Dawn's new day.

“Something wrong?” Flutterbat purred into my ear with a touch of concern from Shy as we sat in the garden watching the stars. She had flown up to visit for the new year and to meet with the other Thestrals. The entire clan had been curious about her ability to change into one of them and that she had a split personality.

Celestia had been particularly curious about it and even suggested Fluttershy/bat should allow the castle doctors to run a few tests. They both politely declined but said maybe in the future. Celestia didn’t push the issue. I suspect it’s because she knows Shy is a future element.

Luckily she and Star Song had actually gotten along. After a round of wrestling that Flutters won. Maybe I should have warned song that Flutters wrestled a bear before.

“Nah, just thinking.” I gave her a nuzzle. I was also currently in my thestral form after letting the doctors examine me that afternoon. It was a compromise I had made with Celestia after Fluttershy turned her down. Nothing significant had really come from the results and I was still a perfectly healthy Alicorn in either form.

Flutterbat hummed in reply. She and Shy had been getting along better now that others knew her secret and Bat had been getting more time ‘outside’. She had even been introduced to Ponyville as Fluttershy’s relative though the Pegasus didn’t enjoy lying about it. I do wonder if their personalities will eventually merge.

“How’s life in Ponyville? Did you have a good holiday with the rest of the fillies?” I shivered a bit as a cool breeze passed through the garden. It was almost midnight and since we had to sneak out, nothing had come with us as we waited for the new year to arrive.

“It’s going well.” She wrapped herself around me and I instantly felt warmer. It wasn’t hard being her small spoon as she was still taller than I was. “Dr. Fauna has been praising us for learning veterinary skills so quickly and we recently received a nice letter from Tree Hugger about her travels.” Her voice shifted more into Shy’s and I felt her nervously ruffle her wings. “We may even go traveling with her for a bit this summer, though I would feel bad leaving the girls behind.”

“Have you talked with them yet I’m sure they would be as happy as I am for you.”

I could feel her shake her head as her chin was resting on the back of mine.

“Well, talk to them. I’m sure Rainbow might get a bit lonely without you around but otherwise you should go for it.”

“Thanks.” I could feel her smile then shift back into Bat. “I told you talking with Dawn would be good.”

After a bit more conversation and a drawn out goodbye around one in the morning, Flutterbat flew back off to Ponyville leaving me alone in the garden. I still find it odd that ponies don’t celebrate the new year. Well they do but not by staying up all night, that was more reserved for the summer sun Celebration.

As I walked further through the garden a particular statue caught my eye, drawing me towards it.

“What are you doing out here?” I looked up at Discord. From the fresh landscaping I could tell his statue must have recently been moved to it’s current location.

“Who, muah?” Discord’s voice rang out in my head and I just rolled my eyes.

“No, the other magical statue of miss-mashed creatures.” I sat down and rolled a wing. “Yes you Discord.”

“Well what about you my young no-feather friend. I don’t remember a Thestral Alicorn colt being around these parts.”

I sighed. “Yeah, I really don’t know what I’m doing here either.” I turned around and leaned against his pedestal. “So much has happened these past few years and I’m wondering if I have made things better or worse.”

“Colt… you do realize you’ve talking to the spirit of Chaos right? I may be stuck in stone but you're surprisingly not very surprised. You haven’t even given me your name my now-feathered friend.”

I had reverted my form and began preening my feathers. “And, What’s in a name?” I wasn’t about to give it if he didn’t already know. “I figured we could both use someone to talk to who ‘gets it’ unlike all the normal ponies. Oh by the way you didn’t have your eye on Fluttershy right? We’re kinda dating.”

There was a long silence and I actually felt Discords pedestal begin to shake as he laughed. “Colt I have no idea who you are but you’re a riot. I have no idea who Flutterbutter is and could never love a mortal pony, maybe have a good friendship but that’s about it. Now why don’t you tell me who you are my new friend and what you really are… and~ maybe, help me get out of here?”

It was my turn to laugh as well as feel relived he didn’t know the whole timeline. Or he was at least smart enough to fake ignorance. “Nah it’s too early, besides…” I cut myself off when I felt the magical presence of a new arrival.

“Dawn, what are you doing out here young colt?” Celestia gave me the stink eye as she purposefully walked over then looked at Discord with concern.

“Just resting by this weird statue. After talking with Flutterbat, you just missed her though.” I casually shrugged before standing up with a back stretch.

Celestia visibly relaxed and gave me a friendly nuzzle. “I see, well you know you shouldn’t sneak out. While the castle grounds may be safe I’d rather you not risk your safety.” Celestia side-eyed Discord again.

I sagged a bit. “Fair enough.” I followed behind her as I was led inside but not before giving Discord a discreet wave goodbye with my wing.

