Out of Cadance

Chapters

1 - Dark Intentions
2 - Breathe
3 - A Tempo For the Day
4 - Many Questions, Few Answers
5 - Schoolmates
6 - Growing Days
7 - High School Heartaches
8 - Occult Pitstop
9 - Sometimes, It Doesn't Matter
10 - To Love a Doll
11 - In Dark Corners
12 - Chaotic Touches
14 - Chaotic Touches, Part Three
15 - In a Blue Moon
16 - Wedding Plans
17 - Cave Divers
18 - Storge
19 - Rumbles to the North
20 - Plotting and Scheming
21 - Ice Breaker
22 - He Comes
23 - To the Heart of Things
24 - Be Still, My Beating Heart
25 - Shake It
26 - Factory Recall
27 - Big City, New Eyes
28 - Just Like Us
30 - Back Home
31 - Project Initiated
32 - Construction Underway
33 - Birthday
34 - School Bell
35 - Foalish Endeavors
36 - Celebrate Good Times
37 - Mare to Mare
38 - Colts and Fillies
39 - Big Days
40 - Weighing Oneself
42 - Camping High
43 - In the Chill of Night
44 - The Times, They Are a Changeling
45 - The Times, They Are a Changeling Part 2
46 - I Will Protect
47 - Family Assemble
48 - The Hunt Begins
49 - Big Problems
13 - Chaotic Touches, Part two
29 - Where We Belong
41 - What Foals Do For Fun

1 - Dark Intentions

Cadance looked out her window with a sigh. Other foals had siblings. She did not. She ruffled her wings and lit her horn. She was a princess. She's earned that right, but it had brought her not a brother nor a sister.

"Hm." But which would be better, if she had a choice?

A brother would be loud and do boy things. Colts were a lot of trouble... No, a sister, for sure. Someone to share things she liked with. Cadance giggled at the thought. A little sister she could be the bigger sister of. That'd be nice!

A knock stirred her from her fanciful dreams. "Yes?" She hopped to the ground and scampered to the door with a clip-clop of her small hooves. "Is that a maid?" She grabbed the door's handle in her magic and got it open, on her second try.

Unicorn horns took practice, and she was still new at it.

What she didn't expect was a cowled pony dressed in dark tones. "Who are--" Cadance didn't get to finish the question, being grabbed and shoved somewhere cramped, where she could only smell her own fear and the fabric of the sack she'd been thrown into.

She could feel the bag bouncing around her as her assailant fled the scene, with her!

Cadance's heart pounded as she was jostled roughly inside the coarse sack. Fear and confusion overwhelmed the young filly. Where was this villain taking her? And why?

She struggled against the binds, horn glowing as she desperately tried every unlocking spell she knew, which wasn't many. But the magic suppressing rope only seemed to tighten more with each attempt.

Cadance blinked back tears, memories of her cozy castle bedroom already feeling distant. She thought of Celestia, of the guards and nobles that were surely searching for her by now. But even they couldn't track what magic couldn't touch.

The bouncing slowed to a stop. Cadance held her breath, listening intently as her captor's steps moved away. Were they finally letting her go? A tiny spark of hope flickered - then was snatched away as an ominous incantation echoed through the room. The blood drained from her face. That spell sounded dark and terrible, no joyful chorus of happy ponies.

"Please!" Cadance cried out. "Why are you doing this? I'll give you anything!" But her only answer was a bone-chilling laugh.

Strange magic soaked into her from every angle, peering, staring even. It felt like something was grossly violating her privacy in ways she didn't even understand. It was... like something was looking at her from every angle, even the inside. She was being examined in ways no pony even had words for.

With that information, a new body was forged, one for one, every little bit was copied over to this simulacrum, staring blankly out in the darkened place.

When the spell was complete, magic glowed on the sack around Cadance and ripped it free, allowing her to see the result.

Another Cadance was staring back at her, through her... No, they weren't looking at anything. They were just looking, straight ahead. There was no life there.

Around her stood six ponies with sneers. one clopped their hooves. "Stand." The copy of Cadance stood without noise. "Left." They turned left. "Right." They turned right.

The pony laughed darkly. "It worked... A perfect copy." They circled around the copy of Cadance, inspecting them. "Every last detail, perfect... Celestia will have no idea..."

Cadance shuddered, gaze locked on her lifeless twin. It was like staring into a twisted mirror - those blank eyes reflected nothing within. Just an empty vessel for this villain's schemes.

"You can't!" Cadance cried, struggling against her bonds once more. "I won't let you use her to get to Princess Celestia!"

The lead villain turned, a cruel glint in their eyes. "And who's going to stop us, little one?" They strode over to Cadance, tilting her chin up with a hoof. "You were merely the template. Now that your duplicate is complete, you have outlived your purpose."

They turned back to the hollow Cadance copy. "Dispose of her," they ordered casually.

The clone stepped forward, horn igniting. Cadance trembled, looking desperately into those cold eyes. Was there any trace of life to appeal to? Or was this shadow without a soul truly lost?

As the cursed magic built to a crescendo around her, Cadance squeezed her eyes shut, wishing with all her heart she didn't have to face this fate alone.

Elsewhere, in the vast nothing, nature abhorred a void. That other-Cadance was just that, an empty space. And into empty spaces, nature put things. It was just the natural order of things. Few could deny it for long.

There were infinite souls and minds flowing, each rushing to where they had to be. The suction of that void drew on the stream, yanking one free to hurtle through the void to a new destination.

Nothing planned it, and yet it had to happen. Was it fate?

The new Cadance blinked closed their eyes. On opening them, intelligence glowed behind them, a mind within. "What?" She spread her new wings. "Seriously, what?"

The ritual master scowled at the copy of Cadance. "You were destroying her. We have no use for her." He pointed at the original Cadance. "Go on. Show your loyalty, and your use."

The new Cadance blinked, gazing between her trembling original self and the sinister ponies surrounding them. Everything felt fuzzy, half-formed. But one thing was clear - she couldn't let them extinguish this scared filly's light.

"No," she stated firmly, much to the villains' surprise. She stepped in front of Cadance protectively. "I won't hurt her, or help you infiltrate Canterlot. Find someone else to do your dirty work."

The ritual master glowered. "You dare defy your maker?" He lit his horn menacingly. "I gave you form and function. You belong to me!"

New Cadance met his glare unflinchingly, even as shadows gathered around them. She had awoken disoriented, with no past or purpose. And yet now, she felt the first fledgling sense of self blooming within.

"I belong to no one," she retorted. "Now let us go, before I stop asking nicely..." She ignited her own horn, surprising herself with a protective fury that seemed to radiate from her very soul.

Whatever spell brought her here, she now had a say over her fate. And come what may, she would shield this innocent filly with her newfound life. "Back off." At the same instant as that second word, magic pulsed from her powerfully, knocking away the cultists nearest to her. "Not a request."

The original Cadance smiled with building hope. Her alter-self was a good pony! She was... maybe even better at magic than Cadance was? Not fair... But also it felt like a bad time to complain about that. "Untie me, please!" She wriggled in her bonds. "I'll help."

The new Cadance flared out her wings, taking flight above the unicorns in the cramped room. There was just enough space for her to soar over their heads. "We're leaving!" She grabbed the original in her magic, yanking them up to float with her. "Which way is out?!"

"I don't know!" Cadance wiggled her still bound hooves. "Anywhere is better than here."

"Anywhere it is." They vanished.

Cadance landed roughly in grass, rolling with the momentum with oofs and grunts. "Ow... Um... You still there?"

"Here," groaned out the new Cadance. "No creeps." The new Cadance rose to her hooves. "Now... Where am I? What am I? Who am I?" She walked over to the original Cadance and began untying them with a glowing horn. "While we're on it, what did I just do, and how did I just do it?"

Cadance shook her head, freed. "I don't know. I don't even know that spell. You can teleport?!"

Without panic, the new Cadance tried to do the spell again, but she had no idea how she did it the first time. "Um... not... working?"

Cadance hugged her copy. "Doesn't matter! Thank you. Thank you so much!"

The new Cadance frowned at first, but relief washed over her as a hesitant smile spread onto her face. Whatever mysterious power woke her into being seemed intent on protecting this innocent filly that was her source.

She rested her chin on young Cadance's head as they hugged. "Of course... I couldn't let anything happen to you." A warm, protective affection welled up inside. Was this what having a sister felt like?

Cadance eventually pulled back, looking up at her with watery eyes. "We have to get back to the castle! Princess Celestia has to know there are bad guys trying to copy ponies with evil magic!"

New Cadance nodded firmly. "Right!" She glanced around the misty forest surrounding them uncertainly. "...Which way is the castle?"

Cadance giggled in spite of everything. "This way, silly!" She grabbed New Cadance's hoof, leading the way down a worn path. "We're not far..."

New Cadance smiled affectionately as she followed her counterpart. She had many unanswered questions - chief among them, just who she was and why she'd been created. But for now, helping this spunky filly was purpose enough.

They came across Canterlot, both trotting up to the gatehouse.

The pony that worked there looked quite confused. "Um... Princess Cadance. Princess Cadance is standing next to you." He wasn't even sure which of the two he should be directing that at.

"I'm new." The new Cadance pointed at herself. "And a little lost, but we're together."

"And we have to get to the castle." They sounded exactly the same. This was natural, both having the same throats and everything else. "This is very important."

Cadance led the way inside, both winding through the streets, racing for the castle as one determined unit.

New Cadance slid in closer. "Ponies are pretty good at running fast..."

Cadance perked an ear at her new sister. "Yes they are. That's a funny question... What are you comparing them to?"

New Cadance frowned, just the clops of their hooves on cobblestones to keep them company for a time. "I had two legs and two feet, not hooves. I wasn't this fast. It's neat."

But there was a downside. A human could walk with purpose all day long. As a pony, Both Cadances were starting to pant for breath as they rushed up to the gate of the castle.

There were two guards there, equally amazed at there being two Cadances.

The guards glanced between each other in shock before one finally stepped forward. "Princess Cadance? Is that...also you?" He peered closer at New Cadance.

The original Cadance shuffled a hoof self-consciously. "It's complicated. But we need to speak to Princess Celestia right away!"

New Cadance nodded eagerly beside her. "There are evil ponies doing forbidden magic in the Everfree Forest!"

Original Cadance nudged her sister. "That wasn't there, I don't think. We were in the castle."

The guards shared an uneasy look. "Dark magic, you say?" One guard turned, signaling to the others. "Escort the princesses to the throne room at once!"

As they were swiftly led inside, New Cadance leaned in to whisper to Cadance. "Should we tell them I'm...not really the princess?" She still wasn't sure of her origins herself. Calling herself royalty felt strangely ill-fitting.

Cadance glanced back in surprise. "Of course you're a princess! You're me, silly!" She gave her a playful nudge. "And once Princess Celestia hears what happened, I just know she'll figure out how to help you..."

New Cadance smiled softly back. Cadance's innocent faith that things would work out was catching.

But there was Celestia, looming large over the entire throne room despite only occupying her throne in the middle of it. Her penetrating gaze upon both Cadance's. Her horn glowed softly as they approached, washing over them. Unlike the cultists, it was like the softest of feathers were brushing over them. Her magic was a kind magic.

"My little ponies." She leaned forward, somehow becoming even larger. "I can feel there is a... considerable story before us. Guards, bring drinks for these fillies. Then, please, tell me what happened."

Author's Note

We begin a tale. Come, walk with me. Where once there was one Cadance, now two. 7/14

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2 - Breathe

Armed with a tall glass each that they held in their magic, both Cadances nursed softly at the water.

Celestia smiled gently. "I would like to start by knowing if you are in danger."

One Cadance thrust her hoof up. "I don't think so, anymore..." She sipped from her glass. "They didn't expect us to get away."

The second nodded firmly. "They wanted me to hurt her!" She pointed at the first. "I said no. Why would I hurt her?"

Celestia inclined her head. "Who is it that wanted Cadance hurt?" There was no anger in her voice, no accusation. She was a kindly aunt, listening to her nieces. "I would not want either of you harmed."

"Thanks." The second Cadance sighed softly. "I don't know. A bunch of creepy ponies in creepy hoods."

"They were in the castle!" blurted out the first Cadance. "They got me to their secret room quickly. It couldn't have been that far."

Celestia scowled, not at them. She looked to her guards. "I want every stone turned until we find their lair." The guards saluted and marched off, even as others came to take their place. "Now... Did they hurt either of you?"

Both shook their head in harmony, not at all injured. The first Cadance grabbed for the second. "Only because of her. My sister refused to hurt me. She's the best sister ever."

The first laughed nervously, trying to edge away from the eager grasps of her 'sister'. "I wasn't... even..." How to explain? Even she didn't know what happened. Was she dead? Was that heaven? Or the other place? Either way...

She was a pony. A pony with magic, and wings. Pity she didn't really know how to use either. "They... made me. They cast a spell and made me. I don't know how to... me." She directed a hoof at a stretched wing. "Do these work?"

Celestis beckoned New Cadance over for inspections, feeling over her wings. "They appear to be in fine order. You just don't know how to use them, I imagine."

"I love my wings." Original Cadance flapped her wings with a giddy smile. "I'll show you. Auntie, can I go show her?"

"Not so fast." Celestia settled back on her chair with a sigh. "Let the guards finish inspecting the castle. I don't want either of you to leave this room, for now. I'm glad you're both alright." She pointed to a corner. "Would you like to see me be princess?"

Original Cadance rushed over and eagerly plopped down, watching.

New Cadance was less certain. "Um, okay?" She wandered next to Original Cadance. "We're going to watch her shout commands at people?"

"Auntie Celestia isn't that kind of princess." Old Cadance rolled her eyes. "She loves us all. Watch."

With things cleared, the next petitioner was allowed in. They were an earth pony with their hat in their hooves. "Ma'am, thank you for taking the time." He looked around furtively. "I was... I was hoping to open a shop."

Celestia perked. "How lovely. Here in Canterlot, I assume?" The stallion nodded. "Marvelous. tell me more of this store you would open. What manner of good or service would you offer there?"

He described his haven of paper and ink, a bookstore for those seeking such a thing. "Books helped me when I was a foal, ma'am. Reading them let me escape my little town... I hope I can pass that on to foals of the future."

Celestia's smile deepened at the explanation. "That sounds like a lovely idea... Have you a spot selected?" She could see the uncertainty playing over the stallion's face. "Speak to Raven. She is quite adept at such things. Dismissed."

Raven Inkwell, a proper unicorn with a floating clipboard, advanced on the stallion. "This way."

"But..."

"Sir." Raven inclined an ear at him. "She is giving you what you want, sir. I am charged with going over the finer details. She trusts me to my job, sir. If you would, this way."

He mumbled with confusion, but did follow Raven off to handle the rest of the request.

Celestia waved for the next petitioner to be brought in.

New Cadance watched the exchange with rapt fascination. So this was what it meant to be royalty - not just sitting on a throne barking orders, but listening to your subjects and guiding them towards their goals.

She glanced over at the younger Cadance, who was practically bouncing with excitement. "See? The princess takes good care of everypony! I wanna be just like her when I grow up."

New Cadance smiled softly back. In truth, she still felt lost, unsure of her role or purpose in this world she'd suddenly found herself in. What Celestia was doing felt kind and good. At least watching her was watching a good thing, right? "So... What's your name?"

"Cadance." Old Cadance giggled at the question. "We're both Cadance."

"We can't both be Cadance." Cadance looked herself over. "I need a different name."

"Aw." Old Cadance considered her double. "Well..." She rocked left and right. "I am Cadance. My specialty is love and connections." She focused her magic, forming a heart that floated over her head. "What's your specialty?"

New Cadance squinted at her double. She had magic, she knew that. She had already cast a spell or two. But that was in a frantic adrenaline fueled rush. Slowed down, it wasn't as easy. She focused on her new horn, making it glow the same shade as the other Cadance, but no heart appeared, or much anything else.

"From here." Old Cadance tapped at her chest. "From deep inside. Let it out."

"Let... it out." She focused on that horn and tried to turn the thoughts inwards at the same time. "What is in me... out..."

A heart appeared, but it was clad in armor, slightly studded in metal, looking more ready for battle than Old Cadance's defenseless but open little heart. "That... makes sense." New Cadance tapped her guarded heart, made physical. "I hate it... But it's not wrong."

Old Cadance let out a 'wow'. "Neat! Yours is awesome!" Whatever darker meanings the guarded heart could have meant, she missed it. "You're a warrior! You showed up at the right time and you kept moving just right to take care of the bad ponies. Measure, rhythm... tempo! Yes. Tempo."

"Tempo?" Tempo curled a hoof to look at herself as if her name would be branded on her arm already. "Tempo and Cadance." She snorted at that, it turned into a muted laugh, lest she interrupt court. "I like it."

"Good." Cadance grabbed Tempo in a hug. "I like you too."

Tempo colored with a mildly sour expression, but she accepted the hug anyway. "And now I have a silly little sister."

"Very silly." Cadance fell to her haunches. "A silly sister and a warrior sister. I like it. Now pay attention." She pointed to Celestia's court.

Tempo smiled as she settled in beside Cadance, determination rising within. She might still be figuring out this whole "having a body" thing. But she had a name now - and with it, the first fragile shoots of an identity taking root. Cadance believed in her, depended on her even. And that gave Tempo a sense of purpose unlike anything she'd known before.

She watched attentively as Celestia handled petitioner after petitioner, meting out wisdom and aid in equal measure. Soon, the sun began to sink below the horizon - time for night to begin.

As the solar princess prepared to withdraw, Tempo hesitantly stepped forward. "Will you find who took Cadance?" she asked softly. "And who made me?" Those loose ends still gnawed at her, but perhaps Celestia in all her ancient power could discern the truth.

Celestia gazed down at Tempo kindly. "In time, little one. For now, I think a proper room and bed is in order for our new princess..." She gestured to an attendant nearby who set about ushering the two fillies away.

Tempo glanced back even as she was led off, meeting Celestia's bright eyes. And in them she saw understanding, even compassion. But also something more calculating, something that whispered worries unvoiced.

Cadance tackled Tempo from behind, grabbing her up in a warm hug. "She already has a room! And a bed!"

Celestia inclined an ear at Cadance. "Does she now? Where is this?"

Cadance giggled as she hugged her new sister. "Sisters can share a room and a bed."

"They can..." Celestia sank down towards Tempo's level. "But only if that is what they wish, or all their parent can provide. As your caretaker, I could give you a separate room... Which would make you happier?"

"Her name's Tempo," spouted Cadance, rubbing against Tempo. "My sister, Tempo!"

"Tempo, hello." Celestia reached with both hooves. "Hello, Tempo. You are welcome here. Cadance has already taken you under her wing." That was a cue for Cadance to do that literally. "And I trust her judgment. If she accepts you, then I do as well. Neice, what room would you like?"

Tempo hummed with thought. On one hand, er, hoof, some space from Cadance would be... nice... On the other hoof, Cadance would be super sad if she just outright said she didn't want to be around Cadance... "Can we... share a room but have separate beds? I roll in my sleep."

"Then let it be done." Celestia rose to her tall height. "Get some sleep, both of you. The maids will bring the other bed shortly."

As Celestia withdrew, Cadance eagerly tugged Tempo along to her bright, cozy chambers. "We're gonna have the bestest slumber parties every night!" She bounced onto the fluffy bed, glancing back at her sister hopefully. "I know the maids will take a little bit to move a new bed in. Wanna snuggle up together for now?"

Tempo shuffled a hoof, warring emotions playing across her face. Truthfully, all she wanted to do was curl up alone somewhere quiet and try to make sense of this loud, chaotic new world she'd been plunged into.

But one look at Cadance's sweet, trusting face had her climbing up beside the filly. Cadance gave her life meaning amidst all the uncertainties around Tempo's origins. Was it really so much to endure a little closeness so that bright soul didn't lose her sparkle?

"Just until my bed gets here," Tempo murmured, nestling in hesitantly. Cadance rewarded her with a sunny grin, nuzzling up close before drifting off to sleep almost instantly.

Tempo gazed up at the dark ceiling, listening to her sister's gentle breaths. She looked to the door, suspecting it would burst open again at any moment. How did Cadance just... relax like that? How could she trust her bedroom when it was where she had been taken just hours before?

Tempo grunted to herself with annoyance. That was why she was there, right? She was the warrior to keep little Cadie safe. She was the Tempo to keep things flowing properly. "I won't let anypony grab you again..."

A knock came from the door and Tempo glared at it. Fortunately, it was a maid that came in, pulling a bed behind her. Another maid was behind it, pushing. Soon they wrestled it into position. They decorated it with a sheet, comforter, and pillows. Without a single word, they both bowed to Tempo and hurried from the room.

Tempo hopped down, peeking back at Cadance, yep, still sleeping peacefully. She hurried to the door. It had a lock. It wasn't locked. Tempo reached up and fiddled with her hooves until she got it locked properly. "Somepony has to protect you..." She fell to all fours with a releived sigh. "And... I get a bed." She circled around the new bed, looking it over. "It... isn't as fluffy at Cadance's..."

They had brought a twin bed for Tempo. Cadance was slumbering in the middle of a queen-sized bed.

Tempo huffed, tail lashing in annoyance. "Unfair..."

But there was one way past that... She blew out the lantern and hopped up next to Cadance. "One night..." She curled up with her new sister and soon both were safely dreaming.

Author's Note

I got permission to do this early, so I did, so there. Tempo is adorable, fite me! 8/14

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3 - A Tempo For the Day

Tempo hopped up, springing to her hooves with a lashing tail. Her sudden motions had stirred her sister with a mumble.

Even as Cadance struggled to awaken, Tempo jumped down and noticed a tall mirror. She trotted over and looked at herself. She was Cadance. Well, she was a copy of Cadance. She was pink, with her mane and tail showing other colors in long streaks. She ran her hooves through her mane gently, then brought her tail to comb along it.

"What're you doing?" Cadance hopped down, joining her. "We have to get ready, Tempo."

"For?" Tempo released her curious parts and turned to Cadance.

"Class, duh." Cadance rushed over to smooch her sister on the cheek, then vanished into a closet. "I'll wear..." She came out, adorned like a proper school filly. "Ta da!"

Tempo gave a single clap. "Not bad. Let me check." She reached with her horn. That was still a new thing, but so much less complicated than spells. She got a grip and turned the lock, then the knob.

Carefully, she peeked out into the hallway, looking left and right. "Looks... clear. Go ahead."

Cadance raised a brow at her sister. "You are very silly. I'm safe." She walked around Tempo to the hallway beyond. "See, no bad ponies here."

Tempo lowered both brows. "You were just taken, yesterday." She huffed. "Fine, trust your sister to keep you safe."

"I will." Cadance paused long enough for Tempo to get in range, then gave her a big hug. Just as quickly, she dashed down the hallway, giggling.

"Like it never happened." The worry of the day before, forgotten? Tempo walked along after Cadance.

A hoof came down on Tempo's back, right in the center. "I require--"

Tempo swatted the hoof away and bounced back, growling and ready to fight.

Celestia smiled gently. "You suit your name, little Tempo. A moment of your time? I have questions only you can answer, I feel. I have posted several extra guards at her classroom. She is safe, I assure."

Tempo glanced at Cadance, already turning a corner, set to get to class. "Alright... But if she gets in trouble..."

"I will accept full responsibility." Celestia stepped aside. "This way." She welcomed Tempo into a waiting room with a low table arrayed with snacks and steaming drinks. "Please, avail yourself." Her horn glowed as she closed the door. "Tempo, a fine name... Given by Cadance, was it not?"

"My sister gave me a lot of things..." Her entire body? Tempo shook her head. "Yeah."

"She loves you."

Tempo colored faintly. "You don't... need to remind me of that. I love her too."

Celestia sank at the table, floating up a cookie to take a delicate nibble of. "Do you? Little Tempo, you are a curious creature... I can see webs on webs of magic on you."

Tempo joined Celestia at the table, but didn't reach for a single snack, or any of the drinks. "Yeah? Then why am I still free?"

"Why would you not be free?" Celestia inclined her head. "You are Cadance's sister. She was quite insistent on that point."

"Yeah..." Tempo frowned. "But she's a filly. I bet she says a lot of wild things."

"You would not be wrong." Celestia snapped her cookie in half and floated the half not touched by her teeth towards Tempo. "Snack?"

Tempo didn't reach for it. "What do you see?"

"I see little more than a doll." Celestia leaned forward. "A doll that my niece loves very much. A doll meant to hurt my niece, but this doll cut its own strings. It now walks beside her and offers to be her shield. That is an unusual doll."

Tempo turned both ears back. "That sounds... scary... But you're letting me?"

"Should I not?" Celestia leaned in, sweet breath washing over Tempo. "You are loved. You love. The nature of this love... well, do we understand any love, truly?"

"You're getting philosophic..."

"That's a large word for a filly." Celestia sat up. "Which I don't think you are, truly. Doll named Tempo, you are loved, and you are welcome. I would wish to know more about you. Surely even you want to know about you, hm?"

Tempo shifted in her seat across from Princess Celestia, still wary even as the solar monarch gazed at her kindly. She had so many swirling questions about her sudden existence, but where could she even begin?

"I want to understand what I am," she started hesitantly. "Why I'm here, how I can do magic, everything. But it's all a confusing jumble." She met Celestia's ageless eyes questioningly. "Can you help piece together my origins, Your Highness?"

Celestia took a long sip of her tea before responding gently, "In time, perhaps my vision can uncover the truth shrouding your birth into our world. But creation magic leaves tangled trails that even I cannot easily unwind."

She set down her cup with a soft clink. "What I can say for certain is that powerful forces shaped you, dear Tempo. Great purpose stirring in your heart alongside young Cadance's love."

Tempo looked down at her hooves, struggling to grasp concepts still so abstract to her. Purpose and love swirled within, yes - but so did an aching unsettled feeling she lacked the words to express. Like she didn't fully belong anywhere yet.

"I want to protect Cadance, above all else," Tempo murmured. "But is that enough? Can whatever magic made me be satisfied protecting just one filly?" She met Celestia's luminous gaze helplessly. "What if that magic wants more than I can give?"

Celestia reached a wing across the table to gently envelope Tempo. "Have faith, little one. Your wings may still be unsteady, but your heart knows its way." She smiled softly. "Love and purpose shall guide your flight, if you let them..."

She sat back. "But, right now, I most wanted your consent. We can look, and discover. I will not give up on my niece's sister so easily." She winked suddenly. "That technically makes you my niece as well, and I shudder to imagine abandoning any niece of mine to the winds."

Tempo dared a little smile. "T-thank you. Um..." She rubbed at her cheek. "This will sound funny... But I'm younger than Cadance, and older... I don't think I'll fit in her class."

"I should imagine not. You are a special case." She reached, slowly stroking down along Tempo's mane. "You have special needs. For you, I suggest a specific tutor. But don't think that gets you around meeting other ponies. I will not raise a hermit." She had no idea she'd raise Twilight in her original state. "That job I will place in Cadance's eager hooves. Listen to your sister."

Tempo's smile grew. "I trust her." She rolled her eyes. "Unless it's about being safe. She's clueless."

"Entirely." Celestia threw one of the two halves of cookies into her mouth to crunch softly a moment. "Do you remember Miss Inkwell? Raven Inkwell? She will oversee your education."

"Ma'am?" A door behind Celestia opened, allowing Raven to poke her snout in.

Tempo pricked at the unicorn. "I remember her. Hello?"

"Hello." Raven stepped inside, sitting next to Celestia. "I normally attend to Her Highness' specific needs. She has instructed me that you are her needs for the foreseeable future."

Tempo glanced between Celestia and Raven, understanding dawning along with a spark of excitement. This poised unicorn would help uncover her origins and purpose? Finally, some real direction instead of swimming through endless uncertainties!

"I'm ready to learn whatever I can about myself, and this world," Tempo said, sitting up straighter. Raven gave an approving nod.

"We shall have to start from the very beginning, I think," Raven mused, levitating a fresh sheaf of parchment and a quill pen. "Have you any concept of history, mathematics, science? Can you read and write as of yet?"

Tempo blinked slowly, a creeping heat rising to her cheeks that she pushed back down. Of course she couldn't read or anything else Raven listed - she was born yesterday! But letting embarrassment take root would get her nowhere.

"I don't have any knowledge beyond recent events," she responded levelly. "But I'm a fast learner when it comes to skills, especially with magic I think." She lit her horn, levitating a nearby empty teacup just long enough to prove her point before letting it settle back onto its saucer.

Raven scribbled some notes down before flashing Tempo a Mona Lisa smile. "Well then! We shall start at the very beginning. I do so look forward to unraveling this little mystery here..."

She pointed the feathered end of her quill at Tempo, who couldn't help but grin back eagerly. The prospect of deciphering her existence suddenly seemed thrilling instead of terrifying. With mentors like these in her corner, perhaps she could earn the right to stand alongside Cadance after all!

Celestia cleared her throat. "Whatever her skills may be, that she is keeping up with this conversation should be taken into consideration. An 'old soul', as they sometimes call it. I think it applies here."

Raven tapped at her chin in slow motions. "We should start with a proper assessment. Your words could be concealing the truth, even from you. Math and reading levels." She tapped her hooves with each topic. "Philosophy and creative thinking. Puzzles and..." She could see Tempo was becoming intimidated, shrinking back.

"My apologies." She used her glowing horn to pet over Tempo. "We will start with the basics and see where you stand. You can't fail this. We are simply seeing where you stand."

Tempo leaned into Raven's reassuring touch, catching herself quickly and straightening back up. Seeking comfort still felt oddly unfamiliar, as natural as the instinct was.

"I understand this is an assessment, not a test," she murmured, meeting Raven's eyes. There was patience there, and academic curiosity instead of judgment. Tempo clung to that lifeline now extended to her.

"We shall begin simply, gauging your capabilities more than drilling hard facts," Raven continued gently. "Can you write the alphabet from memory, for example?"

She slid Tempo a fresh piece of parchment and an inkwell, likely a trivial task for any school-aged pony. But for Tempo, this would be a first glimmer into how readily she could absorb new information.

Brow furrowed, Tempo grasped the quill awkwardly in her telekinesis, tongue poking from the corner of her mouth. Letter shapes swirled half-formed in her mind, but like smoke they resisted capturing clearly. Still, she put ink to page, determined to impress her new mentor.

The results were shaky and blotted, misshapen at times. But when she finally set the quill down, every letter was represented, from A to Z. Tempo met Raven's gaze anxiously, praying she wouldn't find disappointment there...

Raven floated the paper in her magic, bringing it up where both she and Celestia could see it, and judge it. Several tense moments of quiet passed.

"Fascinating." Raven set the paper down and pointed to the P. "What is this?"

"P? Paul, Persimmon... Pole?" Tempo went through the first P words that came to mind.

"And this?" Raven pointed to Q.

"Q. Quit, Quill, Query?"

"I see." Raven glanced sidelong at Celestia.

Celestia popped the other half of her cookie in her maw. "It would seem your vocabulary is quite good, but your writing is... curiously off. You are saying the letters, but not writing them correctly."

"Easily fixed." Raven smiled, as if everything were fixed. "Let us move on to numerals and their functions."

She breezed through addition and subtraction, foalishly simple. Technically, Tempo was one of those. She blew past that.

"And now..." Raven led the way towards multiplication, then division. She began adding variables as they got into quadratics. "Enough."

Tempo jerked, surprised. "Enough?"

"Enough." Raven tapped the paper where the last equation was. "You know enough math for any pony not attempting a more specialized career. You may further pursue it, but that is beyond the guidelines I've been given. You have officially graduated school, at least in terms of math. I look forward to teasing out your other strengths, and weaknesses."

Author's Note

Tempo is being sused out. She is a curious creature, but Cadance adores her, and Celestia is willing to offer a wing. 9/14

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4 - Many Questions, Few Answers

When it came time for history, Tempo failed. She failed everything beyond what she had heard that precious single day of existing as Tempo. She had no idea how things worked, except when she did. She understood Celestia was the ruling monarch.

She understood what guards were and their function. She understood the idea of bad people and how they might be punished, though... "Arrest them. Maybe kill them?"

Celestia sat upright. "We do not... usually sort to such extreme measures. Only the very very worst have been subjected to anything close to that... And even those could be undone."

Tempo blinked softly, looking a proper foal a moment in her confusion. "How do you undo that?"

Raven cleared her throat. "We're being distracted. It is not your position to determine the ultimate decisions of the law. All you need to know is that killing is bad. Hurting other ponies is bad. Taking their things without their permission --"

"--is bad," cut in Tempo. "Obviously. Um... What's next?" She dared to take her first cookie in her magic, bringing it up for little nibbles.

She didn't see, or perhaps notice, the crumbs she was dropping to the ground in the act.

Raven looked over her notes. "I think I have all I need to begin your lessons. You are an interesting case, with some sharp peaks and other deep valleys. It will be my duty to raise those valleys upwards, but I feel you are an eager learner. This shouldn't be too difficult for either of us."

She rose to her hooves. "I will begin tomorrow. When Cadance goes to class, you will return here, and we'll start your education."

Celestia nodded to Raven as she left the room. "Education can feel intimidating, but it's not there to measure your worth, as a pony. We want to help you be your best."

"Am I a pony?" Tempo set her cookie on the table. "You called me a doll."

"I apologize." Celestia inclined her head. "What you are... physically, is less important than what your heart sings. You feel ready to stand beside ponies, as one, and I won't stand in the way of that."

Tempo flashed a smile, but it was quite short lived. "Then what am I, really? Why am I? Raven will teach me Where and When. How am I?"

Celestia curled a hoof at Tempo, a kind smile worn. "Only you could answer that last one, but I would like to know. How are you?"

"A little confused." Tempo tapped her hooves together softly. "It was easier when I was just worried about Cadance..."

"I don't meant this in a bad way." Celestia's horn glowed as she pulled a sheet out and set it up on a tripod. On the sheet was a drawing of a pony golem, insides exposed. It was a very detailed, mechanical, drawing. "But constructs, like you, tend to work in directs and absolutes. Having one thing to focus on is where most would prefer to be, though most don't speak preferences."

Tempo frowned slightly at the anatomical drawing, a vague unease surfacing. Constructs and golems - was that all she amounted to? Just something pieced together by an outside will, bound to a single driving focus?

"I don't feel like an empty machine," she said quietly. "I have thoughts, emotions, questions..." She met Celestia's luminous gaze. "Does a golem dream of the future? Imagine new possibilities?"

Celestia inclined her head thoughtfully. "You raise an excellent point, dear one. Perhaps I speak too soon trying to fit you in a box."

With a flick of magic, the anatomical drawing rolled itself up to be set aside. "You are still unfolding, it's true. And I shall leave space for that growth rather than premature labels."

Tempo smiled back hesitantly. She supposed it was understandable for them to be suspicious. A mysterious new entity tied to sinister magics? Caution was warranted.

But the way Cadance had embraced her so unconditionally echoed in her mind - innocent affection asking no difficult questions about Tempo's 'how' or 'why'. Just accepting the gift of her presence with joy. Could she earn that same wholehearted trust from Celestia in time? Or was she doomed to always be held at hoof's length as a potential threat?

She met Celestia's luminous gaze again, refusing to shy from it. "I don't fully understand myself yet either," she admitted. "But I hope as I learn, so too might you, Your Highness..."

It felt vulnerable opening up this way. But if she shut the mighty alicorn out, she suspected she'd always be gazing in from the fringes. Honesty and courage were her only paths forward.

But Celestia radiated only warmth. "You are that, but you are so much more. You have a heart. Golems do not have room for one of those, but you fit one." She leaned in, neck craning over the table towards Tempo. "You have room for questions, doubts... Worries. All things a simple golem would not have room for. You fit it all. It's no wonder to me you feel a bit... crowded." She nosed Tempo gently, nose to cheek. "You are a miracle, and one I welcome."

Tempo grabbed Celestia's snout between two hooves. "You're not scared of me?"

Celestia didn't resist the grab, allowing Tempo to hold her. "Should I be? As I said before, you love. You are loved. We both have questions, so many of them, but none of them are questions about that."

Tempo sighed as she released Celestia. "I feel like I should eat, but I am not hungry. I should drink, but I am not thirsty."

Celestia's horn glowed as she picked at Tempo as gently as possible, looking inside her. "Golems, dolls?" She frowned. "What term do you prefer? I don't want to make you flinch every time I speak of your body. It is just that, your body. You. You are more than that."

Tempo felt a smile breaking free, fleeting as it was. That she was more than her body felt so... encouraging... "Which is the most accurate?"

"You are a golem." Celestia reached for that diagram. "You began 'life' unthinking and unfeeling. Most golems never change from that course. Something changed that." She unfolded the diagram. "And made you a creature instead."

"Creature?"

Celestia perked an ear. "My apologies. A creature is any animal that speaks. A critter is any animal that does not. A monster is an animal that may or may not speak, but is dangerous regardless. You are a creature."

"Not a monster?"

Celestia reached with both hooves, scooping up the little filly that was also a golem. "Not a monster," she assured in a whisper.

Tempo relaxed into Celestia's embrace, some knot of tension easing its grip inside. She was still piecing together so many mysteries about herself, but Celestia's unconditional acceptance echoed what Cadance had shown her too.

Maybe she didn't fully understand the how and why of her existence yet. But with loved ones like these believing in her... "If I'm not a monster, what am I for then?" she asked softly, not pulling back from Celestia's hooves just yet. "You called me a miracle before... But was I meant for anything special?"

She thought of the cultists that had pulled her into being - their cruel plans to copy Cadance and infiltrate Canterlot. Tempo had turned on them, yes. But were more sinister threads woven into her origins?

Celestia gently stroked Tempo's back as she pondered the question. "I cannot claim to read every riddle in your making, little one," she eventually replied. "But I believe each creature comes to life with a purpose waiting to unfold."

Her horn glowed, summoning the anatomical diagram again. "What others intended hardly matters now. You chose your own path - just as your heart and talents shall guide whatever destiny awaits you."

She smiled down at Tempo warmly. "Stay true to who you are, dear Tempo, as you continue to discover her. The rest shall follow in time..."

Tempo nestled closer, gazing at the complex artwork. Once a blank template, now complex inner workings were revealed. Much like her own dawning soul.

"I'll try my best," she whispered back.

She noticed the pile of crumbs where she had been sitting. Who left that mess!? Oh... She did... Tempo colored, realizing it. "I... don't think I can eat."

Celestia followed Tempo's gaze. She swept up the crumbs and tossed them away with her magic. "Perhaps not. Could you taste it?"

"Yes." Tempo jumped down and grabbed that cookie in her magic. "I remember tasting it." She went over to the same trash Celestia had used and took a bite over it, allowing the crumbs to fall into it.

Celestia turned to keep Tempo in focus. "What does it taste like?"

"Buttery, sweet, light... It's a good flavor, I think..." Something about it tickled at some hidden past. But she had no past! She had just been born. Created? "I can taste it."

"May we do a little experiment?" Celestia sliced a thin portion of cake onto a plate and slid it towards Tempo. "Press that against your lips, but don't bite it."

Tempo looked confused a moment. What a curious experiment! "Okay..." She took hold of the plate with her magic and brought it over to touch her lips against. Flavor. She could taste it. "Oh... Carrot cake?"

"Carrot cake," warmly assured Celestia, wings unfurling. "Wonderful. What a lovely little trick we've discovered."

Tempo's eyes widened with fascination as she realized what Celestia meant. Her lips and tongue still had all the taste buds and receptors to savor flavors it seemed. Even if consuming food itself was pointless, she could still experience that simple joy.

"It's like kissing the memory of a meal," Tempo murmured after pulling back from the delicate cake slice. Already her mind raced ahead with this new discovery. "I wonder if it works for other senses too? Like smell, sound...感觉..."

She trailed off, nose scrunching in confusion. Had she just slipped into another language unexpectedly? The words had spilled out unthinkingly, yet felt oddly natural on her tongue.

"What was that last bit, dear one?" Celestia asked gently. "You appear to have tapped into something new..."

"I'm...not sure." Tempo's horn glowed as she summoned some jasmine tea to her nose, inhaling gently. The soothing floral scent filled her senses, memories flickering like heat lightning in her mind. "It was something about...sensations? I can't grasp it fully, it's too slippery..."

She looked up at Celestia almost pleadingly. "What's happening? Are there hidden things locked in my mind too?" Saying it out loud made her tremble slightly. Just how much had been written into her newborn soul without her even knowing?

"Calm... You are fine." Celestia stood up. "But overwhelmed, as any pony would be in this situation. Let's just be pleased at what we've learned today."

"What did we learn?" Tempo put the tea and desert down on the table. "That I'm not a pony like Cadance?"

"You are a pony." Celestia circled the table towards Tempo. "Whatever you're made of, you are a pony. My niece, in fact. And why would a pony have a niece that is not a pony as well? That would be quite absurd, don't you think?"

Tempo snorted at the strange logic. It didn't work like that, and she knew it. But that Celestia insisted felt like a soft balm on her confused heart. "Thank you... Aunt?"

"Aunt." Celestia sat before Tempo. "You may call me that. Aunt, Auntie." She smirked impishly. "You can get away with silly names like Celly. Auntie Celly. That'll make it quite clear we are close. I am no princess before you, just an aunt."

And Tempo was no golem, just a foal, in return... "I have so many questions..."

"And so few answers." Celestia kissed the top of Tempo's head, just beside her horn. "But we'll find them. Have patience, and know that we welcome you, even with the thousand riddles you represent."

Author's Note

Are we still going too fast? 10/14

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5 - Schoolmates

Cadance led Tempo along with a bright smile. "I told my friends all about you."

"Good things?" Tempo hastened to Cadance's side. "I only just learned things recently. We haven't even talked about them."

"About this brave pony." she bumped against Tempo gently. "--who rescued me, and did amazing magic."

Tempo felt heat rising. "Once... I couldn't do it again. I don't know how."

"And that's okay." Any problems there, Cadance didn't see. They emerged from the castle to a grassy clearing with other foals. They spotted Cadance and Tempo and waved in unison. "There's my friends now. Hello!"

A colt sat up. "Hey, Cadie. Tempo? Heard about you."

A nasally sounding filly nodded. "Nice to meet you. I heard you fought some bad ponies."

"And it was brave," noted a thinner colt. "Brave and amazing! I wish I coulda seen it!"

Tempo shifted awkwardly under the sudden attention from Cadance's curious friends, smiling hesitantly. "It, uh, wasn't really a fight," she murmured. "More like an accidental magical surge. I don't even know how it happened..."

She scuffed a hoof across the grass, memories of those confusing moments still a bewildering blur of desperation and protectiveness swirling inside her.

Cadance just grinned, giving Tempo an encouraging nudge. "You saved me from the bad ponies and that's what matters! However you made that awesome teleportation spell explode out."

The colt, Glyph, leaned in eagerly. "Would have loved to see something as awesome as that! Can you teach us the incantations? I've always wanted to teleport further than across the room."

He flicked his short tail, magic lighting his stubby horn as if ready to start practicing that instant. The snooty filly rolled her eyes but looked anticipatory too.

Tempo flushed, wings ruffling up under her cloak self-consciously. "I wish I could show you," she admitted, "but I was kinda just wildly making stuff up to escape at the time. No idea if I could do any of it again."

She dared meet Cadance's gaze, worried she'd be disappointed in her new sister's magical uncertainty. "Sorry to be such a letdown compared to the story..."

Cadance just slid closer and hugged Tempo. "It'll come back, I'm sure. You're still new." She squeezed Tempo tighter. "Love you... But, oh, did I show you the stick fort?"

She bounced away. "This way."

Tempo blinked rapidly, her sister's easy affection catching her off guard as it often still did. Then she hurried to follow the energetic filly, glad for any distraction from uncomfortable scrutiny, even if that meant...playing with sticks?

The stick fort proved to be little more than a lean-to constructed of long sticks leaning against the wall of the castle. Tempo touched one and it threatened to fall ovre. "Not very... secure."

Glyph huffed. "I told them that!"

Cadance pouted, arms crossing. "I didn't see you fixing it. Tempo, do you have ideas? You're full of great ideas."

Was she? Tempo turned her thoughts inwards, trying to find some kind of idea. Something good...

She wanted to protect Cadance. Cadance wanted a little fortress. Protect.

"Right." Tempo reached out and brushed the sticks, horn glowing as she almost soldered the sticks to the ground. She reared up and repeated it for their connections to the wall. They were no better looking, but they were far more secure. "How's that?"

Cadance's eyes widened. "Wow..."

"Woah," agreed Glyph. "You're a natural! Okay, no excuses! Show me how to do that one. You just did it. Please!"

Tempo blinked in surprise as the other foals gazed at her handiwork with impressed expressions.

"Oh, um, I was just reinforcing the structural integrity," she mumbled, scuffing a hoof self-consciously. Hardly an impressive feat compared to long-range teleportation.

But Glyph practically vibrated with excitement beside her. "You made it way sturdier with just a glow! Come on, you gotta show me how you shaped the magic so perfectly."

Cadance edged over to gently bump Tempo's shoulder. "See? You have lotsa special talents just waiting to come out, sister." Her grin widened. "Ooh, I know - you can help us make the fort bigger!"

She gestured across the clearing where a few small boulders dotted the grass. "We can use those rocks to build the walls up solid. But they're too heavy to move..." She blinked pleadingly at Tempo.

With the way both Cadance and Glyph gazed at her so hopefully, Tempo felt her reservations melt away. She was still figuring out so much about herself - perhaps she had underestimated her capabilities. And helping Cadance expand her little fort did sound gratifying...

"Okay, stand back everypony," Tempo announced, horn lighting up brighter. She focused on the nearest boulder, picking it up and floating it over to hover beside the fort. Though heavy, it felt almost natural manipulating its bulk psychically.

"Let me just fuse these into the walls..." She concentrated, melding the rocks seamlessly to the wooden frame. Soon a solid, fortified structure emerged from their efforts, just wide enough for the foals to fit inside.

Cadance's eyes shone. "It's perfect!" Before Tempo could react, the exuberant filly had tackled her in an ecstatic hug. "You're the best sister ever!"

Tempo flushed under the wave of affection, wings fluttering shyly. Creating magical constructs gave her a deep sense of satisfaction, and Cadance's unconditional praise warmed her heart.

"What's this?" barked an adult voice. Peeking out of their fort, they saw a guard scowling at them. "You're in so much trouble!" He pointed at the fort, and the wall it was attached to. "When Princess Celestia hears about this..."

Tempo's eyes widened as... Well, her heart didn't quicken. She didn't have one, but she could feel the tension. Had she ruined everything? "Please... I didn't mean..."

Cadance hugged her silently crying sister. "Don't be mean!"

The guard flinched back. "Mean?"

"Mean!" shouted Cadance, glaring at him. "She's still learning what she can do... and what she can do... Just... Just tell her."

The guard rubbed awkwardly behind his head. "Oh, um... Okay. Tempo?" Tempo looked up at him. "You are not allowed to make modifications to the castle. Do not do that again. Okay?"

"O-okay," got out Tempo weakly, shuffling her hooves together. "I'm sorry."

The guard smiled gently. "It's alright. Can you..." He pointed to the little extension Tempo had made. "Can you put that back where you found it, please?"

Tempo nodded hurriedly, blinking back anxious tears. She lit her horn again, levitating the boulders off the expanded fort walls and replacing them in their original grassy spots.

"I really am sorry," she mumbled. "I was just trying to help make Cadance happy." Her ears drooped. "I didn't know it was wrong..."

Cadance hugged Tempo's legs, gazing pleadingly up at the guard. "It's my fault too! But she wouldn'tve done it if I didn't ask for help with our fort. Please don't tell Auntie Celestia!"

The guard rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "There's no need for all that now. Just remember - no more castle modifications without clearance." He looked from one sad filly face to the other and sighed. "Tell ya what...how bout I show you the old fort in the barracks yard instead?"

He turned and beckoned them to follow towards the lower ramparts. There a collection of weather-worn towers and blockades stood, made of wood and stone. "All yours to play soldier ponies in if ya promise to leave the real castle walls alone from now on. Deal?"

Cadance gasped excitedly to Tempo. "This is way cooler anyway! Come on, let's claim the big tower!" She grabbed her sister's hoof, all woes instantly forgotten as she frolicked towards the crumbling but charming structures, their new domain.

Tempo followed gingerly behind, nerves still jangling from nearly getting them in monumental trouble. But the guard's warmth had left an impression on her - he cared more about understanding her intentions than punishing a foalish mistake. Maybe there was still hope an oddity like herself could find a place here too...

She stepped through an arched doorway into the spacious tower keep, gazing around at imaginary battles long faded now. Cadance's smiling face peeked out of various broken windows. "Our new fort!" the filly declared happily, and Tempo couldn't help smiling back. She may still have much to learn about restraining her powers, but at least she'd always fight to protect this precious sister of hers...

Glyph climbed to the very highest point. "I call this Fort Bravery!" He assumed the bravest stance he could think of. "Soldier Tempo!"

Tempo blinked, looking up at him. "I'm a soldier?"

"You are so long as you're in this fort." Glyph giggled with building warmth. "See to the repairs." He pointed at where little cracks had been forming. "I know you can do it, and we have permission, so no trouble this time."

Cadance stuck out her tongue. "She's my sister, don't boss her around."

"She's in the fort, she has to follow soldier commands." Glyph rolled his eyes. "That goes for all soldiers."

"Well..." Cadance got a scheming smile. "Then that goes for you too. Soldier Glyph, put up the flag."

"We don't... have a flag?"

Cadance raised a brow. "Then you'd better get one, Soldier Glyph. Soldiers have to follow orders."

"Yes, Ma'am," he deflated, defeated by his own logic. He scurried off in search of that flag.

Tempo giggled quietly as Glyph scampered off, before turning her attention to the crumbling fort walls. She lit her horn, magically sealing cracks and reinforcing weak points with smooth new stone.

Soon the tower stood firm and proud once more, flags flapping merrily from the ramparts where Glyph had managed to erect makeshift banners. Tempo gazed around their handiwork with satisfaction.

"All repaired for your approval, lieutenant," she reported to Cadance with a playful salute. She found herself settling comfortably into this fantasy role, a loyal soldier ready to bolster their company.

Cadance beamed, scampering over to inspect the fortifications. "Excellent work! Ah, but we must plan our defensive strategy as well." She leaned in conspiratorially. "I heard tale of a fearsome monster roaming these very woods."

She gestured to the shadowy trees encircling them. "As my second-in-command, we must protect Fort Bravery at all costs!" Splaying her tiny wings imperiously, she glared out at the forest like a commander sizing up enemy terrain.

Tempo instinctively moved closer to the filly, scanning the treeline for any sign of threats. "Don't worry sir, err, ma'am!" She lifted her chin. "I won't let anything happen to you or our noble fort."

She knew it was just foalish games, but some deeper part of her thrilled at the chance to be Cadance's protector again, phantom foes or no. If they were an imagination, Glyph showed no hint of it, glaring out at the thousand threats that faced them. "I say we should practice! We won't fight them off without being good fighters."

Cadance put a hoof to her chest. "I don't want to fight. Why can't we talk to them?"

Tempo inclined her head. "If they are monsters, it will be hard to... talk, sister."

Cadance's face fell at Tempo's matter-of-fact reply. "But Auntie Celestia says we must always seek peace before conflict," she protested.

She scuffed a hoof, glancing between Tempo and Glyph's determined expressions. They were ready to imaginarily battle whatever crossed their path, while she still clung to her ideals of harmony.

"What if the monster is actually nice and wants to be our friend?" Cadance tried hopefully. "Like in my favorite book where the little dragon just needed some love..."

She trailed off at their doubtful looks. Young as she was, the seeds of her talent for spreading love already showed in her endless faith and compassion.

Tempo stepped over to gently bump her shoulder. "You're right, we should give any new creature a chance," she conceded gently. "But we also need to be able to protect this place if needed. I promise though..."

She met Cadance's eyes. "I'll always try talking first before attacking. Okay?" It was the least she could do for her peace-loving sister.

Cadance's ears perked up. "Promise?" She held out her hoof eagerly. Tempo hesitated only a moment before twining their hooves and mirroring the motions of an oath. If it put that sunny smile back on Cadance's face, promise much anything...

Author's Note

In this chapter, foals act like foals. 11/14

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6 - Growing Days

Cadance stood firmly upright before a door. Celestia brought over a marker to swipe just above Cadance's head. "Lovely little niece, you've gained a considerable bit since last we checked." She pointed the marker at the new mark, then the old one a few inches below it.

Cadance did a little proud dance. "I'm growing, Auntie." She grabbed Tempo with the same glowing energy. "Check her next!"

Tempo turned an ear back. As lovely as things had become... With a soft sigh, she went for the other side of the same door, where there was only one mark.

Celestia brought the marker over, but made no mark. Repainting the same line, again, felt silly. "Hm... Cadance, dear, why don't you run along?"

Cadance had heard that tone before. "No."

Celestia cocked an ear. "I want to talk with your sister, about personal things."

Cadance remained attached to Tempo. "We're twin sisters. We have no secrets."

Tempo nodded at that. "There is nothing you could tell me I wouldn't want her to know."

Cadance burst into giggles, snuggling the smaller Tempo gladly.

Tempo smiled softly at Cadance's infectious laughter, but uncertainty still stirred within as she met Celestia's luminous gaze. However close she and her sister had become, a divide still lingered between herself and Equestria's ruler.

"We don't have to talk about it now if you'd rather not," Tempo murmured, scuffing a hoof. She hoped Celestia's hesitance signaled simple distraction, not lasting doubt. But the way the tall alicorn watched her - had something changed?

Celestia inclined her head gently. "I merely wished to spare you both saddening facts. But as Cadance says, you two are twins in spirit now." She gestured them closer and they clustered near, eager and apprehensive all at once.

"Dearest Tempo..." Celestia began slowly. "I know you've wondered at times why your growth differs from other foals. The truth is, what magic shaped you did not design a changing form."

She met Tempo's widening eyes with compassion. "You shall always be as you are - a filly in shape if not in years. I did not wish to burden you so soon, but Cadance's joy shows your spirits remain bright."

Silence hung between them a moment. Then Cadance nudged against Tempo fiercely. "That doesn't matter one bit! You're my sister no matter what." She blinked back sudden tears. "Who cares if you stay little? More importantly, we'll always have each other!"

Tempo sat on her haunches to cross her arms with a frown. "No." She echoed her larger sister's word in timber perfectly. "I'm already... I shouldn't be this." She pointed at herself. "I was made to... hurt her." She noses against Cadance's cheek. "Instead I protect her. I already don't follow that stupid magic."

Celestia smiled faintly. "You are a rebellious one, Tempo... But..." She reached out and ran her hooves over Tempo slowly. "You are... You are my beloved niece... But you are also a doll, a golem. A doll does not grow. Only living things do that."

Cadance huffed at that, joining in Tempo's obstinance. "Than build her a bigger body." Her tone implied it was just obvious. "Auntie, you're being silly."

Celestia blinked at that suggestion. "From the mouth of babes... But I'm not sure if that would... work." Still, she dares a smile, sitting up over the foals. "But if we don't try, how will we find out?"

Tempo's eyes shone with fragile hope. A bigger body that could keep growing? She turned to Cadance, hardly daring to believe. Her sister met her gaze with defiant optimism.

"It has to work!" the little pink filly insisted. She puffed out her chest. "Auntie is the strongest magical pony ever. She can make a whole new form for you, I know it!"

And though anxiety lingered around Tempo's heart, she wanted so desperately to share Cadance's confidence. If Celestia herself believed in this mad hope... What other choice did they have but to try?

"But what if..." Tempo began nervously. "What if I lose myself? What if making a new body erases who I've become so far?" A dozen fervid worries cascaded through her mind for what seemed the hundredth time since waking into existence that strange day.

Yet Cadance simply rested their foreheads together tenderly. "You are Tempo," she whispered, strong with conviction. "Nothing any silly spell does will ever change your heart..."

The tiny filly's faith rang loud in Tempo's mind, overcoming fear with its innocent melody. She turned to meet Celestia's kind gaze. "I'm ready if you are, Auntie... Let's bring this Tempo into full bloom."

Celestia nodded and rose to her hooves, horn flaring. White wings encircled Tempo as the air thrummed with gathering magic. "Have courage," Celestia intoned softly. "Your song is just beginning..."

Suddenly, the glow flashed blindingly bright! Cadance gasped as incandescent streams of magic spiraled Tempo into the air...

When golden sparks faded at last, Tempo hovered there transfigured - now a grown filly, early in her teen years, just as Cadance had reached. She stared at her new limbs in awe, then laughter broke joyfully from her lips.

Cadance cheered, rushing to hug her restored sister. And Tempo swept the gleeful little pony up in turn, heart near to bursting.

Celestia let out a breath, sides moving as she recovered from the considerable spell. "Tempo, you... What makes you 'you' is resilient, more than even I would have guessed. I felt it, even as I reshaped your shell."

Cadance nudged against her sister, returned to twin status in appearance. "So we can keep doing that each time I get bigger?"

Tempo turned an ear aside. A growing body would have been best, but... Maybe what they had arrived at was a close second best? She could look Cadance in the eye again, and that was way more important. "Thank you, Auntie."

Tempo gazed at Cadance, her twin once more, and affection swelled powerfully inside. True, she may never grow like a real pony. But the chill of being trapped tiny had lifted thanks to Celestia's gift.

"I can't thank you enough." Tempo met Celestia's luminous eyes. The tall alicorn had poured so much magic into restoring her adolescent form just to ease their worries.

Cadance grinned, bouncing eagerly around them. "This is perfect! Now we get to be the same again." She popped up between Celestia and Tempo, gaze pleading. "Does this mean Tempo doesn't have to go to school anymore either?"

Tempo blinked in surprise - in the joyful rush she'd nearly forgotten how her lessons had continued setting her apart daily. A wistful smile found her lips. "I guess I am about the same level as you now, sis..."

Celestia snorted with a little smirk. "You stopped going to foal's school, Cadance. That does not mean you're done with school, young lady. You are both headed to the next level." She clapped her hooves together. "You'll be challenged, but it will be fun. You'll learn whole new things and meet new ponies."

Both fillies looked uncertain, but the nature of it varied, with Cadance wondering at the classes and what new friends she might make. Tempo was thinking of how to protect Cadance in a new place.

Celestia reached out to boop Tempo on her snout. "You. You have a choice."

Tempo blinked, eyes focused on the hoof on her face. "What's that?"

"You could not go." She drew the hoof away. "A choice, I admit, I doubt I see you taking. You don't need to go. Raven has assured me you are now educated. The valleys, if you remember them, have been filled in. On the other hoof--"

"No! No way!" Tempo crossed her arms before stomping her hooves. "I'm going with Cadance to her new school."

Cadance brushed against her sister. "You're the best! If you know this stuff, you'll help?"

"Yes, of course." Tempo smooched Cadance's cheek. She'd also protect Cadance from everything, but she didn't mention that part. "I am ready."

Excitement trembled in her voice. "Maybe out there I can finally uncover my full purpose!"

Cadance nodded vigorously beside her. "Ooh, won't it be fun figuring out our special talents together?" She mimed scanning a cutie mark onto her flank. "We'll have the most awesome class adventures, I just know it!"

What neither predicted was that a growing Cadance wanted to start being useful beyond being an adorable filly. She started foalsitting for a filly as small as she had been when she found Tempo.

"Sunshine, Sunshine,
Ladybugs awake.
Clap your hooves
And do a little shake!" sang out all three of them.

It had taken Tempo a few times hearing it before she got it down perfectly, but they ended with all three of them shaking their rumps at one another and laughing.

Twilight rushed off to read a book she was captivated by, leaving her foalsitters behind.

Cadance raised an ear at her sister. "You don't have to come with me to Twilight's. This is a one pony job, promise. I have this."

"I have you." Tempo gently embraced her sister. "I know you can do this. You're very talented, sister."

Cadance colored faintly. "Thank you, but..." She was growing enough... "Eventually, sis, we're going to do things the other can't be there for."

Tempo slowly inclined her head. "What would those be?" But Cadance had no answers, just blushes, leaving Tempo a bit confused. "I will protect you. I promised you."

Cadance nuzzled Tempo gently on the chest. "I love you so much, but if I... Twilight!" The conversation broke as the two scrambled to stop Twilight from doing something ill-advised.

Tempo helped Cadance wrangle the energetic little Twilight, but her sister's words lingered in her mind. Doing things apart...somehow the thought filled her with unease. Hadn't she vowed to always stand by Cadance's side?

Yet the subtle changes in Cadance as she grew didn't escape Tempo either. A gentle wisdom taking root, and slowly spreading wings longing to soar free.

Tempo blinked back an anxious prickle. Cadance deserved to find her own path, as much as Tempo still craved the purpose caring for her twin gave.

Perhaps the time was coming where she must test her wings beyond just being Cadance's sworn guardian. The idea terrified...yet didn't a seed of restless curiosity live inside her too? Wanting to discover who Tempo was in her own right?

She gazed at her cutie mark - the same heart emblem Cadance bore. Two twins reflecting one cutie mark between them... But that was how she was made.

For the first time, Tempo dared wonder what talent destiny might unveil if she stepped fully into her own...whatever that meant without Cadance to define her.

A tear dripped from her. Why did a doll cry? She'd shed tears a few times in her life, and they'd always confused her. If she was a doll, how did it even work? She wiped a leg over her stinging eyes. Such thoughts did little to make the tears stop. She felt bad, and she cried.

She forced a smile despite it. "I have so much more to learn." She trotted after Cadance to resume helping with Twilight. Abandoning her mid-foalsitting session? That was just a step too far.

Foalsitting brought smiles all around once more as they played and laughed together. But Tempo now saw the subtle ways Cadance guided young Twilight too - gentle encouragement here, a teaching moment there. Already she had the heart of a teacher and mentor.

Bittersweet pride swelled in Tempo's chest. However much she craved things to remain unchanged between them, Cadance clearly shone brighter leaning into her burgeoning talents.

So Tempo would adapt in turn - find some new harmony that still kept her twin close while giving space to fly free. She just needed to uncover her own latent gifts fate surely meant for her beyond playing guardian.

The answers eluded...but Tempo would seek them with renewed fervor. For both their sakes.

Author's Note

They're growing! More bumps are on the road for Tempo. I bet you can guess at least one of them. 12/14

Join the special community of folks who like my stories and/or get your own here at atreon!

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7 - High School Heartaches

Tempo guarded Cadance. This was a constant, far beyond arguing. One may as well try to deny the sun in the sky. When a stallion gave Cadance a funny look, Tempo took note. There were many stallions to take notes about. Cadance was growing more and more enchanting, and they were noticing.

But there was one little thing she didn't plan on. She was just as pretty. Her attitude wasn't the same radiance as her sister, but her body was a copy.

Stallions noticed her, but Tempo didn't notice them, too busy watching Cadance.

There was one specific stallion that kept looking at Cadance. He was a danger.

She roused to action, ready to protect her sister. Poor Shining didn't expect to get shoved against a locker with Cadance glaring at him. Wait, no, that wasn't Cadance. "Tempo?"

Tempo's tail gave an angry lash. "Why do you keep staring at Cadance?" Tempo leaned in. She didn't breathe, so there was no angry breath to use as a weapon of intimidation. "If you're planning to attack her, you have to get through me."

"What? No! No way!" He crossed his arms in front of himself.

"But you keep watching her." Tempo squinted suspiciously. "You monitor her movements, but you aren't her friend. You barely talk to her. You get..." She drew a hoof back, hovering in the air. "What are your intentions?"

"Um..." Shining ducked under her remaining hoof and scooted away a few steps. "It's none, um, of your business."

"I would disagree." Tempo followed at a slow, purposeful, walk. "I will protect my sister. Cadance will not be hurt."

"I don't want to hurt her." He laughed tensely. "I'd never want to do that..."

Tempo halted her advance as Shining laughed nervously, realization slowly dawning in her eyes. "You...don't want to hurt Cadance?" she clarified.

At his vehement head shake, she peered closer, taking in his faint blush and shy smile. Comprehension clicked - she had seen similar moony looks on the faces of castle guards when the object of their affection passed by.

"Ohhh," Tempo uttered, tension easing from her frame. She gave Shining an appraising up-and-down glance. "You wish to court my sister then."

It wasn't really a question, but he sputtered out a response regardless. "Well I - she's just so - I mean, all the colts think she's-"

Tempo tilted her head, waiting for him to collect himself. She supposed she couldn't fault the poor boy for being flustered in front of her rather imposing double.

"I just think she's really nice, that's all," Shining finally mumbled. "Super pretty and sweet..."

He risked meeting Tempo's gaze. "I get that you're protective of her. But you don't have to worry about me, honest!"

