Author's Note

I had a bitch of an itch that need to be scratched by this story. I literally started this the same day as the last chapter was posted. Enjoy

Invitaiton to Covene

It was now the end of the day and Celestia had just set the sun and raised the moon. She looked into heaven at the shadow of the Alicorn on the moon. Doing so usually made her feel saddened by the events that had caused him to place it there but this time he felt a bit of joy.

"Just a little while longer dear sister," she says. "Things will be better for you when you return. You have a family to come home to. Nieces and a nephew and," she turns her head to look at Levi tucking in a thoroughly worn-out Sunset Shimer. Her eyes were red and puffy from all the sobbing, "A brother too."

"My poor girl," Celestia says as she walks over and moves a lock of Sunset's mane to reveal her face with her hoof.

"Looks Like I have the couch tonight," Levi smiles.

"It's just for one night Levi," Celestia nuzzles him.

"No, it's not Celestia," Levi says sternly. "She needs you right now. It's crucial you stay by her and hold her hoof and steady her. Many things may not have changed as far as society goes for her here but her entire personal world has had a complete shift. You're the center of her world right now Celestia. Let her sleep by your side as much as she wants for a while."

"Where will you sleep them?" she asked concerned. "I don't want my Levi to get cold or lonely?"

"I may go stay with Marmy or the barracks for a time," Levi says.

"But I need you here for this too," Celestia immediately countered.

"Listen to me Tia, I got her back here, yes, but the last thing she needs or you need is me being around constantly," Levi motions, "I'm not going to that far away and it's only until I find an empty room in the castle that's to my liking. If it helps, I can also stay with the kids in their room, now the pink is cleaned up anyway."

"As long as you're nearby," Celestia breathed a sigh of relief. "She's kind of yours too after all."

"She's yours but that also makes her also makes one of mine," Levi states proudly. "I'd die before I let something hurt her just like all of my children."

"Speaking of children," Celestia sat down. "I was able to get in touch with Summer Shine. We met and she was more than open to her heritage. She also added her parents would get a mysterious donation of several hundred bits every now and then for an unknown source."

"I wonder who they are," Levi looked away.

Celestia leaned over and kissed his cheek, "Don't play coy Levi. You know better than to try with me." She giggles before straightening back up. "She wants to meet her sisters and her little brother. Would you be willing to go to Cloudsdale and fetch her for me?"

"I would be honored," Levi gave a bow. "What about Twilight and the others?"

"Moondancer is currently doing research on the dimensional mirror and its other properties and Sunburst is looking into a way to refine the power source," Celestia explains, "There was also something about lizards and mayonnaise and a barrier too. I separated Twilight from them for a while to refocus her elsewhere. I have her researching the old legends of Equestria along with a bit more complex study listen for Aira."

"Let's hope it sticks. Alright then," Levi stands up, "Have a good night, Tia," he gave her a pick on the cheek before he leaves to make his nightly rounds.

Celestia in the meantime crawled behind Sunset and draped her wing over her sleeping filly. "My little Sunset, I'm so happy to have you back," she says softly laying her head next to Sunset's cheek.

Levi had gone to Cloudsale the next morning. He left Aira and Spike with Twilight at her Tower for their lessons before heading out to meet Celestia's other estranged daughter and Sunset's twin sister, Summer Shine.

"First stop is the Wonderbolts Acadamey," Levi says as he trots along.

"To think she'd make Captain of the Wonderbolts in just a few short years after she graduated," Levi inwardly chuckles as he walks into the academy but the guards on duty step in front of him.

"Sorry sir," a guard says. "Tours are closed today."

"You can move or I can move you," Levi bends down to loom over the guards.

He'd grown quite accustomed to his pony form over the years. At first, it was just a simple illusion spell but later he had Celestia change it to a transfiguration spell. He had no trouble mastering his gear in this form and it even came with the natural pegasus magic. He kept his very large and stout form, and he thoroughly enjoyed the ability to loom over ponies like some sort of threatening pony.

