A familiy that descended from the night

Chapters

New home
Thoughts to express
Shatter
Forced acceptance
Culture

New home

Speciesism.

It is a concept that involves thinking of someone else as lesser due to being an entirely different species. Speciesism comes in many different forms and it plays a significant role in Equestria. While many species are looked down upon, there's one set of species that have it much more difficult than the rest.

Predators.

Of course, that isn't to say that Predators themselves don't practice speciesism. You'll be hard-pressed to a group of both predators and prey that don't practice speciesism. Whether it be subconsciously ot unconsciously. However statically speaking predators are four times more likely to be attacked and or discriminated against simply because of their appearance as well as their past nature.

Equestria wasn't always a peaceful nature after all.

However, no one practices speciesism more than one specific group.

Ponies.

Ponies tend to have an instinctual urge to shun groups that are widely different from them.

Especially predators.

As such a large major ponies tend to live in neighborhoods full of their kind. If not that then in places where there are more predators than prey. Then of course you'll have the select few that can freely co-exists in areas full of different kinds of species. However, those types of ponies are rare in number. The witch only ranges around about 10 to 20% in number. With all that said cross specism is often than not largely frowned upon. At least in pony society. Not only that but species who do mingle outside of their race are often labeled as just having extreme fetishes. Making the chance of feeling actual love seem even more unlikely.

Let's go back to pones for a moment.

As I mentioned earlier ponies often have an instinctual urge to stay far away from other species. This type of behavior doesn't need to be taught but is instead deeply rooted in their herbivore-like nature. However, it can be reinforced by way of their environment. As such doing so the opposite way can have the same effect. Researchers found that ponies who are raised among different species even among predators found that their prey Instinct is practically nonexistent. Not only that but ponies who are raised in the said environment are less likely to be fearful of the unknown. Which in itself are the one thing ponies and even other herbivores fear the most. With that said if only it was that easy.

You see Equestrians, in general, will often adopt and or willingly raise a member of their species and nothing more. The likelihood hood of a different prey or predator being adopted and raised outside of their kind was rare. So rare that over the last 57 years, the document of such an occurrence was only five.

That's right five.

This is because speciesism itself Jn so engraved into Equus culture that the thought of bringing in a different species other than your own wasn't only frowned upon, but the thought alone is unlikely to cross your mind.

With all that said, Princess Celestia would want to think that Equestria is a loving and peaceful nation. Full of different groups that come together in perfect harmony.

In reality, Equestria is a land full of divide and hatred among several different groups. To the point where cross-species violence isn't only a common occurrence but is encouraged through social media and political platforms.

Welcome to Equestria.

A voice shouting his name caused Strong Feild to blink rapidly.

'Huh?"

"I said can you get the couch off the truck for me" a voice stated. A strong sense of guilt hit the colt and it hit him hard. Turning his head Strong saw a mare standing next to him. Said mare was dark in appearance. Of course, that in itself was fairly common among her species. The mare's build was something that would have put most stallions to shame. In simple terms she was fit.

Very fit.

Her hooves were extremely toned and muscular. To the point where it looked as if she could crush someone's skull with relative ease. Looking past that the mare's eyes were that of slits. Making her have the appearance of some type of predator the eyes themselves were light grey color. Her mane however was an orangish blonde color. The mare's expression meanwhile was that of impatience. However, that changed to munch more calm expression upon noticing Strong's guilty look.

"Sorry" the indigo-colored pony mutter in apology.

Soft Tap rolled her eyes.

"Just try not to zone out will okay? We got work to do." Smiling Soft ruffled her brother's light blonde mane. In response, Strong nodded. The guilt he felt over having lessened significantly upon hearing her words.

Walking over to the truck Strong grabbed one end of the couch. With little effort, he lifted said couch as if it didn't weigh anything at all. Seeing this Soft nodded her head in satisfaction. "Good job bat, now I need you to take it inside the house for me." Strong nods before turning towards his new destination. The house itself wasn't anything special. To be honest it was pretty damn cheap. As such it wasn't exactly top tier. Especially considering that it only had three rooms. One of them being the master bedroom. As such Strong would have no choice but to bunk with one of his sisters. Luckily for them, Bat pony culture encourages closes to your loved ones. Especially family. As such privacy wasn't exactly an issue.

