[Still Wednesday, 18 May 2016, The Equestrian 17th Day of Love.]

"Ahh-choo!"

Another sneeze befell Rainbow. Even if the heated water of her luxurious room’s bath had warmed her up to her chest, the chill at her core kept her shivering. Emotionally, however, the unfinished job left her nearly equally heated.

"Damn it. What kind of luck is this? Frozen out on my first day on the job? I didn't even get halfway done. The cold front out here is so fucking rigid."

A small icicle still sticking to the front of her mane broke off and fell into the pool, a reminder of just how cold things had really gotten.

Spitfire, tentatively listening as she sat along the outside of side of the tub, dumped another bucket of fresh warm water over Rainbow's head. It wasn't to annoy her, but a continued effort to win over some favor and avoid some nervous tension growing.

"Sorry I can't be of any real help, Newbie. Heh, spent so much time focused on flying I never learned anything beyond basic weather theory and emergency storm flight procedures. I can't manage much more than the current I'm flying in. Not unless you can help teach me before we fly out. In fact, you can call me the Newbie.”

Filing the bucket again and pouring it more gently over Rainbow’s still shivering wings, the leader of the Wonderbolts took a glance outside at the frost-covered window.

“ I can't clear any more clouds than the ones in front of me. What we’re doing is safe, right?"

Rainbow shook her mane of the excess water and shivered at the thought of going out to fly in the constant polar storm again.

"Ahh-choo!" She sniffed hard to clear her nose before addressing Spitfire. "Thanks, and some of it can be dangerous. It’s not as easy as being told what to do before we get out there. This is kind of more on-the-job training than anything else… Riding out a storm and helping another flier to feel out the turbulent winds and pressure spikes… a classroom can't teach you how to react or point out the patterns that throw off even the most experienced weather ponies. Even I trip up sometimes in some of the harsher conditions without support, and it's not easy assessing a flier's limits even when you're right there with 'em."

Hearing the humility coming from Rainbow, two words she’d never picture in the same sentence together, Spitfire thought to win extra favor with some flattery, though her tone came off sounding friendlier than normal.

"What? A super cool Element, who also happens to be a Wonderbolt, can't take the pressure? Figured you would Sonic Rainboom your way out… Can't you?"

"Puh," Rainbow scoffed with just a hint of a smile. "I’ll admit I’ve pulled some boneheaded stunts in the past but you won't see me flying off into a situation I can't fly out of on my own. And I need time and a lot of sky to build up my Rainboom… Not that I haven't learned a few tricks of my own, but still. Just like at the Wonderbolt Academy, we won't be jumping straight into the more… muh… muACHOO!... More complicated maneuvers. Especially after what happened today."

That was probably the twelfth sneeze since starting this bath, making Spitfire question the quality of Rainbow's health.

Scratch that. Her ears stood up on alert, and she tried to hide her rise of nervous discomfort.

"Uhh, Dash? You sure you're up for this tomorrow? If you’re feeling sick or-"

Disgruntled, Rainbow raised up her small bucket and poured another dose of warm water over her head, then shook the excess free before she took a few test sniffs to clear anything out.

"Blah… I just spent a bit too much time out in the cold thin air. Weather mares get like this all the time when we work in this kind of weather. Besides, I still don't have enough information to submit a full report to Cloudsdale so we can get some real help sent our way. Oh, and what did the docs say about Fleetfoot?"

Spitfire rolled her eyes and leaned in lazily on the edge of the tub as a wave of relief took hold, but dragged some darker thoughts along with it.

"Not too much. They all made a big deal about how she's healing like she’s supposed to, if not better, but Justin said that just being near him will do that." She cracked a wide grin and looked to hold back a forced laugh. "I don't need a swift kick to the head to know not to doubt that guy. Am I right?"

Rainbow gave a low chuckle as she sank deeper into the water, but it appeared her laugh was as artificial as the joke Spitfire gave. For some reason, having her lead Wonderbolt acting so chummy in such a private setting all of sudden felt off.

Whatever it was, Spitfire seemed to stay on topic and continued to press her optimism.

"She's one tough mare. She'll be back on her hooves in a few weeks and flying rings around the obstacle course, making us all look bad before you know it. But when she is back in her flight suit… try not to knock us out of the sky during the high-speed maneuvers, Newbie. She might need our help for that."

That last comment sounded a lot more genuine, and Spitfire looked back to see the earnest look of concern coming from Rainbow.

Now things were looking good between these two with the added report of blending areas of expertise. Perhaps it was time to narrow the focus to where Spitfire really wanted it and avoid the other topics stressing both of them.