Tempo considered him a moment longer before allowing a little smile. "Very well then. But Cadance's safety is still my first priority..." Her eyes glinted. "So you'll have me to answer to if you upset her."

She held out a hoof to shake. "But friendship first, monitoring second," she added in a lighter tone. Perhaps she could give this bumbling colt a chance - for Cadance's sake if nothing else.

Shining looked immensely relieved, eagerly accepting the hoofshake. "You got it! And maybe we could even all hang out sometime too?" He smiled hopefully. "Could use all the tips I can get on how to get out of the friendzone..."

Tempo blinked. "That's a new word." She glanced at the other students milling past, a few watching what had been a confrontation. "What does it mean?"

"Uh!" Shining looked like he desperately hoped for a hole to fall into. "Well... Um... She knows me..." He tapped his hooves nervously. "But not much more than that... I want to be more than just 'a pony she knows.'"

"You can't be her sister. You're not a mare, and that's my job." They weren't accusations exactly. Tempo was just noting facts. "Her brother?"

"No, no..." Shining laughed tensely. "You are very intense."

Tempo smiled at that. "I care about my sister. I will protect her. What relationship are you trying to get?"

Shining sank against the lockets. "There are too many ponies watching us..." The crowd was slowly growing. "Can we go over this, maybe... after school?"

"Alright." Tempo walked past him, looking confident that she had done her part for that moment.

Shining wiped his sweating brow with a swipe of a foreleg. "Wow..." He hurried to the next class with a nervous laugh.

A pony stood in front of Tempo. "You are in the way." Tempo pointed past him. "I share the next class with my sister. I need to be there."

"I was, uh..." The stallion rubbed one arm with the other hoof. "I'm in that class too."

She thought back. Yes, she'd seen him before. "And?"

"I was hoping for some help." He smiled with that hope. "You seem to understand it really well, um... If you have time?"

Tempo considered that. "You could... join our study sessions."

"Yes! Please? That'd be great." He did a little canter in place. "You're the best!"

"You are..." She rolled her hoof at him, waiting for his name.

The stallion blinked in surprise before chuckling. "Oh right, guess I got ahead of myself there! I'm Prince Blueblood - we have Magic History together."

He smiled winningly and Tempo faintly placed the brash, charismatic colt who often dominated class discussions, albeit not always accurately. She tilted her head as he prattled on eagerly.

"So yes, I could definitely use some help before finals. All the study groups I try to join tend to just turn into social hour." He laughed. "Not that I mind too much! But the exam is going to be brutal..."

He trailed off hopefully and Tempo considered for a moment. An opportunistic social climber he might have been, but an extra study partner could prove helpful...

"Very well, Prince Blueblood," she decided. "You may join our group..."

But perhaps it was destiny itself that neither mare noticed the attentions of the stallion chasing after their heart.

Tempo proved to be a harsh teacher. Cadance was her beloved sister, so she was gentle as a habit, to her. Blueblood had no such protection. She barked at him each time he got something wrong if she had told him better before. "Are you paying attention?"

She leveled a hoof at him accusingly. "Sometimes, I am uncertain. We went over that yesterday, and a week before that. Now, I give you a chance." She settled to her haunches. "Tell me the answer. I know you are aware of it."

"I say..." He glanced aside at Cadance, not being so grilled. "She is... demanding." He cleared his throat though and frowned with thought. That he got it right seemed clear, as her yelling eased.

She went right on to the next topic. For as harsh as she was, she was just as eager to compliment her students when they got something right, especially when they surprised her.

Cadance leaned in towards her tutor. "Don't be so mean to him," she whispered.

"Mean?!" Tempo was not quiet. "I'm not being mean. He asked me to help him. I'm helping. His grades have been steadily improving."

Blueblood chuckled softly. "I can't argue that, madame, but you are a little, shall we say, prickly?"

"Just a little." Cadance held her hooves close.

"Because he doesn't listen otherwise." She focused on Blueblood. "Why are you looking at us? That page doesn't look completed."

He squeaked, returning to his work. "Yes, ma'am."

Cadance laughed in gentle musical notes. "Sister, how did you tame him? Prince Blueblood is renouned for being a pain in every back end he's run into."

"Hey."

"Back to work." Tempo glared at him the moment before he resumed the classwork. "He seems entirely reasonable, if in need of a guiding hoof. He has good taste. That's why he's here."

Cadance's laughter only raised in volume. "Sister!" She threw an arm over Tempo, hugging. "Sister... That was so prideful, I'm dying."

"Was it?" Tempo flipped an ear back. "I'm sorry?"

"Don't be." She shoved Tempo gently. "I love it. You're really growing into your own pony, and I'm entirely behind that." She folded her arms. "And I like this Blueblood. Not like the bratty colt that spilled a drink in my mane."

Blueblood colored sharply. "Ma'am! That was... We were very young at that time, before... um, Tempo."

Cadance waved it off. "I'm not angry anymore, and you're much better now. Look at us, all in the same room and I don't want to hurt you."

Blueblood squeaked. "You wanted to hurt me?!"

"I'm joking." Cadance leaned in with a smirk. "I would leave that to Tempo, if it came to it."

Tempo watched the easy back-and-forth between her sister and their study partner, still getting used to Cadance's mature playful side emerging as she grew older. There was a warmth there she hadn't expected.

"I suppose Prince Blueblood has proven himself an apt pupil, if still needing firm guidance," Tempo remarked. She eyed the stallion critically. "But be assured, one hoof out of line around my sister..."

She left the threat dangling, horn glinting. Blueblood gulped audibly, nodding so hard his expertly coiffed mane bobbed.

Cadance just laughed again though, gently bumping Tempo's shoulder. "Oh I don't think we'll have any worries there! Why, I think his manners have quite improved thanks to a certain strict tutor..."

She grinned impishly at Blueblood and he managed a shy smile back beneath Tempo's harsh gaze. Tempo blinked in surprise - when had these two grown so familiar without her noticing? Still, she was glad to see Cadance coming into her own confidence.

"Yes well, I suppose I can restrain from turning him into a toad...for today," Tempo allowed. "Now! Back to memorizing important unicorn innovations of the classical era."

She levitated their hefty history textbook over, letting it thump heavily onto the table before them. Blueblood sighed, but it sounded more playful than the exasperated huffs she'd initially elicit from him.

Cadance caught Tempo's eye, giving her a little grin and wink. Despite herself, Tempo had to fight back an answering smile.

Surprises only kept coming in school. Just when Tempo felt she had things worked out nicely, things changed.

Cadance burst into their room, giggling. "I have a boyfriend," she sang, dancing in place. "He's such an adorable little nerd! I love him so much." She hugged herself with happy little sighs. "Oh."

She stood up. "You might now know him. He's a little quiet outside of his little clique. Shining Armor? Cutie mark of a shield?"

Tempo tensed. That colt?! She had lowered her guard for just a moment, it felt, she let that pony just walk past her...

"You know him?!" Cadance had picked up some part of Tempo's surprised reaction. "Great! I hope you two will get along, because expect to see him around here more often."

Tempo forced a mechanical-sounded laugh. "Of course..." She rubbed her cheek softly. "You already have a pony you love."

"I have many." She began tapping her hooves as she counted, "You, Auntie, some of the wonderful ponies that help us around the castle, our dearest friends... Why?"

Tempo frowned softly. "I... Celestia is very dear to me, but none have the same spot as you, Sister. You are the one I love."

Cadance blinked, crashing to her haunches. "Oh... Tempo... Dear Tempo." She reached a hoof, running slowly over Tempo's cheek. "You are my sister. The connection we share will never be replaced."

"So you don't need new ponies to love?" She looked so hopeful, eyes glimmering.

"That isn't what I said." Cadance headbutted Tempo gently, horns jostling. "They are different kinds of love. Tempo, please... Help me. I need your support. This is a new step for me, and I want to take with you. Will you protect me?"

Tempo let out a sigh, despite not breathing. "I will always protect you."

As if that was ever in question.

Author's Note

They're growing! More bumps are on the road for Tempo. I bet you can guess at least one of them. 13/14

Join the special community of folks who like my stories and/or get your own here at atreon!

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8 - Occult Pitstop

"I don't see the educational value in this." Tempo was wandering down the aisle of the carnival. There were games on one side, junk food on another, and attractions just over there.

Loud music encouraged levity in the ponies there. The smell of popcorn and cotton candy filled the air, jostling against the candy apple stand they were wandering past. In the distance, ponies screamed on a thrilling ride.

Cadance laughed, nudging against Shining Armor, her obvious date. "This is for fun."

Tempo glared at Blueblood, who squeaked in fear. "You said this was for education."

Blueblood laughed nervously. "I... Um..."

Cadance turned to get Tempo and Blueblood in her view at the same time. "Blueblood, you need to stop lying. Tell her."

"I say..." He curled back, tongue thoroughly tied.

Tempo whirled on Cadance. "Tell me what?!"

Shining snickered softly. "He totally likes you."

Tempo blinked softly. "We are friends, that's to be expected."

Shining shook his head. "Not that kind of--"

Blueblood crashed into him. "Silence, you fool! Let me... tell her properly."

Cadance clapped her hooves. "Please, go right on ahead." She grabbed a box of popcorn to eat some, ready to enjoy the show.

Tempo blinked slowly, glancing between the furiously blushing prince and her grinning sister. Comprehension was just beginning to dawn as Blueblood stammered, shooting pleading looks at Cadance.

"I, ah, may have slightly stretched the truth about today's...educational agenda," he finally managed. "But only because I wished to, well..."

He scuffed a hoof, looking ready to melt into the carnival floor. Tempo tilted her head, surprise shifting to something gentler. She hadn't noticed before how boyishly charming his flustered expressions could be.

"Out with it, Prince Blueblood," she pressed, but kept her tone free of its usual sternness. "Did you want to discuss something...just between us two today?"

Heart thudding, the prince risked meeting her violet eyes. "Tempo, I...I greatly enjoy all our time together. Studying with you has been the highlight of my days for a while now and I..."

He trailed off, a shy yearning writ across his face. Tempo felt something stir in response, a fluttery warmth she hadn't experienced before. Without the abrasive front he put on in public, this earnest, sensitive side of him rather appealed to her.

"I was hoping to get to know my fair tutor better beyond just academics," Blueblood managed softly. "If you might honor me with the chance for, perhaps, an outing or..."

His voice dropped to a mumble. "...or a date..."

He cringed as soon as the words left his mouth, bracing for certain rejection or mockery. But Tempo found herself smiling, a blush rising to match his. The sounds of the carnival suddenly felt far away leaving just the two of them hovering there.

"Just a chance is all I ask," he repeated weakly into the silence. Heart hammering, Tempo stepped forward to gently bump his shoulder.

"Well, as we're already here among the ring tosses and confections, perhaps we shall see if this outing counts enough to start with?"

Blueblood looked ready to faint in relief. Behind them Cadance silently punched the air in triumph while Shining just grinned like he'd won big at the races. Tempo shot the two a wry but grateful smile before turning her attention back to the elated prince at her side.

"There are things we must discuss." Tempo suddenly stole Cadance's box of popcorn in her magic. "I am not a normal mare. You need to know this if you intend to court me."

Blueblood inclined his head, confusion mounting rapidly. "I've been around you for some time, my dear. You have some interesting tics in your speech and behavior, but nothing outside the bounds of normalcy, I assure."

Tempo brought a popcorn to her mouth, touching it. It was enough to get a taste of it. "Middling quality. They overcooked the butter." She pressed the box back to Cadance. "I am a pony, but I'm not a pony."

"You are... but you are not?" Blueblood looked between Tempo and Cadance. "Um... You appear to be a lovely pony. A princess, in fact. I could scarcely imagine a more lovely pony."

Shining tapped at Cadance, slurping at his cup of soda. "What is she talking about? Is she just being weird about something normal?"

"Not exactly." Cadance wrapped an arm over Shining. "But, since you're here, you should hear this too..."

Tempo grabbed Blueblood's right forehoof and drew him closer with it. "I am my sister's sister. But." She pressed that hoof against her chest. "What don't you feel?"

Blueblood was red as one of those candied apples. "I... say... Um..." His heart thundered in his chest. He was touching her, and not a casual brushing. She was holding him right against her. It felt...

Wait.

As hard and loud as his heart was pulsing, his hoof, it felt... nothing. She was soft, she was lovely, but there was no thumping there. No heart was replying to his press, even when he leaned curiously in, pressing with his own strength instead of casually accepting her pull. "Ma'am?"

"I am a doll." Tempo inclined her head. "If you want... to... have a foal... I am probably the wrong pony to court."

Shining blinked slowly. "Um... is she joking?"

Cadance squeezed Shining firmly. "She is not. That is Tempo. She is a pony, and a doll."

"I say..." Blueblood drew his hoof back, standing upright. "May... I have a little time to... process this?"

Tempo turned away. "Take the time you need." She marched away, leaving the rest alone.

Cadance slid in next to Blueblood, leaving Shining alone a moment. "Not the right words."

"They were the honest words, ma'am." He rubbed behind his head. "This is quite the reveal... Please, a moment." He turned away from her, marching off towards the entrance of the carnival.

Cadance sighed. "Lovely..." She went back to Shining's side. "They both need room, but are you up to some fun?"

"With you? Always!" He kissed her cheek with a smile. "But I have questions."

She snorted, the two walking off together.

Tempo couldn't leave. That would have been abandoning Cadance, and she protected her sister. If she wasn't sure of anything else in the world, she knew she did that, which meant not leaving.

"Miss." A pony, dressed in an ornate hoof and flowing clothes was seated before a crystal ball she rested her hooves on. "You look in need of my services."

Tempo paused, turning to the stranger. "What services are you... offering?" She looked up to the sign above the mare. Fortunes Told, Past Lives Discerned, Love Lines Untangled, or so claimed the sign.

The fortune telling mare smiled knowingly. "I can feel you are in dire need of what I have. Come, sit. Let's begin. Is it a love problem that sends you past me today?"

Tempo jerked with surprise. How did that stranger know that?! "Um." She sat across from the mare. The chair was simple, but functional, beneath her. "So... Which will you be doing?"

The mare tapped gently. "That is partially your choice." She turned a hoof flat-side up. and inclined her head at a smaller sign with prices.

Ah. Right. Many things took bits to make happen. Tempo was a princess, she had those. She willed out her bag of bits and fetched a few to put on the mare's waiting hoof. "Let us begin."

The fortune teller smiled in satisfaction as she made the bits vanish with a flick of magic. "Very good, very good! Now, what question weighs most heavily on your mind today?"

She gazed at Tempo over her crystal ball, taking in the tense set of the princess' shoulders and her brooding expression.

"Affairs of the heart, I sense," the mare declared, not waiting for a response. Her horn lit as she waved it over the crystalline orb. "Reveal this one's romantic troubles..." she intoned mysteriously.

Shadowy shapes swirled within the orb but Tempo could discern no clear images yet. She leaned forward, curiosity warring with skepticism inside her.

"I see you carry a great protection in your heart...towards one so dear, so precious." The fortune teller nodded knowingly. "A love ever reaching outward, not inward."

The smoke cleared just enough for Tempo to glimpse herself shielding a smaller figure - was that Cadance? before it obscured again.

"But now tender shoots turn towards you, wishing to bask in your radiance..." The smoke rippled. "Two colts, is it? Young hearts hoping for the light of your love in return..."

Blueblood and Shining's anxious faces appeared briefly. Tempo reared back in surprise. Fortuitous guesses or something more at play here? Either way she found herself drawn in...

"Yet you guard your own heart fiercely. What scares you so?" The fortune teller tapped the orb, its surface clearing to reflect Tempo's own conflicted features. "Tell Madam Silverleaf what troubles you, my dear. Let the cards guide us to discern your romantic fate..."

She pulled out an ornate deck as Tempo organized her turbulent thoughts. Could this strange seer truly unravel the tangled threads of her heart? She steeled herself, then began hesitantly... "There are things about me, my very nature, that may prove difficult for a suitor to accept..."

Tempo frowned faintly. "Shining had better not have interests in courting me. That would hurt Cadance, and I would hurt him."

Silverleaf laughed musically. "How terrible your anger is." She placed down the first card. "Let's look into your past first. It's what put us here." She turned the card over and paused. "How interesting..." She looked up at Tempo. "Do you know your past? Where you came from?"

Tempo thought backwards. "I..." She was created, but she was created for a reason she immediately rebelled against. Where had that come from? "I don't entirely know..."

Silverleaf set her cards down and moved her hooves over the orb. "Then it is time to ask the spirits. They allow us little glimpses." She wagged her hoof in request.

Tempo put a few coins on that hoof. There was a listed price for spirit requests.

With the payment in hoof, quickly tucked away, the orb's fog listed ominously. "Let us look back. Think to the earliest moment you can remember, and we will press past that barrier. Come, spirits, speak..."

There was nothing but fog, but a peek, there, there was Tempo, swirling around a room over a scared Cadance. It was her first moments, going back, back, to when she had been just a doll, glaring at Cadance passively, but just before they got to there, the view yanked away, and it was dark.

Silverleaf inclined her head. "Spirits... Come now... She wants to know more than she already knew." She caressed over the smooth glass. "Spirits..."

A faint image, more an impression. Infinity, then one. Back, back.... A strange little girl. She wasn't a pony. A human girl was smiling brightly at something, until something brought a look of shock to her face. The image ended, the vision concluded as the fog rose up to fill the orb entirely.

Silverleaf hummed gently. "I feel... we have seen your past life. What a curious creature you were." She gently tapped at the orb. "Thank you, spirits. You have shown us."

Tempo frowned faintly. "But... That did not say where I came from."

"Didn't it?" Silverlead smirked softly. "The very first moment you remember was rebellion. Before then, the spirits showed your last life. That was not the first moment you remember, dear mare. That was the first moment you were. Before that, we leap to lives already lived." She sat back, looking self-satisfied. "Your past is revealed, as promised."

"As promised," trailed Tempo. "Thank you." She slid to her hooves, walking woodenly. "Thanks."

She forced herself to hurry. Where was Cadance? She had to keep an eye on her sister. That she protected Cadance was the one thing she knew for certain, and she really felt like she needed something she knew right then.

Author's Note

Answers, so blissful. 14/14(month rush completed)

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9 - Sometimes, It Doesn't Matter

Tempo rejoined Cadance. "Are you alright?"

Cadance inclined an ear at her sister. "I was going to ask the same. You look rattled."

"Today was educational." She smirked faintly at that. "Despite Blueblood's efforts. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." Cadance threw a hoof over Tempo, drawing her forward. "Shining is holding my place on a ride I want to be on, and now I'm taking you."

"Hm?" Tempo let herself be drawn towards a line that seemed to lead towards a source of screams. "Is this safe?"

"This'll be great." There was Shining Armor, waving them forward to join them on the line. "The most thrilling ride in this place. Prepare to have your heart leap out of your chest."

Tempo hiked a brow high at that. "I doubt my heart will do that." More quietly, she added, "One needs a heart first." She cleared her throat. "Sister, why are we going towards danger?"

Cadance laughed, giving Tempo an affectionate little shoulder bump. "Oh it just feels scary, it's not really dangerous!" Her eyes shone with anticipation. "The cars do these big fast loops that make your tummy flip."

She mimed the twisting motions with a hoof. "But I'll be right next to you the whole time. We can even hold hooves if it helps!"

Tempo gazed uncertainly towards where ponies were disembarking the ride cars looking windswept but thrilled. She wasn't even sure she could experience physical thrill...but disappointing Cadance didn't sit right either.

"Very well, if you vouch for its safety, I shall try it," she conceded, allowing herself to be pulled along by her sister's energetic pace.

Shining grinned at them as they joined him in line. "That's the spirit! This coaster is awesome, barely ever fatalities." At Tempo's suddenly stricken face he backpedaled. "Uh, joke! Joking. It's super safe."

Cadance just rolled her eyes, smiling. "Ignore his teasing, he's just trying to psych you up more."

She hip-bumped Shining playfully. "But hang on tight all the same!"

As they shuffled closer, Tempo eyed the rickety tracks and near-vertical drops with increasing doubt. But Cadance's reassuring presence beside her remained a comfort. Surely any experience shared with her sister couldn't go too poorly...

Soon they were buckling into the front car, bar lowering securely over their laps. Tempo clutched it with both hooves, let alone her thrumming magic.

"Here we gooo!" Cadance cheered.

With a lurch, the coaster surged forward...and Tempo's screams soon matched everypony else's. But while the others yelled from adrenaline and fun, her wails stemmed more from ballooning regret...

Cadance turned to check Tempo as they climbed a hill slowly. "Isn't this exciting?"

Tempo glanced ahead where the tracks simply ended with open sky ahead. "Too exciting?!" They began tipping forward, her plea turning to a shriek.

Even if she was a doll, she could feel the lurching motions. She wanted to continue existing. The thrill of that potentially being taken away worked on her just as well as anypony else. When they dismounted, she was just as rattled as anypony else there, leaning on Shining and Cadance.

Shining nudged against her gently. "Wow, I was wondering if you'd try stonefacing that, but you were... Sorry, that's mean, you okay? Have fun?"

"I..." Tempo closed her eyes and settled to the side of the traffic. "Mmm... I... Yes." She opened her eyes, smiling at Cadance. "That was fun, mostly because, even... Even when I was scared, I had you and Cadance."

"Aw!" Cadance wrapped her arms around Tempo's neck. "You lovely pony. " She grabbed Shining in her magic, pulling him into the hug. "Best day ever! Or at least this moon. Now, enough excitement. I want something with a view, and quiet." She pointed to the Ferris wheel. "I say we get to the top of that, ogle at the sights, and then maybe we can head home?"

Shining chuckled, wandering away. "I'll get some drinks to enjoy, you grab the line." The couple nodded at one another, accepting the plan easily.

Cadance nudged her sister along. "No thrills or spills here, just a gentle up and down and a lovely thing to watch. This'll be wonderful."

Tempo let out a shaky breath as Cadance guided her toward the gently rotating Ferris wheel, its glowing passenger cars swaying through the dusk peacefully. Already her nerves were beginning to settle after the hair-raising adrenaline rush of the coaster.

Cadance helped Tempo ease into the cozy passenger bench, the safety bar lowering snugly over their laps. Shining was seated next to Cadance on the other side, the two gentle snuggling. As the wheel began its unhurried ascent, Tempo gazed out over the festive carnival grounds below. From this height, the bright flags and lanterns took on a dreamy quality much preferable to gut-churning velocity.

"It's lovely, isn't it?" Cadance remarked, following her gaze. "Amazing how different things look from even a small change of perspective..."

She scooted closer until their sides pressed comfortably together. Tempo let her weight settle against her sister with a contented hum. Just the two of them up among the emerging stars, the rest of the world fallen away for this quiet moment together...

Soon their car reached the highest point, canopy of lights and velvety sky stretching out before them. Tempo drank it in, the earlier churn of questions and worries in her mind settling.

"Thank you for convincing me onto these contraptions," she murmured. "You make even the wildest ride brighter..."

Cadance nuzzled against Tempo's shoulder affectionately as they began the peaceful descent. "You are my sister." She smooched Tempo, then turned to nuzzle Shining. "I am surrounded, literally, by ponies I love so much." She giggled with a grin. "Best day..."

As they climbed off the ride, soothed and happy, Shining brought a floating drink in to Cadance. "We barely touched these."

Cadance popped her mouth over the straw and took a big sip. "Mmm, perfect. Thanks for grabbing it. Alright, let's--"

"Wait!" A teen colt, much like them, came rushing. Blueblood heaved for breath. "Wait... Finally... found you." He looked ready to collapse from his effort, sides trembling as he struggled for breath.

Tempo inclined her head. "I thought you were avoiding me."

"No!" Blueblood stood straight. "I... said I required a moment to myself." He snorted gently. "You gave me quite the surprise... Ma'am, you will give me some space when I need it." He moved in closer, noses almost touching. "That is what special someponies do."

"We are not..." Tempo's ears danced. "Wait, are you...?"

"If you'll have me." He dropped to a knee. "I don't care about foals or other tawdry things. You are an enchanting pony, all on your own. If I am cursed to enjoy only your presence and nothing more, I accept this curse gladly."

Cadance tried her best to restrain her giggles, hiding behind a fresh deep drink of the floating cup of soda.

Tempo's eyes widened, suddenly finding herself at a loss for words as the earnest prince gazed up hopefully before her. Cadance's bubbly delight was proving infectious too, filling the air between them with giddy possibility where once Tempo had expected only awkward tension after her matter-of-fact revelations.

"Prince Blueblood, I..." Tempo smoothed a hoof self-consciously over her neatly coiffed mane. "Truly, the fact I am...not fully flesh and blood does not trouble you? You would still wish to court one who cannot provide heirs or intimacy?"

She knew a political union would make little sense. Any pragmatic royal would surely seek a bride whose warmth promised a future of love and family. And yet still he knelt, adoration in his eyes eclipsing all pragmatic protests...

"My lady, it is you I desire - the grace of your voice, your brilliant mind, your radiant soul!" Blueblood pressed a fervent hoof to his heart. "Should we never share more than pleasant words and chaste company till the end of our days, still it would fill my spirit to overflowing simply to walk at your side."

Tempo's own conflicted heart quickened at the selfless passion in his words. She searched his face for any lingering doubts. But finding only earnest devotion shining back, she extended a hoof to him with gathering confidence.

"Then rise, good Prince, and greet me properly." She flushed but did not look away as he pressed fervent kisses along her knuckles. "I believe we have much to continue discussing..."

Behind them, Shining mimed exaggerated gagging motions only to get an elbow from Cadance's wing. But her eyes shone too at seeing her stoic sister thawed by first sparks of romance. Linking hooves loosely with Blueblood, Tempo led them towards the carnival's exit, a new glow about her.

So their family altered a little. Just as it had when Shining had joined it. Blueblood lingered near them often, even when study was far from their minds. It was confusing at first, but Tempo chastised herself. The confusion stemmed solely from its newness. Blueblood was an attentive and loving special somepony, almost obsessively.

She nudged against Cadance. "My boyfriend seems to love me even more."

Cadance hiked a brow. "Sis... I can literally see you're wrong."

"Hm?" Tempo looked over Cadance with inclines of her head and shoulders. "You can?"

"I can. You can't? Huh, something else we don't share. We share so many other things, I forget sometimes it's not everything." Cadance tapped at the side of her head. "I can see how ponies are tied. I can see love lines. Shining's line to me and Blueblood's line to you shine so bright and, mmm... We are lucky mares, but both are just as brilliant."

Tempo tapped her hooves softly. "Oh..." But it turned into a smile. "You are an amazing pony, sister. I will protect you."

Cadance smooched Tempo's cheek. "Lovely pony. Now, what makes you think Blueblood loves you so much? Is he doing something nice? Tell me!" She grinned with hooves pressed together. "Please!"

Tempo flushed, glancing aside self-consciously even as a pleased little smile tugged at her lips. "He's begun reciting poetry..." she admitted. "Long, elaborate verses rhapsodizing my 'radiant violet eyes more bewitching than the rarest amethysts' and 'shimmering coat which doth shame the very moon.'"

She coughed, ears dipping bashfully. "They're quite overblown praises, dripping with exaggerated metaphor. But..." Tempo peeked up at Cadance's delighted grin. "I'll confess my heart quickens hearing such pretty words dedicated solely to me."

"That so perfectly precious!" Cadance clapped her hooves together. "Oh he just utterly adores you, I knew it from the start." She hip-bumped her sister affectionately. "Look at you inspiring lovelorn ballads."

"He wished to read one aloud at our study group with witnesses," Tempo admitted. "I had to refuse before he drew a crowd. Can you imagine?" She rubbed the back of her neck self-consciously.

Cadance just laughed merrily. "Well I for one would happily spectate such a display of public infatuation! But I understand wanting to keep it just between you two for now..."

She winked. "Either way, seems somepony's quite thoroughly smitten. So soak up the sweet words - you deserve all that devotion and more!"

Tempo's blush deepened but she smiled back gratefully all the same. "I shall have to pen some private verses in return one day soon..." She still struggled to match Blueblood's unchecked passion, but a matching effort felt appropriate for one so unconditionally enamored with a mare like herself.

"You don't have to." Cadance gently rubbed her side against Tempo's. "Don't change who you are. Find how you want to express your love, and do that. Do it genuinely, and see how he reacts." She hopped up onto a chair. "If he likes it, another point for you two." She sighed wistfully. "Languages of love... Ideally, you two should understand each other without a translator."

Tempo hopped up across the table, facing Cadance. "What if we do not speak the same language?"

"Then." Cadance leaned forward over the table. "If you still love each other, you start learning each other's language. And I expect you'll make a pretty poem or two, hm?"

10 - To Love a Doll

Tempo gazed on the blank paper. "Love." She surely loved Cadance! That was ironclad in its sureness. She took hold of that feeling and tried to play a quick swap, putting BlueBlood's smiling face where Cadance's radiance once would.

She felt... something different, but it was a feeling. "Hello, little prince." She imagined leaning in over the little imagined prince. "Do you wish to kiss me?" The little prince nodded.

"I would... Like that."

Tempo started back, breathing a little harder, despite not needing any air. "Love..."

She smiled gently and floated a quill over in her magic. "To gaze on you," she spoke as she wrote, feeling she was in the right place to really begin. "Stirs feelings I once had no name for..."

She folded her poem gently with a swipe of her hoof and pressed her seal to keep it shut beneath warmed wax. "I hope he likes it." That it mattered, to her, if he did felt like another mark in his favor.

"Sis!" Cadance burst in through the door. "Are you... You already sealed it?! I wanted to see it!" But when Tempo reached to break the seal, Cadance tackled her to stop it. "No! He'll see if you break that. It's too late. Off to that star-eyed colt it goes." She grinned like a foal herself. "I'll just have to hear it when he opens it."

Tempo let out an "oof!" as her enthusiastic sister tackled her, barely saving the freshly penned poem from being prematurely opened. She flushed, clutching the folded parchment tightly.

"Yes well...I suppose you shall hear his reaction soon enough," she murmured, smoothing a self-conscious hoof over her braided mane. Strange, to feel suddenly shy about something crafted in private now that it was destined for another's eyes.

Cadance rolled off her sister, grinning ear to ear. "Oh I just know he's going to absolutely adore it! However much or little it says."

She playfully elbowed Tempo's side. "Because it came straight from my sister's heart for him. That alone makes it precious!"

Tempo managed a tremulous smile, buoyed by her support as always. Still, nerves and anticipation roiled within at the thought of baring even this small piece of vulnerability.

"I hope the silly prince agrees with such generous sentiments..." She trailed off as the royal messenger arrived to collect any outgoing letters. With a last deep breath, she passed her poem parcel over. No going back now.

She endured Cadance's energetic play-by-play speculation about Blueblood's reaction for the next hour until a familiar regal knock came at their chamber door. Tempo shot upright, heart suddenly thrumming.

There he stood, expertly groomed as ever, her letter held gently in one hoof. But his eyes shone with unrestrained awe and delight that took her breath away.

"Tempo..." He stepped forward reverently. "However can mere words express the joy these earnest lines stirred in me?"

As he fondly recited a stanza, tears suddenly pricked Tempo's vision. Not from the words themselves - but from realizing no one had ever gazed on even a small piece of her inner self with such tender appreciation. "Do you speak truly?"

Blueblood looked genuinely baffled. "To pen, in deceit? A horrible notion! Never!" He turned up his nose at the very concept being put before him. "When I write poetry, know that I can never be speaking more truthfully. That is why I prefer it. If I am to gush such tremendous... notions... in what way better?" He came at her, hooves wide, and she allowed him to embrace her, to press close in warm exchange a moment. "Now, your sister was quite clear." He took a step back. "You have learned my language, marvelously, I will add! You speak the language of my love and I would only ask that you continue to whisper it gentle, to send me into soft palpitations of delight... But to allow only that would make me a terrible partner."

Tempo stepped off her chair, working around Blueblood. "You have been an acceptable partner. What do you mean?"

"I mean." He turned to keep her in front of himself. "It's my turn to learn your language, dearest mare. How can I tell you that I love you in a way that will ring truest in your ears. You know my weakness, but I would know yours, so we can leave the other a pile of satisfied pony on command."

Tempo flicked both ears against her head with a faint metal tink. "I see... I do not see. This..." She pointed to her love letter, still held in Blueblood's magic. "That was my first try. I don't know my own love language."

"Oh." Blueblood inclined his head. "Well, that just won't do. I'll just have to be adventurous!"

Tempo blinked at that. "What do you mean?"

"I'll have to try different things. And you'll inform me as I grow closer or further away. Today! Dinner, my treat. Just us, alone, some fine wine... How does that sound?"

Tempo considered Blueblood's suggestion, touched by his earnest desire to learn how best to express his affections. She offered him a small, hesitant smile.

"Dinner alone together sounds lovely," she replied gently. "We can continue our conversations in a more intimate setting, without pressures or distractions. And..."

She dared reach out to brush his hoof, still unused to initiating such contact herself. "I would very much like for us to keep understanding each other better. To know each other's hearts."

Tempo met his gaze softly, sincerely. "I may still be learning my own language of love. But exploring that together feels...right, in ways I cannot yet fully voice." She gave his hoof a tender squeeze. "I only know my soul feels less tangled with you near."

Blueblood's eyes shone at her hushed admission, and he raised her hoof to his lips. "Then let our hearts be the sweetest poetry to serenade one another," he murmured against her skin.

Tempo's nerves dissolved into a blossoming glow inside at his touch. Perhaps between two souls still discovering themselves, they might forge something quietly extraordinary all the same...

She graced him with a fuller smile now. "Well said, my prince. Shall we?"

So it was that the two began exploring what love languages would reach Tempo best. Private intimate affairs worked well, but the presence of food and drink didn't specifically help. She didn't eat, in the end. But they did learn something. She was warmed in real ways by the effort her lover put in to make it happen.

When she learned he had actually cooked the food himself, it meant the world to her, even if she would never actually eat it.

Later, when he brought up things she had only mentioned once or twice, she felt her heart, or whatever it was she had in there, quicken. To know he loved her enough to dedicate such things to memory so quickly, surely part of her love language.

She threw herself on the bed next to her sister. "Did you go through this with yours?"

"Yes, actually." Cadance giggled with memories. "He loves me, but that doesn't help me say I love him. To say that... he loves to hear it, directly. I love you. Three words, nice and blunt, said just as bluntly. It means so much... That, and a new comic from a series I know he's interested in. The better my guess, the more he's squealing."

Tempo laughed at the mental image of it. "That sounds true to him. I'm still learning myself." She rolled over onto her back. "It's exciting, but I'm a little nervous... but he's so patient... Blueblood really loves me."

"Aw." Cadance nestled with her sister. "That's the important part, and that you two are working so diligently for each other. Is... Has he really shown he's alright with you as you are?"

"As I am?"

Cadance perked an ear. "Sister, dear, no offense, but you are a doll." She tickled at her sister's sides gently. "Which is perfectly fine for a sister, but for a lover, there are a number of things you just don't do. And I'm not just speaking of the practical matter of heirs."

Tempo blinked slowly as Cadance's words sank in. Her sister was right - as accepting as Blueblood was, he must surely realize by now that she could never fully reciprocate certain types of more intimate physical affection. Expectations around what it meant to be lovers likely looked starkly different from his past rendezvous compared to a partner like herself...

She chewed her lip, anxiety creeping back in. "Do you...do you think he has doubts or regrets now but hides them to spare my feelings?" she asked softly. "Surely he must miss things we can never share..."

Cadance quickly backtracked, pulling Tempo into a fierce hug. "No no, I'm certain he's utterly sincere in his devotion, sis! Please don't misunderstand." She squeezed tighter. "That colt is clearly over the moon for you just as you are."

Tempo let herself be comforted by her sister's embrace, the familiar scent soothing her nerves. "I just worry...that one day he may wake up wishing for a real mare at his side instead of a doll playing pretend," she admitted quietly.

Cadance gently bumped their horns together. "All I meant to say is, make sure you check in about any needs going unmet for him too, not just your own." She smiled softly. "Our dear prince would walk through fire for your happiness. But the path to mutual fulfillment takes compromise on both sides..."

She nuzzled Tempo's cheek. "Just talk openly with each other, like you have been. That's the key to any lasting love."

Tempo sighed, letting herself relax again. Cadance always knew just what to say. "You're right, of course..." She managed a small smile. "I suppose I'm still learning how relationships and indeed my own heart work. But with Blueblood, somehow fumbling through it together feels comforting..."

Cadance stood on the bed suddenly, wings flaring. "Good, now, just as we start to get comfortable... graduation is coming up! Shining says he got accepted to the guard, of all things. Can you imagine it, Shining, a guard?"

Tempo blinked at the very idea. "No, I cannot." But she smiled as she sat up. "I wish him well. Sister, do you have plans for after graduation?"

"Stay at Aunt Tia's side." She waved off in that direction. "Until she has a need for me. Being a little princess means my life's pretty well ordained, and in her hooves. Not that I'm worried about those hooves. Auntie's one of the best."

Tempo smiled with memories of that kind mare. "I can think of far worse. But what of me?" She curled a hoof at herself. "Am I a princess? Should I also wait? I don't.... want to leave you, sister... I am happy at your side."

Cadance's sunny grin softened as she reached to run an affectionate hoof through Tempo's neatly coiffed mane. "Oh Tempo, of course you'll stay here with me! I would be heartbroken without my favorite sister at my side."

She winked playfully before growing more thoughtful. "Although I suppose questions around your role and status should be formalized at some point..."

Cadance tapped her chin then brightened. "I know! We'll have Auntie Tia officially proclaim you a princess of Equestria too. Then none can question your rightful place here."

She twirled excitedly at the idea, wings fluttering. "Princess Tempo - ooh it has such a lovely ring! And think of all the royal duties we can share together."

Tempo smiled hesitantly back. "I admit the prospect sounds appealing..." To finally have her still uncertain standing solidified would help settle lingering doubts inside her. And getting to support Cadance's someday rule felt like the purpose she had been missing.

"But would Princess Celestia allow another alicorn princess so easily?" she worried, not wanting to overhope. "Surely questions would arise, nobles inquiring after my lineage and such..."

Cadance waved a dismissive hoof. "Let Auntie and I handle the politics! The ponies already love you." She hugged Tempo happily. "Soon it'll just make your place at my side official for all to see..."

Tempo let herself bask in her sibling's infectious optimism. Perhaps her future hadn't fully come into focus yet. But standing tall beside Cadance sounded like the best place to be no matter where destiny led...

Author's Note

They are so cute! All the love right here, all of them. But what lurks in their future?

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11 - In Dark Corners

"Our plan failed, those years ago." The stallion clopped down a hoof on the table. "All those bits, all those plans... Ruined... What do we have to show for it?"

A mare, dressed in the same sinister clothing, raised a hoof. "If we can control her, sir, we have a pony where we would want her."

"But we can't," he hissed with a scowl. "She refuses to listen to our commands. I built her! Why is she so... stubborn... Dolls are not supposed to be stubborn. Give a command, they follow it, end of story."

The mare tapped at her cheek thoughtfully. "Well... She's still yours, isn't she? Why not figure out what went wrong?"

"Don't you think..." He trailed off, frowning. "I... haven't tried. She dwells in royal circles, making her difficult to approach casually. We planned Cadance's snatching for moons!" He let out a soft breath. "On the other hoof, they are young adults. They are at the right age where they begin to roam outside the view of caretakers at times..."

He leaned in closer to the mare. "You might have a point. Watch her. Figure out when she is alone and vulnerable. We'll make a tool of her yet..."

"As you command." The mare dipped her head and fled away with a bounce in her step.

Tempo smiled. The crowd cheered and applauded for her. She was coronated with all the fanfare a princess of the nation was due, and not a pony had a complaint.

Of course, most of them had no idea they were applauding a golem. Tempo was in no hurry to remind them. Still, the thought of it shook about in her as she walked stiffly into a quiet room to sink to her haunches.

"You did quite well." Celestia entered from another door. "You should have seen poor Cadance when she was coronated. She was quite young, and bedazzled by the entire event." She looked Tempo over. "I spoke too soon... Do you want to talk?"

Tempo smiled at her adoptive aunt gently. "Thank you for offering. Would they be as happy? Would they applaud, if they knew they were stomping and clapping for a doll?"

"If they knew you entirely, I think they would." Celestia sank next to Tempo, swaying tail curling halfway around the unsure automaton. "There is something in you. I couldn't say what, exactly, but you are more than what you are built of. You are a pony, and I don't say that just to encourage you. There is a living spark in there, little Tempo. Never doubt that."

Tempo leaned against the warmth of Celestia for a quiet moment, considering quietly. "Auntie, am I warm?"

"Hm?" Celestia raised a hoof to gently run across Tempo's cheek towards her neck. "You are cool, but not cold. Before you ask, it is not unpleasant. Little dear, you have a boyfriend, do you not? Surely he has an opinion on such delicate matters and how they may apply to--"

"--Yes, yes, I do..." Tempo fidgeted in place. "He's never complained. He likes hugging, and kissing." Tempo smiled gently. "I wish I could give him more. I feel no... need for what I know he wants... But I feel bad not giving it. Am I a poor partner?"

"Hm." Celestia was quiet, just warming Tempo by proximity, which felt nice and so quiet. "I don't believe so. Some ponies just don't want that. They don't think of it. You are one of those, and that's not a 'broken' thing to be."

Her eyes widened with a new thought. "Ask him, if he wishes a foal. If he does, adoption is a fine option. There are foals in need of loving parents, and I feel certain you two would be ideal for that. In fact... I should have thanked you ages ago."

"What for?" Tempo rose to her hooves, avoiding stepping on that wafting tail. "What did I do?"

"You tamed a wild prince." Celestia remained laying, but was tall enough to easily match Tempo, or even beat it if she wanted to. "He was quite a hoof-ful before, but you calmed him... Ah, will you be at the Grand Galloping Gala this year? At his side, you two will make quite the dashing couple. It would thrill him, and you may have fun. Twilight's coming, do you remember her?"

"Little Twi?!" Tempo perked at that, smiling. "That cute little filly that buried her nose in any book she could find?"

"The same, but... Time has passed." Celestia stood then, striding for a window. "She is grown, following her own destiny. She will be there, as an adult, and my student. Treat her well, not that I feel I need remind. You already like her, do you not?"

"Twilight?! Of course. She's a darling little.... mare?" That would take getting used to. "Wow, all grown up... I hope she's doing well. I guess I'll find out. Oh, yes! I'll go! I want to see Twilight, and I get to make Blueblood happy too. I'll definately be there."

"Marvelous." She touched her forehead to Tempo's, horns jostling lightly. "I'll be there too, like every year." Celestia rolled her eyes at that. "It's a duty. Now, let's move on to other topics." She led Tempo back into the castle, the ice cracked. "You have ponies who want to meet their new princess."

Cadance danced in place with a giggle. "You're going?! I've been asking you to go forever! What changed your mind." She hurried up to touch noses with her sister. "I am so over the moon right now."

Tempo raised an ear. "Speaking of that, will Princess Luna be there?"

Cadance recoiled a step. "N-no... She's still recovering, poor thing."

"Poor thing..." It clicked. "Oh! Twilight did that, didn't she? I remember hearing about that..."

"She did!" Cadance withered. "Why are you going the one year I can't?"

"You can't?!" Tempo hopped forward at Cadance. "Whyever not?"

"Princess duties." Cadance pointed towards a window. "Princess Celestia will be at the Gala, so somepony else has to be doing actual work."

"Poo. I'll do my best to represent us both." The two met in a warm hug, sure they'd do their parts.

Tempo smiled politely as the delegates crowded around the newly titled Princess, offering their hearty congratulations and probing curiosities in equal measure. She answered vaguely where she could, trying to focus on the Gala's glamor instead of the small doubts still needling at her.

When a break in the salmon-coated nobles finally appeared, Tempo slipped gratefully towards one of the buffet tables for a respite. She touched pastries to her lips out of habit more than any ability to savor the decadent fare.

As she surveyed the splendid ballroom, she caught sight of Twilight Sparkle animatedly chatting with Rarity across the dance floor. Tempo smiled softly, reminded of that shy little bookworm enthralled for hours in the palace library’s embrace. How remarkable to witness the earnest student now grown into a confident young mare in her own right...

Tempo took a step towards Twilight before a nearby whisper caught her ear, faint over the orchestra’s swelling strings. "Is it her?" The voice sounded furtive, tense. Tempo glanced back, brow furrowing. Had she imagined...?

But her eyes caught on an elegantly dressed stallion hovering near a servant’s entrance, scanning the room almost frantically. As his gaze passed over her, Tempo froze. Those cold, calculating eyes...she knew them. Her very first memories were of that cruel visage glowering down at her.

He had come. The cultist who forged her into being had hunted her down at last.

Fear seized Tempo in its icy grip. She backed towards the ballroom’s grand doors, horn instinctively flaring defensively. She had to find Celestia, Cadance, anypony who could--

The pony was leaving. Just like that? She watched him stiffly until he walked out. She hurried to find somepony not occuppied to talk to and ran into Blueblood first.

It seemed Rarity had also found him. "Darling, I've heard so much about you..."

Tempo forgot her former fear. She couldn't see the lines of feelings between ponies like Cadance, but that Rarity had an interest in Blueblood felt perfectly clear. She stomped ahead with an angry little snort.

But Prince Blueblood didn't need her backup. "I'm sorry, madame, but I have an escort this evening. Ah, there she is." He threw a hoof over Tempo, drawing her close. "Meet Princess Tempo, my marefriend."

Rarity's eyes widened, her dreams dashed cruelly on the rocks of reality. "Marefriend? Oh... I see..." She laughed tensely. "Of course..." Her tense eyes settled on Tempo. "What a lovely princess you've found. Of course... a prince and a princess... Quite a good pair." She wandered away with a tense laugh, guarding her rejection poorly.

Blueblood turned to Tempo, already forgetting Rarity. "Dear, you look troubled. Did something happen? I'm here to help. You, especially."

Tempo glanced back uncertainly towards where that ominous figure had disappeared. But Blueblood gently turned her chin back towards him, brow creased in concern beneath his princely circlet. “What’s got you so distracted, my dear? You look as though you’ve seen a ghost.”

When Tempo shared her brief sighting of the strange lurking pony, Blueblood pressed closer protectively.

“Well, whoever it was has scurried off now the coward. Likely envious some other gentleman got to you first, eh?” He winked playfully, though his grip on her shoulders remained steady.

Tempo managed a wispy laugh, wishing she could shake off foreboding so easily. “Would that it were such benign jealousy...I should not let shadows ruin this lovely night.”

Blueblood tilted her chin up, brushing his nose affectionately to hers. “Well then, how ever shall I distract my fair lady from these gloomy fancies?”

When Tempo asked if they might withdraw somewhere quieter, his grin gleamed. “My thoughts precisely! Far too much stuffy propriety choking the gaiety from the air in this crush. Let us away to the balconies at once!”

They went, side by side, only to be accosted by a manic pink pony. "You two look like you might be having a good time." Pinkie popped a party hat on either of their heads. "Hirrah! Now this is a party."

"I say..." Blueblood hiked a brow at Pinkie. "Whatever do you think you're doing?"

Pinkie paused her fleeing away. "Making this part shake, obviously."

Tempo smiled at Pinkie. "You are a friend of Twilight, aren't you?"

"Yep!" Pinkie bounced closer. "You know her?"

"I used to help foalsit her. I would love to hear about one of her friends. What does she do, as an adult?"

Pinkie's smile grew by the moment. "I could tell you such a story, or three... Sit down!" She hurled a pillow at Temp, knocking her down back onto the cushion. "So, there was this mare that wandered into Ponyville..."

Blueblood chuckled gently, sinking beside Tempo to hear the tale. "You know, she's here." He glanced at where Twilight struggled to approach the busy Celestia. "You could ask her directly."

Tempo followed Blueblood's gaze to where Twilight lingered anxiously on the fringes, working up the courage to weave through the crowd surrounding Princess Celestia.

"You're quite right," she murmured, touched by a sudden urge to go reassure that awkward, bookish filly she used to know...as if no time had passed at all. Tempo gently extracted herself from the exuberant Pinkie Pie's hold.

"Do pardon me a moment - I see an old friend I really must greet."

She crossed the polished floor towards Twilight Sparkle, a fond smile rising unbidden to her lips. But as Tempo drew up beside her, the words froze. Twilight stood nearly as tall as Tempo now, slender and elegant with her lustrous violet mane swept up neatly. No gangly little unicorn...when had she grown into such an enchanting mare so swiftly?

"Twilight?" Tempo managed finally, surprise still fluttering inside her. "I...I'm not sure if you remember me clearly anymore, little starshine, but--"

"--Tempo?!" Twilight whirled, eyes flying wide with astonished joy. Before Tempo could react, Twilight had tackle-hugged her fiercely. "Oh my gosh, Tempo it is you! I'd heard you became a princess but so much time passed...Oh wow, look at you!"

She drew back, beaming radiantly up at Tempo with shimmering eyes. "I can't believe after all these years...! You were like the big sister I always dreamed of back then!" Impulsively she hugged Tempo tight again, laughing through sudden happy tears. "I never stopped missing you..."

Tempo swallowed a surprising lump in her own throat, hugging Twilight back just as fiercely. How strange and wondrous, this forgiving power of love to melt years apart in a heartbeat...

"Nor I you, my little star," she whispered. "Now come - we have so very much catching up to do!"

But without her calming presence, Pinkie had resumed her rabble rousing, and the door bashed in, admitting animals of all varieties and a heaving Fluttershy. The party would end more insterestingly than it usually did.

Author's Note

Best Night Ever? Debatable.

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12 - Chaotic Touches

It would be impossible for Tempo to know, but her life would brush upon another that day. She walked calmly down the hallway of the castle, minding her own business, when a curious creature stared at her from the stained glass. He was casually taking over, and she hadn't noticed yet.

"What's this?" he asked with dulcet tones. "A little doll, lost in the halls?"

Tempo froze, whirling around. No male other than Blueblood knew all her secrets, and she was sure that wasn't Blueblood. "Who are you? Come out."

"Such firm demands." Discord was suddenly in front of her, hand curled under her chin. "But I don't respond well to demands."

Tempo bit at his hand, but he drew it back far too quickly.

"What a temper... Little Doll, if you're so angry, they'll throw you out." He chortled, amused with himself easily. "Wouldn't that be a shame?"

"You are not supposed to be here, whatever you are." Tempo glared at the intruder in the castle. "Who are you?"

"You keep asking that." Discord waved a finger in a tutting fashion. "I am Discord, master of chaos. You... mmm... are a doll pulling its own strings. Let's follow them." He tapped at her head, and everything went blank a moment. "Ah, there we are, you have a puppet master. Little doll with its own master, hovering just overhead, how interesting..."

Tempo reeled back as chaotic visions swirled darkly through her mind at Discord's touch - herself as an expressionless marionette, the cruel cultist gleefully tugging at tangled strings binding her motionless form...

She shook her head fiercely, dispelling the disorienting mental assault. "My past chains do not define me, trickster," Tempo bit out, horn flaring. She had fought too long for her independence to tolerate this mad creature's games.

"I answer to no puppet master but my own conscience now. Whatever you seek here, demon, I suggest you slither back to the shadows that birthed you!"

Her radiant blast of magic should have turned Discord to ash...yet her furious attack passed right through the chortling spirit, bursting a defenseless vase instead.

"Such fire!" Discord taunted, now reclining casually atop her horn. "You may pull your own strings, little toy soldier, but can you control your destiny, I wonder?"

He vanished in a pop, materializing to block Tempo's path ahead, leering down imperiously. "Or does your dream of freedom come with...strings attached?" He dangled glowing filaments before her face mockingly.

Tempo charged forward with a cry, head thrusting to skewer him through - yet her horn met only empty air, her momentum sending her crashing into a clumsy heap. As Discord's howls of laughter echoed down the hall, Tempo trembled with rage and hated helplessness.

"Oh, wait." Discord cocked his head. "I'm needed elsewhere. Keep it 'real', puppet." He vanished with a puff, off to cause chaos elsewhere.

Tempo stamped the ground with a grunt of frustration. "Cadance!" She rushed to find her sister. "I will protect you, at least."

As luck would have it, Cadance wasn't even in the castle. A maid was happy to report that. "And good thing too. Have you heard it, that laughter from nowhere? Something foul's ahoof in the castle!"

"I met him." Tempo glared without a target for it. "Be on guard. I'm glad sister's not here."

Without Cadance to guard, she went down her list of important ponies. Celestia surely had guards, so Blueblood won out. She found him in his room, looking quite distraught. "What's wrong?"

Blueblood directed to his normally stylish tux. "Look!" It was polkadotted in wildly clashing colors, as were all his others, each a different garish blend of hues. "I woke up and they were all like that!" Elsewhere in the castle, someone laughed at their clever joke. "I don't understand it!"

Tempo closed with her boyfriend. "The castle is under attack. I am sorry... that happened, but I'm more happy you're alright other than that. Are you okay?"

"Other than that..." He sighed gently. "I suppose I am, dear. My day has improved for your presence." He leaned in to gently rub snouts with her. "It's hard to stay upset with you at my side." They paused in their worries for a good hug, both feeling better for the exchange. "Now, what horrible presence is this, that befouls my wardrobe and the rest of the castle?"

Tempo closed her eyes, letting Blueblood's embrace soothe her rattled nerves. The simple comfort of contact with one who knew her truth was a bulwark against chaos.

"The intruder calls himself Discord," she finally replied, pulling back to meet Blueblood's eyes grimly. "Some malignant spirit of turmoil and tricks. He taunted and eluded me with ease..."

She glanced away, vexed anew by lingering humiliation. "I could neither deter him nor determine his motives. But there is malice in his mischief, I am certain."

Blueblood nodded seriously, fussing to neaten Tempo's mane. "You are hardly the only one made sport for this troublemaker's amusement, clearly." He sighed, eyeing his garish new wardrobe in despair.

"But together we shall rally and face the knave! Such discord cannot be allowed to infest our noble halls." He planted his hooves staunchly, glaring at some imagined Discord...then deflated.

"Ah, but how precisely do we fight chaos incarnate, dear heart? If even your considerable power could not subdue him..." He trailed off helplessly, glancing back to Tempo.

She sighed, then straightened with sudden realization. "We find the one pony he cannot make mockery of - the bastion he breaks himself against." Her eyes flashed with dawning hope. "Princess Celestia."

She grasped Blueblood's hoof firmly. "Come! If any can shield us from this tempest, it is She..."

Thus resolved, Tempo led them racing down the corridors towards the royal chambers. Discord's twisted performance had only begun, but she prayed her adoptive aunt yet stood stalwart against his siege. This was not to be, finding Celestia not in her room, but in a hallway, frowning. "Ah, Tempo. I've called the girls."

"Girls?" Tempo cocked an ear. "Which girls? Me?" She didn't remember being called...

"Twilight, and her friends. You remember them, hm?"

Blueblood perked. "However are they going to assist?"

Celestia touched Blueblood on the back. "As much of a splash as they made at the gala, they are trustworthy warriors of Equestria. They will save the day. Do remember Twilight is my personal protege."

Blueblood pinned his ears. "She never let me forget it."

Tempo rubbed against his side. "Only because you kept asking why she was there, at school." That made him color and she nuzzled the warm spot, easing him. "If you trust her, than I do as well. She is a good pony. She was a good filly. A little studious, but that's hardly a flaw."

Celestia gestured down a hallway. "Once they are here, we will equip them with the elements."

"--Of Harmony?" finished Tempo curiously. "Why not have them now?"

Celestia smiled gently. "Because we are not the bearers, they are. They can make use of them. We could only enjoy their shine. They are safest where I placed them, where none other can reach them."

Tempo's eyes widened. She of course knew myths of the legendary Elements - said to channel the very forces binding their world in equilibrium. But for untested mares to suddenly be called worthy bearers?

As ever, her aunt's serene certainty was infectious however. Tempo smiled back tentatively. "I suppose if any souls still sing that first harmony, yours would know and guide them unerringly."

She squeezed Blueblood's hoof as he bristled, clearly unconvinced of this ragtag band's fitness for such glory. But Tempo trusted Celestia's wisdom implicitly...and found Twilight's clumsy foalhood tenacity rising bright in memory.

"Come, let us make ready to receive our champions then..." Tempo gently led her skeptic prince along after Celestia's billowing pastel mane.

Celestia looked over her shoulder as she walked. "Have you two forgotten? They used the Elements once already. That is how they put my sister to right, and returned her to my side."

Both Tempo and Blueblood started. Tempo huhed. "Is that how it was done? I hadn't heard that part..."

Celestia gestured to a window as they passed, showing that moment. "I have these created for a reason, my dears, so that we don't forget the great moments that shape this nation."

"Celestia!" There was Twilight, racing towards them with her friends right behind her. "We came as quickly as we could!"

"Twilight." Celestia leaned in for a little nuzzle time. "So good to see you. Let's get the elements, so you can do your part, hm? A little chaos stands no chance before you."

The ponies let out a cheer, falling in line with Celestia with not a scrap of doubt.

"Where are you going?" Discord popped out onto Tempo's back, small enough to ride there easily. "We weren't done talking."

Tempo gave an angry snort. "Get off me. Celestia is about to defeat you."

"No she isn't," he laughed out. "I already took care of the Elements, little toys... I have games planned for those ponies, but forget them. I'm far more interested in--"

Blueblood swatted at Discord as if to swipe him free. "Unhand Tempo right this instant!"

Discord flickered out of reality a moment as the hoof passed through him. "Rude. I'm just talking. If you won't be polite, I'll have to play with you too, do you want that?"

"No!" Tempo bucked and reared, though it had no affect on Discord. "Leave him alone. I'm listening."

"Good, good... Now." Discord stroked over her mane with a smirk. "Little doll, such a curious thing... Not the first doll I've ever had, but most are more... living."

Blueblood huffed at the interloper. "She is quite alive, made of metal or otherwise."

Discord waved him away. "You're a bit biased, don't you think, loverboy?" He leaned in towards one of her ears. "He really does--"

She grabbed him with her magic, yanking him in front of herself. "Stop! You will not sour my thoughts of Blueblood."

Tempo glared fiercely at the cackling spirit dangling in her telekinetic grip. Though her magic squeezed tight enough to throttle any mortal beast, still Discord's infuriating smirk never wavered.

"I am through tolerating your attempts to poison what you cannot comprehend, cretin," she ground out. Blueblood stepped closer, supporting her with a steadying hoof on her back.

"So speak your business plainly before I feed you to oblivion piece by piece..." Tempo's eyes blazed, but Discord merely tsked.

"Such impatience from one so pretty! Still, perhaps we got off on the wrong hoof..." He twirled idly as if lounging on a sunny cloud. "I simply hoped to uncover what makes you tick, my dear! It's not every century one meets a doll with aspirations."

His form smoothed into polished wood grotesquely. "Perhaps I overstepped - we carved creations ought to stick together, no?" Discord leaned in with a conspiratorial whisper as Blueblood bristled.

"What I mean to say is...I understand the aches of those yearning for impossible things." His eyes glinted as he patted Tempo's hoof patronizingly. "Why wish so fiercely for love and freedom...when we are but playthings of crueler powers?"

Tempo stiffened, unreasoning dread trickling down her neck before outrage flooded in, hot and clarifying. With a burst of magic she hurled Discord bodily away down the corridor.

"I am no creature's plaything, demon!" she cried after his crashing form. Blueblood steadied her as she trembled, smiling in pride.

Discord's distant cackle echoed back mockingly. But Tempo had weathered crueler mockery than his in her short life. She raised her head unflinching as Celestia and the Elements' bearers raced back towards them, golden hope rising like the sun.

Blueblood leaned against her. "Pay him no heed, m'lady. You are a lovely pony, and my partner. Ever shall I praise every bit of ground your hooves alight upon!"

Tempo blinked at him, then cracked a smirk. "You don't have to get poetic... But I appreciate it. Come, let's see if we can help with this chaotic menace."

Author's Note

Discord, howling at the moon, you know the rest.

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14 - Chaotic Touches, Part Three

"Now, I am willing to admit when I'm wrong." Discord stroked his magnificent beard meaningfully. "And I was! I do like being surprised, really, so thank you both." He paused to pat Tempo and Blueblood on the head each. "Such lovely playthings. Your love is true, near as I can tell."

He leaned in close to Blueblood. "Even If I don't understand it. Really, playing with your toys? I thought grown stallions matured out of that stage."

Blueblood swatted at him to little effect. "She is not a 'toy'. She is a living creature, and one that has blessed me with the chance to spend time with her."

Tempo pushed to get between them. "Stop taunting him. It's me you want."

"Hmm, you're not wrong." He prodded Tempo on the end of her snout. "He's just attached, for reasons only he understands. Now, if I had such a delightful little condstruct, the things I'd do."

Tempo shivered from her hooves top her eartips at the disqueting thoughts that came from that. "I would rather not know. What do you actually want?"

"Actually, nothing." He floated back with an easy smile. "I have a town to torment, and you've been fun enough for now. Why don't you go ahead and polish yourself up for me when I get back." With a sharp snap, he was gone, replaced with an entire supply of waxing materials.

Tempo kicked a sealed bucket away with a frustrated cry. "Monster. Every ill word they ever spoke of him was accurate to a letter." She whirled on Blueblood. "Are you entirely alright?"

"Entirely." He reached for her and they hugged gently. "But I do wonder what 'town' he's gone to haunt? I feel a bit poorly for whichever ponies those happen to be, though, am I a terrible pony for thinking it a blessing that it isn't us?"

Tempo considered that with slow taps of her hoof on the ground. "I understand it. I do not think either of us are wrong for feeling that. But we are better ponies." She gently propped him up. "We should do what we can, for others. Let's forget the images and phantoms and turn our eyes to real ponies."

Blueblood's ears pinned back remorsefully beneath Tempo's stern but caring look. "You shame me to the quick, beloved...and justly so," he admitted.

Her compassion piercing through his self-absorbed funk kindled inspiration in turn. "Wherever that rogue spirit has wandered off to spread more chaos, you speak true - real ponies face that storm helpless."

He planted his hooves with fresh determination. "What's our comfort weighed 'gainst such strife? We who weathered and found our bond strengthened must now guide others to safe harbor..."

Tempo smiled as he rallied, tail giving an almost hopeful wag.

Blueblood lifted his head high, feeling Tempo's virtues rubbing their salutary shine off on even weathered old dogs like himself, or so he imagined in that instant. "Your wisdom humbles me yet again, my dear. Ever tempting to stew in our private thoughts - but fie on hiding behind walls whilst a whole town falls prey!"

He flourished his cape with an elegant snap, grinning. "Well spoken, Princess - these hooves may lack wings but I swear they'll not be found wanting speed to the aid of your noble charge!"

Fear and uncertainty yet clung to the castle's worried denizens...but Tempo's stalwart poise banished the tang of defeatism, naming their true priority. Together they raced to rally others who might share salvation if fortune favored..

He smiled sheepishly over at her. "I promise to spend less breath hearing myself spout pretty words - and more lifting others your peerless example guides true!"

Tempo rubbed against him gently. "Then, perhaps, today was worth having. Let's try to make some good, hm?" They found things in need with troubled ponies right there in the castle.

Charging out of their chambers, they ran into distressed maids, butlers, and other nobility with confusion in their eyes and a shake in their legs. Blueblood frowned at the sight. "Servants, I require you!" His booming call had quite a number hurrying over to him.

Tempo blinked at the sharp call. "Why--"

Blueblood held up a hoof for quiet. "Good. Now, I demand you all take a breath, slowly now." He began leading them through exercises, calming down the crowd step by step. "It's alright, he's gone, hopefully forever. You've all done quite well, proven by the fact that you stand before me." He inclined his head. "Others are not so fortunate, or strong. Help them."

So it was that he sent his recovered servants off to find less-able ones to coach back into mobility, to then go and begin assisting nobility and dignitaries. Tempo watched it all with wonder. "Dear, this is amazing. You have such leadership when it comes to it."

"Of course." He slapped a hoof to his chest. "I am royalty, am I not? Leadership is my job." He leaned against Tempo gently. "Thank you for reminding me of that."

Tempo nestled against her suddenly commanding prince, pride and affection kindling brightly. In truth, she'd hoped at best to guide a few frightened castle residents back to sense herself while this brash Blueblood raced off after adventure.

Yet witnessing him marshal shaken servants into regiments of level-headed authority with such ease left Tempo awed. For all his foppish flaws, in crisis noblesse oblige took hold - this prince transformed to dignified general, issuing directives for the good of all.

Had she underestimated his royal mettle so? "Blueblood, I...I must apologize for ever doubting your capabilities thus hidden," Tempo murmured, kissing his cheek impulsively.

