To say that Twilight appeared stressed and unfocused would have been an understatement. As the friendship students had observed when Twilight was going about her duties at the school. They found it extremely unlike her to be so distracted and so worried. Granted, they have witnessed the Princess of Friendship freak out once or twice, blowing things out of proportion and such, but never have they seen the princess so… “un-Twilight” before.

The reason for this was only known to Twilight herself. So many scenarios were going on in her head as Spike was having his get-together with his biological mother, Cynder, and his adopted mother, Princess Celestia. She feared the worst case was that both mothers would end up fighting each other and reducing Canterlot Castle to rubble. Fortunately, after a couple hours had passed and Twilight could see the Canterlot still standing in the distance. Another horrible scenario is Spike renouncing his relationship with Celestia, breaking her old mentor's heart despite Twilight knowing full well that Spike would never do such a thing. These thoughts continued to plague her even as they reached the end of the day with Twilight walking back to her castle in a slow pace. She could have flown but her thoughts would have made her distracted, which has happened before.

However, once Twilight got back to her castle, she noticed a carriage waiting by the front door, a couple of guards and Spike himself with a couple of bags. Already, her worst fears were gripping her thoughts, causing her to jet towards her dragon friend.

“SPIKE!” Twilight shouted, causing said dragon to whip his head towards the commotion.

But Spike was almost tackled to the ground as the hysteric alicorn grappled him.

“Tell me it isn’t true?” Twilight pleaded. “Tell me you aren’t leaving us?!”

“What?!” Spike shouted back. “No, Twilight! Relax and let go of me to explain!”

Twilight didn’t want to but acquiesced. Spike straightened himself, took a deep breath and told everything that happened during his visit with Celestia. He tried to leave out certain… details regarding his first rut cycle as he didn’t want to give Twilight a heart attack.

“So… Let me get this straight.” Twilight finally spoke but from the look in her eyes, she was on the verge of panicking again. “To help with this “cycle” of yours, Celestia is having you live in Canterlot for a while as Cynder oversees and helps you through it?”

“That pretty much sums up the whole situation, yeah.” Spike confirmed but him taking it so casually didn’t help the alicorn.

“And where is… her?” Twilight gritted her teeth as she couldn’t bring herself to speak her name. Internally blaming the dragoness for this whole situation. But Spike could already tell what she was feeling.

“She’s not an enemy, Twilight.” Spike chided his sister figure, causing the alicorn to drop her head a bit. “She’s inside gathering a few things. When we got back, Rarity came by and dropped off a couple more outfits for her and so she’s looking them over as she finishes packing.”

“Right…” Twilight groaned. “I still can’t believe Celestia didn’t talk to me about this.”

“Why would she?” Spike asked in a suspicious tone.

Twilight realized the gravity of her comment. “W-Well, I’m just saying you still live with me and all… and I still need my number one assistant.” Her stumbled words and hasty appreciation of Spike didn’t alleviate any of his suspicions.

“Look Twi, I love you but I’m not a little welp anymore.” Spike asserted. “This is something I have to do and it’s for my own good. I know you are worrying because you care but this isn’t your decision.”

Twilight just slumped after hearing that. Her dragon friend was right though. She can’t control everything about Spike’s life. He wasn’t a baby dragon anymore and can make his own decisions. Still, part of her missed those early days where things were simpler.

“I’m… sorry Spike.” Twilight replied but finally admitted. “It’s just so much is changing and so fast, I’m not sure my mind can handle it. First your biological mother shows up out of nowhere, proves that she is your mother, then you head to Canterlot to meet with Celestia to discuss this development and now you are moving to Canterlot to handle this ‘Rut Cycle’ of yours. It’s too much.”

“I know Twilight.” Spike accepted. It was a lot to take in, in such a short amount of time. “But you have handled worse things without me and I’m not moving to Canterlot forever. Just long enough to get through this rut thing.”

“And how long will that take?” Twilight asked, wanting as much information as possible. “Didn’t Cynder say how long this would last? Did Celestia?”

“Unfortunately… I don’t know how long it will be.” Spike reluctantly answered. “Since the rut cycle is a private thing and not really a planned event, there is no known time scale. Only what age range it is supposed to start.”

“(sigh) Alright. I understand.” Twilight finally complied. “I don’t like it one bit but I get it.”

