Service for Wings

Chapters

Chapter 1: Earn Your Wings
Chapter 2: Investigation
Chapter 3: Father
Chapter 4: Let Me Fly
Chapter 7: Hold Your Excitement
Chapter 6: The Gala

Chapter 1: Earn Your Wings

Scootaloo was full of surprises. Twilight Sparkle was most pleased when the young pegasus started to visit the library unprompted. Not even for the sake of studying for the next exam or pulpy fiction. Not that Twilight had a problem with pulp, all fiction was worthy in her eyes.

“So what’s she looking at then?” Spike lazily snacked on his nacho stack as Twilight worked through her own task. “She’s even got you looking through your personal stash.”

“History!” Twilight sprang up as she cycled through book after book like a rolling dispenser. A nostalgic tone colored her words as she picked through them. “The same time frame that I was studying before coming to Ponyville.”

“Oh right, you were in that conspiracy phase thinking the world was going to end via angry moon mare.” Spike slightly ribbed his caretaker.

Rolling her eyes, Twilight plucked the final book before neatly putting the rest back. “Hey, she was real. Granted, nothing went as I expected.” She turned around from her desk with a smile, “Now then.” Spike realized his self-appointed break was going to abruptly end as a shadow of books eclipsed him. “Take these to her.”

“Fine.” Swallowing his nachos, Spike wobbled a bit as he carried the stack. Twilight followed along humming to herself. “How much prep do you need to get ready for the Grand Galloping Gala? I was hoping to visit Rarity to get a new suit.”

“Just a few more things, including getting you to Rarity.” Bounding down the stairs, she looks up as Spike carefully feels out each step. “Alex Roberts will be going too, I'm pretty sure Prince Blueblood won him over, otherwise I don’t think he would go.”

After a few close calls, Spike reached the public study room. Huffing and puffing like a marathon runner, he put the books on the desk. “Hey, Scoots, got your requested material. Please, no more.”

“Oh, thanks, Spike,” Scootaloo was putting a few books away in her saddlebag, “but I just remembered I had to be somewhere really soon. So I need to get going.”

“Pick one at least.” Spike groaned as he sat down.

Twilight shook her head, “Nope, these belong to my private collection, so no borrowing. I will keep them aside so you can grab them quickly the next time you come in.” She smiled as Scootaloo snapped her saddlebag around her barrel. “So why the sudden interest in Nightmare Moon history?”

“Oh, Rainbow Da-I mean Mom was telling Summer about the adventure you all had when y’all stopped her, and it got me thinking.” Scootaloo cantered to the front door where her scooter was kept. “I asked Sweetie Bell if she could ask Rarity to bring some old newspapers from Canterlot during the time frame. She should have them now, so that’s why I’m leaving.”

Twilight opened the door for the young pegasus. “Wow. You are looking into this more than even I would have. Newspapers, very clever.”

“More like an obsession. Geez, Scoots, are you trying to join some kind of crazed moon cult?” Spike leaned on the door post, his comment earning an irritated eye roll.

“No. Just have a hunch.” Scootaloo slapped on her helmet hastily. “I’m not about to join another fanclub. Running one is already a full-time job.”

Buzzing her wings with youthful energy, Scootaloo flew off on her favorite ride. With practiced skill, she weaved through streets, backways, and stalls. Residents barely had time to react before an orange whirlwind blew past. As always, the world was a blur. Even with all of her disaster-defying stunts, Scootaloo still noticed all of the pegasi above her. Going faster. Casually.

The clubhouse came into view quickly. Scootaloo had taken every shortcut, even the ones that her parents told her not to take. Not even breaking, she lept off her scooter, allowing it to crash into a nearby bush. Wings outstretched, she caught enough air to flip higher into the air. A thump on the roof was all the occupants heard.

“Scootaloo? Is that you?” The melodious voice of Sweetie Bell greeted her.

A coughing fit told her that Applebloom was already here. “Did you have to kick up a dust storm too? We weren’t going anywhere.”

“Sorry, I lost track of time.” Scootaloo jumped off the roof to the balcony. She opened up the door to find the club had turned into a crime scene. Newspapers strewed everywhere. Most had been pinned up on the board. “Girls, you all did this already?”

“Sure did!” Applebloom smiled as she brushed aside worthless ads. “Sweetie Bell came over with the papers and figured we could help you out by cutting the cores from the apple.”

Sweetie Bell poked her chest with a smile “I think I pulled through with flying colors. Not only did Rarity bring the goods, I think we pinned the timeline like you wanted to do.”

She squeaked in surprise when Scoots wrapped them both in a hug. “You are the best, girls.”

After a few moments of returning the hug, Scootaloo looked over their work. “So what do we have here?”

“Well, we figured out the best way to see what happened when Princess Lu, er, Nightmare Moon arrived from the moon we started from the day before.” Sweetie put on her best Cheerilee impression. “Canterlot prepares for the Summer Sun Celebration. Even if Princess Celestia was going to be traveling to the small farming community–”

“That's us, by the way,” Applebloom helpfully pointed out, “Ponyville.”

“Hush, you. Princess Cadance was going to fill in for her aunt to keep the celebration going.” Sweetie Bell pointed at a picture of a younger bachelorette Cadance. The headlines had the usual showy punch, not at all upset that Princess Celestia was going to some earth pony town. “Posh citizens, incredible students, and brilliant day guards were all going to be making this celebration unforgettable.”

“So that brings me to my first question. Now, I ain’t all too familiar with military stuff, being a simple proud farmer an’ all, but what about the Night Guard?” Applebloom pushed up a picture that wasn’t on the timeline. “Captain Nightshade’s pretty important. I do know her and uncle Alex work together to help save the day.”

Scootaloo couldn’t hide her frown, as Sweetie Bell failed to give an answer. “Well, based on what I read in the history books, the Night Guard were not looked favorably upon by the general public and noble ponies. Though any attempts to disband them were always squashed by Princess Celestia. Personally, I think she did that because she always felt her sister would come back one day.”

Sweetie Bell glanced ahead at the paper timeline, “Yeah, she doesn’t show up until after Princess Luna is reinstated.” She wacks the next paper with a ruler. “Anyway, the story goes on about some events being planned, famous ponies, and the usual Canterlot fair. Then we get the special report. This one is not in the normal paper and I’m not sure who Rarity talked to to find it. Apparently, a city-wide alarm went off, telling ponies to hide. Nightmare Moon attacked Canterlot when she arrived from the moon.”

“That can’t be right. We all saw her at town hall.” Scootaloo rubbed her chin. “So what made this warning paper not normal?”

“Well, it was a dragon fire emergency system set up to give the ponies a heads-up when something bad happens.” A list of do’s and don’ts went down the line, gone was the pretentious unicorn flair. Stay indoors, don’t open the door, don’t make your shadow obvious.”

“Don’t make your shadow obvious. That’s the weird one we couldn’t figure out.” Applebloom pointed out. “Wasn’t an issue when Nightmare Moon showed up in Ponyville.”

“Probably because Nightmare Moon wasn’t in Canterlot.” Scootaloo pulled her notebook out and looked over a dog-eared page. “In the past, she had agents that worked for her. They’re kind of similar to the Shadowbolts that Mom had to fight off after she rejected their offer. Somepony had to have magic to create shadow-like creatures, hence the warning. I think I know who too, but keep going with the timeline.”

“Right then, so it gets a little weirder. Princess Luna returns. There is a big article that takes up the majority of the paper. It is a big celebration. Nothing about what happened during the night.” Quickly going through pictures of Princess Luna being integrated into her role, Captain Nightshade by her side, and adoring citizens. Princess Celestia wasn’t far behind.

“Pony propaganda.” A huskier voice made the three fillies jump up. Hanging at the window was Scootaloo’s diamond dog sister, Summer Blossom. “Me think Sun was controlling barking to help her sister. Dark Moon was bad. Hard to trust.”

“Summer! What brings you here?” Scootaloo opened the door to let her sister in, but was waved off.

“Too small. Me stay in window. Sister kicked up dust, heard ponies talking about it.” Summer sniffed the air for a moment before continuing. “You seem okay.”

“I flew over here from the library. I may have been a bit reckless.” Scootaloo blushed as rubbed the back of her neck.

Looking at the presentation, Summer tilted her head from side to side. “Me confused, why you interested in Princess Luna?”

“Well, she’s part of the story, but I’m actually looking at…” Scootaloo skimmed through the timeline before pointing to a later picture. “Her!”

In the picture for another photo op featuring Princess Luna, a pony stood next to her waving at the ceremony. Her name printed underneath it, Duchess Umbrielle. “Me don’t see what pony is. Looks strange.”

“She’s like one of the distant pony races. Thestral, bat pony, they have something in their own tongue, but I ain’t going to even try. They have their own nation called Kiri.” Sweetie Bell looked closer at the photo. “Duchess, she seems important. Of the family, Pomeline.”

“That’s the one. Her family a long time ago made a pact with Nightmare Moon. According to legend, a special pony would be born in their family that would be one of the stars that would help Nightmare Moon escape her imprisonment.” Scootaloo recited from her notes.

“So bad pony?” Summer whined.

“Well, if she’s at big old public event taking pictures with the princesses, she’s probably not evil.” Applebloom furrowed her brow. “Though she’s like some kind of bigwig politics pony, AJ always told me to watch out for those folks. They double talk their backtalk.”

“Why interest in strange pony, sister?” Summer snorted at Scoot’s strange behavior. “You beg father and mother for us to go to gala. Mom hate gala. Father care less. You meet with strange pony?”

“Yeah, I’m kind of interested to know too. After all of this research, what are you hoping for?” Sweetie Bell and Applebloom leaned in to hear their friend’s explanation.

Scootaloo sucked in her lips and looked down. “I think that there is somepony in the Pomeline family that has the power to, well this is a secret between us for now.” She stopped, a pregnant pause, then looked up with fierce hope. “The power to let me fly.”

The group flinched in shock, before an uproar of questions. “What!? Where did you even get that idea?”

“How is that possible?”

“Shadows give wings? Little sister,this is bad idea.”

The young pegasus holds up her hooves as her friends crowded around her. “Hold on, hold on. Not all at once.” Scootaloo pushed Applebloom and Sweetie Bell away. “Listen girls, it’s just a hunch. I’m not done with the research anyway. I need to be 120 percent sure that this can work before I make a donkey of myself. I already convinced Mom and Dad to take me to the Gala, I don't want to embarrass them if this was all for nothing.”

Scootaloo opened up her notes to the beginning, written down was a familiar song. “As for the idea, it was one of the Nightmare Night songs. If you join her, she'll take you away with wings to the moon. It’s supposed to be a scary song, but I started to wonder if there was some truth in it like in the holiday in general.”

“So that’s what this is all about.” Applebloom sighed as she sat back down on her haunches. “I getcha, it does sounds like a real long shot though. If there was a pony out there that could make grounded pegasus fly you’d think we would have heard about it.”

“Cousin has point. If pony make others fly, why we hear nothing. It would be all over paper.” Summer points to the work that the girls set up, mostly just about Princess Luna’s return. “Maybe was right, pony propaganda.”

