Outside, the gathering was quiet and reverent. Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Luna's contingent of thirty bat pony guards stood alongside ten of Solar Night Dust's own guard. The group formed a respectful circle around the clearing, their expressions solemn.

Swift Dig and Berry Glow had arranged the lily pads with utmost care, their edges perfectly aligned and each one placed thoughtfully around the burial site. Lilly Pad added the final touch, scattering blossoms across the earth, their delicate petals a gentle contrast to the forest’s rich, dark soil. The spot chosen for the burial was peaceful, nestled beneath towering trees whose leaves softly swayed, filtering the afternoon light.

As Solar Night Dust stepped forward, the bat ponies present bowed low, an unspoken acknowledgment of his new role and the weight he carried. His presence exuded a quiet strength, though the sadness in his eyes was unmistakable. Lilly Pad looked up at him, her expression a mix of awe and comfort, as if reassured by her brother’s calm in the face of loss.

Luna stepped forward, her voice resonating through the clearing with a respectful tone. "Today, we honor the passing of Cave Dust, a bat pony Elder and a soul dedicated to her clan. Her courage, her sacrifice, and her love will remain in our memories and hearts."

Celestia nodded, casting a soft, warm glow over the gathering. "Let us remember her not only for her strength but for her unwavering loyalty to her family and her people."

Solar Night Dust closed his eyes briefly, gathering his thoughts before speaking. "My mother," he began quietly, his voice carrying through the quiet clearing, "lived by the rules of our kind, but in her own way, she defied them. She cared for us both, Lilly Pad and me, in ways we never understood until now."

He paused, his gaze turning to Lilly Pad, who nodded tearfully. "I only knew her as an Elder, as a leader of our people. But she left us with something greater than tradition—she left us with love, a love strong enough to reach beyond this life."

There was a soft murmur among the gathered ponies, the shared grief binding them together in that sacred moment.

Rarity stepped forward, resting a comforting hoof on Solar Night Dust’s shoulder. He met her gaze, finding a silent strength there that steadied him. She began to speak, her voice gentle and heartfelt. "Cave Dust showed me what true strength is—not just in duty, but in love. Her legacy will live on, not only in her children but in everyone who gathered here today."

Solar Night Dust took a deep, steadying breath and levitated a smooth, round stone with his magic, carefully placing it over his mother’s resting place. The rock was large enough to protect and mark the burial, yet placed gently so as not to disturb the peace surrounding her. As he lowered it, the forest around them seemed to quiet, almost as if honoring the moment.

Rarity stepped forward, her horn glowing softly. She closed her eyes, murmuring an incantation as her magic surrounded the burial site with a faint shimmer, casting a protective barrier over it. The spell would prevent any creature from disturbing the place, ensuring Cave Dust’s rest would remain undisturbed.

Once the spell settled, Solar Night Dust looked at Rarity, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice full of appreciation and something deeper—an unspoken connection growing between them. Rarity nodded, her own eyes reflecting the warmth she felt for him and his bravery through this trying time.

Lilly Pad approached, her small hoof resting on the stone. She spoke softly, her words meant for Cave Dust alone. "Thank you for everything, Mommy. I hope you can see us now. I hope... you’re proud."

Luna stepped forward, her gaze gentle yet steady. "In the lives of each pony, we carry the lessons and love of those who came before us," she intoned. "Cave Dust has left her legacy through her children and her people. She will always be with you, Solar Night Dust, Lilly Pad—and with all who loved her."

I must see something said luna she wrapped him in her magic.

luna’s eyes glowed faintly as she enveloped Solar Night Dust in her magical aura, her powers reaching back through the veil of time. Visions flickered before her like fragments of an ancient tapestry, each scene woven with the lives of those who had come before.

She saw the line of bat ponies stretching through generations—a lineage marked by resilience, loyalty, and strength. Among them, her gaze lingered on a figure both familiar and distant: the first bat pony, a striking stallion with a presence that demanded respect. His eyes held a wisdom and solemnity that reminded Luna of her old mentor, Star Swirl the Bearded.

Then, a realization bloomed within her. This pony was indeed Star Swirl’s own son, a fact shrouded in secrecy and lost to the ages. Luna’s heart stirred as she beheld this ancestor of the bat ponies. The connection between Star Swirl’s legacy and Solar Night Dust’s lineage revealed the deep roots of loyalty and magic that had shaped their people.

As she released her magic, Luna’s eyes softened, and she gazed at Solar Night Dust with newfound reverence. "You carry a legacy far older than you know," she said quietly. "Your line began with Star Swirl’s own blood, his son—the first of your kind. This heritage is part of why your people are bound so closely to the night, to the stars, and to me."

