The Chronicles of the Moonchild

Chapters

1: The Calm Before the Storm
2: Small Trots
3: Spiritual Anxiety

1: The Calm Before the Storm

January 16, 1112 C.E.

The village of Ponyville, a humble village that around hundreds of ponies like to call, their home. The village where most of now Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends used to reside in for a while. The time was about 8:30 in the evening. Deep in a house located on the southeastern side of the village, an aquamarine coated mare could be spotted in her living room, in her home reading a novel. About what? The world may never know. The mare, however is pregnant and is nearly close to be in labor for her second time. Her daughter was upstairs in her room playing with her dolls that resemble the Mane 6. As the mother was reading, she could hear loud trotting coming from upstairs.

"Mommy, mom," yelled out a grey filly as she trotted down the stairs in the home finding her mother as she was in the living room.

"Yes sweetie," she looked up at the stairs watching her daughter run down the stairs, holding her book. "What can I do for you, my little angel?"

As the filly went down stairs, she went and sat down in front of her mother looking at her seeming both excited and nervous to ask her. The mother could see her frustrated at what emotion she should be expressing through those beautiful, gray eyes.

"Mom, do you think the baby will be a girl?," she looked at her mother with gloomy eyes. "I-I want to have her around so me and her can play hide and seek, have little playdates with Princess Twilight and her friends. Do you think that'll ever happen." As her mother giggled, she smiled back at her and put the book down on the armrest that was in the rocking chair she was sitting at. She petted her adorable daughter, Ariel, in the head.

"Aww, Ariel, that's so sweet of you my love," she rubbed her head, playing with the little pony's head. "But do keep in mind that only the universe can decide if you'll have a sister, or a brother. Though I'm sure you'd be ok with whatever the baby comes out as, right, my love?"

"I hope so. I just don't know what I can do with my brother if it comes out as a boy." The little girl looked down and thought about what would happen if the baby is a male. What could they do together? Would her brother love his little sister? These are all thoughts that were clustering her mind.

"Sweetie," the mother grabbed Ariel's cheeks and raised her head. "You are stressing yourself out. I'm sure you'll find plenty of things to do with your brother if that's the case. But don't think about it too hard. I'll make sure I'll tell you when me and your father find out the foal's gender. But you need to go to bed sweetie, you have to go to the schoolhouse tomorrow." She kissed the girl in her head. "Goodnight, my Ariel."

"Goodnight, mom." She looked worried about the gender of the baby hat she was overthinking. The little filly went back upstairs and went to her room. She closed the door and laid in bed. As she looked out in the window, she stared at the night sky, the full moon gave the spectacle a bit of lighting. As she calmed down, she turned off her lamp next to her bed. Deep down, she really wants to give her sibling the best memories she can give them. Though unfortunately, she only knows how to have fun with the fillies as she only hangs out with them. As she wraps herself up in a blanket, she just tries to put herself to sleep for the night. She was just overthinking, but she now has confidence that she will be loved by her sibling.

As time flew by, the mare was waiting for her husband to return from work as she seemed to be getting rather sleepy. While she was drinking a glass of milk before she goes to lay in bed, at around 10 in the night, her husband finally showed up, and at the right time at that. He started to take off his boots, and his hat, and took off his uniform.

"Hey my love, doing alright?," the dark stallion asked to his wife.

"I am doing alright hun," she gave her husband a quick kiss on the mouth.

"That makes me happy, Mabel," he began to look at her belly as he is aware he will very soon become a father of two. He starred at it for a while, showing signs of nervousness. "How is the baby?"

"I'm sure the baby is doing just fine Rafael," she tried to comfort her husband. "You seem to worry too much, just like our little Ariel. She is worried about the gender of our foal. Probably because she tends to hang out with the girls more."

"I understand," Rafael wants to open up to his wife about his emotions as well. "I am just worried that the foal may be born sooner than we anticipated. The belly wasn't this big when Ariel was inside at around this time."

"Please don't think too hard about it my love," she began to lay down as the stallion was carefully moving her over to the side of the mattress so he can lay down with her. "The zebras are not quite far away from us should we ever require their assistance if our foal is ready to be born sooner than expected." She began to rub her hooves on her stressed out husband. "Please Rafael, get some sleep. I hate seeing you like this. I will be fine, no matter what happens." She kissed Rafael before she closed her eyes. "Goodnight my love." As Rafael gave a small huff, he calmed down for a bit.

"Night Mabel, I love you," said the dark stallion. Mabel was already vast asleep. Rafael had envisioned his life if he we're to have a colt of his own, what color would he be, and would his son kick some pony ass in case he needed to defend himself from troublemakers. Just like his daughter, his mind was clouded with ideas about the future addition to the family. Soon enough, the father closed his eyes, and passed out.

January 17 1112 C.E.

"Ariel, wake up mi cabezona(my bighead). It's time to get ready," As the grey filly was enjoying her dream, her father tried to wake her up. He was lightly tapping her shoulder. tickling her ear. Soon enough, she woke up. "I see you enjoyed your little dream you were having."

"I-I sure did dad," Ariel, then proceeded with a big yawn. Her mane was very tangly, meaning her dad was most certainly correct. "Did you sleep well?"

"I think I slept quite well mi hija(my daughter)," Rafael gave his beautiful daughter a big smile. "But let's get up. You do not want to go to school with a bad mane, don't you?" The filly then decided to get up, and go to the washroom to get dressed. She went to go ask mom, who was in the kitchen making fresh coffee, if she could help her brush her mane.

"Mom, may you brush my mane for me?," she asked her mother.

"I am a bit busy at the moment," she looked back at Ariel, "Why don't you go ask your father to help you?" As she began to brew the coffee beans, she then looked away from Ariel to begin focusing on the brewing. "Rafael, honey!"

"What is it mi amor (my love)," he started to descend downstairs while he was fixing Ariel's bed. Mabel, then asked him to fix the little pony's mane. "Ok, Ariel, come with me." He escorted his daughter to the washroom to get the filly ready for school. He got the brush, and then started to comb her mane. As he was combing, the little one began to look straight into her father's eyes.

"Dad, do you think I will have a little sister," as Ariel asked her that, her father gave out a big sigh.

"Listen, my beloved Ariel," as Rafael said those words, he put the comb down on the sink, and put his hoof on her chin, "I know you want to be the best sister you could be, and I'm so glad you have so much things planned if you have a little hermanita (little sister), but if you have a brother instead, I know you can do just as much things as you would your sister. May I ask you, why do you want a sister so bad?" The grey filly nodded while looking at her father.

"I just worry so much if my brother won't find much joy being around me. I want a brother just as much a sister, but I know I can do countless things with my sister." Rafael smiled, and gave her a kiss on her head.

"You know, you have a heart of gold, I know you do," he tried to give her encouragement. "You want the best for your siblings, and that makes me so happy. But you need to understand that this is a silly reason to be overthinking things." He then started to laugh a little. "I can reassure you if you have a brother, he will love you, no matter what. And even if you two may not do much together, like you said, it wouldn't matter much. Your brother would soon understand that. As long as you are yourself and you are kind and caring, like the Ariel I know, rest assured he will adore you, and he will grow trust in you. Never forget that." He grabbed the comb and started brushing her mane again. As she calmed down, she now feels confident that her sibling will love her, no matter what the outcome is.

Some time has passed, and Ariel is all ready to give it her all at the schoolhouse. Rafael gave her a kiss on her cheek, and sent her off to walk with her friend, Cookie Cream, another grey filly with a white coated belly, except she is a pegasus. This particular pony has a black mane with a rainbow colored stripe to add color. Her cutie mark is just three glowing smiley faces. As Cookie waved at Ariel, Rafael's daughter ran up to her friend, and gave her a tiny hug. They started to walk to school.

"Hey Ariel, ready to go?," her rather cheerful friend was quite excited to walk to school after the weather isn't that bad.

"Hey Cookie, I sure am," Ariel, however, remembered about her other friend. "Wait.. what about Cotton Swirl? Where is she?"

"She actually is pretty sick unfortunately," replied Cookie, "But I think she can come tomorrow. She just has a big headache. Not really a big deal, but, it is what it is. Typical Cotton Swirl for you, am I right?" the pegasus giggled as she likes to poke fun at her pink unicorn friend.

"Yeah, maybe tomorrow she won't be in such a terrible mood? Who knows, really"

It took them about a few minutes to get to the bus stop. As the two finally arrived at school, they played on the playground for a while with the other school ponies until it was time for them all to go to class and learn new things.