These guards had been put through a good training regimen as neither was showing any sign of backing down.

"You're more than welcome to try sir," the other said. "Even if you are a noble and a very tall stallion that doesn't give you the right to go and do whatever you want."

"I'm here to see Captain Spitfire about urgent business," Levi says.

"Get in line buddy," the first says, "So are over half the ponies we see every day. So, get in line like the rest."

"You don't take shit from nobles and I can respect that," Levi held up a hoof, "I most certainly am not a noble and can't stand them either."

"But... you're wearing a suit..." the second one points. "And it's very nice."

"And you're very tall, and have two-tone wings," the other added.

"True and true," Levi nodded. "But I just like wearing clothes and I just happen to have two-toned wings. If one of you could at least go and get Spitfire this would go by so much faster."

"DAD!" They heard from behind them.

The guards turned to see none other than Captin of the Wonderbolt, Spitfire. They then turned and looked back at Levi and looked him up and down before turning to look at each other as they finally started to sweat bullets.

"Dad..." they say in unison.

"Excuse me, boys," Levi says as he strolls in between the guards and walks up to Spitfire.

"Why are you here?!" She exclaimed. "Wait never mind that! How'd it go?"

"It went very well actually. I can say without hesitation that it was a complete success," Levi smiles before reaching into his inner jacket and pulling out an envelope. "This is a leave of absence for a few days issued by the princess. She expects you to come to the castle and see the asset. She and I both agreed that it be best to take it slow with her."

Spitfire's eyes started to water slightly, "I... ah... Just let me get things in order here," She wiped her eyes, "And let Soarin know he'll be in charge while I'm away. Then I'll head over."

Levi placed his metal hoof on her shoulder, "Take it slow and easy Spity. No need to rush. She wants to see all of you. She's with your mother right now."

"Just, *sniff* let me get things done here and I'll head out..." Spitfire says as a stream of tears rolled down her cheeks. "Something tells me you didn't come all the way just to let me know this though, did you?"

"You're partially right," Levi straightens himself up, "I'm also here to pick up the other one."

Spitfire's eyes widened as she smiled slightly, "Then I best not keep you anymore. I'll see you at the castle dad."

Levi nods once and then heads out before stopping at the guards, "Adoptive father boys but still her father all the same and that means if you tell anypony or creature what you heard or seen, well let's just say you won't be living in Equestria for much longer, or very easily either. Understand?"

The guards vigorously nod.

"Good," Levi NODS, "By Celestia it's a great day," he stretched his wings. "Have a good rest of your day lads," he sings as he trots on.

Levi continued his walk through the streets of Cloudsale. He turned many heads as he did either it is due to his overall size and stature or it be his 'good looking self' according to many of the mares. He was already used to this behavior due to his time running jobs for Celestia or taking his children across the country due to his overseeing of his own affairs.

He soon came to a small school made of clouds.

"311 Weather Top Avenue," Levi says as he looks at the address on the post box just outside the fenceline. "This is the place alright and recess should be just about now," the bell on top of the school rang, and out poured pegasus colts and fillies a-plenty.

The youngling all ran around and played. Some flew in a game of stage while others hid in a game of hand seek. There was even a cloud ball fight going on in the far section of the yard.

Levi s\chuckled to himself, "Kind of like a snow day without the snow," he remarks as he places the paper he had in hoof back in his inner jacket pocket before proceeding onto the school ground.

Many of the foals that were in front of the school building froze in place at the looming shadow of the overly tall stallion who strode up the path. It was something he took pride in actually. He was like a tall pony and easily towered over the tallest of stallions with Celestia being the only pony who was actually taller than he was, and he still had his human form which was still just a bit taller than her. He didn't know why but this was one of the few things he was smug about ever since he'd arrived in this world many years ago.

