left the room, I saw him moving to read a book from one of the shelves. He had taken an interest to several books, so I had moved a copy of each to the bedside table for him to read whenever he wanted; which might seem odd, but he would only enter another room if I was there with him. It was almost as if he didn’t want to do anything wrong, and so he followed my instructions carefully and to the letter; but a far more extreme variation.

I walked into the short hallway outside my chambers and closed the door behind me.

“Remedy, I want to ask you… is he truly alright?”

“What do you mean princess?”

“I mean…” *sigh* “Is there anything off about him; something that just seems… odd.”

“Not particularly… he’s a normal unicorn colt, as far as- wait… actually, I can think of something.”

I nodded for her to continue.

“I was looking into his magic again, as per your request, and it is a little unusual. It’s nothing too substantial, and is certainly nothing outside the norm for unicorns; but his magic levels seem to be quite elevated when compared to other unicorns his age. They almost resemble the levels of a post mana-crisis unicorn, even though he is still yet to go through his mana-crisis phase.”

This was odd, but it only confirmed the preliminary numbers from before. He was indeed more powerful than an average unicorn. Perhaps I was wrong… Most unicorns would go through mana-crises in their teen years (an event more commonly referred to nowadays as “magic puberty”). It was an event that would increase the magic potential of a unicorn to its maximum natural state for the adult stage of their life.

“And, if what you’ve told me about him is correct, I don’t quite understand how he is so intelligent after living on the streets of Canterlot for 13 years...”

“Hm…”

That was also true. He was capable of reading without a problem, and was certainly capable of reading advanced magical theory if his interest in Starswirl's books are any indication; yet since he arrived here, he hasn’t spoken a single word or used magic of any kind… and all of this after who knows how long of… well, that. I also remember asking him about his magic before as well, but he refused to show me any, despite his apparently extensive knowledge of magic theory.

“Thank you, Remedy. You’re dismissed.”

Green Remedy bowed and left down the stairs at the other end of the short hallway, while I returned to my chambers. It was certainly possible he could have taught himself, using books from Canterlot Library… The longer I stay with this colt, and the more I learn about him, the more intriguing his story becomes.

Chapter 4: QUESTIONS

Sometimes You Don't Want The Answer...

<<>>
????

I almost couldn’t believe I was looking at myself in the mirror. Celestia, the kind pony that had taken me in, had convinced me to bathe and allow her to cut my mane. Now that was a harrowing experience. I don’t like sharp things near me when I’m not the one holding said sharp object; I flinched almost every time the scissors snipped.

Despite everything though, it’s still me.

However, my situation is still making me draw a blank when it comes to conclusions. For almost a week now, Celestia has allowed me to stay with her; in her own home no less. I have tried, and failed, to understand why she does this for me. I expected her to berate or punish me for my actions every time I do something; however, she is yet to wipe that genuine smile off her face. Even in her sleep she wears that smile.

Could… could it be true…? Does Celestia… (I can’t believe I’m asking myself this…) does Celestia actually, truly, care for me??

The craziest part is that I honestly don't know. I'm a nopony. No one has or should ever be able to love me; and yet... her actions say other- no, they scream and shout otherwise. She's given me shelter, food, and drink; she lets me sleep in her bed at night, she even helps bathe me. I just... how can... can it... urgh, I just don't know.

She’s felt more comfortable with asking me questions within the last few days, and has tried getting me to open up. I still haven’t spoken to her yet, though when she is not around, I make sure that my voice hasn’t failed on me… just in case I need it. When she asked about my family, my “response” (shaking my head; 'no') made her pull me into a hug and tell me “…Everything is going to be alright now.” while petting my head gently with a hoof.

That was yesterday.

“…My little pony; if you don’t mind me asking, what is your name?”

Oh boy…

I acknowledge her question with a flick of my ear towards her general direction, but I don't say or do anything in response. Shaking my head would just make me seem rude; implying that I don't appreciate her kindness; or that I'm arrogant, or something similar. So instead I just sit there, continuing to stare into the flames.

Celestia turns her head away from me to look into the fire in front of us.

“It is alright, you don’t have to tell me, if you don’t want to.”

She turns back to me with a somewhat coy smile.

“I just thought that I should call you by your name instead of calling you ‘My littlepony’ forever; after all, you do have a name, don’t you?”

I slowly shake my head from side to side.

My response left Celestia's jaw hanging, eyes wide in shock. Not to mention she was completely and utterly speechless. It took a moment for my answer to finally register in Celestia's brain and for her to respond after I apparently brought her entire world crashing down around her.

"W...what do you mean, you don't have a name...? Everyone has a name."

I simply shook my head again, confirming for her my definite 'no'.

"You.. you don't have a name; at all?" Head shake. "Perhaps you simply forgot it. I know a memory recovery spell…" Another head shake. "You... you truly do not have a name?"

“…No…”

My verbal response surprised Celestia, on top of everything she had just learned. She reclined in her chair to think, still quite speechless.

Celestia

He has no name…? How can he have NO NAME? In one fell swoop, this revelation had crushed most of my hopes for finding who he was and where he came from; yet also answered, and raised, many questions. Even I can remember brief memories from my very early foalhood, from before I was even a year old. Yet, to not remember his own NAME of all things, when he is not even through his teenage years no less, he must have been… No, there is no other choice left. He must have been abandoned before he was even a few months old.

How could this be possible in Equestria? How could this happen, in CANTERLOT OF ALL PLACES!! It took control to not show my inner turmoil of emotions, simply deciding to settle on showing a small amount of shock for the time being (a skill I had acquired from years of dealing with diplomats and nobles). At the same time, my sorrow for this colt grew. His situation was awful, his life so far had been pitiful. I am certain that his story would likely bring even the toughest of the royal guards to tears.

And the worst part? After wielding the elements of harmony, including the element of honesty, I can tell when all but the most experienced liars were telling falsities, and even then I would feel uneasy about them. But all that this young colt, this foal, had said to me was the truth. There was not any hint of a lie; of a story he made up, trying to seek attention from me; he didn’t even know who I was! No, it was the exact opposite. Not only was he telling the truth, it was as if he not only wouldn't, but couldn't tell a lie. Perhaps he learned firsthand that lies only get you hurt... Oh how was this possible? How could anyone be put through such a mentally scaring experience at such a young age? Why did nopony help him? Why did nopony take action; bring him to the attention of the guards, take him to a hospital, SOMETHING!! I just have to know...

????

I just have to know. I've broken the silence, and now I have to ask the question I have been asking myself for the past week.

"Miss Celestia..."

Celestia seemed to be broken out of her thoughts by the sound of my voice. She smiled at me warmly, yet with concern evident in her expression.

“Please, just call me Celestia; or ‘Tia for short.”

“(Um… O-ok…) Celestia… why- why are you being… so nice to me?"

Celestia's smile took a little hit and she looked at me with confusion.

"Whatever do you mean by 'why am I so nice to you'? I try to be nice to everyone I meet. Why would you be any different?"

<<>>
Nopony’s POV

That afternoon, Celestia began to truly understand the colt she had found. In their conversation, she began to see but a glimpse of the horrors the poor foal had survived. He was without friends, without family, without even the support of her own royal guards.

At the same time, through Celestia's honest words, the young colt began to understand her kindness. Even when he had had nothing during his time on the streets, he would try to help others when they needed it, even if they never wanted his help. He began to see that Celestia saw him in much the same way. After finding him so broken, fragile, and helpless; dying in the streets; she could not do anything but help him.

When his confusion was cleared away, he finally accepted the help he had received, along with everything else Celestia had done, as true and genuine. And when they both finally fell asleep that night; although neither of them could see it; for the first time in the young colt's life, he was smiling; a small tear forming in the corner of his eye from his unexpressed joy.

By the time he awoke the next morning, Celestia had already left to attend to her job in the city (he presumed). He still did not know what it was she did, but she had already taken much time off to care for him and make sure he recovered from his injuries and felt safe. Before she had left, Celestia had left a note along with some breakfast on the table. She was going to be late home from her work, and had several ponies coming by to bring lunch and dinner for him. In the meantime, he had free reign of the 'house' for the day, and could do anything he wanted until she got back.

Celestia had made true on her word and throughout the day two ponies had come by and delivered lunch and dinner, though he didn't know who since he had hidden in the other rooms when they were there. Unfortunately, Celestia also happened to be correct about being late, and was still not back by the time he had fallen asleep; though he didn't mind. He was used to falling asleep all alone on the hard pavement of a sidewalk in Canterlot; Tia's comfy bed was more than easy enough to fall asleep on- now that he didn’t have to worry so much.

<<>>
????

I awoke in the morning to Celestia rubbing her muzzle against my head and mane. It was a soothing, gentle, and loving gesture that I returned. I had only spent about a week here with Celestia, and only just spoken to her yesterday, but I already feel a strong bond with her, as if the connection between us has been there for months, perhaps years. Maybe it was because she was such a motherly figure where I had never had one before…?

"Good morning, little one. Did you have a good night's sleep last night?"

I nodded with a "Mhm" in response. This moment felt almost as if… as if it was supposed to happen- every morning. It felt… nice.

"That's good to hear. I hope it wasn't too lonely without me here yesterday, I worry about you."

I shook my head in response. I didn't feel lonely yesterday, although the silence felt more eerie than usual; as if there was something lurking nearby, constantly watching over my shoulder. I guess it might have been nice to have someone to talk to, but I don't want to take up all of Celestia's time.

"I know that this isn't exactly the best situation to be in, and I don't want to leave you completely alone for however long I may be working for, so I have a suggestion. My niece, Mi Amore Cadenza, or, as she prefers to be called, Cadance, is only around ten years older than you, and I am positive the two of you will get along well together."

Celestia pre-empted my concerns about taking up time before I could get a single syllable out of my mouth.

"Cadance has finished her studies and currently is staying here, in another room nearby. She has been asking me to help her make more friends, and with her around you wouldn't be as lonely anymore."

Celestia had brought up good points. I would eventually have to meet more ponies, it was inevitable, and I am not sure how weeks 'trapped' in these few rooms by myself would affect my mental state. Not to mention that Celestia's niece Cadence was around my own age, and is likely friendly if Celestia is willing to introduce me to her. After some more thought I nodded my head in agreement. It wasn't the best idea ever, but it would help none-the-less.

"Excellent. I can pass by her room and send her over here before I go if you wish."

I nodded again at the suggestion. Celestia seemed pleased, and gave a nod of her own.

Once we were up and had eaten breakfast, Celestia approached me while I was reading silently in front of the fireplace. After opening up to Celestia yesterday, I felt much better, and even more comfortable in her presence. It was a first for me, to feel this comfortable around somepony; but I felt that I could trust Celestia fully.

“I hope I am not interrupting your reading; but there is something I wish to bring up with you. I was thinking… you may not have a name, but it would be easier to call you by one, yes?”

I nod. I guess it would be easier for those around me if I had a name… not that there was anyone but Celestia around... for now.

“I have a few ideas, but the decision is ultimately up to you to decide. How about…”

<<<30 minutes later - Canterlot Castle>>>
Cadance

I was nearly jumping with joy as I trotted down the hallway to aunty Celestia's room. When she had explained why she had neglected many of her duties and stopped spending time with me, I will admit that while I was shocked, I agreed with her wholeheartedly, she made the right decision to look after the colt. And when she finished explaining that she wanted me to make sure he was looked after for a few weeks while she caught up on work, I wasn't sure if I wanted to burst with excitement, or run to Celestia's room to meet him as soon as possible.

It was exciting, I could end up with a new friend not only in Canterlot, that was easy enough, but one that I could see every day in the castle! Of course, Celestia hadn't told him of her title yet, or mine for that matter, and while I gave her a short, stern, talking to about how he should know everything he is getting into beforehoof, Celestia soon silenced me with how a person's title should not affect another’s view of that person.

Of course, I still had yet to meet the him, and I was nervous as I drew close to the doors that led into my aunt's personal chambers. Would he like me? Would he be afraid? Would he attack me?

With a deep breath, and summoning all the courage I could muster, I opened the door...

Author's Note

And so it begins...

Chapter 5: IDENTITY

A Rose By Any Other Name...

<<<5 minutes earlier - Canterlot Castle>>>
Andromeda

An...drom…eda...

Andromeda, 'to be mindful of ponies', that was the definition I had found. It was also the name Celestia and I decided on using, since I don't remember my original name, if I ever had one, nor do we know whom my parents are.

That wasn't the only thing we talked about though. My brain was still processing the conversation we had afterwards. I remember the gist of it; Celestia asked me how I saw her in a metaphorical sense, I replied with the truth, which was that I thought she was like a motherly figure, acting how a loving parent might act towards their child, and then.... my mind is still reeling from the word 'adoption'.

I mean, it’s already almost like we're a family despite the short time we’ve been together, despite how swiftly the topic was brought up after we had only recently met, but... could I live up to it? She's so kind, caring, and loving, and I'm just... some poor pony she found dying in the street. It was.... miraculous doesn't even begin to describe it. My life took a full 180 the moment she found me. If it wasn't for that... I don't know where I'd be now. I managed to tell her that I would think it over for a few days, to which she agreed. I could easily see the two of us being like a family, but... am I really good enough to be called her son?

That was when I heard the door open.

I nearly jumped for cover on instinct, before remembering our conversation this morning over Celestia’s niece Cadance coming over to keep me company for the day, and settled for hiding behind the back-rest of the chair I was sitting on, which faced away from the open door.

As the door closed, I took a small peek over the top of the chair to see just who Celestia's niece was and what she was like. Looks don't mean anything when it comes to how a pony truly is on the inside, but it can give hints at what life the pony lives and how they live it. After years on the streets, I had learned to pick up these tells quite quickly.

As Celestia stated before, she was about half a decade older than my approximate age… not that we really knew what that was; pink coat, pink mane and tail, just... pink. Obviously quite cheerful, a little cautious at the moment, likely because she was meeting me for the first time as well. It seemed she was quite intelligent, and if the highly groomed mane and tail had anything to say, was also a noble of some kind, but I could see the tell-tale marks that she had likely groomed them herself. All in all, just like a younger, more flamboyant, pink Celestia.

I tried pulling together what little scraps of bravery I have left and spoke to her. Then again, I guess the nerves might have also been because she was a filly around my own age.

"H-hello?"

My voice was weak, but still managed to grab her attention. She jumped slightly, and turned her head to look at me (to which I flinched and hid slightly more behind the couch; my instincts in overdrive from the fight-or-flight response racing through me).

"O-oh! Are- are you Andromeda? Aunty Celestia said to come up here and meet you."

She was nervous, though attempting to hide it, and was probably trying to think of the right thing to say so as to not scare me off like a frightened animal. Which I guess was the best way to approach the situation. I poked my head out a little bit more and nodded slightly. She let out a small sigh under her breath in relief, but I saw the movement anyway.

It was at this moment my brain messed up my speech patterns and relayed the wrong name "A-are you Cadenza?"

As soon as I realised my mistake I barely had enough time to get ready to do something when she giggled a little bit. I was expecting to have to correct myself or apologise profusely, but she just giggled at my mix-up.

I guess I'll have to get used to this.

"Everyone usually just calls me 'Cadance'."

“Uh- oh, I- I didn’t mean, um… sorry, Cadenz- ah! I uh, I m-mean-“

She giggled a little bit and smiled sympathetically at me, “It’s ok, you can call me Cadenza if you want.”

Now it was my turn to let out a small sigh of relief. I was overly worried there for a second. Now I just need to get through who knows how much longer of this and I'll be fine... hopefully.

Cadance

When I entered the room and he first spoke, all I could see was a small black muzzle, a short white mane, and two red eyes poking out over the top of the chair. When he mistakenly called me 'Cadenza', I giggled behind a hoof at his shyness and nervousness overtaking his logical thoughts. When I allowed him to call me that anyway, I heard the faintest sigh of relief. Not just any relief though, relief as if he was expecting all of Canterlot to come down on him from calling me that. Auntie Celestia had told me that she didn't tell him of her title or mine, but perhaps he found out? ...or maybe she wasn't exaggerating when she told me what he was like at first. The second idea was more than a little terrifying if that is how he has learned to act over the years.

I walked over to another chair in the room and sat down. He was now sitting down in the chair he was in as well, though he looked quite nervous.

"Is something wrong?" I asked out of concern. No normal pony I know of would act this way. Ponies were the most social creatures on the planet; to think of one going without proper social contact for as long as Andromeda did was nearly unheard of unless they were in a magical stasis the entire time.

In response, he just shook his head and muttered a silent "..n-no..". Something here was off, he was so quiet... too quiet. At Celestia’s school, all the other students his age would do nearly anything for a chance to talk with one another, even I had been guilty of that sometimes, and yet, here before me sat the most quiet colt I had ever seen, not saying a single word more than necessary. I needed to find a way to break him out of that shell.

<<<3 hours later - Canterlot Castle>>>
Andromeda

I could tell she was trying to get me to talk, but I just had too many doubts (what if she asks something I can't answer, how do I know what questions I should and shouldn't ask, how....). After many suggestions, we had finally settled on silently reading books. I had been slightly thirsty for a while now, though I didn't want to just suddenly get up and interrupt her reading, or ask her to get some water for me, it wouldn't be polite. But now I was quite parched and needed a drink.

I placed the book upside-down on the arm of the one-seater-couch I was on (with some difficulty) to preserve my progress, and hopped down off the couch, walking over to the small table holding the pitcher of water and several cups. Gently balancing on my back hooves, I used my front hooves and fetlocks to grab the pitcher and pour some water into an empty cup. After re-placing the pitcher onto the table and using the same technique to drink the water, I landed on all four hooves again and walked back over to the couch, jumping back up into position and resuming my reading... after fiddling with the book to get it back up the right way.

Cadance watched me the whole time, much to my embarrassment. She probably thought I was an idiot, with the way I held the pitcher and cup.

"Why don't you just use your magic?"

...or not.

I sat there after the question was asked, unsure how to respond. She probably noticed my nervousness and decided to drop it.

"You don't have to answer if you don't want to; I was just curious. You're a unicorn with magic, yet you do everything by hoof. Even with your broken horn, it's like you're avoiding it deliberately, not even using it for the smallest tasks."

“I… I can’t…”

"Is... is it because of your broken horn? Are you unable to-"

"N-no..."

Seeing that that wasn’t enough to satisfy her curiosity, I add a little more.

"....it scares me."

"Oh..."

Not the whole truth, but the truth nonetheless. She doesn't need to know what I've been through. It happened so long ago that all I remember of it are the nightmares.

Those horrible, horrible nightmares....

I visibly shiver and slowly resume my reading from where I left off. Cadance notices my reaction, but says nothing of it.

I try to continue reading, but maintaining my concentration is near impossible. All I can think of is the nightmare. Bright, bright shining white... and... the furious... engulfing my vision... I try to run, but it clings to me like burning oil... It hurts, it hurts so-

"Are you alright?!"

Cadance snaps me out of my relapse, and I realise that I'm shaking, a few tears falling from my eyes.

"I-I th-think that's enough reading for t-today...."

I stutter out a quick answer and head into the room I share with Celestia. I don't need this right now, I have to clear my head. I move the covers over me as I lay there and drift off to sleep.

Cadance

That was new.

I ask him why he doesn't use magic, and then a few moments later he's as unsteady as a candle in a hurricane, pale as a sheet, and with tears brimming forth like a flood. This is obviously something bad. I thought it might have been his horn; but he said it wasn't, and I've heard of unicorns with even less of a horn that are capable of casting at least some basic spells. Something to do with magic must have happened to him in the past.

But what -or, who- could do such a thing to traumatise somepony so severely?

Maybe he messed up a spell? Perhaps he saw something traumatic happen, and now he doesn't use it because he remembers what magic is capable of? Perhaps it was even a spell that left him in such a state, lying in the streets of Canterlot.

I look through a crack in the door. Whatever it was, he's asleep now. I just hope he doesn't dream about it.

I sneak through the door and sit down on a chair near the unlit fireplace to continue reading. I place the book on the table and use my hoof to turn the pages. Whatever it is about magic that spooks him, it must be bad for him to react like this. He doesn't need me using magic around him as a constant reminder.

<<<5:14pm - Canterlot Castle>>>
Andromeda

I woke myself up from the grasp of sleep and looked over to the large grandfather clock on the far side of the room.

5:14

I had slept for more than 6 hours.. I wonder if Cadance has gone by n-

Never mind. She's over at the table reading another book. Though, she isn't using her magic and is instead perched on a precarious pile of pompous pillows (alliteration, one of the few things that brought life to my childhood in the streets), turning the pages with her hooves. It looks like she was laying on the couch, but could never get comfortable enough so she had to design her own out of pillows.

"Why.. aren't you using your magic to read?"

My question made her ears perk up and she turned to look at me.

"Well... after earlier.. I decided that you didn't need a constant reminder of whatever it wa- I mean; I decided I wouldn't use magic around you so you would feel more comfortable."

"....while I do appreciate the thought, it's ok. I'm used to others using magic around me, it's just my own that..."

I lower my head a bit as I say the last part.

"Well then! If you can't use magic, neither will I!"

I look up to Cadance. "What..?"

"Well it's not fair if I can use magic to do things and you can't, so I'm not going to use magic either! That way it'll be fair!" She nods to herself in conviction, still sitting on top of her mountain of pillows.

"..."

I didn't know how to respond to that.

Author's Note

I’m trying to not go too fast with plot progression, but I want to get all the story points out ASAP (I detest writing filler). Tell me if you think I could improve anything!

Special thanks to Epyrios for pointing out mentions about Andromeda's broken horn. Instead of making too much clunky exposition in the story, I've decided to leave more detailed explanations for things I leave untouched in the Author's Notes.

Unicorns are known for occasionally breaking their horns. Minor chips and cracks are somewhat common, and can be healed over time by not expending any magic for a few days. Horns that have been broken off completely can be reattached, so long as all the pieces are there, through an extended healing process (including a horn cast, like one would get for a limb after breaking a bone). Even unicorns with broken horns or even shattered horns can cast some basic magic, however, if given time- so long as the horn root has not been removed from the skull (like how teeth have "roots", horns do as well. It was theorised that they were originally an external "tooth"-like appendage that was exposed over generations to enough magic that it became capable of conducting it).
For example; Tempest Shadow AKA Fizzlepop Berrytwist is also capable of basic-level telekinesis and other simple spells (i.e. AOE healing spells) that do not require containment fields (like a fireball spell, which requires a plasma-specific containment field).

Chapter 6: SECRETS

The Veil Begins To Unfurl...

<<<10:48 - Canterlot Castle>>>
Celestia

It had been a long, boring, and dreary day today. The bureaucratic ministers and nobles in court acted as if nothing had happened yesterday, which, to their knowledge, nothing had, and they berated each other on many different kinds of laws, bills, and treaties that we had to go over. It was exhausting, but there was one last thing I needed to do before I went to bed.

"Hello Cadance. How did you two go today?"

I was nearly at my room when a weary, yet smiling Cadance walked into the hallway. I had checked her room, but there was nopony there, so I continued on towards my own chambers, which she had just walked out of.

"Hello auntie," She yawns "It went quite well today. He spoke with me quite early on, though when he accidentally called me 'Cadenza' instead of ‘Cadance’, he acted as though he expected retaliation of some kind."

I nodded. “While him behaving in this manner is… concerning, it is not unusual for him to react in such a way. Did you learn anything about him today?"

She blinks wearily, before she perks up, remembering something, before her expression soon becomes more sombre, her ears splayed.

"Well,... I did learn that he's afraid of his own magic. I watched him get up to grab a glass of water, and he didn't use his magic the whole time. When I asked him why, he was quite nervous before admitting that his magic scares him. And then, when he tried to resume reading, it was only a few moments before he was crying; shaking like a leaf, and completely pale."

This... I had not expected. I had noticed that he hadn’t used magic, but I didn’t think it would make him react to this extent.

"Did he explain what happened for him to react like this?"

"No. I… I don't know what happened. But, after that, he went to your room. I went in some time later and found him sleeping, so I read for a while without using my magic, because I thought he might be afraid of all magic. But, when he woke up, he asked me why I wasn't using it. I think he's only afraid of his own magic, apparently, or… at the very least, he's used to others using their magic around him."

A unicorn afraid of their own magic? It was exceedingly rare, almost bordering on impossible, though Andromeda proves it apparently is possible. But to the extent Andromeda seems to suffer? There had to have been something that caused this. Or... someone. Could his parents have done this to him? I wouldn’t have thought anypony capable of such an act a few weeks ago, but now…

"Hm.."

None of the citizens the royal guard had interrogated had even seen him, or if they had, they knew nothing of him.

"Alright, I will deal with it. Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Cadance. Now go get some sleep, you need it."

She smiled up at me.

"Alright, auntie. Goodnight."

"Goodnight Cadance."

I entered my room to find it in nearly the same state I had left it, and soon made my way over to the bedroom. I climbed into bed next to Andromeda and snuggled against him. He had a gentle smile on his face, pleasantly snoozing away.

"Goodnight, Andromeda."