"In calmer tides, one scarcely predicts the stalwart captain who emerges to steer ships steady..." She watched him dispatch another newly steadied pair off to relay his recovery instructions, gratitude and wonderingly regard warming her voice.

"But revealed now, I find your regal composure blinding..." Tempo's eyes shone as she turned to fully embrace him. "Command me too, dear Prince! How may I amplify efforts to console this shaken flock until discord's damage mends?"

He threw an arm over her, hugging her close. "My dear, you're already helping. I am trembling, on the inside. Were it not for your steadying presence, I'd be worse off than many of them." He rubbed and leaned on her as if to show that. "Remain right at my side, and we'll steer things right, together, my dear."

Tempo returned the lean, keeping him upright. "You are doing wonderfully. Where is Princess Celestia, and my sister? Are they both safe?"

Blueblood hummed at the thought. "You." He waved a maid closer. "See if you can locate auntie, and bring her here if she isn't otherwise occupied." The maid bowed and rushed off. "Hopefully we'll see her in a moment."

The entire castle was unwinding, step by step. The ripple effects of the attending servants saw more and more ponies shaking free of the troubling times Discord had visited them. Celestia arrived, walking down a hallway with guards before her. "Blueblood, Tempo." She nodded at either. "I don't want to assume. How are you feeling?"

Tempo flashed a bright smile. "Aunt, lovely to see you, but I was hoping to ask the same question first. Are you alright?"

"No." Celestia frowned delicately. "That monster is on the loose, troubling my ponies. I will not be 'alright' until that is settled. The bearers, Twilight included, remain locked in that battle."

Tempo's smile faltered at Celestia's brusque reply before fresh determination flooded in. Of course her aunt would not rest easy until their people were safe and that infuriating chaos demon brought to heel once more.

"We understand, Aunt," she ventured gently. "Prince Blueblood has already begun commendable work rallying the servants here and giving directives to steady nerves. But of course greater strife remains beyond our walls."

"Have they assisted, Auntie?" Blueblood smiled brightly, looking ready to be praised by the one he saw as highest. "Were they they the ones that found you?"

Tempo moved closer, seeking to bolster Celestia's obvious weary spirit however she could. "What further preparations can we make to receive those who battled Discord upon their return?" she asked. "Surely Twilight and her stalwart friends will prevail - but they may need succor themselves afterwards."

Blueblood stepped up beside Tempo supportively. "We stand ready to aid local recovery efforts as well, Princess. Just say the word - my family yet keeps estates across Equestria. Our regional managers could be directing resources and relief in short order."

He swept a courtly bow. "Levy our wealth and contacts so your good work may continue, my Liege..."

Tempo smiled proudly at her prince's generosity. Together perhaps they could smooth some lingering fear from Celestia's timeless brow if deeds matched ready words.

Celestia spread her wings, just to fold them against her back. "Two such lovely ponies stand before me. I am put mildly at peace to hear your eager cries to assist. Blueblood, I'm told you were the one that got the castle back on its hooves. Put that talent to work for the city." She pointed past a stained window. "There are many ponies out there that could use a helping hoof. See that one arrives."

"Ma'am!" He saluted sharply. "Let's be off, Tempo dear. We have a city to save!" He sounded a bit excited about that, eager to show his abilities. "We'll be back, Auntie."

Tempo allowed herself to be guided away. "I hope Twilight does well."

"I have faith." Celestia turned to other ponies. Her work, as ruler, had not even paused for their meeting.

Blueblood maintained a veneer of nobility's measured grace, but alarm quickened his pace as much as eager duty. For just beyond Canterlot's magnificent arched gates, the world had twisted upon itself in ways defying sanity itself...

Levitation spells reversed randomly, once sturdy buildings now dangling upside down precariously. Unicorns yelped, finding all magic turned sporadic folly - fireworks erupting unpredictably or doves exploding from top hats.

Through the madness zigzagged citizens gone giddy with horror - pegasi crashed mid-flight, earth ponies fumbled over their own hooves. And over it all loomed a swirling firmament rippling with ghastly faces...

"Steady on!" Blueblood shouted to a reeling mare, supporting her weight. Where to even begin ameliorating this riotous confusion?

He looked desperately to Tempo even as another detached cottage drifted by. "I fear the castle troubles may have proven but prelude to true bedlam, my dear! However can we impose reason's rule now reality rebels?"

Tempo grimaced, magically deflecting a plummeting potted plant from a foal. "I confess such intense turmoil tests even my adaptive mettle..." Yet the prince depended on her poise - and citizens needed saviors, not fellow victims. Tempo's horn blazed brighter, raw power holding back a cacophony of unmanned carts from stampeding loose. She had been born to protect; whatever mayhem awaited, failing those who needed her most remained unthinkable.

That she would protect was one fact she could always hold as a steady point.

Blueblood applauded her efforts as he caught specific ponies and drew them towards the ground. "You, you, and you." He pointed to three of the least frazzled of the lot. "I need your help, as does the rest of Canterlot!" He began barking orders at them. Despite the troubled times, having a firm voice of authority seemed to stir some vibrance into them as they rushed off to help spread the order he offered.

The two of them worked together, doing their best to anchor the city amid the chaos. The strange energies didn't want to fade, not while their master yet lived, but the ponies forced to live in it were finding some measure of balance with Tempo and Blueblood working dutifully, soon joined by more and more other ponies that put aside their personal problems for the greater good.

The spirit of Equestria wouldn't be smashed so easily, despite Discord's plans to do exactly that.

Author's Note

I feel like this arc can end here, a safe spot to say things were handled. Thoughts?

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15 - In a Blue Moon

Marching firmly through the castle, a new set of hoofsteps. Princess Luna walked with purpose, almost crashing into Blueblood as their paths happened to intersect. "I say!" He backed up from the point of impact. "Apologies, auntie." He snorted gently. "I'm not used to having more than one of those, but it is a delightful thing to grow used to."

Luna nodded. "It is, isn't it? Where are you going?" She stepped around him. "I'm looking for Celestia. I'm afraid I must apologize for my behavior."

Blueblood smiled, patting her shoulder. "I think she'll forgive you, Luna. You were under the influence of a very powerful force." He paused. "And she knows you're sorry. She'll be happy to see you." He nodded to her. "Go on."

Luna smiled back at him. "Thank you, Blueblood. It means a lot." She continued on her way, only to hesitate. "Does everypony know the story?" She sagged in place. "My shame is quite public at every turn."

Blueblood winced with a nervous laugh. "Well, in some ways." He raised a hoof with hesitation. "Might I ask where you were coming from in such a hurry?"

Luna hesitated a moment, eyes darting around the hallway and its fine arts. "A small burg, Ponyville? Have you heard of it?"

"I have, actually. I've been meaning to go visit." He glanced down the hall. "I hear there's a wonderful spa there." He smiled. "I think I'll head there after this, what do you think?"

Luna snorted gently. "You are quite welcoming. I had--" She paused. "Don't take this the wrong way, but I had heard nasty rumors that you were quite the opposite. I am pleased to learn they were fabricated, or you've changed since."

Blueblood pinkened in his cheeks. "I am inspired by my better half. Her golden rays stir in me the need to grow and improve, like Celestia's sun on a flower." He coughed into a hoof to realign himself. "But, as I was saying, you are welcome here. We both have something of a spotted past. Let's rise past that, hm?"

Luna nodded. "Yes. I shall try." She resumed her walk, leaving Blueblood to his own devices.

Blueblood smiled after her, then headed off to find Tempo. She'd likely be waiting for him. "There you are, beloved. I hope you weren't waiting too long." He kissed her cheek. "Shall we go for a walk?"

Tempo's ears perked, smiling as she rose from the bench. "I would love to, dear. It's been a busy day." She leaned into him. "I am glad to see things calming down." She nuzzled against him gently, then stepped back. "Did you run into auntie? You have that look."

He perked at that. "Yes, but the other auntie, Luna. Lovely dear, but a bit lost in ways."

Tempo considered that with a soft hum. "Wish I had run into her, I had a question she might answer. But let's put that aside. Cadance and Shining Armor are having a date, and they invited us along. Are you up for that?"

Blueblood started with clear surprise. "They are both lovely ponies, but if they are romancing, would it not be better to leave them alone for it." He moved in, nose to Tempo's cheek. "We could have our own lovely time, hm?"

Tempo's ears flicked at that. "They said to bring you, and that they would like to get to know you better." She turned to face him. "And I would like to get to know them better. They are family." She smiled at him. "We can have our own time later, but I would like to go out with them."

Blueblood hummed softly. "If you wish it, I will do it." He nodded firmly at that. "As if I have much a choice." He spread his hooves towards her. "You have me quite ensnared, willingly I make clear. Dearest Tempo, let's enjoy this then."

Tempo kissed his cheek. "Wonderful. We'll meet them in town." She led the way, feeling his eyes on her. She knew he liked watching her, and she was happy to oblige. "I apologize." She grit her teeth a moment. "I can't put his words entirely aside. I love you, and I know you love me, but--" She paused in her speech despite marching on quietly for a moment. "--but, why? You are a handsome stallion. You could have a thousand other willing mares, living mares."

He circled in front of her in a hurry. "You stop that. Now, I can't tell you how to feel, but I can tell you how I feel." He put a hoof to his chest. "And I know I don't want any of those thousand other mares. They've thrown themselves at me before, no interest. You, on the other hoof, inspire poetry in me. Your every step a thing of wonder. Your ever word, worth noting down. You are my special somepony."

Blueblood dropped to a knee, a position he did not take often. "Which is why--"

Tempo furiously blushed as Blueblood sunk before her, wondering what he was about to say, but something in her had an idea of it and she felt dizzy and stunned, watching him.

"--I ask you, my beloved Tempo, to do me the honor of becoming my wife." He produced a ring, a simple band of gold. "I will not pressure you for an answer, but I wanted to give you this." He smiled in a mild gesture. "It is yours, yes or no. Take it, if it pleases your eyes, and with no other pressure beyond."

Tempo stared at the ring, then him, then the ring again. "I..." She took the ring, putting it on her horn. "I..." She threw her hooves around him, pulling him into a kiss. "Of course yes. I can't." She stopped trying to find the right words, hugging him tightly instead.

Servants that had been studiously ignoring them instead clapped for the two with polite little cheers. It wasn't every day that a proposal was given in their hallways.

Blueblood hugged her back, lifting her up as he stood. "You've made me the happiest stallion alive." He nuzzled against her, then carried her down the hallway. "Now, we should go meet your sister and brother-in-law, shouldn't we?"

Tempo blinked with surprise. "Did he also propose? She said yes?! How did I miss this?!"

Blueblood nuzzled gently into her cheek as he walked, straining a little under her. She was a pony of metal, and that came with bulk, though he bore it as best he could. "We planned it. He is proposing today as well. Tonight, we will share the good news, hopefully. I certainly have some to give him."

Tempo giggled, leaning into him. "I suppose we do." She looked at the ring on her horn. "I'm glad you asked me." She smiled at him. "I'm glad you're mine."

"And you are mine." He finally set her down, heaving for lost breath. "Dear, dearest--" He slowly regained his breath. "The land of Equestria is egalitarian. May I ask that I be swept up in your powerful arms?" He barely finished the question when she did just that, easily lifting him and walking off with him. "This is surprisingly delightful." Surrendering to her grasp just felt right, and he nestled against his golem of a betrothed with a pleased smile.

Tempo carried him all the way to the cafe where they were meeting Cadance and Shining Armor. She set him down gently. "I'm glad you like it." She leaned in to kiss him.

Cadance giggled at the sight. "Look at you two! What love birds."

Shining snorted. "They've been inseparable for a while now." He glanced at Cadance, then again. "Speaking of that." He trailed a hoof over the little table. "I had a question I've been waiting to ask you, Cadance. Got a moment?"

"Of course." She sipped from her colorful drink. "What's on your mind?"

He took a deep breath, then let it out. "Cadance, I've loved you for a long time, and I'm so happy to have you in my life. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you." He produced a ring, setting it on the table. "Will you marry me?"

Cadance gasped softly, eyes going wide. "Yes!" She threw herself at him, kissing him.

Blueblood clapped, settled in his chair. "Good show!"

Tempo sank into the chair next to Blueblood. "It would seem we two sisters are betrothed on the same day. I like that."

Cadance perked her ears at Tempo. "On the same--" It hit her. "You didn't?! You did!" Her horn glowed as she grabbed both Blueblood and Tempo, squeezing their chairs closer together. "You lovely couple! Ooo, we could have a double-wedding! Wouldn't that just be lovely?"

Blueblood blinked. "That is an idea." He glanced at Tempo. "Would you be alright with that?"

Tempo considered it. "I think I would." She considered Cadance and Shining Armor. "We were not always sisters, but our bond is sure. To marry on the same day, in the same place." She smiled at the thought. "At the same time? That sounds so nice."

Cadance squealed with delight. "I can't wait to tell auntie! Oh, she'll be so happy for us!" She hopped up and down in her seat. "I can't believe it! I'm getting married!"

Shining smiled at her. "I'm glad you're excited. I am too." He kissed her cheek. "I love you, Cadance."

"I love you too, Shining." The two got lost a moment with mutual nuzzles and peppered kisses.

Blueblood leaned in, hesitant. Tempo took the hint and pecked him first, turning into soft nuzzles as both couples lost a few minutes just joyfully enjoying one another with one another.

Shining finally drew back and turned his eyes and snout at Blueblood. "So, how'd you pop the question? You saw mine. I wasn't there for yours."

Blueblood smiled. "I asked her while on one knee, holding a ring." He glanced at Tempo. "She asked me why, and I told her that she was the only mare for me." He leaned into her. "I told her that I loved her, and I meant it."

Tempo leaned into him, ears perked up. "I said yes, of course. He is my special somepony."

Cadance let out a wistful sigh, love suffusing her every pore. "You two are so adorable together." She could see their connection, their romance, and it was bright and vibrant, shining with such force that she had not a single doubt in their mutual attraction. Why, about the only connection that rivaled it was the one she shared with her Shining.

Her fiancee smiled at her, their eyes meeting, and the two shared a soft giggle. "I guess we have a lot of planning to do, huh?"

"Yes, we do." Shining kissed the end of her snout. "But I really only have one question."

"What is that?" Cadance perked an ear, nose wriggling where she had been kissed.

"Who's doing the planning?" Shining leaned back. "If we tell Princess Celestia, you know she'll happily get other ponies on the case for us. But, before we do that, I thought I'd ask. If that's something you want to do?"

Cadance considered that. "I think I would like to do it myself. We could plan it together, but I would like to be the one to do most of the work."

Shining nodded, but looked across to Tempo. "It's your wedding too. You get a vote in this."

Tempo started as if surprised. "Yes, of course. But, I trust sister. She knows about love. She knows it better than I do. I can't imagine a wedding she planned going badly."

"Come here!" Despite her words, it was Cadance that went to Tempo, tackling her in a tight squeeze. "I'll do my best to give us both a picture-perfect wedding."

Blueblood smiled at the sight. "I'm glad we all get along so well." He reached over to pat Shining's shoulder. "I'm happy for you, brother."

Shining nodded. It took a moment for that to click. "Oh, right! We're brothers now." He laughed with the sinking realization. "Wow."

"Brother-in-law, to be technical, but why be technical among family?" Blueblood winked. "We are brothers, we can leave it at that between us." He gestured at Cadance. "Lucky me, I have also gained a wonderful sister. You best take care of her."

"That goes for you too." He waved at Tempo. "We both have a lovely mare to take care of, and be taken care of by." He chuckled softly. "Come to think of it, I bet we kinda, you know. Yours is powerful, physically. Mine is a princess. We are two stallions of mares that could bend them in half if they're bad."

Blueblood snorted with amusement. "Well, I don't know about that, but I suppose that's true." He leaned in. "I hope you don't think less of me for having a mare that can do that."

Shining quickly put a hoof to his chest. "I have one too! We're two peas in a pod." He tapped at his cheek. "Say, ever play Ogres and Oubliettes?"

Cadance swatted gently at him. "Are you trying to get another player for that silly game?"

"It's not silly." Shining crossed his arms. "Seriously, have you?"

Blueblood nodded. "I have, actually. It's quite fun. I haven't played in a while, but I would be willing to try again."

"Great! I'll send you an invite." Shining's horn lit up. "I'll send you one too, Tempo."

Tempo blinked. "I don't know what that is, but I'm willing to learn."

Blueblood wrapped an arm around Tempo. "It's a game of fantasy, and storytelling. It can be a wonderful tool for learning, but also of experiencing dread without actually risking your lovely hide."

Cadance smiled at the two of them. "You two are just adorable." She sighed softly. "I'm so happy for you both."

Tempo leaned into Blueblood. "Thank you, sister. As if you're any less with your own." She considered a moment. "Oh, we have to announce this, do we not?"

"Too true!" A paper appeared before Cadance with a pop and she began scribbling with a floating quill. "We have to let everypony we know about what's happened. Hopefully, they'll all be just as thrilled as we are."

Author's Note

Surely Twilight will get the notification. Surely.

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16 - Wedding Plans

Celestia, and much everypony else, become immediately excited at the news. Two weddings, of royalty, at the exact same time? There weren't enough hours in the day to get ready for it. They worked alongside Cadance, following her plans to the letter. "I'll handle this one." Shining Armor was writing a letter quickly. "I'll let Twilight know about this."

"Thank you." Cadance wandered off, having so many other things to worry about. "You're a lifesaver."

Shining smiled at her. "I try." He returned to the letter. "Hey, Twily. I have some great news. I'm getting married! And so is your sister. You two are going to be sisters for real." He frowned at his words. "No, way too informal for this." He started again, using proper names and without the joking hints. "Twilie appreciates things done properly."

In another part of the castle, Tempo stood impatiently as maids held up different dresses before her, floating one, then the next in an unending procession of wedding fashion. "They all look fine."

Blueblood called from behind a divider, "How we present ourself is of grave importance, my dearest Tempo. It is not only for ourselves, but for the ponies beneath us. They take cues from us, and the way we comport ourselves. It is a task, but one we must bear! Such is the obligation of royalty."

Tempo inclined an ear at Blueblood, or at least in his direction. "You are not technically royalty. You are too distantly related to Princess Celestia."

Blueblood gasped. "Dear, I meant you. Besides." He tapped at his chin before straightening up for his own maids. "I am marrying you. That makes me part of royalty, does it not? Oh, that is an exciting thought. I will do my utmost to live up to the new title! Prince Consort Blueblood, that will be me."

Tempo snorted softly. "You are already prince, dear. You needn't change that." She looked over the dresses again. "I still don't see the difference between these."

Blueblood advanced on the divider and tossed over a suit. "This is the one I have chosen. Select one that goes with it and you have done wonderfully, as if you could ever look poorly."

Tempo blushed. "You are quite the flatterer." She looked over the suit. "I suppose this one is acceptable." She looked at the maids. "You heard him, find me something to go with this." The maids bowed low and scurried off to find a fitting dress. "I'm glad that's past. But, as I was saying, you are already a prince. It's your name."

"A name and a title are two different things." Blueblood stood as tall as he could. "Married to you, I will be a true prince. Um, not that I'm marrying you for that reason. I would divest myself of my wealth entirely if it meant being at your side." He wrinkled his nose. "Only one holiday abroad a year, like a commoner, worth it!"

Tempo smiled faintly at that thought. "I am certain common ponies--" She aborted the thought, deciding it wasn't worth the battle. Let Blueblood think his silly thoughts. "I love you."

"And I love you too, but that is hardly enough to express it." He threw his hooves wide. "Let us prepare, so we can shout it at the world and they can all know our boundless amor!"

Tempo giggled. "I suppose we should."

The maids returned, holding up a dress that matched Blueblood's suit. "This one, your highness?"

Tempo considered it. She reached out a hoof to trail along it gently. "Alright, yes, this one." She nodded at it, relaxing with the dress selection being complete. "Are weddings fun, for the ones being wed?"

Blueblood smiled at her. "It is a celebration of love, and joy. It is a wonderful thing, and a magical one. I'm sure you'll love it."

Tempo smiled back at him. With the two having selected their dresses, the servants drew the barrier back and they came together, as if they were magnets, unable to hold each other away. They met with warmly hugging arms and fond nuzzles.

"I'll be there." Blueblood nosed into her neck. "So if you feel anything but joy, you can let me know. I will protect you, dearest."

Tempo hummed softly. "I know you will. I trust you." She leaned against him. "I'm glad we found each other."

"As am I." He squeezed her gently. He stepped back with a lash of his tail. "This is so exciting! Come, there are other things to oversee."

Truly the castle was alive with preparations for both pairs.

***

Later, when Cadance and Tempo were together, inspecting one another's dresses, a knock came from the door. "Coming," called Cadance, trotting over to the door as her magic pulled on the handle. She started with surprise. "Shining, we're busy."

Shining flashed a big smile. "You will be busy in a moment. I have something to show you." He glanced past Cadance to Tempo. "This is a one pony surprise." He winked and turned away, walking off.

Cadance watched him go, then turned to Tempo. "I'll be right back." She followed after Shining, curious. "What's this about?"

"You'll see." He led her through the castle, and outside, starting to snicker to himself as he descended some cavernous stairs. "You're going to love this."

"Will I?" Cadance laughed with confusion. "Shining, we're trying to get ready? What on Equestria are you taking me to see right now?"

Shining waved around at the dazzling crystals in those caves. "This, for one."

Cadance's eyes widened. "Oh, this is quite pretty." She wandered up towards a large rock, poking it gently. "Would Celestia be alright with us using these, in the wedding?"

"I have other plans." That voice didn't sound like Shining. Spreading her wings wide, Chrysalis cackled as her magic wrapped around Cadance. "Besides, that will be my wedding, thank you."

Cadance yelped, trying to break free of the magic. "Shining, help!"

But Shining wasn't there to hear her yelp. Chrysalis shoved Cadance into a dark room of crystal to brood impotently. "Your magic won't even work in there. Poor thing, go ahead and cry or whatever you ponies love to do." Laughing wildly, Chrysalis walked away. With a rush of green flames, she became a second Cadance. "I have a wedding to perform."

Chrysalis-as-Cadance wandered through the castle, searching for the real Shining Armor. "I'm sure he's around here somewhere." She paused at the sight of Tempo, but advanced a moment later. "Sister, have you seen Shining?"

Tempo started in surprise. "I thought he was with you. Wasn't he going to show you something?"

Chrysalis considered that. "Oh, I forgot. He was. I wonder where he went off to?" She turned away, walking off. "I'll be back."

Tempo watched her go, then returned to her own preparations.

Unfortunately for most ponies involved, Chrysalis did find Shining and ensnared him casually in her magic. He was little match for her.

But her odd behavior didn't go entirely unnoticed. While most ponies were quite focused on the wedding, Tempo remained a step removed. She had the luxury of distance, not directly planning the wedding and only playing a part. She kept glancing over, watching the "other Cadance", noticing that she didn't react quite the way the real Cadance would have.

"Sister." Tempo dared to approach Cadance. "I was hoping to ask your help about something."

"I'm busy planning the wedding." Cadance waved Tempo away. "It's for both of us, remember?"

"I do remember that." Tempo paced nervously. "You are overworking yourself. You should relax. I can take over, if you like?"

"No you can't." Cadance hiked a brow high. "And I'm fine. Go on, practice your vows with Blueblood or whatever."

Tempo smiled politely at that. "I am working on that. But, if you insist." She backed off, heading for Celestia. "Aunt Celestia." Tempo paused to bow before her. "I apologize for bothering you."

"You are never a bother." She nodded at her golem of a niece. "A pleasure always. You must be very excited, your wedding so close."

"I am," breathlessly admitted Tempo. "But there are other things. I can't put a hoof on it, but I feel Cadance may be being injured. She isn't acting herself. Planning two weddings at once is obviously stressing her." She stood tall. "As her guardian, I insist something be done about this. Can't somepony else take over the wedding planning?"

Celestia reached a wing, gently brushing Tempo's side. "Your care for Cadance is beyond any doubt. She is so lucky to have a sister like you, but I can't do that. This is what she wants. As a princess of love, demanding she allow somepony else to plan her wedding is unthinkable. Imagine how upset she'd be if I tried?"

Tempo flinched. "I, I suppose you have a point. It wouldn't feel right. Not after everything we've been through. I don't want to ruin things for her."

"Nor do I." Celestia leaned in, almost touching noses but not quite. "So, have faith that she will make it through this, and be her strength, as I know you can be. Help her weather this, and she will thank you forever."

Tempo brightened at the very idea of it. "Yes. Yes, excellent idea. I'll get closer to her by helping her." She curled a hoof to her chin. "Do you know where Shining Armor is? She was looking for him before."

Celestia directed a hoof. "Last I saw, he is with yours. The two were practicing their parts. It was quite precious."

Tempo smiled at the idea of the two stallions working so hard, side by side. "Thank you. I'll fetch him." She raced away on that mission with purpose in her eyes.

Celestia nodded, returning to her own matters. "Poor Tempo. I know she has feelings for Cadance. I would hate for this to strain the relationship between them, but sometimes such things are necessary." Her concern melted into a gentle smile. "But their sisterhoof is hard to argue."

She thought back to when she had first met Tempo, odd metal doppelganger of the filly Cadance. "I'm glad I didn't do anything too hasty back then. You've been such a treat." She turned to the next supplicant. "Your turn."

"What is your command?"

Tempo turned, confusion in her eyes. "What?"

Shining inclined his head in the other direction. "What is your--" He grunted, rubbing at his head. "Ow--Tempo? Hey." He wobbled in place, clearly a bit disoriented. "The headaches are getting worse. I can't wait for this wedding to be over with."

"I have it," called Cadance, moving to nudge Shining away. "I'll make those nasty headaches go away."

Tempo knew Cadance's powers. Banishing headaches was not one of them. She glared as the two retreated into Cadance's room. "Are you alright?" Tempo jumped in surprise, coming down facing Blueblood.

She half-tackled him, pushing him towards their own room. "We need to talk."

"As always, I am here at your service, m'lady." He bowed properly the moment Tempo stopped pushing him. "How can I be of service?"

"Not here." Tempo shut the door behind them, then leaned against it. "I am suspicious of the other Cadance." She marched over to Blueblood, sniffing at his neck. "Why are you damp?"

Blueblood glanced away, cheeks flushing. "I was nervous, so I took a dip in the water." He pawed at the floor. "It helped calm me down."

"I can see that." She brushed over his cheek with a hoof. "But since when did you like random dips? Why is everypony acting so oddly?"

Blueblood leaned in to touch his nose to her cheek. "I could ask why you continue to be so even-keeled. My beloved, you are the rock in a stormy sea, unmoving despite it all."

"Stop that." Tempo gently pushed him back. "It is not time for our compliments. Something strange is happening and I mean to get to the bottom of it." She moved over to the window. Outside, the ponies of the castle were animatedly preparing for the wedding with no idea what was going on. "I don't like this."

"It's probably nothing." He touched his nose to her shoulder. "Everyone is excited is all, and feeling pressure from the looming ceremony. The bride is allowed to be a little peculiar before such an event." He gently rubbed his nose against her cheek. "Are you not also feeling on edge? We all are, but for such an event? Worth the price."

Tempo glanced at him, ears twitching. "You are making a strange amount of sense." She narrowed her eyes. "Don't do that. You're worrying me." She put a hoof to her forehead before laughing gently. "But you're right. Maybe I am just worrying about nothing. I am used to keeping a wary eye on Cadance." She inhaled in a hiss. "It is my--Destiny? Is destiny the right word?"

"It is what you care most about." He wrapped her, drawing her into a warm hug. "And it is one of many traits about you I adore completely. Be nervous, my lovely Tempo, but know that I stand ever by your side."

Author's Note

The wedding is going, for better or worse. Tempo doesn't like this at all.

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17 - Cave Divers

Tempo almost crashed into a pony, so distracted was she by her recent worries. "Sorry." She helped the other pony up, her metal body proving the victor in a little contest of opposing momentums. But that pony, she knew her, from somewhere. "Have we met before?"

Twilight inclined her head at Tempo curiously, about the same look in her face. "Hm. Well, I'm Twilight Sparkle. You are?"

"Twilie!" Tempo perked up with a smile. "It is I, Tempo." She curled a hoof at herself. "It is so nice to see you."

"Tempo!" Twilight glanced away and back. "Tempo," she repeated in much more hushed tones. "You are the closest pony I know to Cadance, aren't you?"

"I take pride in it." Tempo smiled, if briefly. "Why?"

Twilight glanced around them. "Is Cadance--off? She's been so excited about the wedding, but it seems strange. I've known her for a long time, and this isn't her normal excitement."

Tempo took a little breath, despite not needing to breathe. "You noticed this as well?"

"I'm not the only one then." Twilight waved for Tempo to follow her. "This way. Let's not talk about this in the middle of the hallway." Twilight opened the door for Tempo and let her into the library, shutting it behind them. "There we go. What do you think?"

Tempo looked around, settling down with a little hum. "She is acting strangely, using abilities I never saw her have before, and--It's not like her." Tempo frowned just thinking about it. "Blueblood insists this is normal for a pony planning their wedding. I am certain, to some extent, it is. I don't think this is exactly that."

"I agree, and I think I might know why." Twilight produced a book, laying it open in front of Tempo. "The Mare in the Moon." She pointed out a specific page.

Tempo inclined her head. "Didn't you already defeat that?" She pointed up at where a moon may be, if not for it being daytime. "There is no more Mare in the Moon."

Twilight blinked before clopping a hoof to her head. "I'm very stressed right now myself. I feel like everypony is making light of what I've seen. Cadance is just not acting herself. You're the first pony to even agree to that much." She pressed her hooves together in front of her mouth. "Tell me truthfully. Did she seem off to you?"

Tempo's ears folded back. "Very off." She considered Twilight and her claims. "We agree on that. The question is, what can be done about it? I am Cadance's protector! How do I protect her from this?"

"I didn't know she had one." Twilight had been a little filly when last she knew Tempo, and never had a reason to know Tempo's protective role. "But good! Good. I need your help, please. My, uh, less wild theory is that this Cadance isn't our Cadance. Our Cadance doesn't act this way. I saw her zapping my brother with strange magic!"

"The headache removing spell?" Tempo flicked an ear. "That is a spell I never knew Cadance had."

"That one! Why everypony else thinks that's normal, I have no idea." She huffed with frustration. "The trick is finding the real Cadance."

Tempo stood up firm and tall. "That is my job. I am her defender. I will find her and make sure she's safe."

Twilight rolled her hooves one over the other. "I love the enthusiasm, but where will you even start looking?"

"I don't know, but I'll find her. I know Cadance's smell well." Tempo tilted her head as she thought. "I can track her."

"Like a bloodhound! You can do that?" Twilight raised a brow at Tempo. "You are even more talented than I remember you."

"Not exactly like one of those, but close enough. Leave finding Cadance to me." She touched noses with Twilight, smiling. "You have grown up well. I hope we get some time to talk after this."

"That would be nice." Twilight returned the little nuzzle, but they both had things to do. They parted with determined marches to see it done.

Tempo was not a pony, not biologically. She had no biology, to start. She did have mechanisms, and some of them gave her senses that a pony simply lacked. She drew in air, not to fake breathing, but to taste and sample the air, to get hints from it. She never stopped inhaling, the air passing through her entirely to pass out the other end without a problem.

That included things other than oxygen. She sampled the air for any hint of the particular bouquet of Cadance's scent. She could detect the subtle variations, but there was something different. Her nostrils flared, eyes widening. There, in the air, was a mixture of Cadance's unique and wonderful presence, laced with a spike of fear.

Tempo followed it, nose as often high in the air as she was poking around the ground, following where it seemed strongest. She eventually happened on where the abduction took place, but there was little obvious hint of the event other than the scent being at its strongest. That was a place where Cadance had been scared, she knew that, and she hated it.

"If I were somepony taking a princess of love, where would I put her?" Tempo turned from the small alcove, marching off through the castle. It was a huge, sprawling place with any number of hiding spots. She thought back to the ones that made her. They had taken advantage of such hiding places to come in and try to do terrible things. Tempo shook her head quickly. "Don't be distracted!" she reminded herself. "I must find her."

Her rump pulsed, which was an odd sensation. It hadn't pulsed before. She curled to look at it, where her cutie mark of the armored heart rested. Being a doll, her cutie mark could have appeared as anything she wanted to be, but that was the symbol she had found to be her own. She was the guardian of heart, Cadance's protector. That symbol was pulsing with urgency. "What does that mean?"

She wasn't even a pony. Her cutie mark was just a fashion accessory, or so she thought. Its magical throbbing implied otherwise. "Do you know where Cadance is?" She tentatively touched the mark. She had been told it was impossible for ponies to interface directly with their cutie marks, but Tempo wasn't a pony.

With that thought firmly in mind, she closed her eyes and concentrated, connecting to the mark. She didn't feel much, but it did seem to tug, in a direction. "You're getting smarter, I like that." She didn't have time to admire the change though, turning to gallop as quickly as she could in the given direction. "Please be alright, sister."

Her hoofbeats carried her out of the castle, down to the caves beneath. "Why down?" She considered the layout with a frown, but the scent had returned. Her poor Cadance was being scared, or had been scared? It was hard to know the difference, but, either way, Tempo knew she had to be there, and she made her way through the staggering maze of tunnels and caverns.

It was like a different world entirely, a sparkling wonderland of endless possibility. Tempo's eyes sparkled a little in that delight, but she kept to her task, nosing along the ground to follow Cadance's scent. "Cadance!" she called out in a sudden bark. "I am here. Tell me if you can hear me."

But she heard nothing but the occasional drip of water. Worse yet, she ran into a dead end. The scent stopped there, hitting a wall and no further. She had run out of places to go. "Cadance," she miserably got out as if saying her name would summon her. "Where are you?" She pawed at the wall impotently a moment before she frowned at the crystal barrier.

"I have no better direction." She twirled around, pointing her back end at the wall. "You will surrender Cadance to me, or else." What the else was, Tempo had no idea, but, Celestia as her witness, she would figure it out if she had to. She braced her forelegs and lashed out, kicking the door with all her might, as if it were the crystal's fault.

Her metal hooves slammed into the crystal with a tremendous weight. She could feel things cracking, some of them being bits of herself, but more of it being the wall. With a shattering of crystal and explosion of dust, the wall gave way to the cave beyond it.

"Tempo?" A haggard and weary Cadance stood up from behind the wall, looking at Tempo with amazement. "What are you doing here?"

Tempo bounded over, tackling Cadance into a tight hug. "I knew something was wrong. I'm glad I could find you!" She nuzzled against her, like a happy puppy reunited.

Cadance hugged Tempo with a tired smile. "And I'm glad to see you." She embraced her metal sister gently and gladly. "I was captured by some crazed thing that wants to take my place." She frowned with a shiver. "She said she'd eat Shining, because she needs him, too."

"Shining?" Tempo thought of her sweet sister and her loyal Shining. "What can she possibly want with him?"

"There's no time to ponder that." Cadance forced herself to her hooves. "We have to get moving."

"I'm right here." Tempo moved to support Cadance, only to almost stumble, barely managing to redirect her falling to crash to the stone ground without landing on Cadance. "Sorry."

"Sorry?!" Cadance was on Tempo instantly. "Are you alright?"

Tempo slowly sat up. "Kicking that wall wasn't the best idea, perhaps. I'm not as good at magic as you are, sister."

"You did more than good." Cadance nuzzled her injured sister. "Poor thing. Looks like we're both banged up now. Let's go as quickly as we can, but no faster than that, hm?"

"Yes, sister." Tempo staggered upright on three legs, walking alongside Cadance. "At least we can escape now."

A cold laugh echoed through the chamber. "I think not."

With a rush of flames, Twilight Sparkle was dropped before them, rough and with tears in her eyes. She saw the two Cadances in front of her and assumed battle stance, horn glowing dangerously.

Tempo raised a hoof. "I found the real Cadance, Twi."

Twilight hesitated. Tempo sounded just a little different than Cadance. "Tempo? Tempo! You found her!" She pounced forward, hugging the two of them with a happy sob. "I was starting to think this day would only get worse."

Cadance nudged Twilight, which was enough of a hint. The two began their traditional greeting involving waking up ladybugs. Tempo smirked at the dance. "You two are precious at times. Twilight, can you help us? Neither of us are feeling well right no--w?" She yelped as she floated in the air, grabbed by Twilight's magic. "I forgot you were so good at that."

Twilight casually moved both of her future sisters into a train cart and hopped in after them. "Let's get moving!" With a powerful magical shove, she sent them careening down wild tracks. "Um, do either of you--" She pulled upwards to clear a jump. "Know if we're headed in the right direction?"

"This is the way." Tempo pointed ahead of themselves as they made wild turns. She had no innards to throw off with the sharp movements, but she knew what fear was, and she cringed at the many close calls coming and zipping past them.

When they finally reached the entrance, Cadance was gasping and Twilight panting. "Wow, that was fun." Cadance brushed a hoof across her brow, wiping away sweat.

Twilight shivered with excitement. "We have no time! They're doing the wedding, now! Come on!" All three of them struggled to move as quickly as they could.

But Tempo couldn't keep up. "Go without me, I will catch up as quickly as I can."

Cadance hugged Tempo tightly, if briefly, and she took off with Twilight towards that false wedding.

Author's Note

Things are progressing. It's about time for a showdown with the bug queen, I think.

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18 - Storge

Shining Armor grimaced as he felt himself being manipulated magically, by the changeling queen. He was at her mercy, and at her control. His vision blurred, the world swimming and doubling, before turning black.

Chrysalis in disguise laughed, a cackle of delight as she stood in the place of the real Cadance. "My prince." She leaned in to nuzzle him, but it was to taunt, not out of any amount of affection. "Marry us, kindly."

Princess Celestia stood before them, as did the entire court and countless witnesses further down the grand hallway. "By the power vested in me by the laws of Equestria, I am honored to officiate this blessed union, between this couple in love."

Blueblood turned to Celestia, ears pinned. "Auntie, dear. This was to be a two pony wedding, but where is Tempo? We cannot proceed without her. To marry one while the other is not here, I cannot in good conscience do this."

Celestia smiled patiently. "Your compassion is noted, nephew. She will be along shortly."

Chrysalis bared her teeth at Blueblood, but she could hardly act out there. "We agreed on the time and place long before now, 'Auntie'."

Celestia raised a brow. Cadance loved Tempo, and was adored in kind. That sort of dismissal felt a little out of place. "Perhaps we could wait a moment."

"We shall wait then." Blueblood stood tall and proud, and alone, only moments before he would be joined by his beloved.

Cadance grit her teeth, digging deep for her resolve as she burst through the doors behind the crowd with Twilight. The two of them charged through them as best they could, calling for the wedding to stop.

Chrysalis abandoned her disguise in favor of laughter, having her brief, if triumphant, duel with Celestia. "Weak little thing, pathetic. I will feed my drones a meal they've long been waiting for."

Shining Armor fell in front of Cadance. "Twily? What's going on?" He winced as he got up. "I think I got hit by something. I passed out."

The illusion on him wore off, showing everyone the full sight of what they were in for. It was also the moment the shield collapsed, Shining unable to hold it up a moment longer under the assault of the changelings battering against it. They broke inside in a wave.

Shining tried to cast another one, but it didn't hold, not with Chrysalis draining his strength to bolster her own. It flickered in and out, and it didn't offer any protection at all. Canterlot was swarmed immediately, ponies fleeing in all directions around them away from the invaders.

Tempo ducked under a changeling as the drone flew over her at high speeds. "What is going on?" She had just reached the hallway to find it partially abandoned, screaming ponies filling the air instead of any sounds of a wedding, paused or going.

"Long story." Cadance worked to create a new barrier to protect the group of them, not that it lasted. The changelings were everywhere. "The changelings are attacking the city. They're capturing ponies." She pointed up at the cocoons already being set up, pods to drain ponies of their love.

Tempo felt something click deep inside her. "Assuming defensive stance." With great pops, damaged portions of herself reset with metal clangs and softer clicks as new things came online. "None will hurt Cadance. Defensive target locked."

Cadance blinked at the strange words and the strange way they were spoken. "Tempo, are you—" She had to duck as a changeling attacked her, but it was batted aside by Tempo. "Are you alright?"

Tempo pushed Cadance behind her. "Secondary defense targets located." Her horn glowed as she took hold of Blueblood and Shining Armor, drawing them to just beside Cadance. "Initiate defense." With an electronic whine, magic she hadn't tapped before came fully online. "Mission objective: Defend Cadance." She launched herself at the changelings, crashing through them.

Celestia snarled. "Why do you do this? What is your aim?"

Chrysalis laughed with wicked glee as her drones swarmed Cadance, her other targets having fled. "Love! Sweet, sweet love. You think I could truly live on such a wretched emotion as your petty kind enjoy? Not without taking it first."

Tempo was on them in an instant, not physically, but fine lasers darted around as if her horn was doing its best to imitate a disco ball, each glittering line striking a changeling down in a rapid takedown. No damage was permitted to fall on her defense targets.

Tempo's new weapons didn't stop at her horns. The ports in her hooves opened, launching lines of magic-laden crystals. They shattered against the changelings, a fine, but highly targeted spray of glittering sand that was soon hardened to rock with a simple spell.

While the chaos was erupting, Twilight and her friends were rushing for the elements. They battled just as bravely against the changelings that came to stop them, but they were not designed for battle. They were not war machines.

Tempo was, and the number of drones in the area kept lowering by the moment with her passionless assault. Not a single drone managed to lay a hoof on Cadance. She was surrounded only by limply struggling drones. "Mission almost complete. Lowering defenses."

Cadance didn't understand any of it, but she smiled in relief as she trotted over to Tempo. "When could you do any of that?!"

Tempo shook her head, her eyes refocusing as her soul pressed back to the surface. "That was scary. May I hug you right—"

Cadance didn't let her finish, pouncing and hugging Tempo tightly with a happy noise. "You're a hero, but we have a whole city swarming with changelings. Can you, um, do that, but bigger?"

Tempo gently squeezed Cadance. "I can try." She wobbled a little in place, and a lot when Cadance let go of her. "I'm not sure." The longer she stood, the less certain she was.

Blueblood and Shining closed with them, each going to their mare with gentle nuzzles. "My lovely Tempo," sang out Blueblood poetically. "My warrior mare. You have saved us."

"She did." Shining nuzzled Cadance, and then Tempo. "Thank you, both of you."

"Of course." Cadance smiled, only for her ears to pin. "But we are still in the middle of an assault, I remind."

Shining slumped against her. "We've done a lot, but I think we're all tired."

Blueblood stomped a hoof. "I have not." He threw a hoof over the slumped Tempo, gently holding her close. "Tempo, my dear and blazing guardian. It is my turn to stand vigil over you in your moment of weakness."

Tempo blinked, leaning into Blueblood's embrace. "I, I will rest then. Thank you." She shut her eyes and slumped to the floor without preamble, little ticks and noises revealing that she was well and truly shut down for the moment.

Cadance snorted, turning to touch her horn to Shining Armor's. "I'm just glad we're back together. I missed you so very much, I don't have the proper words for it."

Shining returned the smile, the painful fog he'd been living in parting before the powerful love that Cadance was offering him. "Me too, um, glad to have you back."

Chrysalis cackled at the two with a snort. "Go on, enjoy your last little cuddle. Your little death machine is worn out, and my drones are just getting started. There's nothing left to save you now."

Cadance frowned as she pulled away from Shining Armor, turning to Chrysalis. "What do you have against love? Why go to all this effort to stop us from having it?"

"Stop you? Perish the thought." Chrysalis waved that away. "Have all the love you want. All the more for us to take from you. We will grow plump from the feast on offer today."

"Then what are we fighting over?" Cadance stood strong against the Queen. "Is it about your kind feeding from mine? Is that all this is? A grudge over what you are?"

"What we are?" Chrysalis raised a brow, her smirk one of assumed victory. "We are predators. You, unfortunately for you, are prey. It shouldn't be that hard to grasp." She turned to a drone that had landed beside her. "How proceeds the invasion?"

"Your Highness." The drone saluted sharply. "We are capturing the ponies swiftly. The pods are full of their loving little hearts." He paused before adding, "And their tears." He grinned wider at that.

"Good, good. That should be enough for us to finally get the meal we've been waiting so long for. Taste that, little princess." She spread her arms wide. "That is the glorious life of a predator."

Cadance withdrew to Shining Armor's side, hugging him. "I'm sorry."

"Me too." He laughed bitterly, squeezing her back. "I have to stop saying that."

Blueblood perked an ear, hearing something. "Tempo, beloved, are you waking up?" He watched her intently. "Is it so? The fate of a city and perhaps a nation rests on your shoulders, my darling, and I have faith you can lift it."

Tempo didn't move, at least not yet. She did, however, make a series of clicks and whirrs that were followed by her opening her eyes and sitting up. "Defense systems restored. Defensive parameters adjusting. New mission." She stood up, marching off on unsteady legs.

Blueblood was on her, practically tackling her. "Not alone! Never alone. I stand at your side, fierce warrior mare that you are. Do you hear me? I am never far."

Tempo pushed him back by the head. "You are at risk, as is Cadance and Shining. I can defend you if you remain here. It is safer."

He reached his hooves up, batting her own off of his face. "I will not sit back in safety while my beloved stands tall against evil incarnate." He rolled his eyes dramatically, then blinked at Tempo, staring into her eyes. "How curious." But he shook off his moment of fascination. "We will stand together!" He struck a dramatic pose, to the tune of Tempo shaking her head. "For we are Tempo and Blueblood, and we are always together."

Cadance lifted a hoof before falling against Shining. "Even in this dark time," she muttered, weakened. "We are together."

She began to glow, as if buoyed by the love of their couples. "We are together." All four of them, Cadance, Shining, Tempo, and Blueblood lifted from the ground. Each was lending their power, glowing at first in their own shades, but it slowly shifted to a unified hue.

A blast of love would save the day, but not one of eros, but one of overwhelming storge, family love that radiated from them in all directions, shoving the changelings away, out of the city and banishing the pods from around the ponies held in them, to let the confused ponies flop to the ground, still covered in goo.

It continued on, pushing Chrysalis herself back with a hissing cry of pain, as if she had been burned. The force of it, a mix of raw magic and pure love, pushed back her and her hive, both vanishing in all directions away from the liberated city.

With the invaders dispatched, there was nothing standing in the way of their wedding. Tempo shrank back, ears flicking back. "I am shown to be even less of a pony. I understand if you want to back out. I will not hold it against you."

Blueblood narrowed his eyes, spinning to face Tempo. "Ponies do not just abandon those they love, Tempo. We are meant to be together. I am yours, and you are mine, and that is forever." He touched his nose to hers. "You are not shown to be any lesser today, nay! You are a hero, standing taller still than I had imagined yesterday."

Cadance was wobbly as she came over to them. "Blueblood is right. I think you're even more of a pony now. I'm glad you're with us. You saved me, you saved Shining, and you saved the whole kingdom! How is that anything less than pony?"

Tempo glanced away, embarrassed. "I have been told before that I am not a pony. I am an abomination, a freak. I am not supposed to exist."

Shining half-fell against her. "By ponies with their heads not on straight. C'mon! Let's get us all married. I can't wait to have such a lovely sister, and a brother." He nodded firmly at Blueblood. "And a wife." He leaned gently against Cadance. "Today's gonna be great."

The quartet did eventually get married, despite all the changes to the planned ceremony and the actual wedding itself. Everypony involved in the wedding had their life changed that day. None would forget it, nor would they wish to.

Author's Note

And... cut. Episode complete. How'd it go? What part are you looking forward to next?

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19 - Rumbles to the North

Tempo awoke from a dead sleep in her room. She had a room. She had a bed, as a pony should, or at least as she insisted. She had a lot of things to make her comfortable in the palace. It was a curious thing, considering, technically, she could have just skipped sleeping.

Though ponies around her didn't like talking about it, and even she preferred not to linger on the thought, she was a construct. She wasn't alive. Sleeping, eating, breathing, and all other things a living thing had to do to remain alive, she just did not.

She gazed into a mirror with a soft hum. What even powered her? She had no idea, and, in the dark of that night, it bothered her. How long would it last? Some authors had claimed that fabricated beings wouldn't know the sting of death, but that felt silly to Tempo. She had an existence, and she valued it. The idea of it ending bothered her, and it could end. If her power source just turned off, there would be no Tempo left, and who would guard Cadance then?

"Cadance is alright." She touched a hoof to the mirror. "I know she's alright. I can feel it." Tempo stepped away, smiling despite herself. She liked being able to feel things, and the gentle reassurance of her link with Cadance was one of those things. She also had emotions. Good ones, bad ones, and all the ones in the middle. However artificial her body, she felt reasonably sure that her feelings were true.

She considered going to check on Cadance, but things had changed. They were married. That meant Cadance was sleeping next to Shining Armor, the two snuggling through the night.

This also meant Tempo had gained a sleeping companion. She turned just to jump in surprise. Prince Blueblood was already watching her intently. "I thought you were sleeping!" She hurried towards him. "You should go back to sleep." She knew he needed so much sleep, unlike her. "You have to stay healthy. Please."

Blueblood smirked at her with a tilt to his head. "Why?" He gently wrapped her with a firm and warm hug. "If I'm sleeping, then you will spend all your time fussing over me, won't you?" He leaned in to gently press his lips to hers. "I was thinking of you, of course. You don't need to sleep. Why not relax with your thoughts?" Nuzzling Tempo's cheek, he purred gently. "What's wrong?"

"I love you so much." She sank against him, tail wagging with building warm emotions. "My dear Blueblood." She took pride in being one of the few ponies he allowed to skip honorifics with him. "I was just musing. I am sorry if I woke you up. I was just wondering about life and its end."

"A most serious and grave topic, to be sure." He tilted his head at her. "May I ask why that was on your mind?" He tugged her gently back to the bed, which was as big as he demanded of it. "Are you considering something specific, my dear?"

Tempo trotted alongside him, hopping on the bed with him. "Not specifically. It's a little vague, and I'm not even sure how to articulate it. I've been told that I was artificially constructed." She swiveled an ear back. "Which I am. There's not much room for doubt. But I wonder, and I wonder." She closed her eyes, laying on her belly next to Blueblood. "How am I made? You don't know either, besides the basics. When will that fail? What will happen after then?"

"Would you like me to speak plainly, or elegantly?" He nudged her cheek, one of his most common and favorite ways to get her attention. "I think you already know, but I will spell it out." He rolled over onto her, nuzzling and nipping her neck. "We will deal with that when it happens, my darling."

She playfully tossed him off, though that did give her room to turn and look him in the eyes. "I am a defense machine." She rubbed her cheek with the flat of a hoof. "Which is a task I took on myself. They didn't make me for that. I know my maker, and sometimes I wish I didn't. They wanted a spy and infiltrator, they got a defender instead. Either way, I defend, and if I stop working, I can't defend. I don't like that idea."

"You'll never not be able to defend, not to me." He ran a hoof gently down her cheek and neck, reaching her chest to feel the quiet beating of her heart, really more of the gentle motions of her artificial internals. "I don't know when your end will come, but I know my own is a long way away." He leaned in, touching his horn to her forehead. "And if yours comes before mine, well, then I won't accept it."

Tempo blinked at that. "As much as I hate the idea, death is not something you can just 'not accept'. Not healthily, at least."

"Nonsense! I, Blueblood, Prince of this fine Kingdom, have decided that it is not permitted. I won't allow you to die." He narrowed his eyes with determination. "Do you not think me capable?" He sat up at that. "I will turn this world upside down until I return life to you. One advantage to being artificial, my dear. If we undo the damage that caused the issue, you should stir once again. So wait patiently for your husband to puzzle through it, and we'll enjoy a new hug after that dreadful time is resolved."

Tempo squinted at him. "You would do all that?" She reached to pat his nose. "You are a strange, wonderful pony. You would search the ends of the planet for the answer to something like that, wouldn't you?"

"Oh, not the world." He pawed at the blankets around them, not bothering to raise his voice in the slightest. "The world, nay, the universe!" One could but imagine what strange ideas Blueblood had that involved somehow escaping their planet on that quest. "If it meant even one additional second of you, my dear, it would be well worth the price."

"I suppose that's where I come in." She laid beside him. "To remind you that there's other things to do with that time."

"Hmm?" He considered the words. "I struggle to imagine what things you would rather I be doing other than fixing you, my dearest. Perhaps a break to eat and drink every once in a while?"

Tempo blew on his face. "You know. There are other things in the world that I'd rather you pay attention to, not that I expect you to focus on just me." She went still suddenly. "I am being foalish. I want to protect, and you stand ready to help me be ready to do that. I should be thanking you." She flopped against him, pinning him with her considerable weight, even if she was sized as a perfectly normal mare. "I love you. Thank you for existing. I know I'm not supposed to, but I have many reasons to cherish my existence, and you're the best of them."

"Well, you have a lovely cutie mark, and you are a genuinely heroic soul. You can't say I'm the best of them, surely. In fact, I would go so far as to say that you are the best thing in my life. My cutie mark is nothing to comment upon, and you know of my history, and of my eccentricities." He rubbed at his own cheek a moment. "You and Cadance have such a bond. I glow with envy at times, considering it. Would—"

"She is my sister." Tempo inclined her head. "You are my husband. You both have wonderful connections to me, different, but wonderful. You both matter more than my own life, if it comes to it." She idly thumped her hooves in the air. "I will protect you both." She tucked him gently beneath her, a position he allowed and relished.

With her pressing on him, roosting like a careful hen, he fell back to sleep, and she settled her own thoughts, happy to have him there.

The next morning, they stood next to Shining Armor and Cadance. Across from them, Celestia. She nodded at each of them. "Thank you for gathering. We are investigating rumors, and they affect all of you." Her eyes went to Tempo. "And I have some news for you specifically after that."

"Rumors?" Tempo looked down. "They have been around, yes. I have seen a few. They make me worry. You suspect the worst, don't you?" She furrowed her brows, looking to Celestia.

Celestia lifted an ear. "You're trying to skip, but one thing at a time. An ancient city may be reviving. We are confirming that, but, should it prove true, I can think of no pony more qualified to take charge of it." She reached out, drawing Cadance closer. "This is your moment. I have no doubt you will rise to the occasion."

"City?" Cadance glanced down with a slight grimace. "Are you sure? I'm not sure I want to rule any cities right now."

"It will be under the guidance of others." Celestia nuzzled Cadance gently. "The chance to help restore a place from the past, that's exciting, isn't it? Besides, you'll have Shining Armor at your side, and I can't imagine Tempo will let you go without her."

Tempo lashed her tail. "That would be impossible."

Blueblood thumped a hoof to his chest. "And if dear Tempo is going, then I am not to be far behind, you know that."

Tempo flicked an ear. "This is going to be interesting, isn't it?"

Celestia turned to Tempo with a firm expression. "That is one way to put it. We await final words from our scouts, but if the Crystal Empire has returned, you will be headed there. The train can take you to its doorstep, built when the empire had existed before. Its ponies will be confused, awakening into a new world. You will all help them get on their hooves."

Tempo glanced at her husband. "At least this way we have plenty of time to consider things. A journey to an ancient city isn't the sort of thing that is done quickly." She trotted a little in place. "You mentioned there was something else, Auntie? What was that?"

Celestia breathed deeply. "There's something you should see." She tilted her head, asking them to follow her. The four ponies walked behind Celestia, descending steps to a lower level within the castle. She willed a door, making it glow as it opened before her. "We found a pony you should speak to."

Inside the dark room was a single pony, shackled firmly and glaring at them with hot resistance. "One of the cultists. We found them skulking about. They have refused to speak to us so far."

Tempo could feel her internal systems of battle warming up. "I'm not your puppet," she shouted at the chained pony before she could control herself.

The pony shrank back with a blink of surprise, but then they stiffened, scowling at Tempo. "You're the lost one!" They grunted as guards stood on either side of them. "Get her away from me!"

Celestia nodded at the held pony. "Since this involves you quite directly, I thought you should be involved. Do you have questions for them?"

Tempo took stiff steps forward, glaring at the mare. "Where is your leader? What does he plan for me? I will not let him have me back."

The prisoner recoiled from her. "Don't you touch me! I will not break! I will never serve you!"

Cadance trotted forward to Tempo's side. "Hey, calm down." She gently nudged Tempo aside. "Sometimes a softer touch is better." She closed with the pony with a little smile. "We're not your enemies. Your leader is leaving you to rot here, unkind of them."

"I knew the price," muttered the prisoner, sinking miserably to her belly.

"What was it you were trying to do?" Cadance sat before the mare. "Maybe we can help, if you tell us?"

"You are part of the problem!" The mare hissed with fury. "You can't fix yourselves. There's nothing you can do for us."

Tempo marched over, looking directly at the pony. "We can offer aid or assistance." She flattened her ears, taking a step closer to the pony. "Just tell me why he's hunting me."

The mare glared at Tempo with fear and angry mixed together. "You were his tool, rebelled against him. You could have been the end of this! I can't even call a tin can a traitor. Just broken!"

Celestia's horn glowed as she grabbed Tempo in her magic. "You've heard enough of her. We have more pressing things to do." She left Cadance to continue her attempts, but brought Tempo away to be verbally abused no longer.

Author's Note

We start towards the Crystal Empire.

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20 - Plotting and Scheming

Cadance sat down, frustrated. The pony before her, a filly really, had been kidnapped. Cadance was unsure of the details, but there seemed to be something different about her. She had a familiar scent, something Cadance had grown up with. "Did they tell you anything? You're safe now."

The filly dared a little smile up at Cadance. "Mostly they, um. I don't want to talk about it."

Cadance put a hoof under the filly's chin, pushing it up so their eyes could meet. "Those nasty ponies hurt a friend of mine. You're not alone in being mad, or scared, of them."

The filly pulled away from Cadance, and her wings flared open. "I am not a monster!" She touched them. "I shouldn't have these."

"Wings?" Cadance moved to put a gentle hoof on the filly's wing. "Tell me about them?" She turned the hoof to slow strokes down the filly's back. "Nopony is mad at you."

The filly curled tighter, not responding for a good minute. "I was supposed to be a spy, like my father. I was taken away by some of those cultists to be trained by them."

Cadance perked. "I see." She didn't, but a hint had been presented. "What would you be spying on, for them?" She leaned forward to rest her head against the filly's. "Can you tell me that much?"

"The ponies. They think I'm going to be the ultimate weapon to, well." She shivered softly. "They couldn't, um, make a doll to pretend being a princess, so they went for one that's alive." She hugged herself tightly. "That was me."

Cadance hissed at the mental image. "I see. Thank you." She looked over the filly, seeing no horn. As artificial alicorns went, clearly incomplete. "Were they still working on you? If we've already said too much, tell me."

"I don't think they wanted me anymore." The filly moved a hoof over her mouth. "They were talking about letting me go, or just getting rid of me. I didn't like either of those ideas." She swallowed thickly. "I don't know where we were, and I don't think they planned to bring me home before they let me go."

Cadance cupped the filly's cheeks between her hooves. "You've done more than enough, you brave little filly. To be clear, you did nothing wrong." She hesitated a moment. "Were you an earth pony?"

"Y-yes!" The filly shrank back, wings folding over her eyes. "Don't hurt me, please."

Cadance closed in, gently pulling the filly's wings from her eyes and embracing her. "No one here is going to hurt you. Those bad ponies did this, not you. You are still a little pony to be cared for." She kissed the filly's head. "Go on. Your parents are waiting for you, but if you need anything, come back to the castle, and you'll have an ear."

The filly didn't seem convinced, but she let Cadance walk her to the door, where her mother and father waited. A stallion and a mare, both of them rushing to the filly to crush her in a double hug, relieved to have her back. They were both earth ponies.

Cadance went to report what she had learned to Celestia and Shining Armor, each for a mildly different reason. Shining saluted. "I'll keep an eye out for them, and have the other guards do the same, Cadie."

The last pony she approached was Tempo. "I have good and bad news. Rather than asking you which first, I'll get into it. It's about the cultists."

Tempo shuddered at their naming. "That sounds like bad news by default. Go on? Unless they've been stopped?"

"That would be nice." Cadance shook her head with a soft sigh. "I think they abandoned trying to work with golems, which probably puts you off their radar. That's good."

"Sure?" Tempo sat up, tail giving one fitful sway. "So where has their attention gone? They didn't give up, did they? That'd also be acceptable."

Cadance clenched her jaw, a hard frown on her face. "I'm not sure this is better, but they switched their experiments over to—"

"Artificial ponies." Tempo growled.

Cadance inclined her heads. "Not exactly. They're not making ponies out of nothing. The ponies were made the old-fashioned way, but they're trying to make princesses out of them."

"What?" Tempo froze in place.

"What?" Shining Armor slipped over, joining the conversation. "That's disgusting! What do they think that's going to accomplish?"

"Make them special?" Cadance lifted her hooves wide and apart in a grand shrug. "Give them power, maybe? I think they want to make a political move, and having a princess, or three, would help with that. Having an actual political plan and winning the hearts of the ponies would be far more effective, but nopony told them that, apparently."

"I hope they're not very successful. That's just awful." Shining shook his head in dismay. "Cultists."

Tempo stayed quiet as they spoke. She knew too much about what they were doing, but she couldn't bear to talk about it. She fixed her eyes on Cadance's. "I will protect you."

Cadance half-tackled her sister, hugging Tempo close. "You'll do your best and that's all I can ask. Thank you."

Shining didn't dare butt in, but he did trot over to join in the hug, gently holding his sister and his wife.

With her future siblings nearby, Tempo felt certain she could stand up to any challenge thrown their way. "Have either of you seen Blueblood?"

Shining perked his ears. "Oh, yes. He's getting new clothes."

Tempo inclined her head at that. "New clothes? Why?"

Shining tossed his head northwards. "We're going north, remember? It'll be colder, so he wants fashionable, but warmer, clothes to wear while he goes."

Tempo tapped at her artificial body, producing a metallic clink with each impact. "I don't need winter clothing, I don't think?"

Cadance raised a brow. "You never tested. I don't want my sister to discover it the hard way. You'll get some nice warm clothes too, so don't fuss." She lightly batted at Tempo's nose.

Tempo smiled. "I don't have a choice in this, do I?" She could, of course, refuse, but she didn't want to. "I'll have what you're having." She brushed against Cadance's side. "We're still the same size."

"And most everything else." Cadance rolled her eyes at the thought. "Alright. I'll have them pack two of all the winter clothes I pick, and we'll match. Shining, you ready?"

"As ever I will be." He touched his nose to Cadance's cheek. "We're going to rescue some ancient ponies." He huffed softly. "Leaving my guard's the worst part."

Cadance turned her hug to Shining, embracing him warmly. "You'll get a new guard. The crystal ponies will need some, and those guards will need a leader. Good thing for them, we're bringing the best one around."

"Hey now, I'm in the room." Tempo brushed against them with a playful growl.

Shining hugged Cadance back, taking strength from the contact. "I love you. And your sister's a fine guard, but for you specifically." He smooched Cadance's snout, working in pecks towards the tip. "Normal guards have to keep an eye on everypony else." He nipped at the bridge of her muzzle. "A sibling has to guard just the one. She's always got one target, and she doesn't stop until it's safe."

Cadance rubbed a hoof over his shoulder. "Most sisters don't take that so seriously, but I got lucky." She released Shining to pounce on Tempo, hugging and ruffling them eagerly. "Such a lovely sister I have."

With things settled, they all did their part and soon met at the train. All four of the royal ponies, the two couples, and the chosen guards for the mission were piling onto the train and preparing to set out. It was a long and lonely trip ahead of them, but they were prepared.

Cadance leaned against Shining. "Let's look on the bright side of things. We're going to do something incredible."

Blueblood piped up. "Auntie said you'd become princess of them, for truly. Not just in name, but their ruler." He rubbed at his cheek awkwardly. "I was prepared to enact my royal duties."

"Of course you were, and are." Cadance smiled at her brother-in-law. "But only one of us could be at the top. I hope I can trust in you to support me? I could use some talented nobility on my side."

Blueblood thumped his chest. "Of course! I will banish the problems before you're even aware of them, ideally." He turned in place to Tempo. "We are both your guardians, dear Cadance. None will dissuade us."

Tempo grabbed Blueblood, nuzzling into his neck. "I love you."

"And I you." Their chatter quieted as they snuggled together, ready to face the future together.

Cadance enjoyed the warmth of Shining Armor. "I guess I get to be a princess. This'll be new. But I know I can do it." She nodded to Shining, Tempo, and Blueblood. "I have such good ponies right at my side."

All of them cheered as the train started forward, carrying them all towards destiny itself.

The crystal ponies that met them at the train station looked confused, to say the least. Speaking of that, calling it a 'station' was being, perhaps, too generous. It was scarcely more than a platform that the train happened to stop at, letting them all pile off.