One of the foals had immediately ran back into the schoolhouse to fetch their teacher. Partially to tell the teacher about the strange giant pegasus pony who sauntered in with no issue and partially to hide in the bathroom from the aforementioned pony as the foal hand garnered the need to void his bowels upon seeing the right side of his face.

"Alright I'll see who it is," came the voice with the tone of a somewhat rustic tone but with a chirp underlying warm to it.

Out of a building stepping a pegasus mare. She had a vibrant red and golden amber striped mane with a bright golden yellow coat with a set of wings to match. Her mane was pulled back in a ponytail with her bangs just touching the top of her eyelids. On her flanks was a giant yellow and orange with a giant smiley face plaster in its center.

She was a dead ringer for Sunset if just changed the mane and tail style to be a bit straighter and the wings instead of the horn. Her color pattern was just a bit brighter than her twins too. Levi took a closer look and noticed she did have one key feature that set her apart from her twin and it was her eyes. Sunset's eyes were a moderate greenish-cyan while her twin's eyes were a bright blue similar to sapphires.

"They must've changed as she grew up," Levi says to himself. "It's not unusual for children to change their eye colors, not a big deal."

The mare flew down and lands in front of him. She craned her neck upward a bit uncomfortably to look at him but to now avail on her part.

"Tall," she whispers getting Levi to look down, "Um... yes, sorry about that remark," she smiles warmly at him, "How can I help you today sir?"

"Summer Shine?" Levi asked in an authoritative tone.

"Um, yes that's me," She nervously replied. "Is there a problem or something? Did I do something to insult your family, good sir?"

"Not at all little one," Levi chuckles as he shakes his head. "I'm here on behalf of Princess Celestia," he says catching her full attention. "Could we perhaps speak in the schoolhouse? Away from young ears?"

"Yes please!" Summer says in differing pitches. "Right this way please!"

Levi walks in and the colt from early comes out of the bathroom, "Ms. Shine, don't let the others in there.... for... a... while....eep...." he squeaks as Levi comes in.

"Relax boy," Levi says. "Adults are talking now. Go out and play."

"YES SIR!" He yelps as he shoots out of the schoolhouse leaving a trail of clouds behind him.

"I must ask that you refrain from scaring my students," Summer quickly bolden herself.

"Do not misunderstand Ms. Sunshine," Levi held up his metal hoof. "I do not intently frighten the youth it is merely my overtly tall stature. As you can tell I am much taller than most ponies, even the larger earth ponies are smaller compared to me. That aside I do love children and they in turn like when they get over my imposing stature."

"You certainly are using a lot of big words and formal speech," Summer pointed out with a raised eyebrow.

"The situation of this magnitude must be handled very delicately I'm afraid," Levi nodded once as he reached into his coat and pulled out a stone. A sudden burst of magic coated the entire room startling the yellow pegasus teacher. "One of the many tools of my trade. It merely cast a silent spell to ensure that nopony outside this room can hear us," he motioned to the window where several curious foals had gathered around in all directions.

"Just who are you?" Summer narrowed her gaze.

"My name is Levi Ackerman Strawberry," he placed a hoof on his chest. "An old and very personal friend of your biological mother Celestia."

Summer sat down, "Okay, but there's more to isn't there? She mentioned she had somepony she trusted looking for my identical twin sister, who was a unicorn."

"Yes, that I was and I can say I found her and brought her home to your mother's embrace.," Levi nods. "Did you meet your older sister as well as your little brother and youngest sister?"

"Look. I know as a secret agent you might be all fine and dandy with all this stuff but it's not with us everyday folks," Summer huffs in frustration, "I did meet them and I was told what happened to my biological father too, I'm not going to sweep this under and put on a happy face because I can't. That being said I do want to know her as my mother and also know my siblings. I also want to know what role you play in this as it can't be small. So, spill buster?"

"You're very sharp but I would expect nothing less from one of Tia's children," Levi chuckles, "Ye sI have a much bigger role to play in this than as a simple agent. I actually don't work for the government at all. I'm doing this because Tia asked me to so she could stay with your sister. I get that it's a lot to process in just a short time and the secrecy doesn't help. I'm used to it because I've been a secret for a long time but I also have known about you since you were born."