"Goodnight.. mum...."

I was a little taken aback at the unexpected response, but soon smiled. I wasn't really expecting an answer so soon, but I was happy to receive one none-the-less.

"Goodnight, my son."

And with that, we drifted off to sleep.

<<<??:?? ??/??/?? - ??????>>>
Andromeda?

White.

White....

White...........

Colour.

I began screaming as I ran. But there was nowhere to run. Just the white void all around me. The colour, they- no, it stuck to me as I ran, a furious spectrum of colours, clinging to me like burning tar.

I screamed louder. I ran faster. I shook myself harder, trying to dislodge it.

And still it remained, slowly consuming more and more of me, inching forward as it began to cover my body.

As it reached my back legs they failed on me, no longer responding to my command to continue running.

I kept crawling forwards, my screaming resounding in the vast white nothingness.

And still it continued ever onwards.

It was nearing my head now, nearly having covered my front legs.

I continued crawling with my one remaining leg, as the colours and pain burned into my skull.

I knew what was going to happen next.

I stopped screaming mindlessly in pain and hyperventilated, trying to conserve my breath as I cried out for help.

It reached my eyes and my anguished screams returned. It was horrifyingly painful-

'It wouldn't be painful if you didn't resist us.'

"Shut up, shut up, shut up, SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP!!!"

A new wave of pain coursed through me and I screamed my lungs out as the flaming inferno of colour finally began covering my horn.

It was only a matter of time.

I couldn't let it-

I couldn't let THEM-

I COULDN'T-

I-

"-WAKE UP!!"

Andromeda

I gasped as I awoke in a cold sweat. Celestia was looking down at me, panic and concern etched into her face along with worry. I lay back down and looked away, sucking in as much glorious oxygen as my lungs could take with each breath.

"Andromeda? Are you ok? What happened??"

"It… it was nothing, just a bad-"

"It wasn't nothing! You were tossing and turning violently, almost screaming in your sleep. You were almost as loud as somepony using the Royal Canterlot Voice!"

My ears drooped, pressing against my head in shame. I had made her upset already, after everything she's done for me... this couldn't be good sign...

I just... I just hope she doesn’t-

Celestia hugged me tight and nuzzled my neck from behind. "I was so worried about you, Andromeda... I was scared for you. Please... you don't have to tell me right now, but let me help you. Tell me what troubles ail your mind so we can fix them; together.” Celestia turned me over so she could look me in the eye. I could see the gathering tears that threatened to rush forth like a flood, before she hugged me tightly to her barrel. “Please, Andromeda."

I nodded. As frightening as the dream was, Celestia's comforting words eased my breathing and heart, and I nearly melted in her loving embrace, a few tears falling from my own eyes. We stayed there like that for a few moments as we both calmed down.

"Now get some sleep, I shall watch over you and protect you from any more nightmares, ok?"

I nodded again, already feeling the grip of sleep taking hold once more. "Alright... mum."

I could practically feel the joy radiating off her from that word, and I could tell she was smiling.

"Goodnight, my prince."

Celestia

I kissed him goodnight and soon he had fallen back asleep peacefully. I could feel my heart swell with pride at his words. I had never had a foal of my own before, and I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but the feelings of joy I had felt from such a simple thing as him calling me “mum” were all I needed to know with certainty that my decision was the correct one. The only concerns now were not of concern for our bond, but for Andromeda himself...

...and especially for his dreams.

I know he must have been through some awful events during his life alone on the streets, and surely they must haunt him, for what else could be the cause of such terror?

A dark thought crossed my mind as I recalled how close Nightmare Moon’s return was... perhaps she is causing some manner of influence upon his dreams? Could it be happening to more ponies than just Andromeda, or was he targeted specifically...?

But whatever his dreams pertained to, it caused him enough distress that he screamed his little lungs out... I didn't know if I should tell him or not.

The fact of the matter was that he did use the Royal Canterlot Voice- or at least some variant of it. He was so loud that my ears were still ringing slightly. Even dear Luna, the master of the Canterlot voice herself, would have been impressed.

...Thank the stars my chambers were soundproofed during construction...

And then....

...there was the other issue.

While he was stuck in his night-terror, his body was aglow; his eyes, and then horn, shining bright with iridescent light… ablaze with it even. Despite his broken horn- if this was any indication of his potential -his magical ability was still quite potent, to the extent where he was far stronger than numerous fully-developed unicorns I have met in the past. Should I tell him...? Should he know what I saw? Should I…

I turned my head behind me to look at the objects that had appeared during the course of his nightmare, now fading again; returning to the place from whence they came. Maybe I was wrong about… or perhaps not? I simply do not know anymore. But, should I tell him about them? Should he know?

...Not yet. there will be a time to reveal everything to him, but not tonight. He was still reeling from his night terror and didn't need to have all of this placed upon him right now. The few objects that still remained glowed faintly with magic as they slowly vanished.

I turned my head back to Andromeda's sleeping form, laying there soundly. I pet his head a few times with my hoof before laying my head back down next to him. I would deal with this tomorrow.

ERROR

They had finally vanished by the time Celestia had fallen asleep. Their task had not been completed- this time -but soon it would be. They had manipulated events throughout history before, and had done so again recently to bring Celestia and 'Andromeda', as she called him, together. But now, Celestia protected him, and their plans for him would have to be altered. They would need to be patient. He was still in their sights, and they would achieve their first goal of many for him soon enough. It was only a matter of time for them now… for them, and for Stardust...***

Author's Note

And so Andromeda is added amongst the ranks of the “protagonist who has a tragic backstory and gets everything* they want” hall of fame (for now...). But don’t be too quick to label him as just another Mary Sue character (or Marty Stu, since that’s apparently the male equivalent), his story is not yet all said and done... and things are not always as they seem...

Edit:
I changed a little bit at the end and added some new stuff. Decided I’m going to add in some more story points to keep everything together such as Celestia’s concerns over Nightmare Moon’s return, especially now that she has a son.

Chapter 7: BEGINNING

Old Fiend, New Fiend

<<>>
Cadance

I stepped into the aunt Celestia's chambers with even more nervousness than the day prior. Celestia had told me about the events of last night and how he had had a nightmare. It was a little surprising that Andy (a cute little nickname I had mentioned to Celestia for Andromeda) could use the Canterlot Voice. Even I still couldn't use it. But for it to happen in the middle of a nightmare of all things? I couldn't imagine what was that bad.

As I stepped inside, I saw the adoption papers sitting on the coffee table along with Andy's breakfast. I guess he still wasn't up yet-

A muffled grunt and subsequent groan issued from Celestia's room.

I made my way in to find Andy over near the lit fireplace, a few white shards of... something lay in between him and the fireplace, his head held in his hooves.

"Are you alright?"

He flinched and looked at me when I said that. I guess he wasn't expecting me yet.

Andromeda

Well, I wasn't expecting her to walk in on my latest attempt to remove my magic... More specifically, what I had deduced to be the primary source/focus of magic in my unicorn anatomy: my horn. I had tried removing it many times in the past to... various levels of success. This time I was trying using fire. I actually managed to chip it a few times without singeing my hair when Cadance spoke up.

Just how long had she been there? ...not long I hope... no, she hadn't seen me. Thank goodness.

It seemed the last time I chipped a piece off, my low growl of pain must have piqued her interest. Luckily, that means she doesn't know what I was doing... considering that removing a unicorn's horn is sometimes fatal.

Thank ye Princesses for thine interference. (An old saying I had found in a very, VERY old book I once read that I found to be appropriate for this situation.)

<<>>
Andromeda

"So… this makes it official?"

During the whole process of filling in the adoption papers, I had begun to lose my concentration and relied more and more on Cadenza's support. (Yes, I had slipped up again twice today and decided to just roll with it- the name, I mean.)

"Basically." Cadance replied "See, this one confirms you've read everything, but this signature confirms you're accepting of the terms."

Everything was written in what Cadenza called 'legalese', the language lawyers used in documentation. I asked Cadance for the "rundown" (a new term to me) and she gave me a brief summary after I tried reading the first few pages. It was... difficult, to say the least. Even for me.

"Okay…" I crudely signed the document, holding the pen in my mouth "…eleven down, one to go... right?"

Cadenza picked up the last document in her hooves to read it over. The expression on her face as she began reading was unreadable. It was... some manner of concentration from reading the legalese, thoughtfulness, concern, and questioning with traces of confusion... or at least, that's what I think it could be.

"Ok, so this one we can pretty much skip for now, and go through when auntie Celestia gets here. It's just more of the same, but for inheritances and stuff."

Cadance

I couldn't tell him yet. Celestia hadn't told him, and I wasn't about to break it to him yet. I was expecting a document to come up at some point about royal position, though I was still quite unprepared for it; despite that.

Thankfully, Andy (he had accepted the nickname fine) was a little taken aback at the mention of titles and inheritance, and shook his head quickly back and forth. He wasn't too impressed by the idea of a noble title just yet. All the better that we leave this one be for now then.

It had taken us most of the day to sort through the pile of documents and now that we had finished we could do whatever we wanted. I was completely grateful that during the course of the day we had gone from barely speaking to actual conversations, even if they were about the large pile of documents we had completed. At least we were on speaking terms and he seemed comfortable around me now. I guess getting to see how nice Celestia is had helped him to open up to me quickly.

"Hey, Andy, now that we’re pretty much done, do you want to go down to the gardens?"

Celestia had recommended I take him outside to get some fresh air at some point and Celestia's private gardens were the best choice. They were nearby and there was nopony around to spook Andromeda or call me 'princess', so it was a brilliant plan.

"I… I don't really know… but, I mean… I guess…?"

I didn't wait for him to change his mind.

"C'mon then, let's go!"

I grabbed him by the hoof and nearly dragged him out into the corridor and down the staircase to Celestia's private gardens- the guards usually posted outside Celestia’s room noticeably absent.

<<<15 minutes later - Canterlot Castle>>>
Andromeda

I had never seen such a beautiful sight. The gardens were immaculate- not a single flower out of place; and they were all in bloom too, even thought it was the middle of winter. It took me quite a while to get over the awe-inspiring sight.

Cadenza had given me a quick tour of the grounds and now I stood before the only odd thing in the entire gardens. Two statues, each depicting a chimeric creature known as a 'draconequus'. The first one was called 'Discord' by Cadenza, and the second had the name 'Eris' engraved on the base. While Discord looked like the perfect picture of calm, Eris was much, much more frightened. She looked peaceful on the outside, sitting in a meditative pose and using her dragon-like tail for balance, but I could see it in her eyes, absolute fear and terror, like she was helpless to escape.

…a fear I know all too well.

And yet, something about the two screamed 'likeness' to me; as if the story between Discord and Eris was similar to that of me and my... original parents. As if Discord had purposefully cast aside Eris moments before they were both trapped in stone for eternity.

Of course, such a thing wasn't really possible, but it had its artistic value. Cadenza didn't like the statues, nor did she think they fit in the pristine gardens, but I saw otherwise. The two of them fit in near perfectly, contrasting against everything else in the area in a somewhat magnificent display of differentiation between the color of the gardens, and the stone grey of the petrified statues.

"Hey Andy! Come take a look at this!"

I took one final look at the twin statues before moving to follow after Cadenza. I could have sworn I saw Discord wink at me from out of the corner of my eye, but I resisted the urge to look back.

Cadenza was waiting for me at the entrance to what seemed to be a giant hedge-maze.

"What is it, Cadenza?"

"This is the hedge maze! It's said that whoever makes it to the center of the maze will win the treasure there! Let’s go!"

"Are… are you sure? What if we get lost?"

"It's a magical hedge maze silly! If you want to leave, you simply have to wish to find the exit and no matter which path you take you'll end up back where you started!"

"Well......... alright."

"Race you to the treasure!"

And with that, Cadenza shot off into the maze, turning left immediately.

Moments later, she reappeared and started walking back across towards the right.

"Wrong way."

<<<20 minutes ago - Canterlot Castle>>>
Twilight (3rd Person)

Twilight walked into Princess Cadance's room. She had begun to miss the times the two of them had spent together after the last month or so of little to no contact, and now that she was trying to see Cadance again, she couldn’t find any trace of her, leaving Twilight wanting to know where old babysitter was. When Twilight realised that Cadance wasn't there, she sighed and went to leave, before something caught her eye.

Twilight was a perfectionist, and a neat freak. And that single book out of place on the bookshelf would not do. As she went to move it, she read the cover. "One peek wouldn't hurt... right?" she asked herself as she opened up Cadance's diary.

"Just what have you been up to, Candace?"

**Cadance's Diary:
Hearth's Warming Day - 10:30pm
Celestia didn't show up to the celebrations today. She went straight to the throne room and called for the captain of the guard to give her report on an 'urgent matter'. Just what could be so urgent that she would miss one of the most important holidays of the year?**

Twilight frowned to herself. She knew that the Princess had missed the Hearth's Warming day celebrations in Canterlot, but for her to miss out on even the royal celebrations? This was unheard of. Twilight skipped the rest of the entry and flipped forward a few pages until....

**Cadance's Diary:
J 3 ~ 7am
OHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSH...**

Twilight reeled back at the hastily written phrase repeated across the whole page. It was messy, as if written in a hurry- the date and time, usually so neatly written, was roughly scrawled in a hurry... and it was only from yesterday too. Something must have been REALLY up for Cadance to simply write down this mess. She turned the page.

**Cadance's Diary:
Jan 4th - 8:15am
Oops, I just realised yesterday's entry didn't explain anything. Ok, let's start from the beginning.**

This was what Twilight wanted to see. She leaned forward to study Cadance's next words carefully.

**Cadance's Diary:
So, on Hearth's Warming eve, Celestia takes a break from her meeting and goes flying over Canterlot, like she sometimes does to relieve stress. During her flight, she hears faint cries for help. As it turns out, the colt she rescues has no name, no parents, was found in an alleyway in the middle of Black Canterlot, and should have died weeks; if not months, or even years ago from his injuries. Auntie Celestia told me what the medical doctor told her; "If you (Celestia) were to suffer the same injuries this colt has faced, then you would not survive for five minutes, even with your alicorn healing." Crazy, I know, right? But it's true!! I spoke to the doctor myself this morning! She said that every word was true, and listed so many injuries that it made my head spin. And this colt survived ALL of that for YEARS on the streets of CANTERLOT!!!**

Twilight didn't know what to think. If she stopped for a moment to think, she might have felt aghast about the colt's situation, but she was completely enraptured by the story at this point. It was like she was reading someone recapping their favourite novel.

**Cadance's Diary:
So, anyways. Celestia decides to take care of him personally, feeling somewhat responsible for his condition considering he was found on the streets of Canterlot, and yesterday came to me about staying with him while she caught up on the work that had piled up while she was looking after him and trying to find his parents.
As it turned out, he didn't have a name, and nopony in Canterlot has ever even seen him before, even though he has been living here his whole life. It's crazy, I know! But there's still more! There are no records of anyone like him ever being born! It's like he fell out of the sky!!
Anyways, Auntie Celestia approached me yesterday about taking care of him. I obviously accepted. When I first met him, he was the cutest, shyest little thing I had ever seen, despite being less than ten years younger than me. He accidentally called me 'Cadenza' instead of just 'Cadance', but I'll let him call me that if he wants; he's just too adorable and bashful to say no to. When I finally got to properly look at him, I honestly couldn't tell you how I felt; but I'll get back to that later.
So I sat down and tried to talk with him for a while, but we just ended up silently reading books. As it turns out, he doesn't use magic, even though he's a unicorn (his horn is broken, but according to Celestia it doesn't impact his magical ability...?). When I asked him why, he started shaking like a leaf and tearing up. He went pale, as pale as his black coat would let him, that is, and left to go sleep it off for a bit. Apparently he's afraid of it... I decided that since he's afraid of his own magic, and therefore won't use it, I won't use mine either. That way it's fair.
Anyways, Celestia also told me today about what happened yesterday and what she's planning on doing about the colt. The two of them agreed on the name 'Andromeda' for him, and today we're hoping I can help Andy get through the adoption papers. No, I'm not adopting him, that'd be silly! Celestia's adopting him!**

At this point, Twilight dropped the book in her magic. Celestia... PRINCESS CELESTIA was ADOPTING A SON!! Twilight scrambled to get back to where she was; she had to know more, she NEEDED to know more.

**Cadance's Diary:
So yeah, OH! And he doesn't know about our royal titles yet, so there's that. He's been so isolated that he didn't even know what an alicorn was, and Celestia said that when she first lit the fireplace he looked awestruck. That was LITERALLY the FIRST time he had EVER seen fire. In his life!!
Anyways, that's abou---- OH! I should describe him!!
He's rugged, but in a kind of handsome way, with a shiny black coat, a white mane with a light blue stripe running through it, and those dre--- I mean, and red eyes. Heh heh, yeah, he has red eyes. Um... Yeah. Black coat, White mane and tail, light blue streak, no cutie mark, dreamy-- I mean, red eyes, and a shy personality. Overall, he's handsome; he makes my heart fl----- NEVERMIND THAT LAST BIT!! COMPLETELY DISREGARD AND IGNORE THAT.... oh, who am I kidding. Nopony's going to read this except me. Heeheehee~ Oh, Andromeda, how you make my heart soar. You don't even realise it, but you're just.. you're gorgeous, handsome, shy... oh Andromeda. Any mare would be lucky to have you. If only you knew how much**

Twilight slammed the book shut a few moments later with a blush that made her look like a tomato. She didn't need to see that bit, and wanted to erase it from her mind. Perhaps... reading that far wasn't the best idea. As she tried, and failed, to get her blush under control, she heard a noise from the open window.

Replacing the book onto the shelf it came from (neatly), she moved over to it and looked out. In Celestia's gardens was Cadance and- Twilight gasped and let her jaw drop. Not only was Cadance currently with Princess Celestia's future son, but... as much as Twilight didn't want to believe it, she was right. Twilight couldn't stop the blush from returning to her cheeks. Cadance's description had been spot-on, and even from this far away, Twilight could still see that he was almost definitely the most handsome colt she had ever seen- not that she’d ever thought to look before! Her studies had always been more important than this kind of thing, but… maybe Cadance’s words had gotten to her. She was the alicorn of love for a reason; she knew exactly how to spark romance in any situation... perhaps all too well.

Twilight then realised; if Celestia was going to have him as a son, she would likely be teaching him personally as well, and that meant...

Twilight blushed even harder when she realised how often she was going to be around him from now on. Normally, something like this wouldn’t get to her; but his story- even in the brief summary Cadance had given- had made her feel as attached to him as a protagonist in any other story she might read, and Cadance’s words had obviously flipped a switch in her. The fact that he was actually real was the last straw. Sure, Twilight had crushed on a few fictional characters before (and at one point Starswirl himself), but they were fiction. Andromeda was real, and she would likely be seeing him around nearly every day she came to the palace from now on…

All she needed now was an introduction.

Author's Note

It was at this moment, the author knew, he'd fudged up.
While editing this chapter, I realised the text colours of Cadance and Twilight looked too similar, so I had to go back and re-edit the WHOLE thing so far.
Brilliant...

That said, I’m an idiot and have no idea how to write romance... or slice-of-life for that matter! I’m just giving this my best shot. Don’t be afraid to tell me how I can improve!

Chapter 8: KNOWLEDGE

school.

<<<2 days later - Canterlot Castle>>>
Andromeda

Yesterday, Celestia had left work early to go over the adoption papers with me. Cadenza had taken the morning off to deal with... uh, 'personal matters'. Apparently, according to Celestia, her student Twilight Sparkle, whom Cadenza looked after when they were younger, had read Cadenza's diary and the two needed to sort some things out between them.

Celestia had filled in the last document herself, and then everything was submitted and finished. As of today, we were, officially, mother and son. I’ve never had a mother before, at least I don't think so. But today was not just special because of that. Today was the first day Celestia started her tutoring again. She had taken on Twilight a number of years ago after an impressive display of magic (one which had actually left me a new bruise if I remember correctly, though I'm long over it. Not the worst thing a stray bolt of magic has done to me, and one of the few times I ignored my instincts, to my own peril). Cadenza had actually finished school and was studying for… I think it was a position somewhere? They didn’t exactly explain it, but since Cel- mum, was going to tutor me personally too, she thought having Cadenza there as a friendly face would help me in my studies.

On top of that, Celestia was recalling Twilight back here to tutor in person. Apparently mum would ordinarily send study resources to Twilight and leave her to her own devices after the mare proved she was more than self-sufficient, though decided to bring her back so that the two of us could be taught together at the same time.

Celestia stopped in front of me and Cadenza, whom had met us on the way here, and opened the door on her left. This was where she had tutored Twilight in the past, and now, where she would tutor all three of us.

"Here we are."

As we stepped inside, we found a small sitting room with a few bookshelves in the back corners, a giant glass window at the end of the room overlooking the gardens, a chalkboard on the left, and three desks with seats in the middle. Twilight was already seated and waiting. She was purp-… wait, I have a feeling she prefers it to be called lavender… I remember something like that from an argument or two I overheard in the streets, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was her... at least that's what my instincts are telling me (they had been somewhat unusually silent the past few days). Before I could get a better look she noticed that we had walked in and turned away a little as a slight blush came onto her face. My guess is that she is either embarrassment from whatever happened between her and Cadenza or because she wasn’t used to studying in a group, though again my instincts told me otherwise. Surely it can't have anything to do with me?

As we took our seats, Cadance sat in the middle, with Twilight on her far side, closer to the door, and me on her right, closer to the window. Twilight tried sneaking a look at me as I sat in my seat, but quickly turned away and blushed a bit more. Ok, it seems my instincts might be smarter than I give them credit for.

Still no idea what her problem is though.

“Andromeda, this is Twilight, my student I told you about. Twilight, this is Andromeda, though I’m sure Cadance likely told you already,” Twilight and Cadance nod in confirmation; “Good, in that case, let us begin.”

Celestia teleports in several books and places one of each on our tables. I give the cover titles a quick glance over. “Monsters and Magic by Tora Del” “Uncanny Magic by the Pines Twins” “Advanced Spellcraft 2nd Edition by Magnus Firebloom” and… blank? Oh, it’s a notebook. That makes sense.

“Thank you Celestia,”
“Thank you Auntie Celestia,”
“…thanks, mum…”

I softly added my thanks, though Twilight had a weird look on her face; both when she said “Celestia” and when I referred to her as my mother. Celestia obviously noticed my impending inner turmoil and spoke up to alleviate my worries.

“It’s alright, you can call me that in front of the others,” she leaned in a bit and whispered with a coy smile “It’s not like it’s a secret who we are.”

Cadance covered her mouth with a hoof and gave a quick snort with a smile on her face while Twilight almost looked like she was stuck between whether to roll her eyes, face-hoof, or join in, but was too worried to do so.

Celestia

I had chosen the topic of natural magic and monsters associated with it to begin with, in order to help integrate Andromeda into my tutoring, given how he had expressed interest in the topic on multiple occasions previously. Starting with a topic he was interested with was bound to give a more positive result overall, so I began with a short recap of everything I had talked to Twilight about before without introducing too much for Andromeda’s sake.

Then I decided to make a point by asking a question Andromeda would either know, in which case it will help me gauge his progress , or he won’t, and I’ll be able to help him understand that it’s ok to not know the answers to things and that all he has to do if he doesn’t understand something is ask.

“Andromeda, can you tell me what Mog’s law on monsters is?”

Twilight instantly shot her hoof up to answer, but it wasn’t Twilight that I was asking.

“It’s ok if you don’t know, you only need to say so...” I stopped myself when he opened his mouth to speak.

“Mog’s law is the idea that two creatures of the same race and species in slightly different environments can have drastically different magical traces and therefore behave in unique ways that do not always align with their current habitat; meaning that they must move on to look for a location more suitable for their needs,” he answered softly.

I’ll admit I’m impressed. For having self-educated he is indeed quite knowledgeable in this topic. I wonder if he spent most of his time studying since he had so little else to do all those years he was on the streets.

“Correct. Though this law defines almost all monsters, there are occasionally monsters that make their environment more conducive to their needs and alter it in some way, shape, or fashion. Twilight, can you give me a famous example of this occurring?”

“The 19 Ursai of Littlewood Gap. They brought down half of the nearby mountain to block nearly all the exits to the valley so that their nest was secure against the local fauna such as Timberwolves that would regularly steal from their food supply.”

“Correct. And can you tell us how the Ursai were defeated?”

Despite Twilight being the focus of my attention, I spot Andromeda glance out the window and towards the garden.

“Starswirl used the instability in the mountain caused by its partial collapse by the Ursai to bring the rest down on top of them, trapping them underground.”

I compliment Twilight on her answer and continue with my lesson as planned, though I still catch Andy occasionally glancing towards the window from time to time. He didn’t appear bored, but more… curious. My patience was rewarded several hours later when he eventually spoke up.

“What about the statues in the garden? Are they monsters too?”