With all that said Strong made his way towards his new home.

"You could have done it yourself you know."

Rolling her eyes Soft Tap turned.

Only to see herself.

Or rather a spitting image Of herself.

The only difference is this pony looked as if she hadn't worked out a day her entire life.

'You know why I did it bat."

Hard Tap nodded.

In truth her sister was right. All though Soft Tape wasn't as strong as her brother, though to be honest, no one was. Regardless the Bat pony could have easily done it herself. With that said both sisters knew that why she didn't.

Strong was staring into space. Which meant he was usually thinking about one thing and one thing only.

The past.

Neither sister wanted him to dwell on the matter in detail. During so would bring out a lot of emotions. One of them in particular.

Rage.

Suddenly both sisters heard the sound of someone running. Turning their heads they saw a lone Griffin jogging past their house. His jog was slow, controlled. All in all, it looked as if he was simply minding his own business. However, both sisters knew that this wasn't the case.

What is one thing a predator cannot stand?

another predator.

As such if there's one thing the Predator Community hated more than ponies it's each other. For years now certain groups have been at each other throats for decades. A conflict stemming from different ideologies and cultures

A conflict that has no end noir beginning.

With that said the sisters experienced something like this before, and as such, they knew exactly what it meant.

To put it simply that Griffin was the scout.

Which meant their so-called new home might not be entirely welcoming.

Just as they suspected.

Expression turning serious Hard Tap turns towards her sister.

"Take care of the rest."

"What about you?"

Soft watched as her sister walks over to their car before opening the passenger seat. A second later she closes it. A pointy black object held in her hoof.

"I'll keep first watch.

Thoughts to express

Painting Night Stream sets a large box down on the dining room table. The mother of four wiped the sweat that was forming onto her brow. Looking around their new home once more Night couldn't help but smile to herself. It took several months of hard work, but eventually, she was able to earn enough money to move. Unfortunately, it was only enough to get them something decent. This was due to her job. You see like I said earlier speciesism comes in many different forms. One of these forms is income. If a pony were to work at a job filled with other ponies they were being paid just like everyone else. However, replace that pony with a Griffin, and he or she will be paid less. This doesn't extend to just ponies either. This type of discrimination is a common practice among even the most common jobs. As such it furthers the divide of other species. The witch creates a hostile environment for all parties involved. Night Stream worked at a bar for the past three years. Barley affording enough money to feed her children let alone pay the bills. To have a roof over their heads there would be days where the entire family would miss entire meals. That alone was the toughest thing to bear for Night Stream. The guilt and shame of not being able to feed her children were enough to make her physically sick.

What made it even worse is how they slowly began to get used to it.

Unfortunately, that wasn't her only problem. You see the owner of the said bar was a pony. A pony who would often, acquire a few favors here and there. Those favors tended to be the more physical variety. If Night refused she would be fired on the spot. Once that happened it would take her weeks to find another meme of employment. In doing so she could run the risk of being evicted.

That in itself is practically a death sentence.

Targeted attacks at night are essentially commonplace.

Especially if you enter the wrong area.

Sensing someone coming Night turns. Only to see her son enter with a couch held in his grip. The mare couldn't help but smile. It's times like these when she couldn't help but marvel at her son's, strength.

"You can put the couch over here dear."

Night gestures towards a spot on the other side of the room. Nodding Strong walked over before gently setting the couch down. Once done the earth pony glanced around the living room. His eyes taking in every inch of the place. However, Night noticed that his ears were up and alert.

A sign that meant he was on guard.

Night frowned.

"Dear there's nothing to worry about, I checked every room in the house."

Upon hearing this Strong nodded. However, his posture didn't change.

Sighing Night focused back on the task at hand.