“I mean, they might be bad ponies.” Sweetie Bell shrugged as she started to worry. The possibility that this could go badly made her frown. “I think you’re right to keep studying before demanding boons from bad guys. What kind of propaganda are you talking about Summer?”

Summer grabs one of the pictures that had settled beneath her and pointed to Princess Celestia. “Protect her sister, of course. Celestia do what any good sister does. Pony propaganda maybe poor choice of idea. Control and frame information. Help Princess Luna settle into new home.”

“Well if this Duchess Umbrielle was the one that helped Nightmare Moon escape would Celestia throw her into jail?” Applebloom pointed out. “I mean, Celestia wanted Luna to come back, but I think bringing back Nightmare Moon would still be a crime.” Then she hops up as a bright idea struck her. “Or, or, or maybe the family is doing ‘community service’ by returning to being aids to Princess Luna.

“Right, and with my father basically being Princess Luna’s head Paladin I think I can ask for wings that work.” Scootaloo pulled back her urge to also share in Applebloom’s excitement. “But you know, we need the full story first. I don’t want to get my hopes up yet.”

“When tell our parents?” Summer asked. “Secrets do no good if wait until final moment.”

“It has to be before we go to the Gala. I’ll present this research to them. Kind of like a presentation in class. Only this time, instead of some kind of grade, I’ll be earning working wings.” Scootaloo closed her notebook, determined to see this through.

Chapter 2: Investigation

Rainbow Dash standing in front of a boutique happened far more often than she ever wanted in life. “I really hope Squirt is having fun at the library with Twilight. How did I end up raising an egghead? I think I’ll blame Alex. Makes things easier.”

“Would also be easier if you just come inside already and not keep me waiting!” The loud whine from Rarity made Dash jump. The unicorn walked past the open window, nose up in the air. The familiar ring of the doorbell beckoned Dash like a horsefly to a spider’s web, or some kind analogy like that. Dash was going to keep that phrase to herself, it sounded dumb and would be dumber said out loud. “No need to frown, dear, I would hope my charming personality would be welcome.”

“I’ve been poked by needles so many times, you make it difficult wanting to be back here. Fru fru dress or not.” Dash grumbled as she walked through the door. She didn’t even acknowledge the door slamming shut behind her.

“Goodness. Rainbow Dash not even fluttering inside. You are in a foul mood.” Rarity frowned as she double-checked out the window before attending her current subject. “I was surprised when you said you needed a new dress. Out of everypony in our group, you were the second-to-last pony I expected to go back to the Gala.”

Dash didn’t even need a moment to figure out who. “Let me guess–”

“Fluttershy.”

“Yeah, she would be the last one to even think of going back.” Dash jumped up to the podium to get measured once again. “Sorry, this is not really something I wanted to do.”

Rainbow felt the tight tape wrap around her waist, barrel, legs, and so on. Rarity mumbled the numbers to herself before asking her question. “So why are you then?”

“Scootaloo asked. Then she begged. Pleaded. Was face on the floor embarrassing herself in front of the whole family. Alex and I were completely blown away. I’m still in shock.” Rarity paused at Rainbow’s answer. It reminded her of a recent request, but remained quiet about it. “So here I am. Getting a new dress for an event I wished would be another bad chapter in my life behind me.”

“And yet, you will sacrifice your dignity for your dear daughter. Rainbow Dash, you are a wonderful mother.” The genuine smile from Rarity was infectious enough for Dash’s dour mug to crack with a grin. A knock on the door made both ponies’ ears stand up straight. “Huh, I thought I turned the sign to ‘closed’.”

“Rarity! Come on! I ran all the way from the Library to see you.” The familiar voice of Spike all, but confirmed why the knocking was so fervent.

“Spike, no need to rush things. If Rarity is busy we can come back later.” Twilight tried being responsible and all it got was a childish whine from a drama dragon.

Rarity made no move to open the door, she was dedicated to her task. Rainbow Dash did make an appointment after all. She looked up from her work to see the thinking Dash. A Rainbow that she rarely sees. Not that she would ever say that to her face while sober. “Let them in, Rarity.”

Magic sparkled as the door was flung open, Twilight and Spike turned as they were walking away. Twilight tilted her head slightly puzzled, Spike held no restraint and ran in. “Hi Rarity! And Rainbow Dash? Did you get suckered into another bad bet?”

“What!? No, I had to make an appointment.” Dash flared her wings as the young drake skipped up to the podium.

“Ok fine, I guess Alex Roberts wanted you to look good on a date for once then.” Spike stuck his tongue at her.

“Why you little!” Spike yelped as Dash pounced with a predatory smile. His screams quickly turned to laughing as she used her wings to tickle the little snarker. “Har, har, har think you’re so funny. What brings you here outside of drooling over Rarity’s carpet?”

Twilight sighed as she watched her companion ruin what was probably a very meticulously
planned event by Rarity. “Honestly, do you two always have to work each other up? Like having two foals. Hello, Rarity, sorry to pop in on you unannounced. Thanks for letting us in.”

“Think nothing of it, darling. If anything, you should thank Rainbow Dash. She invited you two in.” Rarity pulled Spike out of Dash’s feathery grip with magic and plopped him on Twilight’s back. “Though if I had to guess, it might be because she wanted a distraction.”

“No. I have my reasons.” Dash huffed as she floated off the ground and back up the stage. “What brings you two this way? I thought Scootaloo was at the library.”

“Well, she was, but she had to leave early.” Twilight answered, “We had some time, so I thought I could get Spike a new suit for the Gala.”

“Yup! So after you're done with Rainbow Dash, I want to look shiny in an all-new Rarity Special.” Spike slicked his head spines back.

Rarity resumed her work on Dash. “Of course. Both Twilight and you deserve to look fabulous at the Gala.”

“I think I was just going to wear your dress you made for me, back when we went to the Gala.” Twilight shrugged. “No need to make this difficult. After all, it works just fine. Right, Rarity. Rarity? Right?”

A single purple strain of mane popped out of place. An eye twitch became more erratic as Twilight continued. Rarity slowly turned around with a thin grin. “Twilight. That dress was destroyed during the Gala disaster.”

“It was just a little dirt.” Twilight took a hesitant step back.

“Between the falling statues, the screaming animals, and CAKE being thrown everywhere.” Rarity pulled Twilight closer with cloth she magically grabbed from around her domain. “I did not forget what happened. You will get a new one.”

Twilight slowly nodes, not saying a word to avoid escalation. Rarity huffed indignantly, turning back to find Rainbow with a needle sticking out of her rump glaring at her. “Oh, sorry,” Rarity muttered with a twinge of embarrassment.

“Try to be more careful when you’re feeling dramatic.” Rainbow Dash hissed in pain as the offending object was pulled out. She let Rarity return to her work. “All right, enough beating around the cloud. What’s Scootaloo been reading? This is the first time I’ve seen her so dedicated to a topic.”

“Besides you, you mean.” Spike pointed out.

“Oh right, make that this the second time she’s been this dedicated to a topic.” Rainbow Dash slightly nodded, just not enough to get reprimanded by Rarity as she worked. “What’s the big deal?”

“I mean, a young filly exploring the wonderful world of history is nothing unusual in my book. Perhaps the desire to learn has brought Scootaloo new found joy?” Twilight laid it on thick with a bit of cheek. “Oh, fine, I see you don’t find that funny. She’s been looking into the history of Nightmare Moon and the ponies connected to that event.”

“Nightmare Moon? Huh, that’s not what I thought it would be about.” Dash almost shrugged, but remembered where she was.

“Not just to look at my books, she’s also getting recent history with the newspapers. She said you got them for her, Rarity.” Twilight sat down on her haunches as she watched Rarity work. Rarity’s ear swerved towards Twilight, but remained on task.

“Scootaloo said that? Interesting. Sweetie Bell never gave me that impression when she asked me for those papers.” Rarity noticed Dash’s features tighten, worry seemed to color her thoughts. “She wanted to have the recent papers when Nightmare Moon arrived. Never gave it much thought, after all we had to face that mare, but learning that Canterlot was under siege was frightening.”

“Where did you get your stuff from?” Rainbow asked, her eyes seemed focused on something far away.

“Sassy Saddles. Lovely mare. She runs my store in Canterlot.” Rarity finished the measurements she wanted and gestured for Dash to get off the podium. “She’s a meticulous mare that keeps a great deal of information about her personal history, as well as what is happening in the area she lives in.” Rarity chuckled, “She likes to make a very detailed resume.” She became thoughtful, “She also remembers that night very well.”

Twilight rubs her chin in thought. “You know, I never actually asked my family what happened that night. After I told them my experience all they did was heap praise on me. I feel rather foalish right now.”

“I can guess why.” Rarity breathed in, and looked at Spike. “Spike, darling, I need you to make some tea for everypony here. We’ll be in my thinking room.”

“On it!” Spike saluted and disappeared in a puff of dust.

Rarity leaned her ear in to hear his pitter patters inside the kitchen. “Come with me. Both of you.”

Surprised by her serious face, they said nothing as she quickly trotted to a back room. Littered about were drawings of clothes. Many ideas to be revisited in the future, some most likely to be discarded. “I didn’t give Sweetie Bell everything.”

“Why?” Dash couldn’t help but ask, matching Rarity’s whispering tone.

“Well, it was curious that she wanted that information, but the fact that your Scootaloo was researching it has made me concerned.” Rarity tugged away a layer of fabric to reveal some newspaper clippings. “Look.”

Twilight magiced it up to eye level for both Dash and her. It was part of the Canterlot dragonfire warning system. The 2nd notice, to be precise, with pictures. Dash flicked her hoof to the main subject of the picture “What the actual buck is that!?”

As if she had practiced it for a newsstand, Rarity presented the information. “Stay indoors, don’t open the door, don’t make your shadow obvious. New information, if you see this mare, be calm and escape. Do not engage.”

“That is creepy.” The picture showed a tall alicorn, skin so pale surface veins were easily seen, and a blob of darkness hovering behind her. Reminded Dash of her shared closer encounter with Nightmare Moon. “She’s taller than Princess Cadance.”

“That is the most advanced case of umbramancy I’ve ever seen.” Twilight’s jaw was agape as she studied the pictures, more focused on the blob of darkness that stretched beyond the alicorn’s shadow. “I think I know what spells are involved. If the warning about watching out for shadows is to be taken seriously, she must have been puppeting ponies through them.”

“Right, so our little fillies are looking into what could possibly be a monster.” Rarity sighed as she started to draw a dress for a pegasus. “Though I haven’t heard anything about this. So I suspect it was taken care of.”

“Twilight, you went to an egghead school, do you recognize this mare?” Dash pointed to the cutie mark, a tree under a half-covered sun. “I mean, this has to jog some memory, right?”

“Dash.” Twilight gave her friend a deadpan stare. “Please remember who you’re talking to.”

“Besides the fact that you were a hopeless non-socialite that lived in books, you had to read something about her. How many alicorns do you know?” Dash rotated her wings in a ‘come on’ motion. “This seems like a big deal. What are we at, four alicorns now?”