“Indeed, though they are a very special type of creature. They are what's known as a Draconequus, or Draconequines for multiple. Discord was known as the Spirit of Chaos, and took over Equestria not long after the arrival of the pony tribes. He and his likeness, Eris, were defeated over a thousand years ago by powerful magic that sealed them away.”

“You were the one that beat him, weren’t you, Aunty?”

“Well, it was not just me… but that is a story for another time. For now, read up on Advanced Spellcraft chapter 21 and 23 as we will be covering those in more details tomorrow. And that will be the end of class for today.”

They stood up and began packing up their things. Twilight placed her books in a saddle bag, her notebook already filled with several pages of notes. Cadance went to use telekinesis to pack away her books, before frowning and using her mouth to place them in the bag she had brought with her- refraining from using magic for now like she had told Andromeda she would, though her movements were clumsy and awkward. Andromeda, on the other hoof, was struggling to make his books into an arrangement that he could carry, presumably under one arm, though he was much more fluid in his motions than Cadance- years of experience backing up his every action.

I walked over and picked up his books in my magic, levitating them to the side.

“Do you want me to take these back with me?”

“…yes, please…” he gave a shy nod.

I smiled at him and began making my way over to the door, giving Twilight a nod of farewell on my way out- I would likely see Cadance at dinner. Andromeda followed close by my side, almost shadowing my hoofsteps.

As we entered the hallway and began making our way back, I spoke up and he trotted a little faster to catch up so we were walking side by side.

“So, how was your first day of school? Was the teacher nice to you?”

His brow furrowed in thought for a moment before he turned to face me with a look that seemed to ask if I had honestly just asked him that. I began laughing and he soon broke into a smile as well.

“You should patent that look, it is quite the expression.”

After we calmed down a small smile remained on his face as we walked in silence for a few moments.

“It was nice…”

“Do you think you can handle it again tomorrow?”

He took a moment before replying, “Yes… In fact, I think I’m looking forward to it.”

My smile broadened at that. It seems that I made the right choice, bringing him into my life. When you reach the lowest point things can only get better, and it’s only just beginning.

<<<1 hour later - Canterlot>>>
Twilight (3rd Person)

“SPIKE! I’M HOME!”

“You’re back!” Spike called out from the kitchen. The little dragon soon came running out to greet Twilight, crumbs littering the floor as he ran towards the front door, a half-eaten cookie in one hand which he attempted to hide behind his back.

“Spike…”

“Y-yes?”

“What have I told you about keeping the floors clean!”

Spike looked back towards the kitchen and noticed the small mess he had just made, before letting out a sigh that his secret snack hadn’t been noticed. “Ah, ahaha… I- yeah, I’ll get right onto that.” He grabbed a nearby broom and began sweeping the floor clean- right after stuffing the rest of the cookie into his maw, burning it a little in the process.

Twilight turned and slung her saddlebags over the coat rack. “And don’t think I didn’t notice…”

Spike froze as Twilight turned to him again.

“I appreciate the effort, Spike, but you really need to stop cooking. I can smell the burnt biscuits from here.” Spike relaxed, knowing he was safe from Twilight’s wrath.

Twilight settled onto the couch, levitating over the textbook Celestia had given her and began to read.

“So… why did the princess want you to come in for classes again? Doesn’t she normally just give you study material and leave you to it?” Spike gasped in mock surprise, “Did you do something?”

“No, Spike. Celestia has a new student and found it would be far more efficient to tutor the three of us at the same time.”

“Three? Is-“

“Cadance is also attending. Probably just to get closer to Andromeda…” Twilight mumbled the last part under her breath.

Spike took a seat on the couch opposite her. “So what’s the new student like? Do they also have a dragon?”

“No spike, they…” Twilight took a moment to compose her thoughts. She trusted Spike entirely; there were very few things that she wouldn’t tell him. But princess Celestia had ordered her to not tell anypony about Andromeda, not yet. But… Spike wasn’t any-pony…

“He’s a friend of the royal family,” she paused, “…of sorts.”

“Wow! They must be really important to be able to get personal tutoring from the princess!”

Twilight resumed her reading. “Yes, I suppose he is…”

Seeing that Twilight wasn’t going to answer any more of his questions while she was in study mode, he decided to get back up and tidy up his room again. It had been pretty lonely with Twilight spending the whole day with princess Celestia, but tomorrow would make it all worth it.

“Hey Twi, I’m so excited. I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight.”

“You better. You’re a growing young dragon, Spike. You need your rest… but I know what you mean. I can hardly wait either.”

Spike grinned. If Twilight was as eager for tomorrow as he is then it was going to be one incredible day. He bounded up the stairs as Twilight let her thoughts take her attention away from the book before her.

I can’t wait to see them again… maybe Andromeda will even talk to me… but how do I get his attention? And Cadance likes him too… I’ve never even thought about any of this before, how am I supposed to know what to do in this situation? I’m going up against the alicorn of love without any experience and no plan…

Twilight stood up, leaving the textbook on the chair and walked into the library.

I suppose it’s time I changed that.

Author's Note

And that is the first 8 chapters.
Note that it may take some time for me to get the rest out, though I have a clear idea of where to go from here in regards to the main plot and ending... to both this book and it's sequel. (I just hope I don't get too wrapped up in the sequel to focus on the current story.)
Next chapters will be "filler" content. Let me know if there are any specific events/holidays you want to see Andromeda take part in!
- Krystl

Chapter 9: PROGRESS

UJDPQCNA

<<>>
Spike

I stared down the door with all the fury my kind was known for. To say I was angry was an understatement, for I, Spike, am FURIOUS. I can’t believe that Twilight forgot. Not just that, but she didn’t even seem to care. She spent all night in that library of hers, fell asleep whilst researching again, and then dashed out the door the moment she realised the sun had risen. She didn’t even bother to check that she had all of her books with her- which she didn’t; Advanced Spellcraft 2nd Edition by Magnus Firebloom was still on the couch where she had left it last night.

I can’t believe she forgot about today! Of all days-

Twilight

“Spike! I’m-“

“EEP!”

I stared at Spike, he was standing at the base of the stairs and looked like I had just given him a heart attack, not that such a thing would be possible to achieve in these circumstances.

“Spike? What are you…?”

Spike’s eyes started watering profusely before he ran to me and began sobbing into my coat.

“How… how could you forget???”

I tried to wrack my memories for anything I might have missed… I had already had a stressful enough day today after forgetting my textbook and nearly falling asleep during class on numerous occasions. Perhaps late night studying before days like this are a bad idea… oh, who am I kidding. This was probably just a once-off. I’ll be fine next time.

“Was it that… thing with the flowers again?”

Spike glared at me with all the adorable annoyance he could muster. “You forgot my birthday!”

Oh…

OH HORSEAPPLES!!

“Oh my Celestia, I am so, SO sorry Spike, I completely forgot-“

“Yeah, I know you did because I had to spend it on my own.”

I visibly recoil from his remark. It hurts a little bit to know I missed something like this, but I can fix this. I can fix anything; I’m Twilight Sparkle!

“I’ll make it up to you! I promise! I-I’ll get you a ruby! A ruby the size of a pony! A-and…”

Spike was shaking his head.

“I don’t want a ruby, Twilight! I just want to spend more time with you!”

“Oh, Spike…”

“You’re always so busy! If it isn’t some new novel you’ve found it’s studying for an exam, or it’s work for the princess, or Cadance has an issue that only the two of you can talk about because it’s ‘mare stuff’ and I wouldn’t understand!”

I blushed a little at that last one, it had been the excuse I used to ditch Spike when Cadance wanted to meet up with me after finding out I had read her diary.

“I…”

“Twilight… I just want to spend some time with you, without interruptions. Just this once.”

“…”

“Please?”

I thought about what I could do. I had to attend the princess’ tutoring for another three days this week, and over the weekend I wanted to dedicate as much time as possible to the task that princess Celestia said she would be giving me. I couldn’t let the princess down, but I couldn’t just abandon Spike either… maybe that could work…

“Spike, what about if I take you with me to the castle. You get to see the princess and Cadance again, and meet the new student; and I’ll even get you some of those sapphire gem-cookies you like so much. Okay?”

Spike was still a little upset, but wiped away his tears and crossed his arms.

“…for how long?”

“F… for tomorrow… why?”

“…3 months.”

Apparently he wasn’t going down without negotiating this one. Normally I wouldn’t give in to such childish behaviour, but he deserved it this time.

“A week.”
“2 months.”
“The rest of this week, and the next.”
“A month and a half.”
“The rest of this week, and the next two.”
“The next 3?”
“Deal.”
“Deal.”

We shook pony-hoof-to-dragon-paw to seal the agreement.

My finances were going to take a hit from this (sapphire gem-cookies were NOT cheap!), but at least Spike is happy with me again.

<<>>
Andromeda

Celestia and I walked out into the gardens together. Today we were practicing practical applications of magic… or at least Cadance and Twilight were. Celestia allowed me to sit on the sidelines and study how they performed, seeing if I could understand what they were doing and finding any flaws in their casting of spells.

“Are you certain you still want to attend today’s lesson? I know you don’t have the best relationship with magic and completely understand if you want to sit this one out. You don’t have to be here if you don’t want to be.”

I shook my head.

“It’s…” I paused, “…a little bit more complicated than just ‘magic’. It isn’t magic itself, nor spellcasting that makes me nervous. I’m fine around spells and magical artifices, and those who use them. But…”

“When it comes to your own magic you have concerns,” Celestia finished. I nodded in response.

“Hello auntie Celestia, hello Andy!”

I nod my head in greeting towards Cadance as she enters the courtyard, Twilight only several hooves behind her.

“I’m so sorry I’m late, I had to stop by the castle kitchen for Spike, and then I almost forgot the textbook and thought I left it at home again, and then on my way out of the castle, Spike told me he’d packed it in my saddlebags, and so I came here as fast as I could, I’m sorry pri-…”

Twilight (3rd Person)

Twilight cut herself off.

It was so ingrained in her habits to call Celestia “princess” that she’d almost completely forgotten about Andromeda. She had explained to Spike the previous night that he couldn’t call Celestia princess under any circumstances, no matter what he might normally do.

Spike had pressed her for more information, but she had denied his curiosity. She had already told him this much, but she needed to check with the princess about letting Spike in on the whole story before she did something the princess didn’t approve of.

“Um… I-I’m so sorry, Celestia.”

It still felt weird for Twilight to say that so casually. She was speaking with princess Celestia, ruler of all Equestria, the most powerful pony on the planet, as if she were an old friend- something she noticed Spike immediately picked up on.

“It is fine, Twilight. You are not late. Speaking of, however… hello there, Spike. It is nice to see you again. Happy birthday for yesterday.”

Spike wandered forwards to stand beside Twilight, who flinched at the mention of Spike's birthday. Now that she thought about it, she realised that Celestia had been dropping hints all day yesterday... which only made her feel worse. Great.

“Hello p- oof!”

Twilight jabbed Spike in the side to cut him off, and with a small scowl in Twilight’s direction for the hit, he got the message and resumed.

“Hello, Celestia.”

Celestia went to chuckle behind a hoof at Spike and Twilight’s antics, when things were set into motion that caused her to refrain from the action as she remembered that Andromeda was there, and had never seen a dragon before.

<<<6 seconds ago - Canterlot Castle>>>
Andromeda

When they spoke of a “Spike”, I didn’t think he would be here- though that would normally be fine; I’d probably just be a little bit shyer than usual. But when the 4-hoof-tall bipedal lizard showed itself (himself?) I freaked out inside. I knew it was safe to be around. Twilight, Cadance, and Celestia were acting like it was an old friend, and the guards would have stopped it if it was dangerous; and my instincts would be telling me to flee for the hills if he were any kind of threat.

That said, I don’t always think logically, and despite knowing that the situation was under control, the irrational part of my brain panicked and forced me into a fight-or-flight mode.

I dived for the safety of Celestia and hid underneath her, trying to cover and hide myself in her flowing tail… or mane; I didn’t have time to see and recall which one I grabbed in the moment.

“Oh my sun and stars, Andromeda, I’m so sorry. This is Spike, he’s Twilight’s friend. Don’t worry, he won’t hurt you. I can assure you that he is quite tame.”

Spike seemed to take that as a challenge. “Tame? I’m Spike the dragon! Ain’t NOTHING ‘tame’ about meeee-!!” Celestia lifted Spike into the air by his tail with her magic, leaving him quite helpless.

“See? He’s quite harmless.”

“That wasn’t what those cookies thought about me earlier…”

I left the comfortable safety of Celestia and walked a little bit closer to inspect him.

By his physical appearance he had to be a “…dragon,” his wings hadn’t developed, but his claws were long enough (even if filed back) to put him around the age of “…roughly 9, 10 years old…” I began circling him as I continued analysing him.

“Uhh… what’re you doing?”

I stopped and realised I might be invading his personal space by staring at him like this.

“A-ah, s-sorry, I…”

“No, it’s okay. I’m just asking.”

“I, I’ve never seen a dragon before. I’ve read all about them, but…”

Spike smirked and crossed his arms, still suspended by his tail.

“Lemme guess, nothing compares to the real thing?”

I nod.

Celestia turned Spike upright and gently returned him to the ground.

“Now, for today we will be practicing some techniques and basic advanced-level spells. Twilight, Cadance, I want the two of you to try implementing what we discussed yesterday. Twilight,” the mare flinched, “if you have any trouble remembering yesterday’s lesson, just ask one of your fellow students or myself. Andromeda will be sitting on the side and analysing how you both use your spells, as well as attempting to find any flaws you may make.”

Cadance nodded and went to begin warming up.

“Wait, why isn’t Andromeda practicing? Wouldn’t it be better for him to get hooves-on experience with spellcasting rather than just watching us?”

Celestia glanced at me, and went to begin speaking before I spoke up for her.

“I have certain… issues pertaining to my magic. It can… I have found that it… is best if I do not use my magic, not that I can use much of it with a broken horn…”

Twilight looked at me, then at my horn. She scowled for a moment before accepting the answer and moving off to warm up her magic with Cadance. Celestia took a seat on the grass watching them and I sat beside her, with Spike sitting down next to me. I was just glad that Twilight hadn’t gone through with studying my horn. I had attempted to chip it again last night after class had ended while Celestia was busy, and managed to break off a few more fragments.

I don’t think Celestia noticed, but Twilight had a keen eye for details like this… apparently.

Celestia

It took some time for things to get going, but it was nice being able to sit back and take my time for once; especially with my little Andromeda by my side. It took him a few minutes, but he and Spike eventually started to open up to one another and began casual conversation. I would occasionally ask him about Cadance and Twilight’s performance when I knew he was watching them, but otherwise left him to interact with the young drake. It was not often Spike had a stallion to talk with or made new friends; many in Canterlot were wary of him due to his species. The same could be said for Andromeda, given everything that happened.

As the day progressed, things changed. Cadance and Twilight fell into their usual habits when casting- Twilight always trying to be perfect with her spells, sometimes attempting to force them out right if they didn’t seem properly formed; Cadance always trying to make her spells flow… ‘frilly’ is the term I would use to describe them. Two opposite ends of the spectrum. Too rigid or too loose when casting magic could set you up for disaster in the long run. It is far better to be adaptable, yet diligent. Like Spike and Andromeda’s conversation.

I was more than surprised when the two began discussing details on dragons that I had not realised Andromeda was aware of. He seems to know more about magical creatures than he lets on, and certainly more than I gave him credit for. Perhaps that is where his talent lies? He is still yet to obtain his cutie mark, though some ponies go through their entire lives and never find their talent, so it is not too concerning at the moment. Or perhaps his knowledge itself is the key to his talent? He knows much more than the average colt…

After a break around noon for lunch and a brief revision of today’s lesson, I let them all out of class early for the day around 2pm. Spike was eager to get some more cookies from the kitchen and hang out with Andromeda; even if Twilight looked like she wanted to return home as soon as possible. Is she researching something again? Or perhaps it’s another new novel she’s found.

“C’mon, Andy! It’s only down the hall a bit, it’s not like we have to travel across half of Equestria!”

Andromeda looked at me.

“If you want to go, you have my blessing. You only need to call if you need me, and I will be there.”

He nodded somewhat unsurely, and cautiously made his way out of the courtyard with Spike and Twilight. I gathered the few things he had brought down with him and teleported them back to our room as Cadance walked up to me.

“He’s been doing really well. I don’t know what he was like at first with you, but I think he’s becoming a lot more comfortable around others.”

I nod my head at that. “Yes. Though we should not overburden him with too many ponies too quickl-“

“WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!?”

“Oh no…” “Oh no…”

“When auntie Celestia hears about this transgression you’ll be sorry!”

Cadance and I rushed into the hallway the others had entered moments ago only to find them facing down the one pony I had hoped to keep away from Andromeda for the time being.

“Do you not know who I am?!”

Cadance made a break for it.

“I am Pr-OOMMPH!!”

“Thank you Cadance…” I whispered under my breath. She’d managed to reach Blueblood before he could let his “title” slip, and tackled him to the ground.

The three onlookers stood in stunned silence as Cadance held Blueblood in a headlock with one hoof and had another stuffed into his mouth to prevent him from speaking.

“I’ll meet you guys up ahead; I just have to deal with my brother here,” she tightened the headlock in emphasis; “I apologise for his rudeness and behaviour. I’ll catch up with you later.”

And with that Cadance teleported out of there.

Author's Note

One slice-of-life filler chapter down; one to go...

Chapter 10: OUTSIDE

Leaving The Comfort Zone

<<<5:40pm - Canterlot>>>
Twilight (3rd Person)

“HE’S WHAT!?”

Twilight had to brace herself against Spike’s shouting.

“So, you’re telling me that I just went for cookies and biscuits with THE PRINCE OF EQUESTRIA?!”

“He’s not a prince, yet. He still doesn’t know about Celestia’s title-“

“WHY DOES THAT MATTER!? He’s still Celestia’s SON! That alone makes him 100 times more prince than anyone else in Equestria!!”

Twilight sighed. This is going to be a long night…

<<>>
Cadance (3rd Person)

Blueblood inhaled deeply.

“So what you’re telling me is: that brat I- oof!”

“His name is Andromeda. I suggest you use it, brother, lest you incur Celestia’s wrath in place of my own.”

Blueblood rubbed the spot on his muzzle where Cadance had slapped him.

“That… Andromeda…” Blueblood said Andromeda’s name as if it were an affront to his ‘nobility’, though managed to get away without another slap from his sister, “…is now the adopted son of princess Celestia.”

“That is correct.”

“Well that’s DREADFUL! I can only imagine what kind of spell he must have her under… that barbaric, pitiful excuse for a-“

*THWACK*

Blueblood was sent flying across the room, only to end up landing on his bed to the dismay of an agitated Cadance. She rolled up the sleeves of her nightgown and began walking across the room to her brother.

This is going to be a long night…

<<>>
Andromeda (3rd Person)

As the weeks passed, life began to fall into a rhythm for Andromeda. He’d awaken as the sun rose in the east, sit down for breakfast with his mother, prepare for the day’s lessons and attend classes on weekdays, or sit down and either study or read on weekends while Celestia looked over the numerous documents that would be waiting in piles upon her desk each and every morning without fail.

After that, Celestia would often have to attend other matters in town, or in other parts of the building; a building which Andromeda was beginning to see as something that was more than just his and Celestia’s home. Ponies would move around the place, accomplishing various tasks, and many would come and go every day like clockwork. He was beginning to suspect it was closer to a small one-building city rather than just a home for Celestia, and now himself. The fact the only building in Canterlot this big was the castle also tipped him off to his current residence’s location.

Throughout his day, Cadance or Spike and Twilight would show up on occasion and interact with him. They’d hang out at his home (he still felt weird calling it “his home” instead of “Celestia’s home”), the gardens, or somewhere else around the castle grounds. Of an evening, he would go over any homework Celestia had assigned him, the mare herself by his side most nights to help him with anything he didn’t understand- not that there was much of that- then dinner and off to bed for the cycle to restart itself all over again.

Spike had been…fun(?) to hang out with. Andromeda had never had a friend before, and Spike felt like a good place to start. He’d also seen Blueblood around the castle once or twice in passing. Whenever “the Blue Menace,” as Spike called him, noticed Andromeda, he’d scowl and walk away swiftly; nothing like their first encounter.

Perhaps life has finally dealt Andromeda the cards he needed to succeed.

<<>>
Celestia (3rd Person)

Life had certainly not dealt Celestia the cards she needed to succeed in her endeavour.

“Are you absolutely certain about this captain? This is not a matter that can be taken lightly; and I do not blame you for what has happened…”

“I am certain, your majesty. I swore that if I could not find any substantial information on… Andromeda; that I would resign, and I plan on doing just that. I have failed you, princess. Forgive me.”

“There is nothing to forgive, Shimmer. You did your best, that’s all anypony can ask of you.”

“And yet my best was not good enough. Perhaps it is time I let someone more capable than myself take the lead.”

Twilight’s ears drooped as she stood beside the now ex-captain of the guard. The two of them had been working together since nearly the start of the year at Celestia's request, and yet they found nothing about Andromeda’s origins. It truly was as Cadance had described it in her diary: “…it’s as if he’s fallen out of the sky…”

The two in the room with Twilight turn to look at her. They felt bad that she had to exhaust herself so much for seemingly no results.

Celestia thought to herself for a moment. “Captain, if you truly wish to go through with this, we will need to make preparations to hand the position over to somepony else. A successor will also have to be chosen to be the pony to take over your current post.”

“I already have someone in mind, Princess.”

Celestia nodded, hiding her glum expression behind a mask. Shimmer Shield was one of the best royal guards to serve Equestria, to see her leave now was hard, though Celestia had done this time and time again before, she could do it again now.

“Twilight,” the mare in question looked up to Celestia; “I think it’s time for Andromeda to get out and see Canterlot proper. He has stayed in the castle so far, but it might be good for him to explore, and enjoy what Canterlot has to offer. Take Spike with you, he has grown fond of the young drake. I, of course, will not be able to come with you- the reactions to my presence would not be beneficial to Andromeda.” Twilight nodded. “Try to avoid as much mentioning of Cadance and myself as you can, though it will likely be unavoidable at some point.”

“Understood, princess.”

Celestia nodded, and the two visitors left her alone in the throne room.

<<>>
Andromeda

I woke up to find mum already awake and about.

“Come on Andromeda, time to get up.”

She nuzzled my face and gave me a peck on the forehead.

“Five more minutes?”

“Come on, Andromeda, you know that I have to head to work early today.”

I groaned a little before rolling to the edge of the bed and positioning myself so that I landed on my hooves when I fell off the edge. Celestia made the sheets with magic as we walked out into the main living space and sat down for breakfast.

“So, Andromeda. Today I was thinking you might get out of the castle a little bit. I’ve asked for Twilight and Spike to accompany you; Cadance is free to go with you as well if you want her to; if you think you can manage it. I am asking you to leave your comfort zone, and would not think any less of you if you decide that this is too much for you right now.”

I felt trepidation at her request. On one hoof, it would be nice to see Canterlot again, but… something felt off, like something bad would happen if I left the safety of the castle walls. That said, there was something I wanted to get from Canterlot if I got the chance. I suppose now was a good enough time as any to retrieve it.

I nodded to Celestia and finished my mouthful of cereal before responding. “I think I can manage that.”

Celestia gave me a warm smile in response. “I’ve already taken the liberty of packing a small bag for you to take. I’ve put in a blank notebook, quill, some change if you wish to buy something, and this,” Celestia levitated a small locket with her cutie mark upon it; “If you ever have need to go somewhere… off the trail, just show the guards this and they will let you through. It also functions as a clock.” Mum opened the locket up to reveal the timepiece inside, a small signature that read “Dr Whooves” was etched onto the minute hand of the watch. “Don’t be afraid of losing it, I enchanted it so that I can recall it should it ever become lost.”

I was hesitant in asking, but it was a concern I had. “What if… something happens.”

“You will have Canterlot’s second best unicorn and a dragon by your side at all times, but if something does happen,” Mum closed the locket and hung it around my neck, placing her hoof over the top of the locket, “I will be right here with you.”

I smiled at that, but...

“…if Twilight’s second, then who’s the best unicorn in Canterlot?”

Celestia smirked, “Do you even need to ask?”

<<>>
Andromeda

“…and now Shiny is gonna be captain of the royal guard!”

“I-I wouldn’t say that just yet, Twily. There are plenty of other candidates for the position. I might not even make it into consideration. The position is chosen by the princess herself, and I’ve hardly made any kind of impact in the guard that might be noticed.”

I feel the locket with a hoof. Spike is off getting snacks from Joe’s Donut shop while Twilight has introduced me to her brother and we’ve begun talking about everything from childhood shenanigans between the siblings to recent events. Apparently the captain of the royal guard, and therefore the entire Equestrian guard force, resigned.

“If the position is so highly sought after, then why did the last captain resign?”

Shining and Twilight look at me.

“Well that’s the thing, we don’t really know. She was still in her prime, so it wasn’t ordinary retirement… I’m not one for gossip or rumour, but…” Shining lowered his voice, “…word among the guard is that she was personally called upon for a task directly, by none other than the princess herself, and failed so badly that she was forced to abdicate of her own volition or be discharged from the guard.”

