Following the Dawn

by Sunlight star

Rating: everyone
Tags: Twilight Sparkle, Main 6, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Princess Luna, Original Character, Random, Adventure, Princess Celestia
Length: 4862

The Daughter of Princess Twilight Sparkle, warrior princess, Equestrias protector. What if she never became ruler of Equestria? What if she had a daughter who is more more like her mother than she will ever know?

The Daughter of Princess Twilight Sparkle, warrior princess, Equestrias protector. What if she never became ruler of Equestria? What if she had a daughter who is more more like her mother than she will ever know? Read this story to follow the adventures of Dawn Sparkle as she grows up in the public eye to become the ruler of Equestria.

Published 2023-07-09 20:20:00 UTC
Last updated 2023-07-25 19:31:44 UTC

Chap. 1 Happy Ever After

Author's Note

This takes place almost immediately after season 9- I will scatter flashbacks throughout the chapters so you can get a sense of what Solar was like before and during said series.
enjoy the opening chapter folks!

Chap. 1 Happy Ever After

“Dang I'm nervous,” the grey pegasus with lightning yellow hair spoke. He was nervously muttering to himself, today being the biggest day in his life. Today, he was getting married to the love of his life. The day couldn't have been any more perfect for a wedding. It was late May and the flowers had bloomed, the trees were littered with fresh, emerald green leaves, and the grass was recently cut, each singular shred the same as the last. It was the first royal wedding since Princess Cadance and Shining Armor's.

"Don't worry, Solar. I've known you for years and you are marrying my sister. She loves you so much it's actually cute.” Shining laughed, adjusting his soon-to-be brother-in-laws tie. He was wearing a black tux with a white collared shirt and a yellow tie. Shining on the other hand was wearing his commander uniform along with many shiny, polished medals.

“Thanks, Shine. I never thought I'd get to marry her, her being a princess and everything. I thought she'd have higher standards than to marry a poor pony like me. I've never even worn a tux before,” he blushed. Twilight, in his eyes, was perfect. From her kind personality to her smile that could win over any grouchy noble, to her magenta eyes. He could look at them for all eternity. They were like a galaxy shrunk down to a miniature model.

“Trust me, Solar Thunder,” he held his hooves on his shoulders whilst looking into his eyes reassuringly. “She absolutely adores you. I think you two are more romantic than me and Cad, and she's the princess of love for crying out loud.” Shining admitted, laughing. Solar blushed, not knowing what to say. “I suppose we better be heading to the ceremony. Are you ready?”

“Mhmff” Solar tried speaking, but he could barely muster a word as he had a vibrant yellow marigold in his mouth. He tried to position it correctly in his tuxedo pocket, but it was very difficult. Shining laughed out loud at his efforts.

"Let me help you out there,” Shining gripped the bright marigold in his crimson magic before positioning it in Solar's tux pocket, it stood out beautifly against the darkness of the black. Solar stared at himself in the mirror, clad in an outfit he never would've imagined wearing and marrying the mare he never thought he would in a million years. He had loved her so long he couldn’t believe it was finally going to become a reality. Them together, a couple, it was something that was snatched right out of a fantasy film.

“Thank you, Shining, for everything,” Solar uttered, his face reddening.

“No problem, Solar, you've been my best friend since we were foals. I’d do anything for you and this'll technically make us brothers,” Shining laughed. “I know my sister is in good hands.”

Just down the hall in another room, a special mare was also getting ready for her special day.

"You look absolutely stunning, Twilight,” Cadance commented, a small tear in her eye at watching her sister-in-law grow up. She herself was wearing a simple lilac-blue dress with a yellow trim. Twilight on the other hand was wearing an extravagant white gown. It had small marigolds, her favourite flower, sewn on the trim along with a ten foot trail on the foot of her dress. She also wore her specially made tiara with her regalia. Her hair was styled in light wavy curls. From a distance you wouldn't be able to tell that this beautiful mare was Twilight, the princess known for being shy and constantly having her nose in a book.