************

As Ariel was walking back home with her friend, Cookie Cream, they both had an interesting conversation.

"Hey Ariel, you think your mother would allow you to come at my house for a sleepover?," asked Cookie.

"Aww sorry Cookie," replied the gray filly, "I have to stay home until my newborn sibling is born."

"Oh, I nearly forgot about that," Cookie Swirl opened her eyes a little wider. "I do hope your sibling is a girl, we could do all sorts of fun things with her, like host tea parties, play dress up. we would have such a great time with her."

"I hope so too," even though Ariel had her doubts, "What if it's a boy?"

"Good question," Cookie was thinking hard. "Mmm.. I don't know.... we could.... umm...best we could do is watch movies?," Cookie seems to have no clue in regards to that question. "I mean, that like all I do with MY brother.. other than play tag, even though it's just the two of us, sadly."

"Thanks Cookie," Ariel was expressing her gratitude, "Oh, looks like that's my house. better get going so I can eat some dinner with mom. Bye girls. see you tomorrow."

"See you Ariel, until next time," Cookie gave her a wave.

"Bye Ari," Cookie smiled and then continued to walk all the way to her home.

As the little filly opened her door, she went to the living room and took a little look at the newspaper her mother left near the table. She could hear her mom cooking up something scrumptious as the sounds of boiling echoed all throughout the living room. She wanted to spend some time with mother, so she decided to go to the kitchen. As she was walking, she noticed that the family picture has been taken down in the corridor that leads to the kitchen.

"H-hey mother," Ariel noticed that she had on glasses while reading the recipe book, totally not noticing her daughter trotted up to the kitchen.

"Ah, her there my little Ariel," she smiled at her, then glanced back at the book. "Sorry dear, I am in quite the pickle at the moment. I'm trying to figure out how many dried corn kernels I should put on this particular dish so I can serve all of us."

"No worries mother," she gave her mother a little side hug, then she opened the refrigerator to get a bottle of milk. "Will dad come home early? I miss him a lot. He hasn't been home a lot the past week."

"Ariel, I'm sure he misses you too," she turned to look directly at the little one, "He has been working quite a lot as there is a lot to do where he works at. Rest assured, he will be home earlier than he previously has been. But with my foal, he also needs to work a lot so he can be home with us while being financially stable, so that when your sibling is born, we don't have to eat beans... even though your father does love them to death." She giggled a little, then turned off the stove, and got some bowl to serve Ariel, then herself. Ariel looked down on the bowl to notice that her mother has made some type of red soup, it smells amazing.

"Oooh mom, this stuff looks delicious," she opened her eyes a little bit. "What is this called?"

"Thank you dear," she then got the little book to glance at it to see what it was called. "This is apparently pozole, it is a recipe in this book that was given to me by your father's friend, Tasunke." Tasunke is one of dad's friends who sometimes visit the family on weekends. His wife, coincidentally, is also pregnant. She gave Mabel the book to help her eat healthy during her pregnancy as the wife bought it for Mabel as a gift.

"Whatever it is, it looks tasty," she grabbed a spoon and consumed it. She tasted it, only to realize this is much better eating it, than smelling or even looking at it. "Oh my gosh mom, this is so amazing."

"Why thank you," Mabel giggled a little as she decided to eat it herself, "My, this came out much better than I expected. This is really tasteful. Not to mention that it is very healthy according to the recipe book. I'm very confident your father will love this as well."

"I don't have any doubts about that mom," she smiled and continued to eat it.

"So how was school sweetie? Have you learned anything new?," the mother looked at her while eating.

"It was alright, though we learned how to add some numbers, and we read a story about Starswirl The Bearded. I thought it was a pretty cool story."

"Indeed, history is quite fascinating," Mabel took another sip of the soup.

"Mom," Ariel was ready to switch up the conversation. "When exactly will the foal be born? I really want to meet it so bad?"

"Ah dear," she put the spoon down, "That is something only the universe decides my love. Though, hopefully it will be soon, as my little foal is getting quite heavy. a bit heavier than when you were born, as stated by your father."

"Mom," Ariel was ready to ask her, "Will you be ok after the foal is born? I can stay by your side if you want me to."

"That's so sweet little Ariel,' Mabel smiled back at her. "I think I will be fine regardless. Your dad won't work for a couple of weeks after my foal is born, so he will stay by my side throughout these events. But you can definitely stay by my side if you wish. I would much appreciate it dear. I love you so much little Ariel." The grey filly blushed as she was happy she made her own mother feel loved.

"I love you too mom," she smiled as she then proceeded to finish the rest of her pozole.

************

As the two female ponies were in the living room watching some cartoons that Ariel used to enjoy watching when she was younger, they noticed that someone was approaching the door. Could it have been?

"Dad?," she rushed to the door to greet her father. As she was patiently waiting, she heard her mother giggle as Ariel was hearing her dad coughing. The door, then opened up. It was no other than her father. "DAD!!" She galloped to him and gave him a big hug.

"Ah Ariel, mi hija (my daughter)," he lifted her and hugged her back. "It's so nice to see you. I missed you so much my princess." He gave her a big kiss on the forehead. Then, he put her down and went up to his wife, and greeted her. "Hello Mabel." They shared a kiss, and then he sat down next to her to watch television. "Everything alright my love?"

"Seems like it dear," she looked towards him. "I made some food for me and Ariel. Why don't you go ahead and serve yourself some food. I made some pozole from that recipe Tasunke's wife gave to me. Ariel loved it a lot, which sure caught me off guard."

"Did she really?," Rafael looked down at Ariel who was sitting in between them.

"She sure did," she smiled at Ariel, "I am very certain you will love it a lot as well."

"Bueno pues (Alright)," he got up and left the living room to give himself some of the soup his wife made for him. As he left to the kitchen, the two were back to watching the television.

January 18 1112 C.E.

Most ponies in town were asleep, as it is currently around 3:30 in the night. Ariel was all tucked in her bed, sleeping, having a wonderful dream. As the wind was blowing, the owls were out hooting and flying out and about. Everything was going ok for the filly, until she heard someone opening the door to her room.

"Mabel, get up my dear."

As Ariel opened her eyes and flipped over to her other side, she realized it was her father who woke her up. She was confused as she still needed a lot of rest, but her father apparently needed her. For what, exactly? It was the question that was on her mind right now. Especially during the darkest hours of the day.

"W-" she yawned, "What's wrong dad." As she wrapped her scarf around her neck, she heard some loud huffs coming out from the hallway.

"Your mother's foal is about to be born," as he uttered his statement, the filly was in shock, her eyes were a bit opened. "We need you to get ready, and fast my love." As she got dressed, she went down the stairs to the living room. She discovered her mother was in big distress, with tears running down her left eye. Mabel looked at her daughter who was staring at her, trying to process what is going on.

"What's wrong Ariel," she was stuttering as she was in deep pain, "Your sibling is going to be born, but we need to wait for the zebra doctors grunts to show up." Even though she was hurting, she wanted to reassure her daughter that everything will be just fine. Though it was very fast than the family had anticipated, the zebra doctors arrived. They carried the mare to the ambulance wagon along with her husband and daughter. To accompany them, a zebra nurse was inside the wagon to assist the mare and comfort her in anything she needed. The zebra drivers who were going to carry the wagon took off as fast as they could to the Everfree Forest. As the wagon was heading to the hut where the foal would soon be born, the mother screamed in pain as she was crying. The filly got so scared that she grabbed her mother's hoof.

"Don't cry mom," Ariel looked at her mother, who was in agony. "Everything will be fine."

"T-thank you, l-" Mabel began to sob, "t-thank you..... love." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"Everything will be alright Mabel," said the zebra nurse. "Just hang on tight. Do you need water or anything hun?"

"I am fine." She replied back as she was taking small breaths.

It took approximately seven minutes to get to the hut as they finally arrived. The drivers got to the wagon and lowered the mare down so they could take her to the hut. As Rafael and Ariel got down from the wagon, they followed them inside the hut. The zebras got the mare to lie down on the delivery room in their tiny hospital hut. As the doctors got their protection equipment ready in order to help Mabel deliver her baby, they got some utensils ready for if the delivery doesn't go as planned.

"We're almost ready, Miss Mabel," one of the doctors said to the mother in pain, "Just need to get some stuff ready. Everything will be ok. We should be good to go in about two or three minutes." As the doctors were rushing to set up the room, Rafael and Ariel both comforted the mare as she was struggling to take deep breaths, with Rafael rubbing her left arm, and Ariel rubbing her right arm.