“What?! The princess would never do something like that!”

“SHH!!” Shining looked around, “That’s what I thought too, but as I said, these are only rumours.”

“And what task was it?”

Twilight paled a little.

“Apparently Shimmer Shield was sent to find information.”

“On what?”

It was at that moment that Spike returned.

“Hey, guys, I’m back!”

“OH! Spike! Good timing so what did you…”

Twilight attempted to drag the conversation away from where it was supposedly headed, but slowly cut herself off as Shining continued with answering the question nonetheless.

“Apparently; and take this information with a grain of salt, my sources on this weren’t very reliable; she was looking for somepony. Young; been missing for a decade or something. Nopony knows who they are, and the guards working with her weren’t told much about the situation, just to look for evidence that they apparently didn’t find.”

I had a sinking feeling I knew where this was going…

“Where? Maybe we could take a look, see what we can find. Who knows? Maybe it’ll help you with getting the position, Shining!”

“Black Canterlot…”

“How… how did you know that…?”

I swallowed the lump in my throat.

“It’s me.” I look at up at them, worried; “I’m the reason she was forced out of the guard. She was looking for information about me.”

“What…?”

“It…” we all looked to Twilight, her head was lowered and her ears splayed “It’s true… Celestia requested the two of us to find out what we could about where you came from. W-we could have asked, but we didn’t want to pry into any painful memories… a-and Shimmer said that if she couldn’t find anything, she’d resign, so… she did…”

I looked down at the ground. Celestia was so concerned about me that she would do all this…? Going all the way to the princess; so far that the captain of the royal guard would resign…? “It’s not like there’s much to find out… I don’t remember anything important… just,”

“13 years.”

I nod at Twilight, “Thirteen years.”

I feel bad, I… I have to do something to make this at least a little bit better… I take the locket from around my neck. Celestia said it carried her weight around Canterlot, right?

“If… if you were attempting to become captain of the guard, do you think this would help?”

I held up the amulet, causing both Shining and Twilight to gasp.

“Where did you… how did you…. N-no, I-I couldn’t take something like that. It’s far too valuable, and it was given to you, right?”

“And now I’m giving it to you.”

“Andromeda, y-you can’t just…”

I put the locket down in front of Shining Armor.

“Twilight trusts you, so I trust you too. I’m the reason Shimmer had to leave, right? I… I want to at least do something to try and make things better.”

“Y-you’ve only known me for a few hours and you want to give me this? How do you know I’m even the right pony for the job?”

“I don’t.” I can’t. But I’ve learned that things are different. Celestia showed me things I didn’t even know were real could exist. Twilight was her personal, sole student before I came along. She trusted Twilight, and Twilight trusts her brother. I trust their judgement; it’s all I know is true at this point.

“But… I have faith. It doesn’t take a strong pony, or a smart pony, or even a powerful pony to make a positive change… it takes a pony with a good heart…”

Faith… such an odd word. It doesn’t even feel right saying it, yet, at the same time, it just… fits. I slide the locket along the ground towards Shining.

“Twilight believes in you… Shining. And I believe in you too.”

Author's Note

Oh. My. STARS!
I have a hard time getting in the mood to write normally. This set of chapters really took it out of me.

For anyone with the questions I think you're going to ask:
Shimmer Shield is not G/B Shining; Shining doesn't know Celestia adopted Andromeda yet; and, yes... Andromeda may just be the reason why Shining becomes captain.

Next time on Pony-Ball Z: I attempt and fail at writing a love-triangle. Oh dear...

Edit:
Got a bout of inspiration today, we’ll soon see how far it goes... if it goes anywhere.

Chapter 11: COMPROMISE

13 UBEAF NQBEA UVF URNQ...

<<<1:40pm the next day – Canterlot Castle>>>
Cadance

I had been searching the castle for some time looking for Twilight. I think I’ve finally found the courage to confront her about this… I hope. Months had passed since our last talk and things had only been… escalating. I had even caught her making looks when she thought I wouldn’t notice. I needed to confront her now, get everything out in the open and sort this all out before things grew further out of hoof.

What she did yesterday- taking Andromeda out -was the last straw. I needed to say something, now.

I finally found her in the castle kitchens. Spike was with her, and it looked like everything was fine; Twilight was just accompanying Spike as he grabbed a snack. But I could tell that she seemed antsy- more than usual, anyways. Probably wants to get somewhere instead of waiting for Spike.

“Twily!”

Twilight jumped a little, obviously not expecting me to be present.

“Cadance…!”

Well that wasn’t very enthusiastic… She’s probably guessed what’s going to come next.

“We need to talk, do you have a minute?”

“Well, um, Spike and I hav-“

“Sure! I’m going to go see Andy again, he wants to go and check something in Canterlot and wanted me to come along. Don’t worry, I’ll go get him and we’ll wait at the gates for you to catch up! See you in a bit Twilight!”

Spike then proceeded to run off, stuffing something into his mouth as he ran. Twilight grinned sheepishly, knowing she was caught. I sighed.

“C’mon Twily, it’s not that bad, we just need to talk about this before either of us decide to do something rash that we both regret.”

Twilight sighed in defeat and hung her head.

“Come on, let’s go somewhere a bit more… private.”

Twilight nodded and we headed up to my room so we could speak without any of the castle staff or guards overhearing us. It wouldn’t do for rumours like this to spread around, especially when Andromeda’s presence is supposed to be kept hidden. When we arrived I closed the door behind us and we both sat down across from one another. I thought I’d have the strength to talk about this, but right now my well-planned-out speech I had prepared was lost on me, completely forgotten in the anxiety of the moment.

“Twilight…”

I swallowed nervously.

“…so… y-you like this beautiful weather we’re having?”

Dammit Cadance, pull yourself together.

I shook my head to clear my thoughts.

“Are you-“

Twilight cut me off.

“I don’t know! I’ve never experienced anything like this before! I thought friendship was always just a waste of time! Why make friends when you could be studying? It didn’t make sense to me! But after I read your diary, something just… snapped in me and now I suddenly can’t stop this weird feeling I have. I wanted to say it was love, but I didn’t know, but it isn’t like I can just look this stuff up, there isn’t anything in any library on ‘warm, fuzzy feelings’ except for Fuzzy Fever, which I’m certain I don’t have!”

Twilight paused to draw breath before continuing, but I put out a hoof to stop her before she could begin again. I guess she really does love him. Dammit. Now what am I supposed to do. I thought she might have been, as the alicorn of love I could tell that the feeling was there, but I just didn’t want to believe it was true. Now that I know, what do I do? Do I break the heart of one of my best friends? Or do I give up on my own desires and help her on her way with her own? Should neither of us pursue him?

“Twilight, I… You do love him. I can feel it, though I didn’t want it to be true…”

“Really? So then, will you help me…?”

“That’s the problem… you’re not the only one, I feel that way about him too. That should have been clear from my diary…”

Twilight seemed to shrink a little bit. I could almost tell what she was thinking to herself: ‘It was too good to be true…’

“Look,” Twilight turned to face me, “We can’t just go on like this. We both have feelings for him, but I don’t want that to get in the way of us being friends. I would hate for us to do something stupid and loose each other just because we can’t see eye-to-eye on this.”

“But then, what do we do? Ask him who he likes better?”

“NO! Nononono! He’s still hurt, Twi. If we told him now, the shock might make him back away from both of us for good. He’s introverted, and still opening up to the world. Anything that he doesn’t understand is scary for him, and something like this might only make his condition worse.”

“So, what then? If we can’t tell him…”

“I don’t know… but, we can’t keep going like this.”

We sat in silence and thought.

“Maybe… turns? Like…”

“That could work; but what if he finds it weird, and I’m around the castle a lot more than you are, so how would that affect things?”

We fell back into silence.

“What…”

I look up.

“What if he doesn’t even like us? What if all of this is pointless and he doesn’t like us to begin with? You said yourself that he’s still naïve; what if he doesn’t understand any of this?”

“He doesn’t understand, he’s never known kindness before Celestia, and love is on a whole other level than that, which is why we need to make him understand what love is, bit by bit. We need to teach him to love, like how Celestia is teaching him about magic.”

“I think you meant to say: like how the Princess has been revising him about magic.”

We both laugh at that. Andromeda had aced every topic we’d covered so far, at a pace that even I had difficulty keeping up with. It was like he already knew most of what he was being taught, though he wasn’t quite at Twilight’s level yet- Twilight was a prodigy among ponies without a doubt. As we calmed down we sat in silence once more, only one question on both of our minds.

“What do we do now?”
“What do we do now?”

Andromeda

“What’s taking them so long?”

Spike and I had been waiting by the front entrance for a few minutes now, and he was starting to grow impatient. To be honest, I was a little worried about them, though I was also feeling more impatient by the second.

For a different reason.

I had been meaning to grab something from Canterlot yesterday, but I just hadn’t had the time to do so, and now time was ticking away. I would’ve liked to have gone and grabbed it immediately; we would’ve already been back by now.

…maybe it would be better if we just left them behind?

A nagging feeling was still settled in the pit of my stomach, the same one I had felt yesterday, as if something bad was going to happen… though nothing bad had happened… Celestia said it was probably just my nerves when I told her about it last night… maybe she was right?

“Perhaps we should just go…? It’s not like this will take very long…”

“You sure? It might be safer to wait for them.”

I thought to myself and quickly analysed my options. I might feel better with them by my side, though this was personal; and I’d already lived on these streets most of my life- I knew them like the back of my hoof. I guess if something goes wrong, it goes wrong. I’d have to deal with whatever results from my actions should it occur.

I nodded.

“I’m sure. Let’s go.”

“Okie dokie!”

The two of us began the walk through Canterlot. Now that I was… better, than my former condition, I got to see the city in a whole new light. Buildings were open and welcoming, stores no longer a place to stay away from, but somewhere to go and see what was for sale. Homes were no longer “just another building”, but a place where actual ponies lived. It was incredible… while it lasted.

Soon we had turned off the main road and started heading through the backstreets. I knew exactly where I was headed, and it wouldn’t be pretty.

As we walked, the architecture began to change, stone walls seemed to enclose us, the cobblestones beneath us becoming grey and dreary. It was almost like I was… well, ‘home’ isn’t what I would say anymore. ‘Home’ is with Celestia back in the castle, this is… well, I suppose it’s what it is.

“W-w-why are we here? W-where even i-is here?”

“Dark Canterlot… The beating heart of Black Canterlot. The only place the ponies living in this city fear to tread.”

“B-black Canterlot?! Why are we here of all places?!”

“Because there’s something I need…”

I stopped before a storm drain.

“Something I left here a lifetime ago.”

I lifted the grate and moved it aside, lowering myself to get a better look at the back wall behind it.

It’s been a while, so the mark I left is probably eroded, but…

I grab a loose brick that seems slightly out-of-place with it’s surroundings and pull it out, revealing a hidden compartment in the stonework.

“Whoa… How’d you know that was there?”

“Because I made it…”

I reach into the dark space and pull out a small, worn box, held shut with a strip of cloth and covered by a small sheet.

“Got it.”

I swiftly replace the brick and grate, and before Spike knew it we were already back on the main street of the city.

“Wait, that’s it?”

I nod my head.

“Well, what’s in the box?”

I look around for a place that is less crowded and find one by Joe's Donut Shop. We walk over and I sit down with my back to the wall. I uncover the box and unwrap the cloth before looking around again. It wouldn’t be good if anyone found out about this.

I lift the lid slightly, peeking inside to make sure the box’s contents are all still there.

…ten, eleven, twelve. All there.

I close the box and quickly wrap it back up.

“Wait! You didn’t show me yet!”

“I-it’s personal.”

“O-oh... Ok.”

Spike nodded and made a motion as if zipping his lips shut and tossing away the key. I smiled in return. Celestia had explained this one to me a few weeks ago, that it meant “I won’t tell anyone”. Glad mum told me when she did or I’d be clueless right now.

We sat there in silence for a little while.

“So, what now?”

“We’re finished… but, do you want to grab a donut?”

“Yippee!!”

I couldn’t help but slightly chuckle at Spike’s antics.

Cadance

We’d been brainstorming ideas the whole afternoon and by evening we had still gotten nowhere. We just couldn’t figure out how this was going to work. I was exhausted by this point, though Twilight was still going strong, having turned one of the walls into a mind map of our thoughts, ideas, and the pros and cons on each. I was about to speak up and tell her I couldn’t keep on going with this when my prayers for relief were answered by a knock on the door.

The door opened slightly and a white muzzle appeared through the gap.

“May I come in?”

I perked up.

“Auntie Celestia! Come in!”

Celestia walked into the room and closed the door behind her, making her way over to us and noticing Twilight’s work on the wall.

“My, it appears you two have been busy.”

Twilight snapped out of her trance at Celestia’s voice.

“Princess! I didn’t see you there. Um… yes, we’ve been… busy… but we haven’t gotten anywhere! We’ve been trying to find a solution but no matter what we come up with, it just doesn’t work! There are just too many unknown variables!”

Celestia was studying the wall.

“I see…”

She turned to the both of us after she finished her analysis of the situation. We couldn’t help but blush given the personal nature of the topic.

“So the problem is that you both have feelings for a pony, but don’t know how to make it work without one of you getting hurt.”

We nod and Celestia seemed deep in thought for a few moments.

“Hm… (It’s not exactly proper etiquette these days, but perhaps…) …Have either of you attempted looking for a historical solution to this problem?”

“Historical…?”

“…Solution?”

Celestia nods.

“Yes. Back in the days when Equestria was young, there were concerns about the future generations of ponykind. There were too many mares, and so few stallions willing to enter relationships that the population was actually in decline. Thankfully, although the ratio of mares to stallions is still not as evenly balanced as I would like, in current times there are enough stallions open to the idea of marriage that this issue is no longer present. However, back when it was a problem, a solution had to be found to ensure ponykind’s future. Many solutions were brought forth; the idea of mares creating relationships with stallions of other races, ‘volunteer stallions’…”

We all shuddered at that idea.

“Believe me, that is the nicest way I can put it. It sounded much worse when it was first presented. But I digress. Have you ever heard about the concept of herds?”

Twilight and I looked at each other before shaking our heads.

“While it is not a practice that is commonplace today, it was the solution that we settled upon back in the older days of Equestria, where two or more mares would share the same stallion. Of course, this wasn’t for everypony and some resented the idea outright, creating a rift in society that took many years to heal. While the practice isn’t popular- nor well known -today, and some still look down upon it as uncouth or primitive in nature, numerous ponies across Equestria still practice herding, and… it might just help the two of you.”

Twilight and I looked at one another. Sharing a stallion? It had crossed my mind, though I had simply dismissed the idea at the time as nothing more that something that happens in romantic fiction. To hear it is not only a possibility, but is practiced in Equestria? That changes things…

“Of course, this may not work for many reasons. One of you may prefer to have the stallion all to yourself, or the stallion themselves might reject the idea outright. I am merely bringing it up as a possibility in case it helps to alleviate the tension between you two.”

Celestia stood up and began making her way towards the door.

“Now, come on. It is almost dinner time, and Spike and Andromeda returned hours ago. You’re invited to stay, if you wish to, Twilight. I know Spike would like to stay a little longer, and besides…”

Celestia turned to us before she left, showing us a coy smile and a wink.

“I know neither of you would want to miss the chance to get closer to Andromeda.”

Celestia left the room, closing the door behind her. We sat there for a few seconds before we both bolted to reach the dining room first.

Author's Note

I don't know if I'm happy with this, but at least I'm not cringing... yet.
Chapters 12 and 13 are currently in the works... maybe...

Also, we're nearly at the half way mark! ~~Expect something...~~ interesting ...(or maybe I shouldn't be saying that)... OH WELL.
If you want Andromeda to enjoy any specific holidays or events before things get... yeah, then this is pretty much your last chance! After chapter 13 there's not much planned before the halfway point, and I may end up simply doing a timeskip if there isn't any new inspiration or suggestions. (Though, there are events planned for past the halfway mark such as hearth's warming, Andromeda's "birthday", and maybe even nightmare night; so stay tuned and keep suggestions rolling in even after the halfway event!)

EDIT: I got my groove back! Updates Galore! I may or may not have a new chapter written in the next few days...week....month.......probably done by the end of the year...... ok, so I can't put a timeframe on it BUT IT IS IN THE WORKS! AS ARE SEVERAL LATER CHAPTERS! (Expect quicker updates for a while, eventually)
Also expect the prologue/teaser for a future book in the Infinity Saga to release soon! (It's ready to go, just gotta release it- and no, Fur Umbra doesn't count, his is an AU story... even though AUs are canon.)

Krystl

Chapter 12: ILLNESS

This Is Why I Don't Understand Mares: Part I

<<>>
Andromeda

<>

“A—Ah-ACHIW!”

“Oh, Andromeda. You sound so adorable when you sneeze. Like a little baby kitten.”

I sniffle a little bit and hide a little lower under the blankets. I’d be blushing right about now, but I’m not even sure if I’m capable of doing so; and this fever isn’t helping.

I had woken up this morning running a high temperature and feeling sick to my stomach. Celestia had almost immediately called for Doctor Remedy, whom had swiftly informed both mum and myself of my current condition- right after assuaging mum that I was going to be fine and calming her down from her near-panic attack.

“I’m afraid there isn’t much more I can do right now, Andromeda. It’s like Green Remedy said, this is to be expected; without your horn your magical flow is disrupted, leaving you more vulnerable to these kinds of ailments. We just have to give it time and let it pass. It’s not contagious, but magic won’t help to heal it further than what I’ve already done.”

I nod. Mum had been caring for me since I woke up and I cannot express how grateful I am to her right now.

“Thanks mum. I appreciate all this.”

She leaned in close and rested her forehead against mine.

“Anything for you, my little sunshine.”

<>

I felt even worse today than yesterday. Ms Remedy told me yesterday that it’d get worse before it got better, but that it would get better eventually. I talked with mum this morning about what would happen while I recovered. I could stay here in bed and not worry about attending classes or continuing in my studies, but she still had her work to do. I would be alright if she left- though it took some convincing to make her relent. She said she’d stay for as long as she could and would try to be there for me, though still decided to spend a few days working.

Mum wouldn’t let me out of her sight just yet though, sitting next to me on the bed with a few papers as she “worked”. I don’t think I could have asked to be found by a better pony than Celestia.

I start tearing up a bit as I think about everything she’s done for me. I have to find a way to pay it all back to her… and with that thought, I slip back into the comfortable unconsciousness that was my only respite from the symptoms that ailed my body.

<>

After spending yesterday morning and the night before retching in the bathroom, I finally began to feel better today. Spike came over and we played a few board games together, under mum’s supervision. She was still “working” from whatever room I was in at the time; making sure I was alright.

Tomorrow and the day after that she’d have to leave me to perform duties she couldn’t complete from her room. I told her I’d be fine, though she’d insisted on having Cadance and Twilight come by to keep me company, and make sure my condition didn’t regress into a worse state in the meantime.

<>

Cadance was due to arrive soon. Mum had been beside herself with concern when she hadn't shown up on time, and nearly refused to leave for work, and tried to insist on staying with me until Cadance arrived. I almost had an unstoppable coughing fit in the middle of persuading her to leave; would've ruined my case for her to see logical reasoning. She finally left about 10 minutes ago, after giving me one last goodbye kiss on the forehead (the fourth goodbye kiss in the last hour- mum, why?).

There was a knock on the door.

"It's Cadance," comes a muffled voice.

"Come in!" I had to call out since I was in the bedroom, still bedridden by mum's orders. I hear the front door open and close. "I'm in the bedroom." There were hoofsteps outside before another set of knocks- this time on the closed door across from me on the other side of the room.

"...may I come in?" Cadance asks. Now with only one door between us, I can hear her voice clearer. She sounded almost... disquieted? Self conscious?

"Yeah, come in," I hear the handle turn. "Sorry for not looking too well... at least it isn't as bad as when mum first fou......."

...what?

Um...

...uh...

Candace was walking into the room, but I'm still focused on the moment the door opened enough to let me see her. For reasons known to likely no one but Cadance herself, she was dressed up in... unusual attire. Something I would have never thought to see someone wearing casually- by choice, anyway. As she came to a stop halfway between the door and the bed my mind started catching up with present reality and I noticed she was acting a little more bashful than normal- and for obvious reasons too! Wait; that's why she sounded shy, but... why??? What in Equestria is the meaning of this??? What's even going on??? This is Cadance we're talking about; she wouldn't do something like this... right?

"So, what do you think?" Cadance asked before she did a little twirl and ends with a curtsey. "Do you like it?"

...apparently she would.

This revelation does not help me nor my current inability to process this situation in any way.

Before me stood Cadance, wearing what could only be maids attire. Sure, there were staff I'd see on occasion who looked after the castle (still not used to that- don't think it's quite sunk in yet...) that were actual maids, and wore such attire on a regular basis- though not from horn to hoof! And they worked here, it was to be expected of them... I think ...but Cadance lives here! It didn't look cheap, either (the style was similar to that of... I think it was a place called Spurlin? I only read about it once, but it looks similar to something from there... which is nuts given how far away it is from Canterlot).

The attire itself was made from silk, with a frilly white blouse underneath a black bodice and white apron. White stockings extended upwards from black leather shoes with garters to keep the them held up. She also wore the black and white... frilly... cap/band thingy on her head.

I only know this much about the clothes she wore because of how into fashion Cadance was, always chatting away to herself when reading those fashion magazines... and that one time I walked into mum's closet and she caught me. I learned my lesson by the time mum's "little talk" was over- I am not going back in there again... at least, I don't think I will. Certainly not when mum is around. Hey, don't tell me you've never wondered how in Tartarus mares walk around in high heels! ...and I'm talking to myself again. Great.

I open my mouth to ask what's going on, or why she's doing this, or... something that might get me answers until I notice the collar around her neck. Sure, it's part of typical maid attire? I think? Maybe? But, why?! What is.... this is Cadance here... and... and...

With my brain short-circuiting all that I could manage to get out was "U-uhh.........."

Cadance giggled. She walked over to the side of the bed. It took until she got there for me to stop staring off into space trying to comprehend... anything, that was going on.

It looks like this is going to be a long day...

<<<4 hours later - Canterlot Castle>>>

Cadance walked back into the room, carrying a silver platter of food on her back; still dressed in that... ridiculous maid getup. Or, at least, it was unnecessary... I think that she was trying to be funny; to cheer me up despite my sickness... I couldn't think ill of her for that.

She stopped beside the bed and lifted the tray off her back with a hoof, laying the items on it onto the tray laying in front of me on the bed, before wrapping the blanket around my shoulders a little more snugly. It was lunchtime and... well, I don't even know. I've been in here all day, so I don't know if one of the actual maids came along and delivered this from the kitchens, or if Cadance had made it herself. At this point, neither would be surprising, and either way I was still thankful. The food had only just been made; the fumes coming off the soup as it rested in it's bowl still visible to the naked eye.

"Thanks..."

"You're welcome~"

I could hear Cadance whisper something more under her breath after that, though I couldn't make out what it was she was saying. There was something in her voice that was setting off some sort of alarm in my head... whether it was good or bad, I have no clue. It just... was. That probably unsettled me the most about the situation. Not that Cadance was dressed weird, but that I didn't know what any of this meant...

Cadance curtseyed, much to my embarrassment, before turning and taking the silver tray back out of the room.

... and then there was her increasingly odd behavior. It started out small, but it's become more noticeable as the hours passed. She walked in an odd manner, as if with a limp in both her rear legs... I hope she's alright. When I need something, she always insists on bringing it in on that silver platter- whether it's food, drinks, a blanket, a book... she insists on following mum's orders "to the letter", to use her own words, orders to not let me exert myself if it wasn't absolutely necessary.

She carried me all the way to the bathroom and back, for heaven's sake! Mum at least let me walk there under my own power (even if she'd walk right beside me to make sure I didn't collapse on the way). To say it was embarrassing wouldn't do it justice; Cadance could barely carry me, and seemed ready to collapse at any moment. (I know I'm not as much of a malnutritioned skeleton as I was, but... I didn't put on that much weight, did I?)

I pick up a spoon and am about to get to eating when Cadance comes back in and notices me. She starts tutting to herself and swiftly walks over to me.

"No, no, no," she takes the spoon from my grasp and holds it in her hoof, "You just relax, I'll get this for you." She dips the spoon into the broth and raises it back up, holding the filled spoon between the two of us.

"Now, open wide,"

"Cadenza, I-I,"

"Open wide..." she repeated; a stern, (motherly? is that the right word?) undertone present in her voice that silently demanded I comply.

I remain silent as I weigh my options. On one hoof, I can feed myself, I'm not that ill. On the other hoof, I don't want to upset Cadance, and I'm not even sure if this is a fight I can win. Reluctantly, and feeling more embarrassed than I have ever felt before in my life, I open my mouth a little ways and let her hoof-feed me.

"Good colt," she said with a warm smile on her face.