"What all are we going to need to wrap up this weather conflict we're dealing with? You missed out on some quality time studying with Justin today. I feel like we're really getting to know the guy. Certainly getting a lot closer than we did back in Canterlot."

Somehow Rainbow was seeing those all-too-familiar red flags rising up again. She didn't want to have this talk a second night in a row, yet, here she was. And now she was wishing she had a bottle of something with her to make this less of a pain.

"You know—"

"Fleetfoot really needs it, too," Spitfire quickly added in, noticing too late that she interrupted Rainbow. "Huh? Oh, sorry. I wanted to say that the meds the docs and Becky gave Flatfoot and Tincan don't cut it. Even Justin hurts a lot more than he’ll tell us."

Suddenly changing her tone and lowering her voice, Spitfire didn't sound so upbeat or positive. She turned her back to the cold porcelain of the bathtub and sat on the floor to continue her thoughts aloud.

"Fleetfoot did more than just break her legs… Her hips, fetlocks, knees… They’re all… I mean; I know she’s gonna be fine eventually. But right now, she drinks until she sleeps, and she drinks when she wakes up. It's only when she's around Justin she says those pills are enough, and I know it's the same for Thunder.”

For a brief moment, Rainbow thought that Spitfire had finished, but again she continued with her worrisome observations.

“Justin, though… There were times I swore when I was holding him up… We'd make a joke, and he would laugh, and everything I could feel of him felt better than the freedom of the clear open skies as you lie in the warm sunshine on the perfect cloud, Dash."

Spitfire took in a deep breath and sighed, sounding saddened by her own thoughts as she raised her hoof to examine it.

"When he's sad or scared… even if only for a moment, some of his pain kinda… You just feel it… Not physically. It’s like the chill you get running up your spine when somepony is watching you, only with him, it's worse. It’s like… when Tirek drained you of your magic. That empty feeling like you’ve lost something that leaves you feeling like you’re no longer whole…"

She dropped her hoof down to her side and let the back of her head rock against the tub behind her.

"My coat isn't even the same color as Fluttershy's. Poor guy… Probably can't get those two out of his head even after traveling all the way out here."

That speel threw Rainbow off from where she thought Spitfire was heading originally. Forcing optimism in the midst of everyone else pretending to be okay around her. Even if she was a tTop Wonderbolt, she was one of the few able-bodied ponies left standing, but still far behind the curve in terms of knowing what was really going on, let alone what all happened prior.

"Yeah," Rainbow groaned in a low breath. "Human emotions can do some crazy things to a pony.”

The side conversation had gone farther than Spitfire had intended. It wasn’t like her to open up so much, but these trying times were tough, and there was so much still over her head that she was still trying to catch up while avoiding her own issues suddenly thrust upon her.

“Hey, sorry about blabbing about all of this to ya, Newbie. But, come on. You’re a Wonderbolt now. We look out for each other. Not like your other friends that you—”

Spitfire wanted to say more; find more of a conversation to carry on with, but the vibe from Rainbow was all wrong. She knew she had said something off-putting. It certainly could have been the fact that she nearly name-dropped Rarity by mistake, but was probably something about Cerb since that’s when the distance between them really started to grow again. She, unfortunately, didn’t know what it was or which was worse.

In a split-second decision, she decided to cut her losses over whatever she hoped for the exchange to be and stood up and started off for the door. She’d find another way to make amends for whatever slip-up she made.

“Forget about what I said, Dash. Cerb will be fine. Everything’s gonna work out in the end. Always has, always will.” Deciding she needed some air, Spitfire sat up and stepped away from the tub. “You keep warming up in the tub, and I’ll see if the kitchen has some honey, lemons, and elderberries. I may not know much outside of my job, but I was taught how to make a great home remedy for the Snow Shivers.”

Something about that caught Rainbow’s interest. Turning an ear at first and then her head toward Spitfire just about to leave, she had to know, if even out of the sake of curiosity itself. So, still shivering in the tub, forced out the words to keep Spitfire in the room.

“Wait a sec… Not just any pony calls it the Snow Shivers.”

Hearing the question, Spitfire stopped short of opening the door. Again, she had said the wrong thing. Only this time, it was for a different reason.

For Rainbow, she already stopped Spitfire from walking out, so there was no point in not asking the question now.

“Spits… Were either of your parents on a weather team? I remember meeting Stormy Flare, I mean, your mom, but I never had the chance to ask about your—”

“Yeah, Dash,” Spitfire answered abruptly in a sad, hushed tone, her hoof frozen on the latch to the door. “She taught me how to make it a long time ago. She would get really sick and not be able to take care of herself. That’s why when Wind Rider left that letter to try and frame you, I left so fast.”