Just as she did this however both mother and son heard a loud bang coming from upstairs.

They froze.

A long moment of silence pass.

Suddenly a loud feminine voice can be heard upstairs.

"MY BAD!"

Upon hearing her youngest daughter's voice Night sighed in relief. Night looks over at Strong. Said pony looked more relieved than she did.

If such a thing we're possible.

"Honey do me a favor and make your sister is okay." Pausing for just a second Strong nod before making his way towards the stairs. Night watched him leave. Only now realizing that he didn't say a word to her.

She frowned. Wishing that he was more vocal towards her like he was with the rest of his siblings.

"""""""""""""""""""""""""

"It would be great she said a fresh start she said."

Moonlight muttered under her breath.

A knock on the door caused the filly to look up.

"Who is it?!"

"Me" a quiet voice answers.

"It's unlocked!" Moonlight shouted. The filly wasn't exactly in the best of moods. With that said she could use a little help unpacking.

The door opens. A second later the all too familiar figure of her older brother walks into the room. His movements are slow as he gazed around the room. The room itself was small with a lot to be desired.

Which is why Moonlight hated it.

'Mind helping me out here?" The filly asked. Gesturing towards the dozen or so boxes that covered nearly the entire room.

Strong nods.

With that, the two began working together.

After 15 minutes of nothing but silence, Moonlight spoke up.

"You don't like it here" it was more of a statement than a question.

Strong paused.

Moonlight shrugged.

"I don't either." I mean come on you can't tell me that this place won't turn out like our old home."

Strong hummed.

"Sooner or later some asshole is gonna come along and cause trouble."

Strong drowned. In reality, he knew that Moonlight was right. However, it's not like it's their mother's fault. Blaming her for something she couldn't control would be irrational. It's not like she wants them to put in any type of danger. However, when living through a society that's built upon tearing its citizens apart there's not much you could do. It's also very telling how instead of promoting peace those upon the higher hierarchy simply sit here and do nothing. When you have those in power who speak as if they are a part of the community but in the end when there's an opportunity for actual change no one gets up and does it. Yet you have those who still believe and follow those at the top. Even if it's a proven fact that they don't care about anyone but themselves. When it comes to a point where certain group bands together to fight for the change they are labeled as aggressors and unreasonable. All it takes is for a few people to mess up for the entire movement to be labeled as a joke. Not knowing that at the end of the day the people in charge done that for one reason and one reason only.

Power.

The people in charge fear that sooner or later they might have their power taken away from them. So to combat this they spread misinformation and or pay others to do the dirty work for them. All while constantly fighting each other on opposite ends. Making it seem like there against one another. Forcing people to take sides. People who failed to realize that at the end of the day it's all a front. The only reason their fighting in the first place is so they can claim that they are fighting for the rights of the public. People with the same belief system will support one of them believing that they have similar goals.

Grow in number create conflict stays in power.

A coin that has different sides is still a coin at the end of the day.

Strong blinked realizing that Moonlight was staring right at him. An eyebrow raised. Strong blushed upon realizing she was waiting for his reply.

Clearing his throat the stallion spoke.

"Not her fault."

Moonlight stared.

Strong knew that she wanted more than that. For some reason his family always wanted him to fully voice his thoughts instead of cutting them down to size. Even after all these years, that's the one thing he constantly struggled with.

With that in mind, Strong spoke. Telling her everything that was on his mind. All though he was somewhat uneasy while doing so.

As he did this Moonlight goes over to her bed. There is a large brown suitcase opening it the filly reaches inside. Once he was done she spoke. "Well in any case when trouble comes ill be ready."

With that, the mare pulls out a deadly-looking switchblade. Looking it over the filly smiles.

"After all in this world, it's us vs everyone else.

Shatter

Fear.