"Wow..." Summer says awestruck, "You must be... really close to her if you've known about me since then...."

"My dear I was a good friend of your father's and I'm a very very personal friend of your mother," Levi with a bit of love in his voice. "Spike and Stella Aira are my children, Spitfire has taken to calling me dad as well over the years."

Summer's pupils shrank, "Then you're...."

"Yes," Levi nods once. "That would make me your stepfather in a way. But as Tia and I aren't married it's not actually true. I'm not here to force anything, I'm not trying to force my way into your life. I'm here to support the mare I care about and her effort to reach out to her children and support the effort of our children to get to know their big sisters."

He reached into his coat and handed Summer an invitation, "We're inviting you to the castle in a few days to come by and See Sunset. You don't have to come but it would mean a lot to all those there if you did. Have a good Ms. Sunshine," Levi returned to formal mode with a bow then walks out of the building and walks on his merry way.

Sunset was currently sitting in Twilight's tower with Stella next to her. Celestia had begrudgingly left her with Twilight, Spike, and Aria in order to deal with a visit griffin dignitary who showed up out of the blue. The little-big unicorn was ecstatic with joy that she got to spend a magic lesson with her big sister.

"This is how Twilight taught me to stack things using my magic!" Aria giggled as her horn lit up with her magic and she started to stack books in stacks.

"I see," Sunset smiles slightly at her littlest sister. "Celestia I mean..."

"You don't have to call her mom in front of me Sunset," Aria looked down a bit suddenly at her sister's change in mood. "I know what happened and it must be hard on you to come back after hearing everything. If you don't want me here I can..."

Aira found herself covered in a misty green aura and pulled it o Sunset's warm embrace, "It's just a lot to take in Stella," she says with a warm tone, "But just knowing and having a little sister like you and a little brother like Spikemake it all the better. I was on my own for a while over there so being around others.... just takes some getting used to... But I'm glad you're here and I'm glad you're okay with me not calling out mother mom yet."

"I have an idea," Twilight says as she and Spike descend from the upper floors. "I'm going to be busy for a while doing some research on some of these older legends the princess tasked me. How about you teach Ary something?"

"Incoming!" Rang Spike's voice as he shot in on a maneuvering line. "Man, these things really make getting around to the upper shelves a breeze. Not to mention fun!" he jumps as she shows off her vertical maneuvering gear catching Sunset's attention.

"Yes I know but remember what Papa said Spike," Twilight droned.

"These are tools, not toys! Yea yea," Spike waved it off and shot back up.

Sunset looked up in amazement, "How did her get up there so fast?"

"He used some of daddy's maneuvering gear her gave us for this place," Aira says as she jumps from Sunset's hooves.

"So it's not magic?" Sunset raised and eyebrow.

"No, it's a technology passed down in my side of the family," Aira says hesitantly. "Have you met daddy yet Sunset? Very tall grey pegasus stallion?"

"You mean the walking myth is your dad?!" Sunset's eyes opened wide in shock.

"Yea that's him. So I take it you already know his true form then," Aria nods. "Daddy taught us how to use it but that's it. We're actually the only place outside his side of the family with these."

"Um... Aria... You're telling me that your dad adopted you and Spike?" Sunset raised a hoof.

"No," Aira shook her head.

"Oh, thank...."

"I was conceived when daddy came back into mommy's life about ten or so years ago," Aira proudly puffed out her chest.

*THUD!_!*

Sunset's head hit the floor.

A single cricket cut through the silence followed by a quick whipping sound as a big green bullfrog nabbed the bug with a hit tongue.

Michigan J. Frog then let out a long croak, 'Ladies and Gentlemen, Sunset Shimmer has left the building!'

"NO CHOCOLATE TONIGHT!" Twilight shouted at her familiar.