That certainly explained why Spitfire flew off during that scandal the year prior, but there was bound to be a follow-up question she didn’t want Rainbow to have the opportunity to ask.

“The trick is to boil the lemon seeds in the tea water. Everypony throws them out, but that’s what makes it work. You’ll see. Mother knows best, right? And don’t just dump the bucket over your head. Let your neck soak in the water. You’ll warm up a lot faster that way.”

Not wanting to argue or make things more awkward, Rainbow started to sink lower into the tub, unsure of why the sudden cold shoulder from Spitfire came about. Sure, she wasn’t the most pleasant company towards her new mentor into the Wonderbolts, but any weather mare info, even in passing, would have been worth going over.

“Oh?” Rainbow suddenly mewed as the warm water rose up to her throat, and her shivers slowed down. “Well… at least she got that right… Why the fuck didn’t anypony tell me this before?”

[Back in Cadance’s shower.]

Cerb thought Cadance’s concern was laughably Ludacris to the point he huffed and nearly laughed at her suggesting Twilight could order anything of him. Then, when he realized Cadance was serious, his entire demeanor changed.

"Demand to have me returned? How? Why? I'm free to go anywhere in Equestria I want with whoever I want. Luna said so. Twilight can't tell me what to do."

Cadance barely moved or even batted an eye. The reality of the situation wasn’t going to change no matter how Cerb felt or reacted or how she explained it.

“You are mostly correct. Twilight cannot simply make such an order of you while you are with me, nor do I imagine she would ever be so misguided to attempt such a decree. You are not one of her subjects, even if being granted an Honorary Guest grants you all the same rights as one. Even as an ambassador, you are awarded many privileges and protections… though you may have superseded some of them when you accepted Fluttershy and Rarity as your… guardians.”

Listening to Cadance’s response, Cerb’s reaction varied between bewildered and angered.

“But… I didn’t agree to any… I mean—” He turned his head away, now angrier but unsure of where to direct his dizzying frustration. Frankly, the fact this insane situation he’d found himself in had any kind of logical progression to it was impressive enough. “We thought we were getting some extra protection. Not ownership. We’re not like… We’re not slaves or something, are we.”

Slowly, Cadance nodded and used her aura to turn off the shower for the last time. Their shared bathing time was a short-lived relief from the day, but ran its course without much benefit.

So, even if this was difficult to deal with, she needed to address it honestly.

“I see. So, clearly, the guardian and ward relationship wasn’t explained to you. And it can get confusing since there are two categories. But, no. You’re not slaves. No pony owns you and I hope you can believe no pony in Equestria would ever engage in such a barbaric practice.”

She moved her wing to draw open the curtain and levitated in a pair of towels. The first she draped over Cerb’s shoulders, the second over her own. She let Cerb dry off most of himself first, taking his sensitivities into consideration, and continued to explain further as she started to dry herself.

“Normally, if a pony or any other creature were with Celestia, he or she would be designated as a ward and have a Royal Guard, or guards, assigned to protect them. In those cases, the guard would become their guardian and responsible for their overall safety and advising council when needed… Basically, they would be a bodyguard that gave good advice, but couldn’t stop them from making poor life choices.”

“So, more like a best friend than a parent in a sense?”

“Not exactly the metaphor I’d use, but that’s the idea.”

Cadance’s towel was nearly instantly drenched, so she took a pause to swap out for another and changed over to the second scenario.

“In your case, as well as the others, what Twilight did is what is normally done for orphaned foals or the infirm. In those cases, Celestia, or another of appointed royal authority, would designate a guardian over a ward to provide protection and hold certain legal powers over those who weren’t able to take care of themselves.”

That sounded rather vague, leaving Cerb to stop drying his chest to ask the question, “What kind of legal powers?”

Again, Cadance traded out for another towel, laggardly running the expensive cloth over her barrel as she mentally drew up a list of what seemed most prevalent to share.

“If a ward is not properly feeding themselves, the guardian can order a change of diet or request an order for food deliveries, though obviously can’t force their ward to eat what’s put in front of them. Medical care if they’re sick or injured… A change of housing if they deem their current living situation unsafe or insufficient to others they themselves or the crown could provide.”

Again, Cerb didn’t know if he should be angry, as he still couldn’t understand how Cadance claimed those rules both did and yet didn’t apply to him.

“So… can they or can’t they make these orders on my behalf?”