“I must punctuate just how rare and important alicorns are. There are only three, well two in a half.” Twilight paused before reiterating. “Princess Cadance is a miracle, but she’s not a full alicorn and it remains to be seen if she’ll become one. As for this pony, this is a case of magical alteration.”

“Do you have any clues on what Scootaloo is looking into then?” Rarity asked, before drawing her voice to a whisper “We’re out of time, Spike will be done making the tea very soon.”

Twilight shook her head. “No, but that is easy to rectify. We even have a cutie mark, so I can figure out who this is. Dash, do you want me to stop your daughter from researching this?”

Rainbow Dash sighed, she really wanted to say yes. “No. I won’t assume the worst. However, I’m going to talk with my husband. I’ll tell him everything we know.”

The three nod in unison just as Spike opened the door with a tray of tea.

—

Alex scratched his chin as Dash wrapped up the entire explanation. “That’s crazy.”

“I know right, this is all kind of funky. Scootaloo is a smart girl, but you know how sometimes she can get way over her head.” Dash sat down on her favorite kitchen chair. The one that was tall enough so she can look Alex in the eyes easier. “She’s not been hiding it though. Squirt did ask for help from Twilight and Rarity.”

“Should we just ask her what’s up,” Alex leaned on the counter, “Or respect her privacy? This all could be a sudden flight of fancy. She’s not acted differently recently, nor has she been bothered by a stranger.”

“I would feel better knowing what she’s been looking into. Twilight said she’ll keep us up-to-date.” Dash stopped when she remembered how all this started. “The Gala.”

Alex became more focused as he started to put it together. “Why would Scootaloo want to meet these ponies?”

They sat there, waiting for an answer to spring up between the two of them. Dash almost wanted to yell out an obscenity. Alex resisted the urge to start tapping the counter. Derpy waited patiently to be noticed.

“Wait.” Dash yanked her vision to the sudden mailmare arrival. “Derpy, why are you here?”

“Priority mail for one Alex Roberts Dash!” Derpy tossed the startled human an envelope with a royal seal. “No need for a signature. Got to go.”

Alex and Dash watched the grey pegasus crash into a wayward cloud before studying their envelope. Rainbow looked up to Alex. “You, ah, know who that’s from? I don’t recognize the insignia.”

“Nope.” Alex quickly said before taking out his knife and opening the envelope. A letter dropped out with little fanfare. Alex grabbed it and quickly skimmed it over. “Prince Blueblood?”

“What does he want?” Dash’s confusion was clear in her tone.

“He wants to meet me to talk about us coming to the Gala.” Alex answered, more than a little curious about the turn of events. “I think I have a date, with answers about our situation.”

Chapter 3: Father

Celestia and Blueblood enjoyed breakfast in relative silence while the chaos of maids, soldiers, and bureaucrats danced around them in typical morning prep. Celestia calmly opened up a new letter from a stack of morning casual work while some butler screamed about a new fire erupting in the garden. This lettermade her eyebrow raise in surprise. Rainbow Dash.

“Curious.” A quick swipe with the paper cutter released a small letter. The contents did not take long to decipher. “Gala tickets.”

Blueblood dabbed his mouth from a heavenly pancake syrup mess. “A request for gala tickets?”

“Four in fact, Rainbow Dash’s entire family.” Celestia’s horn glowed a strange purple color, a spell that checked for invisible ink or any kind of shenanigans to suggest a prank. “What would compel her to come back to the gala, bring the family, and him?”

“Ah yes, that night. It was quite the disaster.” Blueblood couldn’t help but chuckle. “I’ve been a witness to their wedding, and with the brief interactions I’ve had with Alex Roberts the Gala would not be a function he'd be interested in.”

They pondered the curious situation, ignoring the poor traumatized maid that seemed to make pouring orange juice in her majesty’s empty glass a profound event. “Twilight has told me that Dash was interested in the past. I’m honestly not sure what to make of this.”

“Will you honor her request?” Blueblood shooed away the grumpiest fuchsia colored maid, he no longer needed more pineapple.

“Yes.” Celestia answered quickly, then an idea came to her. “I have a request, Blueblood. Could you have a meeting with Alex Roberts. Check in on how he’s doing and try to get a read on him. I feel between all of them you have a better chance of making a rapport with him.”

“Any reason for the concern?” Blueblood tilted his head at the proposed idea. “I wouldn’t mind meeting with him.”

“Alex Robert has a tendency to throw me false warning signs, everything he does vexes me.” Celestia floated the letter over to Blueblood to let him read. “I wish that wasn’t the case, but it seems to be a weakness I have trouble bucking.”

“Of course, I wouldn’t mind seeing how you’re doing. Do you have any questions about the event?” Blueblood sat in the same spot a few weeks later with his guest. Alex Roberts looking around as ponies mull around.

“I mean, I’ve been to fancy shindigs before. Already got a sharp suit lined up.” Alex accepted a cup of tea from the grumpiest looking pink mare he’s ever seen.

“I’m fuchsia, sir. Not pink.” The maid answered before leaving. Alex shook his head, not even sure what he just heard.

“Did… did she just correct my thoughts?” Alex looked over to Blueblood, who didn’t seem all that concerned.

“Hmm, oh yes. She has a knack for knowing when others get color theory wrong. Got a cutie mark for it.” It was a simple explanation to Blueblood. The poor human was having trouble wrapping his brain around it. So, Alex wisely moved on.

“So here you are, Celestia wanted me to make sure to give these tickets to you.” Four golden tickets were produced from an envelope. “To tell you the truth, Alex, your request surprised us.”

“I can probably hazard a guess as to why.” Alex acknowledged as he looked over the golden tickets. “I think my daughter wants to meet someone, but I’m not sure why, nor do I know anything about them.”

Blueblood tilted his head at the information. “Who?”

Alex Roberts took out a note and slid it across the table. “Know anything about them? I was hoping you could help.”

The secrecy intrigued Blueblood as he peaked at the information. Pomeline family. “Oh, yes. I do know about them. Lovely folks, a bit strange, but well, you know. They’re not quite like the ponies you’re familiar with.”

“They’re Thestrals, right? I was told they were tangentially related to vampire bats.” Alex asked, picturing some kind of Dracula-style pony.

“There are actually quite a few pony offshoots, the three are common in this country, but more exist. Thestrals are one.” Blueblood pushed away his tea as he started to explain. “Would it surprise you to know they’re not associated with Princess Luna in any way?”

“Er, yes. Princess of the night and all that.” Alex Roberts mentally scratched off asking his boss and Captain Nightshade for help in the matter.

“Right, so they are their own nation out west. They cultivate massive mountain size trees to live in. A sight to behold, I must tell you.” Some nostalgia sparkled in his eyes.

“Do they eat insects? Or drink, um, blood?” Alex Roberts dropped his voice to a whisper at the final word.

“Oh, my dear aunt, really Mr. Roberts.” Blueblood rolled his eyes. “Whoever you asked gave you bad information, a common misconception from the public sadly. They eat fruit.”

The human had the decency to look slightly ashamed about his assumption. “No, that’s my fault. I should not have made assumptions.” He grew thoughtful for a moment, as if remembering unpleasant events. “I’ve encountered creatures called vampires. They look like humans, sharp teeth, creatures of the night, so I made the association...”

“Terrifying.” The unicorn couldn’t help but shudder at the implications.

The older human cleared his throat, “So, the Pomeline family. What’s their story?” Alex Roberts relaxed, taking a sip of his tea.

“Right, so they're a branch of the Thestral royal family that runs diplomatic relations between our two governments. The matriarch is Duchess Umbrielle, I quite like her. Smart as a whip and twice as charming. That accent can be hard for those with lazy ears.” Blueblood recalled a time when an associate had trouble speaking with her.

“That’s not as scary as I thought. Puts my mind at ease, actually.” Alex looked up at the ceiling as he scratched his chin, “Why does Scootaloo want to meet her? That’s the part I don’t get.”

“Sorry, my good sir, but the plans and machinations of youths are beyond me.” Blueblood grinned cheekily. “Maybe one day, when I’m a father, I will have a clue.”

Alex chuckled, “You never really figure that out.” A slight worry returned to tickle Alex’s mind. The strange alicorn. “Blueblood, were you here in Canterlot when Nightmare Moon came back?”

“That’s quite the whiplash on topic.” Blueblood leaned back and tried to recall that night. “Yes. Though I was in a safe location, an emergency went out, so my security took care of me. Why?”

Alex gestured with his hand absentmindedly, “My daughter asked Dash and me to go to the Gala. We later find out she’s been doing research into this specific event and into the Pomeline family. The alicorn that attacked Canterlot that night…they seem to be related.” Alex Roberts paused when he considered what Blueblood told him. “Doesn’t make sense, given what you’ve told me. Didn’t this pony have bat wings?”

Blueblood tapped his hoof on the table as he thought. “Captain Shining Armor was in charge at the time. He’s in the Crystal Empire now, so asking him would take too much time. Though at this point, he’s probably already on the train with Princess Cadance for the Gala event. Princess Celestia was indisposed, but she would've been brought up to date the moment she came back. I’ll be honest, Alex, I think this alicorn was taken care of. If the Pomeline family was responsible, I would have known about it, and they have no sanctions placed against them.”

All this left Alex was the ‘why’ now. Nightmare Moon was defeated, and this other alicorn most likely suffered the same fate. Captain Shining Armor was alive and well, after all. “I think I would like to visit this Pomeline family. Do you know where they live?”

“Of course I do. In fact, allow me to escort you there.” Blueblood bounced off his cushion seat. “Worry not, Mr. Roberts. I’m sure this will all work out.”

Alex Roberts found the idea that Blueblood was escorting him to be amusing. When that escort involved Blueblood’s own escort escorting him, escorting Mr Roberts. Peculiar phrasing aside, the horse-drawn carriage ride was nice enough. “So, do I tip the puller or the driver?”

“Neigher.” Blueblood answered. Roberts paused, trying to decipher the horse noise as the word ‘neither’ or a ‘neigh’. “Oh, don’t worry about it, I pay them just fine.”

“Right, sure.” He gave them a jaunty two-finger salute, “Good job, fellas.” Alex nodded respectfully, getting a smile in response from both of them. He turned around to see what was probably the spookiest house on the street, maybe even the neighborhood. Thin trees, tall gated fence, a cold wind. “What is this? An Addams Family remake?”

“Excuse me?” Blueblood looked up at his companion being weird, again.

“Sorry, old human show. Mysterious and spooky.” Alex waved it off.

“Mr. Roberts, a human thing can only be a fine excuse for so long. It can become rude.” Blueblood and Alex walked up to the locked gate. Alex grabbed the lion-shaped knocker and used it twice.

The doorbell rang out, carried by the barren yard to the house. Alex waited for a response of any kind. The mansion seemed to creek back in response. The human looked around the neighborhood, it was all very normal pony types. High-class pony, but one he could easily see normal ponies living in.

“Good afternoon, sirs.” Alex almost jumped. The low drawl of the tallest earth pony he’d ever seen looked him in the eye from behind the gate.

Alex made sure he wasn’t clutching his weapon before he got a better look. Bulky, slightly green, with odd scars.“Good grief! How did you—”

The giant interrupted him with a groaning voice, “Do you have an appointment?”