Now it was Spike’s turn to sigh. “Thank you, Twilight.”

“Just… promise you’ll send me letters on how things are going.” Twilight pleaded. “Please?”

“Sure thing Twilight.” Spike promised. “I’ll send a letter once a week while I’m gone.”

“Every day!” Twilight demanded. Spike, however, wasn’t having it.

“Every week, Twilight.” Spike put his foot down on this matter. “Every day is too much.”

Twilight pouted but nonetheless accepted it. “Alright, Spike. I still don’t like this.”

“I know Twi, I know. But trust me when I say that everything will be alright.” Spike assures her but Twilight still had that worried look on her.

“Spike! Are you out there?” A maternal voice called out from inside the castle but it made Twilight’s face turn serious and slightly grim. “Are you all packed?”

“Uh.. Yeah mom, I’m right outside.” Spike nervously replied, noticing Twilight’s change in demeanor. “Remember: Be Nice!”

“I will but only for your sake.” Was all Twilight said.

Cynder emerged from the castle, still in the black dress that Rarity had made her for the meeting in Canterlot. Twilight was a little stunned by how the dragoness not only pulled off a gorgeous look in that dress but she was given a very clear view of her luscious figure. It made her own figure feel inferior.

The dragoness however gave a slight glowering look upon seeing Twilight back. She wanted to initiate a shouting match with her for likely informing her old mentor of her in a… less than flattering light.

“...Welcome back Princess Twilight.” Cynder finally spoke in courtesy but her tone was less so. Twilight caught on and returned the gesture with a slight narrowing of the eyes and a quick nod of the head. “I trust Spike had informed you of our plans?”

“...Yes, he has.” Twilight answered curtly. “You are both heading back to Canterlot to handle Spike’s… Rut Cycle or whatever you call it.”

“Correct. Now if you will excuse us, we have to finish packing.” Cynder replied before gesturing to Spike to return inside.

‘Unbelievable…’ Spike thought to himself. It never ceases to amaze him on how childish Twilight truly can be sometimes. ‘It’s likely dealing with a filly!’

Spike nonetheless maintained his composure despite being exasperated in playing the peacekeeper between Cynder and Twilight. He will already have his hands full in keeping his two mothers from coming to blows while in Canterlot.

“Spike…” Twilight called out as her number one assistant turned to head back into the castle. “You know I… struggle when it comes to changes but I really hope that this cycle of yours isn’t a big one.”

“Heh.. Yeah.” Spike nervously replied. He knew if Twilight learned all of the details, she probably have a meltdown and likely lock him up to prevent it. “You don’t have to worry about anything Twi. I know that you’ll do fine with Starlight and the other girls helping you out.”

“I know…” Twilight admitted that while no one can really compare to Spike being her assistant, she should be fine for a while with the other’s help. “It’s just going to feel a bit lonely at the castle without you.”

“Well… Maybe you could invite the other girls for a sleepover.” Spike suggested. “I’m sure they will be more than happy to come for that.”

“Yeah… maybe you're right.” Twilight admitted. It’s been a while since she and the girls hung out together.

“Spike!” Cynder called out from the castle.

“Ah, I better finish packing and head out.” Spike hurriedly spoke. “I swear that I will send a letter in a week.”

“Alright, I’ll be waiting for it.” Twilight replied but once Spike was inside and out of earshot. “...I still don’t like this or her.”

After packing the needed essentials, Spike and Cynder head outside where they spread their wings and take off to Canterlot. To help make it easier, Twilight used a spell that transported the majority of their luggage to Canterlot.

“Is it really necessary to write Princess Twilight a letter every week?” Cynder asked her son.

“I don’t think it's that bad mom. She’s just concerned.” Spike reasoned.

“I think she smothers you too much.” Cynder commented. “You didn’t tell her exactly why we are heading back to Canterlot, did you?”

“Not exactly.” Spike nervously answered. “I told her that my Rut Cycle required you to help but I didn’t go into all the details. If I did, she would probably have a heart attack.”

“Hmph”. Cynder gruffed to herself. Despite her son’s wish for her to be open-minded and get along with his pony friends, she found Twilight and some of them weren't making it easy. Rarity seemed pushy, vain and appeared to take advantage of her son’s blatant crush on her. Pinkie Pie was just plain obnoxious. Harmless but obnoxious. She still hadn’t met some of the other mares her son had mentioned but she could only hope that they would leave a better impression.