By this point, Cadance was mostly dry, but since Cerb had stopped drying himself, she took his towel in her aura and began to pick up where he left off. Perhaps it was calming to him, she thought to herself, as he appeared willing to assist her, lifting his arms, allowing her to pad him dry while she tried to explain the complexities they found themselves in.

“Celestia and I often stay in contact over important matters that affect our kingdoms. I did not receive much regarding you and your friends upon arriving. It wasn’t until shortly before the delegation that we finally had a chance to speak about your time here… It wasn’t a pleasant exchange, but it was mentioned that a Status of Forces Agreement was signed between your embassy and the Equestrian Kingdom.”

Cerb lowered his arms and found a cold stare showing how much having to address this conflict was upsetting her. Just as cold, Cadance’s tone bore no favor to speak the truth.

“Officially, the Crystal Empire has no agreements with your embassy. We do, however, have such agreements with Celestia and the Equestrian Kingdom. That includes those of her adjacent crowns, Luna and Twilight. If any of them make an official request to have one of their subjects returned on behalf of their guardian's legitimate concerns, I am legally bound to oblige their request.”

There was a moment Cerb was about to breathe deep and hope the proper words would come to him so he could rage on her behalf. Instead, he was hit with a perplexing question he instantly shared.

“Wait… I’m only an Honorary Guest. Doesn’t that exclude me?”

All the disdain Cadance held slowly gave way to sorrow as she tried to find the best explanation for yet another quagmire.

“Had you been a pony and a subject of Celestia or the others while still in Equestria, it wouldn’t even be a question. However, as an Honorary Guest staying in my kingdom under my protection, I still have advocacy rights of my own. Such rights will be easier to enact, given how your guardians abandoned their responsibilities.”

What Cadance now had on her mind had her lower her gaze. It was a lot to ask, if not even suggest.

“Justin… So long as you maintain your Honorary Guest status, there may come a point where a majority vote of each crown could overrule my advocacy to let you heal and recover here, where I can continue to assist you… As a final option, you could choose to renounce your Honorary Guest status, and I could grant you full citizenship under the Crystal Empire.”

Cerb said nothing at the moment. Not only had what she stated come off as a double edge sword, but even she knew he could tell there was a catch. If he knew there would be consequences, she wasted no further time withholding the crucial details.

“Renouncing your Honorary Guest status, as is your right, would absolve the guardianship along with it, as such rights cannot be bestowed upon non-citizens of Equestria, nor to those not within its borders. Granting you my citizenship would return you all of the same visitation rights and privileges our kingdoms share… But to do so would likely permanently damage some relationships and require you to adhere to the same laws as all other citizens."

Finally, having said enough, Cadance released her hold on the towel, dropping it over Cerb's lap and looking away in shame.

"There have been plenty of arguments over your standings and purpose, if not your intentions. And while some, at one point or another, may have feared you or your friends, there is no doubt that your allegiances and favor have all been extensively sought-after after discovering what it is you are capable of."

It didn't take a political genius to see the real potential fallout of Cerb taking the easy path out of this drama. Part of the problem may have been his fault as well.

"Ember read my letter to all the major leaders at the dinner I was supposed to be at. They know I'm not well, and I don't know how much else they might know about the issues my other friends have, outside of Chris and Becky."

Cadence started to look up again, but it wasn't easy for her to watch Cerb come to terms with where he was now sitting. He was in the middle of an international hornet's nest, waiting to be kicked, and she couldn't even get him dried off and ready for dinner without causing him grief. Yet, here she was, having to explain in further detail the political dangers they were facing.

"There are many kingdoms to choose from with many favorable options to offer. If they believe that Equestria is not providing the most adequate conditions to the seven most powerful and capable, loving and desirable creatures, who saved our world and free will… Such offers may not remain so civil and open for review of ethical standards if presented to an unwilling human."

That was putting it lightly. Cerb could see it for what it really was if his memory of the other races proved true for any number of the kingdoms he had yet to come to know formally. That, or if any of the existing relationships began to degrade, he could imagine how some egos could influence their diplomacy.

Needless to say it was a potential powder keg that could go off if he wasn’t careful about his decisions.

"If I break up the Stranded Seven by changing my citizenship to save myself, it could start an arms race between the other nations, and every human is a weapon they’d be after. Each nation could bribe or coerce any of my friends into joining them… or even start a war if their pride or other emotions got mixed up in it if they were turned down… Fuck. Cadance… This is—"

“There is no need to worry,” Cadance hastily spoke up, only to pull back. “For now, at least, and I apologize, but I should have told you earlier. Rarity used Spike to send a demand letter that I return you to her and Fluttershy tomorrow. The letter stated that she would be taking you back and that nothing would stop them.”