“Excuse us, sir, but we do not.” Blueblood tried to save the situation, “But this here is Alex Roberts, Princess Luna’s knight and we would love to be acquainted with the Duchess if she’s available.”

Eyes looked between the two indifferently. “I’m afraid the family is unavailable.” He turned away slowly before trudging back to the house. Alex could feel each heavy measured step, slowly thumping towards the house.

With a shrug, Alex Roberts turned to Blueblood and said,“I shouldn’t be surprised. This was a bit of a shot in the dark.” he muttered. “Sorry to drag you out here.”

They turned around to return to the carriage. “Think nothing of it, old boy. Not everything can be easy after all.”

“Wait!” A voice stopped them. Turning back, Alex caught a glimpse of an orange pony leaping off the back of the giant, over the fence, and landing on the other side. “Sir Roberts, Prince Blueblood.”

Alex resisted himself, he wanted to laugh. The pony was actually posing like an action star. “I am. Dusk. Sentry!” He heard Prince Blueblood groan next to him. “I am honored! That you have come to visit this household today.”

“Alex Roberts, nice to meet you, Dusk Sentry.” Alex whipped out his hand for a shake, Dusk reached out and gripped it. It was hard, and felt filled with purpose.

“Sir knight of her majesty. We’ve been hoping that you would visit our humble abode.” He whipped back his mane towards the castle wistfully. “Alas, this is a most busy of times. The Gala approaches.”

“Dusk.” The warning sound from the green sentry rumbled.

“Silver Platter, I haven't forgotten my duties. Run along, I’ll entertain them for but a moment more.” Sensing a repeating pattern to the relationship between the two, Alex watched the butler stomp his way back into the house. “Haha! So serious, but only has manners for those in the household. Practically a puppy, that one.”

“I’ll take your word for it..” Alex shook his head. “Look, I won’t take any more of your time. My family and I are coming to the Gala as well.”

“Excellent!” Dusk Sentry declared, but remembering something. “Er, your wife doesn’t plan to throw down any more statues this time?”

“No. We had a little talk about that.” Alex confirmed quickly, hoping he wouldn’t be proven wrong.

“Excellent!” Dusk Sentry declared again. “Then, if you wish to speak with the family, they’ll love to lend an ear. Your exploits have not gone unnoticed, and as a fellow paladin myself, I feel we truly bond at our core!”

“Really? You’re a paladin too?” Alex Roberts knelt down to eye level with the pegasus. “What’s your station?”

“Nothing as grand as your pateron, the Princess of the Night, Princess Luna herself!” Sentry smiled proudly. “I come from a long line of chosen guardians for this household. To protect it from those who would exploit and bring harm to them.”

“I’m sensing more than just physical protection,” Alex speculated out loud.

“Too true!” Dusk explained, bringing a hoof to his chest. “The Pomeline family is a prime target for those seeking power. For they are pillars against the darkness that wish to consume our world. I must always be prepared for any kind of foe!”

A ring from the house twitched the ears of the pony paladin. With an impressive leap and flutter of wings, Dusk Sentry landed on the other side of the fence. “Apologizes, Paladin Roberts. We are busy at the moment.” The little protector turned and yelled with impressive volume,“Fear not! For Dusk Sentry is here!” The commanding yell of the pony galloping back into the mansion offset the mood the place gave.

Alex stood back up and gave a half smile. “He’s certainly something.”

“Indeed he is.” Blueblood sighed. “I suppose that does end our visit.”

The human nodded, and as he turned back, he stopped. Alex had only caught the briefest of glimpses of something vanishing from the uppermost window. He only had enough time to register a white, pony-shaped, ghost-like spectre.

Alex Roberts smiled and breathed deeply. Ponyville’s familiar scents, sights, and sounds filled his senses as soon as he stepped off the train. All in all, a pretty good trip. Prince Blueblood was extremely helpful, and the threat was minimal. The idea of going to the Gala doesn’t thrill him, but his baby girl is worth it.

The four golden Gala tickets in his possession, he started to think about how to make the most of this trip. Important ponies do visit, and he might be able to garner further interest for his theater. He just needed to keep his expectations low.

“Alex Roberts? Ah, good, you’re back already. I heard you left town for Canterlot. Rather a sudden trip.” Doctor Emerald was returning from a shopping trip as he bumped into his human friend.

“Don’t even know the half of it, Doc. Feels like the past few days have been a whirlwind of activity.” Dr Emerald slowed down his pace to let his friend catch up. “Probably won’t let up until the Gala is over.”

The frown of empathy covered Emerald’s mug. “Do try to keep your wife from attacking any statues. That should make it nice and boring.”

“More worried about Scootaloo. She’s the one that wanted to go to the event.” Alex explained. “She wants to meet with some pony. Just visited their place, House Pomeline.”

A shimmer of green rippled across Dr Emerald’s form. “What?! Alex, do tell me that you said anything else but that.” He didn’t let the human answer. The changeling paced in a circle, looked all around him. Sniffed the air. “Hive, hive, hive this can be bad.”

“Whoa, calm down, bud.” Alex Robert’s placed his hand on Emerald’s whither. “I've never seen you this worked up.”

“Your daughter seeks to play with forces beyond your comprehension Alex!” Emerald leaned up and placed his hooves on the human’s shoulders. “Bat ponies are terrifying creatures. They kill and eat changelings.”

“They eat fruit,” Alex repeated what Blueblood told him.

“Not that family, Roberts.” Emerald had a faraway look, memories returned before he collected himself. “When Chrysalis tried to invade Canterlot they were one of our priority targets. Like you, they can see right through a disguise via sight, smell, and magic.”

Alex felt a chill. “What happened?”

“The plan worked.” Emerald explained, “The family was caught with no one any the wiser. But She wasn’t home.”

“I wasn’t involved in the operation. I just cared for the lone survivor after we were expelled from Canterlot. He described what felt like a shadow falling over the domain.” Emerald really wanted to share the emotions that he felt coming from that changeling. “Alex, we took no chances with that family. Our warriors there were elites. It did not matter, they were picked off. All he saw was a red glow of eyes. He felt wrath and hunger. Each one she killed made her stronger.”

Alex Robert’s threat assessment of the situation turned from minimal to extreme as he processed this. Emerald paused as he collected himself. “Before Princess Cadance threw us all from Canterlot, he had dragged himself from the house. The white figure stalked him from the darkness. Then by a stroke of luck, he was saved by magical expulsion.”

That ghost pony he saw at the mansion; that was her. Alex was sure of it. ‘Now what should I do?’ He made eye contact with his friend Dr Emerald, “Who is she?”

The good doctor answered grimly, “Erebus.”

Chapter 4: Let Me Fly

Rainbow Dash knew someday, somehow, calling Twilight an egghead might come back to bite her in the rump. She wasn’t sure how, but that thought was there whenever she teased her. Scootaloo having a presentation at the library with a chalkboard and ruler in wing reminded her of her teasing. Her daughter. An egghead. What was this world coming to?

Twilight sat next to Dash, seemingly unaware of her friend’s thoughts. The unicorn had the grin of a proud teacher. Seeds of knowledge had come home to roost, and the results spoke for themselves. Hard work that was going to yield brilliance. It truly brought her no greater joy.

Rarity dressed sharply like she would for all professional occasions. She meticulously watched the three fillies set everything up. Given everything she knew about the monstrous alicorn, Rarity wanted to see what all this hard work was about. The anxious parents wordlessly told her that they had little idea.

“What’s goin’ on again?” Applejack sat next to Rarity with the most raised of eyebrows. “I feel out of the loop.”

Some were more hopeless than others, Rarity thought as she threw her head back with a groan. “Really, did you not have a clue what your Applebloom was doing?”

“She did her chores and was hangn’ out with her friends. Why would I expect anything like this?” Applejack paused when she realized she was talking about these three fillies. “On the other hoof, this is downright benign compared to chasing around monsters for cutie marks.”

Rarity whispered under her breath to the farmer. “It might be related to a monstrous alicorn that attacked Canterlot when Nightmare Moon came back”

“Never mind. Clearly, nothing has changed.” Applejack huffed as she accepted a bag of popcorn from Pinkie Pie. “At least we’re getting a heads up this time.”

“Pinkie Pie?” Alex Roberts looked down at the bran muffin provided to him on a pink platter. “How did you get involved in this?”

“I was asked to provide refreshments!” She answered with a sing-song tone as she bounced between folks. “I just had to. I saw just how busy these fillies were, so I decided to help them out in my own little way.”

“Tea. To help calm me down. Please.” Alex asked as he once again caught his hand tightening up. He had a strong urge to grab the handle of his knife, a source of comfort in the bad old days “Feeling a little anxious.”

“Make that two,” Dash said as she accepted a rainbow-themed cupcake.

“Okie dokie loki.” Pinkie Pie said cheerily as she bounced away to prep the beverages. “What would you like, Applejack? Apple juice?”

“Lemonade is fine.” Applejack tapped her chin as she thought. “Should we get the Elements of Harmony? Been awhile since we fought an alicorn.”

“I seriously doubt that we need to do any of that today. I think it would be, what’s the phrase, frowned upon coming to the Gala to make it explode.” Dash chuckled at the idea. “Would be really funny though.”

“Assuming this presentation persuades us to go,” Alex grumbled as he readjusted himself in his pony-sized seat.

“Spike and I are going regardless. It’ll make for an interesting topic to discuss with Princess Celestia.” Twilight’s chipper smile was the brightest in the room. “Is everypony here? We aren’t forgetting anypony, right?”

—

In her warm cozy home, Fluttershy sighs happily as she knits another sock sweater for a mouse.

—

Dash waved off the question, “Naw, everypony that wants to be here is here.”

“Hello, everypony!” The crisp crystal voice of Sweetie Belle rang out. “Thank you all for coming for this presentation. Thank you, Pinkie Pie, for helping the adults be comfortable.”

“Love to help!” Pinkie sang out from the back, wearing a shirt saying “Scootaloo is #1!”.

“Now, normally, we would do a song and dance number to make this more fun,” Applebloom explained as they rolled in a chalkboard covered by a drape.

“Doesn’t work in the medium very well.” Pinkie Pie shrugged. “The syntax just fell flat.”

“Well, I could've.” Twilight countered with a raised hoof. “One of the things I loved doing in school to make studying a fourth time more interesting was turning it into a song that I could sing while I danced around the room. I tried to get my classmates into the idea, but it really only happened one time.”

Most of the ponies around her rolled their eyes while Alex carefully kept a neutral expression. After a few moments of waiting for more interruptions, Applebloom continued, “So we’re sort of doing this the old-fashioned way. Like Ms. Cheerilee does.”

Alex Roberts double-checked to see if Rainbow Dash hadn’t fallen asleep. For his diligence, his wife smacked him softly with her wing when she noticed what he was doing.

Scootaloo put on a pair of fake reading glasses and threw back the curtain. A diagram of magic equations, pony profiles, and a timeline of important events. A large red ring centered around a stallion and an unknown batpony. “Over five hundred years ago, Equestria was under threat of a mad ram,” she made a small pause for dramatic effect, “The Alchemist.” They were an understudy of Grogar the Necromancer. The pegasus controlled the skies and easily thwarted his airships.”