"You'll be fine my love," Rafael kissed her wife's head. "Me and Ariel are going to stay here throughout the entire time you are here."

"Yeah mom," she added to help her dad in reassurance of her mother, who would soon give her the biggest blessing of all, a sibling. The mom grabbed her daughter's hoof and continued to practice her breathing.

Two minutes have passed and the zebras we're ready to delivery. Here, is where the birth begins.

"Alright Mabel, go ahead whenever you are. Need our assistance, we will be glad to step up," said the zebra doctor as she finally got ready to grab the foal when it is born. "Now, go ahead and push." As the mother was grunting while pushing out her baby foal, she was starting to tear up. "Keep it up dear, you are doing good. Keep pushing." As she pushed, she started to scream a little bit. Rafael, being next to her left side, was watching as she was in complete pain. Ariel looked away to the other side because she couldn't bear watch her own mother cry as she was taking loud, hard breaths. The zebras noticed the front legs coming out. The color of the legs were dark purple. The zebras still tried to make her feel safe by complimenting her. "Good job Mabel. You got this." As the mare continued, she was taking more aggressive breaths. However, the doctors were caught by surprise by what they were seeing, though, they had to keep quiet so that they don't give the mother a scare. What caught the doctors by surprise was that the foal somehow has a horn, despite the fact the three members of the family are all earth ponies. "The hard part is over Mabel, you are close, just a little more," the zebra doctors reminded her so that she could be somewhat relieved. She kept pushing and pushing until the body came out. However, she felt something flapping down there. What the doctors just saw left them at complete shock, they could hardly believe it. It was like they were witnessing a miracle. "A-almost there miss Mabel." The doctors were stuttering as they were now so thrilled to give her the news. Mabel took her last deep breath while being in agony, and pushed, until the foal, finally, was completely free.

"Mabel, Rafael, Ariel, I have some exciting news," the zebras were somewhat emotional. The father and the sister were waiting to hear the gender, while the mother was trying to calm down after giving birth a second time.

"What is it doctor, is it a male foal?," Rafael has his mouth slightly opened. The zebra doctor nodded yes.

"While your foal is indeed a male, there is more to these exciting news," what the zebra was about to say will change Equestrian history for generations to come. "Your foal, your beautiful and handsome foal, is not an earth pony, he.... is an alicorn" The three were shocked upon hearing those words.

"Oh my gosh, no way?," Ariel was jumping around, while Rafael hugged his daughter, then rubbing his wife's arm.

"My goodness, my son, an alicorn. No lo puedo creer (I can't believe it.)," Rafael was in tears upon hearing this. Mabel, though, actually began to cry, not believing that she gave birth to a more stronger type of pony. As the zebra doctors gave the father the purple alicorn foal, they asked them an important question upon having a new addition to the family.

"What shall you name your alicorn foal?," the doctor asked the father. Rafael, already having both the given name, and pony name, was ready to give his answer that will give his foal a theme, just like he did to his daughter.

"His given name will be Francis," said the father with a smile, while looking at his cute foal. "And his name, will be, The Moonchild."

Author's Note

Thank you for reading. This is my first ever story, so this may have appeared vague. But kind criticism is allowed. Again, thank you so much for reading, and I hope you all enjoy the rest of the story. May the universe be with you all, in spirit, and heart.

2: Small Trots

April 29, 1112 C.E.

It was just another calm evening when the family of four were chilling together in the living room on the weekend. Rafael had the day off, so he was was enjoying an alcoholic apple cider beverage while watching a game of his favorite buckball team, the Manehattan Horseshoes, compete against the Las Pegasus Mustangs that was being livestreamed in the Manehattan Stadium. Ariel was playing with her dolls, as usual, and Mabel was reading her novel, while watching her newborn alicorn foal sleeping soundly. The three were enjoying their hobbies with a smile on their faces.

"Here comes the ball, making a swift pass to Striker." The commentator was almost sitting straight forward watching his favorite team dominating the field. "He then gives the ball to Ripper, who's distracting the defense with his lightning fast speed."

"Come on, Ripper," as Rafael was leaning forward as the offense was about to score against the Mustangs for their team, he was really hoping that they could score so Horseshoes can win the kickoffs. Will they make it?

"Ripper is going backwards to make a long distance goal, defense is completely distracted. He takes a shot. He scores!"

"YES!" As he was cheering on, he took a drink of his cocktail, to relax a little. Though he heard, and saw his son crying as he looked over to his right. His loud cheering definitely woke the foal up.

"Rafael, honey. You woke up our little Francis," the mother got very upset as she put on a strap that contains a pouch to carry the foal wherever she goes.

"Disculpas (Sorry), Mabel," Rafael smirked a little bit as he was trying not to laugh. "Got a bit too excited there."

"Yeah, I figured much," Mabel was now trying to calm the baby down, so she took the foal upstairs and rocked him gently. "There there, my Moonchild. You're ok dear." The baby was starting to calm down a little as he was starting to fall asleep again. To ensure Francis would sleep, she gave him a pacifier to help him settle. As Mabel laid him next to her in the bed, she went back to reading her novel while watching her son sleep soundly. She gave him a kiss in the forehead to ensure that he is safe whenever his ever-loving mother is around. "I'll always be here for you, Francis," she said gently, "Forever, and beyond eternity."

************

As the two were found taking a nap, Rafael decided to budge in and lay down next to his wife and son. Mabel, was starting to open her eyes as she felt him lay down next to her. She still had the baby laying down on top of her chest. The baby was still snoring soundly while Rafael wrapped his arms around his wife rubbing his head next to hers.

"Sorry, for waking up our son my love," Rafael wanted to apologize as he felt somewhat bad for what he did. He could hear her give out a sigh of relief.

"You're fine love," Mabel looked at his foal watching him sleep peacefully, she couldn't be more relaxed than she already is. "Just look at our little angel sleeping. Isn't he so adorable? Our alicorn foal."

"He sure is adorable," Rafael replied to his wife. "I'm shocked he's actually a lot calmer than most foals, or, at least from my experience with Ariel."

"Though, that's not necessarily a good thing," Mabel was taught this from her mother at some point. "Remember that foals should cry when they need our assistance. Just somehow, Francis seems to be more independent than other foals, unless its obviously about changing his own diaper. That, does surprise me to some extent."

"I think he will be fine," Rafael said in a calming manner. "We will do our best to work with our handsome, yet tranquil son." He smiled as he was playing with the tiny alicorn's mane. The baby was still surprisingly asleep while the parents left him in the crib as they then started to cuddle, enjoying each other's presence. They continued for at least half an hour before they both were tucked in bed.

************

It was at around eleven when Mabel just couldn't sleep at all that she decided to get out of bed. She decided to take a look at the crib as she heard sucking noises coming out of it. She noticed that it was Francis just sucking on the pacifier, while now being awake. He gave mom a quick glance before he got up and asked his mother through physical communication if she could carry her by opening and waving his arms.

"Oh, sweetie," Mabel smiled at her son who was starry eyed. "Seems like you can't sleep either?" she put him on the pouch and then she began to go outside. But why? Especially during late hours? Regardless, she decided to keep going. She was heading southeast near the Everfree Forest, where the foal was born. While trotting, Francis kept staring at her mother, seeming a bit confused as to where she was taking him. She then entered through the forest going around a quarter mile trail that ultimately leads to a cliff. Then, the mare decided to sit near the cliff and got her son out of the pouch and placed him on her lap. She then looked up the night sky, hoping that the little alicorn would enjoy the spectacle. Francis who decided to look up was very amazed at how beautiful the sky was as parts of the galaxy was illuminating from beyond the furthest reaches. A light blue nebula with a hint of purple was brightening up the sky. Francis was smiling and with eyes wide open, he loved what he was seeing. He was giggling as he was pointing at the sky. His mother giving him a loving smile. "The universe sure is a lovely sight, isn't it, little Francis." As the stars were shining from up above, the two were enjoying their bond together, while stargazing. At some point, the foal felt a calming sensation deep inside while he was looking up the sky. It felt very familiar somehow. Its like this sense reminded him of something, but what was it? Shortly after, he heard a soothing voice. It was trying to communicate with him with whispers. The voice also sounded familiar. It's like he has heard this particular voice at some point. A couple minutes later, the voice was enough for the foal to pass out. The mother got him back into the pouch, and decided to walk all the way back home. When she got there, she decided to get herself some water from the kitchen before heading back upstairs. She placed the sleeping foal back into the crib. She gave her son a kiss in the head. "I love you, Moonchild," she smiled at him as the little snoring coming from his nose soothed her heart and soul. She then went back to bed, and immediately passed out, as she needed to get rid of a bit of energy before she could actually enjoy a good night's sleep.