“Thanks, Cady. You look just as amazing,” Twilight smiled,

“I need to change then, you’re meant to be the pretty one today,” Cadance joked. Twilight blushed a bright red, brighter than a tomato. Cadance giggled. “I’m only kidding with you, Twilight. You look beyond stunning. I don’t think there’s a good enough word to describe how outstandingly pretty you look.”

"She’s right, Twilight,” a voice said cheerily, walking through the door. It belonged to Princess Celestia herself. She had her special regalia on, consisting of a maroon dress along with her usual neck piece as well as a huge crown placed on her head. She walked over with grace, perfectly balancing the large crown with ease. “Any wedding day jitters? I remember Cadance was nervous,” she giggled, thinking of the memory. Cadence blushed.

"I remember that all too well, the second best day of my life, first was Flurry being born, of course,” Cadance smiled at the pleasant memories. “Are you going to have a foal of your own, Twilight? I think Solar would be an amazing father.”

Twilight's face reddened, “We have talked about it quite a bit. He really wants a foal, particularly a filly and I would enjoy having one running about in the near future,” she responded, smiling happily with her answer.

“I think you would make an excellent mother, Twilight, but let's think about the task at hand. Need any help getting ready?” Celestia retaliated.

Twilight smiled, a light twinkle in her eye, “No, I think I'm ready."

The ceremony hall was packed, ponies and creatures from Equestria and beyond had travelled for the wedding of the century. Word of the wedding of Princess Twilight Sparkle and Sir Solar Thunder, second hand man to the Captain of the Canterlot Royal Guard had spread far and wide. The power couple of the Royal Family, the people of Equestria had grown to love the couple, and no one wanted to miss the day they tied the knot.

The individuals waiting for the wedding to begin were all talking in whispers excitedly when trumpets abruptly blasted, followed by the slow, happy music Twilight had specifically chosen. Everyone immediately stopped speaking and sat forward. Suddenly, large doors were opened and in walked Twilight Sparkle. Everyone in the room was mesmerised, but no one was adoring her as much as Solar. It reminded him of when they had first met.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"Mom! Shining won't let me play with him and his friend!” Young Twilight yelled down the stairs. Solar could hear his friends mom sighing and muttering under her breath whilst walking out of the kitchen.

"Shining! Let your sister play too or you'll be grounded!” she yelled from the bottom of the stairs before strolling back into the kitchen to continue cooking dinner. Twilight walked into Shining's room with a large grin on her face as she winked at Solar.

"Works like a charm,” she giggled. Shining just rolled his eyes,

“Fine Twily, you can play with us, but only because you're my little sister and mom said so,” he murmured the last part under his breath, but Solar heard him anyway and smiled.

"So Twilight, have you ever played Mario kart?” Solar asked, intrigued. She nodded while smiling cheerily.

"Me and my dad play all the time. I usually win, but Shiny always says it's because he doesn't try,” she shook her head. “But I know I'm really good, he's just old,” she chuckled.

"I'm sure you'll do okay, you're not that much younger than us,“ Solar winked, ”I bet I'll win though,” he joked. Twilight smirked.

"If you think so, I'll be waiting at the finish line for you.” She looked over towards the screen, waiting for the game to begin.

The countdown began, then they were off. Shining immediately took the lead, turning the controller with his magic like it was nothing, easily avoiding the obstacles like they were easy homework. He looked over at Twilight and stuck out his tongue, not paying attention to the screen, which did not do him any favours as he fell into the water below the bridge.

"Dang it!” he shouted. Twilight laughed.

"Hah, I told you I was better,” she joked. She too looked away and fell into the river, this gave Solar the advantage which he took. He was just nearing the finish line, the duo at his tail, but it was too late. He crossed the finish line first.

"Yes!” he celebrated, giving Shining and his little sister a look of triumph. His sister wasn't half bad, just a year younger than Solar, but he could tell that she was happy he won, even though she tried to look disappointed.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

He flashed back to the present. Twilight looked just as lovely as she did those twenty short years ago. Her friends close behind her were just as proud, as captivated as Solar was, as they too watched her grow up to be the extraordinary mare she was today. She was smart, kind, pretty, and on this particular day, even prettier. She got to the altar where her mentor and fellow princess was standing, ready to officiate the wedding.