“Using his dark arts in profane potions, unlike a certain zebra we all know and love, The Alchemist devised a magical disease to steal the feathers from all the pegasi. Thus, with his superior authority in the sky, a shadow dropped over Canterlot.”

Behind Scootaloo, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle reenact the story with hastily made miniatures they got from the Ponyville game store. Applebloom had knocked the airship into Canterlot to display dominance.

“Our brave hero, Tower Shield, refused to yield. He petitioned Princess Celestia to undergo a ritual with the mysterious thestral duchess, Whetu. This foreign magic changed the ordinary earth pony into a pony like the duchess, a bat pony. As shown in the sources of Pegasus and Winged Heroes, Tower Shield earned his wings in glorious fashion by routing the evil ram. His name is still honored in the hall of heroes in Canterlot and Cloudsdale.”

Rainbow Dash blinked a few times as she processed what her daughter just explained. She then raised her hoof, “Wait.”

“Dash! Let her finish the presentation.” Twilight scolded her.

“No.” She responded simply. “Scootaloo, are you telling me what I think you’re telling me? That you can get-”

“Wings!” Scootaloo cheered out with a whoop. “Working wings! The Pomaline family has the power to grant wings to others.” She slapped the picture of Whetu with her ruler. “The Pomaline family is a royal branch from the Kiri nation. Each generation, one pony in that family has special powers that are passed down in their bloodline.”

Most of the adults had open jaws. They quickly skimmed the information on the board to double-check if they heard correctly. Applejack recovered the fastest from the others. “Well shucks, Scoots. That sounds like fantastic news. Who’s the special pony that can do that now?”

Sweetie Belle threw a picture in front of Whetu with a quick pinup. “This albino mare, Erebus. She hasn’t inherited the duchess title from her mother yet, but she’s the pony to ask. The sign that she is the one is the cutie mark. All the ones from history had a variant of a half moon half sun.”

Scootaloo pointed to a small picture of her own wings. “So my disability is a combination of my nervous system and starswirl glands failing to make a connection which in turn leads to poor wing bone growth. I can’t process pegasus magic correctly. I can’t say the medical word very well.”

“Osteoswirlclerosis.” Twilight helpfully added.

“That's it.” Scootaloo nodded. “So you all may be wondering how I got this idea.”

Alex Roberts and Rainbow Dash nod their heads ‘yes’ deliberately. Scootaloo took that as encouragement. “Well, Nightmare Night, when Princess Luna returned, had me thinking. We were celebrating a pony that was real. Not some storybook character or nursery rhyme. A real mare. The candy as an offering was just a symbol of ancient earth pony tribes making autumn offerings for a good harvest. It had nothing to do with Nightmare Moon, but it did get co-opted into the myth. I remember this song…” Scootaloo pointed to Sweetie Belle.

The young unicorn took a deep breath and started, “Beware tarrying in the night, for it might take you away on moonlit wings. She’ll take you away into the calm and quiet. Shadows grow in this garden of enchantment.” She sang out the quicker version of the old song, “They shall fear me for as long as the moon endures, come join the Nightmare Night parade.”

“That old song, is that where all this comes from?” Applejack started to hum the rest of the song to herself. “Makes one wonder what other old mare’s tales have a seed of truth hiding. You know that song was about Nightmare Moon, Scoots. Not exactly the nicest of mares.”

“That’s been on my mind too.” Alex crossed his arms. “You want to meet this mare at the Gala in the hopes she will give you wings. Someone associated with Nightmare Moon.”

Scootaloo withered under her father’s gaze. She looked between her two friends, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom could only shrug. Trying to think of any other options, she glanced at her mom, Rainbow Dash. Looked at the adults waiting for an answer. Rarity. She made a Gala dress for her mom.

“Well, Dad. You went to Canterlot right? I know how protective you are, so when you visited the Pomaline family, what did you think?” Scootaloo challenged back.

“I never said I went to see them.” Alex raised an eyebrow.

“Did you?” Scootaloo pressed her question. “I know you had the opportunity to do it when Blueblood sent you a request to meet with him. Why wouldn’t you?”

“You meet with Prince Blueblood?” Rarity spoke up, directing her question to Alex with a slight hint of curiosity. “You have been busy.”

“He gave me an invitation so he can deliver the tickets. He wanted to ask why we needed the Gala tickets.” Alex admitted.

“And!” Scootaloo added. “You thought you could catch two birds in your wing. After all, you knew what I was doing. Right?”

Alex sighed as he relented. “Yes. I did know.”

Scootaloo nodded with excitement, her dad continued with a sharp exclamation. “However, I never met with any of them. Just their guard and butler.”

“I’m impressed, squirt.” Dash grinned as she nudged him. “She’s a smart one. Figured us out pretty quick.”

“Maybe, but what I learned doesn’t quite fill me with confidence.” Alex leaned forward. “So what I’ve gathered, they’re a strange sort. Blueblood didn’t have anything bad to say about them, and the paladin was very friendly. Even mentioned that they would enjoy talking to me.”

Remembering that, Alex dragged his hand over his hair. “Aw, man. This might happen anyway. I made them aware that I wanted to meet them. If not at the Gala, sometime in the future.”

“So what’s got you so worked up then?” Applejack asked her favorite human.

“I talked to Dr. Emerald as well. He told me that during the changeling invasion in Canterlot that Erebus had killed some of the changelings that had taken the family hostage.” Alex hesitated a moment, wondering just how graphic he should be. “The survivor was scarred from the experience.”

He felt a change in the room, the adults stiffened. Rarity cleared her throat as she looked away.

“Alex. I’m pretty sure I killed a changeling during the Canterlot invasion. Probably more.” Dash whispered to him. “Like the whole thing was a big ol’ mess.”

“Not really something we like to talk about. Given how we’re trying to have peace with them.” Twilight shook her head.

“Alex, I would be angry if my family was taken hostage.” Pinkie Pie slinked up to Alex and started to lean on him. “Dashie, is right about it being one big mess. Dr. Emerald still suffers from empathy trauma, being one of the few doctors they had.”

Feeling like a heel, Alex started to rub Pinkie and Dash’s scalp. “The fact you have worked hard to bring peace with them despite how traumatic that day must have been. You ponies are incredible.”

“You know it, stud.” Dash flicked his tail around his arm and pulled him forward to Scootaloo. “Hey, you’ve done really good figuring this all out. Your dad and I want what’s best for you. More than anything in the world, I would love to fly with you. Do you have any doubts about this?”

Scootaloo looked between her parents before looking up to the board. “Well, this all hinges on her. Erebus. Nightmare Moon is gone. She might not have that power anymore.”

“I say it’s worth a shot.” Dash smiled then glanced over to Alex. “How are you feeling big guy?”

Placing his hand on his daughter’s back. “I will protect you with everything I am. We can go.”

At that moment, the front door slammed open as Summer Blossom whined in annoyance. “Cheaters! Cheaters. I said no spying.”

In one of the upper windows of the library tree, a few pegasus crowded the window. Summer threw the curtain over it. Only for several patrons to herd their way into the library.

“I knew she was up to something. Scootaloo, you're going to the Gala for wings?!” One of her classmates, Berry Pinch, pushed their way through the herd.

“Here I thought Lyra was doing something weird behind my back.” Bon Bons' voice could be heard somewhere in the group. “Didn’t think it would turn out like this.”

“Scootaloo! Scootaloo! Is it true you have found a way to fly?” A colt by the name of Featherweight took a picture of Scootaloo with all her work on the chalkboard behind her. Most likely to be part of the published story in the newspaper tomorrow.

“Whoa, whoa, folks.” Alex Roberts stood up in front of the crowd. “What’s all this about?”

“It’s a small town, Alex. Kind of hard to keep a secret.” Applejack bounced up next to him. “Hang on ya’ll, this was a family occasion. No need to rump your way in here.”

“Come on, AJ!” Cloudchaser made it a point to yell from outside the window. “We’ve all known her her entire life. We want in on this!”

“Wings! Wings! Wings!” Excitement was already high in the crowd, but the joy didn’t subsist. Stallions, mares, colts, and fillies turned into a town celebration. Pinkie Pie couldn’t contain herself anymore. An explosion of confetti outside the library lured all the ponies outside. The chanting turned into something more musical. The town was now in on it, and Scootaloo was at the center of it. Applejack, Rarity, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash trotted to an ever-present beat and joined the commotion.

Alex Roberts, the confused human, just watched in slight bewilderment as a musical number started. He had no idea how long this would go or where it would end up. His other daughter sat down next to him on her haunches. “Sorry. Father, I tried.”

“Summer, I don’t think we could have prevented this. Scootaloo wasn’t exactly quiet about what she’s been doing.” Alex Roberts sighed as he mentally played out just how things could go wrong. “How do you feel about this?”

The diamond dog pup stayed silent as the musical number played out across town. “I want to protect sister. I want her happy. I worry if she get wings, I can’t protect.”

“That will be something we’ll have to learn how to figure out.” Alex sat down on the step to the library and leaned against the door. “Hope for harmony right?”

“Mr. Roberts, Summer Blossom.” The voice of a friend made them look aside from the song and dance number to their changeling friend, Dr. Emerald. “I see the town has learned about your daughter’s hopes and dreams.”

“You’re not joining the musical number?” Alex scooched over to let Emerald sit next to him.

“No.” He promptly said. “Though the harmonious magic basically told me the gist of the song. Wings.”

“Doctor. I worry. Nightmare is an old demon legend.” Summer tapped her paws together. “Sister, hopes for best, but I worry.”

“Which is why I’m coming.” Emerald looked up to his human friend. “Mr. Roberts I’m terrified, but I’ve had time to think.”

“You don’t have to do that, bud.” Alex patted him on the back.

“No, I insist. Not just so I can confront my own fears, but to help you feel this situation out.” Emerald continued. “Going through with this, we need to watch each other’s back. I can read their emotions, and you can do that human thing that allows you to see right through us all.”

“You mean intuition.” Alex smiled with a chuckle.

“I’ll sniff them out. Good dog knows what evil lurks in hearts.” Summer thumped her chest with a powerful paw. “We do this. Protect family. Protect friends.”

“It's not the first time the girls have gone to the Gala, and it ended in disaster. Let’s try to avoid a second incursion.” Alex Roberts shrugged as he rubbed the back of his neck. “If they do turn out to be goofy silly ponies with not an evil bone in their body, I’ll have to apologize. That will make it so much easier than if they’re actually part of some kind of moon cult.”

“Do you have your suit yet?” Emerald spied a singing tailor.

“How about I go in my shiny Lunar magic armor. That’ll make a good impression.” Alex threw his hands out, pretending to throw magic blasts.

“Can you? That’ll make me feel so much better.” Emerald whined, hoping that superior firepower would be brought to the table.

“I’ll see if I can get away with it.”

—

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna look over new requests. Celestia sips some orange juice before breaking the silence. “They’re coming.”

“Who, dear sister?” Luna rereads the request from her paladin.

“Twilight and her friends.They’re coming to the Gala.” Princess Celestia checked the calendar, just to make sure it was the right date.

