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