"Mares and Gentlecolts, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Princess Twilight Sparkle and Sir Solar Thunder. A wonderful couple, the strength of their love for one another is as clear as could be. May I have the rings, please?” she gestured to Spike who was wearing a black jacket followed by a tall, black top hat.
Celestia smiled as Spike handed them to her. “I now pronounce you, mare and stallion.” The room filled with applause, as Twilight and Solar walked onto the balcony a few metres away to wave to the rumbling crowd below.

"I never thought this day would come,” Rarity cried, standing slightly behind Celestia who nodded as well, a tear developing in her eye.

"She's all grown up.” she cried silently, not wanting to draw attention to herself, but she couldn't hold it in. The little filly she once knew was now grown and she felt as if she was no longer needed, almost as if she herself had to grow up and get used to the fact her young student did not need as much guidance as before. She watched from afar as Twilight and Solar waved to the public. It was clear to her that they were the right pairing and they would change the face of Equestria forever.

Soon after came the reception, many ponies and creatures from across Equestria attending. Many would go as far as to say it was the biggest and best wedding to ever happen in Equestria, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor's a close second. Due to the ‘Chrysalis Fiasco’, of course. All the creatures sat down at their designated tables, the new couple sitting at the largest table filled with their closest friends and relatives, all of which were chattering amongst themselves.

“I'm sure the food will be delicious, after all it was made by Applejack and her family.” Twilight spoke joyfully to her mother who was sitting a few seats away. Applejack, who was sitting opposite Twilight, blushed.

"Aw, thanks Twi, anything for a good friend,” she responded. Twilight smiled.

“I have to admit AJ, I wouldn't want to have anyone else make the food for my wedding. Nothing beats Granny Smith's recipes.” It had been a couple years since Granny Smith had passed of old age, but her legacy had been kept alive through her cooking, especially her worldwide-known apple pie. The Apple family had even started a pie business in honour of her.

"You're so right Twilight. Her apple cookies are the best thing I've ever eaten.” Rainbow Dash, who was sat beside Applejack, admitted. Rainbow had tried to learn how to make Granny Smith's award winning cookies, but failed miserably every time so she had to rely on her wife, Applejack, whose speciality had turned into baking ever since she had their colt, Apple Spirit. He was born earlier in the year. Celestia, who was sitting to the left of Twilight, had been listening in on the conversation. She was eager to speak to Twilight, but didn't want to interrupt.

Late in the evening, all guests had left leaving only the royals and the element bearers.

“I think that's the most successful wedding to ever happen, Twily,” a slightly drunk Shining shouted just above a whisper as he yawned. His wife, Cadance, rolled her eyes. She was holding their young daughter who'd recently fallen asleep.

"I think it's time for us to go before Flurry wakes up,” Cadance mentioned politely, “I'll see you all tomorrow at breakfast,” she yawned. Shining sleepily followed behind her. One by one everypony slowly left until Luna, Celestia, Twilight, and Solar were left.

"Since it is just us, shall we move to a smaller room. I have to admit, I am not a fan of giant ballrooms,” Luna admitted. Everyone agreed and so they walked to the smaller dining room where on ordinary days they would have their meals throughout the day.

"This is better. It's more cozy,” Luna sighed, happy with her choice. The four sat at each end of the table, Twilight and Solar on one side and Luna and Celestia in the seats opposite them. With her indigo magic Luna summoned four teacups followed by a mug of tea, a small jug of milk, and a little bowl filled with sugar cubes.

Twilight quickly lifted the teapot in her magenta magic, pouring it into her cup. It was an herbal tea, her favourite. She filled everyone elses cup before pouring a splash of milk into her own.

“Milk anyone?” she offered. Celestia nodded politely. Twilight immediately smiled and splashed a small amount in her cup. She'd been making her old mentor tea for years and had perfected her preferred ratio. She happily set the mug down and sipped her tea. “Ah Luna, you do know my favourite.”

“I take pride in knowing others preferred beverages. I think I have finally nailed down all of your friends along with Solar Thunder's," Luna grinned causing Solar to blush. Celestia smiled.

“So what should we discuss?” she asked. Luna looked menacingly at Solar.