“I’d make fun of you for just desserts, but it seems my paladin, Alex Roberts, is requesting to bring his armor.” Luna pressed her lips. “Are they related? In fact, what did our nephew tell you? Blueblood talked with Alex recently.”

“Scootaloo wanted to meet the Pomeline family.” Celestia watched her sister's confused expression. “Yes, that’s it. Beyond that, I do not know.”

“The Pomeline family? You mean the bat pony family?” Luna’s nose scrunched. “Why?”

The two princesses sat in silence, worried about the upcoming storm.

“Well if the Gala is destroyed, no real loss.”

“Luna!”

Chapter 7: Hold Your Excitement

Scootaloo looked wide eyed at the guardian paladin that stood before her. Just like Erebus, this guy had little information she could find. Like it was scrubbed, whatever Dusk Sentry did when Nightmare Moon arrived Scootaloo couldn’t find anything.

“I truly felt that passion, good sir!” Dusk Sentry smiled brightly as he saluted both Alex Roberts and Captain Nightshade. “Oh, and you as well, Captain.”

“Don’t mention it.” Captain Nightshade sighed. “You wanted to talk to him, Alex?”

“My daughter and I would love to speak with your lady.” Alex Roberts extended out his hand with a welcoming smile, which was hidden behind his magic helmet.

“So this is Scootaloo.” Sentry tilted his head down to the young filly as he accepted the handshake with his hoof. “Not many young fillies come to the Gala. Mostly a grownup boring thing.”

“Is it true that you have super powers to stop an armada of airships to protect your charges!?” Scootaloo’s wings buzzed as she slinked closer to him, nodding her head rapidly.

Captain Nightshade mouthed ‘super powers’ and gave Alex a questioning look, all he could do was shrug. Without missing a beat Sentry declared loudly. “Of course, I will carve mountains for my Lady and Lord!”

“And Princess Erebus, right!?” Scootaloo urged on.

Dusk didn’t seem taken aback as the filly became more pushy. “Well, she’s a scholarly researcher at the university so more often than not she is fine without my presence.”

“The university usually hires the day guard for any of the field trips.” Captain Nightshade watched Alex’s magic armor return to the hidden neutral state. “Also, Princess? Erebus isn’t a princess young filly.”

Alex looked down as Nightshade turned away. He knew better than to ask about the night guard being used. “Alright Scoots, don’t get too eager. Paladin Sentry, is your Lady available?”

“By my honor sir. She is more than willing to speak with you.” Dusk opened up a wing and tilted it behind him. “Captain Nightshade, will you be joining us?”

“That’s ok. I’m still working. Alex, are you going to keep wearing your armor?” Nightshade tapped the side of the hip with an audible clang.

“Oh right, no.” With a click, the armor smoothly collapsed into the hidden mode. Alex’s cheeks still burned red from doing the over-the-top oath display. Nightshade smirked, but didn’t commit. “Lead the way, Dusk Sentry.”

Scootaloo bounced as they followed the paladin. The crowd around them watched with amusement, but quickly returned to their conversations. She leaned from side to side to see if she could get a glance of the countess. To her, Dusk was agonizingly slow.

“Sweetie.” She looked up at her dad as he spoke calmly; he held out his hand, brought to his chest and breathed out slowly. “Relax.”

“Sweetie.” Alex repeated and waited for her to look up as he held out his hand.

She knew she needed to calm down, but her heart pounded against her chest. At this moment, Alex might as well be asking for the impossible. Scoot’s eyes darted from posh pony to regal pony. Their ears. Batponies have pronounced fuzzy ears. If only there weren’t so many ponies around.

“Relax,” he breathed out again, pulling her to his chest. After a moment, he let her go.

They went from one ball room to another, past halls and halls. This gala was bigger than she could have guessed. Alex looked around at the room. It seemed to be a favorite for pegasus. Multiple open windows, the hanging fruit platters was a surprise to him. ‘Well, if you can fly up to get a sample why not?’

He heard a gasp from his daughter. Quickly looking down, he saw her eyes dilate. Alex didn’t take long to see what caught her attention. On the balcony, appropriately framed by the moon, was a thestral mare and stallion.

Dusk Sentry pranced up to them before swinging back around. “Paladin Roberts, lass Scootaloo, it is my pleasure to introduce you to my charges. Lady Umbrielle and Lord Rajnish.”

Alex mentally took a double take, they both glowed like white silver. Not a magic aura from a unicorn, but similar to Applejack’s sweat sheened coat on a bright summer day. He focused his eyes and could see the fine dust of makeup that his sharp vision picked up on. Most likely difficult for a pony to see, but probably common knowledge for a native. Given how little Rainbow Dash put on makeup, which was none, he wondered what kind of makeup existed exclusively for pegasus.

“Good evening! We are most humbled by Princess Luna’s Silver Star. You’ve been the center of discussion for most Canterlot nobles given your exploits.” Lady Umbrielle gave a short half bow. Her grin was thin, like she was hiding her teeth.

Before he could respond, his daughter stepped in front and quickly shortened the distance. “Hello! Hi, greetings. How are you doing?”

A wing covered Umbrielle like a cape, Scootaloo flinched at the surprised barrier. A cool voice jerked her attention to the stallion that draped his flexible leather wing across his wife. “Young filly, you might find that, while similar to pegasus, thestrals are not nearly as excitable. Please introduce yourself.”

“Not all of us lack self control.” Alex heard a soft grumble. He spied the plumpest purple pegasus noble he had ever seen sitting on a cloud. Not a fair comparison given who he married.

“Scootaloo. I’m Scootaloo. Dad’s, er, Alex, no wait, Paladin Robert’s filly.” She reminded herself to not fumble when the goal was within view. “I’m Scootaloo, from the Dash Household.”

She gulped as Rajnish raised an eyebrow from her introduction, his catlike eyes seemed to look her over to perceive any weakness. A flash of jade on a ring caught her attention as another wing patted him on the head. “Dear, she’s just a filly. No need to be so grim.”

“Scoots, please give them some space.” Alex Roberts didn’t want to Pinkie Pie the introduction. “Sorry about that, she’s been dreaming of this moment for a while.”

“Really?” Umbrielle tilted her head at Scootaloo as the filly gathered herself to a more controllable energy level. “I do apologize, I was under the impression you wished to see us Paladin Roberts. Is that not the case?”

Alex’s thoughts ran through several scenarios. All he had to work with was investigative information the girls gathered. Meeting the actual ponies was a first contact moment and best laid plans often flopped. Were they going to be offended if he told the truth? That he had no idea who they were until a month ago?

“Oh no, this was all me.” Scootaloo politely blurted out. “I’ve been wanting to meet your family.”

“Right, I can explain.” Alex hoped they just didn’t enter the worse case scenario. “We've been wanting to meet you.” A thought crossed his mind, ‘Can they tell if I lie?’

The two ponies looked between the two, given the height difference made it look like they were nodding. “So we gathered, but not what we thought it was about.”

“What did you think my dad wanted?” Scoots asked, unaware of the attention she was bringing from around the room. They were an oddity, now they were a curious attraction.

“Well your father came to our home with Prince Blueblood. We believed that this was an official visit that Princess Luna was trying to set up, that seems to be our mistake.” Umbrielle’s fuzzy ears twitched as she heard murmurs from the pegasi in the room. “Given you have your royal armor, now I’m curious. You did want to meet us, right?”

“Your daughter, Erebus actually.” Alex Roberts sighed as his beloved daughter answered without pause. He really wanted to get a feel of these two, now he has to take charge.

“Scootaloo.” She snapped her head up to her dad as his voice became strict. “We came here to talk to them. Please, be patient.”

“No, no.” The curt voice from the pudgy pegasus from earlier cut in. “Clearly you came here to demand something from them. Like most rural folk, just waltz in. So go on, no need to fake being polite to us. What do you want?”

“Cold Front, she’s clearly excited.” Umbrielle answered back, but couldn’t hide her disappointment.

“I was talking about him.” Cold pointed a feather at Alex. “Pulled enough strings to get here.”

Alex pushed down the urge to retort with a biting remark. “I mean no disrespect, and would ask if you would be as courteous.”

Scootaloo’s wings buzzed when she realized something was up. She quickly gathered the situation around her. The fear of tunnel vision became a real pit in her stomach. The pegasus confronting them had her wings not quite relaxed, more neutral-aggressive. A pegasus does that when talking to non-winged folks who didn’t know how to read the wing expressions. “Hey, my dad is a paladin. He’s a peer to everypony here and has earned it.”

“Then he should know how to trot the trot when coming to our stable.” Cold Front looked down at her, Scootaloo didn’t flinch at her glare. “Not be led on by the nose by a filly.”

“Cold Front.” Umbrielle struck a wing out across Cold’s barrel. “I appreciate you trying to defend me. Let me talk to them.”

“About your daughter.” Cold answered. “The team just got back from up north.”

“Then we’ll talk daughter to daughter.” Umbrielle’s sharp eyes focused on Scootaloo. “A dream you say. Now your father has the ear of Princess Luna, what can my daughter do for you that all the power of Equestria can not?”

Scootaloo gulped as she looked up to her dad. His eyes softened as he patted her on the head. “She’s waiting.”

“I want to talk to Erebus.” Scootaloo almost stuttered as she suppressed her energy. “I think she’s the only one that can help me.”

The entire room waited, Scootaloo stiffened her posture. “I want wings. Wings that work. I want to fly. Fly with my mom and kin.”

Air sucked out of the room. Alex noticed a visible reaction from all of the ponies present. Cold Front’s nose scrunched up, her wings held up, and took a noticeable step back. Umbrielle’s eyes flickered teal. Then he heard her husband whisper quietly so no other pony could hear. His ears picked it up. “She’ll say no.”

Scootaloo hoped for an immediate answer, not a dreadful pause. She tried to read the bat-pony in front of her, but the differences were more noticeable than she realized. The wings didn’t move the same way, her ears flicked erratically. Not like normal ponies. “Please let me talk to her.”

“You should go home.” Umbrielle answered finally. “She won’t be able to help you.”

“What!? Why?” The young filly’s voice cracked.

“Whatever hopes and aspirations you pinned on Erebus, she’s not capable.” Umbrielle turned away and walked back out to the balcony. “I’m sorry. Please go back.”

Alex Roberts waited throughout the conversation, he could tell his daughter was holding back tears. The pegasi in the room looked away. He could also tell when he was being sold bull. “It usually amuses me when I’m underestimated. Lady, I can out poker a table full of changelings. Don’t brush me off like some backwater hillbilly that doesn’t know anything.”

“Huh?” Scootaloo shook her head. “Wait, are you saying she’s lying?”

Umbrielle ‘tisked’ as she hoped to have turned them away. “It isn’t that simple. You are asking my daughter to dredge up old wounds.”

“Nightmare Moon.” Scootaloo confirmed.

The bat-pony sighed as she looked up at the moon. “She was not a willing aid to that. Now you come here asking for her to use that same magic once again. I’m her mother, and I do not wish her any more harm. No. Many pegasi and bat-ponies have lived without the gift of flight. You can too.”