She looked up to Cerb, sad to still be going over this, a little afraid of how he would react. However, a small crack of a smile still showed through on her muzzle as she was perhaps somewhat proud of herself.

“I won’t deny that I am still rather cross with Rarity, in particular, but legally speaking, such verbiage towards a princess is to be taken as a threat. So… I sort of… banned them entry… to my Kingdom… for a while.”

Seconds went by, neither being able to say a word, and the embarrassed smile Cadance tried not to share shrunk away on its own. It was wrong of her to take pride in going against anyone Cerb still may have lingering feelings for, and her shame would have stayed had Cerb not have started audibly stumbling over his own muted laughter.

“Wha the fuck?” He huffed out in an exasperated whine of amusement. “Do I not get a say in this at any point? I mean? …can’t I just tell Twilight or Celestia I don’t want a guardian anymore?”

Cerb’s laughs were not by any stretch of the imagination genuine. He was angry, and the vibe he was giving off wasn’t masked at all by the humor he tried to force in front of it.

Sadly, there was very little Cadance could do to comfort his worries.

“If you wish to remain here, banning Rarity and Fluttershy will help to buy us time. However, so long as you continue to need the help our friends and allies know you have come here to receive, Rarity will continue to hold precedence to make her claims. And I would hope that Twilight would not consider enforcing Rarity’s demands, but if she is as stubborn as you are, it’s likely to happen. If she does, I can play upon Twilight’s goodwill and continue to deny any claims of your care not being properly attended to as I did in my last reply that I sent to Celestia, along with the banning.”

Unimpressed, Cerb huffed while returning to the task of drying the top of his legs.

“You’re right, Rarity isn’t a pony to take no for an answer. She’s very good at getting what she wants. So what good is your banning going to do if Twilight sends Rarity when she can’t get her way?”

Again, Cadance couldn’t help but smirk a little.

“Well… What good is Rarity’s word against mine if she isn’t allowed anywhere near you to verify her claims?”

That was clever, if not dastardly. Cerb would have laughed or smiled had the situation not been so serious and the stakes so high. Honestly, he was more grateful than anything send though part of him was still hurt by the fact that Rarity wasn’t letting this go. That, or maybe it was more painful that part of him wanted to hold on.

“Candy… I know I’m still all messed up inside, but I’m not ready to go back. And honestly, if they keep pulling this kinda shit, I might not want to.”

Cadance raised her right hoof to Cerb’s hand, working the towel over his lap, and did her best to meet his gaze with an honest smile.

“I’ll continue to help you as you have continued to help me. And I promise that I will do everything in my power to ensure that once you are well enough, no pony will have a need to claim guardianship over you. For now, though, we need to get you dried off and ready for dinner. We're having owlbear served in a traditional Crystal Pony herb and vegetable stew. I’m sure we’ll both enjoy it. Let me bring you another towel."

Cadance lit Cerb’s towel in her aura, but Cerb held tightly to it over his lap.

“Wait,” he quickly requested, wanting to stay covered. “Um… I’ll keep this towel around me until I’m done drying all the way… No need to risk catching a cold or something. That, and I still need to wait for Thunder to get back and change out the bandages on my back, anyway. I need to keep it covered with something until then.”

That seemed reasonable enough to Cadance, and she gave it no further thought as she levitated over another towel.

“Good idea. The air is a bit cooler than normal with the cold weather that’s moved in over us, anyway. I’ll be sure to have my staff fetch us extra blankets tonight.”

Actually, there was at least one curious thought she now had if Cerb showed this much concern over being covered to stay warm.

“Does having your penis extend outside of your body make you more susceptible to the cold?”

She gave a quick glance down at his groin, still covered with his towel, though much more visible than normal, much to Cerb’s embarrassment.

“The copy of your medical papers made special notes of your genitals, something my medical staff made mention of. Shining’s never stayed like that, so is that common for all of your kind? And I apologize if I come off as rude asking, but normally if you’ve seen one body-”

“You’ve seen them all.” Cerb recanted, having heard the phrase more than once. “Yeah, I’ve had this discussion before and… We can hold off on my health stuff for now. Rainbow Dash and Thunder Glide can take care of those concerns for now. They both know about those things and can patch me up after dinner. My mind needs a rest, and I'm ready to eat."

[Meanwhile, back in Twilight's Dining Hall.]