Solar Night Dust's eyes widened as he took in the revelation. His chest swelled with terror and hate, knowing his lineage connected him to the Star Swirl and, through him, to Luna herself.

As Solar Night Dust’s horn glowed, his eyes shifted to a deep, unnatural red, reflecting the torrent of emotions surging through him. The realization that his bloodline traced back to Star Swirl—a pony he had long viewed with resentment, as the source of the old laws that bound his kind—stirred feelings of anger and betrayal within him. He could feel a darker magic simmering beneath the surface, urging him to break free from everything he’d known.

Before he could act, Rarity gracefully stepped in front of him, her own horn igniting with a gentle glow as she cast a spell. She summoned her bat wings, letting them unfurl in the moonlight as she hovered in front of him, a calm and grounding presence.

She met his gaze and smiled, her expression filled with warmth and understanding.

Her loving smile melted away the storm within him. The glow of his horn dimmed, and the red faded from his eyes. He looked at Rarity, finding solace in her gentle smile, her wings casting a protective shadow over him.

that means your royalty said shadow dusk.

As Solar Night Dust processed Shadow Dusk's words—royalty—a quiet shock washed over him. The idea of carrying such a lineage felt overwhelming, like an ancient weight had settled upon his shoulders. But just as he turned to Rarity for support, he saw her stumble, her face pale with surprise.

“Rarity!” he called, reaching out just in time to catch her as she fainted, her wings slowly folding as she sank into his embrace.

“Is she all right?” asked Lilly Pad, rushing over, her eyes wide with concern.

Solar Night Dust nodded, gently lowering Rarity to the ground. “I think it was just the shock.” He brushed a lock of her mane from her face, a small smile creeping onto his lips as he looked at her, touched by how much she cared for him, even in a moment of overwhelming revelation.

You may stay in are castle said Celestia.

Will have buliders repair the castle in the everfree forest said luna.

But we have no bits said Lilly pad.

Will use the castle treasury said Celestia.

As Rarity stirred, slowly opening her eyes, Solar Night Dust helped her sit up, his gentle expression easing her back to awareness. She blinked, glancing at him with a faint smile. “I’m… alright. It’s just… so much to take in.” She looked around, taking in the comforting presence of Solar Night Dust, Lilly Pad, and the other bat ponies around her.

With a small nod, Solar Night Dust addressed Celestia and Luna. “Thank you, Princesses. Your generosity is beyond anything we could have expected.”

Luna nodded, her eyes kind. “This castle, once hidden in the forest’s depths, can be a place of new beginnings for all of you. The Everfree is wild, yes, but you and your people have a strength that will make it flourish.”

were will they live till there castle is finished said twilight.

In ours said Luna.

Then Rarity fainted again.

Then rarity woke up to crying shadow dusk and Black Moon were outside her door. Let me though please said rarity.
Yes miss said Black Moon.
Rarity followed the crying. she found the door.she opened it was berry glow she was one year less of lilly pad.
Miss princess said berry glow.When she spoke last time she acted like she was older then lilly pad. now rarity realsied she was pretending.
What wrong dear said rarity.

You will think it's weird said berry glow.

Rarity bent down bat pony to bat pony.

Try me said rarity.

We would all sleep in the same part of the cave together there wrathm never made me feel alone but i do now said berry glow.

Rarity’s heart softened as she took in Berry Glow’s words. The young filly was clearly struggling, missing the closeness and warmth of her family and friends all sleeping together in the same space. This new life, even with all its comforts, felt cold and unfamiliar to her.

“Oh, Berry Glow, that’s not weird at all,” Rarity said gently, bending down to meet her at eye level. “When you’ve spent so much time with others close by, it must feel strange to be alone. It’s only natural to miss that feeling.”

Berry Glow looked up, her eyes wide and uncertain. “Really? You don’t think it’s silly?”

“Not in the slightest,” Rarity assured her, giving her a warm smile. “In fact, I think it’s quite brave of you to share how you’re feeling. You’ve been through so much change, and missing that comfort makes perfect sense.”

let me call the bat pony girls said rarity. her horn glowed her bat wings appered. chirp this would get the bat pony girles would awake. Lilly pad first Golden crown who was about rarity age, mud flower who was shy and who was lilly pad age.
Since rarity had more magic she teloporeted there beads to berry glows room.

wanna go out for a beer said Golden crown.

yes i need one said rarity

Rarity chuckled, surprised but amused by Golden Crown’s suggestion. “Well, a bit of relaxation does sound tempting, but maybe we can save that for after the sleepover. Right now, I think Berry Glow and the others need us here.”

Golden Crown laughed, nodding in agreement. "You're probably right. Besides, I wouldn't want to miss out on the cozy setup you’re planning."