Scootaloo glared at the noblemare. With or without the blessings, she will not stop so easily. “Dad, let’s go see how the others are doing?”

Alex Roberts nodded and turned away. “Others you say?” Umbrielle muttered before jerking her head back to them. “Wait! Did you bring your wife here? Rainbow Dash?”

“Of course my mom is here. She wants to help me.” Scootaloo answered matter of factly.

The room once again had the air sucked out. Cold Front took flight. “Well this night was great, but I think I’ll head out.”

Rajnish had a polite nervous laugh. “Ah, so you didn’t happen to bring anypony else, did you?”

“The entirety of the Elements of Harmony are here.” Alex Roberts waved back as he strolled out of the room.

“Wait! Wait, wait, wait.” Umbrielle galloped after them. “You’re joking right. The Princesses wouldn’t have allowed them tickets again after the incident? Destroying the entire Gala.”

“Correct.” Alex helpfully confirmed her worst fears. “They’re all here to help us.”

“Sun and Moon have mercy.”

—

Orpheus wasn’t sure what he did to bring such a curse on him. The Pink one was in the crowd. Normally this was a cause for concern. However, she had her eyes glued on him specifically. He wasn’t sure when she started, but he stayed at his station for a false sense of security.

He was supposed to have taken a break two songs ago.

“Listen, maybe just take one for the herd.” Sweet Bell whispered from behind her table of golden bells. “You don’t even have a part in this number.”

Traitorous musicians aside, he wasn’t sure how long he could hold this off. There weren’t supposed to be vocals on stage at the moment. They were chiding him in between rest notes.

“Nonsense, his chattering teeth and joints are perfect next to the drum section.” Octavia helpfully pointed out. “If we had one. Stop wasting time, if anything happens I’m sure the guards will drive her off.”

“With me in tow.” Orpheus hissed.

“Then just fly away to a safe place.” Brass Base pointed to his wing before returning to her section.

The suggestion seemed sound, but his gut instinct told him he was doomed regardless of what he did. He was an artist, not a fighter. Fight or flight, he chose his natural instincts. She couldn’t fly, so he took off straight up. Straight to the ceiling with the other pegasi. He looked back down to where she was, or wasn’t now.

The other pegasi around him took a small flutter back. All of them wide-eyed.

“Oh Mr. Pomeline, I’ve been waiting ever so patiently.” Orpheus gulped as slowly looked behind him. Upside down, attached to the ceiling with suction cups was Pinkie Pie. “Would you mind sharing some of your time with a little mare like me?”

Her giggles made him gulp.

—
Applejack was right, her Zap Apple was the key to her success. If the key was having the entire room of ponies getting in her way. She tried her best to ignore them, but now she couldn’t get them away from her. The irony compared to her last visit was not lost on her. “Gosh darn it, where were you folks when I was selling apple pies?”

“Well for one, you didn’t have a license to sell food.” A random well-dressed unicorn helpfully pointed out. “And now you’re waving around the most interesting fruit I’ve ever seen and not even offering to sell it.”

“Apple family specialty, come on down to Ponyville’s Sweet Apple Acres during the fall to have some.” The sweet voice of Applebloom helpfully pointed out. Summer Blossom’s head was on a swivel, hoping to see any peek of a bat-pony. Not knowing what one looked like didn’t help, but she didn’t stop.

On the other side of the room, laying low was their target. He snickered. “I can see a honeycrisp trap set out for me. I don’t know what an Apple wants with me, but this bat won’t bite.”

“Really? She could be friendly?” The white unicorn mare next to him watched the scene unfold with him.

“Her? Friendly? That’s Applejack, and her reputation precedes her.” Oberon pointed out to the unicorn who was clearly not in the loop. “Powerful, stubborn, and will not take no for an answer. She’s looking for somepony and it hasn’t been any of them. The three of them have all been looking up for somepony who could fly.”

The younger filly next to her huffed. “That’s only sometimes. Applejack is real nice to ponies who are nice back.”

The thestral paid the young white filly with a curious glance. “Oh? You seem to know her then.”

“Sure do, Applebloom is my friend. I’m Sweetie Belle and this is my sister Rarity.” Sweetie bounced around to the other side of Oberon.

Oberon for his part didn’t say anything else when he realized who he was standing next to. Rarity softly purred into his ear. “I was going to be slow, but my dear sister likes to spoil the surprise. My dear thestral prince, how are you this divine evening?”

“Splendid, until my plan of sneaking away failed.”

Chapter 6: The Gala

“Thanks for coming, Ms. Fluttershy. I thought you had no desire to revisit the Gala after the last time.” Scootaloo looked up to Fluttershy as they all waited at the train station.

Meekly, Fluttershy did her best not to look around at the crowd of ponies that had gathered to see them off. The happy murmurs of Ponyville surrounded the group of heroes, though most of the attention was centered around the filly of the hour. “Scootaloo, after watching you grow up and taking care of the three of you; I want to be with you for this occasion.”

“Fluttershy, this means the world to me.” Rainbow Dash hovered next to her daughters. “Seriously, you didn’t even hesitate when you found out what we were doing.”

“I probably would have helped sooner if I had known, but you know, living so far outside of town does mean I learn things much later than others.” Fluttershy sighed as shifted away from a fussy Rarity making slapdash adjustments to the old gala dress.

“Fluttershy, please, let me fix this. It still has teeth marks.” Rarity pleaded. Making a new dress at the last moment was too much even for her. “Why must you be so cruel?”

“Well, this isn’t about me or the old dress.” Fluttershy huffed. She felt her patchwork was just fine. “We’re all here to get Scootaloo wings so she can fly.”

“We’re about to meet a noble family with a request. I made all of our dresses with that in mind.” Rarity looked over proudly at her hard work amongst the girls before flinching in horror at Fluttershy’s old gala dress. “I can’t do this. Spike!”

“Oh! Yes, Rarity! How can I help you?” Spike stood up straight at the call of duty.

Rarity took out a small note and drew a quick sketch with measurements. “I need you to use your helpful dragon fire to mail this to my boutique.”

“Oh, come on! We don’t have time to visit your other store.” Sweetie Belle objected as Spike sent the note through dragon flame. “Rarity, stop making this more complicated.”

“I will gallop all the way to that store and back!” Rarity shook her hoof skyward. “I will make sure with all of my ability that we will be presentable to the Pomeline family.”

“Pomeline? You mean the thestral royal family?” Fluttershy raised an eyebrow at her friend’s antics. “I’ve been to Kiri and worked with a cousin of theirs.”

All the ponies around her tottered and almost face-planted. Even Alex, who was stoically standing tall the entire time, wobbled in shock.

“What!?” They all yelled.

A flurry of questions aimed at Fluttershy caused her to shrink. Scootaloo was hopping up and down with joy. “Really!? Really! Really!”

“You survived that trip!” Doctor Emerald looked like he was about to faint.

“What happened?” Alex Roberts knelt down, hoping to make eye contact. “Did you learn anything?”

“That’s amazing, Fluttershy.” Twilight Sparkle had a twinkle in her eye. “I always wanted to visit a place like that. What was it like?”

“Hold up, hold up. We’re scaring her guys.” Rainbow Dash used her wings to push away the eager ponies. “Take a moment, Shy.”

After a few moments of breathing, the doors to the train opened. Fluttershy slinked inside to find a seat. Everyone else followed with bated breath as they took their seats close by. “So, Applejack, remember when you had the fruit bats at your farm?”

“That infestation? Oh yeah, I do. What about it?” Applejack leaned back in her seat and looked up at the ceiling.

“I mean, infestation isn’t the right word for it, but regardless I took care of the issue with a relocation plan.” Fluttershy tapped her front hooves. “I had to get some permits done and I found out about a restoration project that already existed. Long story short I helped bring all the bats to their new home in the country of Kiri, except one. That cute little bat was adopted by the Pomeline family in Canterlot. The head of the project was a nice mare named Lady Mele. I didn’t see much besides that.”

“Is it true that they live in a giant tree that is really tall!?” Twilight Sparkle produced a notebook, Scootaloo leaned forward in her seat before her father placed his hand on her. “I’ve only read about it in geography and botany books.”

“Yes, it is!” Fluttershy nodded enthusiastically. “That one would be hard to miss. That tree almost stretched as high as Cloudsdale, did you know it was a type of fig tree. It looks like multiple trees, but it’s one tree around another tree–”

“Ms. Fluttershy, please.” Scootaloo wiggled from her dad’s grasp and sat next to Fluttershy. “Tell me about the Poneline family!”

“I, um, well, Lady Mele was very nice. She takes care of several different kinds of creatures in the royal animal sanctuary. The Lady let me spend as much time talking to the animals.” Fluttershy looked down at the wide-eyed Scootaloo. “I really only talked to them, not to her very much. After the paperwork was finalized, I went home. She was nice.”

“So, nothing about the family that lives here in Canterlot?” Rainbow Dash rolled her hoof, waiting for more info.

“Funny enough, not from her, but from the other workers there.” Fluttershy tapped her chin as she recalled. “They were asking if I knew Princess Erebus Pomeline. Which was silly, my reputation as the Element of Kindness sort of colored their expectations of me. Was a whole 22-minute series of misunderstandings before it was concluded with an apology. They thought I had special powers and that Princess Celestia and Luna listened to everything I said.”

Pinkie Pie slapped her knee and laughed uproariously. “I can totally see that happening. Fluttershy, you’re so funny.”

“As for your question, one of the younger fillies asked if I knew Princess Erebus.” Fluttershy couldn’t help but giggle from Pinkie’s infectious laughter. “She even had a little doll of her.”

“A doll?” Alex Roberts tilted his head. “So, is she actually a princess?”

“Not really. It's a little complicated.” Twilight pulled out a tome from a saddlebag and quickly opened it up. “So think of it like the Crystal Empire, only without a princess leading it. Just different leaders from several noble houses. Erebus is probably called a princess like Blueblood is called a prince.”

Spike peaked his head over the seat to get in the conversation. “No pony in Canterlot called her a princess.”

“Clearly, it’s a popular idea if ponies have dolls made of her. I’ve seen princess-related paraphernalia at toy stores, not of a bat pony though.” Alex recalled when he had gotten a Luna doll for Summer. Which had ended with her chewing through it like a dog toy. She was happy with the gift. “So she’s got the whole flying and magic thing, right?”

“I’ve never actually seen her fly.” Twilight looked up from her book with a quick glance. “Lacked the energy if I had to guess. You know, I don’t think her mom was ever called a princess, just a duchess.”

“Well, if she’s popular back home and studied under Princess Celestia, we probably don’t need to worry about anything.” Scootaloo nudged her father with a hoof. “Right, Dad?”

“Incorrect, child!” Doctor Emerald mirrored Spike and popped up next to Alex’s head behind the seat. “Not all of Celestia’s students have turned out good, and no changeling ever goes to bat country.”

Alex Roberts tried his best not to smirk, but a snort did escape his lips. “Calm down now. So how do we want to approach this? Can’t imagine just walking up to her and making demands will be endearing.”

“Lure her into trap.” Summer Blossom barked from a seat across the middle aisle. “Use Emerald as bait. Like snack. Then we stuff her in bag. Then make demands.”