Such thoughts would have to wait for now as the two dragons saw the outline of Canterlot Castle once more. Cynder steeled her resolve as they continued their approach. She didn’t know exactly what to expect her maternal counterpart had planned since she intended to bear witness to the whole of Spike’s first rut cycle. The Dragoness likely believed the alicorn would find some way to interfere.

Celestia had been pacing back and forth in the castle throne room with Luna watching her with a growing sense of both impatience and bemusement. Raven Inkwell was also present near the dual thrones, trying to keep her attention to her list of papers ready to be signed but seeing her princess in such an anxious state unnerved her. True, Celestia was happy to have Spike close to home again but sharing the addressment of “mom” to the dragoness was not something she was taking well, much less this “Rut Cycle” Cynder had explained to them earlier. Luna didn’t seem to have any problems with the plan to help her beloved nephew but Celestia was a different story. The solar princess may have added the term to have Spike’s cycle at the Canterlot Castle, specifically in the more private sections for obvious reasons, but the whole thing was making doubt creep into Celestia’s mind.

“Why did I let you convince me that this was a good idea?!” Celestia practically shouted at her sister. “This is the most ridiculous plan I’ve ever been a part of!”

“Really sister?” Luna replied in a very deadpan manner. “More ridiculous than when you had Discord search for Tirek when he wasn’t entirely “rehabilitated”?”

Celestia gave Luna a very dirty look. “Do. Not. Go. There.”

Luna merely rolled her eyes. True, Discord did redeem himself after being betrayed himself by Tirek, Celestia’s original decision to have him capture the centaur when he first escaped had been criticized since Discord had yet to be sincere about changing his ways.

“I’m serious Luna!” Celestia shouted again. “This dragoness is going to handle Spike’s first time! She’s going to rob Spike of his innocence!!”

“Her name is Cynder and if it prevents Spike from going through a very painful… transition as he grows then I’m willing to let her proceed with this plan.” Luna reasoned. “Spike himself also agreed to this plan as I’m sure you are aware.”

“Like he had much choice in the matter, Luna.” Celestia argued. “We both know Spike is still relatively new to the customs of dragons.”

“For which we are partly to blame.” Luna reminded her sister. “Cynder was right on that part during our “get together” earlier.”

Celestia wanted to retort to that but she realized that her sister was right. She and Twilight never did really bother trying to learn more about the dragons for Spike’s sake. They only raised him as if he were any other pony. For the most part, Spike turned out okay but even Celestia had to acknowledge that there were moments where she regretted not knowing enough about dragons such as his “greed phase” that demolished half of Ponyville and of his “journey of self-discovery” during the annual dragon migration. In this, Cynder is right to be upset that she and Twilight practically discouraged Spike from connecting with his dragon identity. Of course, Celestia would never admit that out loud.

Such thoughts would be put to rest later as a guardspony entered the throne room.

“Excuse the interruption, your majesty.” The guard bowed respectfully. “Two dragons have been sighted. Prince Spike has returned once more with the guest you spoke of.”

Celestia could only take a deep breath before turning to her assistant.

“Raven!” Celestia called out, immediately causing the gray-white mare’s head to stand up at attention.

“Yes, Your Majesty!?” Raven honestly wasn’t sure what her princess wanted her to do.

“I would like you to meet with Spike and… Cynder when they land.” Celestia explained but to say the dragoness’s name made her eye twitch, which Luna noticed with annoyance. “And escort them to the Castle’s private wing.”

“Of course, Your Majesty.” Raven confirmed, taking her leave past the guard who followed. Once the two were gone, Luna felt it was time to address the matter with Celestia.

“And what are you going to do sister?” Luna asked, almost suspicious. “Why aren’t you going to meet the duo?”

Celestia paused for a minute. “...I have some last minute preparations to make.”

“Last minute preparations?” Luna repeated with a raised eyebrow. “And what would that mean?”

“Nothing you need to be concerned about sister.” Celestia quickly answered, almost defensively. “Since when did you become so nosy?”

“When you started to go crazy and entered “ultra-mom” mode.” Luna answered with pure sarcasm.