Fear is something Strong understood at a young age. Fear itself can't be taught. Rather fear is a survival Instinct that's deeply ingrained in both predator and prey alike. Fear is something you need to survive. Without fear, you'll fail to realize the possible dangers that surround you. Furthermore, you won't feel the need to escape or prepare for said dangers. When you grow into adulthood others will mock you for being afraid. As such these moments teach you that fear itself is looked down upon. By being afraid you are essentially admitting defeat.

This is wrong.

Fear is tbe reason your even alive to begin with. By being afraid you are being mindful of how a certain situation can turn bad. Or maybe you noticed something that the others didn't because you were being afraid, because of that you possibly saved all of your lives.

All thanks to fear.

Of course while fear is essentially a tool it can also be used as a crutch. Too much fear and you'll be unable to enjoy the small things in life. In some cases, people suffer from things called irrational fears or phobias. In some cases, this type of fear is unwarranted and completely useless. This is a case of having way too much fear. Of course, this type of fear depending on the context could be warranted. In cases where it's not people suffering through this area are unable to truly enjoy their life.

Strong field was one of these cases.

For years the colt was raised in an environment where fear was tbe norm. As such he was unable to enjoy even the smallest of things. The one who caused such fear in the first place was someone Strong should have been able to trust. Unfortunately, that trust meant nothing.

Strong stared at his reflection in the mirror.

What stared back at him was someone he thought inferior. Why wouldn't he? It's not the person staring back at him had any meaning. No, realistically that person was a statistic. Just one out of dozens of others who went through the same thing. Who felt and thought the same way. After all, it's not like he'll be remembered. Sooner or later he'll die and be completely forgotten.

Death.

Death is something Strong understood more than fear.

You see death is essentially the end of all things. Death is inevitable death is imminent. Death has no end noir beginning. People often fear death because of what it entails. They will do whatever they can to stop it, or at least pretend it doesn't exist.

Strong pitted them.

When death is talked it is in a way that makes it seem you'll be remembered. After all, once you die your loved ones will remember you. This means that the memory of you lives on forever.

Or at least until they die.

Death is ongoing. Thus it means that one day your family and friends will also die. This means that the memory of you will die along with them,

And so, in the end, you cease to exist.

Even if they tell your story to their family and friends that doesn't mean that they'll have the same courtesy. It takes only one person to break that fragile chain. If you truly want to be remembered you'll need to do something great or honorific. That way your name will forever be in tbe history books. All though in the end ask yourself is it truly worth it?

Yeah, you'll be remembered, but will it be for the right reasons? That's the question. Sooner or later someone might come along and destroy your hard work. All they have to do is do something in your name and boom you're once great legacy is no more. Now if you did something evil on the other hand I suppose it won't matter. That begs the question though. Are you willing to do something that bad just so you'll be remembered for eternity?

Probably not.

Of course, you can still try tbe good guy route. I guess the only question is if it works out could you call that fair. Everyone should be treated equally after all, and yet in reality that isn't exactly the case. That's because so-called equality is Just an optical illusion set up so that people will something to cling to when things get hard. You can't say that you live in a fair and just society when certain people will be memorized for their actions alone. Of course at the end of the day as long as the machine is running smoothly it's all that matters.

There's only one thing in this universe that is truly fair.

Death.

At the end of the day, death doesn't care who you are. When your times up it's up.

That is why Strong doesn't fear death. Why fear something as natural as breathing air? He just couldn't understand. The people trying to deny it or try to prolong the possibility is ignorant.

He accepted it long ago.

He glared at the thing looking back at him.

It glared right back.

"""""""""""""""""""""""

"Anything?"

Hard Tap shook her head.

Closing the blinds the Bat pony looks over at her twin. Noticing her anxious expression. "No, but with that said it's best if we not let our guard down just yet." Hard wouldn't say it but she had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. Besides she wasn't the type to just portray her emotions.

Regardless of that fact, Soft read her like a book.

"You think something bad is going to happen." It was a statement, not a question.

Hard shrugged.

It wasn't like she was wrong before. However, with that said it was still better to be on guard. Especially in a new territory like this one. For all they know, they know there could be a whole flock of Griffins down the street.