“Well, Solar owes me a game of chess. I think now would be a good time to pay his debt," she smiled ominously. He replied by giving her the stink eye.

“You're on,” he laughed. “I've been practising with Twilight,” he laid his hoof on his wife's thigh and smiled at her.

"He's gotten really good, Luna. I think you're beat,” she smiled, supporting her now husband, whom she had been training in the very competitive sport of chess.

"Twilight, we are talking about the Chess Champion here,” Celestia spoke, fairly terrified.

“And WHO held that title for eight years from the age of twelve?” Twilight smirked. Celestia blushed, thinking of the horrible memories. She'd taught Twilight how to play shortly after she'd gotten her cutie mark and Celestia had feared the game ever since, it was very intimidating when a twelve year old could beat a couple millennials old mare.

Chap 2. Hormones and Surprises

Seven months later…

It was a new day in the Crystal Empire and a busy one at that. Tomorrow night would be the opening ceremony of the three-day Crystal Gala. It was quite early, the sun had only just peeked over the surrounding mountains, but there was a very sick pony up before it. Her name is Twilight Sparkle, the youngest of the four princesses. It was indeed a mystery illness, but she had pushed it aside and tried her best to mask it as she'd been extremely busy setting up celebrations for the opening night of the Gala.

She threw up again, this time aiming right and not all over the floor. It was a small, short victory. She wiped her mouth with the wet cloth she had reserved at the sink before slowly walking back to bed where her husband laid. Solar Thunder, whom she'd married seven months prior was fast asleep.

She quietly got back into bed, the sleeping figure beside her stirring.“Everything alright, dear?” he asked as he rolled over to face his wife, eyes half open.

“Yeah, I'm fine, Sol. I just can't sleep,” Twilight replied. “I don't know what's wrong with me.” Solar sat up.

“Would you like me to stay up with you? Give you some company.” he flirted. Twilight laughed.

“No, it's alright love, I'm sure I'll drift off eventually. You can go back to sleep.” Solar looked concerned, but Twilight was a feisty one.

“If you're sure,” he muttered as he fell back asleep.

Twilight laid back down, but could not sleep due to her upset stomach. She stared at the ceiling, contemplating what could be wrong with her. The flu? No, she didn't have a fever. Acid reflux? No, she hadn't eaten or drunk anything recently. She kept going through all of the illnesses she knew that could be related to her symptoms and she couldn't conclude that any of them were the reason she was feeling the way that she was.

The sun had risen above the mountains and it's light began to creep through the curtains, leaving a purple tint on the cold, marble floor. The young alicorn sighed, realising that she would get zero hours of sleep tonight. She looked over enviously at her peaceful spouse, wishing she could be as restful as he.

She got out of bed once the urge to throw up came back. She ran an quickly as her legs would take her to the bathroom, reaching it just in time. She was getting better at timing her trips to the toilet. Once finished she wiped her mouth before looking in the mirror. Yikes! She looked horrible. Her hair was all knotted and the sweat was dripping off her. She sighed and grabbed her hairbrush in an attempt to tame it, but failed miserably.

“I'll just get Rarity to fix it later,” she mumbled to herself. She looked at the clock which read seven thirty. She groaned, not wanting to start the day off even more horribly, she headed to the dining room for her morning meal. As she walked down the long hallways she got many looks from maids and a couple guards, but she didn't concern herself much with them as the only thing she wanted was food. She finally got to her destination, the smell of food enough for her to keep going.

She opened the door and realised her fellow princesses eyes were immediately on her. Luna and Celestia we're sitting opposite each other with Cadance beside Luna. A spare seat was beside Celestia. Twilight smiled and sat down, not letting the attention get to hern. The room was silent.

“Are you alright, Twilight?” Celestia asked while feeling her forehead. She had always been overly weary whenever Twilight was I'll because when she was ill it was extremely bad.

“I didn't sleep very well. I was up most of the night,” she yawned. Cadance poured her a cup of tea which Twilight was thankful for. She brought the cup to her lips and quickly gulped down the warm liquid. She immediately regretted it.

“I'll be back in a moment,” she spoke politely, barely more than a murmur. As soon as she was dismissed she ran as fast as her hooves could take her. The three remaining princesses gave each other looks of concern.