The long table had become the new hot spot for the three daily meals and the new residents. However, with Twilight still engaged in her meeting with the remaining main six and Starlight, that left Becky, Chris with Prim Posy, Lumberman, Shining, Flurry Heart, and a newly arrived motherly mare.

"Flurry," Twilight Velvet huffed in bewildered amusement. "Why won't you let grandma feed you your mashed snow peas?"

"Dolly!" Flurry demanded again, removing the glob of green from the tiny spoon in front of her and tossing it in the mare's face.

Twilight Velvet was very clearly the visual mother of Twilight. Had it not been for a color swap of a pale gray coat, a matching mane and tail with soft lavender stripes with white, along with the lack of wings, she could have been mistaken for an earlier version of Twilight as a unicorn look alike. Even her three dark violet stars for cutie marks were a reminder of the Sparkle family.

Of course, the fourth addition of baby food to her face and mane did mask some of the family resemblances.

Either way, Shining could only put his mother through so much and levitated Flurry up and over to where her royal demands decreed.

"Sorry, mom. Flurry's schedule has been hard to keep up with after everything went crazy here."

Reluctant to take on the role of feeding Flurry yet again, but incapable of saying no, Becky tilted her head back and gained a groan towards the unlit ceiling. After a short pause of what looked like her staring into the dark nothingness overhead with her arms held out in waiting, she took hold of Flurry, breaking the aura and taking on the foal's full weight and her giggles.

Eskimo kisses and giggles welcomed the gleeful foal into Becky's lap once more.

"Oooou, you little tummy terror. You gonna eat up all my peas again?"

There was a bit of awkwardness in the air hanging over the table. None would speak of it. There was more than one reason, given all the new developments and peculiar happenings within the castle. Thankfully, Velvet was gracious to turn to Lumberman as she started to clean her face while Flurry all but forced Kelly’s hand to feed her feed her. At the same time, to avoid the otherwise dead air with more pleasant conversation, one innocent observation came to mind.

"So, Mister Lumberman. I heard some ponies mention they requested a human lumberjack to fix their roof in town. Is that you, or is there another one of you who fixes houses?"

Almost embarrassed, having been caught with a fork full of meat, Lumberman lowered his utensil back to the plate and covered it with his napkin.

"Oh, um, no, that's me. LumberJack is the name of my business. Applejack wanted me to work an apple into the name of my company or logo or something like that, but I put our names together instead."

Velvet gave a warm and sincere smile as she removed the last bit of a failed feeding attempt of creamed corn from her mane.

"That is so endearing and precious. I just wish my daughter found a stallion of her own who was so dedicated to—”

"Ahem," Prim not so subtly coughed aloud, then pretended to pad her lips before bringing another fork load of owlbear for her man to bite. "Chris, perhaps we should finish dinner upstairs. You still have a lot of records to look over before meeting with Celestia tomorrow morning."

Careful to remove the stripped fork from Chris's mouth but not hiding the fact she was leaving over the company, she raised his plate in her wings and started off for the stairs.

Even still, she wasn't completely without her manners. She stopped by Lumberman's chair, raised up, and gave him a quick hug from his side as he sat.

"Sorry. Not trying to be rude. There's still so much paperwork we have to go through that Benny wasn't ready to review and, well, you know how crazy everything’s been."

Lumber and gave Starlight a few gentle pats on her back, knowing full well why she was leaving with Chris.

"I know, I know. Everypony is wanting more and more of our Brony Expert. Go on. And let Gallus know he's still welcome anytime tomorrow to come and visit if he's feeling up to it."

Clearly, some offense had been given, and Becky welcomed Prim in for a good night hug while balancing Flurry on her knee.

Tensions were high enough to warrant not inviting an argument. That, and she didn't want Prim to spill Chris's plate, now balancing in one wing over her own dinner.

“Don’t worry about Gallus. I’ll talk to him tonight when I check up on him and the other kids.”

That was one Becky hug too many, and Flurry corrected Prim’s mistake with a royal forehoof away from Becky’s feeding hand to bop Prim on the nose.

“Dolly! MmmINE!”

The royal correction was certainly noticed, but more than enough carnal exposure to Order had given Prim enough protection to leave the alicorn’s smack as little more than a normal foal’s love tap.

“Oh!” Prim playfully squeaked, the whole room silent, save for the sound of a few grape seeds hitting the table near Becky's plate.

Quickly, Becky dropped her spoon and grabbed Flurry’s hoof to pull it safely against her, trying not to laugh as she called out the obvious.

“Flurry!” She lectured, but still laughed with her response. “God… Possessive little munchkin… You okay, Prim?”