"Fucking Feathers" Soft swore. Using a word that was this world's equivalent of being racially insensitive.

As you can already guess the two species didn't exactly get along. In fact, tbe feud between them had lasted for hundreds of years. The exact origins are unknown. However, some say it all started because of a small piece of territory. Said territory was held sacred by both groups. The exact reasons why remains unknown. However, with that said both groups weren't very keen on sharing.

Thus war broke out.

A war that killed thousands on both sides.

In the end, there were no winners just the people that managed to survive. Unfortunately, the bad blood between them never ceased. As such both groups tear each other apart even to this day.

"Amen sister!" Moonlight shouted from tbe across tbe room. The little filly was sitting at the table. On the said table were a dozen pointy objects. Some of these objects were black, some were grey. While others were a mixture of both. In most Equus households one of these items is called PR. The witch is short for protector. However, the media and tbe government calls them by another name.

Guns,

And there were a lot of them.

Moonlight had everything from small arms fire to automatic assault rifles. Said firepower was laid out on tbe table. Moonlight took her time inspecting each one before putting bullets in tbe chamber, and she did so with practice ease. So much so that it looked as if she did over a dozen times before. Which in itself isn't exactly far from the truth.

With Equestria being what it is many took to owning guns as a way to protect themselves from danger. Unfortunately said gun laws are so strict that thousands took to buying guns off the street. Ever since then gun violence has increased dramatically. Many used this as an opportunity to create even more stricter gun laws. However, those in power have failed to make a distinction between those who commit a crime using guns, and those who were simply defending themselves. Regardless those in power called this an epidemic. Said epidemic has lasted for a decade now. With no signs of stopping any time soon. Especially considering that physically over 69% of equestrians both predator and prey you legally own a firearm. With the rest using other means of protection. It gets even worse consider that those with a family are seven times more likely to buy a gun than those without.

There were many arguments regarding this. Many asking themselves if the parents are right for doing so. However, in Night's case, she wasn't the one who brought said guns into her household. Rather it was a family friend who done it for her. Said, friend also spent months teaching her children how to use them. It also helped that she was ex-military. Not only that but she was also a Bat pony. Which meant she was looking out for her own. That's the whole reason she did so in the first place.

In Equestria, you look out for your own and no one else.

"Dinner is almost ready!" Night called from the kitchen. The mother of four was currently cooking some fish. The closes thing you could get to actual meat without it being illegal. Of course with that said she was by no means oblivious. Her twin daughters Hard and Soft Tap have told her what they witnessed. To say she was disappointed would be an understatement. The whole reason they moved was to get away from that type of environment. With that said Night wasn't a fool she knew that it was mostly wishful thinking on her part. Regardless there wasn't much she could do. Not when her eldest daughter Hard Tap told her that she will handle it. In a world like this, she couldn't afford to baby her children. At least not when it comes to situations like these. She learned that doing so could mean the difference between life and death. Besides over worrying will solve nothing. Calling law enforcement to the scene would just draw unwanted attention to themselves. It's not like they would come to their aide anyway. They don't bother coming to a neighborhood full of predators. In their minds, they love the fact that predators are actively killing one another.

Equestria is for ponies after all.

At least that's what Night learned.

The rights they do have are merely an illusion.

"I think I already know what it is" Moonlight muttered rolling her eyes. They have been eating fish for a week now. At this point, she would kill for some bacon.

Literally.

"Do you need help?'

Moonlight couldn't help but jump at the sound of her brother's voice. Turning her head she realized that he was standing right beside her.

Moonlight shrugged. In truth, she was almost done. Then again it wouldn't hurt to double-check. As if reading her mind Strong smiled.

Seeing this Soft Tap went over and decided to lend a hoof.

As she did Hard immediately tackled her from behind.

"DUCK!' The mare screamed.

Not a second too late.

BANG! BANG!

The sound of glass shattering could be heard.

Night screamed.

Forced acceptance

Two months.

That's how long their so-called brother came into existence.