“I hope she's alright. I have never seen her act like that in the many years I've known her,” Luna stated whilst looking through the door Twilight had ran through. Cadance nodded, also looking through the door.

“I haven't either… I am going to see if she is alright,” Celestia remarked. She quickly got up and followed after the sick pony.

She could hear Twilight close by, heading to the nearest bathroom. She found her with her head in the toilet, rushing over to pull her hair back so it was out of the way. The white alicorn rubbed the smaller alicorn's back gently. Once Twilight was finished she looked her mentor in the eye with a slight smile of gratitude.

“Thank you, Celestia. I do not feel good at all,” she moaned. “My head is busting, I cant eat, and my senses are through the roof,” Twilight complained. Celestia brought her close.

“Whatever it is we will fix it, Twilight. You head back to bed and I will get Cadance to give you a checkup,” she paused. “After all, she is the only one who's read all the medical books,” she laughed. Twilight joined her, Celestia smiling at her successful attempt in making her young equal laugh.

“You're right. I'm gonna go lie down. Send Cad in when she's ready.” Twilight said as she left the room. Celestia smiled as she watched her ex-student leave the room. The princess walked back to the dining room where an anxious Cadance and Luna sat, still looking out the door.

"Is everything all right, aunty?” Cadance asked as her and Luna rushed over. Her smile faded when she saw the slight sad face her aunt had.

“Not really, no. I was actually going to ask you, Cadance to give her a checkup. The Gala begins tomorrow night and well, you know what Twilight is like when she doesn't finish things on time,” Celestia sighed.

“Yeah, of course. Where is she?” Cadance queried, happy to help. “Why don't you get the chef to make her some soup for when I'm done looking her over? After all, she hasn't really eaten anything.”

“I'll go make a request,” Luna offered, leaving Celestia and Cadance alone. Neither spoke, Cadance only nodded.

“I'll let you know what I find,” she commented before also leaving the room.

Twilight walked into her room, realising her husband was still fast asleep. “Solar! It’s 8am you’re late for training with Shining!” She walked towards the large bed and pulled the blanket off her sleeping husband who immediately woke up.

“Huh, what time is it?” he groaned, not moving whilst covering his eyes with his pillow. Twilight rolled her eyes.

"Why did I marry a stallion who hates a schedule?” Twilight giggled. “It’s 9am Solar, I just told you.”

That caught his attention. He bounced out of bed, pulling his guard uniform on. He rushed in the bathroom to fix his hair, leaving it as quickly as he entered. He walked over to his wife, kissing her on the forehead causing her to blush. “Darling, why didn't you wake me up?” he huffed playfully.

“Sol, you're the one to blame,” she giggled. “Have a good day, sweetheart,” she called as he ran out the door. For those few minutes she felt as if her sickness had died away. That was, until she got the urge to vomit again. This time, she unfortunately missed her mark.

“Oh goodness, Twilight.” Cadance quickly ran over, helping her up off the floor. “Why don't you get in bed and I'll look you over,” she smiled sympathetically. Twilight merely nodded and got into bed.

Cadance cleaned the floor swiftly with her teal magic before making her way to Twilight. The pink alicorn felt her head. “You're not overheated,” she muttered. She checked her throat. “Your throat is slightly raw, but that's probably from the excessive vomiting,” she commented. “Let me check your heart.” After a moment, her eyes widened. She checked again, just to be sure.

“What is it, Cadance?” Twilight sat up, concerned.

Cadance giggled slightly, “That explains a lot.”

“What explains what?” Twilight asked, fearful for the worst. “And why are you laughing?”

“There's another heart beat... you're pregnant, Twilight,” she said cheerfully. “Congratulations!”

“What? Are you sure?” she asked, puzzled. “Why am I constantly throwing up then?” she asked concerned.

“That's called morning sickness, Twilight. You're telling me you've never read a single book about pregnancy?” Cadance asked.

"Of course I haven't, Cadence! My new duties the past few years have really restricted my studies. I read about stuff I need and I didn't think I would need books about pregnancy. But now, I guess I'm gonna have to take out a few books,” she giggled. Her smile slowly faded. “What happens now?” she asked.