Celestia shot her sister an angry look but her face had a shade of red, a blush. She wanted to retort but doing so would only all but confirm Luna’s accusations. Instead, Celestia held her head high and proceeded to leave the throne room for the private wing, leaving Luna alone with her thoughts.

“Honestly, how is it that I became the reasonable and mature one?” Luna asked out loud with a sigh. “Might as well help Raven when Spike and Cynder get here.”

Luna rose from her throne and proceeded to exit the throne room towards the courtyard. However, a part of her mind was wondering what her sister had planned for this whole situation.

“I can’t help but fear what my sister’s “preparations” are.” Luna spoke to herself, with a sense of anxiety. “Last thing Spike or I need to deal with is seeing his two moms fight.”

On her end, Celestia quickly made sure everything in the private wing of the castle was prepared for this event, as she didn’t want anypony learning about what Spike is going through and what has to be done to help him. If any of the newsstands ever found out about this, to say it would create a scandal would be an understatement. To be fair, Celestia never truly cared about what the gossip mongers thought about but this was something she didn’t want to take a chance with. Ponies already know so little about dragons, even after a dialog was finally made thanks to Twilight, Spike and their friends. This already made her think of something…

“Maybe I should send Ember a letter and ask questions about this Rut Cycle Cynder talked about.” Celestia spoke to herself. “Dragons can’t seriously think this is the right course of action, right?”

So many thoughts were going through her mind as she made her way to the private wing, to make her “last preparations”, which mainly involved making the rooms soundproof and fireproof. Celestia didn’t know what sex was like when it came to dragons but she had heard… “rumors”. Last thing she wanted was to explain how part of her castle was on fire due to a dragon mating ritual. Much less say that Spike was involved. Celestia already got a lot of criticism from the more stuck-up members of the upper-class and officials when she legally adopted Spike as her son. They were willing to have Spike be named prince but they refused to acknowledge him as her heir. Though this angered Celestia considerably, she was convinced at a practical standpoint that a nation of ponies would never see a dragon as their ruler, no matter how kind, caring and compassionate he may be. She never told Spike this, not wanting him to feel disheartened that the kingdom didn’t fully accept him but at the same time, Celestia felt that being a future ruler was not something Spike would have wanted. A feeling that was proved true during the recent Dragon Gauntlet where Spike quickly relinquished the Bloodstone Scepter to Ember.

Her thoughts quickly turned anxious if not spiteful in wondering what Cynder would think of her decisions in raising Spike. Almost from the get-go, Celestia felt criticized by the dragoness on her child-raising abilities, becoming angry and insulted.

“Wonder what kind of words Cynder would have about all this?” Celestia sarcastically asked herself. “If she thinks I’m just going to sit back and let this happen without me, she has got another thing coming!”

However… how was she going to NOT just sit back and let it happen? Only one course of action came to mind and it left her with a growing blush on her face…

“CURSE YOU LUNA FOR PUTTING THESE THOUGHTS IN MY HEAD!!!!!” Celestia screeched at the top of her lungs. It was at a volume that was just beneath the princesses’ Royal Voice.

Fortunately, no one outside the private wing heard Celestia. The enchantments seemed to do the trick…

Raven was waiting in the courtyard rather anxiously for Spike and Cynder to arrive until she heard a voice behind her.

“Miss Inkwell.”

Raven turned to see who it was and saw that it was Princess Luna.

“Oh, your highness. What brings you out here?” She asked.

“I thought you might need some assistance when Spike and his mother arrive.” The moon alicorn simply replied.

“I-I see.” Raven simply said. However, Luna noticed that the assistant seemed a bit troubled.

“Something on your mind Miss Inkwell?” Luna simply asked.

Raven sighed, “Well, it’s just still shocking that Spike’s mother, well… birth mother that is, has appeared after all these years and it’s put Princess Celestia a bit on edge about it.”

Now it was Luna’s turn to sigh, “Indeed. My sister is afraid that she’s been replaced and that Spike wouldn’t look at her as his mother anymore.”

“That doesn’t sound like something Spike would do.” Raven spoke with complete assurance. “I’ve known Spike since he was such a little dragon and during that time, there was hardly a moment he was away from Princess Celestia. Before he was transferred over to the Sparkle family that is…”

Luna smiled upon hearing that. Granted, Luna herself only knew Spike for a couple of years since her return from her corruption as Nightmare Moon but upon meeting him as a young drake, Luna accepted him as her nephew almost instantly. She adored Spike ever since and overtime, they had become something akin to confidants to each other as they have both felt what it is like to feel “overshadowed” by those close to them.

