Dawn's new day.

I woke from my nap highly disoriented. I could feel a hoof tapping my shoulder but couldn’t hear any sound. What’s going on?

I almost face-hoofed when I spotted Night tapping my shoulder and moving his mouth while looking very worried. Oh right the sound spell

“-awn can you hear me? Are you okay?” His voice sounded louder than normal as my spell dissipated.

“Yeah I’m fine. I had a sound spell up since those two were getting quite rowdy.” I pointed my wing at Cheese and Mango, both still snoring in the other bed.

Night breathed a sigh of relief. “Yes, our Mango has always been ‘unique’ among the colony. In any case, breakfast is just about ready and I would love to introduce some of my family as well as relay the council’s decision.”

I tilted my head after hopping of the bed. “I didn’t know there was a decision to be made.”

“Yes well, we can’t just send you off alone and you’ve shown us how much we don’t know about modern Equestria.” His ears and tail flicked in agitation. I could tell something about the news had him highly upset.

“Ah, you must be Balanced Dawn, welcome to our home.” A mare sitting at a low table, with some fresh fruit and cooked fish upon it, bowed her head. The arrangement reminded me of the Kotatsu’s of Japan.

“Thank you for having me, I thought I would be meeting the whole family…” I paused for her name.

“Oh how rude. I am Star Glider, Night’s first mate or lead mare if you prefer and dam of Star Song. Our other members are already out working for the night I’m afraid.” She gave a sad smile and shared a look with Night. I could tell she wasn’t telling the full truth and something had her upset but I wasn’t going to pry. Already worried about getting back no need to add on family drama.

Sitting at the table I thanked them for the food and used my magic to dig in. Star Glider laughed as she watched me eat with enthusiasm. “It’s nice to see a colt with a proper appetite. It’s interesting you’re comfortable with meat considering you live with ‘day ponies’.”

I finished my bite before replying. “Actually quite a few of the more athletic pegasi eat fish for the protein and the griffins of Canterlot eat it, so there’s that.”

“Griffins. In Canterlot?” Night looked taken aback. “But isn’t the Griffin’s kingdom at war with Equestria?”

“What? No. Maybe about…” I waved my empty fork back and forth. “Sixty years ago now. Their kingdom collapsed when the last king died.” I sighed since I did feel a bit bad for them. “Most of their citizens live in city states either under the protection of Equestria or as independent free cities. Quite a few Griffins moved into Equestria as refugees, settling down in either Canterlot or primarily Trottingham port. There’s lots of griffin fisheries there.”

Both adults shared a concerned look. Their information was more out of date than they feared if they didn’t even know the griffin war had officially ended. Most information they got was from the rare trader or family member not born a thestral that came to visit after leaving the city. It still wasn’t much help as those ponies were typically from rural areas themselves, where news was scarce.

“Dawn, how did you come to learn all this?” I could tell Night was a bit skeptical.

“I did mention I’m one of Celestia’s personal students right? That gives me full access to the castle library. Granted news about the war is common knowledge taught in public schools now.” I rubbed my stomach a bit after finishing the wonderful meal. I was really getting sick of muffins.

“I see. How do you think she will react if we send her a messenger then?” Night asked as Glider cleared the table.

I gave her a thankful nod when she cleared my spot. “Probably ecstatic that you found me. She holds open court most mornings after teaching at her school or for a few hours after lunch where anypony can speak with her.”

“That works out then. We plan to send one letting her know you’re safe as well as re-establishing a connection.” He hung his head a bit. “If you don’t object the council was hopeful that you would stay a few days?” He phrased it a request but I could tell it wasn’t.

“Sounds good.” Night’s tension dissipated after hearing my answer.

“Excellent. As for that decision I mentioned. You and your friend will be staying until our messenger gets back and we will be sending a few ponies with you in order to integrate back into Equestria.”

I didn’t have much else to say so just nodded.

“Wow the city looks so much more alive.” After breakfast. Night brought me out into Vespertilio to give me a tour. Cheese was still asleep, as it was actually late into the night. Ugh, wonder if I should have called it dinner. Shifts in sleep schedules remind me when I worked third shift as a human.

“When we walked through before it was the middle of the day so everypony was asleep.” He chuckled at my enthusiasm. I hadn’t even noticed my tail wagging lazily.

A few times during our walk other ponies would stop to talk with him about work or ask about who I was. With my horn hidden again they all assumed I was just another thestral colt. I can see why Night asked me to hide it, I’m getting enough attention as is.

“Dad!” Star Song dropped from the air to land on her father’s back. “Is it true, do I really get to leave the city?”

Night hesitated for a moment before answering. I just swiveled an ear to listen in, idly flicking the other. “Yes, you and Mango will be going with Dawn and his friend when it’s time for him to leave.”

“I will?” She asked excitedly while I just looked confused. She will?

“Yes, you’re going to be one of his guards on the way back.” He gave a smile. “In fact, why don’t you join us as I give him the rest of the tour.”

“Yay.” Song hopped off her father’s back and nuzzled up next to me. “Let’s go!”

Why do ponies have to be so cute? I let her drag me off into the city to explore it for the rest of the night.

I found myself continually impressed by the small city of Vespertilio. The thestrals had managed to keep a vibrant community going underground without much outside assistance. A few things did stand out, such as spotting a unicorn stallion with thestral traits and his small herd or the lack of variety in the markets. How can they eat so much fruit and fish but not hay or vegetables? I actually highly enjoyed hay thanks to my equine taste buds.