February 2, 1115 C.E.

It was just yet another ordinary morning as the foal has now become a colt. He was playing a tea party with his sister, Ariel, while their parents were in the kitchen getting ready to cook for the whole family while they wait for Chief Tasunke, his wife, and his kids, to arrive. The young ponies were in the living room in the doll house.

"Would you like some more tea, Moonchild?," questioned the gray filly as she grabbed the small teapot. The colt simply nodded yes. As growing up, he has become more shy than ever before. She pretended to pour some more "tea" in Francis' cup as he began to take a "sip" from the tea. As the two were done with the quick tea party, they decided they would brush the manes of the Mane 6 dolls. Though, before Francis was ready to play with her sister, he went to the kitchen to talk to his mother about something he had in mind. Mabel was chopping some potatoes to make some fries, while Rafael was grilling some hay to make hay burgers. Mabel noticed the tiny alicorn colt and smiled at him. As he simply looked at her with a small smirk, he decided to walk up to her, ready to speak to her.

"Mother," the colt was a bit nervous as he was facing a little down while looking at her.

"Yes my love?," Mabel, knowing that her son was very timid, asked in a loving and polite manner so she can try to make him feel secure.

"D-do you think," he gulped. "Do you think we can stargaze tonight? It, erm, has been a while." He started to look away while covering his head as he was blushing. At the age of three, he can already speak fluent English with some unique words in his vocabulary.

"Aww sure sweetie," Mabel responded with a smile, while patting her son as she noticed he shied away. "Just after your father's friend is no longer around, otherwise I'd be happy to do that." She got back to cutting the potatoes. "Now I need you to go back to the living room dear. Me and your father have quite a lot of cooking to do." As the colt left the kitchen to go back and play with the filly, she was already done brushing Pinkie Pie's mane. She was about to get started brushing on Rarity's mane before noticing her brother trotting up to the living room.

"Hey Francis, what do you think about Pinkie Pie's mane? Do you like it?," she was proud to show off her doll to the alicorn while all Francis did was nod his head yes. As he was looking down, she realized that he is very timid, much more timid than Fluttershy. "Francis, why is it that you are so shy all the time?," she was starting to express her months of concern to her brother.

"I'm not so sure," Francis replied in a very quiet tone, as if he was mumbling his words. "I have always been quiet however, ever since I was a foal. Ask mother, as she would return back the exact response. You should have known this a long time ago, sister." His voice was gradually getting a tad bit louder than his normal volume. "Though, now that I think about it, I know why. But I do not wish to scare you with my reasons behind my more hushed personality. It's just that-"

"Francis," his sister interrupted him. "You are speaking more words than you have ever spoken in only one moment."

"You asked me a question, I simply responded. That was all."

"I see, sorry for making you come out of your shell," she grabbed her Rarity doll and started to brush her mane. Francis, only looked away while showing his neutral expression, and grabbed his sister's Fluttershy doll, thinking about the many similarities they share. Especially the fact that they both love the fauna of Equestria and beyond. He got the brush and started to brush her mane along with his sister. He felt as if the way he responded to his sister was a bit cold as he realized that she was expressing a bit of fear, or, so he thought.

"My deepest apologies Ariel," he spoke while brushing the doll.

"No-," Ariel was wondering why would her little brother would ask her for an apology if he did nothing wrong according to the grey filly. "No need to apologize Francis." She went back to brushing Rarity's mane.

************

It was around 1 in the afternoon when the siblings were still playing in the living room. The married couple were nearly done cooking as the hay was in a big pot slightly cooling off. The married couple were in the dining table talking about certain topics, laughing, and whatnot. All of a sudden, the family heard the door knock in the front entrance. Rafael went and got the door as he realized that it was his friend. He opened the door, and his guess was correct.

"Rafael, mi carnal (my friend)," Tasunke gave him a slight punch in his shoulder, laughing. Rafael, joining him as they were both really close.

"Que onda, guey (What's up, dumbass)," Rafael giggled as he let his friend, and the family come right in to the house. Tasunke's wife, Cheyenne, gave him a smile before entering.

"Good afternoon, Rafa," Cheyenne gave him a handshake. Rafael only smiled back, as Cheyenne went to go salute her best friend, Mabel. The two children came in. Ariel decided to stop what she was doing and she quickly went upstairs as she doesn't like their son, Quetzal. The Moonchild looked at Ariel while galloping to the stairs, wondering why she hates the other colt. He then looked at Quetzal, who was giving him a threatening glare, now questioning what was it that he did wrong. Did he somehow upset this person whom he has only seen once previously, when the alicorn was only three years old? He simply nodded down, as he was expressing how Quetzal was making him uncomfortable. He stayed looking down until he looked back up as he noticed another pony walk in. This pony, who looked around the exact same age as Francis, caught the three year old colt by surprise as he was admiring this filly's stellar, blue colored mane. It was literally as if he was stargazing all over again. He was also admiring at how unique she was as she was another grey filly, however, she has dark grey spots on her left side of her face, also on her back, and has dark colored legs. The filly blushed a little as she began to wave hello to the alicorn pony who was in awe. He blushed as he nodded down smiling a little bit as he slowly waved back. The filly slowly trotted up to the Moonchild and sat next to him.

"Greetings, pony," Francis finally spoke to somepony first.

"Hello," she gave him a vague reply. Though she smiled at him.

"What's," Francis gulped. "What's your name?" He blushed as his eyes looked away. He was already feeling a good connection with this cute pony, something he never, ever experiences with anypony else.

"Oh, umm," the filly smiled as she looked at him a bit weird. "My name is, umm, Kamaria Nightlight. My mother gave me, umm, my first name. It's also, umm, well, my pony name. What're your names?" She was somewhat nervous,.

"My name," Francis gulped, again. "My name is Francis. You already know my last name, I assume. But my name, is Moonchild. The Moonchild, to be more precise."

"Yeah," Kamaria figured out his last name was Granada. "I'm actually sorry if I looked at you a bit.. funny. It's just," she looked down for a bit then looked back up, "I've never seen a pony with both a horn, and wings."

"Ah," his eyes widened with surprise. "I understand now. I do have both, as I am an alicorn."

"But how is that possible?," Kamaria was questioning him as she was curious about how this purple alicorn came to be. "Your parents, are all earth ponies like us. How come you are not?"

"I, umm," he froze as he has always thought about how he came to be very different from the rest of his family. Especially since he asked his mother at some point why he was born with such features when neither does his sister, nor his parents have them. "I am not sure, and neither do my parents. It has... always remained a mystery to us."

"I see," the stellar maned filly replied. "I think you look, unique. I like that about you." The Moonchild was blushing red.

"Oh... well... the same can be said about you, Ka- Kamaria," the Moonchild slightly nodded down.

"Thanks, Francis." The filly smiled as she started to play with the alicorn's mane. The colt sat down as he was really starting to enjoy the presence of this adorable filly. "My, your mane is so long and soft. I could play with it all day if I could."

"I do care about my hygiene quite a lot, so that is not news to me, dear Kamaria," the colt replied as he looked up at the filly that could not stop fidgeting the purple pony's long mane.

"That's very good," she responded. "My brother could learn quite a lot from you. He is, well, the exact opposite of you, and I mean, quite literally in every way. You are also very, well, kind and calm."

"Am I, now?," the alicorn never really thought about his own personality at all until this exact moment. "I never knew that about myself, but I do appreciate such kind words, dear Kamaria." He was starting to open up to the starry maned pony.

"You are so welcome," Kamaria looked down at the Moonchild, who was sitting, as she noticed his eyes were locked onto hers when at first he was showing obvious signs that he was very shy. "I would like to be your friend. May I be your friend, Moonchild?" The alicorn was now blushing red, again. He couldn't believe that this kind pony was asking him a question no one ever asked him until now.

"I... uh, umm," his head was completely down, he was covering his face with his front right leg. It took him around half a minute to finally uncover his face and look up at the cute filly. "I wouldn't mind that."

"Aww thank you Francis," the little filly started to wrap her arms around the bewildered Moonchild, and hugged him close to her. Francis was very confused, but he laid his head down on the spotted pony before gulping.

"You're.. welcome, Kamaria." The two stopped hugging each other as they heard Mabel trot up to the living room.