As much as I appreciate her help and the comfort her familiar presence brings, I can only hope that this day ends soon.

<<>>
Celestia

I had arrived home to find Andromeda all but blushing in embarrassment. He had his face buried in the mattress, hooves covering his head, blankets covering his hooves- and his head by extension. Apparently, Cadance had shown up wearing some rather... risqué, clothing. I'd gotten a good look at her when she left right after I had returned; and I must say it was quite the outfit. All the way from Prance if I'm not mistaken, and it certainly lived up to the design. I'm sure there isn't a colt or stallion in Canterlot who wouldn't pay to see Cadance dressed up like that. She wore it with an abundance of confidence too, I'll give her that; the sway in her hips as she walked giving away how much she'd gotten into the whole thing- though Andromeda remained as clueless as ever when it came to her intentions. He truly was so innocent about the whole thing.

"...I mean, I appreciate the attempt to cheer me up, but... I-I don't know! I can't understand any of this. I just can't understand...."

"It's alright. I wouldn't expect you to understand, not yet. You're only just being introduced to social cues and tells after years of not interacting with others on a daily basis. That you've kept up so far is most impressive."

I give him a kiss on the forehead to show that I'm proud of him- I am after all. He's been doing really well, and coped with a completely unforeseen situation quite capably.

"But... I still don't get it. Why? What does it even mean?"

I couldn't help the sly, knowing grin that appeared on my face.

"Well... let's just say it's something mares do with stallions they really like a lot."

Andromeda seemed even more confused after my explanation, "...stallions they like.....???" He shook his head as if to clear out the cobwebs. "I don't think I'll ever understand mares."

I couldn't help but laugh at his adorable confused expression.

"I'm sure you will one day, Andromeda; I'm sure you will one day..."

Author's Note

...Andromeda never did.

Sorry for the hiatus. Spent the last two days getting back in the groove... by getting about 4 hours of sleep in the last 42 hours. YAY! (My grades are so going to suffer for this... but it's done.)
Let me know of any mistakes/things I could do better/issues and I'll get to it ASAP.........ish.

Krystl

P.S. I now know the length of this story: 32 chapters. Everything is planned out, the events are all in place, and now all I need to do is write it... the most time-consuming and intensive part of the process.

Edit: Sorry for the wait, but I’m at a roadblock in my process and dread writing slow filler content. I’m great with ideas, just... not so much with the execution. I’m still finding my groove as a writer. Maybe I should try recording myself think out loud.....?
Anyone willing to share ideas for how Twilight might try to one-up Cadance in the next chapter (given their “competition” and Twilight’s determination to not “lose”) gets a cookie and my gratitude.

Chapter 13: SILENCE

This Is Why I Don't Understand Mares: Part II

<<>>
Twilight

<>

"You did WHAT?!?!"

I was furious. Absolutely LIVID right now.

Candace and I had agreed to take things slow, to first show Andromeda that we were his friends- something he's never had before -and then go further bit by bit until we could tell him that we love him... right after we decided how to deal with the situation between us. But that was supposed to be a long way off, something we didn’t need to worry about yet.

...and then Cadance does this, doting on him all day dressed up in a Prench maid outfit.

I may not have been the most open to romance, or even friendship- it only takes up valuable time I could be using to study after all -but even I have read enough romance novellas to know where this was heading. I may not have seemed like it, but as a little filly I was a hopeless romantic, before Celestia’s tutoring took up all of my available time and I couldn’t afford to continue my usual fictional reading habits. And if all those stories had taught me anything, it was that I wouldn’t stand a chance against someone as forward as Cadance without some sort of secret weapon or plan of action- neither of which I had even remotely prepared for.

"What do I even do?!? I've only got an hour before I have to show up, and I don't have anything I can do....!"

"Twilight... Twilight! Just be yourself, I'm sure that will be fi--"

"...yes, that's it! That's what I'll do!"

And without even registering what Cadance had said, I dashed out the door at top speed. I had so much to do and so little time.

<<<1 hour later - Canterlot Castle>>>
Celestia

As I apprehensively leave Andromeda in my quarters I begin making my way to the throne room, only to pass Twilight on the way. She was... oh my stars she was utterly clueless and completely adorable. Her face was beet red and I could tell she'd never even looked at anything remotely akin to the outfit she was currently wearing given her posture and how she held herself. She obviously wanted to try and match what Cadance had done yesterday...

I looked at a nearby clock on the wall.

...I suppose I have a few minutes to spare. I might as well give her a nudge in the right direction.

Andromeda

I'll admit, I was wondering if yesterday would repeat itself...

...I was still just as surprised when it inevitably did, only this time it was Twilight wearing the... uh... I- I'm, not even sure what to call what she was wearing. Twilight was blushing and looking away in embarrassment …I think? At this point I have no idea what I’m supposed to think. She looked like she wanted to say something, but was (metaphorically) biting her tongue... or, well, she was biting her lip, anyway. At this point I was staring off into space just trying to comprehend what was happening to me.

Twilight

Please don't stare, please don't stare....

I knew getting something like this would get that kind of a reaction, but... ooh, I wasn't prepared enough for this. I didn't have the time to get a proper outfit like Cadance had, so I'd had to settle for what I could get at the only store open at this hour that sold these kinds of things... I hope nopony recognised me... and, I mean, I don't want him staring at me, but, isn't that kind of why I did this in the first place? Oh, Twilight, you imbecile! This is why you plan ahead for everything! Never leave anything to chance!

...wait, is he even looking at me anymore? He has that far-off look in his eyes... should I cough to get his attention? NO! That would only... but then should I... or what if... I don't know... I never learned what to do in this kind of situation!

Oh, by Celestia, what am I supposed to do now?! The princess could have at least told me a little more than how I should act, like, what I should say in this kind of situation! Or… or… or what I should do if the room goes quiet and tense… or that Andromeda might react this way and that I need to be prepared for it! O-or… I don’t know! Just SOMETHING that would help me right now!

“U-um….” There was an awkward pause “…nice outfit?”

Andromeda

I felt like slapping myself in the face. Why did I say that? I should have just kept quiet. But no, I couldn’t help myself and had to say something to try and break the silence, didn’t I?

“Uh… th-thanks…”

Once again silence took over. The tension mounted and it seemed like nothing would break it when the door opened behind Twilight and Spike walked in.

“Twilight? Are you there? I’ve been looking all over the castle for you and Princess Celestia said you’d be here. I know you’re busy but-“

Twilight’s blush deepened immeasurably as she heard him walking through the door and she rushed over to him, interrupting him mid-sentence as she began to usher him back out the door, much to the poor little dragon’s confusion and dismay.

“Shush! Get… out of here spike…!”

“Wha? Huh? Wai- what are you… what’s that you’re wearing?”

“Get… out!”

With a final urgent whisper, Twilight shoved Spike back out the door and closed it behind him, back up against the door to hold it shut as if she was worried the forces of Canterlot would try busting through it at any moment. As Twilight panted from the sudden rush of adrenaline Spike’s surprise appearance had induced, I remained seated on a nearby sofa, blanket over my shoulders and an open book at my hooves. We continued staring at each other for several moments before all the tension and craziness took its toll and we started giggling like foals.

When we finally managed to calm down, Twilight spoke up.

“So, um, do you want anything to drink or… something?”

I was about to decline when flashbacks from yesterday came to the forefront of my mind. It would likely be futile to stop it today, but Twilight wasn’t exactly Cadenza, so maybe…

“I think I should be fine, thanks.”

I soon realised my mistake when Twilight raised an eyebrow at me. Cadenza must have spoken to her in the time since I last saw her. I prepare to give in and ask for a water but hold my tongue when Twilight picks herself up off the floor and walks out of the room.

“Twi-“

“SPIKE!? WHAT ARE YOU STILL DOING HERE?!”

Apparently she’d forgotten about him. I couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle.

“Hey Spike!” The drake sticks his head in through the open door, “Wanna play some Unstable Unicorns?” I hold up the deck of cards in my hooves.

“You bet!”

Spike rushed into the room, the open door showing the still flustered Twilight sanding outside.

“I’ve got Spike, we’ll be fine. You do what you have to do.” I tell Twilight to ease her concerns as Spike shuffles the deck of cards and starts dealing them out.

<<<20 minutes later - Canterlot Castle>>>

“And that makes seven!”

“Neigh card! Your seventh unicorn is revoked!”

“Neigh! Your neigh card is invalid!”

“Super Neigh!”

Spike looks at the card I just played.

“Aww man… I was so close too!”

“I draw…”

I picked up another card from the deck as the door opens. I look up from the cards in front of me, only to drop the card I just drew in shock, allowing Spike to see it.

“WHAT?! Oh, come on! How come you get Magical Flying Unicorn every single time?!”

I watch on as Twilight exhaustedly sets down a heavy tray on the nearby table, almost causing the table to tip over before Twilight rights it again by setting the tray in the middle. I’m speechless at what I see, and I’m not the only one.

“What’s going… whoa!”

Twilight takes a few moments to breathe before speaking up.

“Since I don’t know what you feel like, I just got one of everything.”

“Everything?” Spike exclaimed incredulously, to which Twilight nodded in affirmation.

While Cadenza had pestered me until I eventually relented and told her what I wanted, Twilight had taken the complete opposite approach and brought the choices to me. As she began listing off the different options, me and Spike looked at each other in awe before turning back to Twilight.

It took nearly five minutes before she finished her list.

“So…” Twilight paused to catch her breath “What do you feel like?”

“Uh…. I’m just happy with a cold glass of water, thanks.”

Twilight took a moment to process that before collapsing to the floor in exhaustion. I went to help her, concerned for her condition but spike held me back.

“Don’t worry, this happens all the time. She’ll be fine.” Spike hopped up and grabbed a glass of water for me and a lemonade for himself “Here.”

“Thanks.”

Doing my best to not worry over the insensate unicorn less than a meter away, I return to the game Spike and I were playing.

"Magical Flying Unicorn! And because of it's ability, I draw a magic card from the discard pile... and I choose this." I hold up the Change of Luck card, "And because of my stable's Double Dutch upgrade card I can play a second card, which will be Rainbow Unicorn. Seven unicorns; I win."

Spike glared at me.

"7 games to 5. I'm only down by two- and it's first up by three; I'm not beaten yet! Rematch!"

I picked up the cards and did my best at trying to shuffle them.

"You're on."

At least today wasn't as crazy as when Cadenza was here... but I have this nagging feeling that this won't be the last time I question the sanity of my new friends... or maybe it's just me? Who even knows. Maybe this was all an illness-induced hallucination or fever-dream.

<>

The doctor said I was finally better today. I'm still a little nauseous when I stand up, but it's more than tolerable now. Cadenza came by to check on me, and was happy that I was feeling better. There was no sign of what had happened the other day; she seemed as normal as ever, though Twilight didn't make an appearance the whole day. Cadance said she "went overboard" which took two separate explanations for me to understand, and a third to calm me down when I thought she'd fallen into an ocean or lake or... whatever it was she might have fallen into. Metaphors are weird.

Hopefully something like this doesn't happen again- the doctor said it shouldn't now that my immune system has built up a resistance to it, but IT'S NOT FINE IT'S NOT FINE IT'S I need to break it again, the sickness might come back. Maybe I could STOP STOP STOP STOP STO entirely? It could fix the problem... but I'm already uncertain how mum would take IT'S HER FAULT IT'S ALL HER FAULT grows back. I mean, it's already abnormal; but what NEED TO BLOCK IT OUT NEED TO STOP HER were to just show up without--

I clutched at my head a little as a searing pain coming from within my skull overwhelms me, drawing Celestia from her thoughts.

"Are you alright Andromeda?"

I nod. "Just a mild headache, I'm good."

I can tell mum's concerns aren't satisfied by my response, but that she knows she isn't going to get anything more out of YOU CAN'T KEEP HIM SAFE FOREVER. HIS MAGIC IS TOO MUCH FOR YOU TO CONTAIN. YOU ARE PLAYING A DANGEROUS GAME, AND NOW THAT HE ISHERE, HE IS IN OUR DOMAIN. YOU CANNOT WIN FOREVER,INSTINCT. ...... NO, I CAN'T, BUT I WAS CREATED TO KEEP THIS COLT FROM YOU- AS WELL AS FROM HIM, MY OWN CREATOR. THE ETERNAL WAR BETWEEN THE TWO OF YOU HAS CAUSED ENOUGH DAMAGE TO THIS WORLD, AND SO HE MADE ME TO STOP ANYONE FROM CLAIMING THIS FOAL. NONE SHALL USE HIS GIFTS, SAVE FOR HIMSELF!

"Andromeda! Andromeda, are you alright?"

Mum's voice drew me back from staring off into space and I realised I was laying on the floor, having fallen off of the chair I was sitting on.

"I- uhm... I, yes, I'm... I think I'm going to have a lie-down for a while..."

Mum nodded and watched me as I walked off to the bedroom. I had trouble falling asleep, and even worse troubles with nightmares that night. At the very least, the shadow that I would occasionally come across during those dreams would shade me from the blinding light to some extent... I always followed it, wherever it went, my only refuge in the brightness of the dream void. My Instincts had never led me astray before, and I doubt they would now.

Author's Note

And so Twilight learned two important lessons that day: 1) always make a plan and make sure to stick to it like a magnet; and 2) always be prepared for anything... which is why she now has a closet filled with clothes that would make even Celestia blush.
…why did I think it was a good idea to put any of this in again...?
Right, "comedy"... for whatever my attempt at humour is worth.

My sincere apologies at how long this took me to write. I envision myself as the protagonist whilst writing (which is why I can’t write romance or purely evil characters for the life of me) and when I reached the “awkward situation” at the beginning of this chapter, it was just as hard to continue writing as it would have been to continue the conversation in real life.
Also, please alert me to any grammar/spelling mistakes, I wanted to get this chapter up ASAP and haven't had the time to fully review it. I may also change small to large portions of this chapter at a later date if I find myself unhappy with it.

Excuses aside, we’re nearly at the part I have been simultaneously looking forward to and dreading since I began writing this story. I have written numerous drafts over the last 3-4 years, and finally feel like I am ready to finalise it once and for all.

It seems things are finally falling into place, though, and we are about to see a greater extent of what is in store for Andromeda's future... at least, the build-up for the next book's plot, anyways. Don't expect too much concerning "????" and Instinct this book. It's a saga after all, and this is only part 1 of a much greater story...

Until next time,
- Krystl the Idiot

Chapter 14: DEVELOPMENT

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 16: TERMINAL

JXU CQWYS EV VHYUDTIXYF

Andromeda

Cadenza lay there before me on the hospital bed, a blank expression on her face. I barely register the dull tone in the background signalling that Cadenza’s heart has stopped working. This isn’t how it’s supposed to happen; it isn’t supposed to end like this! I feel the tears begin to form in the corners of my eyes as I try to shake Cadenza’s limp body back to life.

“C’mon, Cadenza... please, please, please… you promised you would stay with me, you said you wouldn’t leave me… please, say something! Anything…!”

I fall onto Cadenza as I weep openly now. I don’t even consider the others in the room with me, my entire focus is on Cadenza. There must be something I can do; anything I can do!

…

Magic.

My magic.

It’s been so long since I’ve used it… I don’t even remember the only time I ever tried casting a spell of any sort. I… I can’t…. No, but I can’t leave her like this here either. Something has to go… something has to be left behind…. It… it might not even work…. I have to.

“No…”

I can’t leave her like this!

“…no, no, no, no, no…”

I CAN’T!!

“…no, no, no, no! You are NOT dying on me now! I won’t… I WON’T LET YOU DIE ON ME NOW, CANDACE!!!”

???

Andromeda’s shouts begin to echo in the small room, his horn glowing brighter and brighter as he summons every shred of his magic to his cause. The amount of energy he generated was tangible, nearly visible to the naked eye as shimmers in the air around the two ponies. Unicorns as far away as Ponyville could feel the magic that gathered in that room; and yet, still it grew. Until, in one final blast, the built-up energy released itself all at once, the resulting explosion flinging Cadance and Andromeda to opposite ends of the room.

The shockwave of magical energy surges out from the center of the infirmary and spread, not stopping for anything or anyone. Every pony in the room was flung to the floor as the blastwave shatters the walls. It travels through the castle, taking out multiple supporting structures. Several towers begin to collapse as the load-bearing walls beneath them are near completely obliterated. Every single glass pane in all of Canterlot shatters as the energy surge reaches them, the eventual mana blast being felt by unicorns from as far away as Manehattan and Las Pegasus as over a decade of repressed magical energy, amplified from a complete lack of use, magnified by Andromeda's erratic and powerful emotions, was released in its entirety in a single instant. When the blast dissipates, a gaping crater is left in the side of the castle where what was once the infirmary used to be, only the inner edges on the castle-side of the room still somewhat intact.

Cadance

I felt sore all over, the dream I had been having already faded from my mind. Where was I…? I looked around at my environment as the pain dulled. I coughed from the dust in the air, then groaned when my lungs cried out in protest. Apparently that got someone’s attention.

“C…C-Cadance…?”

I would recognise that voice anywhere, despite its shakiness.

“Auntie Celestia…?”

I looked over to try and see her when she pulled me into a hug. She started babbling about how I was ‘alright’ and ‘okay’, and how they thought I was dead… wait, but… I was dead? ...but I was dead, wasn’t I?

“…a-and then Andromeda, he… I don’t know what he did but he…”

As the realisation dawned on us that Andromeda was also at the epicentre of the blast, we both froze, and started searching the room for him. Had he done this? Had he somehow managed to bring me back to life? Where was he? He was here before, where…. And then I saw him. Our eyes made contact, and as I looked into them, I realised it. Oh sweet merciful Celestia... what is happening to him?

Andromeda

My eyes met Cadenza’s for only a moment before I realised the true depth of what had just happened. In a fraction of a second I understood that I had not only used my magic to bring Cadenza back to life, but that I had used an overly excessive amount of my magic in the process, and that only meant……

I am one dead pony.

I couldn’t hurry myself out the door and into the hallway fast enough. In seconds I was already in the fight for my life, sprinting down the hall like a lunatic. I heard the door slam open again behind me.

“Andy! Wait!”

I could hear Cadenza’s hoofsteps as she ran after me down the hallway as if she hadn't just perished and come back to life. In no time at all she would catch up to me, her alicorn strength and stamina besting mine any day, let alone now. But I still had to make it back to my room; to Celestia’s room. I didn’t want them to see this, I… I couldn’t let them see this. The pain was already taking its toll, and I could tell from the heat in my hooves that I was definitely burning hoofprints into the carpet. I rounded the last corner and barrelled straight past the guards and into the rooms I shared with Mu... Celestia; tears flowing freely from my eyes. I stumbled, tripped on the edge of the rug, and fell, rolling to a stop in the middle of the floor.

“An-! …Andy…?”

I could hear Cadenza’s comforting voice through the haze of pain, and it brought me some amount of peace as I wept.

“Hey, hey. I’m here, it’s alright…”

Cadenza shifted me into a position so she could hug me. I let my tears continue flowing as we stayed like that for what felt like a few minutes; but eventually, I had to let go.

“Th-thank you, Cadenza. I.. I’m feeling a little better now.” She smiled at me, and I smiled back, but I knew the moment couldn’t last for very long. “I… I’m sorry, Cadenza; I failed you. I failed you, Mum, Twi, myself… everyone.” I sighed, hissing at the pain it caused me before looking Cadenza in the eye. She was puzzled, slightly confused, and very concerned for my condition. “We… we had a good time together, didn’t we? … Thank you, for- for everything; and, tell Mum I said that too.”

I could feel the flames burning, the inferno rising. Cadenza went to try and hug me again, but I moved her away.

“I- I’m sorry. This next- this next bit isn’t likely to be pretty. I-…… Goodbye, Cadance…”

And with that, I let the inferno tak̸̪̕é̷͚ ̶͔́m̵̨̲̘̻̩̍͐̕e̷̹̘̮̭̼̓.̷̛̥̗̉̈̈́

???

The light around Andromeda intensified before Cadance’s eyes. She couldn’t understand what was happening until it was too late. And then she realised. THIS had been the reason he was afraid of his own magic. Not because of anything that had happened to him, no; but what would happen if he ever used it. The light soon grew so intense and the energy so great that she had to cover her eyes with one hoof and back away from the heat. And then, came the screams.

Celestia watched from the doorway, just outside the room. She had arrived just after Cadance, dismissing the two guards there before watching the events unfold. She could hear the screams almost as loud as the ones he had made in his nightmares. But this time, it was real; the force acting upon him to inflict pain was tangible. In his writhing agony, Andromeda somehow managed one final look back towards Cadance, any tears he may have shed immediately vaporised as the light in his eyes vanished, the screams stopped and he grew still. And then, almost as suddenly as it had begun, the inferno ended.

In Andromeda's place was a burt, blackened corpse. A charred body that used to once resemble a pony Celestia knew and loved. But whatever force had overcome him was not done yet. As Celestia went to take another step inside, and Cadance moved to get closer, a crack formed on his body. Then another, and another. A new flame began seeping out of the cracks, a burning plasma fueled by pure magic. The shell of charred pony did not hold for much longer, breaking open violently. As it shattered, a piercing scream came from the writhing being released from inside. The white fire seemingly tearing away at his magic, burning away at his very soul. His harrowing screams were louder than before, piercing the air like a knife in the heart.

Cadance had to erect a magical barrier to protect herself from the heat, though even that wasn't enough as the magical flames seemed to catch on and begin burning the barrier. Cadance quickly dispelled her heat-shield and made a hasty retreat towards the edge of the room.

And then, once again, it stopped of its own accord. Andromeda, whom had been levitating in the flames, dropped to the floor in a shivering wreck. Celestia watched in stunned silence from the doorway as Cadance slowly mustered the courage to move over to Andromeda and make sure he was alright, holding him in a comforting embrace.

Celestia wanted to move, to do something; this was her own son for her sake! Yet all she could do was stand there and watch. The others finally caught up to her, having been checked over for injuries before following Celestia, though she signalled for them to stay where they were, before motioning to leave. The three of them would need some time after what had just happened. Celestia finally walked into the room, if it could still be called that. Anything that was remotely flammable had been reduced to ash; the windows were now puddles of molten glass on the floor, and the intense heat had ruined what little remained of the room. What hadn't been utterly destroyed was now strewn haphazardly in the corners of what was once her living room. She finally walked over to the two ponies on the floor- and stopped dead.

"This… how… what…?"

There were so many questions it was overwhelming, yet… the wings hanging limply from her son’s back only told one truth: somehow, her son, Andromeda Solstar, Prince of Equestria, had ascended to the status of an alicorn.

Author's Note

I am REALLY going to need to edit this again.
The original chapter was from several formats, numerous rewrites, and who knows how many years ago.
As much as I'd like to leave you all in suspense from the last chapter, I'm on a roll.

See ya next time,
Krystl Fae

Chapter 17: TRUTH

YFEVJKP

<<>>
Andromeda

It had been several hours since… I don’t even know anymore; and both me and Cadance were being checked over by doctors in Celestia’s main room. Mum was worried sick about both of us, for obvious reasons; those being that I just brought Cadenza back from the dead, and I just brought Cadenza back from the DEAD! It didn’t end there though.

My… episode had obvious drawbacks. Other than the extensive damage to the room around us, a fact which I would not stop apologising about for quite a while, I had also suffered magic burns, over-heal burns, burns in general, magical… issues of which I didn’t understand, and to top it all off… I had somehow managed to grow a pair of wings; in adition to my horn regrowing to it’s full length... though I could almost swear it wasn’t ever that long. This is all… not something I thought could happen.

Apparently it means I’m an ‘alicorn’ now, just like Mum and Cadenza (whatever that’s supposed to mean, nopony ever really explained what an alicorn is to me). I’m also apparently the first alicorn stallion- at least, to anyone’s present knowledge. Oh boy… at least I don’t have to worry about not using my magic anymore. It feels like the looming presence I have felt for so long is finally gone. It’s been there for such a long time that I didn’t even really notice it anymore, at least, until just now. Like a hum on a frequency that’s barely audible such that you don’t even notice it until it’s gone.

I didn’t know what was going on anymore. I didn’t know what had happened, nor did I understand it. And I didn’t know what I was going to do now. So I just sat there patiently and waited for the doctors to finish the tests.

They soon finished, spoke with Mum for a minute or two, and then left with some samples. Mum walked over to the two of us as we sat on the edge of the bed (it had been comfier than the scorched lounge chair). We remained in silence for a while, no one really knowing what to say.

“What’s a… phylacternum?”

That was one of the many words I overheard the doctors mention but didn’t understand. Apparently, the absurdity of the question combined with the stress we had all been under for the last few hours made Cadenza think it was funny and start snickering, trying to hold in her laughter, soon followed by Celestia, and eventually myself until all of us were laughing uncontrollably. This moment of joy and peace after everything we just went through was a miracle, and exactly what we needed. It couldn’t last forever though...

“I… suppose I have some explaining to do to you, Andromeda.”