As Rarity looked around, she saw the other bat pony girls settling in, each bringing a bit of their own unique energy to the gathering. Lilly Pad quickly arranged the pillows and blankets to create a nest-like formation, something that felt familiar to the bat ponies, mimicking their sleeping arrangements back in the cave. Mud Flower, shy but smiling, helped arrange candles, casting a warm, flickering glow around the room that made the space feel snug and welcoming.

Berry Glow, watching the others with growing excitement, looked up at Rarity, her eyes bright. "It really feels like home now."

The girls gathered in a circle, laughter and stories beginning to fill the room as the evening unfolded. Rarity watched them, feeling a warmth blossom in her chest at the sight of these ponies finding comfort in one another.

"Thank you, Miss Rarity," Mud Flower said softly, speaking up for the first time. "You made tonight really special."

Rarity placed a gentle hoof on Mud Flower's shoulder. "It's my pleasure, truly. You all deserve to feel safe and cherished."

As the night continued, Rarity glanced over to Golden Crown with a playful smile. “You know, I think we’ll definitely have to have that drink soon,” she whispered, winking.

Rarity nodded thoughtfully, her smile never fading as she glanced toward the door where the guard stood. "Indeed, we do have a few places in mind," she replied softly, making sure the room was calm and everyone was settling into sleep. "But the best ones are tucked away, far from the crowds, where we can talk freely. You know, places where a bat pony could really unwind."

Golden Crown chuckled quietly. "Sounds perfect," she said with a grin, her eyes sparkling despite the tiredness in her voice. "I’d love to get out of here for a bit and relax."

The room became quieter as the bat ponies slowly drifted off to sleep, each finding comfort in the presence of those around them. Rarity took one last look at the peaceful faces of the young ponies, feeling the weight of the night’s events lifting off her shoulders. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she stood, moving towards the door where the guard stood vigilant.

"Keep watch, please," Rarity said softly, glancing back at the sleeping bat ponies. "I’ll be in and out, but just in case something changes, I trust you’ll handle it."

The guard nodded, his eyes alert but calm. "Of course, Miss Rarity. You can rest easy."

Rarity stepped into the hallway, her mind still swirling with everything that had happened. The weight of the evening's events hung heavily in the air, but a sense of peace began to settle within her as she stepped further into the quiet castle. She had done all she could to ensure the bat ponies felt safe, to provide a space for them to heal and rest. Now, all she needed was a moment for herself—a brief respite.

Golden Crown’s words about a drink echoed in her mind, and Rarity couldn’t help but smile. It felt like the perfect way to unwind after the intensity of the day. As she made her way down the corridor, she could hear soft whispers of the night—faint sounds from the castle’s ancient walls. The moonlight filtered through the tall windows, casting long shadows on the stone floor, adding a sense of mystery to the already mystical place.

As she reached the main hall, she saw Golden Crown waiting, her wings folded neatly behind her. The bat pony grinned, her eyes still sparkling, despite the weariness of the long night.

"Ready to escape for a bit?" Golden Crown asked, her voice full of lightheartedness. "I hear there's a place not too far from here that’ll help you unwind."

Rarity chuckled softly. "Lead the way, Golden Crown. I could use a bit of that."

Golden Crown nodded with a playful wink, and they moved through the halls, quiet as shadows themselves. After a short walk, they reached a small, hidden door that led to a small alcove in the castle—a space untouched by the day’s events, tucked away in a corner of the structure. It was the perfect place for a little peace.

Golden Crown quickly opened the door, revealing a small, cozy room furnished with cushions and dim lighting. There were shelves full of books and soft fabrics scattered about, creating an inviting atmosphere. A soft scent of lavender and herbs filled the air.

“This place is perfect,” Rarity said, taking in the surroundings as she walked in.

“I thought you’d like it,” Golden Crown said with a grin, stepping inside. “Now, how about that drink?”

Golden Crown reached for a bottle of sparkling cider from a small table in the corner, offering Rarity a glass. She accepted it with a grateful smile, then both mares settled into the cushions, the gentle clink of glasses filling the quiet room.

The she woke up in her to Golden Crown on top off her. Golden Crown get off of me im ingayed.
then she felt bite markes on her neck. you marked me screamed rarity. solar night dust came thought the door whats going on. golden crown grabed solar night dust in her magic. and said you will share rarity said golden crown. yes golden crown said solar night dust he said like he was in a trace. Then solar night dust teloported away.

your so pretty said golden crown.
I have to work on my dress said.
rarity walked away.
In her new sewing place she asked the guads to get her the dress she made when she was using dark maigic. she made 10 seasons. after a couple hours she picked the perfect all ready made outfits.

Author's Note

no spoilers for the dresses