"Kids, the food is ready. Come on and eat," Mabel went back to the kitchen as the two followed the aquamarine mare so they can enjoy some nice, and scrumptious grilled hay burgers.

************

The adult ponies were getting ready to put the food on one of the tables they have set up outside in the backyard. The two young ponies who became friends decided to sit at another table next to each other. Ariel went and sat next to her little brother so she doesn't have to worry about sitting next to Quetzal, who was next to Kamaria. The uneducated colt gave Ariel a quick wink, which made her very uncomfortable as she slowly laid her head down next to her brother.

"Is something bothering you, sister?" He was slightly confused what was happening.

"Just, don't worry about it," Ariel was now covering her face.

"Haha," Quetzal laughed, moving his head forward to make the poor grey haired filly uncomfortable. "Don't worry about it. She just has a very big crush on me." She uncovered herself, looking very angry.

"Leave me alone, creep," Ariel yelled at him.

"Everypony, please calm down," Kamaria looked at her brother in a very angry way. "We are here to get along and have fun. As my father said, make peace, not war." Quetzal rolled his eyes at her.

"Fine," Quetzal replied. "Whatever you say, miss bossy ass." Poor Francis was confused as to what was going on. Why was this colt behaving in such a strange way. Why did he say that she had a crush on him? Was it actually true? "Also, what were you two talking about back there just then?" He was asking Francis and Kamaria that as he knew they talked for quite a long time.

"It should not matter to you, brother," Kamaria told him as she doesn't like when he get all over her business.

"Let me guess, you two are dating, huh?," he laughed as she blushed.

"Brother, stop it with that dating stuff or I'm telling mom. We are not dating," Kamaria was really upset at him for assuming such things, especially since they are literally very young for them to be thinking about that stuff.

"Haha, ok ok, jeez. You're so easy to upset it's actually amusing to me," he was laughing as he was rubbing her cheek. Kamaria slapped his arm, not wanting to be touched by him at all. The adults were done with the prep.

"Come and serve yourselves, children," Mabel slightly yelled as she was putting some Colt-Ca-Cola beverage cans inside the cooler. Ariel went and served herself first while the two friends were behind her. Of course Quetzal was giving them a glare, as he was waiting for them to get their own food. As the adults were starting to serve themselves, they began to sit next to the kids at the table. It would mean that Quetzal would no longer bother any of the other young ponies for now.

************

It was starting to get a little dark as the herd were now inside the house. Francis and Kamaria were both in the living room watching the television. Ariel was in her room so she could avoid Quetzal. The troublemaker himself was with the adults just sitting in the dining table in the kitchen. The adults were starting to get up and talk about going to the casino later on. Francis heard them talk about who would stay at the home and watch over the young ones while the other adults would gamble their money away in hopes that they win a fortune.

"Alright, Mabel, you gonna stay and watch our little angels for us?," Cheyenne was asking as they were both heading to the living room while the stallions were all drunk inside the little automobile, along with Quetzal waiting for the mares to finish their conversation.

"Of course. Kamaria?," the other mare was now looking at the spotted filly. "Would you like to stay here while your parents go out to the casino?"

"I would be very happy to stay!" She responded in a polite manner while smiling at the mother of the Moonchild. The aquamarine mare, only smiling back and nodding. The filly knew that by staying here, she could hang out with Francis a little more.

"Alright dear," Cheyenne trotted up to her beautiful daughter and patted her head. "I'll be back as soon as possible. Love you dear."

"Love you too, mother." The filly was so happy as now she can spend extra time with her friend, the purple colt, who was now upstairs. Her mother finally left the home to drive the befuddled stallions, and her son, to the casino. The other mare decided to get a book from her shelf and started to read one of her novels. Kamaria, now wondering where her friend went, laid down on the couch watching a cartoon on the television.

"Miss Mabel?," the wondering filly asked her softly.

"Yes dear?," she had her eyes locked on the novel.

"Where is Francis?" She asked while now looking at his mother.

"I think he's upstairs in his room. Why? What's wrong?"

"I would like to spend some time with him. Is that ok?" She asked as she was getting up.

"Ahh hun. As much as I would allow it. I wouldn't suggest bothering him right now. He usually goes upstairs after times like this when he is around a large group of ponies. I guess he needs some time to recover from socializing dear. But you can go if you'd like. i won't stop you." She ended her words with a smile.

"Umm, M-Miss Mabel.." the filly was starting to stutter her words. "Could you ask your son if I can go to his room?"

"I sure can dear." The mare placed her bookmark in her novel, and went upstairs to do the filly's favor. She then walked downstairs and told the filly, "Give him around thirty minutes. He just needs to cool down for a tad bit longer honey." The little pony smiled as she was now back to watching the television.

"Thank you so much, Miss Mabel."

Forty minutes have passed since the little pony asked the mare the question. The little filly thought that it was enough time for her friend to relax for a little while, as she was getting incredibly sleepy. She got up and asked the mare if she could go hang out with the timid alicorn. The mare only nodded yes to her while being focused on the story in her novel. After the response, the filly decided to go upstairs and knocked on the door that leads to his room.

"Francis," she gulped. "Umm, may I enter?"

"You may," his voice echoed through the door. The filly slowly opened the door to see the Moonchild sitting by the window looking through a telescope. It seems he was observing some planets.

"Oh, what are you doing Francis?," Kamaria hasn't seen such a thing.

"Just looking at the moon," Francis turned around looking at the filly. "Would you like to take a look through the telescope?"

"Oh my," she looked amazed, "It seems like a lovely idea." She went up next to Francis to take a look herself. She closed one of her eyes to look at the telescope properly. She was clearly amazed at how beautiful and detailed the moon looked zoomed in. "Oh my stars Francis. This is truly wonderful. I love how pretty the moon is."

"Heh," chuckled the purple alicorn. "I do believe we, ponies, are infinitely lucky to be able to experience the beauties of the universe with such advanced tools and technology. I'm so glad you could experience this thing with me. This feels quite special." He blushed a little.

"You're truly very special," she smiled. "I'm so happy we were able to meet." The colt gave her a small smile. "Though, I do want to ask you. You, don't necessarily like to be around other ponies, do you not?" The colt slightly nodded as his smile changed into a frown.

"You, are right. I don't really like to be around others. I... umm... have a tendency to take breaks after being around so many ponies."

"I see that," Kamaria was slowly rubbing her hoof onto his. "But why?"

"I... don't know myself," he looked at her. "Everyone who has met me, from the day of my birth, up until today, keep saying how shy I am, which is true. But I don't like to be in the spotlight at all. My spirit, just feels anxious whenever I come in contact with others."

"Your.. spirit?," Kamaria was very puzzled.

"Our souls. I believe we all have souls, as I have had so many questions about life, and why we exist. I believe that we came from the universe as little.. ghosts.. from the past. Our souls, having no experiences from past lives, come here to experience life in this planet during our formation from within the womb. And I believe that I was sent here, for a reason."

"B-but Francis, How can you be so sure about this?," she was trying to understand this spiritually intelligent alicorn.

"I am not sure, indeed," he replied. "But I do believe in the theories I just told you. Though nopony will ever know, unless.." The door has opened.

"Kamaria hun," the mother of the Moonchild interrupted. "You're parents are here."

"Ahh Francis, I'm afraid that's all the time we have," Kamaria stated, as she went up to Francis and hugged him. "Thanks for everything today. I had such a harmonious time getting along with you. I hope to see you soon." She went out and trotted downstairs, with the mare following her. She closed the door, wishing the Moonchild a goodnight. and it was it. The Moonchild was back to being alone. He moved the telescope to the side right next to the mirror, and then he sat down next to the window to stargaze. As he was looking up, he was thanking the universe for sending such a young, enchanting filly to be his friend. He felt like he could truly be, himself around her, without feeling like he would scare off others with his views and guesses about the mysteries of life. As he was feeling calm, while feeling incredible amounts of joy. He heard the same voices that he heard when he stargazed with his mother as a little foal.

"Stay wise, Francis, for it shall serve thou well on the long run." One of the voices whispered to him clearly that he could understand it.

"Let thy spirit guide thy heart and mind. For thy spirit holds more knowledge than the flesh."

Why was he hearing these voices again? Why do they sound so familiar? He feels like he as heard these voices long ago. Did his spirit encountered them at some point before he was born. So many questions. He somehow stopped hearing these voices as he looked away from the window. This experience was quite strange, yet it was time for him to sleep as it was getting quite late. All he thought about was how blessed he felt after today. He trotted to his bed, and laid down to rest. As he covered himself in his blanket. He looked at the roof, thinking about the countless things clouding his head, but soon enough, he was so tired that his eyes automatically closed. Even though he won't be able to stargaze with his mother due to how tired he is, the Moonchild hopes that tomorrow, and forever may bring him blessings as the start of his happiness has officially begun.