I looked over at Mum again now that we had calmed down from our fit of laughter. “I-it’s ok. I suppose, I have some explaining to do as well…” Mum and Cadenza looked at me with saddened expressions.

“It’s alright, my son. None of this was your fault; you could not have done any more than what you have. I am just glad that we all made it through this unscathed.”

Cadenza turns to look at my back again, making me feel embarrassed. My new wings were something I had never had to deal with before, having been a unicorn my entire life, and suddenly having a pair appear out of seemingly nowhere has made me rather self-conscious about them.

“Well, almost,” Cadenza thankfully turns her attention away from my wings, “But hey, at least you’re an alicorn now! A proper prince!” She noticed my expression change and frowned. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s just…” I look up for a way to put this into words. “It’s just, I don’t even know what being an alicorn means, I don’t even think I know what an alicorn is!”

“Perhaps we should take things one step at a time then,” Mum joins us on the bed and cuddles up to the both of us. The warmth and love I can feel from being in her embrace is soothing; erasing the worries from my mind.

“While ponies usually come in one of three varieties; earth pony, pegasus, or unicorn; there is also a fourth variety, an exceedingly rare race of ponies known as alicorns. Alicorns are… somewhat difficult to create, and naturally born alicorns are even harder to find.”

“I was born an alicorn! Wasn’t I, auntie Celestia?”

“Yes you were, Cadance. Though your alicorn nature was hidden soon after your birth until you were ready for the responsibility.”

“…but, what is an alicorn?”

“Oh! I can answer that one! An alicorn is a being that unifies the traits of the three pony tribes. They can use their horn to wield magic like a unicorn, they can fly on their wings like a pegasus, and they possess immense natural strength like an earth pony!”

I kind of see what they were getting at, but it felt like there was more to be said. Mum nodded before picking up where Cadenza left off.

“Yes, that is true. However, an alicorn does not merely possess the traits of the three pony tribes, but a variation that is far more powerful than most ponies could ever achieve in their lifetime. It is theorised that this is because of the balance between the magic of the three pony tribes that alicorns seem to exemplify, although that is merely speculation and tangential.”

I nodded in response. The explanation Mum gave me seemed to explain everything I wanted to know. I looked up at Mum again. “But…”

Mum smiled and nuzzled my cheek. “But what about how everyone addresses us?” I nod. It was something I had been wondering for a while about Cadenza; but after we had calmed down enough for the medical ponies to check us over, I heard them addressing Mum as ‘Princess’ or ‘Princess Celestia’ or even ‘your highness’… I didn’t understand it at all. Mum nuzzled me again before pulling away to look at me.

“It is exactly what it sounds like.” Seeing my bemused, yet curious expression, Celestia giggled. “If I am completely honest, despite knowing you would eventually find out, I tried to hide it at first. I did not want to separate the two of us any more than the physical distance between us, and I understood that if you knew, it would only have driven us apart further than what you might have already thought.” Mum, no... Princess Celestia nuzzled my cheek again lovingly. “I did not want you to think that titles or status separated us. I wanted to be with you, not as a princess, but as a mother. To not have you react like I was royalty, but as if I was a friend; family.”

“You wouldn’t believe some of the stunts Auntie pulled to hide it from you.”

Celestia looked over at Cadenza. “I think that’s exaggerating it quite a bit.” Cadance chuckled in response.

I took in the scene around me. It shared so many similarities to what I had been told a family was like… to what I thought a family would be like… and yet, these two ponies were some of the most powerful ponies on the planet, rulers of an entire country, nobles of the highest order, and yet they spoke as if none of that even mattered. As if it didn't even exist. Celestia noticed the conflict on my face.

“I know it is a lot to take in, and it may take some time to adjust, but just remember this: no matter what, you are, and always will be, my son, my little ray of sunshine, and I will always be your mother, for as long as you will have me.”

I smiled up at the pr– at Mum. I could tell she meant it; that no matter what happened, we would always be a family; regardless of title or status.

“And don’t even think about calling me princess either, Andy!” Cadenza shouted from beside us, causing us all to laugh. Tears welled in the corners of my eyes and soon began to fall. “Andy?”

“Andromeda, my son? What is wrong?”

I looked up at the two of them, before pulling them into the biggest hug I could give. “Thank you… thank you so, so much.”

And we stayed like that for the rest of the evening.

…well, the rest of the evening wasn’t that long, only about ten to fifteen minutes. But the peace and the silence was-

“Of course, since your Mother is a princess, that means that you’re a prince too.”

...

I… I think I need a moment to process that one…

Mum lightly slapped Cadenza over the head with a wing. “Hey…!” Cadenza replied playfully.

“I think it might have been best if you left that one until he has further recovered.”

“Pfft. He’s had time, and I just couldn’t wait any longer!”

Uhm… I… Uh… “Can… can someone… explain… please?” I think the confusion and befuddlement I was feeling were clearly evident in my expression, as Mum soon picked up on it.

“Well; Cadance is somewhat right, though not completely. While, yes, as my son you would be granted the honorary title of ‘prince’, it would be in name only, just like Cadance’s brother, prince Blueblood. The title would hold no meaningful value.”

“Ugh. No need to bring him up.”

“However, that being said. It is somewhat of an unspoken rule in Equestria that alicorns are inherently considered royalty, despite their lineage.”

“…so… (uhm…)?”

“While, as my son, you would receive the honorary title of prince; as an alicorn, you would receive the proper title of ‘Prince of Equestria’, whether you were my son or not. Actually being my son only cements things further.”

Celestia nuzzles me and gives me a kiss on the cheek while I take all of this in. Cadenza is clapping in the background. “Congratulations, Andy! Welcome to the club!”

I… honestly have no idea on how to react to that. Literally hours ago I was Andromeda Solstar, unicorn son of Celestia-the-pony-Solstar. And now… now I’m Prince Andromeda Solstar, alicorn son of Princess Celestia. It… it's quite a lot to take in.

“What, nothing? You’re not even going to faint on us?”

“I have no idea how to react… so, I guess I’m just not reacting at all.”

“That’s quite alright, my son. Sometimes, you just can’t rush these things. Maybe, sometime in the future, it will catch up with you and hit you all at once with the realisation of what it means. I know that’s what happened to Cadance, myself, and my sister once we found out the exact same thing ourselves.”

“It took me a few months to react fully to the news. It finally hit me when I was walking around Canterlot one day with Celestia and everyone was bowing down to us, then I looked up and saw the castle for the first time, and it all hit me like a stack of bricks. I was a Princess, the co-ruler of an entire country. How in Tartarus did I end up here?!?”

Celestia chuckled quietly to herself. “Yes, I still remember the expression you had plastered on your face for the rest of the day.” Cadenza blushed and Celestia laughed at her reaction. I couldn’t help but smile. Celestia looked at the grandfather clock off to the side of the room.

“It is beginning to get late, and none of us have eaten yet. Do you wish to stay here, or shall we go to the dining room? I’m sure Twilight wishes to see you both after what happened, and Blueblood will want to make sure Cadance is alright too.”

Cadenza nods vigorously in agreement “Yeah! Let’s go!” I nod a little less enthusiastically.

“I’ll go with you to the dining room; but, can I get something first on the way there?”

<<<15 minutes later>>>

The doors to Celestia’s... our private dining room opened, revealing Twilight and Blueblood were already seated for some time and had been waiting for them to arrive. When they heard the doors open, the two of them immediately ran forward, tackling Prin- Cadenza to the ground. I had to step out of the way, hiding behind Mum when they did so to avoid being caught up in the scuffle.

“Cadance!” They both shouted as said pony fell to the floor under their combined weight.

“Be careful you two, or you might end up sending Cadance back to the emergency ward.”

Celestia’s comment made both of them get off of Cadenza immediately, which only served to make Celestia laugh at their antics.

“Mum…”

We all had a laugh, and concerns over Cadenza’s health were soon satisfied. We all sat around the table in the center of the room soon after for dinner. I sat a little bit closer to Mum than usual, her wing wrapped around me, though it was more from the uncomfortable amount of attention on me rather than the anxiety I would have felt when I was first brought under Celestia's care. Sitting on a chair not designed for alicorns with their wings covered by a thick green blanket probably didn’t help either.

I had asked Mum for the blanket specifically, since I didn’t want to walk around with my wings visible for the whole world to see. I would have to get over it eventually, but right now, I was overly conscious of the two new additions weighing down my back.

“Pri-… uh, I-I mean-“ Twilight started talking before remembering I was in the room and stuttering as she tried to correct herself.

“It’s alright, Twilight, he knows.” Celestia calmed Twilight’s hurried attempts at fixing what she’d said.

“Y-you told him?”

“We… weren’t really given much choice, to be completely honest.”

“Is- is that what all that commotion was about earlier?”

I felt my ears flatten back against my head in shame as the thought hits me with a degree of shock. I wouldn’t have even thought of something like that! Oh dear, did everyone overhear our conversation? How many? Did it disrupt others?

…no, I have to trust mum wouldn’t do something like that, not to me… I hope.

“No, no, no. Nothing like that. It’s just…” Cadance paused and looked at me for confirmation on whether to continue.

“We’ll tell you later, I… I’m not really comfortable with the subject right now.” I look down a little bit. After a day like I’ve just had, more things on my metaphorical plate right now would be too much.

And then… Blueblood. “So what’s with the big green eyesore on your back? What, did you get cooties and tried covering it up?”

I give Blueblood my patented Stare-of-Questioning™ (thanks for the idea, mum) as I answer. “Hey, green is my favourite color. Don’t diss the green, Bluey.” Everyone else snickered at my new nickname for Blueblood, which only annoyed him further. He rolls his eyes.

“Whatever, you don’t need it anyway; I can practically see you sweating under that thing. It’s not like you’re hiding a pair of wings under there.” Cadenza and Mum immediately went quiet, along with myself. Twilight had been nervously playing with a fork during Blueblood's comment and soon realised she was the only one still making any noise in the otherwise silent room, since Blueblood was still silently awaiting a response from us, and set down her cutlery as quietly as possible while glancing at the others seated at the table.

“What? What’s with all the silence...?”

I looked at Cadenza, then at Mum. Blueblood and Twilight shared a look amongst themselves. I decided I should face the inevitable sooner rather than later, they were going to find out eventually and it was probably for the best they found out up front. I timidly looked away from Twilight and Blueblood, and let part of the blanket slip; just far enough to show them most of my right wing, before pulling it back into place.

Blueblood and Twilight gasped as their jaws dropped. Twilight spoke up, since Blueblood was still trying to process everything. “How-“

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Did…" she took a moment to pause, considering if what she was about to ask was insensitive or not, or whether it should be asked at all in front of the princess, "Did it hurt? T-the transformation, I mean.”

I nod slightly. “Like Tartarus.”

The two of them sat there in stunned silence as dinner was brought out for us and we began eating.

“I… I guess that means now you’re a-“

“I don’t wanna talk about it.”

The rest of the dinner went by in relative silence, and soon everyone went their separate ways for the night. Since Cadenza’s room was on the way back to our temporary accommodation, Mum and I walked her there and said our goodnights at the door.

“Oh. And... Andromeda? Thanks… thank you, for… doing what you did. If you ever need something, I’m here for you.” I gave a tired smile and an appreciative nod to Cadenza before I left with Mum so we could get some sleep ourselves in one of the guestrooms just down the hall. We said our own goodnights and snuggled close as we fell asleep. Despite the lack of comfort I was currently feeling from having wings where there were none before, and thoughts of today’s events racing through my mind, I fell asleep quickly into a deep, yet for once, peaceful sleep. And for the first time in a very long time, my dreams were not plagued by even a single nightmare.

Author's Note

But all that is about to change...

...in like, 6 chapters from now.

More than halfway through! Huzzah!!
...
I'm going to crash now.

Faithfully dead to the world for the next few hours,
Krystl Fae

Edit:
It’s been a while since I last wrote… but I’ve been stuck with COVID, University, and the energetic personality of a new kitten. New chapters may be a while, but they’re in the works. Worst case scenario, I’ll release the “bonus” chapter early (a “post-script” style chapter that doesn’t contain spoilers and was to be a kind of bridge between this story and the next).

Sincerest appologies,
Krystl

Chapter 18: PRACTICE

Easier In Theory Than...

<<<2 Days Later - Canterlot Castle>>>
Andromeda

It’s still hard to believe that I’m an alicorn, despite having spent more than 24 hours as one. Yesterday, Celestia pulled out the last document from the adoption papers and we went over it together for the first time. It covered inheritance, titles, nobility, and more political jargon than I was comfortable with. At the time I was to become the son of a Princess of Equestria. Celestia then went over the laws on alicorns with me, since this was stuff I would soon need to know. Cadance and Twilight showed up later in the day with Spike, bringing cookies they had baked while I studied Alicorn history with Celestia.

In the end, the laws didn’t concern me too much as of yet... though an important decision would soon have to be made. Would the information about my ascension be made public knowledge and a coronation held, or would I wait for a better time to present itself? Whether I was coronated or not was not up for debate, it was only a matter of when... a fact mum and Cadenza teased me over relentlessly, much to my own embarrassment.

Today, given that my horn had grown back during my ascension and whatever force or entity that had been plaguing my magic- and quite possibly my nightmares -had seemingly disappeared, Mum decided it was time to begin teaching me practical magic lessons one-on-one. Thanks to the revision I had done on basic magic theory alongside the advanced magical theory that Celestia covered in her tutoring lessons, I was already up to speed on almost everything I needed to know. There was only one thing left: putting my knowledge into practice, the one thing I had never had the chance to do before.

Cadenza and Twilight were watching nearby, but it didn’t trouble me nearly as much as it used to. Of course, I was still overly self-conscious over my wings, but for today Celestia had cast a spell to hide them in case somepony saw despite us practicing in Celestia’s private garden for the very reason that no one is allowed there without the permission of the Princess.

Celestia and I sit down on the soft grass in the middle of the garden. “Relax, let your thoughts go, focus inwards, and listen… listen for the heartbeat of your magic.”

I sat there, eyes closed, mind blank... there’s a bird in the tree across from me fluttering it’s wings. There’s also two squirrels fighting over an acorn somewhere to my right, a bee buzzing in a nearby patch of flowers, and I’m sitting on a small rock that is incredibly irritating.

Okay, so maybe clearing my mind isn’t as easy as I first thought. I’ve never been good at filtering things out which usually makes it hard to concentrate or focus, though it had once been a great boon on the streets, when noticing the tiniest of details could mean the difference between life and certain death.

“I’m not sure I can focus... there’s too many distractions.”

Mum nodded and erected a soundproof bubble around us. I shifted until I was comfortable, and tried ignoring everything that I could, but there was still too much stimulus to ignore

Apparently my struggling efforts were clear enough that Mum darkened the barrier to keep out most of the light, before teleporting something inside the barrier.

“Sometimes I find that one needs a focal point to center one's self. I have always found the sound of running water helps me to relax and stay calm, even in the face of great adversity. Maybe it will help you as well? Focus your thoughts on the sound of the water, and imagine it flowing like a stream, just as your magic flows inside of you.”

I concentrate on the sound of water trickling over rocks, the sound echoing inside my head... only to grow restless by the 12 minute mark.

“It’s alright, not everyone can conjure a spell on their first try.”

I sighed. “But I'm not even trying to cast a spell yet; and I know I have one, I’ve used my magic before; you saw me use it.”

“In times of great stress we often act on instinct. It also helped that some ponies under extreme pressure can work feats far beyond their normal capacity. It has been well documented that in life-or-death situations, unicorns have been shown to temporarily exceed any normal limitation, at the cost of needing to recover from utilising so much power.”

Is that what I did...? Exceed my limitations, and pay the price...? Did that mean my magic was too powerful for my body to handle before, and that was why I had to..... no... something doesn’t quite add up. There’s still more to this, I’m sure of it.

“Is something troubling you?”

I... maybe now was a good time, but if she found out... wouldn’t it be for the best? It may help diagnose my “condition”, or whatever it was I was suffering...

My brow furrowed and I opened my eyes, staring at the ground in front of me.

“I... maybe. Can we talk; I need to get something from ho— from our room, too.”

Celestia nodded, dispelling the barrier and teleporting away the small portable fountain she had used.

“Any luck?” asked an eager and hopeful Twilight. Cadance also seemed on the edge of her metaphorical seat for news.

Celestia shook her head, “Nothing as of yet, though that is not entirely unsurprising after the feats he only just accomplished a few days ago. A week or two of rest will do him good, and maybe then we can get onto flying lessons.”

...I can fly...?

...I have wings and...?!

“I... I can fly!?”

I look up to mum in shock, the realisation had only just hit me, and was as amusing to Celestia as it was to Cadenza. Twilight didn’t seem too impressed, but still smiled to herself at the dumbness of my question.

“Of course you can fly, you’re an alicorn now,” she replied sarcastically.

“What do you think those things on your back are for? Painting?” Cadenza mimed using her wing to paint art on an imaginary canvas, attempting to mimic some sort of aristocrat “Yes, yes; very good. A little more blue to the left, and some yellow to the right. Ah! My feather got in the way again! How dreadful!” She said in a haughty voice, attempting to imitate a stereotypical high-class noble.

We all chuckled a little, though I soon parted from them and made my way up to where me and Celestia once lived. Mum stayed behind to talk with Cadenza and Twilight for a moment before she followed me.

I reached the open doorway, looking through to the far side of the room where most of the wall had fallen away- not that the lack of windows helped seal the room anyway. I could see the city below, a breath-taking sight for sure, but not what I was here for.

I walked over to one of the few pieces of furniture that hadn’t been toppled over- a heavy set of mahogany drawers that barely made it out unscathed.

“At least that survived. It was a gift from an old friend of mine that I couldn’t bring myself to leave behind in my old castle when I was moving to Canterlot,” I hear mum say as she enters the room, having caught up to me so quickly thanks to her long stride.

I get down low, my chin against the floor as I reach underneath the drawers for the item I was searching for- what I had left there, specifically so that no one would find it.

Much to my chagrin, Mum then proceeded to simply lift the drawers up and away allowing me easy access. I gave her a look of ‘you couldn’t have done that before I had to get dirty in all this soot and ash?’

She raised an eyebrow. “I can always move it back if you like, and you can continue to scrabble around on the ground for whatever it is that you are looking for.”

She smiles, and I have to smirk slightly at her sarcasm.

She sets the drawers down to the side as I walk over and pick up a small box. Compared to how the room we stood in once looked, it wasn’t particularly ornate, but it more than made up for that in durability. It was the only thing I ever truly owned from my time on the street, and it’s contents were beyond precious to me. It was thankfully intact. I had almost worried that I should have left it in its hidden place on the streets instead of bringing it back home after the devastation the rest of the room suffered.

“Mum, promise you won’t, uhm... be mad, ok?”

Noticing my concern and reluctance, her demeanour instantly morphed into one of seriousness, yet also care.

“Of course. Whatever it is you have that you want to show me, there is nothing that could...”

She trails off as I open the box. Inside were a collection of twelve ivory rods- all embossed with the same pattern. But they weren’t just any old sticks, they were...

“...Unicorn horns...” Mum said, almost disbelievingly. The colour drained from her face as it twisted in an expression of shock and morbid horror. “...but how...?”

“...mine.”

Mum raised her head to look me in the eyes, not sure what to think.

“They’re all mine... see the broken tips on each one, from where I severed the one before it?”

Celestia looks back at the box’s contents to affirm my claim. Indeed, each and every horn was missing it’s tip- scarring having taken hold from where it was broken.

Somewhat calmed, she was now puzzled more than anything. “But how...?”

“...every time I broke it off...” I looked over to the fireplace where I could see a small amount of miniscule white fragments among the ash- my most recent attempt at “shaving” my horn before my unexpected ascension brought it back, “...it would just grow back. Bit by bit. And as it grew longer the nightmares would get worse, too...”

“Andromeda... breaking one’s horn is a serious thing. It is certainly possible for unicorns to perform limited amounts of magic without their full horn, but it is directly linked to the brain. Even minor damage can cause a life-threatening injury; and I haven’t begun on what it can do to one’s magic...”

Mum shook her head. “And yet, ignoring the anomaly that your horn grew back- something I have never heard of before- you removed the majority of your horn not once, not twice, but... twelve times? How are you even still alive?”

I look up at Mum. “I honestly don’t know.”

We sit there in silence for a while, Mum’s head bowed as she was deep in thought. I couldn’t see her face to read her expression.

“Andromeda...”

I nod for her to continue.

“...if there is ever anything else, and I mean anything else at all...”

She raised her head to look at me, tears streaming from her eyes.

“Please don’t hesitate to tell me again, alright?" She pulled me into a hug, "I’m always here for you.” I reciprocated; my wings making a futile attempt to encompass her in a loving embrace as her wings held me in hers.

“I love you Andromeda.”

“I love you too, Mum.”

Author's Note

Apologies this is so late...
I'd had this sitting here mostly complete for a while, but things became hectic and... well, with the new generation coming out in a few weeks it kinda made me question myself and my stories.
Existential crises aside, I haven't forgotten about this story- and I plan on finishing it. By Tartarus or high water!

See you all next time,
Krystl

Chapter 19: ADAPTION

Two Steps Forward...

<<>>
Andromeda

*BLAM*

“A little harder!”

*BLAM*

“More to the left!”

*BLAM*

“I SAID HARDER!!”

*BLAM* *BLAM* *BLAM*

Shining Armor stepped back at the last attack, almost losing his grip on his shield spell. It had been some time since I began using my magic; spring had come and gone, and now it was summer again. My training had progressed, though not very far. After finding shield magic more difficult than most other magics, Shining- who had a natural talent for said magic -had offered to teach me some spells, though my “unique approach” to mastering them was rather unorthodox.

“What are you doing? Knocking on somepony’s front door? HARDER!”

Instead of using my newfound capabilities for defence, I repurposed two simultaneous shield spells into a pair of make-shift floating boxing-gloves of sorts, that I could use to attack in addition to defending myself at a moment’s notice… or at least, that was the plan, once I actually mastered how to change the radius of my shields without having to dispel and remake them first.

“Alright, that’s enough sparing for one day boys.”

“Yes, Princess.”

“Alright, Mum.”

The two of us walked away from the sparing area and over to where Mum was waiting patiently for us to finish. After Shining Armor started training to become captain of the royal guard, the two of us began to see each other on a more frequent basis, hence how we found the time to spar in the first place.

“You know, I don’t think I’m ever going to get used to how casually you say that. I mean, to you she’s ‘Mum’, but to the rest of the world, she’s ‘Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria’.”

“Would you believe I didn’t know that at first?”

“No way. This is Princess Celestia we’re talking about, probably the most well-known pony on the planet, and you didn’t know about her?”

“No, not until quite some time after I adopted him actually. I didn’t want to drive the two of us apart with my title and status.”

“Wow, that’s… that’s really something.”

The three of us went back inside to relax after a long day. Twilight ran down from the viewing balcony to greet her brother, and Cadenza came along with her. Shining's knack for shield magic and my slowly improving proficiency with powerful, sustained magic blasts made the two of us perfect sparing partners, and since Shining was Twilight’s brother, Twilight, Spike, and Cadenza often showed up to watch our matches.

Admittedly, I was at least somewhat decent when it came to combat magic, specifically offensive combat magic, though I was still unused to casting some of the more basic spells. I even struggled with telekinesis, since I had had no practice with it prior to becoming an alicorn, and the boosted power surge from ascension only complicated things. The last time I had tried was with a statue that I sent flying into the air when trying to move it only a few hooves upwards, which nearly hit several pegasi on the way up... and several more on the way down.

On the other hand, Cadenza had been teaching me about alicorn wings; specifically, how to keep them folded on my back instead of hanging limply by my sides, how to properly open and close them, wing muscle exercises, and a few other things to prepare me for when I felt like attempting flying lessons. Meanwhile, Twilight had leant me quite a few books on ‘alicorn physiology’ as she called it, though it was just a collection of books on pegasi, earth ponies, and unicorns since alicorn biology, especially that of an alicorn stallion, has never been widely researched or studied before. Mum had also helped me out a lot too, teaching me about alicorns as much as she could in addition to lessons on running a country, since I’m going to have to do that eventually. Still hard to accept that's just going to be a part of everyday life from now on.

Mum also taught me how to look after my wings. I just hope I never hear the words ‘pluck’ and ‘feather’ in the same sentence anytime soon; and if I ever hear the word ‘preen’ again, I'll be finding out if I can fly after jumping out the nearest window. Preening really sucks, I’ll give it that- especially with hooves and a muzzle. At least gryphons have a preening claw. How is anypony supposed to do this on a regular basis? Not to mention pegasus wings are sensitive so that they can feel the wind currents flowing around them while in flight. Alicorn wings are much the same, but far bigger, and far more sensitive. I’m really lucky my wings are underdeveloped at the moment or preening would be even worse than it is now. I was either laughing my head of the whole time from how ticklish my wings were, or shouting from the pain of having feathers pulled out; which really hurts. Apparently you get used to the pain over time and it stops tickling so much, but I couldn’t find out anything more than that from what Twilight gave me. Guess it’s more common for such practices to be passed down via word-of-mouth from parent to child rather than by literature.