To make it worse he was a pony of all things.

Now Hard Tap didn't hate ponies. Nor did she have any real bad blood towards them. I mean sure there have been a few instances here and there, but Hard wasn't the type to hold grudges. It also helped that she was the more laid-back one in the family. So no she didn't dislike him for being who he was. Rather she was unsettled at the fact that he wasn't with his kind.

After all, everything has a place.

Ponies lived with ponies that is the natural order of things. As such every other species stuck to their kind as well. That was how it was supposed to be,

And yet.

The sound of glass shattering made the mare sigh.

Making her way towards the bathroom the mare peeked inside. In the said bathroom was the pony in question. Shattered glass scattered around him. Looking just as frail as the day Night brought him home. To the point where Hard could practically see the outline of his ribs. The colt himself stared into what was once an unbroken mirror. His somewhat difficult to read.

"Are you done?"

The colt turned his head. Upon seeing Hard at tbe the entrance he tensed. A second later his eyes lowered to the floor. Letting his forehead touch the ground A common sign of submission among pony culture. However, the practice is usually performed by the extremely young. Once a pony reached adulthood the submissive posture changes. When an adult pony shows submission it would usually lay on its stomach and cast its gaze around the room. Of course, a submissive posture might be different from the species of the pony. If it was a unicorn they would perform a somewhat formal bow. If it was a Pegasus they would spread their wings until both ends were touching. All while looking directly at a person. Eye contact is very important in the Pegasus Society. Bat ponies themselves however when forced into a submissive posture will willingly expose their throat. This only happens when among their kind. Doing so openly is considered disgraceful. This type of mindset is often shared among many other species. As such you'll be hard press to see anything similar while walking down the street. If such a thing were to happen you'll be mocked for it brutally. To the point where you might be shunned by your family and friends.

Or worse killed.

However, the most likely scenario is that you'll end up getting beaten to a pulp. No questions asked. It all depends on who saw it. If we're a herbivore and a carnivore saw it you'll most likely get a death sentence. The same thing would happen if the situation was reversed. Such action is considered showing weakness to the enemy. If it was prey on prey tbe punch would be less severe. The same could be said for predators.

This is the way of Equestria.

"This is the sixth time this happened" Hard stated. Her tone was relaxed. This mare wasn't the type to let her frustration show.

The colt didn't respond.

She wasn't surprised. He hasn't said much of anything since he been here. Why they didn't even know if he could speak let alone his name.

"How about you help me clean up this time?

The colt slowly looked up. Careful not to look Hard directly in the eye. The mare felt a twinge of pity towards the cult. It didn't take a genius to figure out why he acted the way he did.

Still, though the wasn't exactly her problem was it?

" I'll get the mop."

She turned. As she did so her eyes widened in sudden realization.

It was her problem.

Hard Tap was the oldest being born just three minutes before her twin. Thus in Bat culture, she was responsible for tbe well-being of her family.

Both physical and mental,

And since the earth pony was a new member of her family that meant she was responsible for him as well. Whether she liked it or not.

Looking back at the colt Hard realized that he was. Staring right at her.

Hard clicked her tongue.

She had a lot of work to do.

****************

"Look who finally decided to show up," Moonlight said. Glaring at the unnamed colt as he trotted into the kitchen. Hard Tap following right behind.

"Doh meetee to you sister."

"Doh meetee" Moonlight responded. Her cold eyes never leaving the colts firm.

Moonlight hated ponies.

Ponies thought themselves to be all high and mighty. Spreading the words of harmony and understanding where ever they went. Thinking that Equestria itself was oh so perfect.

Wrong.

Equestria is perfect for them, not her noir her family. Or anyone else who's not a pony for that matter. As such those who were different were cast into poverty. Not even able to make enough money to buy a loaf of bread. In Moonlight's eyes, ponies were the biggest hypocrites to ever exist. Hell, they even give them a bad name. However, despite all that ponies did one thing that she'll never be able to forget.

The act of taking away one of her kin.