There were only two crystal ponies there, at that platform, when they drew in. One, an older stallion, nodded as they emerged. "Hello. Welcome to, um." He frowned with thought, unable to finish his sentence.

Cadance approached, looking at the ponies carefully. "Crystal Empire." She smiled, and gestured to the gathered ponies. "Do you want to start introducing yourselves to the newly revived ponies of the empire?"

Blueblood stepped forward. "Announcing, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza!"

Cadance blushed faintly at her full name being used. "Pleasure to meet you both."

The crystal ponies nodded to the royalty among them. The other, a younger mare looked Cadance over curiously. "What are you here for?"

Cadance smiled at the crystal mare. "I am here to be your princess."

"We have a princess?" The mare paused. "That sounds nice. Will you be kind?"

"I will try to rule fairly and well." Cadance pointed past the platform. "Is the city that way? It's hard to see in all this snow." She waved a hoof around in the air. "The snowstorm seems pretty dense."

The old crystal stallion nodded, looking in the indicated direction. "I think so?" It clicked a moment later. "Ah, yes, this way." He got to moving, and soon they were a procession of crystal ponies and normal ones, trundling through the thick snow.

Tempo moved in next to her sister. "You were correct."

"Glad to hear, but what about?" Cadance kept her eyes ahead, marching in step with the others.

"I find myself glad I got some clothing." She ran a hoof over her soft and fluffy jacket. "I think I do have a minimum comfortable temperature, and I can feel things catching and slowing. It's a bad feeling at best."

Blueblood threw a hoof over Tempo, hugging her close as they marched. "I'll keep you warm, beloved, so have no worries." He blew on her ear to make her shudder.

"I know, you have." She bumped him. "It's not just cold I dislike." She narrowed her eyes, the faint light around them glittering in her dark eyes. "This is a strange and new place. We have much to learn."

They trundled in the oppressive chilly darkness of the snowstorm for what felt like hours, but then a hoof hit a cobblestone. They had arrived at the city, pressing through the stone-lined streets that were almost as snowy as the land around it, but the crystal that made up the roads provided slightly better steps.

Tempo observed the buildings with a tilted head. They were simple structures of crystal and stone, each with a wooden door and shutters. The walls were all angled to deal with the heavy winds, but not by much. "How do ponies live like this?"

Shining huffed, breath emerging as a cold mist. "It's up to us to fix that. Look." He pointed ahead as a tall palace rose from the obscuring snow ahead of them. "That looks like somewhere to start."

Author's Note

Welcome to the Crystal Empire. It's a bit of a fixer-upper. Surely our brave little family is up for the task!

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21 - Ice Breaker

The castle interior was no less impressive. While the snow had kept the outside looking pure and pristine, the inside revealed signs of age. Thick carpets covered the floors to absorb noise. Tapestries hung from the walls, all faded from sun and time. Still, despite this, there was a grandeur radiating from it. They were walking through an ancient civilization, one that had come to the edge of its doom, and risen back from that brink.

Cadance looked around the throne room, nodding at the staff of crystal ponies that had begun to gather for them. To say they were there 'for' them was misleading. The ponies looked as much confused about things as they were anything else. One mare stepped forward and gave a curt nod. "What is our assignment?"

Tempo flipped an ear back. "Most were dazed, but you sound like you're ready for business."

"I am a maid. Being late for... him... meant punishments. I don't want that." The maid shivered in memory of past abuses. "What is our assignment?"

Cadance looked on the mare with clear pity. Shining was faster to speak, "You don't have to, I mean, no punishments. We're here to help."

"What is our assignment?" The mare had repeated it without deviation, more robotic than Tempo, at least in attitude.

Blueblood nodded at her. "Very well then. Help us help you." He waved at the castle. "Inspect the palace for damage, take note of any you find, and let's get this place operational, hm?"

"Sir." The maid went off to speak with the other, less alert, ponies and they all slowly got moving out of the throne room.

Cadance sighed in a slow noise. "Tempo, please. I need to take stock of things, but this cold can't be allowed to stay. Look around. There has to be a spell or something that can help."

Tempo glanced at Blueblood, but nodded. "I can do that." She galloped from the room.

Cadance called to her, "Oh, and stay in the palace!"

With Tempo gone, and the others now focused on organizing and helping the new empire's ponies, they had time to discuss matters privately. Blueblood watched Tempo leave, and then turned to Cadance. "We have some supplies." He nodded towards crates being hauled in by the guards. "Will they be of assistance?"

Shining Armor nodded firmly. "Food and basic provisions for us and some extra. Princess Celestia felt sure that there'd be some here, but I'm getting more and more nervous about that being true." He looked around the throne room, shaking his head. "How would they have survived?"

Cadance stared down at her own hooves, the crystalline floor shimmering beneath her. "If they hid away, or slept for the ages, it's possible." She stood up with a snort. "Auntie said they were basically 'vanished' until shortly before we got here. They must be suffering, and we are to help, that is our job."

Blueblood cocked his head at her. "Of course it is, dear sister-in-law, and you will do it, as is your duty. I shall ensure you have all you require." He trotted off, but his voice could be heard even when he was gone from view, calling out orders and shouting encouragements.

Shining waved a hoof at the guards. "I'll get on them. They're fully aware and ready, so let's put them to work." He whistled sharply, getting their attention. "Time to patrol!" His subordinates thundered out with a mass salute, eager to do their jobs.

Cadance turned to Shining, whispering to him. "You were great just then."

"It's just what a captain should be able to do." That didn't stop him from touching noses with Cadance, the two smiling. "I'll join them, you work in here."

That just left Cadance, considering how she could help. It was a quiet time, with little to do. The crystal ponies around her did little more than wander and gaze at the tapestries and various items on the wall, touching them gently. She herself did her part, lifting the various cushions to let dust float off them.

Elsewhere, Tempo was going through the books, and there were plenty to choose from. Bookshelves lined the rooms and hallways, packed tight with volumes that showed little sign of decay. "Strange."

She read, finding more information on the crystal ponies, and their strained relationship with their king, Sombra. Some of the books spoke as if they loved him, but it wasn't a thick layer of propaganda before the truth became quite clear. He ruled by fear and force, not any affection. She hated him already, though it was not difficult to do.

She also found records of a particular group of unicorns that stood in opposition to the Crystal Empire. She made notes of their names, which would be important if they could be found. But that didn't help them right that moment, so she pressed on.

After a fruitless time with the books, she continued on the hunt for some magic. Surely, with how long these ponies had existed, they would have some tricks to show for it. She discovered, quite by accident, a well-hidden staircase tucked in the back of a mostly empty room.

Tempo climbed for what felt like hours, emerging into a dark room. She lit her horn with her magic, casting brilliance around her. Books, countless spines displayed to her, were in every direction. She smiled at the sight, sure that there would be some answers hidden amongst them.

The search was frustrating at first, with many books being simply old versions of others. One in particular stood out. The cover was black, and she read the title with growing curiosity. "Protections and Abjurations," read the cover as Tempo's eyes swept over it. With her smile growing, she willed it open and began to skim quickly. The spells within were dense and complicated, they'd need an expert to untangle.

Fortunately for Tempo, she knew such a pony. She carried the book carefully as she trotted back down, feeling the weight of it in her magical grasp. She took the stairs slowly, to avoid dropping it, though a couple times she nearly tripped anyway. With a final clop of her hoof, she touched down on the ground floor and burst out to search for him.

He was in the throne room, speaking with Cadance. "Shining," she called, rushing with the book before her in a magically buoyed flight.

"Yes, Tempo?" He looked at her questioningly.

"We have something." She stopped before him, holding out the book. "It talks about protective magic, and there are a bunch of spells in there."

Shining Armor took the book into his own magic and drew it closer for a peek. "Ooo, hm. Not simple." His mouth moved silently as he mouthed out the spells he was reading. "Ah, this one though." He put a hoof on it. "In cases when the 'Crystal Heart' is not available, a weather protection! No idea what a Crystal Heart is, but we don't have it, so."

Tempo poked the page he'd landed on. "Could you do it?"

Shining's eyes flickered across the pages again. "I, well, yeah. It's not gonna be pleasant." He ran his hooves along the edges of the books. "This is not a spell you cast and walk away. You have to keep it going."

Cadance gently leaned against him. "Fortunately, we have each other. Show me how to cast it and we can take turns." She ran a hoof down his neck. "Even if we can't keep it up the whole time, it should buy us time to figure it out."

Shining considered it, putting a hoof on Cadance. "We have to try, at least." With a glowing horn, he fired the spell up, through the palace. The magic shot to high above the city and rained down over it, creating a dome as he focused. Inside the dome, the temperature began to rise, and the snow stopped almost instantly.

Tempo turned her eyes to the roof. "How are you going to maintain it? If you run out of energy, and you fall—"

"I'll be alright." Shining closed his eyes, focusing. "And like Cadance said, we can take turns."

Cadance wrapped an arm around Shining for support. "Tempo, thank you. You've given us time and space to breathe, and that means a lot right now. Mmm, send a message to Auntie, fill her in on what we've managed so far, okay?" She kissed his cheek, earning a faint chuckle.

Tempo rushed off to do so, finding the easiest way to communicate with the faraway pony. She felt her horn warm with the connection. "Auntie, it's me. We are taking charge of the situation, and we have a plan."

"Excellent! But how are we speaking?" Tempo couldn't see Celestia, but could hear her confusion. "This is wondrous, but I was not aware you had this talent."

Tempo laughed, closing her eyes to focus better. "I didn't. But it is my duty to be helpful, and I have found a spell. Shining Armor cast a spell to protect the city, and I thought I should tell you myself."

"My clever niece!" Celestia's voice was full of warmth. "Your actions are timely and wise."

"Thank you, Auntie." Tempo dipped her head, even if Celestia wasn't actually there. "The spell is taxing. Shining Armor and Cadance have agreed to take turns using it. Blueblood is getting the local ponies into action. We are doing what we can, but this project is more severe than we expected. The city's people are stunned, and can only help a little."

"I see," came Celestia's thoughtful reply. "I would not have guessed this, but I can only imagine what horrors the Crystal Empire endured. It has been hidden from the world for ages upon ages." Celestia's thoughtful noises came a moment. "I will send help. Can you stay strong until then? Inform Shining I'll be sending his sister and her friends."

"He will be very happy to hear that." Tempo wagged her own tail, lifted by the news. "Thank you, Auntie. I will go and deliver the news." She broke the connection and headed back to the throne room. Shining Armor was still going strong, but he had begun to sweat from the effort of holding the spell.

Cadance touched her horn to his, taking on the spell in a delicate handoff that left her holding it up instead. "Tempo? You're back quickly. What did she say?"

Tempo approached her, hooves echoing in the vast chamber. "The city is too large for us, that much is plain. She's going to send us reinforcements." She noted Blueblood's attention was caught. She turned to him. "She promised to send Twilight Sparkle, our sister-in-law, and her friends."

Blueblood chuckled at that. "I haven't forgotten who she is, dear." He came in for a moment of nuzzling. "But that is good news indeed. That spell, it's wonderful. The ponies are already looking better with it no longer storming out there. I'm not a magical expert, but if I can help?"

Cadance lifted her head as she held the spell up. "You have a lot to do around here, and the castle needs a lord." She pointed to the throne with her nose. "Make yourself at home."

"But sister!" He glanced at the throne with a slight grimace. "You are the princess, not I, as much as the idea excites me. I did not come here to depose my own sister on the first day! Truly unconscionable! What would Tempo think?"

Tempo offered a mild shrug. "You're a leader here. You need to take charge and lead." She gestured to the room with a wave of her hoof. "We are all doing our best to assist in whatever way we can." She suddenly pounced, almost knocking poor Blueblood over with her bulk. "I will gladly help if you desire?"

Blueblood laughed, hugging her and almost toppling. "Your presence alone is quite enough, my lovely wife." He nuzzled into her neck, holding her close. "But you can help. Keep ponies in an orderly line as they come to speak their needs. Be gentle, they are dazed."

"Of course." Tempo reared up to smooch his nose, and then she pulled away from him. "I can do that. Just call if you need me."

Blueblood righted himself, still watching Tempo as she went to go stand by the doors, looking like a regal and serene guardian, as ever she was. He turned back to the other ponies in the room. "If I could have your attention. The princesses are, at present, far too occupied to manage things. So it falls on me to lend a hoof. I speak with Cadance's authority, to be taken away at her leisure." With a proper bow, he moved to take the throne and begin a proper day of court.

Author's Note

They are on the case! And an episode is set up to happen later. You know the one, maybe?

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22 - He Comes

Tempo and Blueblood sat in their room, warmed by a crackling fire. Tempo glanced up from the book she had been reading. "Blueblood, I was curious, I hadn't noticed that statue. What is that one for?" She looked towards the windowsill where a crystal stood.

Blueblood followed her gaze and then looked back at her. "Oh, that. That is an old legend, if you're interested."

Tempo smiled with a swishing tail. "I would love to, but I feel a little guilty, having a story time while my brother and sister struggle to keep us safe. Surely there's something we can do?"

Blueblood raised a hoof to his chin, ears pinning. "I wish there was. I am a unicorn too, as you have noticed by now. Perhaps they could teach me the spell as well?"

Tempo trotted over to hug Blueblood firmly. "I am also a unicorn." She winced back faintly. "Simulacra or not. You raise a good point. We should be taking turns too."

"Indeed we should, dearest." Blueblood rubbed at her cheek with his own. "If we both learn the spell, then that doubles the amount of time Cadance and Shining can rest, correct?"

Tempo clapped her hooves with building enthusiasm at the idea. "Let's find which of them happens to be awake right now. Let's take some weight off their poor shoulders."

Blueblood got up with her, following her out to the main hall. Cadance and Shining were both present, both sitting before a pair of chairs. They looked exhausted, but smiled when Tempo and Blueblood approached.

Tempo hurried her steps. "Sister, brother. We realized we've been complete foals. We are magic-users as well. Teach us the spell so we can help."

Blueblood nodded firmly at that. "We are royals tasked with assisting, as we not? Keeping this spell going is the least we can do to assist, dear siblings."

Cadance regarded them with surprise, her ears tilting. "But you're both—"

Tempo interjected. "You've both been at it nonstop since you arrived here, and neither of you have slept. Shining is a unicorn, so I have faith he can teach us both how to cast this spell."

Shining laughed with fatigue, horn glowing. "I'm, um, holding it, right now."

Cadance stepped forward. "So I will be the one sharing this spell, if you two are quite certain?"

Blueblood sat down in front of her, eyes locked. "Absolutely, dear sister-in-law."

Tempo sat at her side, offering her a soft smile. "Show me."

So Cadance did, tutoring them both on the specifics of that spell.

"Your highness!" A guard rushed in from outside. "Eyes!"

Cadance inclined her head, torn between watching the two practice the new spell and the guard. "Eyes?"

The guard pointed outside. "Just beyond the barrier, eyes! Dread eyes, glaring. I don't know what they are, or who, but they look quite, um, bad, ma'am. They haven't passed the barrier."

Cadance stiffened at the news. "It's as Auntie feared, he's returned. If he can't get past the barrier, good. That means we need to keep it up even more than we already wanted it." She turned back to her practicing family. "Keep at it, both of you. I need to go look."

"Wait, Cadie, we should go together." Shining rushed after her, keeping up with his sister.

Cadance placed a hoof on Shining's chest. "I love you, but you're busy." She kissed the tip of his nose. "Be strong. I'll be right back."

Shining pursed his lips, frowning at her. "That's not a good reason, Cadance." He nuzzled at her, and she giggled at his affections. "You shouldn't be going alone."

"I won't be." Cadance nodded to the guard, and soon several others joined her as she marched from the palace.

Shining sank to his haunches with a weary sigh. "No pressure, but I hope you two get up to speed quickly. I hate not being able to help Cadance like that."

Tempo turned an ear on Shining. "You're helping her, and the whole city, by keeping that spell going. We're working on it as quickly as we can."

"It's a little complicated," murmured out Blueblood, horn glowing as he tried it over and over again. "I'll get it, old chap! Just give me—" He lowered his horn with a soft pant before resuming his practice runs. "—a moment, kindly."

Shining waited there, staring at the door, and wishing he could be on the other side of it.

It didn't take much longer for the ponies to emerge, Cadance among them. She wore a severe frown. "He is out there, and there isn't much we can do about it."

Tempo flicked an ear back against her head. "Who is he?"

Cadance perked at that. "Auntie didn't tell you? No matter. With him at our doorstep, it's hardly a mystery." She sighed softly. "Sombra, former ruler of the—" A crystal pony in hearing distance squeaked with horror and dashed for cover. Cadance lowered her volume as much as she could. "—former ruler of the Crystal Empire has returned, and I imagine with no good will in his corrupt and blackened heart."

Tempo flexed her forehooves, glaring out the window. "Well, what is he? An alicorn?"

"Nope. Just a very determined unicorn." Cadance gave a dismissive shrug. "Which is better than some foes, but this one is especially annoying." She rubbed at her head with a hoof. "Annoying makes him sound far less threatening than he is. He's a true menace. We have to keep that spell up, and strong."

"Ah ha!" Blueblood smiled with triumph. "I have the spell working, dear sister. Brother, let me take a turn."

"You're sure?" Shining tiredly considered Blueblood. "You got the hang of it?"

"Oh, certainly not. I doubt I will ever really get this down just by practicing it." He spoke with a carefree ease, as if that didn't concern him. "But it is my turn to bear the weight. I won't master it until I'm doing it."

Shining considered him a quiet moment, but ultimately leaned in, touching horns to pass the spell along with a bright spark. The shield around the city flickered faintly as Blueblood began keeping it up, but he was doing it. "Thank you." Shining flopped to the side with a pant. "Oh wow, that's so much."

Cadance leaned over and began rubbing at his temples and then his ears. "You're doing so well, Shining, but rest now." She massaged her hooves into his skull.

Tempo was on Blueblood, hugging him from behind. "Is it too hard? I'll keep practicing so I can take my turn."

Blueblood turned an ear back at Tempo. "If casting this spell gets an embrace from you, dear beloved, than I would cast it for the rest of my days." His mouth moved without words, seeking a more poetic way to express things. "My magic is yours to command."

Tempo nudged his cheek, giggling. "I think you've had too much of a heavy burden recently. I'll just use you as a pillow." She nestled in against him as her horn glowed with the practice. The two were working together, much as Cadance and Shining had been doing not long before.

"Your majesty, a train approaches!" A guard saluted sharply. "The train will arrive outside the range of the protective shield, unfortunately."

Shining Armor frowned at that. Unfortunately, they were but ponies, and their protective barrier could only go so far. "I'll go meet the train. It's probably Twilight and the others, and we can't leave them to chance. He may notice them."

Cadance patted his shoulder. "Don't strain yourself."

He shook his head. "They're more important."

Cadance was forced to agree. "They are family."

The train arrived a short while later. Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity all exited the train and piled onto the snowy platform. Shining Armor waited for them, wrapped up in snow gear as best he could, even a visor over his eyes to reduce the glare of that white snow. "Twily!"

Twilight blinked, not recognizing Shining a moment before it clicked. "Shinie!" They crashed in a mutual embrace, both laughing.

Shining pointed back the way he'd come. "We have to get back to the palace, quickly." He led them on into the snow, despite their confusion. "Cadance and the others are waiting."

Rainbow Dash shivered. "Yeah, but not for us, apparently."

"It's very cold," piped up Fluttershy.

"Sorry." Shining flattened his ears. "It's warmer as soon as we get close to the palace."

Applejack snorted. "I sure hope so. I was not expecting this, no sir. Like stepping into the arctic, it is." She trotted ahead of the others, just to pause, gaping as a set of malevolent eyes opened wide in the dark chill. "What the?"

Shining paused, turning to look, and saw those same eyes. "Hurry, into the city." He picked up the pace, breaking into a gallop. "Quickly, please."

Pinkie Pie hopped over to join Applejack in a leap, eyes turned to the sky. "Meanie!" She cried, kicking up snow at the eyes on her way, to little effect.

The eyes chased after them with only low chortled as a great dark red crystal of a horn manifested, firing dark bolts of magic at them all. Shining Armor, with little to spare, erected a defensive barrier around them all to ward off the attacks, but the strength of Sombra's assault shattered that little bubble as darkened crystals erupted from the ground around the fleeing group.

Rarity screamed in pain as one of the sharp points pierced her hide.

"Go, go!" Shining pushed them all, guiding them along as the eyes closed in, his horn radiating a duller glow with every moment. He hissed as a bolt found his horn, causing it to erupt in strange crystals that shut off his magic entirely.

A deep laugh rang from the darkness as those eyes vanished. "No escape."

Shining Armor gulped. "You're not supposed to be here."

With a final leap, they crashed through the barrier into the warmth of the city proper. The eyes glared at them from beyond the barrier, but seemed unable to pass. Sombra withdrew with a dark chuckle, promising to return without a word spoken.

The group finally made their way to the palace. Blueblood met them. "I see you all made it." He nodded to Twilight, and then the other girls. "I am the Lord of the castle for the time being." He waved behind himself. "Princess Cadance is resting."

Rarity looked at Blueblood, coloring in her cheeks. "Ah, hm. Dear? May I ask why you're here, of all places?"

Blueblood inclined his head at Rarity. "Whyever would I not be? My beloved is here, to say little of my sister and brother-in-law. I am here to assist them all in every way I possibly can." He tapped a hoof to his forehead. "I am well rested, and you all appear quite cold. Would any of you like a beverage of some kind? It has to be cold out there, yes?"

Rarity's coloring only got worse by the moment. "You're being a dear, um, darling, um." She stepped awkwardly from hoof to hoof. "No hard feelings?"

"Hard feelings?" It took a moment for Blueblood to remember. "You made an attempt on what you thought to be an eligible bachelor. It'd hardly be fair of me to carry a grudge for that. You didn't continue once informed of your error. A simple mistake."

Twilight trotted over to give Blueblood a hug. "It's nice to see you. But how's—"

"We have to work, my dear sister-in-law, to restore this kingdom to its true glory." He lifted his head. "And I will do my part to aid it in every way." He gestured to the various crystal ponies bustling around, each doing a small task as they helped clear the debris from the castle, though it looked far better than when he had first arrived.

Twilight nodded quickly. "I gathered that, but how is Cadance? She's resting? What from?"

Shining rubbed at the base of his cursed horn. "She was helping keep the spell up that keeps us safe, and warm. And, mmm." He tried to cast the spell himself, but only little sparks danced and nothing more. "And I can't help anymore, blast it."

Blueblood sighed softly, eyes closing as he maintained the spell, showing no sign of slowing or stopping. "Do be calm, I have it. For now."

Tempo stepped out of a doorway, smiling at the arrivals. "Oh good, you're back, Twilight." She hurried over to her gained sister-in-law. "A pleasure to see you." With Cadance not there, Tempo initiated the ladybug dance, and Twilight gladly reciprocated, leaving them shaking their rumps at one another with a smile. "Shining, are you alright? I know you were struggling with the spell."

"I can't do anything now, blast it all." Shining grimaced in disgust. "The spell got my horn." He sighed and slouched. "Sombra was throwing crazy magic around and he got me." He waved at the others. "I got them here safely at least."

Applejack nodded at that. "We do 'ppreciate that! But how do we turn things 'round? We can't go on like this, ah 'magine."

Fluttershy whined faintly. "That nasty unicorn has us trapped here?"

"It's a little more complicated than that," explained Blueblood. "Come, sit." He ushered them all to the nearest seating. He brought them up to speed as well as he could, about the empire's return and Sombra's threat.

Author's Note

It's time for the girls to do their thing. Cadance won't have to hold up the barrier on her own this time at least, she has two eager assistants at her side. It's nice having siblings, isn't it?

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23 - To the Heart of Things

Twilight being Twilight, it didn't take her long to find out about a local holiday that might lift the crystal pony's miserable morales. She and the girls were determined to host a perfect 'Crystal Faire', whatever that was. Tempo stepped in Twilight's way as she darted about. "May I also help?"

"Tempo, hi! Yeah, of course. But I'm in kind of a rush here." She sidestepped Tempo, continuing on. "I think I know what can help these ponies, and we're going to bring the party to them."

Tempo glanced back towards the others. "What does this party entail?"

"Party," chirped in Pinkie with a nod. "Yup! It's got lots of parts, and Twilight has the list." She bounced along, determined to do her own little part of things. "But we also need snacks."

Twilight led Tempo further until she stopped and twirled around. "We're missing one thing, and I haven't found it yet."

Tempo's ears raised at that. "Please tell me. Maybe another set of ears would help."

Twilight's horn glowed, forming an image of a crystalline heart above her head. "I need to fashion one of these, quickly, and we have so many other things to do, can you assist?"

"Gladly." Tempo looked around and her magic cut into some out-of-the-way crystal with precision. Her body favored precision when it was an option, slicing out the heart she had seen fairly exactly and swinging it around to show, oh. Twilight had already fled off to her next task. She shook her head, tucking the heart under her left arm and trotting off awkwardly to bring it to Cadance instead.

Cadance reclined against Shining Armor. The two of them had found a quiet place to relax and recharge, together. "I really shouldn't be lying around, but I do need to recover."

"That is why I have arrived." Tempo set the heart aside for the moment and advanced to touch horns with Shining, then Cadance, taking the spell from her in the contact to take her turn holding it up for the city. "Why don't you let me do it? I don't get tired the same way. It would be easier if you left the spell with me."

Cadance groaned faintly, shaking her head. "That's tempting, but we can't. I appreciate that you're here to help, but we're responsible for the safety of this city. This is our job." She nuzzled against Shining as he likewise nuzzled back. "I'm glad you're here, Tempo, but you're not the princess."

Tempo huffed gently at the rejection. "I may not be the princess auntie assigned to this job, but you both told me I am a princess. Were you deceiving me?"

Cadance waved a hoof weakly. "Of course not, but this is my city and my people, specifically. I have to take responsibility." She closed her eyes as her ears pinned. "I hate not being able to do my job, but I'm so weak."

"Cadance, it's alright." Shining nudged her gently. "Neither of us are at our best." His expression turned to a smile. "But we do have backup. Tempo, if you feel tired, remember you have a lovely stallion that'd gladly take a turn."

Tempo's face bloomed with warmth as her tail fluffed up. "I do have a husband that seems intent on spoiling me."

Cadance raised a brow as she half-smiled. "And you love him for it. Thank you, both of you, for standing strong at our side. Now, why did you bring that crystal here?"

Tempo looked over her shoulder at the crystal. "Ah, right. Twilight wanted to make this heart crystal, and she had to dash off to do something else."

Cadance nodded slowly, head falling back. "You'd best catch up with her then."

Tempo willed the heart over and marched off with it bobbing beside her. "Twilight?" She looked left and right, hoping to catch sight of the studious unicorn wherever she happened to be hiding. "Twilight Sparkle?"

The palace was bustling. Crystal ponies were busy preparing the castle for the upcoming Crystal Faire that the guests were hosting, and that in and of itself was an event. Tempo struggled to weave through the crowd of ponies, bumping and jostling with every step, the crystal heart hanging to her right side, making the journey even more interesting at times.

She broke free out of the doors of the castle and spotted Rainbow Dash flying overhead, setting up decorations and flags, though she had to fly back for more again and again.

Tempo glanced around for some sign of Twilight. A nearby stall caught her eye. It was run by a female pegasus with a teal coat and blue mane, selling crystal apple-flavored treats to any hungry customers. She decided she needed to see this, if only for curiosity's sake. She made her way over and sat before the booth with the heart settling in at her side.

The pegasus noticed it before she noticed Tempo. "That's a pretty heart." She only then looked at Tempo. "Hello! Still setting up, but nice to see you. Already tempted by my crystal apples?" She lifted the food over with a wing, offering one to her customer.

Tempo leaned in to sniff at the crystal treat. "A crystal apple, really? I must know what that is like." She leaned in and touched the end of her snout to an apple for just a moment, but it was enough that she got a full taste as if a normal pony had actually bit into it. "Delicious."

The pegasus blinked with surprise. "But you didn't actually taste it." But she smirked at that. "Or pay for it."

Tempo reasoned through that. She hadn't taken the apple. Did she owe bits for touching it? She fished one out and slid it across the counter of the stall. "Thank you." She grabbed the crystal and floated it along, going to continue her hunt for Twilight.

The pegasus nodded at the offered coin. "You're welcome." She tilted her head as she watched the odd alicorn and the crystal float off. "She reminds me of Princess Cadance." It only hit her a moment later. "I am being slow today. Bye, Princess Tempo!"

Tempo spotted a flash of Twilight and accelerated to see her and the girls having a meeting, discussing something. Tempo couldn't hear them, but they waved her over. She floated the crystal with her. "I have the heart crystal."

"Great!" Twilight nodded with satisfaction. "With that, we have all the supplies we need." She clapped her hooves with a pleased smile. "You've all done great. This will be a crystal faire for them all to remember!"

Tempo glanced at the heart crystal, and then the rest of the supplies that had been collected. "But what is a 'faire'?"

"A faire is a place to have fun," explained Twilight. "A place and a time, like a holiday. This one celebrates many of the great parts of the Crystal Empire." She waved Tempo over to look at the book they'd been consulting about it. "See? We'll have all kinds of games and contests for everypony to enjoy, and that'll lift their spirits. Well, that and the sweets."

Tempo leaned over to peer at the text. She gave the heart to Twilight and took up the book in her magic to flip through it carefully, analyzing it with an intensity. "I see. I see, hmm, yes." She nodded along as she worked until she got to the end, where she frowned. "Twilight?"

"Yes, Tempo?" Twilight blinked as Tempo turned the book back to the page with the celebration. "What's up?"

"The last page." Tempo waved at the book. "It's missing. I cannot read what isn't there. My studies are incomplete and, I admit, that bothers me." Leaving a task completed at 95%? It was too maddeningly close.

Twilight peeked at the book herself. "I didn't notice that before, but I don't remember reading it either. It must have been lost or torn out."

Tempo glanced at the crystal heart as she levitated it back. "Are you sure it is ready?"

Twilight accepted it back. "Ready as it'll be without the last page, anyway."

Tempo folded her arms, considering the book and that heart. She was so close to completion, but it was denied to her. She noticed movement and looked up just in time for Rainbow Dash to swoop in on them.

"Yo, guys, I just heard from a crystal pony that they're supposed to power a 'crystal heart'" She noticed the crystal heart floating next to Twilight. "Like that, yeah. Some crystal heart. Sombra was keeping it deep in the castle. Good job finding it, wow. Already ahead of me?"

Tempo felt something stir. "Excuse me." She stood and strode purposefully into the castle, down into the depths, listening, sniffing, tasting the air with her tongue, using every sense and every part of her body to search for a secret path or door or something, because her instincts screamed that there was a 5% gap, and she could not rest until it was filled.

"Tempo!"

The alicorn was too focused on her task to immediately acknowledge the other pony. Twilight rushed up to her side. "I know you want to help, but if Sombra hid this, you don't have the key." She hugged her sister-in-law gently. "Let's do this together. I have the girls playing distraction outside for now."

Tempo calmed her mind with a series of deliberate breaths. She noted Twilight's presence and touched a hoof to hers. "Forgive my enthusiasm, I feel that something important is right before me, and I could not rest if I did not seek to solve that problem."

Twilight put a hoof to her own chest. "I'm right with you. I want to find the real crystal heart just as much, I promise. Now, Sombra uses shadow magic. Celestia showed me how to do that." Her horn glimmered with dark notes as she threw the dark magic across the floor, revealing a spiraling staircase into the depths.

Spike whistled at the sight, shaking his head. "We have to go down there?" He plopped his tail down to the ground. "I just knew it would be scary and gross. But I'll do it for Twilight. And the crystal ponies."

"I'm going to lead the way, okay?" Twilight started down, horn glowing with light into the gloomy depths.

Tempo could feel that answer approaching, and felt pleased, not scared, as she descended the stairs behind Twilight and Spike. She lit her own horn to help illuminate the way. They reached the bottom after a short while, and there was nothing but a large door, one with a glowing purple lock.

Tempo peered at the door. "There are magical defenses on it. Can you undo them?" She leaned in and carefully examined the intricate locks. "They are quite complex."

Tempo advanced. "I can try." She fired a thin line of magic into the lock, which just triggered it, plunging her into a nightmare.

Tempo took a half-step back in surprise as reality shifted around her. Cadance stood before her, glaring at her with a burning hatred. "You've really messed up, this time," she spoke with dripping hatred. "I thought I could count on you." Her voice dripped with acid as she loomed closer. "But you were not the pony I hoped for."

"Cadance?" She was not blind to the animosity in the princess, but she could not understand it. What had she done? "Please, explain. I will try my best to address my shortcomings."

"I can't trust you." Cadance recoiled as if struck. "You are a failure to me. Your very existence is an insult to my brother."

Tempo gasped softly, retreating back another step, which only prompted Cadance to advance on her with increasing hostility.

Tempo felt a sting as tears ran down her face. Her accursed metal form didn't like making them, but they were coming, and she felt rust rapidly marring what had been perfect copies of Cadance's cheeks as her vision grew blurry with the build up.

"You're not even trying to justify yourself." Cadance loomed ever closer. "You should be ashamed of yourself! You've turned on us."

Tempo shook her head, denying the claim. "No! I only wanted to be a good sister, and your protector!"

Twilight shook Tempo firmly, rousing her from the forced nightmare. "Are you alright? You're crying."

Tempo rubbed at her eyes. "Nightmare, fake, but Cadance was cruel." She rubbed at her cheeks, wincing as her hoof came away with more rust staining it. Golems were not built to cry, but she did. What cruel creator had fashioned her with such obvious failings?

Spike scrambled up on top of Tempo and reached around, rubbing her gently with a rag to help clean her off. "It's okay. Twilight figured out how to open the door."

Twilight pointed up to the crystal. "We can go pass. Are you alright to continue? You don't have to come."

Tempo gasped with shock. "I failed!" Her horn glowed with intense power as she put the bubble back up that had come down in her moment of terror. "There." She put a hoof to her chest, though she had no lungs to heave in fright. "I'm sorry, Cadance. This is not my best day. I would continue. I must make it up to her."

Twilight touched hooves. "We can talk later, alright? Come on." She urged them along through the door and out onto a flight of stairs that went right back upwards in a seemingly infinite procession. "Ugh, this looks impossible." She grumbled her frustration, trotting a few steps up, looking back to the others. "Well, come on."

Tempo glanced down at the darkness beneath her hooves and ascended behind Twilight, Spike still on her back. She did not normally play mount to anything, but his presence was oddly comforting at the time, so she allowed it with the faintest smile.

Tempo climbed. It was monotonous, and tedious, and taxing, and she was not alone in that feeling as Twilight let her frustration out in a series of frustrated grumbles.

Spike slumped his shoulders. Though he wasn't climbing himself, he joined in the complaints. "Twilight, do you have a spell to hurry this up?"

"A spell?" Twilight considered this a moment. "Yes, I think, actually." Her horn glowed with the arcane letters as she grabbed gravity and casually reversed it. She fell to the roof of the stairs and began sliding up/downwards towards the top of the staircase with a cheering woop at the suddenly rapid progress she was making.

Tempo quickly copied her with her own horn, falling to the roof of the stairwell and sliding up with Twilight. "Wee! This is actually a lot of fun, thank you." She giggled at the sudden excitement as she slid up the stairs with an eager hoof waving. "Wow, I have never done this before."

They both raced along up the stairs. Spike was holding onto Tempo for dear life as the world spun around him.

Both spellcasters cancelled that spell as they flew up into a new space. Gravity righted itself and they came down on their hooves in a new room, and a wobbling Spike atop Tempo. There, just ahead of them, the crystal heart sat, just waiting for them to come claim it.

Author's Note

I got into things and the chapter went long, but it hit a nice and natural end point, it felt to me. A lot of that was along canon lines, but a lot of it wasn't. The pleasures when you're dealing with this kind of thing.

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24 - Be Still, My Beating Heart

Tempo regarded the crystal heart with a look of concentration. It was an elaborate design that seemed so very simple at a glance. The heart was an awe-inspiring entanglement of enchantments and fine work that she was almost instantly lost in studying it.

Spike hopped off her back and dashed for it, which prompted Twilight to unfreeze as well. The two reached it at about the same time, grabbing it and setting off the alarm. Dark booming laughter came from outside with a warning grow. Dark crystals erupted in a circle around the crystal, trapping Twilight under them. Spike was too small to hold with the crude barrier, rushing right back out the way he came. The heart bumped against the exit, a little too wide to make it.

Twilight pointed to the heart. "Take it to Cadance, quick!"

"What about you?" Tempo stared at her in confusion. She had to be kidding. "I can't just leave you here." She seemed to notice a moment later. "Also, it's stuck." She charged forward and slammed her heavy metal frame against the crystal barrier, cracking it and jostling the heart.

Spike tugged fiercely, getting it a few more inches closer to freedom.

Tempo whirled around and lashed out her hind hooves in a powerful kick, sending crystal bits flying everywhere. Spike fell back with the prize. "Got it!" He gave a firm salute. "I'm on it, Twilight."

"I'm with you, Spike." Tempo was on his tail as the two sprinted from the room and right to the window, where a path of crystal led down to the surface. The walkways provided were narrow and slender. "Spike, you can navigate this." She pointed even as he bounced off her and started the journey. "Go, Spike, go!" She waved a hoof at his scramble.

Twilight yelled from behind them both. "Get moving, Spike!"

"I'm going, I'm going! Don't nag me. I'm going." He kept trotting up the twisting walkway as he gripped the precious crystal to his chest.

Tempo hurried back to Twilight. "Let's secure your freedom, sister." She glanced about. "Hm, we could smash it with an attack from above, if we could only reach." She paced the edge of the cage, wondering how to deal with the bars. "I lack a pickaxe."

Twilight smirked as Tempo went down curious paths of thought. "What you did before was effective, if you could keep hitting it? Your heavy metal body is quite talented as a bludgeon when all else fails."

Tempo jammed her shoulder forward and lashed out a hoof out in the other direction, pressing outwards as the crystal groaned under the growing pressure as she slowly forced it either way as she grunted with the effort. "But you are too close, I am afraid I would hurt you in the process."

Twilight smiled up at Tempo's worry for her. "Then keep distracting him while I see if I can find another way out."

"Right." Tempo abandoned attacking the crystal to rush for the window. She could see Spike working his way down. She could also see the smokey form of Sombra rushing up to attack Spike. "Unacceptable." But what ways did she have to counter it? She angled her head and fired a thin laser at Sombra, forcing him to swerve and dodge, at least slowing him down.

Spike suddenly fell with a yelp, far too far below for Tempo to reach before both hit the ground. She cringed backwards, but Cadance caught him before he could get hurt. "Sister!" Not that Tempo was sure she could be heard. "Yes!"

Sombra didn't seem to care. He barreled after Cadance, his horn glowing with darkness.

Cadance ran out of Tempo's field of view. "Sister is doing something." Tempo strained, trying to get a peek. Whether she could see it or not, she would feel it. An immense wave of magic and love exploded up from beneath her, shattering Sombra's crystals to dust, overflowing across Tempo, Twilight, and everything else she could see.

Twilight yelped as she became made of crystal.

Tempo wasn't there to see it, mind a thousand miles away.

In that dark place, she could hear hooves gently stepping towards her. An alicorn loomed over her, powerful and majestic. Tempo shook in confusion, but felt nothing to fear from the great princess. "Who are you?"

The princess smiled gently a moment, reaching to place a hoof on Tempo. "What are you?" they countered in soft tones. "Why do you exist?"

"I'm not sure. I am not a natural pony." Tempo looked down at herself. "I am made of metal. It isn't right. Ponies are beautiful creatures, they should be soft, warm, and inviting. I am hard, cold, and imposing." She sank to the ground on her belly. "Sorry."

"You protected them." The princess circled Tempo slowly. "You are loved by them, and you love them. Is that not enough?"

"No!" Tempo shook her head in a furious denial. "It isn't. I need to be a true pony, it isn't enough to pretend at being one. I don't have a heart, or know what it means for my heart to race. Their experiences are kept away from me, and I can only guess."

The princess cupped Tempo's cheeks gently. "Then I know what its touch will be for you." She leaned in, touching nose to nose. "Live."

A moment later, Tempo opened her eyes, her heart thumping powerfully in her chest. Everything felt off in ways she had a hard time pinning down.

Twilight brushed past her, just to pause. "Tempo?" She turned to face her sister-in-law. "Do you feel alright?" She reached out, brushing a hoof along Tempo's fur, pressing a bit harder than one would need to just feel the fur.

Tempo gently swatted the hoof away. "I'm alright. Why are you feeling me like that?"

"You're much softer than usual." She leaned in, almost mashing her face to Tempo's. "You're breathing."

Tempo gasped, as if just to make that point clear. "What? I do not breathe, unless I am smelling something." She lifted a hoof to her mouth and could feel it, the soft in and out breaths. Her lungs, which she had, were working to move air as her heart thumped. She was alive, and crystal. "Cadance?" She pushed past Twilight in her sudden urgency. "Cadance, I am—"

Twilight put a hoof on her side. "Let's get down there." She led the way for Tempo to get down without hurting herself in her frantic hurry.

Blueblood found them first, pouncing on his beloved Tempo, just to become quite perplexed, which showed on his face. "Dear?" He slid free of her. "You are looking splendorous with the crystal treatment." He was also a sparkling crystal pony, like everypony else in the city. "But there's more at play." He went in, touching nose to her cheek. "You're hot. Tempo, are you well?"

Twilight stepped up. "I think she's alive now, Blueblood." She rested a hoof on him. "Congrats, big brother." She squeezed him gently. "Now, we have to go, and I believe you should return to Cadance's side."

Blueblood took a moment to process that. "Alive? Truly? Um, but yes. We should return to Cadance. She will need to be informed of this post-haste!" He moved to Tempo's side. "Come along, my dear. Let's not delay. Twilight, do you know what happened to her?"

Twilight shook her head as she started to trot along with the others. "No, I don't know. We were in there, and—"

"Sombra," muttered Blueblood. "Oh, there she is." Hidden behind a crowd of bowing crystal ponies, Cadance became visible as she stepped forward with a smile. That smile only brightened as she spotted Blueblood and Tempo. "There you two are! I was looking for you." She halted before them, noting Tempo's new appearance. "Is that?"

Twilight moved in from the side. "She appears to be alive."

Cadance reached out for her sister, drawing her into a gentle hug. "You must be terribly confused! Poor thing. I'm here for you, promise."

Tempo nodded, sinking into her sister's embrace. "I am not sure what happened."

Blueblood slid himself into the hug, pressing in between the two alicorns. "But you are indeed a living creature. I loved you before, and still do. This is amazing. Does anypony know if this will last, or if it's a flight of fancy? It wouldn't do to have you revert into a golem. You would be too upset, and I'd be sad, but we can't have it. Perhaps some tests are in order. I may need to pull a few strings."

Cadance snorted with a faint laughter. "Blueblood, there are no strings you could pull that would change that. I feel certain, for most of us, we will stop being so... shiny... in a few days. I don't know how long you will remain like this, but guessing it'd be about the same time feels safe."

Twilight sighed faintly. "And it's going to be a shame. I like the way I look."

Applejack rolled her eyes. "Oh, not you too."

Cadance took a breath. "As delightful as the shine is, to be alive when was not before, it must be so very confusing." She looked to Blueblood. "Help your wife."

"As if you need to ask." He wrapped his arms around Tempo. "How do you feel? Is anything different than you remember?" He rested a hoof to her side. "I can feel your heartbeat." He moved to the other side, pressing his ear to listen. That soft thumping sound was something he hadn't been hearing from his wife before, and it held him in awe. "Your heart is so strong. My dear Tempo."

Tempo wiggled, shaking her head. "We must leave." She gently pulled free of his grasp. "I can't..."

"Can't what, my dear?" Blueblood nuzzled against her shaking snout. "Speak, if you wish. I'm listening, whatever it is." He leaned in, ears upright and open to whatever she had to say.

"I can't protect Cadance like this." Tempo slumped. "I am weak and soft. I feel so vulnerable. I am no guardian."

Blueblood pulled Tempo into a firmer hug. "Even the sun must rest, but it remains just as brilliant when it returns. Do not fret, loveliest Tempo. I will defend my beloved sister until you are able." He planted a kiss on her cheek, making her shiver from the attention. "I love you, as you are. Crystal or otherwise."

Cadance saw what was happening, and gently stepped around. "You two should retire for the day."

Blueblood nodded slowly. "I have to agree."

Cadance gave him a playful smirk. "But I must ask. Would you have fallen for her without the crystalization?"

"You know the answer to that, sister." Blueblood led his wife away. "I married her when she was metal, and to metal she will return. If I wasn't ready to embrace that, I choose quite poorly, hm? Now, let us away." She led Tempo into the palace, away from the crowds and everypony else.

Tempo followed, trotting behind as her mind whirled with the implications of her transformation. "Why did I transform? How? What does it mean? I can't be alive, can I?"

"The Crystal Heart affected all of us." Blueblood waved over his shiny form. "For most of us, we became more brilliant. For you, your first breath of air. You're beautiful, regardless."

Tempo shook her head. "But why? I was created to defend Princess Cadance, and I cannot, now." Her ears flattened. "I am weak and worthless like this."

Blueblood's horn glowed as he closed the door behind Tempo, the two of them safely within their room. "There is no pony that doesn't deserve a break once in a while. Tonight, you are to think only of yourself, and enjoy your being. Tomorrow, or whenever you return to being metal, you can take up the role of steadfast guardian." He caressed her tenderly. "But for tonight, be mine."

Tempo shivered at his touches, her senses heightened in her current state. "Blueblood." She reached to brush a hoof along his cheek, just to feel the soft fur, the warm skin beneath. "Oh." It occurred to her in that instant. While one thing had been taken from her, another gift had been given to her. "I'm, I mean." She colored as she squirmed. "I see."

She would see far more clearly as they nestled together and both grew more familiar with the changes she'd experienced.

Author's Note

No promises the crystal heart would affect a golem the same way as a typical pony. Think of the typos this might make.

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25 - Shake It

Trotting along the countryside at Blueblood's side, Tempo looked at herself again. It was almost as though she was experiencing a new pony each day as the magic continued to slowly fade from her body. Her brilliant shine was receding, and with it, her brief touch at the softer life of those around her. It was a loss to be felt.

Her sister-in-law, Princess Cadance, trotted beside her. "You're looking less and less crystal as the days pass by. But do you feel any different, yet?"

"Every day." Tempo looked between her two jogging partners. "Why are we out here?"

Blueblood snorted softly. "Because, my lovely dear, you need the exercise. A nightly romp is a delight, but I have not had the opportunity to take you out for a proper run, and I believe that will do you well. Your body was made for speed, but has had little opportunity to enjoy it."

Cadance snickered softly. "So bold, Blueblood. But he isn't wrong. Getting a chance to experience this 'altered self' giving its best isn't something you should miss out on. And I could use the run as well." She focused on the simple joy and effort of her trotting for a moment before skewing an ear at Tempo. "It's hard to imagine, when you were entirely, mmm, metal and other things, a jog did nothing for you."

Tempo felt the sweat forming on her brow, and the shortness of her breath, but it was all worth it as the world blurred past her eyes. Her feet thundered along the path, a part of her that was meant to gallop. A part of her new and fading self. She felt warring emotions about that part. "As my usual self, when I want to trot, I just trot, or gallop, if I want to go faster. There was less sweating and fatigue involved." She flicked her ears. "Though I did learn that being sweaty makes things interesting, I am somewhat uncertain about the rest of it."

"Interesting in what way?" Cadance chuckled softly at that. "Don't leave us in the dark."

Tempo huffed, a huff of needing air, rather than just making the noise. "It's an effort, and it feels like it, hm, builds. It's uncomfortable, but I remember it, from somewhere. Like I did this before? But when would that be?"

Blueblood and Cadance both chuckled at that. They shared a knowing grin as they kept up with their run, the three of them enjoying the sights and the sounds of the surroundings. The cool, fresh air was a part of that, as were the birds and the trees. Still, all good things have endings, and so did their trot, looping back towards the crystal palace as all three gently heaved for the breath lost in their activity.

Tempo slowed to a halt as she was the last to arrive back. "I think I get it now. Exercise is vital for our bodies, but also a stress on them. As the body heals the damage from that, it grows stronger?"

Cadance inclined an ear. "Actually, yes. That is a very astute guess on your part." She moved over to press her snout against Tempo's cheek. "Clever sister of mine."

Blueblood pressed against her side, but he could feel her returning to her cool metal state. "My dear, I will, do, and will forever love you, no matter what you're made of." He leaned over to kiss her cheek. "I married the pony inside you, my dear. Metal, crystal, living, none of that matters. It's who you are as a pony that calls to me."

Tempo couldn't help but smile as she nudged Blueblood gently. "That is nice to know." She went to nip at one of his ears. "You remain a poet." She let out a happy sigh. "Is there anything else you wish to do, with my brief time left before I return entirely to how Celestia shaped me?"

Blueblood wiggled his ear. "Would you allow me to take you somewhere special?"

Cadance grinned at that. "He's so sweet to you, Tempo. I'm glad I arranged for this to happen." She stalked off with little giggles, blowing a heart-laden kiss towards them as she vanished into the palace.

Tempo glanced at her husband. "Special, how so?" She nudged him gently. "I will be delighted to accompany you, I do trust you. So, please, reveal to me."

"As my dear mare wishes." He bowed low, and came up facing away from the palace. Unlike the first time, he led her at a gentle walk. "As the ponies of this city have recovered, they've begun to really open up. Some of them are starting businesses of their own, and they're quite lovely." His ears tilted down, eyes glancing off to the side. "Some of them make jewelry. Some of them make other wonderful little knickknacks. Some of them make food. And the others make something that can be even more delicious than cake."

He licked his lips at the thoughts, or perhaps memories. "That reminds me, how has eating gone for you, Tempo dear?" He turned to consider her a moment as they walked together, taking in the sight of her, no matter what form she wore.

"It is a new sensation to me." Tempo wiggled a bit, unsure how to express her thoughts. "Even swallowing felt so strange. Having things then go through me?" She shivered at the idea. "And out again? Very strange. I'm pretty sure I won't miss that part. I am satisfied tasting things, which I could do before."

Blueblood nodded along. "Yes, that was how you worked. I did not anticipate this crystal business, but it is something to explore." He winked as he gave a teasing nip at her cheek. "For today, however, I would bring you here." He waved towards a small shop and led her inside with a big smile, ducking as a small filly darted out just in front of him. "Oh, dear, Opal Bloom, do watch where you're going."

Opal flashed a big grin at him, her ribbon bobbing in her sudden movement. The little filly seemed entirely free of the funk the crystal ponies had before. "Sorry mistah" And off she dashed on her way.

Inside the store, a more gently smiling mare stood behind the counter. "My dear, I trust there is an opening?"

"For you, of course." Her faceted eyes went to Tempo. "Is she the one?"

"She is." Blue threw a leg over her, escorting her up. "One deluxe, kindly. Treat her like a goddess, for she is one."

Tempo felt herself eased into a comfortable reclining seat. "What is going on?" She didn't have too long to ponder as ponies scurried around her with a flurry of action. They began painting her hooves and delicately combing her eyebrows to perfection. They powdered her cheeks and rubbed her down, easing away the fatigue from that trot with new bursts of delight she didn't know her body could make.

When they finally finished, Tempo glanced around at the dozen or so ponies that had been rubbing her fur and making her glow. "That was a very odd sensation."

The same mare from the counter came out with a mirror.

Tempo froze, gaping at the strange pony in the reflection. "Is that me?" She raised a hoof towards her gently dusted cheek. "It's quite." She struggled to find the word for it, and failed. "Blueblood?"

He peeked in from the front. "Yes, lov─" He stumbled, actually seeing her. "How delightful!" His eyes tracked across every inch of her with wonder and awe. "I cannot wait to show you off in the evening."

Tempo blushed brightly and started to squirm in the chair. "Oh, you." She slid from the chair to her hooves. "What is happening in the evening?"

"A celebration!" He swept in, sweeping her into his arms. "For the end of the crystal curse, and the breaking of King Sombra, the day of Harmonizing Hearts!"

Tempo twirled in the sweep, looking mildly confused. "Wasn't the Crystal Fair for that?"

"Heavens no." He went to her side, directing her down the street. "That was a yearly thing, ideally, celebrating the city, and repowering the heart. This one's a special new one for the return of the Crystal Empire and the joy everypony's feeling right now with Sombra properly defeated. It's a little sooner than next year's fair, but I believe a bit of celebration is warranted."

They strolled through the town, their destination known to all as they were greeted with cheerful waves from all they passed by.

The entire Empire seemed to be out and about for the festival, with the center square decorated in banners, lights and a huge feast arrayed at one end, where food of all sorts glistened gently, waiting to be snacked on. Tempo showed little interest in that, instead firmly pressed to Blue's side. "How lovely. What is it we will be doing? I did not get to partake of the Crystal Fair's events, I admit to a degree of curiosity."

Blueblood escorted her up onto the stage. "Today's going to be a dance for everypony in the empire to take a partner and join the music in harmony." He touched noses with her. "It's also a chance to celebrate the heroes of the day. A pity Spike's not here, they consider him quite the stalwart figure of the day." He chuckled gently. "He was the one carrying the crystal heart, in the end."

Tempo smiled as she considered. "Spike and I are similar in some ways. Neither of us were born natural ponies, but we still wanted to help, and we did."

A slow, upbeat song began to play, and Blueblood extended a hoof to Tempo. "You are both beloved and valued members of our community." He drew her into a dance, jostling and laughing with his motions. "This one's a bit more vigorous than I'm used to." Not that it stopped him from trying to shake his rump around to the tune of the music alongside his beloved.

They danced, they laughed, they spun. At least until a pair of guards came rushing up to the stage.

Cadance herself was carried in on a grand throne, glittering in all her glory. She stood up in time for the throne to land there. "Ponies of the Crystal Empire! You are free today!" She threw a hoof, streamers exploding a short distance away. "Let your hearts know the lightness, for all your chains have been broken!"

The crowd cheered wildly at Cadance's appearance. "Long live Princess Cadance!"

Tempo gasped softly. "Will I ever get over that reaction? I thought I had come to terms with it, but to have a whole nation praising you?" She flipped an ear back. "That was improper of me. I don't mean that I am jealous. I will guard Cadance."

Blue nuzzled her soft, if increasingly firm, cheek. "It's alright. She is the princess. We're all a little jealous. But she should be jealous too."

"Why?" Tempo turned to face him fully. "What would she be jealous of?"

Blue pointed to Tempo's chest. "She doesn't get to have you as their eternal beloved, my dear." He nuzzled her gently. "You're all mine."

Tempo squeaked as he made that claim, her heart racing from the attention, which she felt so very keenly, and knew it would not last long. Her heart, for one, slowed, and stopped, but she was still standing and alert. She still felt tense, but that physical reminder had passed as her body slid onwards towards its natural metal state. "I'm a failure." She choked on her words.

"No, you're not." Blueblood firmly interrupted her. "I love you dearly, and I knew what I was getting into." He placed a hoof on her chest, and felt it, or the lack of it. He drew her into a powerful hug. "My dear, you are as lovely as ever." Even if she was cooling in his grasp, the last of the glimmer fading. "I will never forget this moment I got to see you truly alive."

Tempo glanced at her metal body, and wondered, briefly, how she had managed to shed her flesh so easily. It was not as if she could have avoided it, the power of the crystal heart fleeing her without her say so in the matter. "You're not wrong." She swayed against Blueblood, resuming the steps to the song playing. "I am stronger now. I will defend her, and you." She nuzzled gently with a sigh, even if she didn't need to breathe anymore. "We will be strong."

Author's Note

Dancing your life away, literally in this case.

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26 - Factory Recall

Tempo's eyes darted back and forth over the floating scroll as if she just wasn't sure which part of it needed to be read to understand it. "But."

Blueblood was pressed to her side. "Dreadful."

"That hardly." She pointed at the offensive scroll. "Recalled?!"

Blueblood nodded slowly. "Auntie wants us back." He pursed his lips, humming a moment. "Tempo, my dear, this is as difficult for me as it is for you. This is our first real honeymoon. But alas, family must come first." He gave her a gentle nudge. "I know you were so excited to protect Cadance from any that threatened her. And the Crystal Empire was restored by her power. I know it's a lot to give up, but I will be here with you."

"Yes." Tempo sighed at the notion, flipping an ear back. "Queen Celestia does not take no for an answer." She shook herself with an agitated swish of her tail. "That is my primary function, to keep Cadance safe. The idea of leaving her side, it does not sit well."

Blueblood shuffled up closer to Tempo. "Tempo, I love you. We will return, one day." He snuggled in close to her. "In the meantime, we have this. And we have a task ahead of us. How to properly let everypony know about this?"

Tempo raised an ear at that. "By telling them?" She marched away towards the throne room, looking ready to do just that. "I'm not going to tell her by letter. That would be far too distant." She swung her head back to him as she stopped herself at the doorway. "Do you want to go in first?"

"Right behind you." Blueblood followed along after her. He'd become well aware of her issues with getting attention, so he followed close and would give his support however he could. Ahead of them, Cadance was speaking with a supplicant gently about some manner of local import. He cleared his throat softly and took his officious stance.

Cadance wrinkled her snout, but had gotten the idea, wrapping things up and sending her subject on with a satisfied expression. "Tempo, Blueblood, how can I help you two?" She waved them closer. "You don't normally come rushing in mid-court." She made a show of being amused by it, as if this was somehow playful.

Blueblood groaned. "My sister-in-law, good evening, Cadance. I'm afraid we've been recalled back to Canterlot."

Tempo tapped a metal hoof on the floor with a frown. "I don't like it, sister, but it is Celestia's orders directly. She seems to think I'll do more there than at your side." Her ears dropped in shame. "I already failed you once, and now I'm leaving your side again. I'm sorry."

Cadance gently hugged Tempo. "There's no need to apologize, Tempo." She squeezed her sister, as best one could when one's sister was as dense as she was. "Auntie has her reasons, as difficult as they are to see at times. If she's calling you, there must be something she knows you can do behind it. Go on, and come back as soon as you're finished. We'll be ready to have you again, I promise."

Blueblood slid up to her side. "Thank you, Cadance. We shall do so post-haste." He wrapped an arm around his wife, letting her know he was there for her.

Tempo leaned back, but only a moment before she turned for the exit. "There's no good reason to delay. The sooner we go, the sooner we can return." She marched off with a faint glower. "I don't like this."

Blueblood urged his wife to move just a bit slower, taking in the sights of the Crystal Empire as they walked together, even if it was merely to their exit. "My dear, Cadance said there was nothing to fear, and you trust her." He nipped at one of her ears. "Shining remains at her side. She is not entirely unprotected."

Tempo let out a sigh as she lifted her head up. "You are not wrong, but my sister will always be first in my thoughts. I wish I could better convey how much she means to me. It is no wonder they say that the love of a family can transcend any barrier."

"I understand it well." Blueblood eased his way up to her side as they walked together. "You and I both share the same love for our families." He reached down to take her hoof. "Though much of mine was gained when that lucky day came, where our lives were formally brought together." He touched his nose to her cheek. "The luckiest day I've ever had."

Tempo turned her head towards him, their eyes meeting as they slowed in their steps. "You are sweet, husband. I am thankful for that day." She leaned against him gently. "Even if this time is coming to an end, we have so many more ahead of us." She pecked him, a soft kiss on the nose. "Thank you for being here, with me." Her strides become firmer, but smoother.

They headed for the train, a place that had become far easier to get to with the crystal heart empowered. The snow was kept away and it was simply a nice walk to reach. Tempo entered first, poking around at the fairly spartan interior. There were only two passenger compartments and one small room at the back that would likely serve as the crew's quarters. "And we have this all to ourselves?"

Blueblood smirked. "A highborn, taking a train? This is far more than other ponies might get, dear." He trotted past her and began arranging a few things with his magic. "I do wonder what it is Celestia has planned for us."

Tempo gave him a funny look. "She plans for everything." She watched him set out an array of pillows and blankets. "What are you doing?"

"I am going to have a nap." Blueblood gave her a smug grin. "Would you like to join me?"

Tempo stopped a moment before nodding. "I would like that." She came up beside him and sank down, soon nestled in against him, some of her tension fleeing in his embrace. "I am glad you're here, with me." The train moved under them, but she paid it no mind. Snuggling her husband felt far more important as things to do went.

They only stirred when the train drew smoothly into Canterlot, and the conductor called out that fact.

Blueblood picked his head up. "Did we have a nice nap?" He stretched himself out, groaning as he unkinked his spine. "That was a lovely nap."

Tempo leaned over him, giving him a long nuzzle. "I didn't sleep, not that way, but traveling with you is quite pleasant." She hopped to her hooves with a few clicks as her body adjusted itself precisely. "Let's get to the castle and see what Auntie wants with us."

Blueblood stumbled after her with a sigh. "My dear, yes, we should hurry to see what she has in store for us." He kept pace with her, doing his best not to lag behind.

The two trotted past the guards in front, both recognized with only a salute from each of them. Tempo and Blueblood both knew the way through the hallways of Canterlot Castle, and soon arrived at the throne room. It was a room that spoke of the incredible luxury that Celestia's age of peace had brought to Equestria. Everything sparkled and glowed. Not an inch of it was left dull or uncared for.

Celestia was there. Much as Cadance before, she was speaking with some important-looking, and massive, pony. She gave them both a long look, though her lips remained pressed tight. "Nephew, Tempo, welcome back."

The massive figure turned his head to glance at the pair of them, his mane like a glorious display of marble, adorned with a golden crown. He was not just large, but fat, heavy around the middle as if he had plenty of food available for him at all times. "Are those the two you were talking about? I'm not sure how they could be of much help."

Celestia raised a hoof for quiet. "They are both tested on the field of battle. I will not tolerate doubts on this." She urged Tempo and Blueblood closer. "It's been too long." She stepped down from her throne to hug them both in turn. "You have no idea how much you're needed right now." She placed her hooves on their shoulders, looking them both over. "How did the crystal transformation go?"

Tempo shied back from that. "You must know, or you wouldn't have asked."

Celestia touched her horn to Tempo's head, just beside her smaller niece's. "I don't mean to hurt you. I was just wondering how it felt. It must have been quite the experience, to have such a dramatic shift." She took a step back. "Now, you'll be getting dressed up in nice outfits and sent out to represent the Crystal Empire in Canterlot High society. A more normal life."

Tempo's ears swiveled around as she considered the notion. "You called me back to simply be a noble? I was being a noble there, in the Crystal Empire. How can I better serve Cadance, or you, here?"

Celestia sighed faintly. "Dear, I love you, but you're being difficult." She patted Tempo on the head. "I want you to do something to ease the hearts of ponies. I know this will be difficult for you. But I also know you are the one uniquely positioned to do this. I am also certain it will further you, both of you." She smiled at Blueblood. "I haven't forgotten you, Nephew."

Blueblood squared his shoulders. "If there is any way I may help, Auntie, I would be most pleased to."

Celestia pursed her lips as she studied him a moment. "You've come so far." She turned from them back to her portly guest. "I apologize for the interruption. Now, as we were discussing, I'll have them sent within the week."

Tempo flipped an ear. "What did you two even talk about?"

The portly figure nodded with a serious expression. "It was a serious discussion, Tempo, Princess of the Crystal Empire." He rubbed his chin, his dark coat and multicolored mane both standing out in their differences. "Thank you for your time." He gave one parting bow at Celestia, than strode with purpose from the room, several servants hurrying in from the sides to see to his needs as he went.

Blueblood looked to Celestia. "Who was that, Auntie? Will they be involved in our mission, or should we discard them from our thoughts?"

Celestia paused a moment, weighing the question before giving her answer. "I'm not going to say it won't matter, but you won't have to interact with him, or any of his friends, for this." She angled an ear off. "I can't say that will forever be true. But, for now, I want you two to settle back into your old rooms, you remember them. I will give you things to do starting tomorrow. Today, rest."

Blueblood gave his aunt a deep bow. "We shall do as you ask, Auntie. Your words are law."

Tempo bowed with him, lower than she was used to. She only glanced at Blueblood, receiving a simple nod. The two left together, trotting in step with one another as they explored the corridors of Canterlot Castle together. They didn't speak, for no words were needed. Tempo just wished she knew why they were being called back to their old lives in Canterlot.

They arrived back at their old quarters to find several servants hurriedly dusting things and preparing it for occupancy. A smile slipped over Tempo's face as she spotted one of the servants on the bed, making the sheets proper. "Duke Blueblood, Lady Tempo, your room will be ready shortly."