Shining Armor left to head back to the guards barracks while the rest of us headed for the dining room. “So; Andromeda, Twilight. The summer sun celebration is coming up a number of weeks from now, and I was wondering if the two of you would like to go and watch it in Cloudsdale. I have to go there as part of the celebrations anyway, so you wouldn’t be there by yourselves the whole time.”

“But Princess, our studies-”

“Can wait a few days. You’ve earned the time off. Especially you, Andromeda; you’ve been working yourself to the bone ever since you became an alicorn just so you could catch up on your magic, and I know the transition into being an alicorn hasn’t been easy for you either.”

I looked up at Mum while we took our seats and smiled. “Thanks, Mum. I’ll go, but afterwards I want to know how you managed to figure out your destiny was to do with moving a huge flaming ball of plasma through the sky on a daily basis.” We had a small chuckle.

“Alright, you win.”

“Still working on getting your cutie mark, Andy?” Cadenza asked curiously.

"Yeah..."

It had been a while since I ascended, yet I still hadn’t found my destiny in the form of a cutie mark, and I had no clue where to begin. My nightmares? Cadenza’s resurrection? Overwhelming destruction? Considering the scorch marks I've left around the castle grounds, the third one might not be so far off.

Then again… it was still up in the air.

A few weeks ago, Celestia took me to see her doctor for a regular check-up. She was one of the few Celestia trusted enough to let know about me and my ascension. I remember what she told me; “Because you didn’t use you magic for your entire childhood, it has built up, becoming more powerful over time. From what is understood from historical accounts, this is how unicorns would originally grow in magical power, but when they began using magic at younger and younger ages, their bodies adjusted themselves to compensate, allowing unicorns to access small amounts of their magical energy from an early age by drawing from the wellspring of magic inside of them, before undergoing the process commonly known nowadays as ‘magical puberty’, a time when a unicorn’s wellspring of magic is fully matured and integrates itself with their current magic, causing their powers to increase dramatically and unlocking one’s true capacity for magic.”

“However, with someone such as yourself, whom hasn’t used magic for at least the most part of their childhood, you never had to draw from that magical reservoir, causing it to build up power… and grow; what will happen when you inevitably reach magical puberty is unknown. Normally, unicorns will go through this phase right after obtaining their cutie mark, but as you are still without a cutie mark, and an alicorn on top of that, the entire process is indeterminable. It will be impossible to say for certain what will happen. For example, with Princess Cadance, she did not undergo the process entirely since she was born as an alicorn with innately high potential for magic. I’m sorry to say, but… until you find your cutie mark, we won’t know for certain what will happen, if it ever even will.”

It was something I had thought about for a while; but had never really bothered me too much. Whatever happens, happens. I snapped out of my thoughts and back to reality when dinner was served. I would have to think about this topic at another time.

<<>>
Andromeda

Mum wasn’t kidding. Everypony had stayed up all night to witness Celestia raising the sun that morning. It was like, in that moment, she wasn’t even a pony. She was a symbol, an idea, something greater than this world… and yet, also my mother. I’m not sure I’ll ever look at the sunrise the same way again.

At least it got my mind off the dull throbbing pain I felt all over. I had attempted a brief few hours of flying lessons the day before at the Wonderbolt Academy flight range and… it hadn’t ended so well. If it weren’t for alicorn durability and a last-second shielding spell I didn’t know I had in me I would’ve crashed into the ground at speeds that would have severely injured a regular pegasus. We’ve agreed I may need to take it a bit more slowly, so no more flying lessons for a season or two… I don’t want to test my reaction time like that again.

At least the bandages cover up my wings? So I guess that’s a plus?

“Isn’t the princess magnificent? Look at her! Those wings…!”

“…”

Everypony around me looked upon the princess in awe, like she was a goddess to them; the splendour and radiance of the rising sun casting her magnificence across all of Equestria. To them, she was something they could never hope to comprehend, something they could never understand... and yet here amongst them I stand... unnoticed; nigh ignored... I knew mum was special, but here amongst all these other ponies, I see just how special she is- to them at least.

Mum is looked up to by everypony as a symbol of perfection, peace, the culmination of all Equestria... how can I possibly hope to live up to that kind of standard…?

Author's Note

2/3rds was written and sitting in a word document. Maybe a bit shorter than I was hoping for... ok, a LOT shorter than i was hoping for, and a lot more of focus on Shining and Andromeda than originally intended, but It'll be fine for a filler chapter...
...for now.
(Trying to get out more story faster, so I guarantee I made a mistake or two, or that there's an inconsistency or grammatical error I need to rewrite)

From now on, there'll be more story (hopefully more often!), so be prepared~!
We got a few major story beats next chapter I need to cover, a Halloween special chapter coming out after that, and then a Hearths Warming surprise~!

EXPECT MORE UPDATES SOON!!

Your author as always,
Krystl Fae

13 horns atop his brow,
a crown of magic to which fiends bow...

Chapter 20: APPOINTMENT

Captain Of The Guard

Andromeda

“…and so, as you can see,” Twilight lowered Spike’s arm, the poor dragon tired of having been used as a prop for nearly 5 hours as she gave her extended presentation, “the properly balanced diet of young dragons should not include an excess of corundum-based mineral substances, lest it weaken them in the long run, nor a deficit, in order to ensure the strength of their developing scales.”

Celestia, used to long-winded sessions of bureaucracy, patiently nodded to Twilight from her place at the side of the room. As Twilight began to pack away her things and Spike returned to his seat, Cadance gave a tired, but nonetheless enthusiastic clap for her friend. Beside her, Andromeda still scribbled furiously in order to transcribe every last detail from Twilight’s lecture on taking care of dragons.

Magical creatures and their care had been a large focus in recent weeks and Andromeda could not complain, the subject having enthralled him from the very first lesson.

“Well done Twilight. And for now that is where we will have to call an end for today. Andromeda?” The colt in question raised his head. “Would you be prepared to give a presentation on your research tomorrow?”

He paled a little bit. He was far from the frightened colt he once was when he had been first brought here, but even now he was still a little bit timid at times; more comfortable in a discussion where he had his friends to lean on rather than all by himself. He nodded though, he would have to find his courage eventually… maybe this would be a step in the right direction?

Spike stood back up as Cadance stretched, her joints stiff after spending so long sitting in a chair. “Are we going now, Auntie?”

“Patience, Cadance. The ceremony doesn’t start for another hour.”

“Well, are you at least going to tell us who you’ve chosen?”

“I’m sure you’ll find out soon enough…” Celestia trailed off as a noise came from outside the room before there was a brief, but courteous knock at the door. “Enter.”

In walked Shining Armor- for once not in his official guard uniform.

“Princess,” he gave a salute.

“At ease.”

“Shining!”

“Brother!”

“Twilight! Cadance!” He pulled them both into a hug. “It’s good to see you two.” He looked over towards Andromeda. “You too, Andy.”

Andromeda gave him a smile and a nod in return.

Celestia looked at a nearby clock, “We really should get going, this lesson ran a little longer than I thought it would.” Everyone nodded, and they all headed out and towards the main hall.

“So…?”

“So?”

“Am I going to have to call you Captain Shining from now on?”

Shining gave a look over to Celestia, who nodded in response.

“Maybe.”

They were soon forced to part ways as everyone left to dress in formal attire for the occasion.

“Andromeda, here.”

He walked over to see a gold bracelet, several small jewels embedded into one side with two alicorns entwined between them, one white and the other a shade of dark blue.

“This should help you in public. It’s designed to act as an illusion for your wings so that ponies won’t see them.”

Celestia placed it just above his fore-hoof and closed the clasp, a shimmering effect settling over his back as he turned to watch his alicorn wings fade from existence as if they were never there.

“Thanks mum.”

“You’re welcome, my son.”

The two embraced, though it was cut short by a knock at the door.

“Everyone is ready, your highness.”

“Thank you.”

The guard saluted and walked away.

“Let’s go, shall we?”

Andromeda gave a confident nod, though it was one he would soon regret when he realised that most of Canterlot had shown up to witness the appointment of a new guard captain.

He wasn’t paying attention through most of it, a little too anxious to focus… though there was something else. A feeling… not quite as though someone was watching him, though that feeling was certainly there (he wasn’t exactly a familiar face around Canterlot, yet he sat up front with close friends and family of the to-be Captain), but not quite as if something was going to go wrong.

He suddenly felt something change in his intuition, his instincts screaming at him that he was missing something. He took a brief moment to look around as covertly as possible, trying not to draw attention to himself.

The only thing that caught his attention was a blue unicorn with a white mane near the back. He could barely make out their cutie mark, something that from a distance looked like a magic wand..? Or maybe that was the cutie mark of the mare beside him. They looked like family… siblings perhaps? But who was he to assume?

Seeing nothing else of value, Andromeda turned his attention back to the front just in time to catch the end of the appointment ceremony, as Shining Armor rose and everypony clapped for him.

The feeling he’d been getting faded, and he looked back to see only one of the blue unicorns remained, though he couldn’t see which through the crowd of ponies.

Hopefully nothing would come of it.

Author's Note

My sincere apologies this is so short and so late. Over a month late. I have just been procrastinating recently, and for all the reasons I could give, it’s ultimately down to me. I may add more to this chapter when I revise this book at a later date, but for now, there’ll probably be another short-ish chapter next time, followed by a certain… gift.

Krystl

Order and Chaos
Forces divine
Power of eons
In one will align
Deities now two
Reduced soon to none
But to stop them is who
When they both seek the one

Chapter 21: SPOOK

Night Of Hallows

<<>>
Andromeda

If there was one day I wish I had school more than any other, it was this one. At the very least it would take my mind off of things.

Every year it comes around, and every year I wish it didn't:
Nightmare Night.

It's a celebration of fright and all things spooky, or... something like that. All I know it for is a reminder of how dangerous life on the streets can be. Shadows lurking in every corner, monsters hiding in every nook and cranny... a horde of ponies turned into a semi-drunken mob wandering aimlessly down the street that don't bother to acknowledge your existence and trample you underhoof as they pass by. That last one really hurt... and it didn't get any better the second time.

The only solace I can seem to find is in mum not exactly liking the festival either. She's been distant all day, a glazed-over look in her eyes... Twilight and Cadance came by at one point and offered for me to go with them in their "trick or treating", but with my distaste of the "holiday" and mum in such a melancholic mood, I just couldn't accept.

Mum was actually rather surprised in my use of the word melancholic. I'd learned it from a book I recently read, where it talked about one of the characters feeling an unending tide of melancholy. Though, it was odd that when she asked me to show her what I'd been reading and I presented the story to her (a book titled "A Tale of Two Sisters") she almost seemed to... melt somewhat, saddened, and she couldn't help but sigh. Maybe the story reminded her of her problems?

I'd originally found the story on a bookshelf filled with old mares' tales, myths, and legends... so maybe it was a tale from her fillyhood? I don't think anything on that shelf was all that realistic though, so it couldn't have been true... I mean, centaurs that can steal all the magic in Equestria? A race of insectoid shapeshifters that drain love from ponies and live in underground hives? A pony made out of shadows? As if.

Though it was interestingly topical that such a tale should be brought up tonight of all nights... the story goes to tell of two rulers, and how one banished the other to the moon for turning evil... like a nightmare, trapped in the moon... a Nightmare Moon.

And as myself- still tired despite how uneasy and skittish I was -and mum tucked into bed after having turned in early for the night, I slowly (and eventually) drifted off to sleep with these thoughts running through my mind; about tales of evil moons and shadowy equines...

<<<??:?? ??/??/?? - ??????>>>
Andromeda?

Run.

Run....

Run...........

RUN!!

My hooves echoed as they slammed against the marble flooring of the castle, every heartbeat reverberating in my chest as I thundered down the hallway.

What was I doing...? I had to stop her. Stop who? Who am I, where is this?

I stopped in place, looking around to get my bearings. It was like the castle in Canterlot, but it was different. The walls were warped, the stained glass windows were all wrong. And the doors led to places that I'd never seen before.

I was suddenly dragged from my thoughts as the floor behind me began to sink, creating a pit of darkness and attempting to draw me in with it.

Right. I was running.

I was off again, heading down the seemingly endless hall towards the door at the end. The dark pool behind me slowly retreating into the distance- though it seemed to be moving away from me at a slower pace than the floor I was running on- as if it were slowly following me as pillars and vases and stained glass windows went flying past, but I knew the darkness wasn't chasing me... maybe it was the hall itself that was moving?

I make it to the door at the end of the hall and run beyond, passing through a throne room that had much the same stylings as the one in Canterlot, but was arranged in an entirely different manner. I galloped past a second throne that was tipped over and had fallen off the raised dais, sitting on the stairs behind and to the side of the other throne, which stood in the middle of the platform. There were flashing visions of beings flittering into and out of existence around me, but they all faded out of sight before I could get a better look, though I could feel the tension between the figures present in them.

I'd already reached the end of the throne room, which was only half the length (if not shorter) of the one in Canterlot Castle, and burst through the great wooden doors that had been slowly opening as I had approached. Beyond them I had seen trees, vines, and numerous plants, though the moment I passed through it felt as though I was immediately in the thick of it- the door I had passed through a moment ago not even registering as existing, though I knew it was no longer an option; I had to keep pressing forward.

Paths and streams occasionally gave me a moment's respite from the dense undergrowth, though I forged onwards still, plunging headfirst into the unknown forest... though perhaps "jungle" might have been more apt. Eventually I came face to face with a bridge, which I crossed without second thought. It crumbled beneath me, the old rotted planks falling into the river below, though I ran faster than the wind could pull me down, making it to the other side in moments, and continued onwards.

Through the clearing on the opposite side I ran, past rubble and stone bricks of a ruined city as I bolted towards a giant wooden door, partially rotted away and hanging open ever so slightly. The door was like that I had come through to reach these woods, but it was the same... or... was it?... I have to run.

There was no time for rational thought, my mind a mess as the dream propelled me onwards. At this point I don't think I could stop if I wanted to, but I didn't stop none the less. I ran through the door and into a ruined throne room, one I recognised from the layout before, but with black ponies of all shapes and sizes milling about in the shadows... a giant shadowy centaur crossed in front of the throne, and I skidded to a halt as I turned, stumbling off through a side door as I continued sprinting towards my goal.

...what was my goal...?

I must keep running.

I all but flew up a flight of spiral staircases before finding myself face-to-face with yet another door in my path. I broke through and came to a stop in an old bedroom of sorts. A desk stood against the wall opposite me as moonlight streamed in through a hole in the wall above it where part of a window once was. I made my way over to the desk, finding an untouched copy of A Tale of Two Sisters, before feeling a presence floating behind me.

"A shame, isn't it? That such glorious walls would fall to ruin..." The voice was smooth, soft... like a gentle breeze on a moonlit night. "My sister did not want to remain here, did not want to remember the painful memories of what had once transpired here..."

It floated over my shoulder and stared at the cover of the book with me, though I remained fixed on the book, not looking at the shadowy figure.

"A pitty... she could have been just like me, just like us. But, she chose her own path..." It shifted in place like a swirling fog, "And now I return, little one, back to haunt your nightmares once more... to rule all that is mine..."

I step back and raised my head as it swirled around to move in front of me; a dark blue cloud, bordering on black, with a toothy grin. And as it opened it's red, reptilian eyes, it spoke...

"...for I am Nightmare Moon."

Andromeda

I immediately woke in a cold sweat, mum sleeping peacefully beside me as the moon shone through the window.

I lay back down as mum snuggled into me, pulling me closer into her comforting embrace.

Maybe Celestia was right... I should stop with the cookies and milk right before bed...

Author's Note

I'm sorry it's so late...
But, I'm more than happy with how it turned out, so...

Your idiot as always,
Krystl Fae

Chapter 22: INFERNO

CAJANKOEPU

Andromeda

"WAKEUPWAKEUPWAKEUPWAKEUPWAKEUPWAKEUP!!! IT'S HEARTH'S WARMING!!!"

"Five more minutes, Cadenza. It's too early for this..."

"It's 7:30! You never sleep in this late!!"

I reluctantly roll out of bed and land on the floor.

"Oomph..."

"C'mon!! C'mon!! Everyone's waiting!!"

"You'll feel better once you've had something warm to drink."

Mum came out of the walk-in closet wearing a red and white outfit and helped me up.

"C'mon, let's go!!!"

Cadenza rushed off ahead to the main hall where a large decorated tree stood with numerous brightly-wrapped boxes underneath. I sat down on one of the chairs and gratefully drank from a cup of hot cocoa that mum passed me. Blueblood, Twilight, Spike, and Shining Armour (who was officially "on duty", not that anyone was really going to enforce that given he was invited as a guest) were already waiting for us around the base of the tree.

"I'm not sure I entirely understand the occasion I know it's a holiday celebrating the union of the three tribes but... what's going on?" I whispered to mum, who sat down beside me to explain.

"Every year, ponies celebrate the founding of Equestria and the unification of the three pony tribes, as you know, by expressing their friendship to one another through the giving and receiving of gifts with those they cherish and care for."

"Oh... so that's why you had me looking at gifts for them with you." I whispered back, only to receive a nod and a smile in return. "Wait..." a thought came to me, "But I haven't gotten you a gift."

Mum smiled and gave me a hug. "But you are my gift. Every day I spend with you is precious; that's why it's called 'present'." She gave me a wink, and I smiled. "Now," she turned to address everyone else, "Who want's their presents first?"

<<<90 minutes later>>>

Eventually, all the gifts under the tree had been opened. Blueblood was admiring his new suit, Cadance was obsessing over a new makeup set, Shining was... well, shining his sword with a tin of blade polish he'd received, Twilight was already halfway through the book I'd gotten for her (which was quite the feat considering how thick it was!), Spike was chowing down on some Hearth's Warming gem cookies in the shape of little ponies, pretending to be a monster that was attacking them and "gobbling them all up", to use his own words.

Mum was sitting down, a wing draped around me as I read through the back cover on a book detailing mythical creatures that live in far away lands that I'd never heard of before now. When I'd finished with that, I picked up the other book that had been wrapped with it from where it was sitting by my hooves and turned it over to read the back cover. Despite the name Inferno, which might imply fire magic, or a fictional story about a force of destruction and the quest to quell it, the full name turned out to be "Inferno, a guide on raising the flaming songbird", which was quite an odd title. Did it mean resurrecting a songbird? Bringing one up from infancy? Did it mean phoenixes by "flaming songbirds"?

...after reading some more of the back cover, apparently so.

It was a guide on raising phoenixes. Not that it wasn't a good read and probably quite interesting, but... well, mum has Philomena, sure, but she's quite old and certainly tame. I've even hung around Philomena on a few occasions when she visited the castle, after she learned I wasn't a threat who was trying stealing away her time with and affection from Celestia, at least. I suppose it is a nice novelty though, so I can't complain. Who knows, maybe one day I'll raise a phoenix of my own?

All in all, with everyone feeling as happy as they were, I'd say I like Hearth's Warming... it's nice, being with those you care about and just... enjoying everything.

Cadenza suddenly came out of her trance and looked over to us.

"Oh, that's right! This is your first Hearth's Warming, isn't it Andy?"

"Yeah... I guess it is."

"It is also the first anniversary of when I found you."

"So, it's like it's his birthday, too, then?"

"Well, since we don't have any official records of when that is, and Andromeda doesn't remember, I suppose it is somewhat."

Everyone gave a (mostly) enthusiastic "happy birthday", to which I responded by attempting to pull back into the hiding place of mum's wing, to which she laughed.

"Still not used to all the attention, I see."

I shook my head.

"How about we go somewhere a little more quiet for a moment, I'm sure they won't mind."

We got up and headed back to our chambers where brunch had been served and was waiting for us when we returned.

"I figured all the attention wouldn't be to your preference, so I made arrangements for just us to spend Hearth's Warming day together. Why don't you get started, and I'll be back in a minute."

I followed her suggestion as mum went into the bedroom to change out of her Hearth's Warming getup. The time alone gave me some space to think.

A year ago, I would have been dead. A body lying on the streets of Canterlot without anyone caring about my welfare. But then Celestia found me. A princess of an entire nation stopped everything to help me, to make sure I was okay, to watch over me as I healed, to take me in...

This past year has been a roller coaster of emotions... from fear to curiosity, hope to mourning, and anticipation to wonder. Everything, all of this... is because of her, Celestia... the mare I now think of as my own mother...

I don't think I could ever repay her kindness if I tried, her generosity...

I felt a tear well in the corner of my eye as I got emotional, and as mum came back into the room I got up, walked over, and gave her the biggest hug I could manage with my small size compared to her.

"Thank you."

She wrapped her wings around me and hugged me back in return.

"You're welcome, my little sunshine."

When we parted, she raised something in her magic.

"Put this on."

It was a strip of cloth-- a blindfold. I did as she said though.

"And no peeking!"

A year ago, presented with this situation, I would have run. I would have bolted straight through the window and tumbled down the mountainside, so long as I could get away from this place. But now...

From somewhere near me I could hear sounds shuffling and... sifting?

"Alright, open your eyes and take the blindfold off."

When I opened my eyes there was a rather large insulated metal tray on the ground before me; large enough to fit a pony on. On the tray was a small grey pile of...

"...ash..."

I carefully raised my hoof before stopping, looking to mum for a sign to continue. She nodded, and I turned my attention back to the mound of ash. I slowly brought my hoof to it and shifted some of the topmost layers, before gently sifting through the pile, like a mother phoenix would to search out their chicks once they hatch. Eventually my hoof came across something solid in the pile, and I carefully shovelled the ash out of the way with my hooves to expose it.

I lifted the small thing from it's resting place in the ash in my hooves and it began to move, before sneezing a cloud of ash right into my face. Mum giggled at the "explosive" makeover it had given to my face, before I sneezed right back at the ash that had irritated my nose, blowing most of the soot off of the creature in my hooves, which gave little noises akin to laughter at my misfortune. The creature righted itself before tilting it's head to get a good look at me. And there in my hooves, was a young phoenix hatchling.

"I figured you might want a friend when we can't be there, and you've proven yourself capable of handling animals, so I decided it was time you had a pet of your own."

"What's-" I paused and looked at the tailfeathers, a tell-tale sign of a phoenix's gender, "-her name?"

"She doesn't have one yet. I thought you would like to give her one given that she is yours."

I looked at the small, yet already curious phoenix again. She hopped around on my hooves for a moment, before attempting to make for my back, only to fail and nearly fall to the ground. I caught her and placed her on my back in-between my wings (in the hopes that she wouldn't accidentally claw them with her tiny, yet surprisingly sharp, talons) and from there she made her way up and onto my head, puffing her chest out proudly at the achievement as if she'd just climbed a mountain.

"I think I know exactly what I'll call her."

She gave me a cocky look that seemed to say "Oh? You do now, do you? We'll see about that."

I smiled to myself. "Yes. Yes I do."

Author's Note

I actually kept to my schedule and released this on time.
HUZZAH!
Sorry it's so short, but it is here nonetheless!

And, what do you know? IT'S A CHRISTMAS (HEARTH'S WARMING) MIRACLE!!
I'm letting you, yes YOU decide Andromeda's little phoenix's name!
Comment as many suggestions down below as you want and I'll pick the one I like the best (and/or combine one or more suggestions)!

Edit:
I did NOT realise how many mistakes were made in this chapter. Mother of Celestia I am so sorry for not catching them sooner.

See you again (probably next year at this rate),
Krystl Fae

Retrospective: A Story Already Long Told

Chapter 1: How it all began

Equestria, the land of ponies; forged over a thousand years ago by the forces of trust, love, and friendship. A place of peace between the three pony tribes: the earth ponies, whose great strength cultivates the fields and pastures, the pegasi, living in their cities in the sky and managing Equestria’s weather and climate, and the unicorns, whose magic and spellcraft has helped Equestria to prosper over centuries of peace. Above all others, however, are the alicorns. Mythical, beautiful, ethereal, and powerful, these immortal ponies have oft ruled pony kind since time immemorable. Their strength, magic, and capability in flight outpace and outmatch even the greatest of mortal ponies by a large margin, and their wisdom, built up over centuries of tireless leadership, is second to few, if not none.

For the last thousand years of prosperity, Equestria has been ruled by her royal highness, Princess Celestia Sol. Celestia, like her sister Luna Star, ascended to the status of an alicorn from an early age, just after the unification of the tribes and founding of Equestria. When her sister vanished a millennia ago, the responsibility of leadership fell onto her alone, as Equestria and its ponies were left solely in her hooves. Although she has done much for Equestria during her rule, one cannot deny that the Princess, for all her worship by the majority of Equestria and beyond, is far from infallible. Indeed, it is the very nature of making mistakes and learning from them that makes immortals, such as alicorns, great rulers. And many a mistake did she make in those years, all but a few of which she learned from.