Emerald grew paler as she continued. “What!?”

“Summer is joking.” The diamond dog replies quickly. “To lighten mood.”

“We really should work on that humor.” Rainbow Dash muttered loudly as she ignored the anxious buzzing wings from the changeling. Pinkie Pie smiled brightly as she waved her hooves. “Not you. The last thing I need is another prankster.”

“They are expecting you, Dad.” Scootaloo pointed out. “Just talk with them.”

“I brought apples.” Applejack offered. She looked around as the rest of the group just did not react at all. “Girls, she’s part bat. Bats love to eat my apples. Feed her, and she’d be open to anything.”

Alex nodded in agreement. Doctor Emerald shook his head. Scootaloo decided to agree with her dad. “Wouldn’t hurt to bring something.”

“She’s no more part bat than Dash or Fluttershy are part bird.” Twilight couldn’t help but groan at the statement.

“Or a unicorn is part rhino.” Alex helpfully added.

Blank stares answered him. Twilight blinked a few times before asking, “I’m sorry, what’s a rhino?”

“Just another animal, never mind.” Alex waved it off. “Listen, I can talk to the Duchess. We don’t need to rush to Erebus. She does live her own life, and we don’t know what state she’ll be in when we get there. Might even dislike the Gala as much as Fluttershy.”

“I mean, we’re all going to be there.” Rarity turned from the window as Ponyville disappeared from view. “No need to lay the burden upon your shoulders. Twilight, how big is this family?”

“Five members. Duchess Umbrielle and her husband Rajnish and three children.” Twilight answered without looking up from her book. “I never met Erebus’ two brothers.

“I wonder if they have the title of Prince.” Rarity almost started to drool with a lopsided grin. “Don’t worry, girls, I’ll handle them.”

“Rarity, please.” Applejack couldn’t help but groan. “Can we not have a repeat at the Gala.”

“Only kidding, dears.” Rarity laughed, which ended quickly when they didn’t share in the humor. “Really, can’t handle a little joke. I learned my lesson the first time.”

“Still not funny. I know you still have a type.” Sweetie Belle glared, which earned her a nose boop from her older sister.

Scootaloo wiggled past Fluttershy to get closer to the window. Canterlot glowed like a beacon on the mountain as the moon rose. She was ready, and she had every pony backing her.

The castle lived up to being the centerpiece of the nation, and Scootaloo always marveled at the grand structure. Small-town Ponyville didn’t have nearly as many ponies either. So many unicorns.

Alex Roberts placed her on his shoulders while Dash hovered right above them. The excitement made her wings buzz. So many ponies sang songs on their way up to the event. It tempted Scootaloo to join in, but she wanted to stay focused.

The adults, thankfully, knew what they were doing and where to go. “Everyone has their tickets?” Alex called out to the group.

Summer Blossom whined as she stuck close to her father. “Smells are overwhelming. Flowery perfume everywhere.”

Alex patted his daughter’s shoulder, “It’s okay, sweetie. I can smell it, too. I can only imagine how strong the smells are to you.”

Pinkie Pie grabbed something from inside her mane and hoofed it over to her. “Chew on this. I accidentally made this gum. Should help with the nose with the minty flavor.”

Fluttershy lagged behind as Rarity made last-moment adjustments to the new dress they threw on her. “Please, go on without me. I don’t know if I’ll make it to the castle door.”

“I’m trying to fix a few things, Fluttershy.” Rarity mumbled through threading needles.

“Alex Roberts, Dash, do either of you see Princess Cadance?” Twilight ahead of the group strained to see past the crowds. “I recall she was going to be here as well.”

“Oh, right.” Alex strained his eyes past the rainbow of pony colors. “Yeah, it would be hard to miss something that pink. I see her.”

Pinkie Pie gasped in horror. “Are you saying she is pinker than me?”

“Don’t worry, Pinkie. I can spy you from a crowd pretty easily.” Alex patted her on the head.

The herd of ponies and a few random creatures trotted their way into the castle while guards kept a careful eye out. A few gave Rainbow Dash a glare. They had not forgotten.

Scootaloo started to realize the issue with her plan. This place was big and full of ponies. The royal wedding with Princess Cadance and Shining Armor was just as big, but there she had help from the castle staff to do flower filly stuff. The group passed through the massive door to see the levels and layers of the event.

“Where do we even start?” Scootaloo’s jaw dropped as saw the scope of the Grand Galloping Gala. She’s here, but that was just the start. “I remember your stories, Mom. This might be harder than I thought.”

Twilight cleared her throat. “All right, girls. Spread out. Keep each other updated. Don’t get yourself in trouble. Fillies, stay with your older siblings or parents. The last thing we want is you getting lost here. Spike, get on my back. We’re on a mission.”

“Aw, can’t I stay with Rarity?” Spike begged Twilight, who merely rolled her eyes before picking him up onto her saddle. “Fine.”

“Fluttershy, if you don’t mind, I’ll scout with you.” Doctor Emerald adjusted his suit again after already doing so. “I’ll buzz my wings extremely rapidly if we are accosted.”

“May I go with Aunt Applejack and Applebloom?” Summer Blossom did not fail to notice all the glances that went her way. Alex and Dash nodded as AJ decided to try the outside gardens first.

As the mares spread out, Alex looked around. “Well, at least I stand out. If I’m where I can get the most eyes on me, I should get someone in that family.”

“Right, I’m going to the pegasus court. They might be flying around there.” Dash gave Scootaloo a peck on the cheek as she hovered up to a higher level, Leaving Alex with Scootaloo.

Multiple ponies passed by them. Scootaloo pressed closer to her father as her eyes darted around. For Alex, it was a muddle of colors trying to overwhelm him. Too many colorful ponies with colorful dresses. “Honey, we’re going to the center of the main hall. Hopefully, one of the Pomeline members will see me. I stick out.”

Pinkie found one. Not very surprising, she had a knack for finding things. In the dance hall, she recalled the last time she was here and all the mischief she caused just to spice up the scene. It was selfish boredom at that time. Now, there is a filly with hope. One Pinkie was not going to let down.

On the platform, one of the singers was a batpony. His voice a midrange to high tenor that balanced out the bass earth pony stallion singer. Pinkie stared at him from across the room, her grin enormous. Then it shrunk back down to a thoughtful line. She looked to her left at the guard that was glaring at her.

“You’re not banned, but I haven’t forgotten. So don’t tempt my patience.” The tall handsome (that’s telling, mister writer) stallion guard didn’t make any effort to impede her.

“Say, I’m glad you’re here to help me out.” Pinkie slinked her way next to him and pointed to the stage. “So that batpony up there, any idea who that is?”

The guard squirmed uncomfortably as the pink pony almost draped herself over him. “The singer? Um, let me think. Orpheus. From the Pomeline family.”

“Thanks, cutie!” Pinkie bounced away. The stallion sighed as he shook his head. The mare guard next to him couldn’t hide her disappointment in him.

She zipped her way past the mass of ponies who all danced politely.

“Now, here we are.” Applejack puffed out her chest as her master plan played out.

“This main hall.” Summer Blossom marveled at the opulent architecture. The smell of the food at the buffet wafted. She couldn’t smell any delicious gemstones, sadly.

Applebloom scanned the herd while she stood on her sister’s back. “I don’t see nothin’.”

AJ pulled out a glistening rainbow apple from her pocket. “Now, Applebloom, don’t spoil this yet. Summer, do you know what this is?”

Summer Blossom gave the apple a quick sniff. Her nostrils were overwhelmed with a spicy sweetness. “Oh… oh! Zapp Apple!”

“Got it in one, sugar.” Applebloom smiled brightly. “So what are you going to do with that?”

“If these bat ponies are like, well, bats. They might be able to smell something like this.” Applejack cracked the apple in half. She pulled out a small battery. “But if we were to charge it, the smell is more potent. Like in our jams. They won’t be able to resist.”

A magical charge zapped the Zap Apple. The colors fluctuated with power. Several patrons across the chamber lifted their noses, many started to question each other if they smelt unusual fruit they lacked context for. Applejack started to walk around, holding the fruit out. She ignored queries from the city folk. She was on the hunt.

Above in the pegasus cloud chairs, a fuzzy head poked out. With a sniff, his fanged grin grew wide.

Scootaloo looked around, her head on a swivel. She saw all the odd looks most ponies gave her father. Most wanted to talk to him. Strange as he was, he was someone worth talking to. Her father tried to be polite, but he couldn’t turn away ponies fast enough. She wanted to be patient, but it was getting harder to do so.

“Hey, Dad?” Her voice squeaked out.

“Yes, excellent. Wonderful to meet you two. Please, have a good night.” Alex waved and smiled. “Yes, honey?”

“What if you put on your armor?” A strange thought crossed her mind.

“That’s usually for dangerous situations.” Alex rubbed her head. “Don’t worry, silly.”

“Not for a fight. To pose. Like an enthusiastic guard.” Scootaloo explained.

Alex Roberts wrinkled his brow at that suggestion. “I’m not sure I’m following you, Scoots.”

“Well, you know how ponies tend to get caught up in moments. Like with music or some other performances.” Scootaloo tried to connect her line of thought out loud. “You might not be affected by harmony magic, but maybe you can influence it.”

“So you think if I put on my armor and pose. Ponies will join in.” Alex sighed as he realized it was silly enough to work. “Oh boy. I’m going to feel ridiculous.”

Alex took his little girl off his shoulders. He thought about all the theatrical posing Trixie did. Normally, he wouldn’t want to be in the spotlight. In this case, he was going to channel everything in this theater. Alex was going to Green Lantern this thing so hard.

“For all beings, comes Lunar redemption,
Justice not blind to Chao’s attention.
Let those seeking patient unyielding grace,
Break those chains, Paladins apace!”

The glow of the armor enveloped him. He made sure to perform each other word with a dramatic pose. Scootaloo watched with awe, being swept away by the show. She shook her head and her jaw dropped. Alex opened his eyes as he checked to see just how badly he just botched his public image.

“Oh, hi Alex.”

He was silent for a pregnant pause. “Captain Nightshade?”

“Come here often?” Nightshade returned back down to all fours, blushing. “Not that it wasn't fun. It was, but what brought that on?”

Several guards Alex did not recognize disengaged with apologies before returning to their positions. He didn’t see Dusk Sentry. “Sorry, Nightshade. Was trying to summon someone. Didn’t mean to suck you into all this.”

“Summon!?” Nightshade shook her head.

Before she could say anything else, a loud voice was heard. “No! I missed it!”

Dusk Sentry jumped over the crowd of ponies and landed next to the two of them. “Shoot, I wanted to join in. Who started that? Oh, hello Alex Roberts. Good to see you again.”

“Summon him.” Alex patted Nightshade’s shoulder affectionately before smiling at the paladin. “Dusk, I was looking for you. This is Scootaloo, my daughter. We have a request.”

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna watched them all come in and disperse. Alex Roberts didn’t approach. Not even Twilight paid them a visit. If it wasn’t for her white coat, a bead of sweat might’ve been visible on Celestia’s brow. “Everything is fine, yes, sister?”

Luna nodded slowly. “We keep smiling and greeting our guests.”