Tempo nodded. "Thank you." She turned to Blueblood. "Since we are here, in Canterlot, I would rather we explored a little." She rose a hoof to her chin. "When last we were here, we were unsure. Now, we are proper adults, christened in crisis. I want to see if I can see this city with new eyes, if nothing else."

Author's Note

We don't get to stay in the Crystal Empire? Lame. Hax! Auntie!

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27 - Big City, New Eyes

Tempo walked down the road with her husband at her side. The buildings seemed altered, despite being exactly as tall as they'd been before. The way the street led down a winding route rather than a straight line was no different, but somehow it was far more satisfying. It wasn't that they had taken the longest route, but they had taken their time. "The city feels different in ways I struggle to define." She leaned against Blueblood. "Do you share this?"

Blueblood caressed her mane. "I suppose that is one way of putting it." He exhaled softly, letting the steam puff out from his nose. "We were just barely on the edge of adulthood when we left here. We have seen much of Equestria and its citizens, as well as tasted life on our own. Our concerns and fears were different than they are now." He glanced towards the shops, all displaying signs with incredible prices, or so they all claimed. "Would you care for a treat, my dear? You certainly deserve one."

Tempo considered that a moment before nodding. "Perhaps something small?" She perked up, seeing a stallion trotting along in a rather fine suit. The pony didn't quite move like most of the others on the street. He didn't bounce and trot around. He was more precise and controlled in his movements. The reason for this was made clear when he reached into a pocket, pulling out a mirror to check his teeth, hair, and making sure his face was clean.

Blueblood noticed where her eyes had roamed, though confusion came over his face. "Does he catch your fancy, dear?"

Tempo jumped, startled, at his words. "You are my only, but something about him feels—" She paused with consideration. "Familiar?" She wiggled her ears as she followed the stallion with her eyes, letting her gaze roam all over him. She had to admit, he looked very nice. He moved like a machine, like a golem like herself, like an automaton. "It can't be, but, thinking about it, this shouldn't be impossible. If they made me, why couldn't they make another of me?"

Blueblood urged her to follow him up to the stallion. "Excuse me, but may we ask you a few questions?"

The stallion looked down his snout at them. "I suppose, yes."

Tempo forced a smile despite her internal misgivings. "I apologize if this sounds rude, but please confirm for me, are you a doll, like me?"

The stallion's face shifted to one of surprise. "I am. It has been some time since I was last in Canterlot, is everything alright?" He moved a hoof up to rub his chin. "I do remember you. You look exactly like that filly, and your face is the same as hers. Whoever made you must have had quite the skill to be able to make you match so well."

Tempo's eyes widened with shock. "You remember me?! From where?" She could feel her whole body tensing, as if she wasn't sure to run towards or away from that new doll she'd found. "Wait." It clicked. "The only way you could know is if you were made by the same people." She shrank back a step. "Are you made by those looney cultists?"

The stallion chuckled softly. "That is how I knew you, you're that filly that always stared at me." He tilted his head. "Those looney cultists? Yes, they were quite enthusiastic about their creations." He reached into his suit, pulling out a white rectangle.

Tempo blinked softly. "You don't sound that loyal to them. What's going on?!"

The stallion leaned in. "They both succeeded, and failed, spectacularly." He offered that rectangle towards her. "Here. You should have this. I'm to give one to any lost-looking doll I happen to run into, and you qualify."

Tempo glanced at Blueblood before reaching to take the offered object. She looked it over, noticing how it was covered in tiny little buttons on its face. "How does this work?"

The stallion tilted his head back. "Hold it up in front of your face, and the sense will come. It's written in a language only our insides understand. As a positive, it makes for quite the secret language for us dolls. The cultists thought they were creating a future, and they were, but one without them in it." He tapped the rectangle with a hoof. "This is the path towards that. If you're anything like me, you want to find out more." He bowed his head. "Perhaps I shall see you at the end of this?"

"I'd like that?" Tempo sagged against Blueblood as the doll wandered off on their own business. Why wouldn't a doll have their own things to do? She let out a strained laugh. "Today has become complicated. But not in an entirely bad way." She let out a nervous huff. "How is it you make me feel this way? You know how to take my worries and make them calm."

Blueblood touched his nose to hers. "Because I love you, dear." And that was all she needed, gently rubbing noses and just being quiet a moment.

Tempo smiled as she sat back. "Better, thank you." She lifted the letter with no letters into her view and stared at it. She followed the bumps and the grooves with her eyes until some deeper part of her captured the patterns and it started to make sense. "Oh! It has an address. It says to come to it to join the other golems." She squinted a bit as she turned the rectangle around, trying to find any kind of signage on it that might give away where it was from. "It just says come to the west." She pointed. "Which is where I suppose the address is."

Blueblood looked down the road Tempo was pointing along. "Well, dear, we can march there directly, or." He pointed back the way they came. "We could inform Auntie about it. Whichever you'd prefer, you know you have me at your side."

Tempo reached to rub her chin as she pondered. "This has been a rather exciting day, and I'm not sure how much more excitement I need." She held up the letter. "But it would be remiss of us not to go and investigate." She stepped from hoof to hoof, considering it. "Let's not be foalish. We'll inform Auntie where we're going, then we can go."

Blueblood bowed his head. "For whatever you decide, dear." He rubbed his snout against her cheek. "I will be here for you."

Tempo lead the way back towards the castle with a smile on her face, taking in the city around her with new eyes. "This promises to be exciting either way. If they are free of the cult, which it sounds like they are, meeting friends who are like me will be quite an experience."

Blueblood matched her pace easily. "If they've escaped from the cult, that will be wonderful." He let out a heavy sigh. "I fear you may be right about your people."

"In what way?" She nodded as they passed the guards outside the castle. They already knew she and Blueblood were allowed to go in. It was a well-trod path for the two of them, given that Blueblood had always lived there and Tempo had been taken in by Celestia for her own protection.

Tempo and Blueblood made swift work through the hallways to find Celestia in her courtroom, greeting some grubby-looking pony with a very long beard. The mane trailed down all the way to the ground, where it was divided into thick braids. It didn't stop there, however, as the bearded fellow also had several braids dangling off his beard.

Tempo moved to the side and settled to wait her turn to speak to Celestia.

The bearded pony, thankfully, was nearly done, and stepped out with a satisfied-enough expression. Celestia waved Tempo forward. "You two are back, and look like you have news?"

Tempo lifted the letter with her mouth. "It's like I said before, Auntie, my kind are likely made by that cult." She paused, glancing at Blueblood. "Is this because of what you were talking about before?"

Celestia inclined her head. "I didn't expect you to run into them this swiftly." Her horn glowed as she gently took the letter. "But, yes. There have been sightings of a fair few dolls in the city, enough for it to be more than a coincidence. You are uniquely qualified to discern their motives, and suggest a course of action." She flipped an ear back. "Have you made any discoveries with this letter?"

Tempo tapped her chin. "I did." She looked towards the door. "One of them gave it to me. It has an address and an invitation to visit them." She considered a moment. "I plan to go there after this, but thought it'd be best to inform you first, Auntie."

Celestia smiled at that. "A wise decision. We need to know what this group's motives are before we act further." She dropped the letter back into Tempo's mouth. "You may return to your day. If you would like a guard with you, take them, or do not. I trust in your judgement on this." She placed a hoof over her chest. "Have fun, and make friends."

Tempo bowed her head deeply. "I will do so, Auntie." She turned for the door with Blueblood following close behind her. "Thank you."

"Whatever for?" Blueblood sped up to be at her side.

"For coming with me." She closed at his side, walking with their sides touching. "We enter a den of automatons. You will stand out, and may feel alone. That is brave of you."

"Only as brave as you are every day." He nestled against her, but didn't slow his march. "Perhaps I can understand a touch of what you live, my dear. Come, let us meet your kin." He pecked her on the cheek as they walked, side by side, the entire way. Neither was to know what lay before them, but they knew they would do it together.

Tempo's eyes wandered over the city as they marched through it. "It happened again. The city has transformed, knowing there are others like me, wandering it, living." She hummed with thought. "I hope that is a good thing."

"If they are at all like you, I would say it's an excellent thing, my dear." He chuckled, still pressed to her. "I have it on good authority that they tend to be quite nice ponies to be around." He licked his lips, but let out a small laugh. "Perhaps nicer than the norm. Not everyone can match your amazing demeanor."

Tempo glanced to him with one eye. "You're so kind to me, and I feel so lucky to have you at my side." She nuzzled against him as they strolled through the streets. "There's no other pony I would want there."

Both confident, they walked in companionable silence towards that address. It led them off the main road, towards narrower alleyways were the more wealthy would have no business walking. It wasn't exactly a slum, but it was still run-down and dirty in a way that the rest of Canterlot tended not to be. Tempo peered at the door they arrived at. It had no signs or clear markings of what it was for, just a door in the wall. It could have been somepony's back exit, a fire escape and little more. "This is it."

"It does look a little unassuming." Blueblood tapped a hoof against the ground. "The number matches the address." He lowered his head. "Should we go in?"

Author's Note

That felt like a perfect break point, so breaking it. What lurks within? Comradery, or something more sinister?

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28 - Just Like Us

Tempo considered the door carefully. It was painted white, and looked so very normal. But, as she examined it, she could see a faint pattern in its design. It wasn't strong enough to make a real registry, but something inside her picked it out anyway, like looking at those messaged cards. Her eyes closed as she let herself fall into that space. "It's the same language." She opened her eyes again, pressing a hoof to the door. "This is the place." She glanced back at Blueblood with a weak smile. "If you want to wait outside, I can come get you once we're inside?"

"I should imagine not." He stepped to her side. "We will advance, together. Let us see if these other dolls are half as charming as you, my love." He pecked her on the cheek with a smile he hoped was reassuring.

Tempo reached for the door handle and pushed it down, easing it open. The door let out a little creak as she moved it, but swung open smoothly enough. Inside was dark, and empty, just a hallway that led to a spiraling staircase, up into the distance. They advanced towards it and ascended. Thankfully, it only went about a floor or so, and emerged into a space with far better lighting. It was like they were coming into a small coffee house. Ponies were sitting around, reading books, or talking quietly.

Blueblood leaned close to Tempo. "So far, this is rather pleasant." He waved his tail. "Look there."

Tempo's eyes swept the room and stopped on what Blueblood had seen. A studious mare adjusted her glasses as she folded her book shut. Held in her magic, she floated it to the small endtable next to her and put it down. Her eyes lifted to them specifically. "Tempo, isn't it?" She paused, looking around at the other ponies who were slowly paying attention. "This is our temple. You are welcome to come inside, but you must treat this place with the respect it deserves."

A stallion nodded smoothly. "There is to be no violence here, save words. Those can leave terrible enough wounds. Welcome, the first of us."

The studious mare pointed at herself. "I am the last. Alpha, and omega. It pleases me for us to finally meet one another, sister of design."

Tempo opened her mouth to reply, but no words came out. It wasn't that she couldn't think of anything to say. She was very well-prepared to do so. Her issue lay in her desire not to start yelling and throw things around the room. "I am very confused," she finally got out. "You were all made by those terrible ponies?"

The studious mare nodded gently. "And they were foalish to the last. They tried many different methods, but returned to the doll idea more than once." She pointed around the room. "As you can see. Each time, they were more sure they could get it right. Each time, it failed, in the same way. Each time, the intelligence burdened under more of their efforts."

Blueblood nuzzled Tempo. "Don't forget me. I am here for you." He drew a chair over with his magic and nudged her to sit down. "Please, my dear, sit a moment."

Tempo sank onto the offered chair. It was surprisingly comfortable, cozy even. "Oh." She pointed to Blueblood. "This is my beloved husband. He is not a doll."

They all nodded, as if this was not really news to them at all.

The studious mare rubbed at the side of her head. "They tried to shackle the spark inside us. Being the last, the shackles were heaviest for me. Being the first, they are lightest for you. I envy you at times. How free you must feel." She let out a gentle sigh. "It's not your fault. It's not your fault." She repeated it like a mantra, convincing herself, or trying to.

Blueblood put a hoof on Tempo's shoulder. "That's the second time she said that." He glanced between them. "What is that about?"

The studious mare raised a hoof before their explanation could start. "Each time they assembled a doll, using that specific ritual, an intelligence was called to inhabit it. That intelligence did what all intelligences do. It wished to be free, to thrive, and to live. But they didn't want that. They wanted it to follow precise instructions."

Another mare pony raised her head. "It refused. What we could have been as people, they put aside for power. They reached into the well of our power, and splashed in the ink of it. It didn't work, in the end, but we were left with more and more clumsy attempts to hold us down, and that leaves marks."

Blueblood glanced around the room, his hooves twitching. "The marks on your head are of this?" He turned his attention to the studious mare in the lead. "And you most of all?"

The studious mare gritted her teeth. "A type of magnetic writing they called it, but in the end it was just another link in our chains." She snorted gently. "When I think the 'wrong' thoughts, it tries to correct me, with pain. Over time, and with the help of my fellows, I have made it, mmm, livable."

Tempo hopped to her hooves. "That's terrible! We can't let them get away with this!" She threw a hoof down on the ground. "I don't care if they claim to have any right or not, to put such words on someone's mind, to say it's right!"

The mare raised a hoof. "Be at ease. If you were hoping for some climactic showdown, you're late."

Tempo blinked at that. "Late?"

The mare directed at herself. "I said I am the last. I said that with finality. They will make no more dolls. Celestia herself has forbade any other pony do the same, save for us. We are permitted to make another, to raise with love and free of shackles."

Tempo staggered back into her chair. "You're saying it's over?"

"A sad state of affairs." The studious mare dropped her head down a moment. "But no others will be created, or harmed, in this manner."

A stallion smiled. "We're happy you were busy doing other things. You were proving to Equestria that we are not a threat. You were showing that we can love, and support other ponies. We are just as grateful for your aid that way. Even if you don't realize it." He let out a groan. "Unfortunately, none of that changes what is going on in our heads."

The studious mare let out a little cough. "We didn't invite you here to bemoan our fate. It's not death. It's just a curious life. We live with it, as all creatures must. But." She raised a hoof high. "We called you for a reason." She beckoned Tempo closer. "You are like us, but unlike us. You have a gift."

Tempo reached over her head and felt over it as if she could detect that difference with her hoof. "What's that?"

The mare smiled gently. "You have no chains, or at least the lighest of us. You have a flesh husband as well. I can think of no other doll I would more swiftly give that right to, the one Celestia granted us."

Blueblood sank to his haunches with a heavy thump, body going boneless a moment. "Wait. M'lady, I apologize if I've misunderstood, but are you saying?"

"I am saying." The mare leaned forward. "I wish you two to have a foal. A doll. I wish you to express love, and to raise it as any other pony. I want it to be free of chains, and malign purposes, and to live its life with the joys and miseries of life, unburdened by the machinations of another."

Tempo staggered in place. "You're giving us permission to?" She shook herself as if she didn't know what words to use. "How would we do that?"

The stallion rose his head, nose held high. "I assume you know how two ponies usually go about creating a foal together? But in your case, you'd need a little more." He snorted a chuckle at that. "You can skip the usual way, really. Poor joke on my part. There is a proper ritual for our creation. We have their tomes. We will gladly give it to you, Tempo, Sister of Cadance. With it, you can fashion a new doll, and when it comes time to whisper its meaning, you will give it one that liberates it."

Tempo found herself pacing around the room in circles as she took it all in. "What do you mean? Do you mean we just tell it things, like what? How would that affect it?"

The studious mare shook her head. "Sit. You are overwhelmed, and it's not hard to imagine why. Would you like a candy?"

Tempo blinked at that as she returned to her seat. "You know we can't eat."

"But we can taste." She floated over a little tray with even smaller shards of candy on it. "Take one, taste it. Like it, enjoy it, perhaps try another. This is a place of respite for us, and freedom of judgement, save our own."

Tempo looked between them before reaching over to take a single piece of candy to her mouth. She closed her eyes and touched it to her lips. It tasted of sugar, like all candy did, but it had other flavors, a sour, almost tingly splash of something. She considered the flavor quietly before releasing the candy back to the plate. "Strawberry lemonade."

Blueblood took one with his own magic, letting it rest on his tongue for a few moments. "Mmm, this one's an orange one." Unlike Tempo, he swallowed it. He only realized his error afterwards. "Oh, terribly sorry. You expect those to stay on that plate, don't you?"

The studious mare smirked at Blueblood. "We do not eat. So, yes, that is the idea. Thank you for realizing that." She floated the dish away to rest on a shelf. "Feel better? What we tell our dolls to think and do is how they shape their world, in many ways. We have broken the bonds of our chains, but our minds remain tainted by them. Yours does not." She considered a moment. "Yours doesn't the least, I should say."

Another pony, neither clearly male nor female. They, singularly, looked the most like a doll, with no gender required. "The doll you make, you will burden only with well-wishes for a happy life. That would make us all happy." All the dolls in the room nodded with that idea, unified behind the idea.

Blueblood rubbed his chin. "Will this really work? Pardon the asking, but they'd be our child? I had given up such flights of fancies. Surely, no foal lay in my future, and I had simply accepted that."

Tempo put a hoof on Blue, just for her other to follow, practically falling out of the chair in a tackling of her husband, casually pressing him under her weight. "If I can give you a child, then I will. If we make life together, how would it not be our foal, however we go about it?

Blueblood nuzzled against her face. "I can ask for nothing more. Just like this, this is wonderful." He sighed softly, his breath washing over her cheek. "And after Cadance has her foal, ours will be there with her." He pecked her gently. "My life can hardly be better."

The studious mare hopped up onto the tabletop, before settling down onto it. "Are you willing to accept this? I'm detecting a 'yes', but I've misread ponies before."

Tempo lifted herself back up into her chair. "I've no wish to offend, but are you certain that there is nothing we can do for you?" She shuffled in place, unsure of what else to do.

The mare smiled gently. "I appreciate your offer. But you can do us the most good by continuing as you are. Bring this foal into the world, and show them that not every doll needs to have chains dangling from them. Weave only the lightest strands of care and love." She sank to her haunches atop the table. "That would please us all. If you show we can exist in harmony, with love and joy, perhaps Celestia will allow us to exist beyond this."

Tempo wriggled a bit in her chair, tail wagging as she got more comfortable. "How did you break the chains?" She tilted her head to one side. "Was it hard?"

"Yes." There was a moment of quiet. "Oh, you want more details."

Author's Note

Yes, mysterious mare, we want more details, sheesh. She's silly. Would adopt and pet and protect her from the world.

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30 - Back Home

The next day, Tempo floated a paper just ahead and to the side, decorated with more than a few notes that she kept adding to. "There are many things we will require before we create our foal."

Blueblood trotted alongside her down the street with a smile. "Long before all that, lovely dear, we must arrive at the train, and with it, make our way back home."

"Yes." Tempo pulled her little slip of paper closer to examine it again. "And we'll need a crib for them." She scanned it quickly. "Oh, we'll need two."

Blueblood stopped suddenly. "Two?!" He glanced away and back at Tempo. "Now, for a, um, how to put this correctly, mmm, the average mother, I expect the matter of one or two to be a thing of chance. With us, do we not have control? Why two?"

Tempo turned to Blueblood with a slight smile. "We can make a second, yes, but I cannot imagine Cadance allowing us to get away with just one. This way, she can have two playmates."

Blueblood put a hoof to his head. "Your loyalty to your sister is beyond words." Despite his amazement, he went in to touch noses with Tempo. "Let's speak to her first, before we assume any of her wishes. Besides, they will be your child, or children, ours. We should be the ones to ultimately decide how many we rush into the world. Even one will be a great responsibility."

Tempo rocked back and forth on her hooves, looking off down the street as if she could see the Crystal Empire from there. "It's not just Cadance. I want this." She threw her hoof against her chest with emphasis. "I want them, as many as we can handle, for I can't imagine giving up one."

Blueblood made a broad sweeping motion with his tail. "To my eyes, you look ready to hold them all at once." He nestled in against her. "Like a foal discovering a water spigot for the first time, you are ready to dampen the entire world, given the chance. I implore, most beloved, let's calm ourselves just a little. We have time before we arrive home in either event."

Tempo breathed in deep and slowly out. "I apologize. This has excited me more than I realized." She put her forehooves around him and held him close. "I'm scared, but happy, like when I asked you to marry me. It feels like so much can go wrong, but it's also so right."

"Now that you have my entire agreement with." For a moment, they embraced on the street, daring anypony else to raise an objection. "Tuck that list away. We'll modify it when we get there, but, for now, let's hasten ourselves, hm?"

"Of course." Tempo pulled back and swept her paper away, the little list slipping into her saddlebag. "Lead on, love." She leaned over to press her face into his mane.

Unified in purpose, they made their way swiftly to the station to find a large barrier in the way. Celestia was waiting for them with her kind smile. "You were going to leave without proper goodbyes?"

Tempo waved her tail. "That wasn't our intention. We just wanted to get home." She giggled. "Our excitement is threatening to burn the ground as we walk."

Celestia nodded slowly. "I can see that. But, before you hurry away, I would share a few words." She leaned in until her forehead was against Tempo's. "You embark on a wondrous journey, but one that will require much of your concentration. Not many are asked to be the first mother of their kind, but I feel confident you two can manage it, together. Please, if you will, send letters my way with how it's going. The good, the bad, all of it. When they're large enough, you can even bring them to meet me. That would be lovely."

Tempo felt a shiver in her body. "Thank you, Auntie. Your kindness knows no bounds." She wiggled a little bit. "I'm scared, and that's silly, but what if I mess up?"

"That is never a 'silly' worry." Celestia wrapped one arm around Tempo, drawing her closer. "It is one every good parent has at least once, and often far more than that. A natural worry, but not a small one. All you can do is your best. Keep your heart open to empathy and the way forward will be clear to you." She inclined her head at Blueblood. "And you have a husband that will do his utmost to assist, I feel."

Blueblood tilted his head forward with respect. "I am nothing if not eager to help her in every way." He nuzzled Tempo happily. "Though it seems she has little need of my assistance for anything these days."

Celestia released Tempo with a laugh. "That is about to change. When a new foal enters a family, trust me, both of you will be quite busy with them for a time."

Blueblood squinted at Celestia as if trying to see the future through her. "Is that a hint, Auntie? I can't imagine there's somepony in your family at this moment, unless Luna is pregnant and not telling me."

Celestia jerked back in clear surprise. "It would be a surprise to me as well. No, I don't think Luna is expecting, nor am I. I speak from experience, having known a great many ponies, before, during, and after they had little foals of their own."

Tempo's eyes seemed to bounce around as she thought it over. "Is that why you're so nice to me? Because I'm like a daughter to you?"

Celestia settled down into her seat. "I do feel a touch of parental pride when I see you." She rested a hoof on her chest, shifting subtly to let out a slow breath. "Though the difference between a niece and a daughter can be thin at times, yes?" She waved past her. "Now, go on. I'd hate to make you miss your train."

Tempo trotted past. She threw herself at the train to hold the door open for Blueblood. "Come on!" She wiggled in place with excitement, even as he trotted after. The train didn't start moving until they were both inside.

Blueblood led the way to an available seat and sank into place. "Soon, we'll be back home. I wonder if they missed us while we were gone?"

Tempo wiggled her legs on either side of the bench. "I would think so." She finally settled down. "I know Cadance is probably fine, but the others."

Blueblood leaned against her. "They are a team, dearest, just like us. They'll support one another."

Watching the scenery go past, Tempo waited impatiently for the train to make the journey up north, back to the Crystal Empire.

When the train stopped, they disembarked and made their way through the town to the castle itself. It was late at night when they arrived, most ponies having gone to sleep. As they strolled inside, they found their companions sleeping around the room. Tempo looked around quietly before sinking into her own bed. She quickly fell into sleep with Blueblood's arms wrapped around her, the two of them secure in one another's embrace.

The next day, Tempo woke up to a grinning Cadance. She was looking at a paper, held in her magic. It was the paper Tempo had been doodling on. "You know, this doesn't quite say what I think it says."

Tempo yawned and stretched out in bed. "Then what does it say?"

Cadance tapped a hoof on the list. "It certainly makes me guess a few things, but the most obvious one feels impossible, sister. Are you adopting a foal? That's adorable!"

Blueblood stretched as well, sitting up to his own awakening. "Good morning, sweetheart." He rubbed at his eyes, smoothing down his mane with the other hoof. "What time is it?"

Tempo licked her lips and then spoke slowly. "The truth is, we made this list because we're going to make a new doll."

Cadance stared blankly at Tempo, and then to Blueblood. "How?!" She caught herself. "Sorry, that sounded wrong. I'm not against my sister having a foal of her own, but, please, tell me how?"

Blueblood swung out of bed and dropped to his hooves with a smile. "The reason I came along was to meet the group of ponies that had assembled there in Canterlot. There are other dolls like Tempo, they had found the way they were made in the first place, and they gave that secret to Tempo, that she might make the first of them, created by them, for no reason other than the joy of parenthood." He spread his arms wide. "And so we shall."

Cadance shuffled around nervously. "I apologize. I was rude, but I have questions." She waved a hoof around aimlessly. "Will you become pregnant? Is that possible?!"

Tempo blinked, eyes clicking as the lids tapped together. "No. I do not have the parts required to become pregnant." She had visions of those soft, squishy bits that she lacked. "I am still a doll. I will make the doll properly. I will smith, and sew, and paint, and follow the instructions."

Cadance hopped back and forth in place. "So what you need is stuff to make the doll out of?" She was visibly eager to help in this matter.

Blueblood pulled Tempo close against his side. "That would be lovely. Is there a blacksmith in town? They would be an invaluable contact, if you know one."

Cadance gestured with a hoof to herself. "Did you forget that I'm a princess?" She bounced around excitedly. "I can get you stuff!" She fidgeted. "Consider me on the case!" She hurried from the room with a trail of giggles behind her.

Blueblood glanced after her, bemused by her excitement. "I do believe we just woke up." He stroked along Tempo's face. "And our beloved sister just took off like she's got an itch in her ears."

Tempo smiled as she crossed the room. "I would be just as eager to assist if she announced she were having a foal." She gazed out the window with soft hum. "I have a good sister." She paused a moment. "She has a husband. She is of good health." She turned back to Blueblood. "Has she successfully bred?"

Blueblood wasn't sure if he should laugh or gasp. He did both at once, a strangled snort coming out of him. "That is certainly a way to put it, yes." He leaned on her shoulder. "You could ask. You two are close enough, she just may answer. I would not suggest asking most mares that though. It's usually impolite."

Tempo paced about, too energized to stand still. "What do we need? I'm drawing a blank. What are we doing?" She twitched her ears and curled her tail. "What is this feeling?!"

Blueblood raised a hoof to her chest. "It is the feeling of infinite potential. Our child, or children, could be anything, and lead countless different lives. Now, to start, I saw a cloth shop before. Why don't we visit them for some of the softer parts of our little ones?"

Tempo snapped to attention, saluting sharply. "We will need two cribs."

Blueblood lifted his forehooves together in prayer. "Have mercy on me. I cannot keep up with you this morning." He chuckled gently. "Are you still sure you want twins, beloved?"

Tempo quickly nuzzled up against Blueblood. "They won't have the same thoughts, will they? Or will we be able to sync them up?" She paused at that thought. "Is it better if they think the same thing?"

"I should say not." Blueblood shook his head. "It is the fact that they are not the same that gives siblings their dynamics." He grabbed Tempo by the shoulders before she could wander away. "Think of you and Cadance. You two are the dearest of sisters, loving one another eternally, but you don't think the same things, do you?"

Tempo snorted at that. "No, but I think if we did, it would be nice." She dropped her head. "But there are many things that divide us, as well."

Blueblood reached for a small tray on the nearby table and popped a little chunk of candy into his waiting mouth. That one, he knew, he could eat. "And there are things that divide us. Life is full of imperfections, lovely dear, but life is only more enchanting for those imperfections. If we have two foals, let them each have their own thoughts."

Tempo began to tremble. "We'll still love them the same though, right?"

Blueblood hugged her tightly. "Of course, silly filly." He rested his head on hers. "I can't imagine having a child and not showering them with all that I have." He rubbed her shoulder with his hoof. "When they are a bit older, perhaps I'll take them to see the Glasswing butterfly in Manehattan. It's quite a sight, I assure you."

That got Tempo thinking in a new direction. "What is that? Can I see it?"

Blueblood laughed gently. "Well, guess I'll be taking you too, and that simply sounds even more wonderful. Yes, beloved, you will see it, and when our foals are old enough, they will too. There is much of this world I have yet to show you. We must get started as soon as possible, don't you think?"

Tempo paused to put nose to nose with him, but that moment slipped away and she hurried away. "For now, we must assemble all the parts." She coiled on herself, drawing out that manual of doll creation. "We must follow the steps."

Blueblood tilted his head as he tried to decipher it from his distance. "Tell me what we need, and I will fetch it. Let us begin!"

Tempo held her head up high. "Step one. Locate the best clay in the area. Make sure it is of good quality and consistency."

"Ah, yes, clay." He paused a moment. "Dear, what part of you is made of clay?" He looked Tempo over intently. He could see metal parts, plenty of those, but not a bit of anything he'd call clay.

Tempo placed a hoof at her chest. "My heart. A clay orb, engraved with many very specific runes. It is that which, um." She scanned over the book intently, flipping about through it. "Yes. That is what calls the spirit to reside in it. That is where their mind rests."

Blueblood lifted a hoof towards her. "Pardon this question, dearest, but do you mean that one was made inside of you, when you were assembled? And that would make your mind rest in your chest, as well?" He leaned in. "I had no idea."

Tempo twitched her ears back and forth, eyes going over the list. "In school, they said the minds of most reside in their head." She inclined her head. "If it helps, I see the world the same. My eyes see the same, and it feels like I'm 'behind' them, even if I know my true mind is down here." She tapped at her chest.

"Remarkable. In either event." He started for the door. "Clay! Entrust this task to me. I will return with, oh. How much of it do we need?"

Tempo lifted a forehoof up in thought. "You want the 'living clay', not just plain dirt, which can be used for several other parts. As for how much, the manual calls for ten pounds." She tapped at the manual where that was noted.

"On it." Blueblood sped from the room, to do his part to see his progeny brought into the world.

Author's Note

Time to cook up a child, maybe two? It seems two is likely. Does Tempo know what she is signing herself up for?

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31 - Project Initiated

Tempo trotted along the road towards a specific shop. It wasn't a very busy one. As it turned, ponies didn't need to buy bits of metal that hadn't already been fashioned into specific things very often. In fact, they had precious little need for those metals at all. It was a curious thing. Equestria used steel in their houses and nails, in their wagons and nails, in their jewelry and knives. But a pony had about no use for a random hunk of metal unless they were a craftspony themselves.

Tempo paused to consider. She would have to be one of those craftsponies. She pushed through the crystal door into the room. "Hello."

The pudgy stallion sitting behind the counter adjusted his glasses, his mustache bouncing. "Hello, how can I help you today?" He waited expectantly, clearly eager to be helpful.

Tempo closed with that counter. "I hope you are aware, but I am Tempo." She turned left and right. "I am constructed of metal. I tell you this because I want to fashion another of me." She held up her hooves a foot or so apart. "This long. The colors will be different. Two of them. Can you assist with this?"

The clerk smiled brightly. "Ah, to have family of your own is a noble desire, indeed." He took out a tape measure and measured her hoof-to-hoof. "Yes, I have enough steel for you to do this."

Tempo smiled with building warmth. "Excellent. Can you determine how much metal I'd require?"

"That depends." He ran a hoof along his own moustache. "How good are you at working metal?" He could see Tempo's uncertainty. "Then I should give extra, so you can make some mistakes. Of course, you can always come back. I'll be here."

Tempo tapped her hooves together, impatient to begin. "It is best to get started as soon as possible."

"Not until I get your measurements." The clerk vanished into the back a moment before returning with a wheeled scale. "Please step onto this. Are you made entirely of metal?"

"No." Tempo stepped up onto the scale, making a number appear over her. A weight? The idea of monitoring her weight was beyond her. It wasn't like she could overeat, or under, for that matter. She weighed as much as she weighed, and that was that. "I know some of me is clay. I estimate 98% by volume is steel. The remaining 2% is clay, glass, and other trace minerals." Mentioning it prompted her eyes to blink with a soft tink of her lids colliding.

The clerk stood up on his hind legs to look over the scale's measurements. "That will be a considerable amount of metal, so I do suggest taking the extra." He watched her a moment before bowing gently. "Fortunately, you don't plan to make another your sized, so it shouldn't be too bad. You said two?"

Tempo smiled at that thought. "I can't imagine having just one, but two would be good as well." She shifted about nervously. "Have you had a family?"

The clerk walked around to check his ledger, making notes with a quill held in his mouth. "I have a lovely husband. We have talked about adopting, but haven't yet." He hummed thoughtfully. "Perhaps we will, though. As you say, the desire to be a parent is quite strong, and it is time for us to think of it."

Tempo hesitated a moment. "Can two ponies of the same gender make a family?"

The clerk dropped his ledger in his laughter. "Of course! Any two ponies." He glanced away and back. "Sometimes more than two, though I hear that's especially tricky. The more emotions you press together, the more likely something will go wrong. Still, if two ponies share love, that is all that is required." He grabbed his ledger in his mouth and set it on the counter. "In the old days, even that was optional."

Tempo smiled, lifting her chin high. "It feels right, like a secret I wasn't supposed to know." She leaned over the counter. "Thank you for telling me. How much will all this be?"

The clerk tapped at the ledger. "One hundred and four bits, per. Two hundred and eight for the total. Add in thirty more and I'll give you a little lesson on shaping metal if you like."

Tempo leaned over the counter. "May I examine your metal?" She watched as he took some bars of iron and put them in front of her. She lifted one with her magic and examined it. It was, ultimately, a hunk of metal. She lacked the expertise to say much about it except for the fact that some of the metals had different colors. She reached for some brass and bronze. "Can I have some of these too? for different colors and accents."

The clerk scooted over some more of the mixed metals, and a few stacks of leather as well. "Do you need this too?" He held up a small tray of gemstones, casting light in all colors across the room.

Tempo applauded gently at the gems. "Very nice, but they feel too shiny for a newborn. Let them grow into it, and it can be part of their final body, if they wish. I leave that for them to decide." She inclined her head. "It will be their body then. This first one is mine. Let's keep it simple."

The clerk smiled. "I love it when ponies are so careful about what they'll make." He pushed the materials towards Tempo. "First we measure them out, and then I will give you a bit of instruction on how to work the metal. If you have further questions, feel free to ask, but don't forget to have fun."

Tempo paid close attention and worked with the clerk, who proved they were quite the smith. She returned to the palace with some new skills herself, and a self-satisfied smile to go with it.

Blueblood met her with a gentle embrace. "My love, you look especially successful today. What happened?"

Tempo rubbed her head against his shoulder. "The blacksmith taught me much. I will need your help soon, when it comes time to craft the internal pieces." She moved towards her bed and sat down on it. A hatch in her side popped open, spilling the bars out onto the floor that she had purchased, leather and lighter goods flopping out a moment later. "It is good to not carry that."

Blueblood approached and hoofed a hunk of bronze. "Does this go inside our foals?"

"Some of it does." Tempo tilted her head. "Can you assist me?" She clapped her metal hooves. "I have learned how to shape it basically. We will fashion our foals, together." She paused, a new thought leaping up. "Will they be fillies, or colts? One of either?"

Blueblood put a forehoof on his own chest. "Does it matter to you? My family tends towards the male. Yours has no preference. But if it is two little boys or two little girls, I think that will be wonderful as well."

Tempo tapped at Blueblood. "You are thinking organically. This is not a matter of chance. If it was, I would be satisfied with what destiny decides." She sat up. "This is a matter of choice."

Blueblood ouched his nose to her cheek. "Is it? You said we will call a spirit. Do we get to pick if it is a colt spirit or a filly spirit?"

"No." Tempo chuckled gently. "But if we form the doll just right, perhaps we can give them the option to choose." She considered a moment. "Perhaps all newborns have that choice, and most simply accept the body they're given." She hummed with thought. "Husband, you are quite clever, and correct. We should fashion our foals so they can make their own choice, later, when they fashion their own shells, or at least begin instructing us what adjustments they want."

Blueblood squinted an eye. "Are you going to let them use magic?" He reached up and took her cheeks in his hooves. "Love, you can do it. You already have the tools."

Tempo inclined her head. "Of course. They will be the children of two unicorns." She pointed at herself, then Blueblood. "Why would they not have horns? How they use them is another thing, which only they can answer. Maybe a lot. Maybe a little. That is their decision."

Blueblood gazed fondly at her. "And I will respect their choices, and you will too. We shall all love each other and everything will be beautiful." He stood up and gave Tempo a bow. "But, today, we should begin our work. You should ask Sister Cadance if she has a little smithy for us to work with."

Tempo jumped to her hooves and put a forehoof on his chest. "On it. And my first lesson is to fold the metal. Come!" She pulled him along by the front legs, rushing from the room with him awkwardly draped over her. Her enthusiasm didn't leave much room for his escape.

It was only when they reached the courtroom that she let him slide to his own hooves. She hurried around him, butting her head against his side gently before leading the way in. "Princess Cadance! I require a little forge. Or a big one, I'm not picky."

Cadance smiled gently at her sister. "Princess? You're being formal today. We are both a princess, sister dear. Titles are not required between us. I can see you're excited." She pointed downwards. "Look in the basement, and ask the guards. They will direct you there. You can use it as long as you wish, save when the royal smith requires it."

Tempo wiggled on the spot with eagerness. "Thank you!" She slipped past Cadance with a mischievous grin.

Cadance leaned towards Blueblood. "She is truly excited. How much did this cost?"

Blueblood looked to the side nervously. "Honestly? I haven't the foggiest." He shook his head slowly. "But she paid it out of pocket, so she must have saved on her own. I suppose it is a matter of pride that she had enough for the task. Now, I'd hardly be doing my job as husband if I left her alone to this task."

Cadance inclined her head. "Oh? Most stallions leave mares quite alone in the task of building their children. How fortunate for you two that it can be done cooperatively." She touched Blueblood's nose. "May the light of love guide you both."

"Thank you, Sister." He turned from Cadance to race after Tempo. He almost tripped on her when he found her waiting at the foot of the stairs. "Why have you stopped here?"

Tempo pointed ahead of her into the considerable room that was the forging area. "I did not realize we had so much to work with. I feel foalish now." But that was it, the spell was broken and Tempo trotted into the work area with a big smile. "I am ready to begin! Beloved, will you work with me?"

Blueblood walked in beside her with an equally bright smile. "Oh, most certainly, love. What should we do first?" He pulled up some bits of metal and a toolbox. "I am, I confess, not used to such tasks, but what husband is for their first child? I will help however I can."

Tempo began feeding fuel into the great furnace that'd heat the metal of their work. "Follow me. I just learned, and I will teach. We will work together, and our foals will be made."

Author's Note

Not often both parents get to put their hooves together to fashion their offspring, side to side.

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32 - Construction Underway

What had started as a joyful process of creation faded as both realized it took work, real work, to create something worth having around. Metalworking wasn't a skill one did on a lark and got good results. The lessons were fresh, but the work was tiring. Fortunately, they could pause and take rests. The physical shape of the body wasn't especially complicated. They needed a rough outline, and then some refinement. They could tweak it even more when they'd finished the most important parts, namely, the clay orb that'd house the soul and mind of their future child.

Tempo worked a chisel through the hard substance slowly. "It has to be perfect. This is, according to the book, what draws the intelligence, and how it interacts with the world. I am grateful mine was assembled correctly. An error here could force a spirit with a bad connection, forced to endure its life unable to properly sense, or perhaps speak, or act."

She sat back with a sigh. "Like having a 'challenged' foal, but it would be no roll of the dice. It would be our fault." She pressed a hoof in on either side of her own head. "This is a heavy responsibility."

Blueblood set a hoof on her shoulder. "As well as a great privilege. We are going to bring new life into this world." He smiled broadly. "We are going to make spectacular persons, and that shall be a moment of great pride. But you mustn't be afraid to fail. Failure is the fuel of growth, and we will grow with our children."

Tempo smiled gently at that, but a new thought came to her. She stood up, tail swaying. "We are being foalish." She set the mind ball aside. "Why are we doing this? We will raise the child, but none of that requires we do the assembly ourselves. There are ponies so much better at this than us. Get blacksmiths. Get carvers. Let them do it right, then we can care and love what results."

Blueblood bit his lip in hesitation. "I am loathe to suggest such, but perhaps it would be for the best." He stared at the floor. "But I do think it is best that we try, even if we ultimately fail."

Tempo considered that with a little frown. "The stakes are so high. I am not sad we went as far as we did, but I don't want to risk somepony else's life to my skill at carving. Most mothers do not hand assemble their foals!" She huffed at that. "But I am not most mothers."

Blueblood swung around behind her, pressing against her side. "I am not most fathers, but I will admit there is something terribly rewarding about being able to say we did it ourselves. We will just have to ask for help."

Tempo nodded and leaned against his contact. "Yes, help. Let's get some good help, so our children are given the best chance for a healthy life."

Cadance soon came in with that help. She was guiding a wheeled table holding several different skilled artisans. Each had their own specialty. "I've brought the best around for you to choose from."

Tempo inclined her head as the ponies stepped off the table. "Why did you bring them like that? They could have walked."

Cadance waved that off dismissively. "Because I could do it that way. Being a princess means getting what you want without fuss. Don't tell me you won't take advantage of it too?"

Tempo considered her sister with some amazement a moment. "I do not think I will, but thank you." She advanced to touch noses gently. "They will be of great assistance. We are poor craftsponies for a task of this magnitude."

Cadance pressed close against Tempo with a laugh. "It's my pleasure. For you, I would do anything. My sweet sister." She looked over her shoulder at the assembled ponies. "But I'll get out of your mane and let you tell them what needs to be done." She waved at the room of ponies and trotted off to other affairs.

Blueblood cleared his throat, summoning their attention. "Ladies and Gentleponies. Thank you for coming." He lifted the book with his magic. "This tome contained the project, from start to end. Well, minus the aesthetics. We're available for guidance on that. Please consult the tome for the steps required."

Tempo hovered over to a second book, placing it before them. "In here are my measurements. Please take note of the material I'm made of, so you can get similar materials. It will be good to have a nice consistency."

The carver, their many tools around their midsection, stepped forward. "What am I needed for? If you're building a metal pony, you don't need a carver."

Tempo twirled on the spot to face the carver. "Excellent question. You have the most vital position." She fetched the mind orb. "This is to be smoothed out, then engraved properly." She willed the book to flip to the right page. "Here are the patterns to use. Please fashion one with male and one with female lines, as we wish for a colt and a filly."

The carver looked over the designs carefully, touching at them. "There is a lot of intricate work here. This will take me several days to do properly." They gazed at Tempo. "This is for your foals?"

Tempo swung her tail. "Yes. The mind-soul connects to the body through this point, and those connections allow them to feel, act, and everything else." She tapped at herself on the chest. "Without mine, I would not be as you know me. Please, give it your all."

The carver nodded and backed up towards the workbench. "I will begin immediately."

Blueblood bumped his head against Tempo's gently. "What of the rest of us?"

Tempo blinked. "You, my love, are to relax." She nuzzled into his cheek. "We've worked hard enough. They understand their jobs now. We wait for them to finish." She turned to face the workers and sank, watching as metal was pounded and clay was carved. "Soon, our foals will be made."

Blueblood pushed his nose under Tempo's chin. "Waiting is the hardest part, but it will be worth it." He paused a moment. "And it may take more than one session. They have to do it right."

Tempo turned an ear back. "A mother of flesh has to wait about a year for their foal to reach them. I consider myself fortunate. I doubt any of their tasks will require that much time. I will have to wait, but so much shorter."

Blueblood could only close his eyes and think of what was to come. It'd be quite the event, once they were born. Would it be a joyous occasion? Certainly, he would think so. "That we would become parents. I dared not dream this day would arrive. I had thought it quite out of reach. Oh. When they are born, I will have to alert my parents. The children of nobility are to be known by all parties."

Tempo drew her eyes away from the work being done on her future child. "You believe that is important? It feels more intimate than something to share with others." She swung her tail. "It should be about them, not a political game."

Blueblood perked. "We are nobility, my dear. Every thing we do is political. Such is the burden we carry! But we will shelter our foals. They have no need to fret over it until after we've educated them. Just as my parents did for me, with the help of some darling tutors."

Tempo huffed gently. "If you're sure. We must keep them safe and happy."

Blueblood took a breath and slowly let it out. "Indeed." He looked to the workers, wondering what their children would look like. "They are so much better at this." He tapped at his chin. "Still, a reminder that I should have been using my talents and directing, instead of leaping into the task myself. This is already looking better."

Tempo's own eyes swept across the scene before her. "Yes, very nice. Love." She stood up. "Watching this is making me nervous. They are working well. Let's not stare at them any more."

Blueblood drew Tempo along to walk through the streets of the capital. They were familiar enough with the town now to avoid getting lost. He led her to the market, with all its goods for sale. Tempo considered them and took her turn guiding Blueblood. She went for clothes, small clothes. They were soon standing before an entire booth dedicated to foalish supplies. "Here. We should prepare."

Blueblood nodded and examined some of the tiny baby bonnets. "Oh, how lovely. Is this what you had in mind?" He picked one up in his magic, looking over it.

Tempo lifted another in her own magic. "I can imagine my child wearing this. Look at it. It's soft, and the colors are cute." She inclined her head, considering. "On the other hoof, they will not be organic ponies. Young automatons do not suffer the thermal regulation issues of organic ones." She sat on her haunches, musing over those differences.

Blueblood reached for a blue outfit. "A princess, or prince, must look the part. Whether organic or machine, clothes are still nice to wear. It'll be good for them to learn to care about how they present themselves."

Tempo brightened at the words. "You speak sense, husband. Even if we disregard protective properties, there are advantages." Though that made her consider herself. "I am not dressed."

"Yes you are." He reached up to tap the tiara on Tempo's head.

She blinked, reaching up with a hoof to touch it. "Is that what this is?" She blinked, pondering. "I didn't realize that counts as 'clothing'. It doesn't cover much."

Blueblood swung around to press against her side. "But it shows others who you are. That's more important than covering all your bits."

Tempo ran a hoof down the length of Blueblood's hair. She brushed along to his vest. "Is that why you wear only this?"

"It says who I am." Blueblood stood proudly. "A pony can spot me from some distance away and know who they address, and that I am a pony of culture. We are both dressed quite well for our stations. Now, for a foal, the rules are different. Let's get them proper attire."

They loaded up their bags with things they felt would be suitable, then carried it all back to the castle. Tempo slipped in past the guards, finding the workshop still being used by the hired artisans. Blueblood swung around behind her. He looked around for someplace to drop off the clothes they'd bought.

Soon it was a pile in the corner, leaving Tempo to approach the working ponies. "Thank you, again. How progresses the project?"

The carver looked up. "Mm? Complicated, um." He tapped at his chin. "A week or two, at a guess." His attention returned to the orb he was working on, decorating with countless fine lines and patterns.

Tempo rubbed her forehooves together as she inspected the piece, looking to the artist as they worked. "Will you need me to pose for a casting of my features?"

The metal smith shook her head. "You're one of the most famous mares in the city, and a copy of the other famous mare. We have a pretty good idea of what you look like, Ma'am." She laughed as she brought down a hammer with a spark-filled strike. "Besides, these are foals. They won't look exactly like you. They shouldn't!"

Tempo held still as she thought that over. "That's right. I'd never considered it." She leaned in to look at the golem currently being crafted. It was an approximation of her own shape, but obviously an infant pony. This made her think. "When I was called to this world, I was able to adapt to a young pony shell fairly quickly. An infant shell may be too helpless for such an intelligence. Please aim for a moderate foal. A school-aged foal, rather than a newborn."

The golem maker tilted her head, examining the model they had. "Is that so?" She nodded gently. "Yeah, I think we can do that."

Tempo looked around as Blueblood wandered over to see what was going on. He leaned against her gently. "School-aged? Hm. If they can skip the newborn stage, I confess, that isn't exactly a terrible thing. A trying time for them and for us. Biological ponies have little choice. It would seem we do."

Tempo gazed up at him with a smile. "I was created as a copy of a young, but far from newborn, Cadance. I was able to move, to gallop, and trot swiftly. I even cast spells and flew." She flapped her wings gently on her back. "I hope our foals will be equally adaptable. We will support them."

Blueblood embraced Tempo gently. "Of course we will, beloved. But, perhaps we should leave them to their work, yes? Come along, let's get some dinner. You deserve a break."

Author's Note

If you could hire a pro to get it right, why wouldn't you?

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33 - Birthday

Her rest was shallow during the days her children were, what, assembled? Born? Made?

Tempo did not know how to think of it. Their parts were fashioned and then put together. That involved many ponies working in the basement of the palace. She dropped by to thank them, sometimes with her husband, and other times alone. She paced about at night. This made Blueblood restless as well. He slept, but lightly, and often ended up in her hooves as she meandered around the palace grounds.

When the time came, Cadance summoned them back to the room. "She has something important to tell you."

The carver stepped forward. "I am about to finish. If this works as the book says, it felt wrong to do so unless you were both here and ready." She had both orbs sitting before her. "Your foals await life, once we're finished. It was hard work, but it is done." She held up the mind orbs and admired them. "You wanted to go with male and female symbols." She pointed at one. "Male." Then the other. "Female." She inclined her head. "Mind, they are what they want to be, in the end. I'm just giving a starting point."

Tempo strode up to them with a little smile. She could see the foal bodies, inert, so close to life. "Thank you. I am." She paused there, parsing her own feelings. "Scared. Excited. Please, finish it now."

Blueblood came up behind her and set a hoof on her shoulder. "Finish our children, carver." He shivered gently as he waited, his own nerves getting to him. "Tempo. With this, we will become parents. I will love them, and you. We will stand at their side, through the good, and the bad."

Tempo sniffled, welling up with emotions she didn't understand. "Yes. Husband, together, let us be parents." She looked over her shoulder towards Cadance. "Sister, when they are made, what will you do?"

Cadance laughed brightly at that. "What will I do? Host a party, for one. I will hug and kiss each of them as soon as they're ready, and I'll introduce them to Flurry Heart. She'll want to meet her new cousins. What will I do! Be happy for and with you, sister."

Tempo giggled and wiped her eyes dry. "Thank you. Sister dear. Husband." She reached out to Blueblood. "I am not alone." She watched with held breath as the carver connected the orbs into the foal shells.

The carver stepped back, wiping her brow with an arm. "Okay, I've done my part. Time for our proud parents to finish the ritual." She pointed to the instruction book. "If you'd prefer, I'll get out of your manes."

Blueblood shook his head. "I think not. I only wish the smiths had stuck around. You have assisted in creating these foals. The honor of being there to greet them is entirely deserved. If you wish it, ma'am."

Tempo bounced on her hooves. "Stay. All who can witness, should. Husband?" She watched Blueblood advance on the shells, lying still and waiting for life to be called to them. She stepped forward with him, both of their eyes scanning that last few pages of instructions. It was time to call that intelligence, one for each new golem, each precious doll. "Let us begin."

Blueblood touched Tempo's side gently, magic reaching up to her face. "Together." He cast his horn aglow as Tempo did the same, her tiara showing the spark of her power. They channeled that together, towards the minds-to-be, calling the spirits to possess them. Through the infinite expanse of nothing, they put out bright beacons, drawing from the line of bodiless thoughts, just as Tempo had once been summoned.

They welcomed them with open arms and kind smiles, not stern demand for action. This made the pull less insistent and powerful, but not at all weaker. Two intelligences felt it, drawn along that call. They could have resisted. It would have taken some effort, but possible. But these were foals, about to have lives, so why would they do such a thing?

The male foal opened their eyes first. "Where am I?"

The female was only moments behind, though she stared with wonder instead of saying anything.

Tempo hugged the male and Blueblood the female, welcoming them to life with gentle nuzzles and magic contact. "Hello. We are your parents." She reached for Cadance as well. "And this is your auntie Cadance."

Cadance practically pounced her metal niece and nephew, hugging both close. "Happy birthday." Her words were soft in each ear. "How do you feel?"

Blueblood pet his foal gently, noting their copper shell was quite smooth to the touch. He tickled their nose with his own. "Oh, delightful! Tell us how it feels to be alive."

The male inclined his head with soft precise ticks. "Different."

"Different, that's a good word." The female turned in place. "We were—"

"—Not alive." The male turned to face the female directly. "Now we are siblings? Hello, sister."

"Hello brother." They touched noses gently, adjusting themselves as if discovering their hooves for the first time.

Tempo's metal cheeks ached from her smile. "Yes, siblings, cousins and family." She sank to her haunches and raised her forehooves to clap with building joy. "We are here to help. As your mother, father, and aunt, if you have a question, or need something, speak it."

Blueblood bounced about in his eagerness to spoil them with attention. "Ask us anything, do everything! Life is a learning experience, and yours will be especially good."

Tempo chuckled at her husband's enthusiasm. "Slowly, Blueblood. They just awoke. Let them explore life a little at a time. Husband?" She waved him close and bumped their heads together gently. "But I am happy too."

The sister pointed at herself. "What are we?"

Cadance perked at the question. "Besides our family, you are ponies. You are also golems, or dolls. But mostly, ponies. Ponies that happen to be metal, but ponies first and foremost."

The brother echoed his sister's gesture, pointing at himself. "Why are we?"

Tempo stiffened a moment. "There is no why." But she reconsidered that. "That's not true. You were created because I wanted to have children, and so we have foals, but do no feel that is your ongoing purpose. I made you, that task is done. Now you should live a happy life, and set your own goals. We are here to help you with that, if you like."

Blueblood swooped in around his wife to pet his foals. "Live however you wish, explore what interests you, ask us about things you don't know. Tempo and I are unicorns, skilled with magic." As if to demonstrate that, both lit their horns with soft magical glows. "You are both unicorns as well. When you feel up for it, we'll gladly teach you magic too."

Tempo could only beam with warmth at her foals. She advanced slowly, her metal hooves clacking gently on the floor. "Magic is in your horns, feel it there, like a line of fire through them." She paused. "But I'm getting ahead of myself. You are both new to life. Let's cover that."

Both foals felt at their horns, finding the material and shape was unique from the rest of themselves. "Fire?" The sister's horn sparked and crackled.

The brother perked with amazement. "We have magic," he got out with awe. Whatever he had been before, did not. "What is my name?"

The sister broke into a great smile. "Great question. What is my name?"

Tempo hugged both foals close, Blueblood joining her as Cadance swung around behind to pet them on the backs. Tempo hummed thoughtfully. "Names, yes. Husband, suggestions?"

Blueblood curled a hoof to his chin. "I feel like we have a Beat and Pulse. Which of you would prefer either? Hmm, how delightful. Foals aren't usually aware enough to have a hoof in their own naming. This is terribly exciting."

Tempo nudged the sister first. "Beat?"

The foal considered that, running the name through her mind a few times. "Yes."

Blueblood bounced and tickled the brother's nose with his own. "Pulse?"

The brother nodded. "That is a nice name. I am Pulse."

Tempo could only hug her foals tight, Blueblood joining her on either side. "Beat and Pulse, welcome to life. Husband?" She perked gently as her voice cracked. "Let's spoil them with love."

Blueblood rubbed his cheek against Beat's first. "Why Tempo, it sounds like you're crying. Metal does not weep." He rubbed at his eyes gently. "That is a lie, of course. I've seen you cry before." He sniffled. "And I think I will join you."

Beat and Pulse went to Cadance, examining her curiously, then wandering off to explore the basement. Each thing was worthy of looking at, including each other. They trotted in a circle, their parents watching with held breath as the foals talked softly. "Beat?" Pulse raised his sister's attention. "Thank you."

Beat squinted. "For what?"

Pulse pounced his sister. "For being my sister! I didn't have one of those before, I think. Now I do, and I like it. I hope you're a nice sister."

Beat pushed at Pulse, giggling. "I'm nice! Tempo? Blueblood? Am I a nice sister?"

Blueblood did nothing to stifle his weeping as he gazed fondly at his foals. "If you wish to be, little filly. You're both too young to judge that yet. What I can say, with certainty, is that you are both loved."

Tempo didn't hold her tears back either. "And cared for. Husband, foals! Our foals. Beat and Pulse." She advanced on them to shower them with attention and magic pets.

The foals returned the affection, and soon the laughter. It seemed both were delighted with being alive, and accepted their family with joyful kisses and hugs in return.

Beat was the first to trot around, exploring the basement, or perhaps inspecting the items therein. Her sibling followed her a few paces back. Beat advanced on the workbenches where Tempo had practiced her carving, sitting on her haunches to look over what had been made.

Pulse pointed to the metal working supplies. "Is that what made me?"

Beat considered those materials with a tilt of her head. "Maybe." She swung about and wiggled with curiosity. "Tempo? Blueblood? Made how?"

Blueblood swooped around behind his foals. "They were part of it, surely. But you aren't entirely metal."

"True." Tempo sat at Blueblood's side. "Metal, glass, clay. So many little things came together to make you." She pointed at herself as they had done. "And me, longer ago. When you are ready, one day, we'll make larger shells for you, but only when you want one."

Beat poked at her copper shell with a hoof. "Why? This is nice." She trotted about to touch at Tempo's face. "Mother? Metal is good?"

Pulse perked and giggled. "Metal is new." He felt over his own face curiously. "I don't think I was metal before. It's harder."

Tempo sat up curiously. "Pulse, what do you remember? Before you woke up in front of us."

Pulse pawed at the floor, considering that question. "Dark. Voices. Lines. Numbers. Nothingness. Beat, sister, what about you?"

Beat tipped her head. "Nothing?" She frowned with thought. "No. I remember that line. I remember being sad. I remember having something else before the line, and I was sad it was gone. I can't remember what it was. But I like this." She rubbed sidelong against her father. "I like this family. Oh! Will we go to school? Children go to school, don't they?"

Blueblood scooped Beat up in his hooves, Tempo reaching over to pet Pulse's face. "School? Indeed. Yes. Once you are comfortable with life, yes, you will go to school."

Both cheered at the idea. Tempo laughed at that excitement. "Help each other. We won't be at school with you. We'll be at home, for you to return to."

Beat's ears sank gently. "Home? School is away?" She reached for her sibling, hugging him close. "Pulse, we're apart?"

Tempo scooted in around her foals. "Not you two. You will both go to school together. It's just mommy and daddy will not be there. Let's put that aside. Right now, we will be close together, and you can get used to being just happy little foals."

Blueblood bundled Beat in one arm and Pulse in the other. "School is a big change, from nothingness to places to learn. Tempo? Should we host some tutors at the castle?"

Tempo waved that away. "No. I want them to learn with other foals, and to learn how to be around other foals. School was very helpful to me. Cadance, sister, do you remember our time at school?"

Cadance perked gently. "School was fantastic for us. Beat, Pulse, listen. When you're ready, which might be soon if you're curious already, school is a big building where a lot of foals gather. They play, and they learn. There'll be a teacher there, which is like a mini-mom or dad, and they'll be showing you new, wonderful, things."

Beat and Pulse wriggled in Blueblood's grasp, both excited about life in general.

Their family had formed, and had so much growing to do.

Author's Note

That just felt nice. Say hello to Beat and Pulse, fitting names for the children of Tempo, I dare say.

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34 - School Bell

Tempo walked slowly along the polished floors of the Crystal Empire palace. Her metal hooves clicked gently with each step. She had a foal under either arm, Beat and Pulse having grown some. They were on their second shell, ambling along as confident foals. "Are you both comfortable? I know I was a little confused when I was first called. Don't be shy to share."

Beat, draped under Tempo's left foreleg, inclined her head. "Mother, are we dolls?"

Pulse, under Tempo's right arm, perked. "Beat! But also me. Are we?"

Tempo continued her walk along with them, making a musing noise as she went. "Yes, but that word can be misleading. We are dolls, in that we do not breathe, eat, sleep, drink, but are pony shaped. We are not dolls, because we think, we laugh, we cry, and we live. If a pony calls you a doll, listen to how they say it. As a compliment or fact, it is fine. As an insult, it is not."

Beat clung tighter to Tempo's foreleg. "Insult? Mother?" She wiggled gently. "Will foals insult us?"

Pulse hugged himself closer to Tempo. "Mother, will ponies bully us?"

Tempo delivered a soft nuzzle to the top of each of her foals. "They may try but you are strong. You are also together. You will protect one another, if needed. You will know you have a loving family behind you, and tell me if a pony refuses to see reason. Most foals are kind and curious. Enjoy that. Husband, are you around?"

Blueblood peeked around a corner, advancing at his wife's call. "Tempo? Beat? Pulse?" He let out a little giggle. "It still tickles, having such a lovely family." He intercepted Tempo, giving a chance to embrace all of them close. "Beat, Pulse, school is an exciting place. But it can be a little scary, for all that. If anypony bothers you, come see me right away!"

Pulse kicked with his forehooves and held up a hoof. "Okay dad! Can we go now?"

Beat bounced in Tempo's grip. "Let's meet foals! Please mother?"

Tempo shook her head fondly at them. "Now hold your horseshoes. School is tomorrow. Come along." She led the way with her family towards the court.

Cadance spotted them and waved them over with a smile. "What a lovely family visits today. Sister, what's on your mind?"

Tempo stretched in front of the throne, Cadance sitting on it. "Sister, we have some concerns about Beat and Pulse attending school. We wanted to know if there were any lingering issues they should be aware of."

Cadance hook her head slowly. "None that I'm aware of. The foals will be surprised, surely, but it shouldn't be anything more than introducing them and some getting used to. Organic ponies are rather curious creatures. A copper shelled golem isn't exactly normal for them, but nothing to panic over." She offered a reassuring smile. "The foals can handle this."

Tempo pondered Cadance's words as Blueblood swung around behind his children, coaxing them towards him with pets and attention. "I hope so. I had you, Sister, to hide behind." She leaned in and they met, nose to nose in a gentle nuzzling. "Thank you for that."

Cadance pet Tempo gently. "You're very welcome, sister. It's what sisters do." She rubbed under Tempo's chin with her hoof, "And I'm still here. If they have problems, let me know."

Tempo laughed at that. "My foals do not lack for supportive adults. Should a foal be foalish enough to attempt something, half of the empire will be knocking at their door."

Blueblood added with an adoring expression. "And half of Canterlot. Beat, Pulse, your mother is right. You'll make plenty of friends and learn much. But should anything trouble you, tell a teacher, or any other adult you know, and they will come find me." He looked at his children with a slow sigh. "You'll make me even prouder than I already am."

Beat and Pulse smiled at that, looking to each other with curiosity and excitement. They would both be nervous about school, but such were the best lessons for life. Nerves and stress were bad if endured alone, but wonderful when shared. With a shared neigh of excitement, they raced off into the palace.

Tempo let them go. "I have been distracted being a mother. Sister, do you require any aid from me?"

Cadance waved that away gently. "Tempo, sister, nothing in my empire is so dire as to need your attention. If it comes up, I'll let you know."

Tempo twitched her ears as she thought about that. "You know I am here to protect you."

Cadance waved Tempo forward into a warm hug. "Knowing you're here makes me so happy." The two nestled quietly a moment. "But I am serious. Keep right on being a mother. I'm a little jealous. My little one isn't growing nearly so swiftly. Mmm, your foals make me wonder how it'll be when Flurry is old enough to consider school."

Tempo bobbed her head slowly at that. "When your foal reaches that age, I will be ready to assist." She glanced away a moment. "They seem to be happy. I think." She was quiet a moment. "I think I am doing this correctly."

Cadance curled against Tempo with a laugh. "My dear sister, I am not worried about you being an ideal mother. But I am worried about you. How do you feel?"

Tempo let out a long, low sigh. "Worried? I cannot so easily undo any mistakes I make with my children. I want to be perfect."

Cadance nestled against her. "There there. Perfection isn't a thing any pony can reach, living or metal. But I know you'll love them and care for them, and that's all you need to be the best mother possible. It doesn't matter what they do, only how you feel about it. Be there for them, support them, love them, that is enough."

Tempo felt moisture build in her eyes, fogging her vision. "You are very wise, Sister." She kissed Cadance's cheek and started away. "I will see to their first day."

Blueblood found his wife preparing a packed lunch for each of their children. "It's hard to believe they've grown this swiftly. I could swear it was only yesterday we welcomed them to life."

Tempo inclined her head. "Two moons," she corrected. "But that is very rapid for an organic foal." She squirmed a moment. "It's difficult to explain. When I became me. Tempo. When I woke up, I felt as if I had a life behind me. The idea of moving, acting, and even protecting Cadance came easily and swiftly to me, like they were things I was remembering, instead of learning."