Discord stood frozen in stone watching the Alicorns leave. If he could move, his face would have a curious expression and he would be scratching his chin while chewing on a bubble pipe. “Harmony what exactly have you done? I couldn’t tell anything about that colt at all.”

He then would have smiled while blowing bubbles on said pipe. “Oh, what a delectable mystery you’ve given me my lovely tree.”

A small flake of stone fell from the tip of his tail.

Celestia discreetly scanned Dawn as she walked him to his room. She could detect faint traces of chaos magic on him but they were quickly dissipating due to the colts own harmonious magic. Could Discord have been trying to corrupt him?I’ll break him into a million pieces if he tries.You know we can’t. He’s needed for the future.Needed as much as a thorn in the hoof.

“Everything alright?” Imago yawned as she gave Celestia a once over as the anlicorn entered their room.

“Fine. It was just Dawn on a midnight stroll with his filly friend that set off the ward.” Celestia slid into bed and curled against her love bug.

“Was it wise putting ‘Him’ out there? I’ve heard the history from my mother before and it wasn’t pleasant for any creature while he was free.” Imago began massaging Celestia’s back causing the solar princess to purr.

“Probably not but he had to be moved. Too much of his magic was seeping into the vault and effecting the other artifacts, besides what better place to hide a statue than a garden full of them and harmoniously maintained by my little ponies?” Celestia rolled over and hugged her bug.

“I guess there are worse ideas.” Imago nuzzled into Celestia’s chest fluff.

“Besides on the off chance my sister wins in a few years the two will keep each other occupied while our ponies can escape.” Celestia gave her partner a squeeze.

Imago squeaked. “As if it will come to that.”

-The first morning of 992-

As Celestia raised the sun I cursed myself for forgetting to close the curtains after sneaking out. May as well get up.

Rolling out of bed I began preforming my morning stretches and shifted my form a few times to expend some magic. “Ug, ever since my ascent it’s getting harder to bleed off magic. Just the other day I accidentally crushed a glass while trying to lift it. Celestia said it was a normal part of growing up but that I would probably have it worse as an Alicorn.” I reminded myself.

On the way towards breakfast I suddenly felt extra weight jump onto my back causing me to almost trip over. A few maids looked worried as the guardsmares just smirked but reminded vigilant if I actually needed assistance.

“Spike, don’t do that without warning.” As I looked back I blinked in confusion a few times as, instead of Spike I was looking at a silver female dragon with similar proportions. Who is this? It was obvious how I had mistaken the young drakina for Spike considering how similar they were.

“I’m not ‘Spike’.” She crossed her arms and stuck out her tongue. I could practically feel the air quotes.

“No, no you are not little lady.” I slowly started walking towards breakfast again but left my ears pointing backwards. “So, who are you?”

“I’m Ditto.” The changeling covered herself in a pinkish flame and reverted to her natural form. “Good disguise, right?” She changed back. “I thought Spike might like it, so that he wasn’t alone.” She said with a shy smile.

“I’m sure he’ll love it.” I said, just as we entered the dining hall. I was quickly proven correct as the young drake in question came over to excitedly talk with his fellow ’dragon’ once he noticed her.

Ditto quickly slid off my back to play with Spike while Twilight and the others looked confused by the new drakina. After I sat down ant the table I explained how she was just Ditto in disguise.

“Really?” Imago looked towards her daughter with pride. “Dragons are typically quite difficult to mimic. She must be a natural.”

“What makes them so difficult?” Twilight curiously asked.

“As you may know, dragon scales have natural temperature and magic resistance. This makes mimicking them quite difficult. I can’t even do it properly.” Imago rubbed her chin in thought.

As they continued talking a slightly upset Spike dejectedly walked over and buried his snout against my side. “Girls are mean.”

I looked towards Ditto who was back in her natural form and sulking. “What’s wrong little dude?” I set a wing over his back. Twilight, Imago, and Celestia were still too busy discussing changeling transformations, as Imago gave examples by transforming, to notice the interaction.

“Ditto tricked me. I thought there was finally another dragon around.” He sniffled.

“Oh Spike. She wasn’t trying to be mean just be your friend by looking more like you.” He looked up at me with watery eyes and I gave him a smile.

“Really?” I nodded as he wiped his nose.

“She didn’t hide it did she?” Spike shook his head.

“Then there you go.” I ruffled his frills. “And hey if you want to know more about dragons.” I leaned down to whisper in his ear conspiratorially. “I’ll take you to the dragon lands when you’re older.”

“Really!?” He gave me a hug. “Thanks dad.” He then ran back over to Ditto. The two talked for a moment before she changed back into a drakina and they began playfully wrestling.

“What was that about?” Twilight asked as I loaded my plate with breakfast.

“Just a misunderstanding between friends.” I gave her a kiss on the cheek causing her to blush. “Happy new year by the way.”