"Your luck I don't cut your fucking throat" Moonlight whispered. Her eyes gleaming with malice intent.

The colt didn't even glance at her as he sat down.

"LOOK AT ME!" Moonlight suddenly roared. Slamming her hoof onto the table so hard it was enough to leave a crack on its surface.

"YOU THINK YOU CAN WALTZ IN HERE AND DO FUCK ALL?!" YOU GOT ANOTHER THING COMING!"

"Enough!" Hard shouted gaining her sister's attention. Hard Understood her feelings she did, but regardless of whether Moonlight liked it or not that colt was now a part of their family.

"You will not talk to him that way understood?"

"Bu-"

Hard Tap stared.

Moonlight growled before relaxing on her chair. Hard noded before sitting down as well. Looking over she noticed that colt had his gaze fixed on the table. Ignoring that for now, she reached for a box of cereal.

"Doh meetee my family!" Soft Tap shouted well entering the kitchen. Looking like she just ran a mile. Witch knowing her she mostly did.

Going around she gave each of her sisters a gentle muzzle. Considering the fact she was completely covered in sweat it wasn't exactly pleasant. With that said this wasn't exactly their first rodeo. As such, they bore it with expressions so stoic it made Celestia's guards look cheap in comparison. Once she was done she spotted their news roommate in the corner of her eye. A conflicted look came over her face for just a moment. However as quickly as it came it vanished.

"Hey, little guy."

Walking over Soft opened her wings. Intending to give a feathery embrace. However, upon her approach, the colt visibly flinched.

Soft stopped. Her happy expression turning into one of guilt.

"Sorry."

Unlike Moonlight Soft didn't hold any hatred in her heart for ponies. In her opinion doing so would waste vulnerable energy. Of course with that said she wouldn't go out her way to help one either.

Unlike their mother.

For whatever reason, Night thought that a pony would be a good addition to their family. Soft was a bit skeptical at first, but over time she's becoming more and more used to the idea. Besides like or not by Bat pony standards he was family now.

That isn't going to change anytime soon.

"What a wuss" Moonlight started chuckling.

Ignoring her Soft looked over at her twin.

Upon seeing this Hard shook her head. "Not a peep."

Soft frowned. It's been months and still, the colt hasn't spoken a single word. Soft began rubbing her chin in thought. What could be the reason? I mean it wasn't like they weren't speaking Ba-"

Oh.

Ooh.

"He's a pony" Soft stated. Tone completely flat.

This caught her sibling's attention.

The youngest was first to speak up.

"Yeah...so?"

Hard merely raised a brow. Not catching on to what her twin was implying.

Soft meanwhile stared at them as if the answering was obvious. When they didn't get the hint she sighed.

"Do we understand Griffiness?

They shook their head.

"Do we understand Zed?"

Again their heads shook.

"Right, so if Griffins understood Griffins and Zebras understand other Zebras that means-"

"That ponies only understand other ponies" Hard finished.

The mare then promptly faced Hooft.

Hard.

It was so loud that it caused the colt to look over at her.

"I'm an idiot" Hard muttered under her breath. Feeling like her IQ suddenly became below advantage.

Moonlight just shrugged.

Culture

Language.

Language is common used to communicate from one party to the other. Language comes in many different forms. However, what you are most familiar with is vocal.

In Equestria with many different species living in one area, there are many different types of languages spoken through tongue. As such something needed to be done to break the language barrier. With over a dozen if not more species inhabiting Equus land learning every language there is would be extremely difficult. As such Celestia put her best problem solvers to work. It wasn't long after that, that they were able to solve the problem.

Said solution involved magic.

Of course in pony society magic was the go-to when a problem needed solving.

So a spell was made. This spell once cast can make one part of a different species understand another. Furthermore, it was later discovered that said spell can easily be written into Runes. The spell itself isn't exactly a translation spell. At least not your typical one. You see once cast both occupants are still speaking their language. The spell itself doesn't translate words. Rather it tricks your mind into thinking that the party is speaking the same language you are. Thus it translates one language into your own.