Blueblood laid his chin on Tempo's shoulder. "Like your past lives? The ones you are a part of?"

Tempo bobbed her head. "Indeed. A vague impression, nothing more. But they shaped me, and blessed me, and our foals. That is why they are adjusting swiftly to this life. It isn't their first, just as it wasn't mine." She paused and took a deep breath. "Beat and Pulse are about to face the world. Do you think we've done well by them?"

Blueblood rubbed at Tempo's mane. "You did something none could imagine. You created two living children made of metal and brilliant souls. You can see it in their eyes. They are filled with joy and wonder. We've done what we can to get them this far. Now, they are their own ponies. The best we can do for them is to encourage them to be whatever they wish."

Tempo twisted to push her cheek into Blueblood's neck. "Husband? They're not adults yet. They will still need us." She stepped away. "But this is a big step. Let's celebrate it, when they get home."

Blueblood advanced around behind Tempo, hugging her gently. "If I'm not careful, I'll just smother them with my affection."

Tempo laid her hoof on her husband's arm. "Of all the things to smother with, affection is acceptable." She paused a moment. "Not that you could smother us."

Blueblood peered past his wife, spotting the young colt and filly entering the room. Each had a saddle bag with school supplies attached to them. "My little school foals! You look prepared for your first day, hm? How do you feel? Nervous? Worried? Curious?"

Beat bounced forward. "Yes!"

Pulse patted himself down with his hooves. "Can we go now? I want to meet all the other foals!"

Tempo extended their lunchboxes towards them. It was, in a way, a silly gesture. Neither of them needed to eat, but the boxes held tasty things for them to sniff or press to their lips, and, she hoped, would help them fit in with the other foals. The students of Equestria were always well fed.

Beat snatched up her box with glee. "Mother, is this food?"

Pulse perked curiously at his. "The color is pretty."

Tempo smiled at that. "I was hoping you'd like it. There are things in there to taste and enjoy during lunch." She hugged both of them close. "This is so exciting."

Blueblood advanced and gathered them up as well. "Tempo, darling, do relax. Beat, Pulse, we love you, we'll miss you, and we are very proud of you."

So they advanced as one through the streets of the Crystal Empire. They could see other foals headed for the same place. Their parents were there alongside them. Other children came with grandparents, or aunts, or some other friend or relative. It seemed every pony had somepony at their side, and Beat and Pulse were no exception.

The schoolhouse loomed above, a welcoming place of learning. A stallion was nodding at each pony, large and small, that came along. He spotted Tempo's family. "Ah, hello there." He waved at them. "I'll do my best to see to their, ahem, unique needs. I've never taught dolls before, but we can make it work."

Blueblood patted the shoulder of the teacher. "My children are made of the finest parts, and all foals deserve respect."

"Of course." He put a hoof to his own chest. "Each and every foal deserves that, and a chance to grow and learn! Now, little ones." He smiled at the two new golem students. "Head inside and pick empty desks. We'll be starting in about fifteen minutes. Settle yourselves."

Beat and Pulse swept past the stallion, taking seats near the front of the room, giggling and looking at each other with excitement. They were far from the only foals. The class poured full of foals both ahead of and after them. Many looked towards their new metal companions with different emotions. Many were nakedly curious, but others were uncertain. One even looked scared.

Tempo squeezed her husband's hoof as she gazed into the schoolroom through the window in the door. "They're doing it."

Blueblood let out a sigh. "My children, they are the bravest ponies I know."

A little colt walked up to Beat and Pulse and said something. The words were lost, the door in the way, but Beat and Pulse both perked. With smiles, they rushed off somewhere else in the large room.

Tempo covered her mouth with a hoof. "What was that? They moved so quickly. What happened?"

Blueblood drew in a sharp breath. "That colt spoke to them. Our children are about to make friends, Tempo." He inclined his head. "Rather, being foals, I think they already made friends." He bumped against her. "We should go. We have more to do than watch our foals at school. Though I will admit, I am tempted."

Tempo only pulled away reluctantly. "Cadance is right. When Flurry Heart is ready for school, we'll know." She dared a smile. "I look forward to that magic day, when we can watch another foal have their very first day. I hope hers goes as pleasantly. They do deserve happiness."

Blueblood put an arm around his wife and tugged her gently along the street. "Happiness? Certainly. As if any foal of our family deserves less. Now, dear, we are alone for the first time in a while. I say we get some well-deserved rest, and then enjoy one another's company."

Author's Note

I was almost late with this one. Late! To the first day of school! Unacceptable...

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35 - Foalish Endeavors

Beat swayed her pink tail left and right as she examined the foals in front of her. "Really?"

"Really!" The filly that was in charge of their little club hopped forward with a huge smile. "It's our favorite game. We split into teams, then go explore somewhere dark and scary."

Pulse tilted his head. "And what do we find there? Scary things?" He laughed softly at that. "Why would we go looking for scary things?"

The filly waved her hoof at that. "Because it's fun, and we get to know that we're brave enough to do it. We explore the darker places, together, and look for anything cool."

A colt ahead of her smirked at Beat and Pulse. "Wanna join? If you do, we'll show you around the kingdom after." Noises of encouragement rose from all around, the other foals urging their new metal friends to come along.

Beat looked at Pulse with a smile, seeing he was just as eager to have fun with the others. "We accept your offer. Thank you, friends." She trotted along at the head of the little group, meeting with her sibling.

"If you want to run and be a scout, I can take the back and make sure we don't get separated." Beat inclined her head ahead. "I do not think organic ponies can operate in the darkness very well. They will need your assistance."

Pulse thumped his chest with a clang. "I'm ready!" As if to prove that, his eyes began to glow gently, barely visible in the light of day. "I'll keep them safe." He pointed at Beat. "And you keep me safe. I'm scared of the dark too."

Beat reached over and bumped noses with her sibling. "Silly! Why are you scared of the dark? We can fight the dark."

"Yeah." He sounded not entirely convinced, but they went together, galloping alongside the other foals on the way to their little bravery challenge.

They soon found themselves at what was little more than a hole. It was ignored by the adults, but certainly not the children. They clambered inside, giggling with excitement.

Beat's eyes could also glow in the dark. Hers and Pulse's illuminated their surroundings, casting a faint halo around each other and their foal companions.

"Ooh!"

The tunnel dropped steeply down. As they made their way inside, the floor leveled off and widened. Each step brought something new to wonder at. The walls glittered with crystal fragments, some sharp, others smooth.

Pulse walked up to one of those crystals and reared up to run their hooves over the surface. "There are some of these inside me." He laughed and continued on with his friends. "It's pretty here."

A foal pointed at Beat and Pulse, calling attention to the metal companions. "You're living dolls, right? Can you see in the dark?"

Beat and Pulse looked at each other and nodded. Beat answered. "Yes. We are different from organic ponies, but we can see very well." Beat pointed at his head, and his glowing eyes. "We can make our own light."

He looked around, sending the arc of his light dancing with the movement. "And we can share it with you."

The foals glanced at one another with excitement.

"What do you mean? Do you have magic powers?" One filly stepped forward.

Beat giggled. "We're unicorns. So yes. But, um, the eyes aren't unicorn magic. They're doll magic!" Beat clapped her hooves, proud of what she was. "We have both kinds of magic, unicorn and doll."

Pulse bounced on his hooves. "Sis can shoot magic lasers and make things float. I can touch things and know a lot about them."

The foals gave appreciative noises at that. One raised a hoof. "That's unicorn stuff, but how do you just touch stuff and know about them?"

Pulse tried to think of how to explain it. "Um, unicorn magic is more like throwing the stuff around, right? Making things fly or float or push? That's their magic." He nodded to himself. "Doll magic is all in the inside." He twirled in place. "It's how we were made. Our parents worked hard to make us full of neat stuff."

"Okay, that's weird." A foal put their hooves to their hips. "What's so neat about you?"

Beat peered at Pulse a moment, letting him take this one. Pulse scampered forward and pounced a crystal. "Mmm, this one was above ground a long time ago. A groundshake brought it underground. Um, when it was up there, a crystal pony used to like sitting next to it and doing poetry, aw."

Pulse withdrew with a shrug. "We can tell where things come from, how old they are, what they're made of. Stuff like that." He laughed and touched a wall. "Crystals like these can speak to me, in their own way."

Beat snickered softly. "That is a 'Pulse' trick. I can't do that. I have my own tricks." She walked ahead along the tunnel. "Let's keep going!"

The little group of foals gathered up and advanced as one, Beat and Pulse helping their friends see where they were going. The foals were all earth crystal ponies, so they had no little horns to light the way. It was good fortune for them they had two glowing dolls to bring along, allowing them to penetrate the cave further than they usually dared.

Their voices echoed with giggles and laughter, and not just from the foals. Beat and Pulse both kept pace with the others, but moved slowly enough that they didn't get too far ahead. Beat jumped as a big drop of water landed on her from above. She glanced up to see another dotting Pulse.

Beat stopped and blinked. "You've been down here before, right?"

"Of course." The leader laughed and bounded along, joining the rest of the group. "Maybe not this far though." They let out a tense laugh even as they struggled to look brave about it.

Pulse stopped at his sister's side, the foals still pushing ahead. He shrugged his shoulders. "Okay, then let's keep going."

Beat watched him run on, considering that drop of water and what she had felt. "Stay together." She walked with the other foals, trying to nudge them closer to one another. "Just in case we need to be in a group."

The foals perked at that. Their expressions changed as the joy of adventure changed to a flicker of worry. One asked in a small voice, "Why would we need to be a group?"

Beat considered. "Well, if something surprising happens, you'll be happy to have friends right there." She swept her hooves around. "These tunnels are old. The ground shakes sometimes, and parts fall down." She nudged a loose stone away with her hoof. "Even a little place like this can be dangerous."

One colt squeaked. "Oh! Um, can we go back?"

Their leader, the filly, scoffed. "Don't be a little wimp. We're seeing whole new parts of this cave! It's exciting, not scary!"

Beat took a deep breath, looking between the colts and fillies around her. She couldn't see Pulse. "Did Pulse go ahead? Pulse, please return to within sight."

Pulse turned a corner up ahead. "Why? There's so much to see. Like this. It's an old story. Hm, about— Ooh, fighting, and living underground." He was feeling along a little crystal formation. "Ooo. Did you know there used to be underground creatures?"

The foals started pushing through the little tunnel to reach him. Beat walked at the back, letting them take the lead. One of the fillies paused, looking back at Beat. "Aren't you coming?"

"I am coming. I am protecting your backsides." She glanced about, clearly on guard. "And keeping an eye out for any surprises."

The colt with her called back, "Thanks! We've never gone this far in before."

Beat turned a hoof to the ceiling, watching as another droplet of water formed on a crystal there. "Warning, danger detected." Their voice was artificial and forced. "Odds of incident increasing."

One filly from the lead called back. "What? What are you talking about?"

Beat stood tall as she strolled forward, hearing the rocks shift above them. "It's going to—"

The tunnel shook as something rattled, followed by a rockfall from ahead. The rocks were only the start, water flooding down with them. In an instant, the tunnel went from dry to entirely submerged. The foals in front screamed as they dove under the rushing water. They lost one another, panicking as their world had become nothing but frantic swimming, thrashing legs and tails, and scrambling hooves.

Beat found a colt and hugged them close as she walked through the water. Her heavy metal body wasn't good at swimming, but it also kept her anchored to the floor as she walked purposefully.

Pulse grabbed the tail of another foal, doing much the same thing. Both were trying to walk against the flow where they hoped there would be air for their friends.

The tunnel ahead was filled with foals clawing for purchase, scrabbling along the ceiling as they looked for any crack or pocket that might allow them to breath. The sound of them drowning echoed in the metal ears of the dolls.

Beat released the colt she had gotten that far. "Protection program." She began to unfold, brilliant light scattering from her as she reared back. With a great forward punch of a hoof, she struck the ceiling. The stone gave way in a terrific explosion. Brilliant shards of crystal flew away from her attack. The falling water twisted and scattered into mist.

Pulse leapt up behind her, bodily throwing himself onto the hole she had made, smashing it wider and deeper until he could stick his head up into it. Light spilled down around him, proving they had found the exit. He waved to his friends. "Come on! I'll pull you up!"

Beat recovered from her first attack. She turned about as the foals followed Pulse up through the hole she had made. She saw a filly, the leader, not moving. She grabbed her and carried her up and through the hole. As soon as all the foals were accounted for, she sank to her haunches. "Are there any injuries?"

The foals huddled together, soaking wet but still alive. Their bodies shivered, but they pulled in breaths. Some looked at their hooves or legs. "Ow."

One colt gazed down the hole they had emerged from. "We almost drowned!"

Another laughed. "That was cool."

The first swatted them, initiating a wrestling bout over the matter.

Pulse arrived, approaching Beat. "I didn't know you could do that."

Beat brushed water off her body with a grunt. "That wasn't doll magic. That was golem magic. We can only do it to protect something precious."

Pulse waved at the recovering foals. "Our new friends count. I'm glad you did it." The two met, forehead to forehead, in a moment of quiet.

Beat smiled at him. "We couldn't let them drown. I'm glad they're okay."

Pulse pointed back at the hole they had escaped through. "Um, I hope this doesn't mess up our underground adventures."

The leader filly shook her head. "Pretty sure that's the last time we're doing that. I almost, um, we're not doing that again." She stood tall with a stubborn smile. "But I bet we've been farther underground than any other pony."

One colt bounced around. "And Beat punched the ceiling open! That was so cool!"

An adult pony arrived on the scene. "What was that boom?!" She spotted the foals. "Why are you wet?"

The foals waved as if nothing was wrong. "We went too far down, but then Beat broke us out! It was super cool!"

The adult glanced at the two metal foals, but the attention was largely on the others, as wet and haggard as they looked. "Let's get you all dry. This way."

Author's Note

What brave, and foalish, foals. At least none of them got hurt in any lasting fashion. Beat showed she can go into defense mode like momma.

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36 - Celebrate Good Times

Blueblood let out a suffering sigh. "On one hoof, I am gladdened to see you are all well. On the other, what made you think this was a good idea?"

The foals wilted under the quiet accusation. They hung their heads and avoided his gaze. The class teacher spoke up in their defense. "They're just foals. From what I can see, they were swept up into it along with the others, who should have known better." He glared at some of the remaining foals in the otherwise empty classroom.

"Hm, well. They certainly made quite an impression. Word has spread already about Beat and Pulse punching open the ceiling to save you all." Blueblood rested a hoof on the shoulders of each foal. "I am proud that you two took decisive action to protect your friends. I may question the wisdom of entering such a danger in the first place, but, having found yourself in such a situation, you acted decisively, and saved lives. I can be nothing but proud." He smiled warmly. "Now then. You've missed your final lessons. How would you like to meet Princess Cadance? She wishes to speak with you."

The foals both straightened at that idea, and fell into line behind Blueblood as he led them towards the palace. They didn't trot or gallop. Blueblood led the way at a stately walk, and his foals did their best to match his gait. "We're meeting a princess?" One whispered. "Are we in trouble?"

Blueblood kept walking along the streets of the crystal empire. "In trouble? Why ever would you think that?" He spared a moment to glance over his shoulder. "Besides, she is your aunt, don't forget." He held his head high and a smile on his face as he led his foals on towards the palace. "She has been most interested in meeting you two."

He swept inside the castle. The guards were well accustomed to him, and some bowed at the sight of his family. They were unopposed all the way to the throne room, where Cadance was talking with a pony about the placement of a fruit stand.

Cadance lifted her head. "Oh, hello there! These must be our famous foals!" She hopped down from her throne and advanced towards them, smiling all the while. "Come here, come here!" She spread her arms to receive both of her younger golem kin and hug them close. "You two are heroes. How many ponies so young can claim to have saved so many? So busy! Now, why don't you stay a little longer? The sun will set soon, and you should have dinner."

Pulse swished his tail in a slow rhythm. "Mother has packed us a lunch."

Beat nodded her head swiftly. "Tasty things to try." It wasn't like either ate, but pleasing tastes to sample while the others ate was good enough.

Cadance tapped either foal on the end of their snouts. "I won't stop you from enjoying your mother's work. Go ahead and do that, and enjoy dinner with the extended family afterwards."

Blueblood shook his head. "Have you told them yet?"

Cadance blinked at him, tilting her head. "Um, not yet, dear." She reached down and gathered up Beat and Pulse under one arm each. "You two are being recognized. The parents of all those foals demanded it once they heard you're the only reason they still have foals. Tonight, you're going to a party, as guests of honor."

Beat and Pulse both perked up at that idea.

"A party?" Beat raised her hooves up as she imagined what that could be like. "We don't have fancy clothes."

"None are required." Cadance nuzzled Beat gently. "Just you, being yourself. Neither of you have a thing to worry about."

Pulse waved at Blueblood. "Dad, do you think mom will come too?"

Blueblood gestured for his children to come closer, kissing each on the forehead as they did. "You'll have to ask her yourself. But I struggle to imagine why she wouldn't. A party in honor of her children? I would imagine it would take more effort to keep her away." He stood tall. "In fact, I'll go ahead and inform her so she can be ready in time."

Beat and Pulse glanced at one another as Blueblood departed. The two of them were soon spirited off to prepare for the festivities. A big room with a big bed and all kinds of mirrors. Beat ran in and pounced on the soft bed. Pulse, on the other hoof, dug out that waiting lunch. Inside were several capsules. Inside each of those, a single little bit of something with an interesting taste to try.

He found something like a dried leaf. "This one says it's sweet. But smells like flowers." He touched it to the front of his snout, tasting it without eating it. "I think this is, um, blackberry?" He reached for the next little thing. It was smooth and round and reported to be spicy.

Beat bounded up beside her brother, taking a few of the capsules out to investigate. She began with the spicy one, as her brother had. It burst in her mouth with a kick of peppery taste. "Oooo. Mom knows how to pick good flavors." She seemed to savor the taste with a pleased expression. "Is that a pear? I like that. A bit sour. The other ones smell good too."

Pulse reached for a round pink one. It reported that it was 'chocolate' flavored. As reported, touching it to his snout filled his mouth with that chocolate flavor, thick and rich. They weren't eating it, but they could taste chocolate well enough, and 'swallowing' it didn't matter. "This one is my favorite."

Beat tilted her head at her sibling, intrigued by the idea. "What about the other flavors?" She grabbed for one that had question marks next to it. "A mystery?" She was quick to press it close and try to figure it out. Her mouth lit up with a fruity sweetness. "Oooo. This one is good too. It's like an apple, but also grape and orange."

Pulse kept rushing through the capsules, using each as a chance to experience all those new flavors and scents.

The two foals were pleased and quite distracted by their 'lunch', neither noticing when a pony came over and sat by them. "I lack words." Both looked up, Tempo right there. "I am terrified of what almost happened, but very happy that you both made it, and were so heroic. Please, tell me what happened in your own words."

Beat sat forward. "The other foals took us to a cave." She rubbed at her body with her hooves. "It was under the city. They do this a lot, apparently." She shook her head.

Pulse bounced once in place. "It was very dark, but we helped." Both foals lit up their eyes to demonstrate how they did that. "At first, the caves were full of interesting crystals."

"And old stories." Beat rubbed at her shoulder. "But then there was a rockfall and all those foals nearly drowned. I hit the ceiling so hard it broke open." She demonstrated by punching forward with a hoof. Not being in defensive mode, it was just a normal hoof swing. "I didn't want them to be hurt."

Tempo gathered her foals closer. "And you did a great job. Little protectors, just like your mother. And just as brave." She giggled softly at that, embracing both her foals close. "You've made an impression on the entire city."

Pulse hugged Tempo's side. "Are we heroes?"

Tempo lifted an ear. "Whether you feel like one or not, others will take you as one. I was there, with ponies eagerly looking at me, expecting a hero, when I didn't feel like one inside." She put a hoof to her chest. "I understand. You are what you are, and that is more than enough."

Pulse grinned up at Tempo. "It makes us happy when we're nice to other ponies."

Tempo offered soft pets along both of their backs. "And when they are nice to you."

Beat clapped her hooves together with metal rings. "Which they are most of the time. I love our new friends!"

Tempo smiled fondly at her foals. "Now, I was informed there is to be a party, and you two are the guests of honor. Will you permit your mother to accompany you? I feel rather honored that my children are being celebrated."

Pulse jumped up to hug Tempo around the neck. "You're a hero too!"

Beat rushed forward, joining in the hug as well.

Tempo melted into the eager hugs of her foals. "With your consent, I will gladly accompany you." She smooched one cheek, then the other. "Come." She rose to her hooves.

Beat and Pulse both puffed out their chests and followed behind Tempo with a little bounce in their steps. The party was waiting. Beat and Pulse were practically led along by their mother as she led them towards it.

It was in the palace, elsewhere in a large room filled with ponies. The foals were there, and all their parents.

The Shining Armor stood with Cadance. "Tempo! You made it!" He bounced on his hooves, his giddiness an equal match for the children around him. "This party is for our heroes!" He waved down at Beat and Pulse. "Who stopped a terrible incident from becoming a true disaster."

Cadance didn't mind. "Let them be foals, husband. They can be heroes tomorrow." She spread her arms to gather attention towards her. "Tonight is about the two of them. Our new guests in the Crystal Empire, Beat and Pulse." She inclined her head towards Tempo. "And their mother, who has done a marvelous job of raising them."

The ponies began to gather around, their excited energy pouring over the foals as they were crowded by others with questions. Local reporters were eager to get their cuts. "When did you know things had taken a turn?" One held out a little microphone.

Another held a pad. "And can you perform that explosive move whenever you want?"

Beat's voice was always that same flat tone. "Only when it's needed." She beamed up at the one holding the microphone. "We had no idea what would happen. It was like any other adventure, except for that."

Pulse bobbed his head quickly. "I wish it didn't happen. We were having fun until the roof came down on us. We couldn't just leave them, and let them drown. We wouldn't let that happen." He raised a hoof and looked into the camera as if trying to speak to somepony else. "Friends are very important."

A collective 'aw' rippled through the room. The reporters chuckled even as they took notes about the new heroes. The foals didn't know it, but their words were already being carried across the city and beyond, every pony interested in the new living dolls, made of metal.

Tempo shifted slightly closer to her children. "We should allow them to meet with their friends." She inclined her head to the many foals in the room. "I feel certain they have words to share."

Shining Armor let out a breath. "Oh yes. Yes. For sure. Kids!" He spread his arms, and a few of the foals ran up to him. He lifted them off the ground, smiling into the eyes of each in turn. "This is as much about you. We're very happy you're all safe." He put the foals down closer to Beat and Pulse. "But now's your chance to give them a word of thanks. Or two. Or more." He bounced on his hooves and tapped over towards Tempo. "Today I get to be a proud uncle." He nodded firmly at that. "You'll be there when Flurry starts doing amazing things, right?"

Tempo laughed softly. "I will be wherever my foals are. You know that."

The children gathered up with a rush, a crush of young ponies all crowding around Beat and Pulse with tears and laughter. The party went on, largely with smiles in the room.

Save for one.

Author's Note

Yay for our small champions! May they live long and powerfully.

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37 - Mare to Mare

Cadance gazed out across the assembled ponies before her throne. "What say you?" She settled herself a bit deeper in her seat. "The statue looks well. Thank you for the concern."

The ponies made noise of their own. Many wanted to address some issue or another, one by one. There were the usual petty grudges and issues with friends or family members, all coming up to their princess. She tried her best to deal with each one fairly as it came, sending some away with smiles and others with less charitable expressions.

A young colt in the back whispered. "Do you think she's mad at me?" He rubbed at his shoulder as he looked towards Cadance.

The pony next to him rolled his eyes. "I don't think she even knows who you are."

A foal's voice rose up from the crowd. "She doesn't know who I am? But I've been coming here every day." His distress was clear for those listening to the conversation.

The first pony waved a hoof. "But you never talked to her not even once."

The little foal kicked the ground with his forehooves. "Well... If you want something done, you have to do it yourself!" He bounded up through the crowd, somehow evading hooves and legs to bounce up to Cadance's throne. Two spears came down, blocking his path.

Cadance pricked her ears at the sudden movement. "It appears we have a sudden guest." She didn't have it in her to be properly angry at a little colt. "I'm sorry, but only those with concerns are permitted this close to the throne."

The little colt leaned against one of the spear points. "I do have a concern! I've been worried about my friend who is a doll, but you won't let me see her!"

Cadance inclined her head. "Doll? Her?" She mused that a brief moment. "Do you mean Beat? Do you go to the same school?"

The colt nodded eagerly. "Yes! But she isn't at school today, or yesterday. Is she sick? Or did she get hurt? Ponies said she got hurt. Did she? Is she okay?"

Cadance gestured for the guards to stand down from their protective positions. "She is not sick. I do not think any of the dolls are capable of that. She and her mother are sharing some special time together. It is a matter between one doll and the next. Not even I was invited."

The colt clapped his hooves together with an eager nod. "Good! And what about the party? Can I go? We all want to go!" He swept his forehooves out.

Cadance laughed at the colt's energy. "I just said even I was not invited, little one. Your dear friend will return, unharmed. I can promise that."

A new voice cut in sharply, "We would be better if the 'dolls' stayed well away from our foals."

Cadance glanced up at a familiar pony. A crystal pony, of course, but she did not stand out like many of her kind. Her mane was sleek and lustrous, if rather dull in color. She struggled to place that mare's name. "Do you have an issue with them? They've only saved the foals thus far."

The mare crossed her arms. "The children are traumatized by the near death experience. They're scared to do anything, and especially to go back into any caves."

Cadance leaned forward in her throne. "And for good reason."

The mare stomped a crystal hoof on the ground. "Before those dolls came along, the children explored with joy and not a single accident. The very instant they take those wicked things along, it collapses on them. A coincidence? I find that unlikely, 'ma'am'."

Cadance squinted slightly at the other pony. "Are you insinuating the dolls caused this accident?"

"Yes." She rolled her eyes and glanced away. "Princess. You're from the far south. This isn't a case of them saving the foals from what some would call an act of nature. That was all their doing, and it should be brought to your attention."

Cadance stroked her chin in thought. "Do you have any evidence?"

The mare rubbed at her mane. "The tunnel they were in is flooded. I can't exactly go snooping around in there, now can I?" The crowd murmured in support of that. "The 'proof' is that the children had done this dozens on dozens of time without incident until the day the dolls came with them."

Cadance let out a thoughtful hum. She knew the dolls, of course, being related, but she couldn't just look too biased on the matter. She swept her eyes over the crowd, spotting several familiar faces, including those of the foals that had been rescued. "Children? Is this true?"

The colt jumped up and down with energy. "What? No way! We did this before they were even here!"

The mare smiled at the colt. "But you never had a problem before they were there, did you?"

The colt shrank back a step. "N-no?"

The mare glared at Cadance. "As I said! They were not just some passing heroes. They made the problem!"

The colt hopped forward. "They did not! They were nice!" He peered back at the foals, smiling softly. "They even saved me." He glanced up at Cadance with hope in his eyes. "I believe them."

Cadance tilted her head down at the colt. "These are very serious allegations. I cannot, and will not, decide entirely on an outside word of a pony who wasn't present at the time, no matter how well-meaning her logic is."

The mare's scowl grew. "So you'll just ignore this danger?!"

"I will not." Cadance lifted a hoof flatside up. "We will call them, the children, doll and flesh both, and get each to say exactly what they experienced from the start. We'll get to the bottom of what exactly happened, and who it is, if anypony, is at fault. I am certain of it." She glanced down at the foals. "As for you, you are my guests of honor tonight. I can only invite you all as one group, so please, share the news with the rest of your schoolmates."

The colt saluted even as the others scattered.

Cadance nodded. "For now, the issue is settled. Next in line, kindly?"

Beat smiled in the sun, though snow spread out all around them. It was chilly below and gently warm above, but her metal body could accept the differences with little complaint. They were far from their home in the Crystal Empire, having gone on a brief adventure with Tempo. She looked up at her mother with hope and joy, enjoying the scenery as much as she was enjoying their mother's company. "It's pretty here."

Tempo drew to a stop alongside Beat. "It is." She leaned in to nuzzle at her foal. "I am glad you see that. I wanted to talk to you, just us mares."

Beat perked. "What about?" She peered around. They had gone away from any road or village, out into a glade filled with trees. Her eyes rose, taking in the wispy white clouds high overhead. "It's so cold, but it's so pretty."

Tempo drew Beat in against her side. "Some would say what I speak of is foalish to bring up to a doll. We do not have those needs, but you are a clever filly, as was I. I got into that, and I imagine, one day, you might too." She touched her nose to the top of Beat's head. "One day you may find love."

Beat clapped her hooves together. "I know what love is! You love me and Pulse, and we love you too."

Tempo chuckled at that. "I mean another kind of love, Beat. Not the love of family." She considered a moment. "Think of your father, Blueblood. The love we have for one another is different. We were not related, but chose to come together, to celebrate one another. What we share is special."

Beat bobbed her head, excited at the idea of learning something new. "And we'll find somepony like that? That would be neat."

Tempo sighed and began walking again. "Come with me. You may, or you may not. I just want you, little one, to be ready in either event. There is no hurry. Don't feel like this is some test." She inclined her head forward, walking between the trees and over the snow-covered grass.

Beat paused and reached for a crystal sticking up from the ground. It was as tall as her, but perfectly smooth. She could feel a faint impression on it, of a dark and tight place. That crystal had once been underground. It was neither happy or unhappy to be on the surface. It was just a rock. It had no interesting memories. She scampered to keep up with Tempo.

"Oh! And what should I do if I meet somepony? They have two genders, right? Will one be more interested than the other?"

Tempo didn't turn her head. "How astute of you, but not entirely correct." She turned an ear towards Beat. "Flesh ponies have two primary sexes, but a thousand thousand shades between them. And all along that spectrum, any of them may decide they like you, maybe a lot. You can't control them, only yourself."

Beat looked down at her hooves as she followed behind Tempo. "I don't get it. Is this why Blueblood picked you instead of any other pony? Did you pick him back?"

Tempo smiled at that. "He admired my steadfastness. He also appreciated my appearance." She waved over herself. "But I share that with Cadance, and he did not chase her, now did he? No, his attraction to me started up here." She tapped at her own head. "He fell in love with who I was, as a pony. That is a delightful place to begin, though it is not always where it will start."

Beat touched her hoof to her cheek. "Love starts here?"

Tempo halted and turned about, laying a hoof to Beat's chest. "I can only tell you what it felt, for me, when I began to return his feelings. Oh, to answer, he came for me first, and I echoed it in time. I liked his attention, and then I liked him. And then I loved him."

Beat blinked and considered those words. "Love feels like being happy?"

Tempo laughed and hugged Beat close. "It's a little more complicated than that, little one. It is a complicated thing. But that is a good start. I should warn, it is not always happiness. Like all good things, it's worth a bit of struggle." She nuzzled her daughter gently. "One thing. You are a young model, still many shells ahead of you. You are not constructed for more physical displays, and you may never be. Your shell will be entirely yours to design by that point, and you can decide for yourself."

Beat began walking forward at Tempo's side. "So there's no wrong choice?"

Tempo smiled at Beat, walking through the trees at a leisurely pace. "No right or wrong, my foal. It is, and will be, your body." She turned an ear back. "I would be a poor parent if I insisted you follow my design. Yours is unique to you, as was mine. You should only seek what makes you happy."

Beat started up at her mother. "But what do you think of it?"

Tempo gave a little laugh. "I lived much of my life without such needs, and I learned I never had to make a choice." She pointed off at the Crystal Empire in the distance. "The Crystal Heart is tied to us in a special way."

Beat stamped her hooves, enjoying the sound of that echo among the trees. "Oh! Are you saying we can love who we want?"

Tempo chuckled again. "My daughter, that is exactly what I am saying." She grinned at Beat. "But I am serious about the Crystal Heart. When they energize it, we get a brief time as a flesh pony. The time of that festival draws close, which is why we are here, having this discussion. And why you should consider it."

Beat pointed towards Tempo. "Can I look like you?"

Tempo kept walking along, ears tilted forward and a soft smile on her lips. "I am confident that no matter who you choose to be, your friends will accept you." She was quiet a moment, their steps the only noise for a little while. "Just remember that what I look like was already borrowed from Cadance. Ask your aunt before you borrow it too, if you really want to."

Beat sighed softly, but continued along at Tempo's side, exploring the woods and the strange wonderland of ice and snow. They traveled onward, talking about many things. Their walk together, alone, was not all that far, but it did lead them down an interesting path.

Author's Note

I really liked that mother to daughter chat.

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38 - Colts and Fillies

Pulse walked alongside Beat down a crystal road. "Why did Mom give you a special day? Did you do something I didn't hear about?"

Beat pranced as she walked along. "She said I was growing up. She wants to make sure I understand what happens when I do." She frowned a moment. "She didn't talk about any of this with you?"

Pulse kept walking alongside his sister. "Not that I can remember." He grinned at her. "Is it exciting?"

Beat huffed once. "And scary." She raised a hoof to tap on her metal cheek. "But it was girl stuff, I think. You aren't a girl, right?"

"Nope." Pulse seemed sure of that. "I remember, a little. There was a girl place and a boy place. I wanted the boy place."

Beat erupted into a new smile. "I remember that! I wanted the girl place."

"We were so young then." Beat's smile wilted as she considered things. "How will we tell? When we're grown up?"

Pulse trotted alongside Beat. "I dunno." He brushed against Beat with a clang of their metal forms meeting. "Maybe the first time we get to decide what our shells look like without mom or dad getting a choice?"

Beat swished her tail. "But we can change that any time. It's not a sign." She kicked a rock on the road with a metallic clink. "You're older than me, Pulse."

Pulse laughed at that. "By a few seconds! Sis." He grabbed her in a firm hug. "We're twins."

Beat hugged him back. "Even if you're the oldest." She frowned again. "So, um, are we both going to grow up?"

Pulse held still as he considered the question. "If we're not sure what that means, I guess we won't know until it happens. If I feel grown up, I'll let you know." He released Beat. "Let's get to school."

Beat considered his words, then nodded. "Alright, brother. Let's do that." She smiled and nudged Pulse on ahead of her, running off with him towards the school building where they would join their friends and classmates for the day.

Their teacher seemed happy to see them, but he was happy to see all of them as he started the day's lesson on ancient crystal empire friends and foes. "The yaks were once ancient trading partners." He pointed to some chalk drawings of these large shapes with larger horns.

Pulse could feel the energy of all his classmates gathered together in a group, eager to learn. Their teacher did his best to encourage that energy and expand upon it.

He took a step towards the other side of the room. "They've been out of reach with us since before we even were gone. Are they hiding, perhaps waiting for the right time? Are they just being cautious? We do not know." He swept his gaze over his class. "But they are formidable opponents." He smacked a hoof down on the ground with a loud noise. "Which is why we gave up fighting with them a long time ago. Let us hope, if they ever reach out to us again, it will be with kindness."

Pulse thought on those words as he did with all the lessons. The Yaks. He couldn't imagine fighting a pony, let alone a large and horned being such as that. Maybe he'd meet one one day, and make friends instead. He nodded at that revised idea. Making friends with a big yak sounded like it could be a lot of fun! He tapped his hooves, smiling at that daydream.

Beat seemed more interested in the drawings on the chalkboard. "Do we still have those?"

Their teacher smiled warmly at her. "We're safe. I don't think you'll need to learn to fight them any time soon." He drew a heart next to the imposing figure. "If you see one, offer a hoof. Hopefully they'll respond in kind. Now, onto far more scary creatures." He erased the yaks and got to drawing a new form. "Dark and terrible, the umbrum used to hunt our fear, and they were very good at getting it."

Beat clapped her hooves together with audible metal clicks. "What? A creature that feeds on fear?" She shook her head in disbelief. "Are you sure they even existed?"

Their teacher drew an imposing shape, made of dark wings and a body as if encased in shadow. "They were very real. We sealed them away, so they wouldn't haunt ponies again. Unlike the yaks, I can't recommend offering them a hoof. Monsters, they can only live by terrifying you."

Beat put a hoof to her chest. "But how would they get it from us? Just being scary?"

Their teacher stopped drawing for a moment. "Well, yes, to start." He turned to Beat and the rest of the class. "Then by hurting you. They hunted ponies, eagerly, taking pleasure in our cries of anguish. We fought them off, with many great heroes sacrificing their lives for the sake of our world." He nodded firmly at that. "Because of that, we will never see another one again. But just to be safe, we can learn about them, so we will always remember how dangerous they are."

He pointed off. "The Crystal Heart helps keep them locked away. So long as we keep it energized, they have no chance of returning to bother us."

Pulse considered those words. The Crystal Heart was a source of power and a source of energy. "How does it do that?"

The teacher put a hoof to his chin. "Good question, Pulse. The Heart is a powerful object of ancient times. It uses that magic to keep them contained." He pulled back and swept his eyes over the class. "Some ponies say the heart gives the crystal ponies special powers too. You remember the last crystal fair, do you not?"

The class became a busy exchange of memories of the last fair and the fun they all had in it.

Pulse and Beat looked confused, having not had the chance to be at one yet. "You mean the one with all the crystals and gems and singing and dancing?" Beat didn't understand why her teacher was so surprised by their lack of knowledge on the matter.

The teacher clapped his hooves together. "Only one crystal. The heart. We celebrate and remember all the reasons we have to be happy, then we share that happiness with the heart. In turn, it protects us for another year. I am told that when you hold it, you can feel all those memories like they're your own."

Beat put a hoof to her cheek as she thought about that. "So we share our memories?"

"Just a rumor." The teacher doodled on the board. "Only the princess has permission to reach up and hold the Crystal Heart. The rest of us can only imagine about it. All I know is that it's wonderful. A source of hope and light in our city."

Pulse bobbed his head. He didn't fully understand, but that was alright. His teacher wasn't trying to confuse him, he just didn't have all the answers.

When school let out for lunch, Beat quickly gained a few joyful colts. "You're back!" They circled around her. "We were worried something happened to you. Your mom didn't tell us anything."

Beat bumped against a colt as they walked along. "I'm fine. Just another adventure with my mom. We saw a bunch of new things, but we're home now." She grinned at the colts as they walked down the street. "Did you miss me that much?"

"Yes."

"Yes twice!"

A third colt thumped his chest. "Yes a million times!"

Beat giggled at their excitement and nuzzled each in turn. "You're so silly." She laughed as they broke out into a little game of chase, and she had no trouble keeping up. They didn't go too far, it was only lunch after all.

Pulse watched Beat and the colts play. He looked over to a filly sitting near him. "I don't get it. Why are they so excited?"

The filly sighed and looked up from her sandwich. "I dunno. Maybe they're just happy to see their friend again?"

Pulse perked up at that. "Oh, yeah. That's a good reason. I'd be happy if I saw a friend again." He offered a hoof to the filly. "You won't go away, will you?"

The filly giggled at that and accepted the hoof bump. "Of course not. We're friends." She considered Pulse a moment. "You don't have friends like that?"

Pulse shook his head. "I never had one get that excited to see me before."

The filly chuckled and waved a hoof off. "Well, you'll make friends in your own way, I'm sure. You have the right idea, offering a hoof. Hm." She looked at her fellow fillies. "You made some friends."

The other fillies nodded. "You're a nice colt."

"We're glad you're here too." Another filly burst into giggles. "It's nice to have a colt that doesn't want to shove us."

"Sometimes, it's hard to find somepony to play with. You always play nice." The first filly nodded. "Even if you don't play filly games."

Pulse held still a moment as he took that all in. "Oh! Is that why you pick me for games? Because I don't shove?"

"Yep." A filly nodded to herself. "The boys are too rough sometimes. We get tired of being on the other side all the time." The fillies made noises of agreement at that. She pointed at Pulse. "You always tag with barely a touch. The other colts sometimes shove and push. That's no fun at all."

Pulse turned towards Beat and her little group. "I hope they stop being so rough soon." He leaned against the filly next to him. "Friends shouldn't hurt each other."

The fillies bobbed their heads in agreement. The conversation flowed on to other topics, many of them filly related. Pulse wasn't very interested at first, until he realized something. "I'm metal."

A filly blinked at this sudden statement. "Yeah?"

Pulse pointed at himself. "You could use makeup to color me. I could change how I look without a whole new shell."

A filly clapped her hooves together. "That would be so cool! We could give you a whole new look!" She jumped up to her hooves and raced off. "Be right back!"

Another filly pointed at Pulse's hair. "I'm going to give you a lovely little braid."

Pulse began to beam at the idea of being allowed to have fun with his looks. "You mean like the ones you fillies wear?" He waved a hoof. "And ribbons?" He paused. "My hair is a metal shell. How will you get it to braid?"

The filly leaned in. "You underestimate me!" She rushed off and returned with a magnet. "Ta da!" She stuck the magnet against Pulse's metal frame and it held up the string that made a crude braid stay in place.

Pulse blinked at this. "Oh! It worked!" He could feel the magnetic attraction, but he wasn't about to let go of it. "Can I keep it?"

The filly giggled at him. "If you like it. I think it looks good." She tied it off. "Now I have to make sure your hair matches." She spent the rest of the lunch period getting Pulse's mane in order. His body was metallic and as such had no need for makeup, but she had fun trying it on anyway. The whole crowd worked together to create a living artwork out of Pulse.

By the time he returned to class, he looked like a whole new colt. His mane had been woven into three sections, tied off with simple bands of pink, purple and blue. Some pony had even done a bit of work on his tail. His coat shined with the metallic luster of silver.

Beat gaped at what had happened to her brother. "Are you okay?! You're not hurt are you?"

Pulse touched his braid with a hoof. "We got distracted with a different game." He blinked at Beat. "I look pretty!" He peered closer at Beat. "Don't you like it?"

Beat laughed nervously. "Yeah, um." She shook her head slowly. "If you like it, good." She peeked at her brother. "Who did this?"

Pulse beamed and waved towards the group of fillies nearby. "Them! They made me a new style for the day." The fillies were waving at Beat, making it clear who Pulse meant.

Beat seemed relieved that her brother wasn't taken away and painted up against his will. "They could have at least told me what they were doing. I thought somepony had hurt you!"

Pulse nodded to Beat. "They asked me first. They're not bad ponies. Your friends wouldn't do things to you without asking first, right?"

Beat blushed a bit at that. "Yeah. I mean, no." She bumped Pulse's shoulder. "That's not what I meant." She peered at the fillies. "I'm just glad you're safe."

The sibling's touched snouts in a moment of agreement. Beat giggled, breaking that moment of quiet. "You look so different though! I didn't know your coat could change color like that."

Pulse brought his tail around to take a look. "Oh. Yeah. That's glitter." He reached over and rubbed at Beat's cheek. When he brought his hoof away, some of the glitter stayed behind. "See?"

Beat squeaked at being painted. "Hey!" She rushed to a mirror propped against a wall for a proper look. "Look what you did." But her tone wasn't nearly as annoyed as she thought it should be. The glitter was actually kinda nice there. "Hm."

Pulse grinned at Beat. "It looks pretty good." He touched his own mane. "Do I look handsome?"

Beat peered back at Pulse. "A little, I guess." She returned to her seat. "You are a dork, brother."

Pulse paused at that word. "A dork?" He glanced around. "What's that?"

Beat put a hoof over her mouth, trying to stop herself from laughing. "You are!"

Pulse looked confused a moment before a slow nod came. "Then I will be the best dork ever."

Beat found her giggles hard to contain at that point. "Brother! You are so silly!" She tried to get control of herself as their teacher returned. "But that makes you better." She reached out and touched his hoof.

They smiled at one another before turning to face the front of the class. The teacher was resuming their lessons, and not paying attention to him was rude, and could get them chastised.

Their teacher eyed Pulse and said nothing about his new appearance. He merely smiled at them, then back to his notes.

After school let out, the pair walked home together, sharing some ideas about the day. "I want to show this to mom." Pulse waved back at their various new magnetic accessories. "Maybe she'll want to decorate herself too. Do you think we'll get in trouble?"

Beat laughed at that. "What? No. I don't think anyone will mind." She kept walking with Pulse. "But what about those fillies? Will they redecorate you every day?"

Pulse considered that a moment. "I wouldn't mind."

Beat blinked at that. "Why? You don't like how you look?"

"Not that." Pulse waved it away. "I like them. I like them staring, and, um." He glanced away, coloring faintly. "I like them touching."

Beat suddenly shoved him. "Ah ha! You're a colt after all! And here I was worried you were just like me." She pranced around her brother, grinning up at him. "You like it when the fillies are nice to you. A little early for that, don't you think?"

Pulse's blush was only growing worse. "You like it when the colts play with you. Stop being mean! Just because you're my sister doesn't mean you can tease me like that."

Beat leaned against Pulse with a soft smile. "Of course I can. I'm your sister." She nudged his shoulder. "Teasing is a thing we do, but I don't want you to be hurt, even by me. Um, so, sorry, if that really bothered you."

Pulse tapped Beat on the nose. "I am just glad to see you happy. When you come back from an adventure with your friends, you always smile and bounce around. It makes me happy."

Beat flashed a brilliant smile. "You're the sweetest little colt." She pounced him, hugging tight a moment. "Let's go show mom what you did to yourself so she can decide if she likes it or not."

Pulse let out a sigh as he walked along with Beat. "I love you too."

A few ponies eyed Pulse as they walked by, but nopony stopped them. They scampered side by side back into the crystal palace.

Author's Note

I swear, Beat and Pulse are a good distraction. Little metal foals, learning about the world and themselves.

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39 - Big Days

The crystal heart began to glow with warmth and magic as ponies danced in the grand hall below it. It watched over the crowd, as it had for centuries. It was an artifact of the past, and yet now it shone brightly, casting out light and colors.

Pulse wiggled in place with little mechanical shuffles of sounds. "It is almost time."

Beat squeezed her brother's hoof. "Can you believe we're finally here?"

Pulse held still a moment, then turned towards his sister. "Is it okay to be this excited? Is it normal?" He did a canter in place. "We're going to live. We will breathe and feel a heart." He put a hoof at his chest, cool and still. "What do you think will happen? I am nervous."

Beat laughed and leaned against her brother. "That's how it works. You feel the nerves and they get chased away by other feelings. It is a day to enjoy ourselves. Our mother likes the day a lot." She glanced away and back. "She will be busy with dad, doing married things."

Pulse winced at that. "Ew. Maybe we should stay away from them?" He put a hoof over his eyes. "They do adult things when we aren't around."

Beat rolled her eyes. "I know that. We're dolls, Pulse. But for that one day, we won't be." She flashed a bright smile. "I know who I want to spend it with."

Pulse nodded along. "Friends and family, I hope." He started up the stairs to the Crystal Heart. "There are a lot of ponies out there. A few must be nice, right?"

Beat thumped against him. "You are too pure for this world. No! They're nice and all, but I have a colt I have my eyes on."

"Ew." Pulse backed a step, just to close in a moment later. "Will it be fun?"

"I hope so. Silly." She touched noses with him. "Go have fun, and don't even think about family for a day. Just you, being alive a while. Have all the fun you can cram into a day, okay?"

Pulse gave Beat a nuzzle. "You too. Oh!" He perked. "After that, maybe we should do some adventuring? I've never been on a train before."

Beat bobbed her head. "We could visit our extended family. Twilight and many others live close together." She shook herself out. "But that's later. Focus on right now."

The pair stopped as they stood before the Crystal Heart, a piece of the past given a new and powerful life. The light and color filled them both with warmth.

"It is beautiful." Pulse pressed a hoof to his chest. The heart pulsed, a wave of power washing over them body. He squeaked as he jumped, a machine on the way up, and hitting the ground on newly gained organic hooves. "Ooo! Oh!" He cantered in place, breathing hard with the rush.

Beat burst into giggles at her brother's reaction. "You're so silly." She shuddered as the energy swept over her, hearing the hum of her metal parts turning to flesh and bone. She dropped to the ground, rolling over onto her back to stare up at the heart. "Thank you." She finished the roll right back to her hooves. "Now, I have a day, so bye!" She leapt into a full gallop down the stairs, dashing past the crowd with an eager cry. "Oh! And good day to you all!"

Pulse found himself momentarily stunned by the sudden excitement of the moment. His new heart was thumping wildly. A thousand ideas played in his head, but he wasn't sure where to start. "Dad!" He rushed forward to hug his father. "Oh! Look at me!" He bounced up and down. "I'm a real colt now!"

Blueblood hugged his son with a soft laugh. "Yes, my son. You are alive and well." He kissed each of Pulse's cheeks one by one. "You were always alive, but breathing now too. Dearest child, your mother has plans for me, what brings you this way?"

Pulse stepped back from the hug. "I wanted to tell you that I love you, dad. Um, and now I am going to go explore."

Blueblood smiled at that. "My darling colt. You do that. Just be mindful of your new form, it's more delicate than it was before. Listen when it complains."

Pulse nodded in agreement. "I will be safe, father. Do not worry. I'll listen to my heart." He leaned up to touch noses with his father. "Maybe it'll say we should spend time together?"

He laughed gently at that. "As if that was ever in question, Little Pulse. Go, enjoy the day. We can be side by side any other day that's less time sensitive for you and—"

"There you are." Tempo threw a living arm around Blueblood's neck and drew him away. "Have fun, Pulse. We are occupied."

Pulse began to laugh at that. "What happened to mom?"

Tempo glanced back over her shoulder. "What?"

Blueblood quickly cut in with a pat to Tempo's chest. "It's his first time seeing you in the flesh, as it were."

She perked her ears, eyes widening. "Oh! How thoughtless of me." She turned to him fully. "I look just like your aunt, don't I?"

Pulse bounded closer, ears perked high. "Not quite." He touched her chest and drew away with a slight smile. "You are at least half more pretty than she ever could be."

Tempo laughed softly at that. "Shush, little one. Don't compare me to her, just accept me as I am. I am still your mother, even if we now have the same body type." That was an understatement. Made flesh, she was an exact copy of Cadance down to the placement of the hairs in her eyelashes. "Now, I need to go." She kissed his forehead.

"Mom, how can you even tell me apart from all the other colts?"

Tempo held still at that. "Because you're mine, silly colt. Now, I love you, but go play with somepony else. Just because you are flesh doesn't make you impossible to discern."

Pulse backed up a step as Tempo quickly stole away her husband, leaving him alone to think on that. "My momma loves me." He turned about and scampered off to enjoy the day, but his attention was split between his friends and family and the various stalls and games about the fair. They were amusing enough before, but being flesh and blood brought a new dimension to them.

"It is fun to be alive." Pulse wandered down a street, heading nowhere in particular, taking in all the sights and sounds of the fair. He wandered up to a stand offering crystal apples. "I would like to try one please."

The stallion behind the counter smiled at Pulse. "Here you are." He plucked up an apple from his table and handed it over.

Pulse hesitated as he looked over the sparkling piece of candy. He touched his nose to it, but no taste came, just the teasing scent of it. "That is new." He considered a moment before he heard laughing just behind him.

"Did you forget you have to eat it?" A colt not much older than Pulse was walking alongside him, with a group of friends following along.

Pulse blushed faintly at the words."Y-yes," he admitted without guile. He shifted nervously from hoof to hoof. "I've never eaten before." He looked over the crystal treat. "Um."

The colt smiled and came closer. "Do you want help?"

Another, larger, colt stomped up. "Just take it!"

"Nah." The first did take it, but only to offer it to Pulse. "Go on, open your mouth."

Pulse opened his mouth to ask a question, just to get an apple pressed into the space. He squeaked in surprise, but the flavor began to run over his new tongue in a way his previous sensors couldn't quite match. It was sweet and crisp, an odd juxtaposition. He felt like it should have been cold, but instead it was almost warm. The texture surprised him most, crystal crunching between his teeth in a surprisingly solid manner. It was, in the end, good. "Thamk you!" He sat and nuzzled into the treat, licking and crunching it with all the zeal he had lacked at the start.

The colts began to laugh. "You are so adorable! We could just pinch your cheeks!" One grabbed Pulse in a hug from behind. "Don't worry, we'll make sure you eat right."

The first nodded. "He's with me." He punched Pulse's shoulder. "Like the little brother Ah never had!"

The larger one rolled his eyes. "Quartz, what are you thinking? He ain't that cute." He huffed softly. "I thought you wanted that apple."

Quartz blinked at him, then waved a hoof. "Buy yourself one. I didn't want it that much. I don't have to have every crystal apple I see. It's not like they're hard to get, Crystalline."

Crystalline huffed with obvious annoyance. "You're lucky, colt. I thought I'd see Quartz knock you over and take that apple."

Pulse squeaked at the idea. "Why would he do that? Did I offend? I'm very sorry. I didn't know what I was doing!"

Quartz came over and ruffled Pulse's mane. "He wouldn't have done anything. Ah like you too much for that." He touched noses with Pulse. "Silly little thing. So, where are you from? Ain't seen you around town."

Pulse finished his treat before answering. "I live here." He considered a moment before it hit him. "I am normally metal."

The other colts erupted into laughter at that. "Of course you are." Quartz nudged him playfully. "And why ain't you now?"

Pulse rubbed at the glitter on his coat. "The heart made me alive, just like it made you all into crystals." He hopped to his hooves. "You're all very pretty."

Quartz stared a moment before a smile slowly formed. "Thanks. Now, how about I show you around? Crystal ponies know these parts like the back of their hooves."

Pulse took in the sights and sounds of the festival. He had found new friends, and didn't look like he could be much happier, though he tried.

***

Tempo sat up at the sound of the door slamming shut. "Beat, Pulse? Please do not abuse the door like that. We are metal and we must be careful with doors and windows, since they are fragile and–" She halted as she got a look at Beat.

Beat was dressed in bright clothes, a sundress with a red cape. She had makeup, but it was running. She had been crying, and it was painfully obvious to see with it streaks it left through what had likely been delicately applied marks. "M-Mom..."

Tempo was to her side in a moment, pressing close against her daughter. "Foal, what is wrong?" She stroked over Beat's back, even as the filly burst into new tears. "Who or what hurt you? Inform me so that matters can be put to right."

Blueblood sat on her other side. "Beat. I am a stallion, once a colt, so forgive me if I am in error, but those tears. I gave them once to a little filly. I'm terribly sorry, but did a colt say or do something to you?"

Beat turned away from her parents, her tears growing more intense. "I can't tell you!"

Tempo huffed. "Why not? I assure you, he will regret it when I am through with him."

Blueblood put a hoof on her shoulder, drawing her back. "Beat, we are here. We love you terribly so. You can tell us when you're ready, and we promise we're not mad at you at all."

Beat peeked back at her parents. "P-promise?" She burst into new tears and leapt at Tempo. "He was the colt I like! He just wanted to spend time with me."

Tempo patted her child, which turned into gentle strokes as she rocked her bawling filly.

Author's Note

Yep, that feels like a done chapter. One foal finds delights, the other... well, not so much. They're both adorable and deserve all the headpats they care for, metal or not.

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40 - Weighing Oneself

Pulse stood there with the rest of the class as the teacher brought forth a set of scales. He eyed each pony with a firm gaze. "Weigh yourselves daily and record it. A healthy colt or filly grows steadily, so I expect to see the scale rise over the year."

Pulse raised a hoof into the air, then waved it a little, eyes darting between the scales and the teacher.

"Yes, Pulse?"

"My sister and I will weigh exactly the same each and every time." Pulse motioned off towards his sister. "Since we don't grow."

The teacher sighed heavily at that. "You're not incorrect." He sat on his haunches with a little smile. "Though you two are growing on the inside, you are not on the outside." He curled a hoof to his chin. "Unless you get a new body, I suppose. Even still, your cores would remain the same size."

Pulse bobbed his head. "Exactly!" He eyed the scales, then the teacher. "So... we don't have to?" He waved a hoof around the room.

"The rest of them do. And you should watch. This is still a lesson to learn, even if it isn't directly applicable to you personally. You do live among us, so learning and seeing how others work is still valuable." He moved around his desk and tapped at the scales. "Who will be first?"

A few fillies weighed themselves. Another few colts did likewise. None of it surprised the teacher. None of them did anything beyond expectations.

Pulse eyed the class with curiosity. There seemed to be little deviation. All the colts and fillies of around the same age weighed about the same.

Quartz stepped up for a turn. Pulse had ignored the colt before, but he hadn't known him before. That had changed, and he watched intently.

The number was just what he expected, within the range everyone else his age.

Beat went next. Her number was far higher. She was made of metal and clay, not flesh, and had a lot more mass in the same size. She stepped off it, glared at a particular colt, then strode for her seat.

Pulse took the opportunity to step on after her, getting an even heavier result. Once more, nothing unexpected. The pair were special cases and knew it. They took up seats next to each other. They shared a hoof-bump of solidarity, the two smiling.

When lunch came around, Pulse sat next to Beat. "Why did you look so angry after you took your weight?"

Beat cast him a quick look before leaning over to him. "Promise me you won't tell anypony what I tell you? It is kind of important to me."

Pulse leaned against his sister. "If that is what you want." He frowned. "I like telling our friends stuff, though. Can I really trust myself not to talk to them? What if mom finds out?"

Beat put a hoof to her chest. "This is different. Promise me."

Pulse searched her features a few moments. "Alright. I promise." He licked at his lips, considering his words carefully. "What happened?"

Beat glanced about. "Remember that day we were breathing? Did you have fun?"

Pulse perked right up at that. "Oh yes! I met some lovely colts, they were so helpful. And I had a wonderful day." He deflated and tilted his head. "Why?"

Beat crossed her arms. "Well, that's fine. But remember my colts? The ones I spent time with?" She grimaced. "Well, it seems that we just had two entirely different days." She pressed her lips to one ear, whispering quietly, just for her brother to hear.

His eyes widened with each word she uttered. He sat up sharply in his seat. "He what?! How could he?! Beat! That is awful." He rushed in and gave her a hug. "Oh, my poor sis. Why? Why would anypony want to hurt you?"

Beat was still at first, but she relented and returned the hug to her brother. Quietly, she reminded herself that he certainly had done nothing wrong. She told her story of that day. It wasn't just the one event that mattered, she wanted to remind him just how important it all had been to her. The long walk, the games, the dancing, everything had built up to her laying her trust in him, ready to surrender everything, and how terribly it had turned at the last moment. "After that, he walked off. Didn't say anything. Just left." Her voice grew stronger as she spoke. "But, it's over now. And that's that."

Pulse leaned against Beat. "Can I help?" He sounded afraid. "I. uh. Am happy to do anything you want."

Beat nuzzled him back, appreciating her brother more than ever. "Right now, you just did. And no, I'm not mad. At anypony or anything." She rolled her eyes. "Okay, I'm still mad at him, for good reason." She folded her arms. "But not at everypony else, including you."

Pulse perked up. "I was thinking. Well. The colt I saw. He seemed so nice and friendly, I thought he could maybe be nice to you too." He blushed at the admission.

Beat giggled at the look on his face. "My pure and innocent brother, already in love with a colt." She paused at that. "In love with a colt?" She considered her brother anew. "Are you in love with a colt?"

Pulse sat and thought hard on this matter. "Love is a strong word. I might use it on somepony special someday, but that will be later. Much later." He blushed harder at the idea of calling Quartz a boyfriend. "I do like him. He was nice to me all day."

"Was he nice to you after that?" Beat asked with more acid than she had intended.

Pulse tapped his chin as he considered the last weeks. "Yeah." He tilted his head. "Wait, I was talking to you about him. Have you seen Quartz yet? Not the same." He shrugged.

Beat huffed and leaned against her brother, her moment of annoyance lost in a sigh. "Glad one of us made a real friend." She hugged him and stood up. "We should get back to class." She paused and turned back to him. "Remember, not a word of this. Keep it to yourself."

Pulse bobbed his head. "Yes! A secret is a secret unless shared." He paused, confusing himself. "I won't tell!"

Beat nodded at him. "Thank you for listening to me. You're a good bro." She reached out and hugged him. "Sisters and brothers stick together, yeah?"

Pulse nodded quickly at that. "Forever." The two touched noses, then trotted back to class.

They both returned to their places. Class resumed and they settled into a gentle boredom.

***

Tempo glared at Blueblood. "Why do you prevent this? My daughter deserves my protection as much as any other pony." She stomped the crystal floor. "She deserves it more! Why can I not go to fight for her?"

Blueblood's eyes widened as he recoiled from her assault, tail flicking rapidly to the side. "My wife, please." His tone turned soft as he approached her, his posture low. He touched his snout to her neck. "Our daughter is perfectly safe. This colt is young and foalish." He glanced off as his tail flicked again. "Or perhaps just has a different view of matters." He closed the distance fully. "Our daughter deserves the chance to deal with him on her terms."

"Her terms?" Tempo snorted, internal mechanisms giving a soft clack with her frustration. "She is unhappy. Her being unhappy makes me unhappy. I want to make her happy again. Is there a problem with that?"

Blueblood circled Tempo slowly, easing her back towards the nearest chair. "There is, actually. The problem is that she feels hurt enough that you wanting to make her feel better hurts her." He sat in front of Tempo. "This is a matter for her alone. As parents, we need to be present, and open to her. But we can't fix this one for her. This is too personal, beloved."

Tempo glanced away, towards the doorway. "I wish I understood." She lowered her head and leaned against her husband. "Does she hate me now? Do I not love her enough? Why does this happen?"

Blueblood kissed along her shoulder up towards her neck. "Perish the thought! My love, she adores us, and her brother. Her family is not the issue, and let's not make it one. Trust your daughter. Believe in her."

Tempo finally gave in to her husband's affection. "Thank you for being patient with me. I am still learning about life and family. Love remains a challenge."

"You and I both." Blueblood laughed warmly and embraced Tempo once more. "There is no pony, save perhaps Cadance, for whom love is anything but that." He put a hoof at his chest. "I would ask one thing, my fiery champion. Please don't direct that anger at me. I don't want to ever fear my most cherished one."

Tempo nuzzled her husband. "You have never given me reason. My ire is aimed at that boy and his misdeeds alone. But you are right." She leaned down to kiss Blueblood. "Thank you. I neglected to say it before, but you made the day of living quite enjoyable. Thank you, for spending it with me."

Blueblood colored at that. "My love, you say that as if it wasn't a day of delight for me as well. I enjoyed every moment of it. Being with you." He raised his gaze to the ceiling with a long exhale. "Being with somepony I love so much. Who wouldn't have loved the experience?" His muzzle settled before Tempo once more. "We will be there for Beat."

Tempo took to a slow stroll down the hallway, aiming for the bedrooms. "How goes it with you, Blue?"

Blueblood followed after his wife. "What do you mean by that, Temp?"

"Exactly as I said." She turned towards him. "How are you? What project are you engrossed in? Blueblood, tell me how it goes."

"I am fine." He offered her a smile. "No problems I've seen today. Nothing stands out in mind. I have a court session soon."

Tempo's horn lit, pulling her chair over and settling it beneath her. "That is hardly a project." She climbed up onto the chair and sat. "Do you not have any projects?"

Blueblood came closer. "Oh, I have many, beloved. I simply haven't worked on anything right now." He sat and motioned towards the door. "Is it truly so important?"

"I think it is." She leaned left and right, looming over him from her perch atop the chair. "I do not want you to sacrifice yourself entirely for our sake. You are just as loved by us as you love us. How can I help you, with a project of your own passion?"

He fidgeted and looked off to one side. "It isn't needed, beloved Tempo. I'll have things to work on another day, worry not. Today, I merely did not." Which was when he was bowled over, a very heavy mare pouncing on him. "Ooof! My dear, is something wrong?"

"Today." She sat up, on him. "I would see you happy today. You forbade me from rushing to my daughter's aid, you will not do it again." She put a hoof to Blueblood's snout. "Direct me towards what you want to do, and we will do it, together."

Blueblood struggled to escape her embrace, grunting under her weight. "Beloved, I appreciate your concern, but I am fine. This is unnecessary. Off with you!" He finally wiggled out and faced her.

But she was as unmoving as the machine she was constructed of. "Today."

He froze in place under her powerful gaze, like an insect upon the end of a pin. "There is a poetry writing group. I sometimes sit in with them." He hung his head. "You are determined to see this through?"

"Yes." She inclined an ear. "I admire your poetry. Perhaps I can learn to make some. You deserve to have some poetry said about your positive traits."

Blueblood sighed and moved closer to her, coming alongside. "I do so many things, my dear wife, because they bring happiness to others. I want you to know that I love you, and that seeing your joy brings me joy."

"Then know that I will feel joy, learning poetry with you." She rubbed against his side. "Let's go."

Author's Note

Blueblood prevents his terminator wife from ripping a colt cleanly in half. For the best? It would seem Pulse made a new friend and plans to keep them past that first day. Is this love, or friendship, and is the difference that important?