Despite this, as the years have progressed and decades pass many choose to forget the times of strife and terror upon which their peaceful lives are so carefully built. The mistakes of the past are not ones to forget lightly- for if one does not learn from those mistakes, they are certain to repeat themselves. This is why it should be little wonder that like Celestia’s imprudence towards the growing vexation of her sister, she has overlooked many of the darker acts taking place in Equestria. Not by choice, mind you- simply that she does not look for trouble where she assumes there is none.

The capital city of Canterlot, overlooked by the palace built upon the mountainside known as Canterlot Castle, is where Celestia resides and from where she rules, and is a perfect example of the Princess' oversight. On the other side of the city from the winding path up the mountainside leading towards the castle, aside from the path towards the gate leading out of the city, lies a collection of narrow alleyways and clustered buildings, packed so closely together that light scarcely reaches through the overhanging eaves; all but joining together like a dense canopy that covers much of the dark, winding paths that weave between deteriorating homes and murky storefronts. The only sign that the buildings are at all separated comes in winter, when the snow somehow manages to pile up well over a hoof deep in the alleys, or when rain comes down like a waterfall upon unfortunate bystanders during summer storms.

Few come to this dark corner of Equestria’s capital. Fewer still choose to stay. Even the Equestrian royal guard have chosen to all but abandon the labyrinth of corridors that make up the area that has come to be known and feared as “Dark Canterlot”. It is possible that this is the very reason, or perhaps a symptom of, the notorious and unscrupulous figures that have since come to make such a place their home. From seedy bars and illegal brothels to ne'er-do-well mercenaries and foal-traffickers, slavers and pit-fighting rings, the homeless, assassins, dark magic casters, forbidden libraries, "salt" dealers- if you can name it, you’ll find it in Dark Canterlot. It has come to be the home of all those who’ve lost their place in the world.

I suppose that’s how I ended up there.

I don’t know how I survived my first few winters, a mixture of luck and divine intervention I suppose. My first memories come when I was around four, I believe. It wasn’t much to remember, just a few flashes of walking the alleys, peeking into rundown storefronts as I made my way past, drinking from puddles of melted snow gathered in some of the more uneven places on the cobbled pathways. The older I grew, the more I remember of my time there, though those memories eventually grew to be less pleasant. Then the nightmares started. I was around four and a half, maybe five when they first appeared. I had tried creating a spark, one of the first few magical abilities unicorn foals can conjure, when everything went black. Then white. Then, it appeared. I didn’t know what it was, all I knew is that it brought me pain. The next time I appeared in the white void, it hurt even worse. The moment I awakened from my sudden comatose stupor I grasped the nearest loose brick in both hooves, lay my forehead to the ground, and beat at my horn until it shattered in twain.

If any of those reading this are unicorns, and have ever blunted their horn, then they will know just how sensitive it can be- especially when exposed to significant weathering. A unicorn’s horn is a bone-like, keratin-infused, multi-cored spiral of hollow filaments, nerves, and connective tissues that create a controlled conduit for magical application. The base of a unicorn’s horn reaches through a socket in the skull and all but directly interconnects with the brain through a neuron “net” or “mesh” that interfaces between the horn's root and different areas of the brain, which is why when a unicorn suffers a concussion they can become temporarily incapable of casting spells. It also means that if a unicorn’s horn is damaged in any way, the nerve endings inside it will send immediate, prolonged, and intense signals directly to the unicorn’s brain, resulting in severe agony for a minimum of several hours and up to multiple weeks, or even months, with some unicorns left permanently insensate, bordering on permanent brain death from the experience.

The pain of scratching, cracking, or even fracturing a horn, however, is nothing compared to the pain of having it shattered. First of all, a warning: to all of you reading this, do not attempt to imitate breaking a unicorn's horn- it is directly interfaced with your brain and attempting to manually break or (heaven forbit) remove one's horn has an extensive record of immediate and irreversible death in over 38% of cases. I did not know this at the time, nor did I know of the excruciating pain that would come with it. For seven and a half days I drifted in and out of consciousness knowing only agony. It felt like my whole being- from muzzle to tail -was doused in gasoline and set alight. That was how it felt at the time, at least, though after later partaking in the experience of being truly set on fire, I would amend my statement to account that being on fire only caused pain externally, and incurred less than half the agony I experienced immediately after breaking my horn.

I don’t remember what happened when I finally came to, nor much of the events following. All I remember was peaceful dreams for some time, freed from the persistent nightmares. For a time, I returned to my abnormal life, persisting as a shadow in the corners of the city I called home. Unfortunately, the nightmares inevitably returned. How I dealt with them going forwards is a story for another time. As I grew older, more and more events would occur that made one thing clear to me. I had a… conscience of sorts, an intuition that tried to avert me from danger. This instinct would always warn me moments before something happened, and every time I ignored that instinct was to my own peril. Rogue spells, falling icicles, ponies barrelling down the streets, toppling crates, loose nails, half-broken steps…

But even my instincts couldn’t save me from everything. Dirty water, rotten food- if any at all, hypothermia in the winter and hyperthermia in the summer, broken bones that refused to heal, scars from countless accidents, heavens know how many viruses… a list that would later be extended to include the disruption of several internal organs, a punctured lung, and extensive internal bleeding.

I was in a critical condition, there was little doubt. Did I believe myself to be dying? Most likely. The chances of surviving that night were slim, even before the deep snow and freezing temperatures were taken into account. The average Equestrian pony, even one in good health, would not have survived as long as I had. That I had persisted until that point was a testament to how toughened my pitifully rough upbringing had made me, but even all my experience wouldn’t save me on that night. If I had not been found alive and rescued- improbable as it was -I would have inevitably been found as a corpse come spring, when the snow finally thawed out to reveal its secrets, hidden within the white folds of winter’s chilling grasp.

There is no doubt that I owe my life to her generosity and kindness, and nothing I can ever do will be enough to repay her for what she has done.

Excerpt taken from The “Infinity Chronicles”, Saga 2; Volume 1; Pages 5-7

Author's Note

"The cycle of all of life's dreams; the power to tear reality at the seams.
To puppet another, one must know; how to steer- to not lose control.
The puppeteer, not to see things through; now, death, the puppet left to.
But schemes and lies, the future's domain; time will then avert it's shame.
If time does not accept thus first; evermore harmony, no longer the curse."

Unknown scribbles found on a torn-up parchment between pages 78 & 79 of Saga 2, Volume 1

Lament: The First Truth Begins To Reveal Itself

I felt my surroundings before anything else.

As consciousness returned to me, the softness beneath me bearing my weight was the first feeling to make itself known, and it wasn't something I was comfortable with. Having slept in gutters and on cobblestone paths all my life, the giving softness was foreign and the first sign that something was wrong, even if I wasn't fully awake yet. As my mental faculties returned to me, I began noticing other things. It started with something soft covering me, some sort of blanket that rubbed against my coat in time with my breathing.

The first thing I made sure to note was that I wasn't dead, dead ponies don't breathe. The next was that although my eyelids were closed I could tell there was some sort of bright light shining onto them, and a warm feeling on my face. Sunlight, I figured it was, which raised the question: if I'm in the sun, then where am I? I wasn't in Dark Canterlot, there was no sunlight there on even the brightest of days, and the softness beneath me seemed to be consistent, so it wasn't an especially soft patch of grass or mud. I slowly got my bearings as all my remaining senses returned to me; soft, muted voices, loud but distant birdsong, a breeze ruffling fabric.

I slowly opened one eye, to immediate regret. The picture I saw before me was relatively plain: a mattress, blanket, two visible walls, a ceiling, and an open window. I was inside someone's house, one of the few places I didn't want to be. Living on the streets you realise that you don't mess around with others unless you're looking to stir up trouble, and those who cause trouble disappear. I'd done my best to stay out of the way, but waking to find myself in someone else's bed was about as alarming a thing as I'd ever experienced outside of immediately life-threatening situations. I kept my eyes shut and hoped that I was seeing things, waiting in silence for something to change. Each time a set of hooves walked down the corridor outside I could feel the anticipation, only for it to dissipate as they continued on.

Time passed especially slowly as I lay there, trying to not let myself fall back asleep. I'd forgotten what it was like to have the sun on my face, and it's warmth was more inviting than I cared to admit. Somepony eventually saved me from the brink of sleep when they entered the room. I heard their hooves on the tiled floor as they made their way around the bed behind me. There was a few taps, and some scribbling before they grew apparently disinterested and left.

Turning to face my unseen visitor's interest, I found some poles, hanging bags, tubes, and some sort of boxed with lights, graphs, and numbers on it. I'd seen these sorts of setups in books, they were meant to be in hospitals. My mind raced as I analysed the situation anew. Hospitals didn't work for free, even I knew that. Why was I in a hospital, had somepony brought me here? Did they treat me... which injuries? I didn't have anything to pay with, much less hospital bill amounts... though that would depend on what they had--

I should have noticed it sooner, but having lived with pain for so long I just grew numb to it, so I hadn't realised at first but now I was sure. There wasn't any pain coming from anywhere. I quickly went through my body, checking my limbs and muscles by giving them a few brief flexes. Forelegs, back legs, chest, back, neck, hooves, flank, shoulders, jaw... most of them weren't causing me any pain, even as I tried to bring it forth doing everything I knew caused the agony to flare up.

My inner musings were disrupted by another set of hooves coming down the hallway that stopped to open the door to my room. I attempted to return to my previous position as best I could without ruffling the sheets too much to prevent the noise from reaching the entrants. There were two sets of hooves this time, one much louder than the other, carrying much more weight, and with a longer stride judging by the gait, presumably larger than the other one.

There was some whispering shared between the two that I couldn't make out- both of them too far away for me to hear clearly. The larger one moved closer, coming to a stop beside the bed, though I couldn't tell which side. There was a weight on the blanket, as though somepony placed their hoof upon it.

"Are you awake, little one?"

The voice was soft, feminine, and held a certain grace to it, nothing at all like anything I could have expected, not that I knew what to expect. It didn't sound like it could become aggressive or be malicious in nature, and my instincts weren't being set off, though a deep-seated, uncomfortable, fuzzy feeling began to grow in the pit of my stomach. The hoof was taken off the blanket and moved, as the voice went to speak again. Before the first syllable came from their mouth I felt the increasing pressure on the blanket over my shoulder, indicating the touch of their incoming hoof, and reacted with all the vigilance I could muster.

I recoiled and twisted under the sheets into a better position before making my plans known as I dashed from under the covers at the end of the bed for the door, pivoting to the side before I bolted down the corridor. This place wasn't one I knew, it wasn't one I was comfortable with, and as far as I was concerned, that was good enough reason for me to leave as fast as I could. Exclamations from the room came from behind me as I barrelled onwards, unsure of my destination.

I could hear both of the ponies that had been with me following after, the larger one clearly in pursuit with an increased gait and likely gaining on me. I skidded on the tile floor as I came to a stop in front of a corridor on my right, leaping through the center of a cart being pushed around by a pony I left behind too quick to identify. Several ponies in the hall let out a small shriek as I passed them by, going to make a left turn into another hallway as one of my back legs gave out, causing be to slip before picking myself up and thundering on despite the pain. I saw a set of doors at the end of the hall. Either they'd lead me out and I'd have to run for my life in the open, or I continue this in the maze of rooms within the hospital and potentially be caught at a dead-end.

Outside it is.

I barged through the door shoulder first as I ran outside, quickly taking in the semi-circle grassy courtyard. I continued down the path I was on, before realising I'd made one monumental miscalculation; an error in judgement that lead to me skidding to a halt right in front of the railing I had until now entirely missed. I peeked over the edge... the fall wasn't guaranteed to be fatal, but it'd certainly cost me a few broken bones. My time was up, however, as the doors slammed open again behind me. I turned to face my pursuer, a great white winged unicorn more than twice my height with a pastel mane and tail too long to be of any sort of convenience. She came to a stop some distance from me, studying me with her cool magenta eyes. Several other hospital staff followed her out of the building a few moments later.

"It's okay, I'm not going to hurt you."

Her eyes weren't wild, as if my sprint for the exit was just an afternoon jog. Her breathing was slightly heavier, but not laboured, and she controlled her vocal mannerisms well for someone who'd just done a 100-yard dash. Probably somepony with a noble background, family, or ties. Not someone to mess with.

"My name is Celestia, what's yours?"

She was obviously trying to open some sort of dialogue, but I kept my mouth metaphorically shut. I wasn't the type of pony to share my life story the moment a chance for conversation came up, and my heavy breaths prevented me from literally keeping my mouth shut. She took a step closer, and I took one back. Worst case scenario, I make a jump for it and hope those wings on her back were just for show.

"Easy, easy... I'm not here to hurt you, I just want to help."

My move for the edge had triggered a reaction in everyone before me, and although she hid it well I noticed the tensing of her wings when I took a step back. Looks like the wings are real; so much for that plan.

She took another step towards me, and I was finding myself without much of an alternative. Couldn't go forward or the hospital goons would catch me, couldn't go sideways or they'd just tighten the noose, and backwards was a no-go with the big white pony around. Another few tentative steps and she was right in front of me.

"Come here," she said as she wrapped a wing around me, moving to stand at my side and sitting beside me, "come here... "

The hospital staff seemed relieved that the situation was resolved and some started moving away.

"There we go. I'm not going to hurt you, see? ... It's a bit cold out here; how about we get you a warm blanket?"

She nodded gently towards one of the nurses who presumably left to fetch the blanket. Now that the adrenaline was wearing thin I began noticing the chill in the air, not that I was really noticing it with the white unicorn's wing around me, as soft and warm as it was, like receiving a warm hug made of sunlight. Maybe I'll just close my eyes for a few moments...

Author's Note

Can anyone hear me...?

Chapter 15: MISTAKES

Always Trust Your Gut

Andromeda

"C'mon, Andy! Let's go, let's go!"

"Slow down, Cadenza. You'll rip my leg off."

Cadenza had been extremely excited to visit Canterlot with me today, so much so that she had shown up at the door just as the sun was beginning to rise. I don't know if she had even slept last night, or whether her apparently boundless excitement had kept her awake all night in anticipation.

I personally don't get what the big deal is. Sure, it's rare for me to leave the safety of the castle, but it's just Canterlot. I'd been living there most of my life, and know the city streets off by heart. But Cadance didn't really care, I think she was just happy we were spending time together outside the castle. Her extroverted nature probably clashed with staying inside the castle all the time. I kinda feel sorry for her.

That said, she could at least run a little slower so that I wasn't struggling to keep myself off the floor while being pulled along at the insane speeds she was moving at. It was almost like she was trying to avoid something.

We travelled from the castle to the art museum first. We didn't go inside yet though. Our plan was to grab some ice cream and sit in the park for a while before heading in. Cadenza had apparently really thought out what she wanted to do today, and I thought it was a pretty decent plan, from what little I knew of it so far. I'd never been to a museum before, and always wondered what lay inside the grandiose building housing what was apparently hundreds of priceless artworks.

From there, it didn't take long to reach the ice-cream stand. Cadenza had dragged me along for the ride, again, and my joints were starting to get pretty sore. Cadenza went to go over to the counter and order something, when she turned back to me.

"Hey, Andy? Why not go over to the park and find us a nice spot? I'll get the ice-creams."

I nodded and headed across the street to where the park was.

I felt a brief headache when I was halfway across, and had to apologize to some ponies I'd bumped into when I accidentally stopped. I didn't hear the faint click up the street. I didn't feel the tingling of familiar magic I'd known for as long as I can remember... but my instincts had, and they were causing a nervousness I couldn't describe. Anticipation, but not for something good... it was as if I was on high alert.

I found a sunny spot near a tree, and turned around to look over at Cadenza to make sure she'd find her way over. I didn't particularly know if she wanted to sit in the sun or under the shade of the tree, so I just kind of waited as she finished paying and headed over towards me. Nothing was out of place, and everything seemed to be going fine, but I felt like something was off.

My usual sense of foreboding I get before leaving the castle had been worse today than ever before, not that it mattered. It was probably because I didn't know what to expect. With Twilight and Spike we were just going to the park to meet Twilight's brother. The familiar presence of at least the two others I knew was comforting. With traversing Dark Canterlot, I'd lived my entire life in the shadows, and knew every detail off by heart. Spike's presence only helped calm my nerves. But this time I was with only one friend, and travelling to places I'd never been before inside Canterlot. It was likely just nerves... or maybe it was Cadance? ... Was I... do I have... I- I honestly don't know.

I shook my head to clear my thoughts and gave Cadance a wave as she crossed the street towards me, carrying the ice creams in a cardboard holster. She smiled and waved back and

]]]]]]----__*&&&///////##))%^%%%||@{@@{{{{{{{{{{>>>

Nothing... that was all that could go through my head.

Nothing, and yet so much at the same time.

Hows and whys swirling in an endless vortex that overwhelmed my senses and brought me back to reality.

A voice broke through my veil of darkness, like a beacon in the gloom.

"...not looking good. I'm afraid..."

The beacon was lost as I tuned it out, but another appeared in it's place.

"Thank you, doctor Remedy. I..."

"It's okay princess, I won't tell if you can't take it."

Mum nodded, on the verge of tears. My cheeks were already stained with tear-tracks, having cried my way to the infirmary.

I could only just recall the events of the last few minutes; the runaway cart travelling at impossibly high speed, the crunch of broken bones, the weight on my back as I ran for the castle, the blood on the pavement...

...and now the dull, rhythmic, echoing "bip"s of the machine at my side as I sat there, unable to cope with the situation around me. My mind shutting down from an overload of stimuli. In my hooves I held on weakly to Cadance's hoof. The bips became slightly out of phase. They were gradually slowing down.

I could hear the doctor talking to mum again, though I only caught a few phrases.

"...won't hold out... I'm sorry... have anything to say... time to say goodbyes... have much longer..."

The verdict was clear, and death was imminent. I could almost feel the cold chill of his gaze in the room, as if he were standing quietly in the corner, waiting for his moment to take yet another life beyond the folds of this mortal coil.

I could hear each breath become slightly more... "jagged", if that makes any sense. As if they were raspy, but not quite that rough. Not like sandpaper, but not a gurgle either, just somewhere in the middle. It was all I could focus on to keep the incessant, constant, droning bips out of my head. Their presence a constant reminder that another life would soon be lost to this world.

I felt mum put a wing over my back. It was supposed to be comforting, but I could feel her trembling. In my peripheral vision I could see her barely holding herself together as a flood of tears threatened to spill from her eyes.

I could tell she was saying something, but I could barely hear her. The haze in my mind clouding my thoughts as the consistent bips of the machine echoed around inside my head, permeating my skull like a hot knife through butter.

She leant over and began speaking again. She was saying goodbye. I... I didn't want this to be the end... everything had only just begun...

"Y...Y......"

I could barely bring myself to speak. Every word threatening to devolve into sobs, every sentence threatening to release the tears held at bay.

"Y-you can't... you can't let go now... you can't give up-"

My voice cracked, and only broke down more as I tried to speak.

"Y-you promised we'd go see the art museum, remember? That we'd... we'd go and see the Griffish Isles together, remember? You promised that, w-when we were older, you'd show me everything I'd missed; missed out on. We-... I can't do this alone..."

Twilight, who was standing on the other side of the bed, turned and began sobbing into her brother's coat as he held her tightly, barely holding himself together. Celestia had tears falling from her face as she watched me talk.

"Please, Cadenza... y-you promised you'd always be there for me, remember?" I said, looking down on the bloodied face of my dying friend. "Please, you can't... you can't go now! Please, Cadenza, you- you promised."

-BIP- -BIP- -BIP-

"Cadenza, please... don't leave me... don't let go; you promised...."

-BIP-

-BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Author's Note

I have cried when imagining this scene before. I have openly wept as I played the scene over in my mind.

This does not do it justice.

But until I have an epiphany, this it shall remain.

With all due excitement for finally getting this scene written after years of speculative imaginings,
Krystl Fae

Family: Bringing Another Into The Fold

Celestia wretched as a knock came at the door.

“Come in...”

Equestria’s Princess tried to put on as much decorum as she could muster without causing herself further discomfort. She had already lost both her dinner and lunch, best not to see if breakfast would make an appearance too.

Raven Quill opened the door and walked through with a yawn, closing it with a hoof behind her. She had a clipboard under one arm, but to those who had only seen her in her official capacity as Celestia's aide, that was about the only recognisable thing about her. Dressed in blue pyjamas with wild hair and black circles under her eyes, one could mistake her for an insomniac workaholic, which, although not far from the truth, was not why she was in Celestia’s office at such a sun-forsaken hour as three fifteen in the morning.

“The medical staff have done their preliminary check-ups and are working on stabilising them enough to perform a CT scan.”

Celestia’s assistant handed over a small leaflet of documents to the princess, who gingerly flipped through a few pages with great trepidation and no small amount of caution, as if the paper might start crumbling away in her hooves at the slightest touch.

“There are no pictures in here, right?”

“None, your highness. I think they noticed your reaction the last time you saw the cadaver of that...“

“Body, Raven. That pony is still alive, stars forbid. I don’t know how, ...but they’re not a corpse yet.”

“Apologies, princess.”

Celestia just waved a hoof to dismiss the apology.

“Its fine, no need to be fancy at such an hour; we’re all tired. I called you out of bed just past midnight, it is no surprise you’re a little frazzled.”

Just then another knock came from the door, as a servant pony walked in bringing a tray carrying two cups of coffee, steam visibly rising from the beverages in the cold.

“Coffee?” Celestia asked with a sly smile, welcoming the chance to change the topic for a few moments.

“Gladly, princess,” Raven responded with a grateful look, before chugging the beverage as though it was going out of style.

Celestia, having had a bad reaction to caffeine in the past settled for her hot chocolate, which left a brown mark on her muzzle. The two friends looked at the “moustache” left behind on each other's muzzle by their drinks and laughed. When the princess calmed down, she went back to perusing the medical documents.

Most check-ups had a form only a page long- two or three if they’d been in some sort of accident- but with no discernible identity nor prior medical records, they’d had to perform a full diagnosis of everything, down to the last scar. To say it… filled out the documents would be an understatement. Almost nine pages, containing row after row after row of injuries, diseases, mineral deficiencies, broken bones… and the list went on.

Celestia felt herself shudder at the memory of when she first had a proper look at the foal she’d found. It had been too dark outside to see anything when she'd found him in the snow, and the memory she made in the medical wing that night might just haunt her for the rest of her days. What lay on the table in front of her didn’t even resemble a pony- a mass of black and grey fur, blood -both dried and fresh-, dirt, grime, occasionally through the matted fur and bone would be the pink of an open wound or sore- most with a sickly yellow pus seeping out of them, or blood oozing out with a consistency closer to that of lumpy honey.

She’d had to run to the nearest bathroom after the nausea hit with the force of a fully-loaded train, only to be greeted with the sight of herself in the mirror when she was done. Her front hooves and back had been stained a dark crimson red , though occasional spots of yellow pus could be seen as well, having rubbed off onto her coat as she carried him back to the castle infirmary. She looked like a pony straight out of Tartarus, and not in a good way. It was no wonder everyone had reacted with as much chock and fear to her appearance as they did.

Nearly two hours of alternating between evacuating the contents of her stomach and vigorous scrubbing with every soap on hoof short of straight-up bleach to get herself clean- and even then there was still a slight rose-coloured tint to her coat that wasn’t there before. It wasn't enough for the average pony to notice, but Celestia could tell the difference.

Sitting here now in her office, she felt her eyes drift over to her wings again. They had been near impossible to thoroughly clean, and would require special treatment to remove the last of the stains left behind. She would have to call in some professionals to attend to her in the castle, in secrecy of course; she couldn’t have Equestria see her like this. For the time being, a simple illusion would have to suffice.

Thankfully, occupying her mind was alleviating her nausea, though remembering the foal hadn’t helped in the slightest. An investigation was already underway, Celestia had made sure no time was lost, but it could take weeks to find anything. Records of the south-west corner of Canterlot were sketchy at best, and entirely falsified at worst. At least files that were missing could be accounted for, but discerning what records were accurate and which were gibberish was going to be a tedious and labour-intensive task.

“Is something wrong, princess?”

“No, no it’s just…” she inhaled, “…there’s a lot to take in, a lot to do. I don’t even know where to begin with the colt. No matching medical record, no missing pony poster, no birth certificate… we don’t even know if we can save him. His condition may be too extreme to properly heal.”

Raven Quill reached across the desk between them and placed a hoof on Celestia’s shoulder.

“What is it you’re always telling me when I feel a situation is hopeless?”

Celestia nodded. “Keep moving forward, harmony will show you the way.”

Raven nodded in return as Celestia took a deep breath and let it out.

“Thank you, I needed that.”

“You’re welcome,” she stood up, “I’m going to let everyone know we won’t be holding court today. Shall I tell them the princess is indisposed?”

“No, I’ve made a speech each and every Hearth’s Warming for over two hundred years, I’m not giving up now.” Raven nodded and left the room.

Celestia sighed.

“It’s going to be a looong day,” she said to herself as she took another sip, eyeing the empty cup of coffee on the other side of the table and wondering if just this once she should consider giving up her abstinence for the brown bean juice.

Author's Note

...Hello?