Prim stepped back to laugh off the attack and bow with her respects, playing off the attack as if it were her own foal’s childish antics. More impressively, not once spilling a single item from Chris’s plate.

“My apologies, princess.” She stood up straight and playfully bumped hips with Chris. “I’m rather protective of my dolly, too. And I’m fine, Becky. But if you could, remind Cotton to stay in her bed tonight. It’s her first night sharing a room with the other delegate children. I know they all get along, but it’s her first night she won’t be next to Chris after… her rescue… We all need to get used to our new arrangements.”

Prim finished her statement with a slight side-eye toward Velvet, though she returned her eyes forward with neither escalating the exchange further. She made her point well enough and trotted for the stairs.

“No need to risk another royal assault by getting too close. You have a good night too, Prince. Let me know if you’d like me to look after Flurry again with the other youngsters tomorrow morning. Otherwise, Derpy will be over tomorrow after she's done with work, and you know how well Dinky and Flurry get along.”

Poor Shining was doing his best not to aggravate the growing rivalry between these passive-aggressive mares and answered kindly to the offer.

"That would be great. And don't think I didn't notice how nice Cotton Cloudy was playing with Flurry Heart earlier, either. I appreciate all your help, Prim."

Chris was slow to get up, but Lumberman gave him a quick pad on the shoulder as he passed him by.

"Yo. Get some real rest, brotha. We need them knuckles back just as much as your brony knowledge. And if you need us with ya in Canterlot tomorrow morning, just say so."

Chris continued on, moving at his own pace to stop by Becky's side.

"I'm resting as much as I need to, and no; me and Benny got this for now. Oh, but Celestia may want you later for infrastructure talks at a later date."

Next up for Chris was Becky, but this interaction was going to be different with the alicorn playing mediator.

“Have a good night, Becks. And do I get any good night hugs, Flurry?”

Becky lowered her spoon full of sweet potatoes down for Flurry to reach her forelegs out with excitement.

“Keddy! Hugs!”

Still unable to use his hands, Chris leaned down and let Flurry hug around his neck and nuzzle in against his cheek.

“Keddy, soft. Giss boo-boo. Mwaa.”

After the adorable kiss on the cheek, Becky gave Chris her own soft pad on the back and let him go for the night.

“Pretty sure Keddy is a mix of Chris and Teddy. Are you sleeping alright, though? Pain isn’t too bad?”

Chris slowly continued to the stairs, Prim having long since left him far behind; he wasn’t in much of a rush anymore.

“Kinda figured, and yeah. Those pills always knock me right out. Hurt like hell the rest of the day, though. Have a goodnight. You too, Shining. And Misses Velvet, I apologize about making things so uncomfortable for you. Try not to take Prim’s anger too personally, but this is the way things are, and they’re the reason your family is still alive. Well… all of our families.”

“Very well,” Velvet replied in a solemn tone as she stood from her chair. “If I am not needed until tomorrow afternoon, and if Becky has taken over my duties, I will entertain myself for the rest of the night.”

These didn’t seem like the best turn of events, and Shining rose to try and keep his mother civil.

“Mother, please. There’s no need to leave all upset. Once you get to meet Peter, you’ll understand.”

Velvet was near the end of the table when she stopped and looked over her shoulder at Shining.

“Meet Twilight’s new colt friend? What a lovely idea. Why, all we need to do is gather up the mayor, the baker, the bartender, some gardeners, and maybe we can pick up a barista or how many other mares she wants us to add to her conga line of shared marefriends.”

That couldn’t be unsaid, and Velvet had no intention of taking it back, nor did she plan on sticking around. Instead, she trotted off in a huff.

Granted nopony, especially the humans, couldn’t say that didn’t understand her anger. After all, seeing the wife of one child seemingly run away from their motherly duties, then finding out her other child was just one of a massive harem of ponies was not something any parent wanted to hear.

“I don’t approve of your love life choices, Chris, but you're not my foal, so it’s none of my business. Twilight is another matter, and once I get my hooves on Cadance, we’ll get that love-crossed, confused mare back to the daughter of mine I remember.”

As the large double doors leading out of the castle closed shut, Twilight’s voice and face poked around the corner.

“No, mother, but by all means, go entertain yourself.”

Becky, Lumbermand, and Shining turned their attention to Twilight and the rest returning from the end of their meetings. None of them looked to have walked out on a pleasant note, but at least their moods looked to improve the further they stepped away from each other.

One of the first mares to pull away from the group was Applejack, who was quick to claim her man.

“Woody, scarf down what ya can. We’re leaving.”