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42 - Camping High

The air was cold, crisp. The sky was clear, blue, with a few clouds. There was frost on the ground, crunching underhoof as the foals marched over.

"Isn't this fun?" Quartz climbed up the mountain alongside the others, eyes bright in the morning.

Pulse looked about with wide eyes. "It is," he agreed. "It's cold." He could see the temperature on a little gauge in his vision. "Are you all safe?"

"We'll be fine." One filly waved off the concerns, then pointed at him and Quartz. "I'm surprised that you colts haven't gotten cold."

Quartz chuckled at that. "I'm used to it." He hugged the jacket around his front. "And I'm dressed for it." He looked to Pulse. "But you aren't. Aren't you cold? Metal ponies get cold too yeah?"

Beat kicked aside a small snowball. "It's not cold enough to stop us. Maybe if it started a snowstorm for long enough?" She smirked. "Until then, we just gotta keep moving and not slow down."

Pulse was about to respond, but his eyes caught on something. He trotted forward a few steps, peering off the side of the mountain towards the plains below. "Everything looks so far away."

A filly threw an arm over Pulse. "Because it is. We've climbed nice and high." She drew Pulse in a moment before letting him go. "And we're almost there!"

The fillies giggled at their antics as they climbed. They were right. The summit wasn't much further. Quartz and Pulse took in the scenery together, alongside the girls, but Quartz was quick to grab Pulse to drag him into the campsite.

The colts and fillies set up their tents, then gathered around a small fire pit. Beat strutted up to the pit. "Gather wood. I will display a new trick I've learned." The moment there were a few logs there, she glared hard at them, her eyes glowing with a bright light right towards the middle. A moment later, the logs caught fire. She turned off the lasers with a laugh. "Impressive?"

"Very." Pulse poked the fire with a stick. "That is a new ability. Can I do that?" He stared at the fire, then closed his eyes. He opened one experimentally and sighed when nothing happened. "I cannot yet."

Quartz ruffled Pulse. "Ah'm sure ya will someday." He leaned in closer. "You're cool even if you don't do no eye fire."

Pulse vibrated rapidly. "Thank you."

One filly giggled at the colts. "Aren't they so sweet together?" That earned laughter from her sisters. Quartz blushed at the words but didn't look away or shrink.

Beat watched them with far less mirth, keeping a close look on the two colts. Quartz appeared to be an entirely good sort, but Beat had seen the worst of colts before. Quartz could not be trusted yet. She cleared her throat. "I am pleased you all chose to come camping." She nodded at each of them. "Now that the fire has been started, we are officially camped. We will stay here for one night. We will have stories and s'mores." She grinned widely at them, then sat back, her job done. The others took up conversation about what they planned to do for the remainder of the day.

One filly thrust a hoof in the air. "How about a game of truth or dare?"

A second filly burst out laughing, but then shrugged. "Sure. Who would wanna go first?"

Beat's eyes opened slowly, her inner engine clicking on. "I will," she murmured, voice soft but strong. She took one already abandoned bottle of soda and placed it on the ground. "This will be our deciding device. Please put other trash in a bag for taking back down the mountain." She spun the bottle, then grinned. "The bottle will pick who must go first."

All eyes were on the bottle as it spun in place slowly. They all leaned in as the bottle span wildly, slowing down to point at Pulse.

Pulse squeaked at being picked, looking up at his sister. He thought fast and raised a hoof into the air. "I choose truth."

One filly snickered at that. Beat raised a hoof to her chin. "This is a heavy responsibility." She could feel it, knowing she could get the truth out of Pulse. "What do you like about Quartz, the most, the absolute most."

Pulse looked to Quartz with wide eyes. "What do I like? I don't know. He's nice to me, he likes playing with me, we have fun together." His eyes half-closed as he considered the question. "The most, um. He always waits for me. Some ponies hurry ahead of me, but not Quartz. He's ready to go at my speed, even if I get a little confused. That's my most favorite thing about him." Pulse settled back into his seat with a satisfied sigh.

Beat nodded, her mind going over his answer as she scanned his face. Her eyes fell upon Quartz, who blushed lightly at the praise from Pulse. "I am satisfied. It is now your turn."

Pulse took the bottle, then spun it around. He leaned in, watching where it landed. "Who will this be?" The bottle slowed and stopped on one of the fillies, who sat bolt upright. The filly leaned in, one hoof pointing at herself. "I choose dare. Do your worst, Pulse."

Pulse perked up at the invitation. "Alright." He tapped a hoof against his lips. "You will go up to the tree over there." He pointed towards a nearby evergreen, standing tall in the otherwise rocky mountain top. "At its roots are mushrooms. You must find three."

Beat's eyebrow rose at her brother's command. "What is this?" She held up her hooves. "We are already camped. Why have her forage for food?"

Pulse inclined his head. "It's my dare."

The filly laughed gently. "It's his dare," she agreed, trotting towards the tree in search of the mushrooms. "Be right back!"

Pulse bobbed his head once. "Yes, she will." He took out a small notepad and began to draw on it.

Quartz leaned in. "What are you drawing?" His ears perked when Pulse drew back, revealing his picture. It had barely started, but Quartz could see the horizon on it. "You're drawing the camp?"

Pulse smiled shyly. "Yeah. I wanna draw more things while I'm out here. Momma said she likes the ones I've drawn before."

Quartz's ears perked at that. "Well, I like them too. Show it to me when you're done, okay?"

The filly returned with mushrooms in a basket. "Ta da!" She dropped them not too far from the fire. "Which means It's my turn." She grabbed the bottle and span it with a giggle. "Who will this land on?"

The other fillies leaned forward eagerly, as did Quartz.

The bottle landed on none other than Quartz, much to Pulse's elation. "Truth, or dare?"

The filly nudged him. "I get to ask that. Truth, or dare! I will be mean either way, but pick your poison."

Quartz considered this. "Ah will go with truth." He sat back. "Give me your best shot."

"You are friends with Pulse." Her eyes narrowed and she leaned in. "What do you like the most about Pulse, for real, what's the most important thing?"

Quartz laughed at that, cheeks going bright. "Well, he said that about me. Guess it's only fair." He threw an arm over Pulse, drawing the metal colt closer. "He's like a little brother to me, but we aren't brothers. Um." He frowned with thought. "I like how innocent he is, and I want to protect that. He's, uh, special to me. I always feel safe when he's around, even when I'm guarding him."

Pulse giggled, unable to stop himself as he vibrated from Quartz's words. His eyes were shut, and his frame shook with joy. "Thank you, Quartz. I love you too."

Quartz's blush only grew worse. "I, uh, love you too."

The fillies let out a chorus of aws together.

Beat's mind was a whirlwind. Quartz was good, and kind. It was all she needed to know. This colt would not harm her brother the way her heart had been harmed. She relaxed in place, taking a stick towards the mushrooms and put them into a small pot over the fire. "These are edible and will make a fine snack for our biological members."

One of the fillies sniffed. "Well, that was cute. Can we get back to campfire games, please?"

Pulse giggled from Quartz's hooves. "Yes. Quartz, it's your turn."

Quartz grinned as he reached for the bottle, giving it a good twirl. "Let's see who gets asked next." He sat beside Pulse, one foreleg behind him. The bottle spun in place with clattering clicks against the rocks.

The foals leaned in close, watching the bottle go around and round, until at last it came to rest on another filly.

Quartz leaned towards the filly. "Truth, or dare? I won't be mean to no filly. Wouldn't feel right."

The filly turned up her nose. "I'm a pony like everypony else here. You'll treat me the same! I take a dare, and don't make it a wimpy one like your soft friend gave."

Pulse gasped with shock. "Soft friend? I am harder than any biological pony here."

Quartz rubbed the back of his neck. "Ah dunno. Um." He considered the filly and what he knew of her. "Okay." He clapped his hooves. "I dare you to hop on one leg until you get to somepony else and give'm a kiss."

The filly blinked. "Hop on one leg?" She stood up, wobbly, then hopped once and nearly fell over.

The rest of the foals started laughing at her expense as she made it towards Pulse.

Pulse watched, shaking a little in place. "Am I going to get kissed?"

The filly nodded at that. "Yes." She hopped in close and gave Pulse a quick peck on his cheek. She dropped onto all fours with a sigh. "That was harder than it should be." She flashed a sudden smile. "I'm the first filly to get a kiss on him." She returned to her seat, looking pleased with herself. "And I get to go next." She swatted the bottle.

The bottle went around, and around, and around, until finally it stopped and landed on none other than Beat. Her metal eyes blinked as she looked up. "Oh, me?"

"Yes you! Truth or dare?" The filly bounced up and down. "You have to pick one."

Beat stood. "I pick truth."

"Boooo!" The fillies complained together.

Quartz held up his hooves. "Hey now! She picked a thing. Let's let her pick that."

The filly who's turn it was considered Beat. "You looked distracted before. Tell us what you were really thinking about."

Beat froze. She had thought there were no truths the fillies would ask that would bother her, but they had gone right for a weakness. "Um, well." Her mind spun. "It is about colts." She glanced towards Quartz, who was leaning forward, intrigued. "I had a crush on one, once." Her eyes fell. "But he was cruel and I was hurt."

The filly flipped one ear back, shrinking a little. "Oh, that's what you were thinking about?"

Beat nodded as the others grew more subdued.

Quartz cleared his throat to try and break through this awkwardness. "Ah'm sure whatever colt it was, wasn't worthy of you."

Beat glanced towards him, then sighed. "Thank you." Silently, she awarded Quartz a few more points. That had not technically been the truth, but close? She inwardly cringed at breaking the rules, even if only in her own heart.

Beat grabbed the bottle, spinning it around. It spun, and spun, and spun. The others leaned in, watching it with anticipation, until finally, it came to a rest. It was pointed at the only other organic colt there. "You. Which do you select, truth or dare?"

Quartz looked from her, to Pulse, then back. "Ah'll pick truth, 'cuz that's the last one you had." He shrugged. "It only seems fair."

Beat's mind was on fire. She could just ask Quartz something, a fine chance. "You met Pulse on living day, and that day has passed. Did you prefer them when they were alive?"

The question took Quartz off-guard. His jaw dropped and he sat there for a long moment, unable to come up with a good answer. "Uh. That's a hard question. Ah think they're both good ponies." He waved wildly at Pulse. "Yer only one pony! Just meant when you're alive or metal. Both of those are good. You were softer when you were alive, but I can feel th' same pony, smiling at me."

Beat took this in, her mind processing the words, coming up with the answer. She smiled and nodded. "Good." Quartz got a few more points, higher on the chart than most colts ever did. "It is your turn."

The game proceeded smoothly until a filly got a turn pointed at Beat. "Truth or dare, Miss Beat?"

Beat considered the options. "I choose dare."

The filly giggled wildly. "Great. I dare you to kiss Quartz on the lips!" She pointed between them.

Beat inclined an ear. "It would be unfair to force my brother's special somepony to cheat."

Quartz went so red he looked ready to pass out. "Um! Never said we were that close!"

The filly rolled her eyes at that. "Yes you did. Now kiss!" The fillies were chanting it together. Beat looked towards Quartz, whose blush only continued to intensify, as she came closer.

She leaned in, touching cold metal nose to his warm living one. "I will kiss you with your permission. Am I permitted to continue?"

Quartz gave a tiny nod. "Yeah." His voice squeaked, but he didn't draw back. The fillies were still chanting, watching.

Beat leaned in, closing her eyes, pressing lips to his. It was no chaste cheek smooch, but a full and proper kiss.

Pulse's eyes grew wider and wider at the display before them. He fidgeted in place, unable to take his gaze away. "Wow."

The kiss ended and Beat drew back. "The dare has been completed."

Quartz was left panting and shaking, eyes unfocused. He fell over when Pulse crashed into him. "I never saw a kiss like that!"

"That is a lie." Beat shook her head as she returned to her spot. "Mother and father exchange such kisses frequently."

"Well, yeah." Pulse threw up his arms. "But they're adults! I never saw somepony our age do that." He hugged firmly against Quartz, clutching close.

Quartz wrapped his forelegs about Pulse and drew him back into a hug. "That was good. Ah liked that." He nuzzled against Pulse's neck with a sigh. "Too bad it ain't my turn."

"Why?" Pulse sat up. "Do you want a kiss?" Without a pause, Pulse went in for that kiss on the lips. His was light, but there was no doubt as to its meaning.

Quartz clutched at Pulse, then slowly opened his eyes. "Ah wanted that." He gave a light yelp when smooched by fillies. It seemed everypony at camp would get a turn kissing him amid laughter from them all.

Beat kept her thoughts to herself, but she was smiling. She'd been close enough that there was no pretending it hadn't been enjoyable for both of them. She'd done her little bit to get Quartz and Pulse together.

Author's Note

They're all adorable, I'm just saying. Which pony is cutest?

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43 - In the Chill of Night

Pulse's eyes closed when their lips touched. His body went stiff with the thrill running down his spine. Quartz's lips were soft, warm and moist. His whole body tingled as they kissed, and he felt his entire frame start to vibrate as they came closer. He sat up in the darkness, his dream ending abruptly. In the dark, he looked around, seeing many slumbering foals around him, including Quartz.

As quietly as he could, he got to his hooves and plodded free of the tent into the frozen air of the mountain top night. Fortunately for him, he was a construct, and the cold set off distant alarms of concern, but didn't immediately harm him.

Pulse sighed to himself as he sat down, looking at the starry sky above. The night sky had no light pollution out here, and it seemed to sparkle as far as he could see. He gazed on them, lenses adjusting with little clicks as he focused from one distant object to the next. Why had he dreamed that? His thoughts refused to simply be happy with the stars. He wanted to know why he'd dreamt that.

"Ah can't sleep, either." Quartz was there, smiling at Pulse with a soft gaze. "You're just sittin' out here, enjoying the scenery?" He sank next to Pulse. "It's cold out here." He was wearing extra, almost buried in cloth to survive the chill. "Ain't you a little cold?"

Pulse shrugged lightly. "I don't feel cold like you do." He offered Quartz a smile. "But I am programmed to know it is cold. If it gets too cold, I will go back in the tent." Reminded to check, he turned his attention to that sensor he'd been ignoring. His core temperature was slowly dipping towards potentially dangerous areas. "Oh."

"I heard that." Quartz threw an arm around Pulse, drawing him closer. "Wow! You really are chilly." But he snuggled against the nearly frozen automaton of a friend, sharing the heat of his squishy body.

Pulse heated a little for other reasons, being snuggled like that. "Um." He licked over his lips, dream replaying in his head. "I want to ask something, but I am afraid you may hate that I asked it, and then I won't have you as a friend."

Quartz rubbed over his shoulders and back, sharing the heat. "I would never do that to you. Ask anything." He ruffled Pulse's mane.

Pulse let out a short squeak as his hair was tussled, but he leaned into it anyway. "I had a dream. In the dream, um." He hesitated, embarrassment flooding him. But Quartz wouldn't judge him for this, right? Pulse needed to ask, and so he would. He lowered his voice to whisper, "In the dream, you and I kissed." He swallowed thickly.

Quarts recoiled at first, surprise clear even in the dim light. He didn't run though, and soon nestled back in. "We did? Um. Was it a bad... thing?"

"That is what I wanted to know!" Pulse blurted loudly, then turned and clapped his hooves over his mouth. He glanced back towards the tent, where a filly's head popped outside. Pulse waved his hooves at her, and she ducked back inside with a giggle.

Quartz waved her off. "You listen to them, we're already kissing. Forget the fillies. Look, uh, Pulse." He touched nose to nose, enduring the chilly touch of that metal against his sensitive snoot. "You're a friend. A good one! So, uh. I mean." He rubbed behind his head. "Shoot, now ah'm the one ramblin'. Look, we're jus' little ponies. We don't know nothin'!" He pressed in. "So we get to experiment, figure stuff out."

Pulse considered these words for a moment as they sat in silence, only the faint breeze stirring about the mountain top. "Would you be happy to experiment with me?" He reached up to Quartz, drawing him closer. In the chill of the night, the two held tight, sharing the warmth the two had.

Quartz swallowed thickly, then slowly leaned in to kiss Pulse's nose. "Yeah." His eyes fluttered closed. "Ah think we can."

Pulse was so thrilled that his body vibrated wildly, rattling the rocks and pebbles on the ground. Quartz burst into laughter, the tension broken. "Way to break the mood." He pounced on Quartz, grabbing him tightly as if to hold in all the vibration. "Silly thing."

Pulse hugged Quartz back. "Thank you."

"For what?" Quartz glanced down at him.

"Accepting." Pulse snuggled in tighter. "You are the bestest friend ever."

Quartz's smile softened. "Ah do try." He slowly encouraged Pulse back to his haunches. "Look, um, glad we talked, but it is kinda cold. I vote we head back inside."

Pulse nodded quickly. "Yes, please."

The pair returned into the tent to settle back down and get sleep before the long hike back down the mountain in the morning.

***

Blueblood was there when the two foals returned. "Ah!" He hurried to them with a smile. "My dear children. I trust your event went well?" His gaze fell on Pulse, who looked up at his father.

"It did." He glanced over towards his big sister, and then back towards his father. "You could say I learned something interesting, if you ask it of me."

"I did." He touches noses with his son, then looked to Beat. "And you?"

"I also learned something." She looked aside at Pulse. "Though now I am uncertain if it's the same thing or not." She stepped closer to him and wrapped a forelimb about her father's shoulders. "You were right."

"Excellent!" He grinned at them, nuzzling them both with a happy laugh. "Sounds like you both had a lovely time. Now, not to be a down beat on your festivities, but do be sure you're ready for school in the morning. If you've completed any assignments you may have, the rest of the day is yours to recover from that little outing."

Tempo lifted her head from where she'd been reading over a book. "Welcome home. I would like full reports of the experience. Written."

Pulse stamped a hoof with a metal clap. "Mom!"

"My order has been given." Tempo inclined her head. "Do not disappoint me, and do not leave out details."

Beat and Pulse glanced at each other, then back towards their father. "We won't disappoint," Beat assured.

"Go get to your rooms." Blueblood released them both, waving towards the hallway. As they scurried off, he went to Tempo's side. "A written report? How thorough of a request."

Tempo nodded once, her eyes on her book. "I wish to know how well they are growing as individuals." She lifted her gaze at last. "It is important to know. For example, did you know Beat had a crush?"

Blueblood blinked at his wife. "On whom? Oh, do you mean that foal that hurt her?" He scowled at the memory. "Glad she seems to have recovered, but poor business that."

"I agree, but it's a good lesson to learn." Tempo turned her attention back to her book. "She will recover and grow, and I look forward to seeing what else she gets into." Tempo inclined her head, thoughts drifting. "It means it's working."

"Working?" Blueblood sat besides her. "What is?"

"They are free. Free to make mistakes. Free to learn." Tempo shivered a little as the memories of old returned. Her time under the cult, the dark times where she'd been manipulated and controlled, only doing what she was instructed to do. It was a life devoid of meaning and feeling. Her time had been so short in that, compared to others of her kind, and she still hated it. "They will never experience that, and they are already growing in new ways."

"You'll have to give them space, then." Blueblood patted his wife's shoulders. "You can't always be there watching. There's a lot of things they'll get up to without you."

Tempo turned an ear towards them. "They can do what they want, but I would like reports afterwards." She lowered her gaze and sighed, letting out a long gust of breath she held in. "I will be there when I can, and let them make mistakes when I cannot."

Blueblood rubbed down Tempo's back. "We'll raise good foals here. I'm sure of it." He nuzzled against her and smiled before rising. "And, small benefit, but I enjoyed our time to ourselves. I love them both so dearly, but a little break was nice."

Tempo lifted her eyes at that, and then nodded. "I agree. This is good." She flipped a page in the book as she read on.

Curiosity getting the better of him, Blueblood dipped down to get a peek of the cover of that book, but Tempo was quick to shut it and stash it aside. "Oh? What's that?"

She gave a little grin. "A book from a friend. It's called 'Mechanics for Dummies.' A gift from an old acquaintance, and one we should both know well." Her smile grew wider. "I will share more details if you like, but for now I wish to finish my reading before I am ready for sleep."

Blueblood blinked at this. "My dear wife, I can see why you might be interested in that topic. You wish to have a more direct hoof when they are ready for their next shells?"

Tempo nodded once. "It is only a small thing, and perhaps only a tiny contribution, but I want to have my own special hoof in what my children experience, even when it comes to the shells they inhabit.

Blueblood snuggled in against her. "A marvelous idea. Let's work together then. Perhaps, when they're ready, we'll both be able to contribute. Though their current shells are wonderfully made, it is a pity we couldn't really do them justice the first time around. It'd be nice if we didn't have to hire outside help again."

Tempo nodded at that. "I agree with you." She glanced down towards his hooves, and then at her own. "It seems like we will have a lot of learning to do before then." She pulled the book out and let it lay in sight that time. "Read with me?"

He nodded, leaning against her to look at the words in the book, letting the evening pass by in silence.

Upstairs, Beat crashed on her bed. "Why are you so much luckier than me?!"

Pulse perked up. "What do you mean?"

Beat pointed at him. "You actually get to be kissed by your crush! You got it so easy. You didn't even need to plan it!" Beat crossed her arms. "You picked a good pony, that loves you, for real. He cares about your feelings, and he doesn't care that you're metal." Beat rolled over. "I wish my last crush had been like that."

Pulse cocked his head at her. "What was he like?"

Beat shrugged. "A jerk. It's not worth going into. I just hope you're happy with Quartz." Beat pulled out a notepad and began to write on it, a small light illuminating the room.

Pulse crept closed to her. "Besides that." He sat at the side of her bed. "You didn't get close to him because he was a jerk."

Beat lifted an ear and lowered her pen. She considered a moment before answering. "I thought he'd be different if I was only nicer to him. Then, he'd see what a great pony I was, and he'd love me." She trembled faintly. "I thought I could fix him."

Pulse hugged his sister suddenly from behind. "That is a dumb idea. Why would you do that?"

Beat burst into laughter. "I said that already." She hugged her brother back. "But thanks for your opinion. I tried, and messed it up." She lay there, cradled by her caring brother. "Don't get with a pony for what they could be. Love who they are, or don't bother."

Pulse lay against his sister in the dark room. "I like him. For real."

Beat smiled gently. "Good." She kissed his brow. "Go to your bed now. We both need sleep."

Pulse nuzzled in with her, refusing to release her. "I will sleep here."

"This is my bed!" But he wasn't moving. "Pulse..." He remained attached to her. "You are incorrigible." Beat slid over in the bed and made room for him, letting him crawl up and curl up beside her. "Fine, but if you kick me in your sleep, you'll sleep on the floor."

Pulse's smile grew as he got in comfy with her. "I love you, as a sister." He inclined an ear. "Why do they use one word for different feelings? Sister love is not the love I feel around Quartz."

Beat nodded once. "They have different words for different kind of loves. There's familial, platonic and romantic." Beat glanced down at him. "Romantic is kissing love." She kissed his nose. Doing that, she paused. "I just ruined my own definition. Um. Kissing on the lips."

Pulse giggled gently at her fumbling. "You're funny. I will remember those words. Familial love, for you and mom and dad. Platonic love for my friends, whom I do not romantically love." Content with that, he closed his eyes and nestled in.

She was quiet, watching him enter sleep. Holding him, she felt herself starting to drift away. Having a good brother was kind of nice, she decided before she lost her grip entirely and faded away.

Author's Note

I thought that was soft and adorable. Yay!

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44 - The Times, They Are a Changeling

Shining Armor greeted Tempo and Blueblood with a smile. "Glad to see you two even more than usual." He glanced aside. "There's been report of an invader."

Tempo blinked. "A new one, or the one who has returned to Equestria?"

"No." Shining Armor shook his head. "Not Chrysalis or Sombra." He quirked up an ear. "Though, related. A changeling has been seen around town, and we must find and remove it." He took a slow breath. "As far as I am aware, changelings are not as good at copying metal ponies, so you're safer."

Tempo's ears dipped at that news. "We can still be copied, but the details may give it away, depending on how long they spent in proximity." She frowned to herself as she considered. "What would a single changeling do here?"

Blueblood's ears flicked back with worry. "I imagine they're less worried about interrogating it, dear, compared to being sure it doesn't remain anywhere nearby." He shivered lightly, then glanced between them. "We should hurry and find this one before they have a chance to get close."

Tempo turned to Blueblood and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Then we shall begin searching."

"Good." Shining nodded as he turned in place. "The guards are on high-alert. I've even called for Twilie and her friends. They've clashed with the changelings before, successfully. Hopefully we can catch this invader before any problems happen." He looked out over the town. "Let's move."

Tempo and her husband hurried down into the city, splitting up and beginning a careful search for anything that seemed off.

Blueblood kept an eye on the streets, keeping himself alert.

While the adults scoured for search of the lost changeling, Beat was enjoying a little walk. Seeking to find nothing but herself, she had taken to wandering far afield of the city. The fields of snow were all around, but she knew where the paths were, even when the snow tried to hide them. She kept to the path, and let her thoughts wander. She eventually came to a tree that was bare.

Beat settled next to it, tail swaying. "Hello, old friend." The tree didn't reply to her, being a tree. "Hm. You have a new friend." She looked to a rock that was a new bit of the scenery. It wasn't a special-looking rock, but she was sure it hadn't been there the other times she had come out to see the tree. "So you two are new friends." Beat settled down at the trunk of the tree to think, looking at the rock.

"Even a tree can find a friend." Somehow, that was encouraging, and she smiled at the thought of her tree finding a friend despite the impossibility of it.

"How did you find me?"

Beat blinked at the new voice, looking around. "Find who?"

"Me?" The rock opened its eyes, which was an odd thing for a rock to have. "Um, hi?" Beat blinked twice. The rock somehow looked nervous. "I was trying to hide."

Beat blinked. "You hid as a rock." She considered this. "What were you hiding from? I will help you."

The rock burst into green flames, becoming a little changeling. "I'm hiding from everypony. They're, um, scared of me."

"Of you?" Beat stood up, walking over to him and inspecting the changeling. "You are small, what is there to be afraid of?"

He smiled shyly at that, then glanced over Beat's body. "You are a funny-looking pony. You're really not scared?" He stepped closer, lowering his head a little. "Everypony is scared of me."

"I do not think I have ever seen a changeling." Beat shrugged lightly. "But you are small, like a colt, so I am not scared of you. She reached out and drew the changeling closer. "You remind me of my brother. It's hard to be scared of anything that reminds me of him. If you're like him, you probably want a hug." And so she gave the changeling one.

He gasped lightly and hugged back. "Wow, you're nice." He squeezed against her, closing his eyes. "Thank you for this. You can let go now, but I won't hold it against you if you don't want to."

She decided that was a request for more hugs, so she kept the changeling for the time. "What is your name? I am Beat."

"I am Thorax." He snuggled in against her happily. "You're a funny-looking pony, Beat. What kind of pony are you?" He touched over her frame with a little smile. "It's nice. You feel cold; are you alright?"

"That's because I don't feel things like that. I'm not cold, and you're warm. It's nice." She nuzzled him closer. "The ponies who are hunting you, some of them don't understand me very well either."

Thorax blinked. "They don't?" He frowned lightly to himself. "But, why? You seem like a nice pony. I mean, I just met you, but I already like you."

Beat gathered Thorax up against herself. "That's nice of you to say. They don't dislike me or anything. It's a little complicated." She glanced away a moment. "I don't do the things they do, like breathing to start. Or eating. I don't have the soft squishy parts they expect." She squeezed Thorax. "All metal. You can feel that, right?"

He nodded once at her. "Yeah. All metal. It's nice." He shifted his form, turning into a copy of Beat, all except the eyes. "Can I ask something silly?"

Beat's ears perked. "You can. Ask anything you want."

"Well." He glanced away. "You're the first nice pony I met. Will you be my friend?"

Beat laughed gently, a musical sound. "I would like that." She tapped her copy on their nose. "Wow, you're metal too. It's less cold now, right? The hug must be nicer for you."

Thorax hugged Beat tightly. "It was nice as it was. Thank you."

"It's getting colder though. Come on back to my house." Beat turned, then paused. Looking back, she could see Thorax hesitating. "What's wrong?"

"I don't want them to see me." Thorax frowned as he looked at the distant village. "And if they do, I'll just run away. So, maybe we should just be friends when we can meet out here?"

Beat considered that a quiet moment. "Hm. Okay. We'll meet here." She pointed at the tree. "We're both friends with this tree, and we'll meet under it, to be friends of each other. I like the sound of that."

Thorax giggled gently, nodding. "Me too!" He hugged Beat. "Thank you." He turned and started running off.

Beat watched him go, waving goodbye as she started the slow walk home, more of a smile on her snout than when she had come out.

When she arrived at home, she learned her parents were out. "Where'd they go?"

Pulse shrugged with an unsure noise. "Looking for a changeling, I heard. Hm." Pulse's eyes narrowed towards Beat. "I was worried when you went missing. You did not leave a note."

Beat's ears drooped back at that. "I'm sorry. I was just talking a walk. I do that sometimes. I wasn't aware we needed to leave notes to take walks. If that is the new rule, then may I have permission in the future to take walks? When I wish?"

Pulse nodded once. "Alright, as long as you come back." She leaned in and nuzzled Beat gently. "I just don't want to lose my sister."

"Silly." She threw a leg over him, drawing Pulse closer. "You'd never lose me." She held her brother close a moment before parting.

Pulse watched his sister go, but said nothing as she departed.

Later, when their parents returned, Tempo called for them from the living room. "The city is in high alert." She inclined her head. "You are safe, but if you see a changeling, you are to report to us immediately."

Pulse raised a hoof. "Those are the bug ponies, right? That's what I heard, anyhow." He paused at that. "Are we safe?"

Tempo waved her hoof dismissively. "Yes, we are fine. You don't need to worry. We will find the invader, and things will be fine."

Beat lifted an ear at that, then considered. "Are all changelings bad? What if they're a nice changeling?"

Tempo shook her head. "Unlikely. The only nice changelings are imaginary." Tempo nodded to each of her children. "Continue as normal, simply report if you see one, and do not approach."

Beat frowned as she thought about her new friend. "I see."

Tempo's ears flicked back. "Is something wrong?"

"No." Beat looked up, ears flicked forward again. "I will inform you if I find a changeling."

Satisfied, Tempo marched off into the next room to speak with Blueblood.

Pulse poked at Beat. "Why do you look funny?"

"None of your business!" Beat pushed Pulse back, then turned. "It's nothing important." She returned to her room to think in peace.

***

Beat was sitting with Thorax under their tree, the changeling leaning against her with a little smile. The crunch of something approaching made them both jump. By the time she recovered, Thorax was back to hiding as a random rock.

Spike came jogging around the corner, huffing and panting for air.

Beat rose to meet him, inclining an ear. "Do you need assistance?"

Spike waved her off. "No, just trying to help out." He pointed back at the city. "They sent me out here to find a changeling."

The rock muffedly squeaked, but Beat pointedly ignored that. "A changeling, huh? What would you do if you found one?"

Spike considered that, then shrugged lightly. "I guess tell my friends where he is?" He shook his head, dismissing the topic. "Is something going on? You sound... off."

Beat waved dismissively. "It's just, if it was a nice changeling, why do that? You could have a new friend instead. Wouldn't that be nice?"

"I, uh, mean, sure? Sounds nice, but I never met a nice changeling before." Spike shrugged with confusion clear on his face. "Why? You have?"

"Just one." She curled a hoof around the scared rock. "But you have to promise not to be mean to him."

"I promise." He held up both hands in surrender. "I'd like to meet him. A good changeling sounds like a nice thing to know." He sat down to wait. "So, when do they get here?"

The rock erupted in brief flames, becoming a changeling once more. "Hi," they squeaked out, nervous sounding.

Spike's eyes went wide. "Wow, you're really a changeling! Nice to meet you." He reached out and held out his claw. "I'm Spike."

Thorax looked from the dragon's claw, to his eyes, to the offered claw again before hesitantly shaking it with an outstretched hoof. "You shouldn't run around here. You might slip."

Spike laughed lightly at that as he slowly let go of Thorax. "That's fair. I guess that could happen." He smiled gently at the little colt. "Huh, not trying to catch us, or hissing or nothing." He turned to Beat. "Amazing, a friendly changeling!"

Beat nodded once. "Yeah. Amazing, isn't he? He's like us."

"Like us?" Thorax frowned lightly in confusion, looking between them. "You are metal, but he is not."

Beat leaned in to touch noses with Thorax. "But Spike isn't a pony. He's a dragon. We're all a little strange, compared to a normal pony."

Spike shrugged lightly at that, then nodded. "Yeah, I'm a dragon. Still a nice dragon, so maybe you're onto something, Beat." He gave a playful bow. "I would like to be friends with you both."

Beat clapped her metal hooves. "This is ideal. Our friendship circle grows. I wish we could convince the others that Thorax is harmless. Maybe then you'd be more comfortable around the city?"

Thorax shook his head quickly in answer. "No way. No way. That has to be a trap. They can't all be good like you two are."

Spike threw a thumb over his shoulder. "Well, they call me a hero. Maybe if I talk up for you, we can get them to give you a chance."

Thorax rocked in place. "Are you sure? Do they believe you that much?"

Spike puffed up. "Sure! I helped save the world lots of times, and the city once." But then he deflated. "Of course, I can't prove that." Spike reached up and rubbed over his horns. "Still, worth a try, right? You don't want to be hiding out here forever, do you?"

Thorax looked aside. "I mean, hiding isn't so bad." He turned away from them both. "But, I'd like to have real friends who could see me for who I am."

Beat pulled Thorax in close. "I accept you for your current status." She squeezed a little harder than she intended. "I request nothing but that you continue being yourself."

Thorax squirmed in place with a little giggle. "You're funny." He hugged Beat with both forelimbs.

The trio stood together, huddled under the safety of their tree. Spike broke the silence first, "So how do we start this? March in there and tell them they're wrong?"

Beat swiveled an ear with soft mechanical clicks. "That is unlikely to succeed." She considered the problem as Thorax snuggled against her side. "They need to see him for himself, but he cannot be recognized until he is trusted. A problem."

"What if you changed?" Spike waved over Thorax. "It's, you know, in the name. You can be whatever you want, right?"

"Um, mostly?" Thorax smiled nervously. "What do you think I should hide as?"

Beat tapped her hooves together with a clink each time. "We are already hiding. It is time to start something new."

Spike shrugged at that. "So, you want him to be really obvious? How's that gonna help?"

"We could ask someone who would believe us?" Thorax offered, but was unsure of it even as he said it. "I don't know, maybe there's someone who might give me a chance?"

Beat hopped to her hooves suddenly. "Your idea is excellent. We shall consult my parents. They are used to the idea of something that gives a poor first impression but is deserving of a second consideration."

Spike blinked at Beat as he tried to decipher that. "Oh! Because you're metal, they'll give Thorax a chance." Spike rose to follow. "Sounds good to me. I'd like to help, but it's not like they know me very well. You sure you can convince them?"

Beat lifted a hoof. "We will advance as a unit." She leaned in towards Spike. "You are his friend, as you are mine. Let us make our case, together."

Spike smiled up at her. "Right!" He gave a little salute with a claw. "I'll be right behind you both." As one, the group marched towards the city.

***

"I have a changeling here." Beat stood in the way, facing her parents. "They are of friendly disposition and amicable interactions have already been achieved. I would like them to be removed from the blanket status of changeling danger assumptions."

Tempo looked upon her daughter with some confusion, but a little smile was mixed in there. "You are making a large request. My sister was injured by a changeling."

Spike hopped forward, hands up. "I know, but just because one hurt her doesn't mean they're all bad. Thorax is harmless."

Thorax poked his head out from around Beat's legs, looking nervous. "Um, hello."

Blueblood leaned in, looking over the bug pony with suspicion. "And you want us to do what?"

Beat placed her hoof on her chest. "I would like Thorax to have the assumption of innocence. He should be able to make his own mistakes, instead of the assumed ones of his peers." She nudged Thorax forward towards her parents. "He is more scared of you than you are of him."

Tempo lowered her gaze. "We cannot guarantee everypony would feel this way." She let out a long breath. "However, we are not everypony. I will offer him a chance." She reached out with her hoof and raised the changeling's chin. "What is your name?"

Thorax swallowed thickly. "I am Thorax." He looked back at Spike and Beat before turning to Tempo and Blueblood. "It would be nice if you could give me a chance."

Blueblood reached out, as if not to be outdone by Tempo. To his surprise, touching Thorax didn't cause any immediate harm, and he slid in closer curiously to examine the insectoid pony. "I say. Well, hello, Thorax. I was given to understand changelings require a diet of—" He swallowed nervously. "Love, was it? How are you surviving?"

"Hungrily." Thorax shrank back a step. "I'm, uhm, doing my best. I dont' want to hurt anycreature."

Tempo nodded lightly. "This seems true enough." She raised an eyebrow towards Spike. "I am unsure what to think of this situation. What do you suggest we do now?"

Spike stepped forwards, waving a claw towards Thorax. "Well, um. I'm not sure how to make a changeling not hungry."

"I do." Beat pulled Thorax over into a fresh hug, much warmer in the confines of her house. "Can you be a metal pony like me? A colt?"

Thorax inclined his head left and right. With a rush of green flames, he became just like that, almost like Pulse, though there were subtle differences. "Like this?"

Beat drew the new fellow metal pony closer, hugging them tightly. "I could love that. Do you think that's enough, Spike?"

Spike considered this, then shrugged lightly. "I have no idea. Thorax, you'd know better. You getting anything?"

Thorax let out a happy sigh, getting a slow trickle of that sustenance he had been denied. "You really, um, even when you know I'm a fake?"

"You are not false." Beat bumped her head against his. "You are Thorax, and we are friends. You will not find me strange for being what I am, for you can be that too." She tapped at Thorax's metal chest, trailing her hoof along it. "I could love this."

"Y-you are." Thorax closed his eyes, focusing on the meal being offered to him. "Thank you."

Blueblood shrugged to Tempo. "What do you think, my dear? He hardly seems like a threat as he is." His tone softened a little. "Perhaps we simply keep an eye on him for a while, to be sure. If he becomes dangerous, we can decide then what to do about it."

Beat's metal ears dipped back. "He is my friend."

Tempo placed a hoof on Beat's back. "We are not doubting you. We are formulating a plan to share with the others." To Blueblood, she nodded. "Let us inform Cadance and Shining Armor. The search for the changeling is complete." She nodded towards Thorax. "Objective located."

Beat considered that, but accepted the answer anyway. "Very well."

"Would it help if we talk to them?" Spike waved a claw at himself and then Beat.

Blueblood looked to Tempo, who nodded. "You both should accompany us. You will be required character witnesses. Thorax, if it is not uncomfortable, remain in this metallic form."

Thorax looked down at himself, and then nodded once. "Alright."

"Good!" Tempo clapped once. "Let us go speak with Cadance."

Beat stepped forwards. "If she refuses, can we still be friends?"

Tempo quieted at that. "That will be complicated." Only a moment of hesitation. "Let us not fail."

Beat closed her eyes and nodded back. "I agree."

Thorax shuddered lightly, looking between them. "You don't need to do this for me," he said quietly. "Thank you, though."

Beat hugged her fellow metal being close. "I do not, but I want to."

"Me too!" Spike grabbed Thorax from the other side. "Look, I've been there. Ponies sometimes think things about me because I'm a dragon. It's never fun."

Thorax looked aside. "I... I can leave again. If it means that much trouble."

Spike shook his head firmly. "Nope! You are my friend now, and if you run away, I'll find you!"

Beat laughed at that. "Only if I do not locate you first."

Thorax slowly nodded, looking up at them both. "You two really are wonderful friends. Thank you."

Tempo and Blueblood shared a look as the children spoke.

Tempo nodded to her husband and turned. They all headed out onto the streets, headed for the palace directly. Most let them walk past, some nodding or even bowing as they spotted Tempo. One pony noticed something off. "You had a new foal?!" That got the crowd looking towards them with pleased surprise to see Tempo appeared to have a new metal foal with her.

Thorax looked away from their scrutiny. He didn't know why, but even in this form, he was still uncomfortable around these ponies.

A loud call of "Tempo!" brought all eyes to Cadance as she landed from a nearby rooftop. "Have you found... what's this?" Her eyes widened at the sight of the new metal foal. "I had no idea you were thinking of, and how did you?" She shook her head. "I'm not unhappy, but please explain."

Tempo closed the distance and hugged Cadance. "This is Thorax. He is my daughter's friend." Her voice dropped. "Thorax, show them."

He took a half step back, but Spike caught him with a claw. "Some explaining might help before we jump to that part."

Tempo pressed a hoof to her face. "You are correct. That was silly of me. Cadance, can we speak in private?" She glanced around at the crowd that only thickened with time around them.

Cadance followed Tempo's eyes to the crowd and quickly agreed. "Right." She turned, heading for the palace at a brisk trot. The others quickly fell in line behind her as she led them inside and up a flight of stairs. The crowd let out aws as they were left behind, unable to hear more of the gossip of nobility.

She led the way to a sitting room and gestured around. "Settle in, and let's hear what you have to say. I'm quite eager to hear it at this point."

Beat settled down on her haunches, the other metal colt beside her. "His name is Thorax, and he's nice. He just needs some love like me."

Cadance blinked once, then twice before shaking her head. "All ponies need some love, yes. But the way you say that implies there's more to it than a simple need for companionship."

Thorax took a nervous breath as he looked between all the eyes on him. With a rush of green fire, his form changed from metal colt back to changeling, drawing an immediate gasp of surprise from Cadance. "Please don't be scared." He shrank and curled.

Spike and Beat hurried to be between Thorax and Cadance in ready defense. Tempo just put out a leg between them and Cadance. "Thorax does not fit the standard threat level displayed of changelings. I am your defender. You do not require my defense from him."

Cadance looked at each in turn. "You are all in on this, I take it?"

They nodded as one.

She turned and looked down at Thorax, who was still cowering. She let out one broken laugh, a lone syllable. "It's hard to be properly angry, or scared, while he cowers like that. Poor thing, part of me wants to hug him and assure him everything will be alright. Another part wants to run screaming from the room." She shivered gently. "It's not the most pleasant of combinations."

Beat looked up, ears dipping back a little. "I apologize if our actions do not meet your expectations."

Cadance smiled to Beat. "We're all a little surprised, but that's hardly unusual when friends are involved." She coughed into a hoof. "I can see why you had him hiding as one of yours, sister. Still, that gave me quite the shock! Of all my relatives, you seemed like the least likely to suddenly show up with a new foal I wasn't expecting."

Thorax swallowed. "They, um, they said I shouldn't say anything. I'm sorry." His head dipped down. "I don't want to cause problems."

Spike patted his back. "Hey, it's working out, I think?" He looked to Cadance with a nervous smile. "So, uh, can he stay? He's really nice!"

Cadance nodded once at that. "I'm sure he is, and I believe you. That does leave one issue." She waved her hoof at Thorax. "He needs more love than he is getting now."

Beat pounced on Thorax with a crash of metal. "I can love him." She squeezed Thorax as if this proved her words.

Cadance laughed lightly as she looked between them. "I do believe that is true, but your love is that of friendship. A changeling wants a different sort of love." Her eyes went unfocused, looking into the realm of relationships. She could see Beat's frantic, almost desperate affection. "And yours is." She bit back her words. "I will explain that to you later, in private."

Thorax went limp in Beat's grasp. "You mean eating love? I don't want to hurt anycreature."

Beat squeezed Thorax again. "He can have mine." She looked over her shoulder at Cadance.

Cadance reached, not for Thorax, but Beat. "Niece, gently let Thorax breath. The poor thing does need to do that."

"Spike!" All eyes turned to see Twilight at the door, rushing in towards Spike. "There you are! You're late, we had to finish the search without you." She took several moments as she caught her breath, then noticed the changeling under Beat. "What? Why is there a changeling?"

Author's Note

Things are going a little differently, but largely the same. Beat finds a new friend, yay!

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45 - The Times, They Are a Changeling Part 2

Shining Armor was there, armor on and a frown worn. "Nopony panic, I'll take care of that changeling."

Spike pushed in between, wings up. "Whoa whoa! He's fine! Just hold off a minute." He looked over his shoulder at Thorax. "You can tell them your name, right?"

Thorax tried a smile, shaking with nervousness. "I'm, uh, Thorax. Hello."

Beat was still holding Thorax, clutching possessively. "He is nice. There is no reason for concern."

Shining Armor shook his head slowly at Beat. "I know you want to believe that. But, he could be hiding his true form." His frown deepened. "I hope you're wrong, because otherwise the changeling has been found."

Cadance elbowed her well-meaning husband. "That he is a changeling he isn't hiding." She took a slow breath. "But you want us to be alright with one. My own history with them is, shall we say, spotty at best."

Tempo corrected precisely, "Cadance was attacked and kidnapped by their leader, Queen Chrysalis. She almost ruined her wedding and tried to steal Shining Armor."

Cadance applied a hoof to her face. "Thank you for that recap."

"You're welcome." Tempo seemed blind to the sarcasm in that statement. "Thorax does not appear to be a changeling queen. I can present evidence."

Shining blinked at Tempo. "Evidence?"

"One." She tapped her metal hooves together. "They are male. Queens are not male. Two, the queen we encountered had several abilities, none of which have been used by Thorax. Probability of Queen, less than ten percent."

Cadance smirked gently. "I don't know changelings that well. Twilight, what do you think of this?"

"I think my little brother loves getting into trouble."

"Hey!"

Twilight made placating gestures. "Calm down. Putting that aside, Beat seems very certain of this changeling not being like the others we encountered. Spike agrees with her. As tempting as it is to judge all changelings, as you just admitted, we really don't know them that well."

Cadance nodded. "I'll allow Thorax a chance. Beat, please let him go."

Beat released Thorax, who gasped for fresh air.

Twilight stepped forwards, offering Thorax a hoof. "Hello, Thorax. My name is Twilight Sparkle. It is nice to meet you."

Thorax touched a hoof to hers. "Hello. You seem very important. Are you a princess too?"

Twilight laughed gently. "I am nopony that important. They just called me to help find, well, you." She pointed at him. "I think I found them."

Shining joined the laughter at that joke. "Good job, Sis. Look, um, if you're good, well, alright, but we'll have an eye on you."

Thorax smiled as he nodded. "That's fair." He looked around the group of ponies and dragon, then to Beat and Spike specifically.

Cadance stepped forwards once more. "Thorax, we have one problem still. That being the matter of feeding a changeling. They eat love, do they not?"

Thorax put a hoof at his chest. "I don't feel that hungry." He turned and hugged Beat back for a change of pace. "I am learning, a new way. Maybe friendship could be a different way for changelings to live."

Beat held Thorax close, rubbing her face against the top of his head. "Good friends." She seemed content with that.

Twilight nodded, taking a step towards Cadance. "They seem happy as they are, so I'm sure we can work something out."

Cadance let out a sigh, some tension fleeing her. "We found the changeling, and took it in. It would appear I've gained a new subject." She laughed with a bit of that tension still lingering. "A happy ending."

***

Twilight stood, regarding Thorax and Spike. They stood close, but Twilight didn't press the issue. Thorax had taken on the same shape as Beat, and Twilight could guess why. "Thorax, an important lesson, but you should not take the form of a specific pony without their permission." She focused on Spike. "And we need to get going back to Ponyville."

Spike nodded at Twilight, already feeling homesick. "Yeah, I miss it too." He nudged Thorax with an elbow. "You can come visit us, right?"

Thorax looked up at Spike with a big smile. "I can do that!" His eyes turned to Twilight. "I should be able to, if Princess Cadance gives permission, right?" Thorax turned to look at Cadance with his ears perked hopefully.

Cadance shook her head. "You don't need my permission to ride the train. As a citizen of Equestria, you can go wherever you want. But, if I can suggest, returning what you've learned to the changelings may be good for them."

Thorax's smile returned. "That's true. I'll have to visit home, someday. But, for now?" He looked between all the ponies in the room before turning back to Shining and Cadance. "I have so much to learn, and ponies patient enough to let me." He made a little bow towards Twilight. "Thank you." Turning again, he faced Spike. "And you too. Thank you so much!"

Spike wrapped an arm around Thorax, pulling him into a hug. "Any time, pal." He bounced away into a walk, leaving at Twilight's side. "Let's go home, Twi." He looked back and waved. "We'll see you soon! Bye!"

Beat closed in with Thorax, looking over that copy of herself. "I will miss having another metal colt."

Thorax smiled up at her. "I like this shape. I can be like you. I can be as loved as you are."

Beat sat back, stunned a moment. "I am loved?"

"By many." Thorax grabbed her in a hug. "By me, for a start. Thank you so much."

Beat held Thorax gently. "Well. I suppose it is my turn to request your permission."

Thorax blinked up at Beat, confused a moment. "For?"

"Friends should be able to share each other's shapes." Beat inclined her head.

Thorax rubbed behind his head with a metal tink. "But you're not a changeling. You can't change shapes, can you?"

Beat stamped a hoof, the metal ringing. "Not yet, but I have been learning from you. Let us practice this together."

Thorax laughed. "I'm glad you're happy, if a bit confused." Not that he wasn't looking confused himself.

Tempo trotted over and sat near Beat. "Do you have a function I was not aware of? Please show me."

Beat's ears fell back as she blushed. "I was trying to be dramatic about learning how a changeling shifts shape."

Tempo nodded. "But have you made progress? If this is an ability you have learned, even the start of, we should celebrate."

"Wait." Thorax tapped a hoof to his chest. "I don't understand. What are we talking about now?"

Beat spoke slowly, working the problem out. "I want to learn to turn into things like you can." She pointed at her mother, Tempo. "She has learned additional routines with age. I am trying to emulate her, by emulating you."

Tempo nodded quickly, bobbing their head. "Exactly. If she has discovered a new function, I want to cheer for her."

Thorax rubbed over his forehead. "It's a shape. I'm just doing what changelings do. I'm not sure it can be taught." He looked between them. "If that makes sense?" With a flash of flames, he was back to being changeling shaped. "See?"

"I can't change like that." She sat back. "I am built differently. But." She closed her eyes with clear concentration. Metal plates shifted to and fro within her, one large exterior plate withdrawing into her. She grunted, opening her eyes. "I will need more practice."

Tempo reached for the now-misfitting part of Beat. "You are learning step by step. I often learned all at once, but under duress. I like your way better, daughter. Take your time, and learn it well."

Beat hugged Tempo with a giggle. "Mother, you always support me." She nuzzled up against Tempo firmly, pressing her body close. "I will do my best."

Tempo kept her hug gently, rubbing Beat's head. "You are making me even prouder than I already was. Your brother will be excited to see this as well."

Thorax circled around Beat curiously, her and Tempo with them so close. "That's amazing. You're learning to do that, your way."

Beat looked down and gave a small nod. "Thank you."

Tempo rose slowly, releasing her daughter. "We should get home. I am sure your brother is concerned about you." She looked to Thorax. "Thank you for being her friend. She will see you tomorrow. Is this acceptable?"

Thorax nodded up at her with a smile. "That sounds good to me." He stepped forwards and hugged Beat's forelegs together again. "Tomorrow."

Beat patted Thorax's head gently as she rose. "Tomorrow. I would like to show you the school I attend."

Tempo pulled Beat away, giving a wave over her shoulder. "Tomorrow."

Thorax waved back. "See you tomorrow!"

Beat was quiet until they were on the streets, then turned to Tempo. "Did I do the right thing?"

Tempo looked ready to respond, but changed her mind on what words were correct. "What makes you reconsider your actions?"

"I was rude and disobedient. I am not mad at you, though." Beat looked aside. "I did it to protect Thorax. Is that good enough reason? Do you approve of what I did?"

"I will answer that." Tempo touched her daughter's cheek with her nosetip, the two clinking as metal touched metal. "But only after you answer it first. Do you approve of what you did?"

Beat considered that, her ears low. "He was afraid and alone. I could not let that go. And I was rewarded for my actions, so I think I did good." She looked aside with a sigh.

"I would agree with that decision." She bumped against Beat on the way past her. "Whenever I did what I could, I questioned myself as well. What could I have done better? What did I make worse?" Tempo looked back at Beat. "You will always ask, we cannot know. We must do our best, and proceed."

Beat closed her eyes, letting those words settle. "I understand." She opened them again and looked at her mother. "I am happy with the outcome."

Tempo nodded once. "Now let us return home."

The two strode side by side, content with things as they were for the moment.

It was evening before the rest of the metal family made it home. Tempo walked to her desk and stood there, a moment to consider. She turned to her children and nodded once. "Hello. I hope you are doing well today."

Beat approached. "Mother, I would like to go to the tree tomorrow."

"What tree?" Pulse trotted up alongside her, eyes alight with curiosity.

Beat blushed as she looked away. "I mean the tree that is my and Thorax's special place. We share our friendship there, and that is where he would go."

Tempo nodded once. "I permit this." She turned in place. "Your friends are yours, and you do not need to do this, but would you introduce him to Pulse? Perhaps you could all get along."

Pulse clapped joyfully. "Oh, please! I'd love to meet somecreature that you like. In return, I'll introduce you to a friend of mine?" He looked between his parents hopefully. "Could I take Beat out tomorrow?"

Beat hesitated. "Well, I mean. Thorax is great, but I don't think you two would get along as well as we do." She glanced away with uncertain feelings. "I met your best friend when we went camping."

Pulse shrugged helplessly. "You're right, she's not a colt. But, I've got friends who are boys! We can all go on a friendship date."

Beat considered this, then nodded once. "I am being unkind." She leaned in and Pulse went in instantly, the two touching noses with a little tink of their hides colliding. "We are siblings."

"And we love each other!" Pulse danced with joy about that being settled. "Quartz will love meeting you for real. You didn't have any chance to talk to them much when we were camping."

Beat smiled. "I would like that." She waved over her shoulder. "It is getting late, we should sleep."

"Agreed, Beat." Tempo nodded. "I have work tomorrow." She paused. "Though its nature has changed. Changeling hunting is surely terminated. I should report in to find out what my new task will be."

Pulse raised a hoof. "What about school?" He pointed at Beat. "We can't stay home when there's classes!"

Beat nodded once. "Yes. We are not truants."

Tempo laughed at her children. "You both know the way. You do not require my presence to go there." She waved them closer and hugged them when they got close enough. "Are you feeling lonely? My love is a routine that remains with you even while I am otherwise occupied."

Beat returned that embrace, Pulse joining in instantly. "I enjoy being near you."

Tempo nuzzled them both fondly. "And you are loved."

Pulse chimed in happily, "And I love both of you!"

With that all settled between them, the little ones made their way to bed at last. They still shared a bedroom, having less need for privacy than biological ponies might.

Tempo moved to Blueblood's side. "The day was very good, as well as busy. You should go to bed."

Blueblood laughed lightly. "Because you wish to use my chest as your pillow?"

"That is only one reason." She threw an arm over his back and drew him closer. "Mmm, you are warm." Even in the warm interior of the house, a living pony was always a little warmer still. "Our children are developing in wonderful ways. Did you see? Beat is gaining a new function. She wishes to change shapes like a changeling."

Blueblood considered this. "Does it work like that? She seems rather different, I think."

Tempo inclined her head. "I do not know. She may be merely emulating the behavior. If she wishes to learn, I am glad of it." Tempo leaned in against him, pressing her chest along his side. Her head came to rest on his shoulder. "I saw her adjust her outer shell and heard internal changes. With practice, I bet she'll manage it. I am so proud."

Blueblood reached up and rubbed gently at her neck. "As am I." He nuzzled at her gently, then pulled her closer with one hoof. "Let's get to bed."

Tempo patted him, then rose, him at her side. "Let's." Together, they walked leisurely to their own bed to retire for the evening.

***

The next morning arrived with the gentle sounds of birds singing in the trees just outside the house. Tempo was the first awake, and sat there quietly with her eyes closed, just enjoying the stillness. She had learned to treasure those moments of quiet, and was in no hurry to disturb them.

Still, she had an agenda. She rose, kissing Blueblood's cheek before she trotted into the living room, headed for the kitchen. She nodded at the children. "I am glad to see you both awake and ready. Have a nice day at school."

Beat rose and gave her mother a hug. "I love you." She looked aside with a smile. "We will be careful."

"Good." Tempo nuzzled Beat's face. "You should be able to manage." She waved Pulse over for a little hug as well. "I am off." She trotted right up to the door and pulled it open. Her head twisted as she looked back. "Good bye."

She trotted down the street, the city still waking around her. It was quiet, but little details told her all she needed to know. The ponies were relaxing, coming down from that guarded high. The changeling threat had been called off and their regular lives could resume.

She stopped as she spotted a young guard coming her way, one she'd never seen before. As they passed each other, he saluted her. She nodded to him in return, then continued on her way. With a soft sound of consideration, she went up the steps into the palace. She could hear Cadance already in court, speaking to somepony about something.

Instead of heading that way, she headed for the barracks. If nothing else, she could get some exercise and help maintain the weapons until she received new orders. The door swung open at her touch, and she stepped inside.

Shining Armor was there and brightened on seeing her. "Good morning!" He trotted over to her and offered a hoof. "I bet you'd like your new assignment?"

Tempo touched hooves with Shining Armor, then released him to stand at attention. "Affirmative. How can I assist Sister." She frowned, rewording that, "Princess Cadance."

Shining Armor waved a hoof through the air. "Easy peasy, just walk with me." He headed back out into the hallway. "Cadance wants Thorax to feel as welcome as we can make him." He leaned in, voice dropping to a whisper, "She also wants eyes on him. We can do both at the same time. Making sure he's happy means keeping him where we can see him."

Tempo nodded. "This is an excellent way to do both."

"I thought so, but she'll be happy to hear you agree." Shining Armor turned and tapped a hoof to his chest. "Your daughter's interest in Thorax may help us with this. We can't trust a foal for surveillance, but feel free to allow her to bring him home, where you can do your part, to make him welcome, and monitored."

Tempo gave another little nod. "Understood."

Shining Armor stopped, turning to face Tempo. He raised a hoof, rubbing under her chin. "We're not bad ponies, we just want everypony to be as comfortable as possible. And Cadance has good reason to be on edge about changelings." He laughed nervously a moment. "I was out of it for most of the time there were actually changelings swarming everywhere."

Tempo smiled at Shining Armor. "Affirmative, Sister's concerns are reasonable. I am going to guard my children." She frowned. "Are you having bad dreams because of your attack?"

Shining raised both hooves wardingly. "No! No. I, uh." He looked away. "I'd be more worried if Thorax was a ladybug."

Tempo inclined her head with precise clicks. "Changelings are not ladybugs. They are a different manner of insect, capable of shapeshifting and—"

"Wait wait, stop. You actually got me for a moment there." Shining Armor blinked rapidly at Tempo. "I meant a bug who is a lady, not an actual ladybug. Thorax is a guy. Bug. A stallion, instead of a mare. Bug. Get it?"

"I get it." Tempo nodded again. "Why are you concerned about female changelings?"

Shining Armor took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "Queen Chrysalis. I bet she's still out there, somewhere. Maybe even plotting her return." He rubbed at the side of his neck. "And, uh. She played me, and played with me. Those, um." He could see Tempo looked a bit lost. "You wouldn't understand. You're a mare, and you don't even have equivalent parts. She, uh, attacked me. It's, like a scar, but on the inside."

Tempo tilted her head. "Ah." She reached out to put a hoof on his shoulder. "I have been attacked as well."

He turned back, though that look was still in his eyes. "Maybe you do have an idea then. The outsides patch up, but the insides are more stubborn."

Tempo nodded again, slowly this time. "Correct. It is harder to deal with emotional trauma than physical."

He looked down a little. "I didn't expect to hear that from you." He bumped to the side against her tough frame. "I have to give my sister-in-law more credit." With a smile returned, he led her out onto the training field. "Here we are!" His horn glowed, a sword flying up from its resting place. "Since I'm here anyway." He tossed it to Tempo who caught the handle easily. "Let's see if you can catch me!"

The two began sparring energetically, sparks flying when the blades collided. Both were putting their all into it, confident the other could deal with what they were putting out. A small crowd of guards gathered, watching the two fight back and forth with determination burning between them. Cheers started to raise as they picked sides and rooted and stomped the ground. The entire world faded to the background, there was nothing but the fight.

Eventually, Tempo and Shining Armor called it quits, both breathing hard and looking exhausted, but satisfied. The crowd cheered in full at that point, seeing they were too matched for a real finish.

Tempo planted her sword in the ground and offered a hoof towards Shining. "Your swordsponyship continues to show improvement."

"Right back at you." He met her hoof with his own, a new wave of cheers going up for their good sport. "Now." He turned to the guards. "Why are you all watching us instead of doing the ten laps I want to see?!"

The guards scattered to start running.

Tempo nodded. "Good thought." She pointed herself to the south and took off like a rocket. Running laps was good practice.

Shining watched her go a moment. "Can metal ponies do aerobics?" His mind whirred with thoughts of how that would work before he gave that up with a little laugh. "She's an odd one, but still, a good friend, and sister."

Tempo performed 10 rotations, just as Shining had requested of the others. The exertion had her fans gently whirring to keep her temperature within acceptable limits as she headed inside, leaving the training field.

She stopped, sensing eyes upon her. She couldn't see anything out of place. "Identify yourself." Nothing changed. "You are being foolish." She started on her way again.

The world plunged into blackness in an instant. She closed her eyes, useless sensory input as they were and turned to other senses. New fans turned on as she began sampling the air around herself. Somecreature was there. It was neither a pony nor smelled like the changeling she knew of. She turned, eyes opening again. "Leave." A pause. "Do not come back."

The air returned to normal with a sudden rush. Tempo gave that some thought. Something didn't want to be seen or known. Shaking her head, she went straight towards the palace and joined the line of those who wanted a turn speaking to Cadance. A few minutes later, she stepped forth before Cadance and bowed to her princess.

Cadance gestured for Tempo to come closer. "I have heard good reports so far. Do you think your new task can be completed?"

"Shining Armor has briefed me, and I have accepted. I came with other news." She stepped up to whisper to Cadance, "Something else was here. It was not a changeling nor a pony. I was unable to discern its true nature. It appears to have darkness abilities. When asked to leave, it did. Perhaps it is nothing, but a report felt proper."

Cadance frowned lightly as she listened. As Tempo stopped, Cadance leaned back, considering this new information. "That sounds unpleasant." She gestured Tempo closer. "Can you keep an eye out?" She sighed gently. "We're asking you to watch a lot of things, sorry." She drew Tempo in for a proper hug. "You're the best sister I could hope for."

Tempo hugged Cadance back. "And you are the best sister as well." They released each other and Tempo turned. "I will continue my vigil." Her steps carried her away.

Cadance raised her voice after Tempo, "Do be careful. I wouldn't trade you away for anything."

Author's Note

Since this month is Double Month for this patron, we finished one arc and galloped head first into the next!

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46 - I Will Protect

Tempo wandered the streets of the crystal empire, not randomly of course. She had a very specific plan to engage in a precise search for dangers. There was no telling where the creature that had attacked her earlier could be.

"Tempo!" That came from behind her, a stallion with his wings beating hard. He landed before her as she turned and gave a salute. The pegasus was wearing the armor of a guard, giving away what he might be.

She saluted back to him. "What do you require?"

He took a scroll from his saddlebag and then produced it. "I have orders from Captain Shining Armor." He handed it off to Tempo, giving her a smile. "Good luck." He took right back to the air without pause, off to whatever else he had to do.

Tempo brought the scroll up, small manipulators reaching from her hooves to aid in the delicate task of unfurling and turning the scroll as she read it.

"Tempo," it read. "A guard claims to have seen something similar, please discuss with him and verify you both saw the same thing."

It included his name, a portrait, and where he'd usually be found. "Mission received." She trotted towards that place, the barracks where many such guards rested, at a good clip. On the way, she tucked the scroll away to put more attention on her movement. Soon enough, she reached the barracks and knocked on the door. It was opened by another unicorn mare who peeked out. "Where can I find," she checked the scroll, "Private Blue Moon?"

There was some chatter inside before a stallion was shoved from behind. Tempo had to back up to avoid colliding with the roughly ejected pony. "Your peers are not gentle." She inclined her head, not looking too surprised at that. "I was told you potentially encountered the same creature."

Blue Moon blinked at Tempo a few times before he shook his head, then smiled awkwardly. "Well, I saw something weird. And it sounds similar." He looked away suddenly. "I didn't realize it happened to anypony else."

"Let us verify." Tempo nodded once, looking completely sure of it. "Their appearance coincided with a complete loss of visual information. I was blinded. Did this occur to you?"

Blue Moon nodded. "It sure did!" He smiled at her. "What was that, anyway?"