“Well, tell Solar, silly. I think he'll be over the moon, but I wanna know one thing,” she laughed. Twilight gave her a look as to say continue. She smiled and did so. “How did you not expect you could get pregnant, I mean you would obviously have some idea, plus you're the brightest mare around.”

Twilight blushed. “To be honest Caddy, it just slipped my mind. You know I overlook the obvious” she giggled whilst blushing. “Do you know where Solar and Shining are training?”

Cadance put her hoof to her chin. “I believe they're training in the west courtyard. I can easily go grab Solar, if you'd like?”

“Once I stop freaking out, yeah. I just can't believe it.” Twilight spoke anxiously. “I'm over the moon and I want a foal... I've always wanted a foal, but would I be a good mom?” Cadance looked over, semi-worried.

"Of course you would be a good mother, Twilight. I mean, look how good you are with Flurry. There would only be a couple years between them too, they might be close like us,” Cadance suggested. Twilight still looked anxious. Cadance put her hoof around Twilight. “It's going to be alright. If you're worried about telling people Pinkie already had Cheese and everyone was happy for her. How would this little one be any different?” Twilight smiled.

"Thanks Cady, I think I'm ready to tell him,” she got up. “I might go get some food first.” Cadance shook her head.

"No need. Aunt Luna already ordered you soup from the chef. I'll go get it for you.” And with that, Twilight was left in her room alone. She walked towards the window facing the west courtyard. There she see's two small figures, one being grey with frizzy yellow hair, the other being a white stallion, her brother. She smiled. Soon the pair would be a father and uncle. She couldn't think of anypony more fit for the roles.

"You alright, Twilight?” Cadance asked as she walked into the room once again, this time with a tray levitating near her head. On it was a bowl of carrot soup and a daisy sandwich, Twilight's favourites. She continued looking out the window.

"Yeah Cad, I'm great. I'm just observing” she smiled. Cadance walked over, setting the tray on a close by table.

"He'll be excited, Twilight. Who else are you going to tell after you tell him?” Cadance asked, intrigued. She looked round at Cadance, her smile lasting.

“I think Celestia. After all, I've known her practically my whole life. I think I'm going to tell her once I've told Solar, then I'm going to tell my parents and Shining together when my parents arrive tomorrow. Then I'll tell my friends. As far as I'm aware they haven't arrived yet,” Twilight replied.

“I think they're on the train after your parents. They'll arrive first and I believe your friends will arrive around midday.” Cadence responded with her hoof on her chin, looking quite odd as she thought. “I'll leave you to eat. I'll tell Solar you want to see him in around twenty minutes.” With that, she hugged her sister in law and left.

Twilight quickly ate her soup, her mind too pre-occupied with thinking of how to tell Solar he would be a father. Butterflies of excitement filled her stomach. They would be parents, raising a foal together. Soon enough, twenty minutes had passed and Solar knocked on the door.

“Is everything alright, Twi?” he asked as he walked in, looking concerned. “Cadance said you'd like to speak with me?”

“I'm pregnant,” she spoke quickly, as she turned around, a smile on her face. “We're going to be parents.”

A smile immediately came over Solar's face. He rushed over from the door to hug his wife. “Really! I'm going to be a father? Does anyone else know?"

Twilight embraced the stallion back. “Only Cadance, but she knew even before me. She's medically trained so Celestia had her check if I was alright cause the vomiting and feeling unwell. It turns out I'm pregnant.”

Solar laughed. “You really do miss the obvious, sweetheart,” he kissed her on the head. “I can't believe soon we'll have a foal running around,” Solar confessed.

Twilight nodded silently. “It all feels unbelievable. I mean, we wanted a foal, but I wasn't expecting it so soon, love,” she laughed. “I'm going to go on a walk, would you like to join me?”

Author's Note

Hey guys!

Apologies for taking so long on this chapter, I was on holiday for a week at the start of July then I experienced a large writing block then I have been busy the past week so this chapter been long awaited and I have finally finished it, next chapter will be a big one, probably about five or so thousand words long,

Until next time,
Star