Author's Note

I truly do not have quite much for the early years of the Moonchild. However, once growing up, there will be much more important details about his later childhood years, along with his adolescent years as well. For those asking why so many red tags. All I will say to that is, soon you will see. Though its important to know that I have a full time job so apologies if this isn't quite a fairly decent story. Again, please keep criticism as kind as possible, and once again, thank you so much for reading. May the universe bless you all with peace, and tranquility.

3: Spiritual Anxiety

September 2, 1116 C.E.

Today was finally the day. The four year old purple alicorn colt woke up at around six in the morning, with the tasty aroma of salted hay coming downstairs from the kitchen being the very first thing the calm alicorn smelled as he sniffed. The Moonchild got out of bed, wrapped around his scarf as he looked outside. The sky was beginning to lighten up a tad bit as it was early dawn. The Moonchild then made his own bed as he likes his room to be as cleaned and organized as possible. He picked up some of his toys from the floor to the container he had in the corner of his bed, and he finally decided that it was time to go downstairs as the aroma made the Moonchild very hungry. As he went down, he noticed Ariel was laying down in the living room watching cartoons on the television. He simply waved at her, which she waved back at her little brother. He made it to the kitchen, as his mother was just about to serve her two children the food.

"Good morning Francis, dear." the mare gave him a kiss on the head. Then she put some of the grilled hay on the plate along with grilled asparagus, which was the Moonchild's favorite food yet.

"Morning mother," he was delighted to see the small, but long, green vegetables in his plate. "Is that grilled asparagus you have there?"

"It sure is dear," Mabel smiled at her son. "I know just how much you love asparagus, so to make your first day of school a more memorable day, I've decided to make some, all for you hun."

"I see," Moonchild looked at her with a small smile. "Thank you mother," his smile then went away. "Though I would love it if you could be near me as I do want to talk to you about what has been on my mind lately."

"Of course, Francis," the mother finished serving the two as Ariel trotted to the dining table as the mother put the two plates on the table. As the two began to eat, Mabel was watching them both as they were scarfing down the grilled hay, and the grilled asparagus. "Honey," the mare looked at the colt as he was showing signs that he was worried about something. "What is that matter, my beautiful colt?"

"I'm honestly a bit worried about what will happen when I arrive at the schoolhouse," the colt looked down at his food while nodding his head down. Ariel was paying a bit of attention as she was trying to help her brother out. "So many schoolponies will question me about my appearance or how I came to be. You have already known that from the many strangers that have asked about me ever since my day of birth."

"Francis, bro," Ariel interrupted the alicorn. "You're probably gonna be, like, very popular. I can't imagine how many friends you are for sure going to make the instant you walk on those doors."

"Popular?," Francis was thinking that what her sister said was just nonsense.

"Yes my dear," her mother actually agreed on her daughter. "You are quite different that everyone will actually find you quite interesting. Ariel's right dear. I wouldn't worry about this at all. In fact, it should make you quite more excited."

"I understand mother," Francis nodded his head back up and looked up to his mother. "But you know that I don't like to be social. I need my time to be alone. You already know that, do you not, mother?"

"I know that dear," Mabel just thought about something that would for sure put the shy, and introverted alicorn at ease. "Actually, I think your amazing friend, Kamaria is going in the exact same grade as you. I think she can help you whenever you need a hoof or two."

"Wait, is that so?" Mabel's instincts were right. Francis gave out a sigh of relief as he then proceeded with his words. "Isn't that quite some good news?"

"I think you are going to rock your first day of school Francis," the nine year old filly said as she was finishing up her food. "As long as your "marefriend" is around..." She began to laugh after cackling.

"Sister! We are not together!" The colt was blushing as he began to cover his face with both his hooves.

"Aww Francis," Mabel comforted his son by rubbing her hoof onto his back. "I think your sister was just playing around. Though let's try not to say those things, hun." She said to Ariel as she was giggling.

"My apologies Francis," she was still chuckling as she likes to tease her brother in hopes to get him out of his shell. "But you two are, like, literally inseparable. It's like you two are literally a thing, just saying." She went up to the Moonchild who was still blushing. She gave him a hug from behind. "Don't take things seriously Francis. You know I love you, you are the best thing to have ever happened to me. I don't mean to upset you, lil' cutie patootie. I just enjoy poking fun at you to get you to interact more."

"No no sister," Francis looked at his plate decorated with a bit of crumbs. Ariel was now standing in between him, and the mare. "I know you mean no harm. But I only see her as a friend. And I would much like to keep it that way for now. We are literally too young to think about romance and topics related to such thing."

"I'm glad you think like that Francis," Mabel stated to her son. "I think she is a great filly, and again, I think she will be there for you if you ever need her if anything happens at school."

"I shall keep that in mind, mother." Francis then went to the bathroom next to his sister so that she can comb his long mane for him.

************

As Ariel was starting to carry her bookbag on her back, the Moonchild decided to sit in the couch while his mother was doing some final touches after combing her mane so she can walk her son to school. Francis noticed his sister trotting her way to the door.

"See you Francis," Ariel gave him a wave before she opened the door. "Good luck, naughty boy." She was still trying to tease the now puzzled alicorn when she called him such thing. Regardless, the filly closed her door, and was now on her way to school. It was now Francis and Mabel in the home together. Francis, who was busy watching some cartoons in the television, laid his head down, waiting for his mother to finish up. As the mare was in the bathroom, the phone from the kitchen began to ring.

"Francis, dear," the mare yelled while the sink was on. "Please get that for me."

"On it mother," Francis galloped through the little hallway to the kitchen. He grabbed the phone and placed it next to his ear. "Hello there?"

"Hola (Hi), Francis," it sounded like it was his father. "It's me, your father. Where is your mother right now?"

"She seems to be doing something in the bathroom. Did you need anything father?" He turned his head to the bathroom door.

"Ahh don't worry about it, my campion (champion). I will call her later. But are you happy for your first day?"

"A little bit, father." The Moonchild gulped.

"Ah, good to know my son. Have a good day today, ok? Love you tesoro (treasure)."

"I love you too, father." He smiled as he hung up the phone. He decided to went back to the living room. Just right after he got comfortable, he heard his mother come out of the bathroom.

"I assume it was your father, dear?," the mare questioned the colt as he started to turn his head to look at his mother.

"It was," the Moonchild responded. "He will call you back soon, however."

"Ahh ok hun," she trotted near the front door. "Well, are you ready to go?"

"I guess so," the Moonchild got up and grabbed the tv remote to turn off the television. As he walked up to his mother, he saw some ponies walking outside through the front window. Moonchild was starting to get anxious. He laid his head next to the mare's side. "I am, a bit scared now mother."

"Aww Francis," his mother wrapped her front right leg onto his torso and hugged him. "Like me and Ariel told you, you'll be fine. I'm pretty sure Kamaria will be glad to help you if you need somepony to retreat to." She stopped hugging her son and opened the door. "After you, my love." The Moonchild stepped out of the house. The fresh smell of the air was calming the Moonchild down. As Mabel closed the door, she went up to Francis and grabbed his hoof. They both started to walk all the way to the schoolhouse. As they were walking up near the city hall, they saw some young ponies staring at the purple alicorn.

"Wow," one of the ponies was admiring the purple colt. "An alicorn."

"So cool!" Another pony said. "I've never seen one up close before. Hi!" That same pony was waving at him. All the other three ponies in the group were copying their friend and waved as well. Francis only waving back, with his head nodding down while continue to walk with his mother. As he noticed the four little ponies smiling at him, he simply looked away, wanting to thank them for their kind words but was obviously too shy to reply back.

"See honey, these ponies quite like you a lot," Mabel turned to look at her son. "I think you'll be just fine dear."

"I know that, mother," the alicorn pony looked down. I just choked was all."

"I see, hun," Mabel looked away. They both continued trotting as they were more than halfway to the school. They were both about to enter the lovely Sweet Apple Acres as they saw a bunch of apple trees ahead. A lot of schoolponies were galloping around playing together. They also saw some parents trotting with their children to the schoolhouse. It was a bit crowded, but it wasn't in the Moonchild's worries at the moment as two colts, who looked a few years older than the Moonchild himself, came up to the shy alicorn.