Because of this many debates were had about the said spell. Some think that the spell itself isn't exactly magical. Instead is just a somewhat complicated placebo effect and nothing more. Others disagree. They use the argument that since it's classified as a spell it is just that, a spell. As such magic is needed for it to work.

Whatever the case may be once activated it affected a rather large group. The exact number depends on the unicorn who casted it. If it's a strong unicorn the number ranges between 15 and 20. If it's a weak unicorn the spell only affects three to four individuals at once. The effect is even larger in Rune form. Once they had this spell figured out they casted nearly everywhere.

Businesses, schools, construction sites, you name it was cast upon. So much so that people would often forget that a language barrier exists in the first place. The spell was used so much that it eventually came in Crystal form. In this form, it functions just as the spell itself. However, it only works from a close distance. Not only that, but it has a limit of three individuals at once. The only bright side is that it can last up to a whole year. Of course, that is if it's done under the right conditions. Unfortunately, not everyone had enough money to buy such an object. As such there were times were a lack of understanding lead to more than a few problems.

This leads us to a current predicament.

Oh if only it was that simple.

*******************

"What do you mean he didn't say anything?"

Soft sighed.

Looking over her shoulder she watched as the colt rocked back and forth on his hooves. His eyes glazed over as if he was lost in thought.

"I mean I tried it and he didn't say anything."

Hard hummed.

The mare began tapping her hoof as she became lost in thought. So apparently regardless of what language they spoke the colt just refused to speak. At this rate, it seemed more and more likely he was simply a mute. If that was the case there wasn't much they could do.

"I don't know why you gals are wasting your time it's obvious that he's a retard."

Soft gasped.

"Moony!"

"What?!" Moonlight snapped. "It's not like I'm wrong." To her, it was obvious that the colt was slow. After all half the time she would catch him staring off into space. Furthermore, he was a pony and ponies are naturally dumb. With that said she knew from Soft's expression that she was about to receive due to her apparent poor choice of words.

However just as the mare opened her mouth Hard spoke.

"She could be right.

Soft looked at her. A mixture between shock and disappointment on her face. Seeing this Hard shrugged. "it's a possibility, but regardless he is our responsibility."

Speaking of which.

Hard turned towards her youngest sister, and from her expression Moonlight knew that whatever it was, she wouldn't like it one bit.

*****************

Moonlight hated it.

Unannounced to her or Soft their mother managed to enroll the colt into school.

Her school.

How exactly did this happen? She had more than a few ideas. One of them involved Night sucking off the school principal.

It wouldn't be the first time.

Of course with that said Moonlight didn't look down upon her mother. Unlike most files her age she understood the necessary sacrifices her mother needed to make. It wasn't like she was actively trying to be the most well-known slut within tbe city. As a mother, she is doing the one thing mothers are suppose to do.

Provide.

As such despite her clear attitude Moonlight would never blame her for that. With that said she hated the fact that she was tasked with looking after the colt, and with their culture, she couldn't exactly refuse. Bat ponies pride themselves on being able to look after and care for their own. If one thing in the world mattered most to them it was family. As such, they can be extremely protective if they need to be. It is also foolish to talk about another bat pony with their family member present. Not if you wanted to end up in the hospital. With that said most bat ponies themselves when asked will openly reference their family as kin. When asked about one induvial or sibling the response remains the same. This shows that they truly appreciate their loved ones. Flaws be dammed. If this does not happen it shows that the family is dysfunctional. As such they are looked down upon by Bat pony society. A family who couldn't look past their flaws is considered weak.

Moonlight is anything but weak.

With that being said she also didn't consider the colt to be family either.

Quit the moral dilemma if I do say so myself.

With that said Moonlight had no choice but to look after the colt. Unfortunately in doing so runs the risk of losing those Conrads in the process. After all, walking in with another species has plenty of risks. With said the filly is many things,

But a coward isn't one of them.

Author's Note

Feel free to answer my question in the comments below