“Indeed.” Luna confirmed, maintaining her smile. “My sister wouldn’t show it but when her royal duties piled up and she couldn’t take care of Spike herself, thereby granting custody to Twilight and her family, Celestia told me it was very hard to see him away.”

“It’s hard to imagine seeing her majesty sad at all.” Raven spoke after hearing that from Luna. “She’s always radiated a sense of happiness and serenity.”

Luna could only make an odd sideways glance upon hearing that. Though it didn’t bother her to hear such praise for her sister as much as it did millennia ago, there are moments where some ponies “admire” Celestia too much.

Raven however noticed the night princess’s reaction to her comment. “T-That’s not to say you don’t exude such an air, your majesty.”

“Heh. Thank you Miss Inkwell.” Luna lightly chuckled. “But it’s quite alright. My sister has endured much to maintain that “air” as you said.”

Raven could only laugh nervously before breathing a small sigh of relief. Still, a part of her mind wondered how this dragoness’s presence would affect the “environment” of the castle and Celestia’s state of mind. Raven Inkwell took her job seriously and if anything affected her Princess, it affected her line of work as well. If the princess was in a calm and pleasant state then her job was straightforward and ordinary. If Celestia was moody, sad or even depressed, then her work would ground to a halt. On the very rare occasion her princess was in a foul mood for any reason, Raven would fear that it would be her last day on the job… or her last day at all. Currently, this dragoness made Celestia anxious to an almost absurd degree, making Raven’s job hectic and stressful to say the least. She only hoped that Celestia would return to her usual self soon.

Such thoughts would have to wait as two shadows came upon them. Spike and Cynder were approaching the courtyard.

Both dragons landed gracefully upon the courtyard, leading the guard ponies present to stand at attention. Though a couple of them still couldn’t resist to make a very quick glance at Cynder’s prodigious bosom.

Once more, Raven couldn’t help but be in awe with the dragoness’s beauty. She didn't want to think it, let alone speak it, but Cynder emitted a radiance and majesty that rivaled Princess Celestia. Sure it was more dark and slightly domineering but she carried herself with grace and dignity that overall made Raven herself feel subservient. Especially since the dragoness’s black dress took advantage of her luscious figure.

“Welcome back you two.” Luna spoke out in a friendly tone. She approached and gave Spike an affectionate hug to which Spike returned the gesture.

After a minute or so, the two broke away from the hug. Spike then looked around and asked, “Where’s mom?”

“She’s… getting your room ready.” Luna replied rather uneasily, not wanting to go into full detail of what her sister was actually doing.

“Hmmph,” Was all Cynder said before turning her attention to Raven, “Who’s this?”

Raven stuttered a little when the dragoness turned her attention towards her but managed to compose herself, “Oh, I’m Raven Inkwell. Personal Assistant to the Princesses.” She replied.

“Miss Inkwell has been under my sister’s employment for years. Long before my return.” Luna added before smirking a bit. “Honestly I think my sister would be lost in bureaucratic paperwork if not for her assistant here.”

Raven could only blush and sheepishly look away in slight embarrassment. She wasn’t used to such praise.

“Hmm.” Cynder merely analyzed the pony briefly, ultimately concluding that she was no threat. Even so, the dragoness suspected that this Raven would serve as a spy for her rival.

“S-So Raven is going to help with my uh… “problem”?” Spike asked nervously.

“More or less.” Luna confirmed. “She will essentially be the “messenger” between the private wing and the rest of the castle staff as my sister will largely be within the private wing until this… cycle has been sorted out.”

Spike could only blush as she gazed at Raven, hoping she didn’t know what his cycle was about. Unfortunately, Raven’s blush only blushed a bit more which essentially confirmed that she knew, much to his shame and embarrassment. On her part, Cynder narrowed her gaze a bit which all but confirmed her suspicions.

“Well with that out of the way, shall we come inside?” Luna suggested, noticing the tension and awkward feelings brewing.

Cynder just shrugged, “Very well…”

With that, the four headed to the entryway. Spike’s first Rut Cycle is about to begin…

Author's Note

Next chapter is when the fun begins...