Before Applejack could storm off, Starlight reached a hoof out to hold Applejack by her shoulder to stop her.

“Wait, please.”

Had it not been for Fluttershy and Rarity passing by Applejack in a hurried manner, Applejack likely wouldn’t have held her place. Instead, the three exchanged glares until Fluttershy and Rarity departed the castle as well, leaving Applejack to remain with the rest.

“Well, shit, Starlight. What’s so important now that we’re done?”

Mentally exhausted, Starlight sighed and wilted before Applejack.

“I know we didn’t end our discussion with agreeing on much of anything, but we're still all in this together. And… I still owe you so much for helping, which is why I want to help you with your ideas going forward, but we can't shut down their ideas just because of the dangers."

It was clear that Applejack was holding a lot of her anger in, but she was also clearly trying her best to bring as many pleasantries out as possible as she gave her reply.

"Don't think I feel the same way about those two. Even before all this madness, they helped me out a great deal. You sure did the same with me in private when I asked for it, but I'm not devoting my life to war, ya hear? That's their plan to win back Justin, and you know it."

Pinkie, not wanting to interrupt things, but also needing to leave, stepped alongside them, fidgeting in place slightly with a look of urgency and stitching ears.

"We'll have to fight again, and I know you'll be good for it, AJ. But I gotta run. It's been a long day, and I'm dying to release some stress."

Not even bidding the others farewell, Pinkie was off in a puff of dust and clattering of hooves. There, Starlight pleaded her case one last time.

"Look, I'm not saying to give up the farm or your family. It's never been if… another fight will come to us. The only thing that has changed is the when… And as good as you are in a fight, you're not as resistant as Lumberman, and your biggest weakness is managing multiple targets. So find some time to train a little… Be the best you can be for the next time you have to fight next to Lumberman. The rest of the time, we can do things your way."

Before an answer could be given, Twilight intervened from behind by laying a wing over Applejack's back.

"You don't have to answer right now. We all have plenty of time to think about what we discussed before we finalize any votes."

Whatever was happening, Lumberman knew it wasn't worth adding to. Dinner had been rough enough to sit through, so he could only imagine what the others had dealt with.

"Sorry 'bout your mom, Tin. I know the dinner menu didn't improve the situation, but I doubt she's gonna change her mind about this other shit. Just keeping it real. Twi… I don't recommend pushing it until Sniff can wordsmith his magic and do what he does best. But that's just my opinion. Thanks for offering dinner again, though."

Twilight didn't seem to react much to the sentiment, looking rather passive in her expression as she turned towards the table.

"You're more than welcome for dinner. It's always nice to have you visit. As for my mother, she can believe whatever she wants for now. So long as she remains civil, I don't care. She's here to help Shining, not me. But, you both have a good night. You too, Becky, Shining. I’ll be at Oven’s place tonight and back in the morning, but we still have plenty of the Lunar Guard on duty if you need anything."

Now ready to leave, Twilight made one quick turn to stop and give Flurry a kiss on her forehead.

"Goodnight, Flurry. Be a good girl for Becky and daddy."

Flurry gave a sleepy smile, yawned, then burped before hugging Becky's arm.

"Mmm. My dolly."

Flurry sure was cute, but Becky couldn't overlook the growing issue around her, and it wasn’t the security.

"Yeah, I know they’re around, and I think little Flurry is ready for bed, but I'm worried she might be getting a little too attached to me."

Author's Note

I don't have a whole to say about this one. Originally, this and the next chapter were going to be one big longer chapter, but I had to break it down to keep it readable and manageable. The big thing was Cadance explaining things in better detail for Cerb about the legal matters of the guardianship he fell under. That, and I wanted to finally draw him... that I'm not pleased with how that picture turned out.

I'm not back to 100%, and so this ended up getting rushed when I finally had time. Regardless, you can see the battle scars on Cerb he managed to survive, as well as some of the newer stitched-up wounds he received from Timberwolves, how messed up his arm is from where the owlbear bashed him, and even the puncture wounds on his forearms from the shrapnel Thunder mostly saved him from.

So, I had to build up a bit more of the rest of the cast there with Cerb during the day. Spitfire and Rainbow sure did have a nice little exchange. Needed a lot more time to build ole Spits up for when they finally head out together.

Of course, we have one more stop to make before we get to Rainbow and Spits, heading on their next mission. And to see where that leads, you have to tune in next time for:

Chapter 06. A Whistle and a Chance.

Also, acknowledgments to my story support:

The Fan Without a Face:

Editor for Chapters 01 - 03, & 5.

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