"Woah, what's up?," the earth pony colt greeted him. "You look very awesome. I've never seen somepony like you."

"T-thanks," the Moonchild nodded down as he was a bit shaky.

"Hey," the same colt looked at his mom. "Are you his mom? You are so lucky to have a rad looking alicorn for a son madam."

"Why thank you. So kind of you to say little one. Have fun, you two." The mare smiled as she glanced at the earth pony colt.

"You too madam. Bye alicorn, have a good day." The colt waved at the alicorn as he went back to playing with his friend. The mare and her son were back to trotting as they were entering the orchard. As they were walking, the shy alicorn kept noticing a lot of young ponies staring at him as they were admiring him. Some waved at him, but the Moonchild would just simply look away, if he wasn't fully shy, he would just wave with his hoof. His sister was right, he was just as timid as Fluttershy herself. The two kept trotting, and trotting, until they finally saw the building that was next to the playground. This was it, it was almost time for school to begin.

"I will go now my son," the mare kissed him. "I hope to see you at home soon. I love you, Francis."

"Bye, love you too."

As he walked up to the school, he noticed a lot of ponies galloping towards him. They wanted to try to befriend the alicorn himself. This gave Moonchild a very big shock as he felt his tiny heart beating a little faster than normal. Everypony was circling around the very anxious alicorn who was trying to calm down as he was taking deep breaths. They were getting closer and closer to him until a mare trotted to the circle.

"Everypony, let's calm down." The mare said as she was trying to get the students to get away from the scared colt who was flapping his wings out of fear. "Let's go inside as school is about to start." As the ponies were now going inside the building, the mare went up to the alicorn to try to calm him down. "Hey little one, you must feel quite scared everypony surrounded you like that. Don't like to be in the spotlight, don't you?"

"No," the colt was starting to catch his breath. "I do not like it one bit."

"Aww sweetie," the mare was comforting the scared alicorn. "Its ok now. I won't let that happen again. But you are so special. You are seriously one in a billion, youngling. What's your name?"

"I am, Francis, the Moonchild," the colt answered.

"Ahh how lucky I am. You are actually one of my students," the mare starred at the pony with a smile. "I'm Twinkle Star, but you can call me Miss Star. Would you like to go inside? I'll be next to you so don't worry about another interaction until you are ready."

"Alright," the colt was all calmed down. "I think, I am ready to go." Twinkle Star took the tiny alicorn inside and went to the teacher's classroom, where other ponies were sitting on the tables or playing with toys. Moonchild went to the corner where some students were reading. Francis saw somepony that looked familiar in that exact corner. He trotted up to the pony that was laying down with a filly who was just drawing on the notebook. But when he kept looking at the pony, he suddenly found out who that pony was. Could it be? "K-Kamaria?" The other pony turned around and immediately pounced onto the purple alicorn and hugged him.

"Francis! It is truly you!" The filly let go of the colt as she was assisting him in getting up.

"It is," the colt was now very content as his voice was a little more high pitched. "I am so happy you are here Kamaria. I did not want to be alone surrounded by unknown ponies. What a relief this truly is." He gave out a sigh of relief.

"Of course, I'm happy I can be here for you, Francis." The little filly gave him another hug as they both decided to sit down and were now reading the book together. The teacher noticed the once shy alicorn was now interacting with another pony.

"I see you have already made a new friend here, Francis," the teacher trotted up to them as they both looked up at the Miss Star.

"We were actually friends a while ago, Miss Star," Kamaria had her beautiful eyes locked in at the teacher's face.

"Aww! Is that so, little Kamaria?," the teacher gave a big smile. "I'm so glad you have made such an amazing friend, Francis." She gave Francis a pat on the head as the teacher heard the other ponies galloping to class. Some students came inside the classroom, going to the tables to sit with their friends. "Why don't you two go ahead and get seated? It looks like class is about to begin. As the two little ponies went to the table near the corner, they both sat next to each other so that Kamaria can make Francis feel a lot more comfortable during classes. As the ponies were getting settled down, the school bells began to rang as the teacher went to close the door so that she can teach the students in a more quiet environment. "Alright students, I hope you are all very excited for your first day of school ever." Some were cheering, some were shouting hoorays, and some were just simply smiling. Francis was hiding behind Kamaria as the noise didn't sound pleasing at all to him. "I'm so glad you are all happy. I'm just as ecstatic as you little ones all are. Well, as some of you know who I am, I am Miss Twinkle Star, but you ponies can just call me Miss Star. However, why don't we all go ahead and introduce ourselves so we can all get to know each other more as classmates. Even some of you ponies can become such wonderful friends together." Francis gulped just at the thought of everypony looking at him as everypony will now get to give an introduction about themselves, and whatnot.

"Kamaria," the shaky alicorn whispered to the filly. "I am very scared about this, introduction we must do."

"Do not worry Francis," the filly looked over at him. "I'll be here by your side. Just think about me if you feel uncomfortable."

"Alright, I shall try."

"So, who would like to introduce themselves first?" As the teacher asked, a white pony with a pink colored mane, who was next to Kamaria, stood up and raised her hoof. "Alright dear, why don't you go ahead and say your name, and perhaps something you like to do in your spare time."

"Alright Miss Star," said the eager, yet overconfident pony. "Well, my name is Lily River, and one thing I like to do in my spare time is to spend time playing some video games with my dad."

"Very fun, Lily," as the teacher was complimenting her, the students were looking towards the white filly though it didn't seem to bother her at all. "Alright, you, the spotted grey one, why don't you introduce yourself, young one?"

"Ok," the friend of the Moonchild decided to get up and smile at the teacher as she was ready. "I am Kamaria Nightlight. One thing I do enjoy doing is practicing archery with both my mother, and my father."

"Wow, a very fun, yet dangerous activity," the teacher was again complimenting her student while slightly chuckling from fear. "Next up, you, our wonderful alicorn." She was mentioning Francis of course. Francis froze. It felt as if his tiny heart froze for a quick second. "My, actually out of my thirty one years of teaching here. I've never actually ever taught an alicorn like you ever. You are such a beautiful pony, little one. Anyways, want to introduce yourself?"

"I-I assume if I must," Francis gulped before he looked at Kamaria, and then got up. "Greetings, everypony..." he was shaking, as he struggled to take a breath. "I, umm....." he felt as if all several billion souls in this planet were staring at him, he tried to think of his friend, but it seems like it wasn't working.

"Ahh honey, need to sit down? You can go ahead and do so," the teacher said as she knew the alicorn was the shyest pony in the classroom.

"I'm fine Miss," Francis finally took a deep breath. He felt a bit relieved. He noticed his friend was trying to comfort him as she was rubbing her hoof onto his front left leg. "Greetings everypony. I am, Francis Granada. But I was given a nickname, The Moonchild. It is something I wish to be referred to as. One thing I find joy in is stargazing, whether its by myself, with my family, or my friends."

"Wow, I think stargazing is really cool. Again, I'm so happy you get to be my student, Francis." Some students decided to clap their hooves as some liked him just for being one of the rarest equine species in all of Equestria. "Alright ponies, lets settle down, and go ahead with the next student."

************

It was time for recess as the ponies were outside having a bit of fun releasing their pent up energy. Most ponies were on the playground, some were in the swings, some out in the concrete drawing on them with chalk, and very few were just relaxing, while staying away from most of the ponies. Two of the few being Francis and Kamaria. The two were laying down in the grass reading a book about flowers from all over the world.

"Wow, I find the lotus to be such an august flower," the Moonchild was amazed at all these flowers Kamaria borrowed from the teacher's mini library.

"I think all these flowers we've found are all delightful, Francis," Kamaria looked over to Francis as she was looking at him in the eyes.

"I do agree with you, Kamaria," Francis smiled at him. "Though, I do admit, there is one pony far more delightful than these wonderful plants."

"Oh, umm, what would that be?," Kamaria is now curious.

"That would be no other pony except you." Francis blushed, he could see his friend showing him that she was flattered. "You are such a good friend, Kamaria."

"Aww, Francis, thank you so much," her small cheeks were now rose pink.

"No, thank you for being by my side, I much appreciate it," Francis decided to smile as he was truthfully grateful for all this little filly has done for him today.

"Of course," she held hooves with her friend. "Anything for my amazing friend." As they both stared at each other admiring one another, they both heard the whistle. It was signaling the preschoolers to get back inside. The two ponies got back up as they were both trotting up to the teacher while other ponies were galloping so that they would get in line first. Francis and Kamaria didn't care about being in the front of the line, just as long as they were together, it would suffice.