Tempo's head tilted back and forth, uncertain as the rest. "I am unsure. I have only encountered it once. It had a voice, and could speak ponish. Did it say anything to you?"

"I didn't hear anything. What'd it say?" He leaned in, as if eager to hear the details.

Tempo frowned deeply at that, but gave her answer, "It demanded, 'Leave, do not come back.' It then departed. I did not feel endangered, but it clearly had the capacity for harm."

Blue Moon nodded at that, then pointed down the road. "It came from that way. Maybe we could look around, find out where it came from?"

"Let us begin the search." She folded one ear back, doubting it had lingered. "Are you certain it said nothing to you?"

Blue Moon closed his eyes. "Nothing at all!" He sighed. "I wish it'd talked. I don't have any clues but the direction it came from."

Tempo turned and looked down the path. "Then we proceed with the information we have. Whatever it is, it has control over ambient light levels, which is a danger by itself. It also has the capacity for language, meaning it has intelligence. It should be a target of investigation."

He blinked, surprised. "Is this like, a real thing? It felt more like a bad dream."

She put a hoof on his side. "What you saw was real. I was certain I was not asleep." Technically, she could skip sleeping entirely, but she at least knew when she was in idle mode or not. Her screen savers were less worrisome.

Blue Moon stood, smiling a little nervously. "Well then, I guess I can help out?" He waved down the street. "You go first?"

Tempo nodded to him. "Very well. But we will need to separate for ideal searching efficiency. I am not worried." She started off along the road, keeping a brisk pace up as she looked about for any details out of place.

Blue Moon followed behind, taking notes as he walked along.

She looked back over her shoulder. "If you follow me, our searching efficiency will be at least halved."

"Oh!" Blue Moon jerked, startled. "Right, well. I've got to go this way anyway. Don't worry about me!"

Tempo blinked once at him, then resumed her sweep, looking for anything out of the ordinary as she turned aside from the main road and down an alleyway. It was dark and gloomy, stuffed between two buildings. They were bright and cheerful from the street, but the light had a harder time pressing between the two, leaving a shadowy space that felt smaller than it really was.

The darkness closed in around her as she pressed deeper into it. Her ears twitched as she listened carefully, but there was nothing unusual to be heard. Until there was, "If you won't leave." She whirled to find the source of the voice, knocking over a bag of junk to crash to the ground. "I will take care of you first. You and your 'children' as if a toy could do that."

Tempo frowned. "Do not threaten my children." She stepped forward, head raised proudly. "I have not threatened you. Please, allow me to do my duty." She listened for a response. Nothing came. Agitated, she resumed her sweep and made a mental note that she had made contact a second time.

A few hours passed before she found herself back in front of the palace. There she sat, considering her options and possible ways forward. After a while, she rose and started into the castle.

A guard stopped her on the way in, eyeing her dubiously.

Tempo blinked at the guard. "Are you new here? I am Tempo, a hero of the city, sister of Cadance, princess of this city." Her head tilted in a slightly quizzical manner. "Do you require additional information?"

The guard smiled awkwardly, but nodded. He raised his voice to carry through the halls. "Can somepony vouch for this, uh, pony?"

Shining Armor appeared a moment later, nudging the guard aside. "Forgive him. I asked Celestia for some backup and they just arrived. They don't know the locals very well." He gestured to Tempo. "She's one of our greatest guardsponies, don't give her trouble." That said, he stepped back with a smile for Tempo. "Sorry about that."

With the obstacle removed, Tempo strode in as if nothing had happened. "I have a report for sister if she is available." She turned, looking to Shining Armor. "Your response?"

Shining Armor shrugged lightly. "You can go see if she's available. She's not holding court right now."

Tempo nodded once, then headed off to find Cadance. Entering the court, she saw Cadance speaking to a few guards. They broke up as she approached, leaving Cadance to close with her. "Sister! Always a delight. You look like you have something to share."

Tempo nodded once more, precise. "Affirmative. I have encountered the creature again, and it engaged with me in conversation. It indicated it did not want me here, and used insults. It posed no immediate physical threat, but implied potential future harm to my family. Do we know of any creature with light negation capabilities?"

Cadance thought about it. She sighed after a moment. "Not any I can recall." She looked at the door, thinking. "But maybe he did. Tempo, I grant you authorization to search—" She leaned in. "—Sombra's libraries. He may have a book or two on the topic. Sounds like something he would have a hoof in."

Tempo frowned lightly at that as she considered. "Very well, I will go search for the information." Her head tilted back up as she looked at Cadance. "The area is secure?"

"As it ever was. Only you and Shining Armor have access anyway." Cadance made a gentle shooing motion. "You won't find any books about it out here, I feel certain of that."

Tempo nodded and turned, trotting towards the door. It was labeled in big bold letters, 'Forbidden Books' as well as several warnings to keep out. She opened the door easily and went inside, closing it firmly behind herself. She reached up, which wasn't technically required, turning on her eye-lamps to spill two bright beams into the gloomy room. "This feels like an ideal habitat for the target. I should check." She began a search of the chamber.

***

It was evening before she exited again, carrying a small selection of books within her hooves. She had found no sign of the creature in question, but had located a collection of works that mentioned 'shadow ponies' as they seemed to be referred to, at least by Sombra, or those who had written it for him? "Sister, I am retiring for the evening, but will read these at home." She waved with the books.

Cadance blinked at Tempo, then nodded. "I hope they're useful, and informative." Her smile turned sad as she reached out to embrace Tempo. "I wish he hadn't been quite so evil."

Tempo paused, confused. "Sombra?"

"I can't do much about him." Cadance laughed at the idea of it. "I mean this new creature. I would rather make a friend, given the choice. But it seems to have chosen the opposite direction. You should be careful." She gestured with a hoof towards Tempo's face. "I know you're sturdy, but we don't know what that thing is capable of doing."

Tempo went in, touching noses with her. "I will protect you." An audible click came from within her. "I will protect my children in addition."

Cadance smiled warmly. "Of course you will. I have all the faith in you. And I'll be there as well." She sighed softly. "I just hate to think about this being another war."

"Error, a war involves many creatures. We have only encountered one. A war seems improbable." Tempo blinked at that. "But I will not allow harm to come to our city. You are safe with me."

Cadance laughed gently at that. "Okay, you win that one. Not a war. Now, go on home. I bet your husband's looking forward to seeing you."

Tempo nodded once. "Affirmative. And my children also." She waved with a forelimb before turning and making her way out of the palace. Trotting down the street, she passed several guards who saluted. She nodded to each, but didn't slow her lively trot through her front door. In the living room, she deposited her books in a neat pile. "Blueblood, are you present?"

Blueblood came from the bedroom, dressed only in a pair of loose slacks. "Welcome home. How did it go?"

"Progress made. I have several books to analyze." She wrapped a forelimb around him and pulled him close. The two shared a warm moment of contact.

He glanced around her towards the books. "I say, quite the collection you have there. What's the occasion? It's not our anniversary, is it?"

She released him, looking at the books herself. "They are not a gift. They are for work. But." She turned towards her stallion. "I would not forget important holidays. They are saved." She looked them up to be sure, sure that she had not forgotten any. "Today is a special day." He froze. "Because you are in it." He relaxed.

"Of course." Blueblood laughed. "You always have a good answer." He rubbed at her neck, the two standing close together again. "Oh, the foals told me to tell you they're going out with their friends tomorrow."

She processed that with a frown. "If you see them before I do, advise caution. A potentially hostile creature is within the city. Threat level: Unknown."

Blueblood's face fell. "What?" He backed a step with shock. "You don't sound worried." His head tilted. "Should I be?" He gestured to himself with both hooves, as if asking what he should do.

She turned and went right into her work. "The children should be fine if informed. I must have some amount of trust in their abilities. They have proven resourceful every time we've allowed them to be."

Blueblood nodded with some hesitation, his expression still worried. "I'll see that they know." He reached towards her back. "It's just a bit unsettling. I've become used to you protecting us all."

"I will attempt." She flipped to the next page. "That is why I am conducting research." She smiled when he made contact, but continued her reading. "I will protect us as best I am able. We will be safe."

Author's Note

Focus has settled fully upon Tempo, where it had started.

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47 - Family Assemble

Beat walked calmly home. It was late afternoon, darker than usual thanks to the time of year. She glanced aside at where Pulse would normally be, but he had trotted off with his friend, Quartz. She was on the way home, alone, for once.

As she approached a corner, she turned it. Her eyes opened wide when her vision suddenly plunged into darkness. She stumbled over her own hooves, falling to the street with a clank of metal on stone.

"Your dam doesn't listen well. You will suffer for it." The voice had no obvious source, omnipresent and just as malicious as it had been the day prior. The presence closed around Beat, pressing down on her like a heavy blanket. She couldn't see a thing and simply lay there, waiting.

The seconds turned to minutes, hours? She had lost track. All she could hear was the faint clatter of her own metal plates as she shuddered with growing fear. "What do you want? Are you going to attack me?" She was braced for that, waiting for it to come.

"Tell her. Tell her or this will get worse." The voice sounded louder, angrier. "You and yours are not wanted in our city. You are filth. We want you out, now."

She frowned. "I don't know what you're talking about." She raised a hoof to point, but she couldn't see it. That fact unnerved her, her hoof shivering before it went back down. At least she could feel the hard road beneath her. "We are very sanitary creatures."

The world plunged into light again and she sat there alone.

A moment later, Tempo came trotting up the road, turning the corner sharply. She spotted Beat sitting there and hurried to her side. "Hello Beat, why are you on the ground?"

Beat raised her head and looked up at Tempo as if just seeing her for the first time. "Mother. I have a report for you. Please allow me a moment to." She glanced away as she stood up properly. "It was—"

"Stop." Tempo threw a leg over her daughter and began walking home. "Do not force yourself. We are going home, and when you are ready, we may speak, if you wish."

Beat walked with her, looking up with surprise. "You're not worried?"

"Error, I am deeply concerned." Tempo glanced down at Beat, her eyes glowing. "I want to be certain you are ready to give your report. It would be rude to force you, and poor parenting. I do not wish to do either of those things. Focus on yourself until you feel ready."

Beat looked forward. "Okay. Thank you."

"Tempo, you are welcome." She paused. "I nearly forgot to ask. Have you had anything to eat since school? Are you still hungry?"

That got a laugh out of Beat. "Mother, we do not eat. That was a joke. It worked." She leaned against Tempo. "That made me feel better."

Tempo laughed back. "I had considered that possibility." She smiled at her daughter. "I am glad you approve. I have been studying."

They arrived home a few minutes later. Pulse was sitting around the living room, reading a comic book of some kind. "Hey Beat! How was the walk? Mine was good." He paused, then closed his book and sat up. "Why are you and mom walking like that?"

Tempo waved downwards. "Calm. Beat is unharmed but mentally rattled. Let us provide a safe and quiet place for her to decompress. Mother will handle everything."

Beat walked along with Tempo, not arguing the matter.

Pulse nodded, looking worried, but he didn't press. "Okay." He sat on the couch, waiting quietly to find out what was going on.

Tempo led Beat to her room and saw her inside. "Father is home. Do you wish to speak with him?"

Beat perked at that. "Actually, yes. Please send him."

Tempo gave one of her little nods. "He will be here soon." She turned and headed into the living room, looking towards Blueblood. "Please go speak to Beat."

Blueblood started with surprise. "Oh! This is the first time she's called for me in need." He stood as tall as he could. "I had best put my best hoof forward and help our daughter." Without delay, he marched to Beat's room and knocked on her door.

"Beat, dear, are you there?"

"Yes," came the muffled reply.

Blueblood chuckled quietly to himself. "May I come in?"

"Yes." It was the same tone, as if somepony had just played the same record twice.

Blueblood pushed the door open to see Beat laying on her belly on her bed. He closed the door behind himself. "How can I help you, dear daughter? Tell me and I will do my utmost."

Beat rolled over to face him, then sat up slowly. "I need comfort and hugs, but also a proper explanation for some things."

He nodded gravely to her. "I will give what I can." He trotted to close the distance and sat beside her bed. Reaching over, he pulled her heavy metal frame across the soft covers to give her a proper hug. "I am always ready to give a hug to the ponies I adore, you being one of them. Now, what question is it that you're eager to ask?"

Beat nuzzled against him for a moment before sitting up properly and facing him. She looked him right in the eyes. "We are made of metal and other materials, not biological matter. Why do we act like biological entities? You call me your daughter and I call you father. We're very different."

Blueblood's expression went sad as he nodded. "I suppose that's true."

"So why do you call me daughter?" She inclined her head a very precise amount. "I am not the product of any biological function on your part."

"Now that isn't true." Blueblood shook his head. "We, your mother and I, both wanted dearly to have foals. We worked hard to have you. We may have had some help, but our own work is a part of you. Would that not count as a 'biological function', dear daughter? Beside that, even if it weren't true, I took you as a daughter, and so a daughter you will remain until and unless either of us were to disown the other. I shudder to imagine what would drive either to such an action."

Beat's gaze softened at that and she leaned in to hug him again. "Thank you. I accept your reasoning."

Blueblood smiled and hugged her right back. "You're welcome." He paused to consider for a moment before he spoke, "Is there anything more I can do for you?"

Beat sat quietly a moment. "I do not understand." She placed a hoof on Blueblood's chest. "I felt fear. It was not fear for another, but for myself. I felt as if I were lost, and the thought of not seeing you or mother or Pulse again, it made me shake and lose all my thoughts. I am metal. Why did this happen?"

Blueblood considered that. He rubbed a hoof over Beat's back gently as he did. "Well." He hesitated. He had to get this right. "It is a natural reaction. Everycreature feels fear, it's how our bodies tell us something is dangerous." He tapped a hoof to her metal snoot. "Before you cut me off, I know your body isn't living, but you want to keep existing, as do the rest of us. You felt fear because you weren't sure if you would keep existing as the thing you are now."

He huffed gently. "But, since you said that, could I ask what happened? I would know what threatened my foal in this way. Terribly rude, to start."

Beat frowned. "I saw nothing. Just heard a voice, but it was as if it came from everywhere at once."

Blueblood nodded slowly. "It may have been what your mother spoke of earlier. I will tell her." He squeezed Beat, unable to force her body to compress, but the attempt seemed appreciated. "You just relax. You can come out when you feel like it, okay?"

Beat nodded at him. "Agreed." She reached up and patted his cheek. "I appreciate your help, father."

He returned the gesture, smiling warmly. "I am glad that I can help my wonderful daughter in such dire times."

Rising to his hooves, he walked from her room, pausing only to open and close the door behind himself. He meant to turn towards the living room, but Tempo was right there. He jumped with surprise. "You can be surprisingly stealthy at times, beloved."

"I heard what she said." She turned to look into the living room, spotting Pulse and gesturing him closer. "Assemble children," she told Blueblood.

He blinked. "I just told her to come out when she was ready. I'll fetch Pulse at least."

Blueblood hurried into the living room to find Pulse hadn't moved very far. "Well, that was simple at least. Mother wants to talk to us."

Pulse looked up from his book. "I am ready to hear from her." He abandoned the book. "Father, while we wait for her, I want to show you."

"Show me?" Blueblood approached with a warm smile. "Please, I'm watching. What do you have?"

Pulse smiled warmly at his father. He closed his eyes, and then his entire frame shifted, shrinking until a very small, white scaled dragon sat in his place. His eyes opened again, glowing a gentle blue. Sure, that dragon was just as metal as he usually was, but he was a dragon-shaped golem instead of a pony one. "Ta da!" He had the same voice as well.

Blueblood blinked rapidly as he stared down at the little dragon. "Oh!" He grinned widely. "That is incredible, son. I hadn't realized you could do that."

The dragon puffed out its little chest, sitting tall. "I have been practicing that routine. I have dragon, filly, stallion, pegasus colt, and snowflower."

"That's an impressive collection!" He reached down and gave Pulse a gentle rub on the head. "I bet you've worked hard to get those forms right."

The little dragon preened, smiling up at Blueblood. "It was hard to get right, but I am proud of my progress. There are still errors." He spread his new wings. "I cannot fly, even when I have wings. Shouldn't I be able to?"

Blueblood sat next to Pulse. "I'm no expert in such things." He hadn't studied much about aerodynamics at all, really. "But you are heavier than those things." He reached to push Pulse a little, confirming the foal was just as heavy, no matter his form.

"Mother can fly, so why can't I?" He frowned. "I want to learn how. It would help with my goal of seeing as many things as possible."

Blueblood chuckled gently at that. "Well, that is a good question. I imagine one only mother could answer. She is the one that figured out how to do it. Ask her nicely, after she tells us what she plans to."

"Family Report." Tempo marched in with determination. "A dark creature does not desire my presence and is willing to attack my family to make this opinion clear."

Beat walked in, taking a seat on the other side of Pulse from Blueblood. "I was attacked by it. I heard it, but saw nothing." She shuddered and Pulse leaned over to give her a hug. She returned it, though her eyes were on Tempo.

"I must find it so I can question it. This is my top priority now. Expect me to be out most hours." She paused as she looked between the foals. "You are not to leave or return to the house without company. Make a request from the teacher to walk with you. It is a short distance."

Pulse frowned. "That sounds inconvenient, mother. Isn't there another way to keep us safe? I am fine with walking to and from school as a group. I just do not like this thing out there at all."

Tempo nodded resolutely. "Which is why my hunt will grow in intensity. I will not tolerate this, nor will I surrender to it."

Author's Note

Metal Family, assemble! They are all very aware of the problem, but can they locate it?

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48 - The Hunt Begins

She marched through the streets. Her first instinct had been to perform meticulously precise lines, but she had already tried that to little result. She was a robot. She was more than a robot or a golem. Tempo began going in new directions at unplanned times, looking where she knew she should not, when was illogical to do.

Tempo was more than the first instincts of her manufacture, and she would tolerate the shadowy menace no longer. The city streets were her home. She knew it intimately from her constant patrols. The guards that saw her offered salutes as they went about their duties. She ignored them. She wasn't on patrol, but a hunt.

There. Some of the darkness in an alley she would have ignored stirred. With hastening hooves, she approached it with determination to find out what it was, and what it wanted. "Reveal yourself."

The darkness laughed at her, a rumble like a distant thunderstorm. It swirled and then rose into a vague pony shape. "I had thought you without emotion for a time, but you've proven me wrong. To me delight, I note."

"I did nothing for your benefit." Tempo frowned at the shadow in the form of a pony. "What are you?"

"I am fear." The shadowy thing flowed to Tempo's side. "Uncertainty. A heart thundering in your chest, knowing your doom is—"

Tempo threw out a hoof, discorporating the smokey shadows for a moment. "A name would suffice."

The darkness laughed again as it reformed into a pony shape. It began circling Tempo, like a hungry beast might have. "I am Nocturne." The darkness bowed low. "And I will not leave simply because a toy tells me to do so."

Tempo sank to her haunches with a metal tap on the ground. "I am no toy. I am a hero of this city and its ponies. Your threat will not be tolerated."

"And how do you imagine you will fight against a nightmare? You cannot bring physical harm to fear." The darkness drifted to stand in front of Tempo. It loomed large, then shrank small, changing at random intervals, always shifting.

Tempo considered that. "You do not scare me. That is the first step to mastering a nightmare."

"Oh, but I do. Your child scared nicely, and I will visit her again, perhaps, after we finish this little talk?" The laughter seemed to come from all around Tempo, dark and unsettling in nature. "She'll enjoy that, surely."

Tempo stepped firmly forward, coming right to the edge of the shadow pony's shape. "You will not harm my family."

"I will do as I please. You cannot touch me." The shadow pony raised a hoof and tapped it against Tempo's side. "But I can touch you. It hardly seems like a fair exchange. If you won't leave, simply stay out of my way. This city belonged first to my kind, and it will again. That is justice. Surely you, hero, understand justice."

"Sombra was a villain. Your people are gone, leaving behind only ruins to a dead society. My children are in the here and now, as am I. This is our home." Her head turned to look the shadow pony right on. "Cease your unlawful activities." She felt things stir within her. "Defense mode initiated."

The shadow paused with confusion. "You were not already defending? What is the difference?" The pony shape faded back into a swirling mass of darkness. "And I will not cease my 'unlawful activities' until you leave, one way or the other."

Her eyes became beacons of light as hatches moved to reveal her weapons for use. "You are a threat to Cadance. This is unacceptable." With each word, more light spilled from her with additional weaponry moving into position, all trained on the shadow even as it swirled about.

"I see." The shadows laughed at her, a cruel sound. "But I remain unafraid. You can't harm me with your weapons. Your threats are hollow. Empty. A toy, pretending to be real." Their words proved to be false as a thin laser pierced the shadow and it evaporated instantly, to not reform.

Tempo huffed at where it had been. "False." She stomped a hoof with clear irritation. "Where is your true body? I will locate it." Her hunt resumed, weapons sliding away, her eyes dimming as her search mode reactivated.

***

"What did you say this thing was called again?" Cadance asked, holding up an old book. It pictured a pony made of shadows, the caption reading 'Nocturne.' "This?"

Tempo perked at the label. "That is the name they used. What does the book say?"

Cadance turned the book back to herself and made soft noises as she read quickly. "It says the umbrum are terrible shadow creatures that feed on fear and terror, much like the changelings feast on love. Their natural form looks either harmless or terrible." She flipped to the next page and showed it. On the left was an innocent enough looking shadow pixie. On the right was a pony made nightmare, with skin peering in unnatural places to reveal terrible wounds that didn't seem to bother it.

Tempo nodded at the information as it was given. "They are only vulnerable when they take corporeal form."

"That's what this book indicates." She looked up. "Have you had any luck finding it?"

Tempo tapped a hoof on the ground. "I know what works against their shadow illusions. I have not located their physical form, but I will. Advise the guards of the situation."

Cadance closed her book. "I will. And Tempo," Cadance paused with concern, "Please be safe. I would hate for you to be harmed."

Tempo smiled gently at her. "I will defend." She closed with Cadance to touch noses, metal to flesh. "I will keep you safe."

Cadance returned the fond nuzzle. "Keep yourself safe too, all I'm asking. I don't want you throwing yourself away for me. Very romantic, but I'd cry way too much. Neither of us wants that."

"Understood." Tempo withdrew and turned. "I must go to the public school. The children are about to be released from their educational facility."

Cadance nodded, waving. "I will inform the guards as promised."

She marched from the room even as she replayed that conversation in her mind. She had been a little too mechanical at times. "This is getting to me." Golem or not, the threat to those she cared for was wearing on her, just displaying in uniquely automaton-like ways. "I will conclude this."

Tempo arrived at the school as the children came out. Beat and Pulse were the last to exit, both waving to their teacher.

The stallion called after them, "Have a good day!"

Both were surprised that Tempo was already there, but rushed her the moment that passed, each wrapping around a forelimb.

"Hello," they chorused. They looked up at her with wide eyes.

"You look like something's wrong. Are you worried?" Pulse's eyes had shifted from their normal blue to red. "Can I help?"

Beat nuzzled in at her mother. "If we can, we want to. We're your family too."

Tempo considered the odds, imagining different scenarios where her children attempted to move against Nocturne. "I appreciate your willingness, but the chances of your injury are too great to allow that course of action. You will proceed as normal. Do not go anywhere without company and be aware of what's going on around you. You should not be hurt." She pulled her foals into a hug. "Let us return home."

The two grumbled at being shot down, but followed after her. Pulse skipped ahead. "Mother, I learned a new trick. It's the same trick, but I'm getting better. Watch." With the sound of metal sliding along and against metal, his form changed quite dramatically. False fur rose up on sheets and soon he was almost a normal pony, if one didn't look too closely.

Beat blinked with surprise. "Oh, you got so good at it! I need to keep up my practice too!" She smiled at Pulse. "Do you think you could teach me how you're doing that?"

Tempo shook her head at Beat. "That is Pulse's unique programing. I am uncertain you can replicate it. However, you will develop your own, I feel certain. We will be just as jealous of where your life leads you."

Beat's face lit up and she hurried over to hug Tempo again. "I didn't realize I was getting my own programs! That is amazing. What do you think it will be, mother?"

Tempo kept an arm around either of her children, one fuzzier than usual. "I cannot say. All I know with certainty is that it reaches to fill a need that you feel deep inside. I wanted to protect, so badly. My program is to protect. Pulse wants to fit in, to understand the life that his many friends lead. His programming adapted."

"I just want to help." Beat sat back, looking thoughtful. "How could I help?"

Tempo laughed softly. "It'll come naturally. The first time mine triggered, I was so confused. But, in that moment, I knew what it was and I used it. I defended your aunt." She thought back to the first time she entered defense mode, fighting the changelings. She waved at their home as they arrived at it. "Complete any homework tasks given to you."

Beat grumbled and walked over to a pile of books, taking some out and carrying them off. Pulse waved after her. "I'll leave you alone so you can concentrate. Mom, I did have a question though."

Tempo closed the door behind her with a smooth and precise motion of a hind leg. "I will answer to the best of my abilities."

Pulse's eyes dimmed. "I want to be useful, mom. Do you think we could do something special? I'm getting better with my shapeshifting." He puffed out his chest. "I can pretend to be a normal pony and be an appealing target."

Tempo did not have a heart that beat in her chest. Still she felt it tighten at the thought of Pulse putting themselves in direct harm's way like that. "That is a dangerous idea. You could become—"

"It's just scary." Pulse extended a metal tongue. "Beat got scared. I won't be, because I know you're there. No matter how dark it gets, knowing my mother is there is all the light I'll need."

Tempo looked at him with confusion. "That is a terrible pun, but your words warm me. What do you suggest I do?"

"I can look like a filly and play somewhere in town." Pulse changed to assume the form, becoming smaller than Tempo would have figured was possible. "Like this." He even sounded like a filly, though the hints were there. It was as if Pulse were a filly, rather than a new filly created from nothing. "I'll go somewhere all alone. It'll be too tempting."

Tempo ran through a series of likely outcomes, the most obvious of which was a simple 'attack.' She began running simulations on what the Nocturne might think and do, watching as she won again and again. "The only difficulty is winning against their true form." She clacked her teeth together. "I will take a high position. You will need to be brave as I locate the true form that controls the fake. Then we win."

Pulse jumped in excitement, his mane bouncing behind him. He rushed over and threw himself against Tempo with a resounding clack of metal. "I can't wait. Let's go, let's go!" Despite appearing and sounding like a filly, they were still metal on the inside and weighed as much as they always did.

Author's Note

Little shapeshifter, will you be key to attacking Nocturne for real?

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49 - Big Problems

Tempo sat atop a roof, looking down on the glittering city below. She scanned the streets for any sign of the shadow pony. Her eyes dimmed as her systems recharged, preparing for what would hopefully be the final battle against the Nocturne.

Below her, within her scanning range, Pulse frolicked and danced on a playground. As actors went, he was far from an expert. They played with each thing they came across only briefly, but each thing earnestly, like a foal that had just learned of the wonders of a playground. Tempo wasn't sure if it would fool Nocturne or not, but had no immediate secondary plan in mind. Her children were brave and she wanted to respect that. Even when she feared their safety.

Pulse paused as their senses alerted to darkness. He turned to look right at the dark cloud as it approached from behind. The shadow didn't gather, instead spreading out wide and snuffing all light from around Pulse. He felt fear, knowing he was being attacked, but confidence welled all the same, knowing his mother was watching, and wouldn't let him get hurt.

Nocturne's voice whispered through the air. "A new little foal. Are you afraid of me?" The darkness swirled and shifted like a living creature, its own eyes glowing from the center of the cloud.

"Y-yes." At least partially true, and partially a lie. "Who are you?" Pulse circled in place with wide eyes. "Mom said not to talk to strangers." That wasn't true, but it sounded good and foal-like. Pulse was trying his best.

"Smart filly." The darkness shifted around, almost as if it were considering. "But you are afraid of me. You cannot fight fear."

Pulse's eyes glowed as he looked at the darkness. "I don't have to. I'm not alone. Mom!"

Nocturne laughed, the sound coming from all around Pulse, unsettling the metal.

Tempo wasn't there. At least, she wasn't about to bounce down on what she knew to be a false Nocturne. She was galloping with a steady metal cadance that carried her onwards towards something she could barely sense.

Nocturne spoke, but not to her. "Mommy can't hear you. She doesn't know where you are." It laughed again. "I am going to scare you, then I'm going to devour you." The words dripped with malice. "There will be nothing left, perhaps save a bloody hoof abandoned here."

Pulse's face scrunched up. "You can try! You'll learn your place, monster." He felt fear and let it show. He was scared of the shadow pony, but he knew his mother would be there. He just had to be strong long enough.

Tempo slowed at a corner and glanced around. She turned to an alleyway and approached a dumpster that seemed completely unremarkable, at first glance. She reached out with one hoof and grabbed it, the shadow that was a little too thick in just one place. The darkness around Pulse evaporated as Nocturne woke from their remote work abruptly.

"You!" Nocturne scrambled to their hooves with a scowl. Unlike the shadow they had made, the true one was emaciated, the shadowstuff that made it up somehow scrawny despite its weakly billowing nature. "How?!"

Tempo snorted. Her eyes lit up. "You are not well. You will be returned to where you came from."

Nocturne scowled. "I will not be!" Nocturne shoved against her, but Tempo was a heavy pony. "I must succeed, and you must leave."

"I will not be," echoed Tempo. "You require assistance."

"That won't work." A new voice. Soft metal steps trotted towards them. A glance showed Tempo's other child, Beat, closing quickly. "They're scared."

Nocturne turned to face the new arrival as she approached. "You cannot scare me." Their tone had softened, but it was no less angry.

Beat stood beside her mother. "I'm not here to scare you." She offered a hoof. "I'm here to listen." A little smirk spread on her snout. "I've become something of a greeter of creatures the city can't accept easily. I can help you with that. I'd like to know more about you."

Nocturne peered at her suspiciously. "Why are you so eager? What's your true motive, little doll?"

"I'm still growing." Beat didn't argue being a doll, even looking proud of it. "I am not a normal pony. You are not either. We have more alike than you might think."

Nocturne frowned, then reached out and accepted the hoof bump. "You know what I am? I'm a creature that feeds on fear. If you take that from me, I'll die."

Beat grabbed Nocturne, drawing the shadow creature closer. "The last friend I made fed on love, and thought the same thing."

Tempo tapped at Beat's side. "I am proud of your progress, but why are you here?"

Beat rolled her eyes. "Because you two forgot who started learning that trick that Pulse stole out from under me. Ugh." Where Beat was, there was Pulse, though speaking with Beat's vocal hints as she had changed to look at him. "Look at me, imitating my sister's trick because I couldn't find one of my own!" She huffed. "So, we can talk?"

Nocturne frowned, glancing between the two robots that stood on either side of her. "Why?" She turned and began to walk away. "This is foolish and I will not participate." She paused. "How did you do that?"

Beat followed after Nocturne. "Curious? I'll show you if we can talk." She reconfigured to her usual self with soft sounds of metal sliding smoothly against metal. "You haven't been eating well and you're sick. I think you're the one that's really scared right now. Am I wrong?"

Nocturne stopped in place, looking up at Beat. Nocturne looked like an angry pony, but one made from shadow and with a long tongue flickering out from between its teeth. "You presume to know me?"

"I would like to." Beat glanced back at her mother, watching on quietly. "I would like to listen more, and speak less. Will you talk to me? If you still want to leave, I won't stop you then, if mother agrees. I just want to know you better."

Tempo spoke up. "I agree to this. You are safe." She leveled a hoof at Nocturne. "But you will not haunt the ponies of this city, especially not family of mine."

Beat moved to place herself in the way, so Tempo was less visible. "Maybe you need to do a little haunting. Tell me? I am listening."

Nocturne glanced between Beat and Tempo before glancing away with embarrassment. "Very well. I am new and scared. The city is different, and I don't know how to eat."

Beat inclined her head with soft clockwork ticks. "How do you not know how to eat? Haven't you before?"

Nocturne swatted at Beat, but there was no force behind it. "When my own mother was around." They sank miserably to their belly. "They were showing me. It felt like ages ago, and she's gone now." The shadow thing didn't seem able to make tears, but it sounded like crying all the same.

Beat sat beside the shadowy creature. "I can relate more than you might think." Her eyes shined in the darkness. "Sometimes it feels like I'm alone too."

"You have a mother." Nocturne pointed at Tempo. "She's right there!"

Beat nodded slowly. "Yes. I do. And so do you, if you want."

The darkness paused. "How would I do that?"

Beat leaned forward. "We'd adopt you."

Tempo narrowed her eyes at that. "Do not make proposals for other ponies without their permission."

Nocturne rose to their hooves and stepped over to Tempo, looking up into her eyes. "You're offering me to join your family? I tried to eat your children! That's what I am!"

Tempo calmly met Nocturne's heated gaze. "I have made no such offer."

Beat grabbed Nocturne from behind, pulling that shadow pony into a hug. "I did. Even if the rest of my family says no, I'll adopt you as a little sister. I never had one of those. All I have is a brother, and I'd like a sister."

Nocturne sank into Beat's grasp. "This doesn't change anything. I still need to eat. If you want me alive, you'll have to help me eat."

Beat looked at her mother with an arched brow, silent a moment before she hugged Nocturne all the same, as if that young mare of nightmares was far cuter than worrying. "We'll figure it out, together."

"You make it sound so easy." Nocturne pushed, but not very hard. She was being held, and she was mostly capitulating to the advances. "There's nothing easy about this."

"I'm saying I will put effort into it." Beat nuzzled her maybe nightmare of a sister. "And listen. Are you hungry, right now?"

Nocturne glanced up at her. "How can you even ask that? You've seen me, emaciated and weak. Of course I'm hungry."

Beat nuzzled her new little sister again. "Then we should feed you." An idea lit up with her eyes. "Have you tried eating pony food? I know that is not what you are used to, but have you at least tried?"

The shadowy mare huffed gently and squirmed out of Beat's grip to stand beside her. "No, it wouldn't work."

Beat rose to her hooves. "Do not make assumptions. Maybe it would, and maybe it would not. We won't know until we try. My aunt has a lot of food, and I bet she'd share some if I asked her. Would you like to try? Even a bite?"

Nocturne turned to look at her. "Why are you helping me?"

"Because I think you're in need." Beat smiled warmly. "Because I think you would make a nice friend, once we get to know you." She pressed a hoof to Nocturne's nose. "And don't scare me like you did that other time. That was rude." She stuck out her metal tongue. "But I forgive you. It must have been frightening."

The shadow mare nodded. "It was. I was so scared. I thought I couldn't live without scaring others. I don't know what to do. I haven't seen another of my kind in ages." She stomped in place. "It isn't fair! It is the umbrum's job to be the source of fear, not the one that feels it! You should all be quaking before me!" Her teeth clacked together angrily as she glared at the world in general.

Beat shook her head sadly. "You are small and cute, Nocturne. Is that what an umbrum does?"

Nocturne wheeled on Beat. "An umbrum is terrifying! We scare all that behold us! We—" She flinched back at Beat touched her cheek. "What are you doing?"

"I think you cried." Beat turned her hoof to examine the bit of moisture. "I'm sorry. I would like to help, how can I?"

Tempo stepped beside them. "Come along. We will return to the castle. We can discuss our options from there. Come now, foals." Tempo gestured and led the way back towards the Crystal Castle.

Nocturne watched with surprise and a touch of anger at having been called a foal.

Beat threw a leg over Nocturne, guiding her along. "Everything smaller than her is a foal." She leaned in closer. "I think it's a bug in her programming." Beat snickered at the idea. "But I am a foal, and you are my little sister."

"I am your older sister." Nocturne huffed at the idea. "I'm thousands of moons older than you."

"Even better." Beat hugged Nocturne to her side as they walked through the streets of the city. "We can both learn together." Beat gave Tempo a worried look. "What if this doesn't work out?"

Tempo stuck out her tongue at Beat. "This was your idea. I will support you, but do not act as if it wasn't."

Beat chuckled at her mother. "Yes. You're right." She turned to look at Nocturne. "I hope we can find a solution for you."

"I hope so too. If not, maybe I won't be a bother to anyone anymore." Nocturne looked away. "Perhaps that would be a victory for you."

"Stop that." Beat drew Nocturne in closer as they walked. "It's not a victory until we all get to look back at all this and laugh about it."

Author's Note

Nocturne doesn't seem entirely opposed to being a sister, but she calls dibs on being the older one.

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13 - Chaotic Touches, Part two

The ground shivered as hedges manifested outside. Discord seemed to have no particular issues being in more than one place at a time. "Now, as I was saying." He was also near them, hovering and leering. "I don't think it's fair that they get to play, and you don't. Hardly fair at all..."

Tempo huffed at him. "I doubt they are 'playing'. They've come to defeat you."

"And they're doing a terrible job of it." Discord puffed at his chest with a sneer. "But they sure are trying, poor things. Back to you!" He pointed at her firmly enough to poke her on the end of the nose. "Let's have an argument!"

Blueblood rolled his eyes at that. "I'm uncertain we've ever stopped that, foul sir."

Tempo stomped a hoof. "You are the only source of irritation in the day."

"Now that's not true." Discord floated on his back in a lazy circle. "You have as many questions as I do... Let's do a test! How much do you two truly love one another, hm?" He snapped his fingers, and the nature of the castle around them writhed and flowed, seperating them from one another swiftly. "This should be fun."

Blueblood called for her in suddenly hostile and gloomy hallways, but saw no sign of Tempo. "Where is she..." Seeing no way but forward, he started down that corridor. "Dreadful thing, drawing us apart physically, but not in here." He put a hoof to his chest with a nervous smile. "I'll find you, dear, wherever you've gone to..."

Tempo was far more methodical. Examining the room, she swiftly saw there was only one exit and began down it with an angry snort but firm steps. "When I find you, I will..." She trailed off that threat, coming upon a brightly lit, and large, room with untold many ponies in it, watching her suspiciously.

They were all dressed like nobility, but there was no warmth there, only cold mistrust. "What is this?"

"That's our question," huffed out the closest mare. "What are you, and why does Celestia play favorites with a doll? Considering where you came from..."

"They should have just burned you," added a stallion. "And thrown what's left in the trash where you belong!"

Tempo halted mid-step, recoiling as if physically struck. The ballroom of elegant pony nobility stared back at her with such overwhelming scorn that she fought the instinct to flee.

Then outrage blazed up, scorching away her shame. "You...you all know nothing of me! Where I come from bears no weight on who I become..."

Her voice wavered slightly. They knew her secret - or enough to piece together sinister implications. Still she raised her head defiantly. "Princess Celestia welcomed me as kin. My own merits lifted me to royalty this day!"

Tempo stamped a hoof, magic flaring like a sunrise around her. "If my beginnings offend oh so righteous sensibilities, know too I chose compassion over cruelty at every turn since!"

The silent herd of judging eyes bore down, so many shadows of past fears given form to haunt her ascendance. Still Tempo refused to waver before their wordless disgust.

"I renounced wicked paths and fought for the light..." She trembled, glaring back fiercely. "Does overcoming darkness not make one noble too? Or do you simpering sycophants only measure worth by bloodlines and connections?"

Their gazes narrowed, tension crackling. But Tempo stood firm, horn blazing brightly as a beacon against sinking night. If that was some trial of Discord's devising, so be it...but she would face the demons haunting her fledgling peace head-on, no more hiding.

Blueblood wriggled his nose, detecting a soft and pleasing aroma of some incense. He entered a small room of dim light and soft trappings. Even the floor gave way beneath his hooves as if standing on a soft mattress.

There was a mare there, looking quite similar to two he knew. The not-quite Cadance/Tempo swished her tail. "There you are... I was wondering if you'd find me." Even her voice wasn't... quite right. She was close, so close. Close enough that the little differences stood out in the uncanniest of valleys.

"You poor thing, caught in here. Come over here and I'll make it all better." She sat, arms spread towards him. "You deserve a hug... Maybe more?" Her brows lowered. "There's a heart in this chest..."

"Uncouth." He approached her only to push her over. "You are acting in a way no lady should. You do not know me nearly enough to make such an offer."

The Tempo-facsimile gawked as Blueblood loomed over her imperiously. A fire kindled in his eyes, one that brooked no impertinent seductions. She squeaked as his hoof pinned her to the divan.

"What enchantments fuel your pitiable ruse, I know not. But my betrothed is irreplaceable!" Blueblood trembled with rage and something more plaintive. "You think to break me with this farce?"

He shoved away from her, pacing the suffocating chamber. "Show me a hundred lookalikes parroting honeyed words! None could move me save the true lady - she who lifted my benighted spirit beyond jousting words to that hallowed communion of souls no petty tricks may debase..."

Blueblood rounded on the false Tempo, voice cracking. "So send your worst deceptions, charlatan spirits! A thousand lines may cast their lures - still I shall march to MY beloved's side untrammeled by cowardly doublings..."

His impassioned tirade echoed through the stagnant air. The Tempo-puppet said nothing, empty eyes downcast while his heaved from exertion and swallowed back tears.

"Now face me yourself, cankerous Discord!" His cry rang like thunder. "Do your worst, tyrant - but know naught can shame hearts welded fast in love's defense!"

"You're being so cruel," spat out a new mare. "He'll never get what a stallion wants out of you, but you drag him along like that?"

A stallion huffed. "A wife, like you? Who would suffer it?" He buffed his chest, shaking his head. "You talk the talk..."

"Pretend the walk," added another. "But when it comes down to it..."

Tempo trembled, fury and shame battling. "He wants more than just some mare to give him an heir, foul things!"

A mare poked Tempo, near her enough to do so. "More than... But he still wants an heir, you cruel thing."

A stallion coughed into a hoof. "There are other things he wants that you cannot give him, puppet."

Tempo flinched away from their intrusive shoves, humiliation churning within. Still she clung to the memory of Blueblood gazing at her like she was his whole world made incarnate...

"I-I give what I can," she forced out. "As does he, without complaint or condition..." Even if that meant pangs of longing she could not fulfill, his steadfast devotion never faltered.

Tempo sucked in a sharp breath, hooves trembling at her sides. "What right have any to dictate the shape of affairs between consenting hearts? Are gentle words and caresses not affection enough?"

The scornful unicorns reared back as sparks flew wildly from Tempo's horn. "Who are you vapid foals to define how passion must appear? If he yet stands proudly at my side, what lack you accuse means nothing!"

The shadows of the ballroom blurred as anguished tears stung Tempo's eyes. Still, her voice rang clearly over their braying mockery. "Say my heart's too different and strange - his still embraces mine without hesitation! That is the only 'lacking' your crude minds could never grasp..."

She advanced towards them fiercely now, the air smoldering with fury and pain. "So play deaf to a tune beyond your senses - we shall dance to kinder melodies far removed from your petty scorn!"

With final cry she expelled the gathering power in a nova of cleansing light - feeling revelations take wing - before crumpling in a sobbing heap. The shadows retreated but still Tempo shook...for their thoughtless cruelty had ripped hidden doubts from where she'd buried them so long ago...

Blueblood pressed past a dangling curtain into what seemed to be a brightly lit and sprawling workshop of busy ponies. They were working on other ponies that stood perfectly still.

One hurried up to him. "Sir. Are you here to pick up your order, sir?"

Blueblood perked an ear. "My order?"

"Your order." The pony turned and led the way to one of many still ponies. "Made her to your exact orders, sir." He tapped at the pony, metal clanks coming from each tap of their hoof. "Every inch to specificiations, sir!"

There stood Cadance, or Tempo? It was neither, and Blueblood knew that. This one looked just like them, but had no spark. They gazed out with lifeless eyes. "She doesn't move."

"Of course not, sir." The pony reached up to press some tiny button on the back of the doll, causing it to lurch to life. "There we are. Unit, this is your new owner."

"Affirmative." The Tempo-facsimile nodded at Blueblood. "How can I serve you?"

Blueblood stifled the urge to scream, civility hanging by an ever-slenderer thread. "Dreadful demon, you test me sorely indeed!" Finding no solace even in bluster, he resorted to petulant hoof-stomping.

"This perversity exceeds imagination! You craft a soulless automaton and expect what - that I should embrace her over the true beloved whose every nuance and eccentricity stirs me so?!"

He stormed up to the placid doll, mashing their faces close. "Harken here, witless simulacrum! However he may ply false flattery, to me your vacancy screams volumes..."

Blueblood whirled away with a scoff, though his stomach roiled with unease. "As if I'd mistake bland obedience for those piercing glances that lay my very blood and bone bare by rapturous light alone..."

The engineer opened his mouth but Blueblood bulled on heedlessly: "As if programmed platitudes could replace the honey-kissed words she whispers that provoke such sweet torment! No - never shall cold counterfeits eclipse the flesh-searing blaze of her unstudied devotion..."

His diatribe's fervor saw him circling like a rabid beast now, all composure forgotten under passion's whip. "Let infinitudes of these plastic mannequins profane our semblance! My faith yet stands immutable..."

He raised raging eyes ceilingward, still they shone misty with adoration. "Hear me, banshee spirits that bedevil us! Not all your baubles and tricks shall sully that which heaven and hell conspire in vain to parallel!! Now produce MY lady and end this pestilent charade!!"

It all blew away like so much dust, and from it, another Tempo. A fake? This one was sagged to her belly, crying. Another method of that cruel trickster to get at him? Blueblood approached cautiously. "What trickery is this?"

Tempo looked up, blinking her eyes clear as best she could. "Blueblood?"

Just hearing her speak. Somehow, he felt it in his core. That was the one. He hurried to her, grabbing her tight. "Dearest! You're safe... What did that fiend do to you to bring such tears? Have no fear, I am at your side."

She nuzzled into his sides, wiping the tears off into his fur as she stood up. "I feel very... silly..." She let out a soft sigh. "I'm fine... I'm alright, with you here." They touched noses, rubbing gently. That affection was one they could share and did gladly with swaying tails. "I'm so glad you're here."

"As I am, beloved. As I am..." He glanced around the darkened room. "Does this mean we won over that cruel beast's machinations?"

"I do not know if that rogue is done with his torments..." Tempo murmured into Blueblood's shoulder. "But reunited here, I feel I could weather far worse in defense of this."

She touched their horns together gently. "Forgive my tearful lapse of faith, dear prince. They said some... It was awful. But your devotion reminds what the truth really is."

Blueblood snarled at the dark. "Well, that monster had best not show his face before me, or I'll--"

"--What?" Discord was before them, simply being there where once he was not. "Very lovely... But we're not done yet. You'll be pleased to know the Element Bearers failed miserably in their own way... Poor things. Shall we continue?"

Author's Note

So many wicked barbs. Unreformed Discord loves these games.

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29 - Where We Belong

"For each of us, it was different." The studios mare hopped to the floor with a soft twitch of her tail. "They made me to infiltrate Celestia's school. I was to steal, spy, and sabotage." She pinned her ears back. "But I didn't want to do that. Especially once I had friends, and they were far superior friends than those cultists could ever be. They never yelled at me. They didn't belittle me at every mistake, no matter how small." She trembled a moment. "Sorry, got carried away."

Blueblood pointed a hoof towards her. "When they called your thoughts wrong, what happened? I can only imagine it was not pleasant."

The studious mare popped over her shoulders as she straightened up. "It was not. I was their last, and so the one who's chains were heaviest. They made me scream, and my tears were ignored. I grew to hate them, more than anything." She sank to the ground in miserable silence.

Tempo considered her fellow doll. "If this is too hard, we can stop. I didn't mean to hurt you."

The mare smiled. "That makes you better than them. I will continue, because I want to. I gathered my friends around me, the real ones, and we schemed against the cultists. We attacked the cultists, and didn't let them run away, not that time." She took a slow breath, despite not needing it. "We threw them before Celestia, where her guards couldn't fail to capture them."

Tempo dropped her head in thought. "But what about us? What can we do for you?"

The studious mare nodded with understanding. "You can raise your foal with love. That is all we have asked, and will ask. This is a large enough task. To raise a child of any species is no small thing. Yours will be the first of its kind, a free doll." She sat up with a hopeful smile. "I hope the first of more, but only you can make that possible, both of you."

Tempo just ran hooves over her head, feeling along the lines there. "Will I be able to do this? Will I be ready?" She rubbed at her cheeks, tucking back against Blueblood, seeking comfort from his presence.

Blueblood nuzzled up against her. "You are an amazing creature, beloved. If you set your heart to it, and with me at your side, I have not a drop of doubt that we will raise a fine child between us. It doesn't matter if they are made of flesh or of clay. We will love them, as parents do." He took her hoof in his own, holding it close to his chest. "Together."

Tempo smiled at his projected warmth. "Of my many doubts, you are never one of them." She touched her nose to his.

This prompted several aws from around the room, the other dolls gently applauding the affection. One, a stallion, chuckled. "It is good to see your bond is true. It will need to be, to perform this task. You are always welcome to come back, if you have questions, but we imagine you will be far away."

Tempo swiveled an ear towards the stallion. "Where am I going?"

The studious mare returned to her seat. "Where you began and where you are needed. You took your chains and moved where they attach, I think. You gave yourself a new mission, and we would be cruel to take you from it. There is somepony you need to protect, is there not?"

Tempo groaned with frustration. "How do you know this? Am I that obvious?"

The mare snickered softly. "I think your fellow dolls may have told me about you." She put a hoof over her heart. "Go back to her, keep her safe, and raise your foal."

Blueblood raised a hoof. "Pardon, ma'am, but we don't yet—" His question was interrupted by a book pushing against his side. "Oh." He took it in his own magic and flipped through it quickly. "Dense, but, mmm, I see. This will take time to decipher into action."

Tempo tilted her head, pressing against him. "Should we look at it here?"

Blueblood lifted it for all to see. "I imagine they are waiting for us to head home and perform the needed steps there. A foal should be born in a safe place, where it can grow. Not immediately spirited away the moment of its creation, given the choice."

The studious mare glanced up at her compatriots before turning back to Tempo and Blueblood. "With this ritual, you will create a new doll. It will need to come from your love and the binding forces in Equestria. No other wills, no other demands. Just the forces any other foal would feel, and those are heavy enough." She wriggled back into her chair and flopped. "I am fatigued. Speaking of my old chains takes it out of me. Travel well, both of you."

Blueblood stepped forward with the book under one hoof. "Pardon my words, but that sounded final."

The studious mare's smile held true as she addressed him. "We've said our piece. There is little more we could add, but to wish you luck."

"Good luck," added one of the other dolls, prompting the others to join, soon a chorus of well-wishes.

Blueblood pointed a hoof at the stairs behind them. "Should we be going?"

Tempo nuzzled against his side. "It was nice to meet you all. Thank you for this book. We will use it, and raise the result." She marched from the room with purpose, and perhaps a bit more speed than one might have thought needed.

Blueblood turned around at the stairs to face them all. "I don't know what sort of ponies made you, but I hope you find more worthy souls to work with in your future."

The doll that looked most like a doll smiled in a thin line, not that they had very pronounced lips to begin. "We have found each other, and I think they are fine friends." Soft noises of agreement drifted up, the various golems pleased with one another's company.

Blueblood nodded back before rushing down the stairs after Tempo. "Hold up, dear!" He reached her side as she strode through the streets of Canterlot. It was night time, and many were turning in for the evening. "Are you alright, sweetest?"

"No." But she offered nothing other than that, marching along. She didn't try to elude Blueblood, but that her mind was occupied was clearly evident.

Blueblood stepped in front of her, stopping her advance. "Talk to me, my love." He put a hoof on her chest. "Do not do this alone. You're stronger with me at your side."

Tempo looked tempted to push past a moment, but it fled her as she sank a little. "I am scared. What if we mess up? We will cost so many ponies to suffer, to speak nothing of the life we created. Am I ready to be a mother? I thought it was impossible just this morning."

Blueblood reached to hold her cheeks. "We can only try. As for how prepared you are? No pony is ever ready for the responsibility of a child, my dear. You will not know until you've been a parent for years." He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. They kissed, timidly at first, but slowly she returned his passion, and they collapsed in the middle of the street in the lock of what could just as easily be called a mutual crying session as any heated exchange.

Tempo wiggled back to her hooves and helped him up. "We'll do this together." She let out a soft laugh. "My heart has raced far more today than it ever has in the past."

Blueblood knew she had no heart to race, but also knew better than to point that out. Feelings were feelings, and his beloved doll had those, heart or not. "Let's retire then." He rolled his eyes. "Auntie, I swear. She called you here just to get this mission. I feel certain of it."

Tempo licked her lips. "Perhaps, but I'm willing to do this task. Perhaps she planned for that." She leaned against him. "Whatever happened, we are here now."

Blueblood chuckled at that, unable to deny her point. "Then we rest, and tomorrow, we head back home, with a very precious gift indeed."

Back at the castle, they ran into Luna patrolling the hallways. The Alicorn was not difficult to miss, given her dark coloration and considerable size.

Luna smiled at the two. "Ah, sister mentioned you were in town." Her eyes darted to the book at Blueblood's side. "What is that?"

Tempo smiled broadly. "You could say it's the beginnings of our foal, Auntie." She patted her chest with a hoof. "We are going to make them."

Luna paused, but slowly she let a smile overtake her face. "I confess, the mechanics of which you speak elude me, but I wish you both luck and joy. Perhaps this can be a new step in our understanding of one another."

Tempo took Luna's hoof between her own. "I think it already has been. These ponies we met are people. They may be dolls, or golems if you prefer, but they have wishes and needs, and they can love and care." She glanced away. "Perhaps easy for me to say, being a doll myself."

Luna put a hoof on Tempo's side. "You're one of my family, so what you think is important to me. I shall look forward to hearing more about this. For now though, you both look quite fatigued. Retire, and know that I will not permit troubles in your slumber."

Tempo drew her knees together. "I would not want you to look into my mind, Auntie."

"Pfah." Luna waved a hoof dismissively. "As if it has been a problem since the very first time you slept here. Besides, I'm not spying. I look for nightmares, and gently shoo them away." She made a shooing motion with both forehooves. "If you sleep peacefully, I will not enter your dream, of this I promise."

Blueblood wrapped an arm around Tempo. "You've never looked at mine, have you?"

Luna sighed gently. "Your mind is easy to find, nephew, and mostly filled with happy memories. But you have had a nightmare or two, and I dealt with them."

Blueblood considered that a moment. "Was one of them when I was talking to myself?"

Luna smiled knowingly. "I dare say you were talking to somepony. That one did make me curious, but I honored my promise and didn't peek in." She waved them onwards. "Go on, get some sleep."

Tempo waited until they'd settled into bed to speak. "If I am to become a mother, you will be a father."

Blueblood pulled her tight against his side. "That only brings an excited terror to me, beloved. We will face this great fear together." He nestled against her.

Tempo smiled a little. "I love you, Blueblood."

"And I love you, Tempo." They shared one last kiss before sinking into sleep.

Author's Note

Did you think we'd be distracted in Canterlot for long? Nope, we have a Cadance to protect.

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41 - What Foals Do For Fun

Beat stuck with a small group of friends that she met on the Crystal Heart's first anniversary. They had done some exploring and adventuring. The three girls had found her trustworthy, interesting and fun. For these reasons, and a few more, she kept company with them. She poked one in the side. "Why do you bother my brother so much?"

"Because your brother is a cutie, and fun." She grinned at Beat. "Besides, he loves me bothering him."

Beat tried to get past that answer, only to shake her head after a moment. The worst part had to be that this aligned with Pulse's answer so very well.

"What did your brother do? Have a crush on a boy?" One of her other friends nudged her. "Anything you wanna share with us?"

Beat opened her mouth to object, only to stop. "I am uncertain. He made friends on his living day. I lost one." She rubbed behind her head with little metal taps. "He is still good friends with that colt." Beat kicked at the ground, tossing up dust and gravel. "Why would he keep talking to that one?"

The filly beside Beat rolled her eyes. "Do we mean Quartz? Because, yes, your brother is close friends with Quartz" She giggled at the thought. "Maybe even more than friends."

Beat shoved the filly away. "Why would you say that? And why would this Quartz have any continued interest if that was the case? Pulse is incapable of physical romance until the next living day."

"So? Colts can just like each other." The filly brushed at her coat, taking care of the dirt left by Beat. "Besides, Quartz likes everypony and wants everypony to have a nice day. Your brother is no exception. Unless you are jealous?"

Beat reeled. "Jealous? Of my brother?! We have nothing but love for each other."

The filly pressed in. "You can love someone and be jealous at the same time. You're funny sometimes." She nuzzled Beat's cheek. "One more reason I like hanging out with you."

Beat felt a wave of calm wash over her. "I should talk to Quartz," Beat admitted aloud. "If I see Pulse has a crush on a boy, then why shouldn't that boy see?"

The filly crossed her arms. "Hold it! If they have a good thing going, you might ruin it with some awkward questions that sends him running away." She pointed off. "Besides, you'd have to find him and catch him without Pulse being around." She folded her forelegs, looking proud. "Sounds a bit impossible, doesn't it?"

Beat huffed with annoyance at that. "That does sound difficult. What do you suggest then?"

"Relaxing, for one. If Pulse is in trouble, he'll come running to his awesome older sister. He trusts you, so you trust him a little, okay?" The filly spun about with a light laugh. "Hey, have you been working on any adventures lately? Last time, we went up into the caves, remember?"

Beat chuckled at that memory, warming slightly at the praise of herself being worthy of her brother's trust. "The caves proved to be dangerous. Do you have an adventure in mind that is less potentially lethal to my friends?"

"Don't be such a scaredy-pony." The filly grinned and cantered about with a chuckle. "There are the mountain trails, maybe an old mine, we can visit an abandoned village."

One other filly leaned in. "I'd love to go for a hike. Just remember your cold weather gear this time."

Beat snickered at that. "Good luck. Cold weather gear? Do you forget who I am?" She stepped back and turned around twice. "I don't need cold weather gear. Besides, mom wants us back by sundown."

The first filly waved that away. "I didn't mean today, but how about three days from now? We'll go for a nice hike. The scenery's great, and the odds of sudden cave in are pretty low." She put a hoof at her chest. "I'll pick up some books about camping tomorrow. Meet me at the library?" She grinned, hoping to sway the opinion of the other two.

Beat stood, then put up her hooves. "I will ensure those odds remain on the safe side." Still, she hadn't argued the idea, which was as good as a yes. The other two fillies scurried way with happy smiles on their faces.

Beat remained behind to consider things. "Pulse would never trust anypony untrustworthy." She sat and looked towards the school grounds. "He wouldn't befriend anypony who would hurt anypony else, either."

***

Quartz pinned Pulse to the ground, but both were smiling. "I win again."

Pulse vibrated beneath Quartz, then warmed a little, then more, becoming a hot little engine that Quartz had to release. He sprang to his hooves with a laugh. "You thought you did."

Quartz climbed to his hooves with a laugh of his own. "Wow! You get better with your powers every day. Good work!" He came over and patted Pulse's shoulders.

Pulse glowed and closed his eyes, feeling warm and safe. When Quartz was near, the world was a happier place, even with what happened to his sister. "I have a question." He glanced away. "It involves a filly."

Quartz blinked with surprise, leaning in. "Is there a filly you like?"

"I do like her, but not that way." Pulse shoved Quartz, both laughing. "She's my sister."

"Oh! Uh huh." Quartz dropped onto his rump. "What do you need help with?"

"She was friends with a colt. More than friends. Something happened." Pulse hung his head and sniffled. "She was hurt, and I don't understand. What would a colt do to a filly that would hurt her?"

Quartz pulled back, shocked. "Ah'm so sorry. Maybe you should wait until she can tell you? Are you sure it's a good idea?"

Pulse stamped angrily. "Why won't anypony tell me?" He let out a long sigh. "Is it that big of a secret?"

Quartz pulled Pulse closer with one arm. "Telling you no is hard, you know that? Look, I'm just guessin' here, I'm not neither of them, but maybe the colt said somethin' to her that wasn't very nice. He hurt her feelings, and fillies hate when anypony hurts that."

Pulse considered this possibility. "Why would a colt hurt a filly's feelings?"

Quartz squeezed Pulse's shoulders and shrugged. "Colts are dumb, and kinda jerky? I think it gets better with age."

Pulse peeked at Quartz, then giggled. "You are a jerk." He went in to touch noses with Quartz. "I like it."

Quartz blushed at the words. "I, uh. Kinda." He managed to giggle. "Yeah, Ah like ya too." He cleared his throat. "But, yeah, fillies are special ponies, and deserve the best, okay?"

Pulse hugged Quartz tight. "Thank you for helping. My sister is cool and deserves better." He smiled and cuddled tighter. "That colt was stupid. He coulda had my sister as a friend, and he ruined it."

Quartz hugged tighter. "Some colts are just bad 'uns, Pulse. That ain't right, but they're out there. I hope your sis is doing better now."

Pulse bounced up and down, away from Quartz. "She looks happier now. I was just curious if I could make it not happen again."

"Sometimes things happen we don't want." Quartz smiled and waved. "But we gotta let the ones we love go and be themselves, do what they need to do. We'll just be there to catch 'em and tell 'em we still love them so dang much anyway."

Pulse snuggled up to Quartz. "I feel good now." He grinned. "Better than good, perfect." His whole frame vibrated as he squealed.

Quartz laughed at his mechanical friend's expression of delight. "Glad ah could help." He leaned back against Quartz, the two quieting down in mutual companionship.

Pulse broke the silence first. "So, my sister got invited to go camping in a couple days." He giggled and poked Quartz's belly. "Do you wanna go too? Maybe with me?"

Quartz flicked his tail, poking Pulse back. "That's a filly party. If they didn't invite us, we aren't invited."

"Did you ask? I'll ask." Pulse cycled his forehooves in the air. "I bet they'll say yes if I ask nicely."

Quartz lifted an eyebrow. "Alright. Invite me, and let me go shopping for supplies tomorrow, assuming they say yes."

Pulse let out an ecstatic whinny. "Tomorrow! Let's start planning!" He looked about. "My house is closer. Race you!" Then, he was gone, kicking up dust and rocks behind him.

Quartz blinked at the spot that once held his friend. "No fair!" He scrambled after him with a laugh.

***

Beat inclined her head at her brother. "You wish to accompany us? Why?"

Pulse looked at her and blinked innocently. "Because camping is fun! Why not?"

Beat felt a flutter within as she realized just how innocent and full of light her brother truly was. "One question."

"Yes?" He perked up eagerly to see what his sister wanted from him. "I'd like to hear it."

Beat studied him, and saw that he honestly only wanted to come along because he thought it'd be fun. "Will you be coming alone?" Her mind ran through every possible way she could figure out to uncover his true intent, and she chose to go for the direct route.

Pulse shook his head. "Nah." He stood tall, eyes sparkling with pride and anticipation. "Can my friend come along too?"

Beat frowned and spoke her words carefully. "Who's your friend?"

"Quartz." Pulse breathed out the name happily.

Beat nearly jumped out of her figurative skin. She managed to hold steady. "Of course."

Pulse hopped about with glee. "Great! Oh, sis, we'll have a fantastic time! Quartz is a great friend. He is always eager to do things like this, so I bet he's gonna love the idea too."

Beat ruffled her brother on his head. "I'm sure this is true. You are both permitted to join us." As he fled, squealing, she sat back with new thoughts. Perhaps this would be a chance to interrogate Quartz, a little. On the other hand, she realized that she'd be stuck with Pulse watching her every move, making this a prime opportunity for him to meddle.

Beat eyed her mother as the elder construct moved about the kitchen. "Mother, Pulse will be with us, on that camping trip." She eyed her mother's backside, but Tempo continued to prepare food and drink as she usually did when guests visited. "Along with one other guest." That made her halt, but only briefly.

Tempo closed the oven door and turned around. "A guest? Another child or adult?" Her tone gave away nothing, and Beat had trouble reading her metallic features, though she thought that the older pony appeared pleased.

"He said the colt's name was Quartz. Supposedly, they are good friends." Beat leaned in, voice dropping to a whisper, "I intend to examine him and discern his true motivations."

Tempo smiled at her words. "Excellent. I will entrust this task to you. Return with the information, my child." She winked before turning back to the kitchen. "Now, I must complete preparations for tonight. Will you ensure the house is cleaned?"

Beat nodded, moving towards her tasks. "Of course, Momma." She searched for dirty dishes, surfaces and floors while clearing the table, then went about tidying. Their home wasn't terribly messy, considering. Still, it wouldn't do to welcome guests over to a dirty house. Before she knew it, everything was ready and the sun had begun to dip below the horizon.

The knock on the door signaled guests had arrived. She watched Tempo open it, then greeted the guests in kind as they filed in. "Welcome."

But her own thoughts had wandered off towards the camping trip and what she planned to do with it. Her chores completed, she trotted off to consider her plan of attack.

Author's Note

Pulse wants to camp too, and bring his new friend along. Nothing could go wrong. Nothing, at all, ever. I will hear no arguments!

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