During the tour I also found myself constantly bombarded with Questions from Star song. “So you’re Celestia’s student?”

“Eeyup.”

“And a prince?”

“No, but I am an alicorn.”

“And you live in Canterlot?”

“Technically yes, my hometown is currently Ponyville I just go to school in Canterlot and travel by train during my breaks.”

“Oh, I know what trains are, those aren’t new.” She puffed up a bit proudly before deflating. “I haven’t seen one though.”

During our constant conversation Star was also attacked a few times by fillies trying to ‘claim’ me. The altercations never got that intense, typically it was till somepony was pinned, but it did always put me into an awkward position of being fought over. I still don’t know if I should be flattered or insulted by such behavior.

When the tour finally finished we arrived back at Night’s house to the sound of an ongoing argument.

“I know the council ordered it but why is my Mango going as well?!”

“Because Cantaloupe, both our daughters were picked to explore outside with these colts. Your daughter looks happier with that ‘day pony’ so what’s the issue? Honestly, she would have been lucky to find a herd.” The voice I recognized as Star Glider responded.

“The issue is that I don’t know if I’ll see her again!” Cantaloupe stomped. “I’m going to stay with my mother for a bit.” When she stormed out into the room and spotted us she froze the gave Night an awkward nuzzle. “I still love you but can’t be here right now.” She then left while Night and Star song shared a look.

“Sorry you had to see that.” Star Glider stepped into the hallway and looked my way. “She’s upset two of our daughters are being sent with you.”

“If it’s an issue they don’t have to. I don’t get why you’re all sending two fillies with us in the first place.” I shrugged.

Night and his wife share a look before shaking their heads.

“Princess.” Raven was looking nervous as she entered the throne room during day court. Dawn had been missing several days now and she knew Celestia was on edge. The one lead they had gotten didn’t pan out so the search was back to square one. Only Imago was keeping her grounded and she was busy integrating the new changelings and expanding the hive.

“Yes Raven? What is it?” Celestia asked from upon her throne. Day court was in progress and only a few ponies had stopped by.

“It’s to do with the next petitioner, I have never seen a pony like this before.” Raven flicked her tail. “She’s fairly unique.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow. “Well send them in.”

When the doors opened and a thestral walked into the throne room all of the guards tensed. None of them had ever seen a thestral but the sight of her made Celestia’s eyes go a bit wide. What is one of Luna’s followers doing here, alive of all things?

“Hello there. What can the crown do for you today.” She was struggling to retain her regal mask. I wish Imago didn’t have to oversee hive construction today.

“Greetings princess of the day.” The thestral mare looked around the throne room without bowing as she spoke. “I am here to relay a message on behalf of the thestral council.”

“What message?” Many of Celestia’s guards were muttering amongst themselves as the two spoke.

“We have found the young prince, Dawn, and will be escorting him back within a few days as we host him in our city.” The mare smiled.

Celestia looked shocked and stood up with a stamp of her hoof. “What gives you the right to keep him for any length of time?!?” The guards tensed, ready to draw weapons.

“The agreements made with your sister.” The mare spat back. The room became silent as Celestia worked her jaw back and forth. Most of the younger guards looked confused by the word ‘sister’.

“She is no longer here. If you still consider yourselves citizens of Equestria you should escort him back now!” Celestia’s mane began to smoke slightly.

“Princess.” The thestral messenger mare bowed for the first time. “He has offered to stay as we prepare a proper escort. Also,” the mare looked Celestia in the eye. “Only Luna or now Dawn could give us direct orders.”

The two remained in a staring contest until Celestia sighed. “Very well. So long as he is returned in a timely manner so he won’t miss school next week I see no major issue.” Why are they willing to listen to him and not me?

“Thank you, I will relay that information.” The mare gave a polite nod and left the throne room. The guards all relaxed and began murmuring again.

“Princess who was that?” Raven returned to her side as Celestia return to her throne.

“A thestral, I noticed she never did give a name. They’re equestrian citizens as well but have remained in hiding, even from me, for generations now.” She sighed and took a sip from a teacup she had brought over in her magic.

“But why hide?” Raven adjusted her glasses.

“Because they are not directly my ponies, they’re my sisters.” Raven was one of the few in the nation who had been briefed about what would happen in a few years and the plans being put into place.

This news caused her breath to hitch. “They serve, HER?”

Celestia shook her head. “No from the messenger’s attitude, wherever shes’ representing serves Luna, not the Nightmare, and apparently Dawn, lucky for us.”

“At least he has been found.” Raven smiled then Celestia joined her.

“Yes, at least there’s that. I have a few Ponies to inform.” Celestia got up from her throne and walked towards her study with a slight bounce in her step.

“They found him!” Morning dew came rushing into the farmhouse. She had been working at town hall when the letter arrived.

“They did?” A massive grin grew on Pear’s face. “Where?”

“Apparently a group of ponies found him after he escaped. They’re going to escort him back to Canterlot in a few days!” Dew excitedly hugged her wife. “Sweet celestia, I need to go let Breezy know!”

Morning dew rushed back out of the house as pear just watched. She wiped a happy tear from her eye and decided tonight they would have a celebration dinner.