************

It was officially noon, meaning the ponies were out for the day. Most of the ponies walked out in groups, some hung out in the playground. Francis and Kamaria both walked out together as Francis just wanted to leave the school as he did not like to be around the other ponies at this time. They both were heading their way back to Ponyville. The two were holding hooves as they did not want to be separated.

"Hey Kamaria," Francis was looking at Kamaria. "Do you truly think we will actually learn something tomorrow? I did not like the idea of today being a day where we tried to make friends with some of the ponies."

"Neither did I, Francis," the filly was frowning a bit. "But we should learn something small tomorrow, or so I hope."

"Likewise, Kamaria," Francis started to remember something his mom told him yesterday. "Oh, hey, mother is going to make some hay tacos. Would you like to stop in the house to see if she can make you some?"

"Ooh, now that sounds delicious indeed, Francis," she smiled at the thought of such amazing food. "I would sure like to go and try some if she can make some."

"Alright," the two finally arrived at the city limits of Ponyville. "To my home we go, friend." The two young ponies were making their way to the south eastern side as they were near the town hall.

"Hey Francis?"

"Yes, my friend," the colt was looking at her while questioning.

"Thank you," she smiled at him. The colt now being a little more puzzled.

"For what, Kamaria?"

"For being an amazing friend, as usual." Kamaria was blushing. "I liked it when you complimented me during recess, I much appreciate it."

"Oh, it was nothing," Francis said. "Just being honest was all." The filly only giggled. The two ponies were almost home as they were entering the tiny neighborhood that the Moonchild and his family reside in. It took about two blocks to get home. As the two were stepping on the porch, Francis opened the door, and let his friend in. They saw the living room being empty while they could see some smoke coming out of the kitchen. It smelled quite nice as they could smell the grilled hay from the entrance. The two trotted up to the kitchen to see Mabel making food as usual.

"Ahh, hey Kamaria," Mabel smiled at her. "Didn't expect a surprise visit, but have a seat in the table."

"Hey, Mabel," the filly sat on one of the chairs. "Your son said you'd be making some tacos, and I'd like to see if you can perhaps make a taco or two for me if you can."

"Why, of course sweetie," the mother said in a charming voice. "I'll make you three if you'd like. Anything for you sweetheart."

"Thanks Mabel." The filly smiled as the colt sat next to her in the dining table. The mare grabbed some plates and then she put some tortillas on the plates and added some hay on top of them with some cilantro and onions. She then went back and forth twice to serve her son and his friend. She then grabbed two cups to give them some grape juice. As she grabbed the drink she also grabbed some pre-cut limes to give the two younglings. She was finally done serving them as she sat on the table to have a conversation about the first day of school with the two.

"So, how was school today, you two?," the mare looked at her son.

"I think the best answer to that is," the colt gulped. "It could have been a whole lot better. Of course, the only good thing about all of it was that Kamaria was with me the entire time."

"Aww, I'm glad I could have made it a lot better for you Francis," she smiled as she took her first bite of Mabel's tacos.

"I'm glad you could be there for him," the mother added. "Though, did the teacher teach you two anything?"

"We only learned about the alphabet and the numbers." The colt responded as he took a sip of his wine. "Soon, we will learn how to write each letter and number individually. But mostly it was us just trying to become friends with one another, which I didn't like, at all."

"I understand you are shy, my little Moonchild," her mother looked at him but she frowned slightly, "But you need to learn that sometimes when you shy away from everypony, you could come off as rude to them."

"I know that, Mabel, but..." as soon as Kamaria spoke, Mabel cut her off.

"I know sweetie, Francis is shy, and isn't quite social, yes I know." Mabel knows that her son means absolutely no harm especially when it comes to strangers. However, she was correct when she says that her son ignoring them and backing away looks quite disrespectful. "And Francis," the mare looked over at him now eating his taco. "Know that I understand you, you have always been my blessing since the day you came into my life. It was truly the happiest moment of my life. But you do need to make some friends. Now, I'm not saying make a lot of friends as you can. Not at all, my love. But a couple, or a few more would be enough. I know somepony other than the one that's right next to you eating my food would be very interested in getting to know you, because you stand out from other ponies. Remember those older colts we met near the town hall? They seemed to like you because you are, well, an alicorn."

"I... understand, mother," Francis looked down while eating his taco.

"Kamaria?," the mare asked the filly looking at her now.

"Yes, Mabel?," she was almost done eating her last taco.

"I know I shouldn't be making such demands as I am not your mother, but I do want you to help my alicorn make at least one good friend who you know has some interest in befriending our shy little colt here." She giggled as she found her son blushing. Kamaria, slightly chuckled.

"Alright, Mabel," she smiled at the mother. "I will do my best to help my friend out. You have my word!"

"Hmm, thank you so much sweetheart." The mare smiled as she got up and picked up the plates as the two were done eating.

"Of course, anything for the mother of my best friend." The filly wrapped her arm around the colt as he looked a bit down. It seemed like the colt was in a worried state. As soon as Kamaria noticed the colt, she looked directly at her. "Francis, why do you seem so upset?"

"I am not sure, other than the fact that I do not like what my mother wants me to do." Francis looked very anxious as Kamaria felt his arm shaky.

"I know," she tried to comfort him by scratching his shoulder. "Everything will be ok, Francis. Hey! Why don't we go watch some television with your mother." The two grabbed hooves and went to hang out in the living room. They sat down on the couch while the mother has the rocking chair to herself. Mabel was watching some sitcom show that was in the local channel. She did laugh a little at some of the jokes made during the show as it was about a group of colleagues. However during the show was airing, it seemed to have been interrupted by an upcoming news flash.

"NEWS FLASH!" The words were taking over the screen while the flag of Equestria was displaying in the background.

"We interrupt this program to bring you very important news for all across Equestria, and according to officials, potentially the entire world." A news lady was speaking. "There has been a sight of a black strange-like body to have been roaming across an alley near the downtown section of Canterlot. Authorities say that a lady was walking home after work when she saw a "shadow" moving in the alley when it dropped some liquid while moving, eventually, the body turned into a puddle and then proceeded to say that the puddle suddenly vanished. Investigators went to search the area for any evidence, but however, failed as there was absolutely nothing to investigate. Princess Luster Dawn, however, may know where this mysterious body could have come from, and how it found its way to the open Earth." The screen switched to a very worried Princess Luster Dawn.

"I'm sure we are all very worried, some confused, but rest assured I'm sure we will all be ok. How it came here in Equestria, that I don't have any information, and neither does Twilight, or any of the other princesses. Still, we please ask you to stay away from these creatures, and defend yourself if needed. Of course, we will keep everyone updated when we find more information on this creature. Stay safe, Equestria."

"Well, there you have it folks. Guess we were wrong after all. However, we will keep the viewers updated on this topic. Stay safe, Equestria." After the news reporter got done speaking, the news flash was over, and the show was back on.

"What was that all about, mother?," Francis looked at his mother while showing signs of confusion. His filly friend looked at her too.

"I have but no clue," replied his mother, also questioning what she just saw just then. "But we must do what we can if unfortunately the universe sends us these creatures. But I think we will be fine."

"I do hope we never see these things. It does look a bit scary." Kamaria frowned while looking at Francis.

"Me neither, dear." As the mother got done speaking, the two went back to watching the sitcom, trying to relax as they just watched some horrendous news.

************

As the Moonchild was getting ready for bed after such a mysterious, and anxious filled day, he thought about the amazing memories he had with his friend, Kamaria. As he smiled knowing the beautiful filly helped him relax when she could, he went to the window and stargazed again. It was a little cloudy, but he could see the stars all too well. He looked at the moon that was slightly lighting up the night sky, and he closed his eyes.

"Thank you universe," he spoke in his mind, trying to communicate with the universe. "Thank you, for sending me such a wonderful friend, who has understood me, respected my boundaries, and assisted me with all she could do." He then started to pray. "I beg you, universe, to keep me away from danger, and to protect me from these monsters I have witnessed. Thank you." As he opened his eyes, he stargazed a bit more, until he heard the voices again, this time, sending him more specific messages.

"Protect your mother at all costs."

"Love your mother. Never dishonor her."

Why were these voices saying strictly to watch over his mother? The Moonchild was trying to find out why. Maybe he felt like they were sending him the message as he wants to deny her request involving the alicorn to make new friends. He isn't aware, but whatever the reason they were telling him such things, he decided to go to sleep and to simply refresh as he seems very tired.