//------------------------------// // Chapter 22 // Story: The Vanishing Star // by NocturneD85 //------------------------------// I hated how the events worked out. Sirius, that devil would not rest until he flattened everything that he saw had potential. He always had it in for our family. I knew he would come for the rest, it would be obvious that he would try to go after your siblings. So I asked princess Celestia a huge favor, give Twilight a new alias just incase like you did yourself. Shining Armor also had one but from what I remember barely used it. Later I would go to the castle to check up on things. I heard Twilight was feeling home sick from Hinata and Celestia that it was wanting me go and stay with her. Around that that time, I heard they took in another pony who strangely was an alicorn as well. She went by the name of Cadence, she was a very sweet girl to Twilight. I wasted no chance and paid a visit. “GRANDMA! GRANDMA!” The lavender filly wobbled up to the older unicorn. “Twilight.” Lucrecia craned her neck down. Just enough for the filly to stand on her hind legs and rub her their noses together. Gently, they spaced further apart but still enjoyed each other’s company. “Are you being a good girl?” “I think so.” Twilight squeaked. The older mare chuckled, “I heard you were feeling a little homesick. So I decided to bring you a little something from my house.” “A present?” Twilight squeaked again. “Could say that.” Lucrecia smiled. Around her flank was a very nicely sewn saddlebag. She used her magic to open up the pouch. And out came a rather, ragged old doll with stitch marks. “You remember Smarty Pants don’t you?” “Your old doll?” The doll was placed in Twilight’s waiting hooves. She shook it a little as the head bounced back and forth. “Yes Smarty Pants and I have been through a lot together. I guess I’m getting too old for her and she needs a new and younger friend.” Lucrecia smirked. “You don’t mind letting me have her?” Twilight asked. “Oh Twilight... I would love to pass Smarty Pants onto you.” The older mare patted the lavender unicorn on her little head. “Now, Smarty Pants and I have been through a lot together. And she was my best friend when I was your age. She’s quite a character like a smart pony should be but what makes her special is... she will never give up on you... ever, no matter what.” Lucrecia tilted her head, adored the sight of the young filly playing with something that was once hers. The childhood memories surging back, how much she loved to play with that old doll. They had their share of adventures, the patches to prove them. “Now I want you to promise me something, that you’ll take good care of her.” Twilight kept shaking the doll lightly. Then looked up at her grandmother, then back at the doll. Then back to Lucrecia, slowly she wobbled up to the older mare and embraced her. “I...” “Twilight?” Lucrecia gasped. The lavender filly heaved, “I want to go... home.” “Twilight...” The older mare muttered. The filly hugged her even tighter. “Please can I go home?” Twilight cried. “I don’t like it here!” “Why not?” The older unicorn let her hoof run through Twilight’s mane. “The kids here are mean to me! I got lost almost everyday. Some of the teachers think I’m stupid and made me cry! Some other kids threw my books into the fountain! I HATE IT HERE!” Twilight cried ever harder. “I WANT MY MOMMY! I WANT DADDY! SHINING ARMOR CAN’T COME HERE! I WANT VANISHING STAR TO HELP ME FIGURE STUFF OUT! I DON’T LIKE IT HERE!” “Honey...” Lucrecia eased her granddaughter away from her. “You don’t have to be here if you don’t want to. I’ll be willing to take you out but... I want to let you know that your daddy and mommy worked very hard to get you in here. Not every foal gets in.” “I don’t care!” Twilight cried harder. Children did not know the importance of sacrifice yet. “Alright Twilight. You don’t have to attend if you don’t want to... but just wanted to know.” Lucrecia paused, “Was there anything you liked about the school?” The filly was silent. She let her lavender hoof rub into the royal red carpet. “I dunno...” “Would you like it if I attended a day of school with you?” Lucrecia asked. “Do I get to go home?” She asked. “Well Twilight... truth is, because of your parents... you would have to live with me.” Lucrecia responded. “You don’t mind that do you?” So I shadowed Twilight for a day. Sat in on her classes to see what was going on and no surprise, she was a quiet mare. I saw a couple of paper balls thrown here and there. Classes sure have changed, children were loud. Hmm... Apparently any pony with money could just get in there these days, luck was on their child’s side if they can perform a satisfactory job. More and more, I noticed your sister was the personal type. She would slowly raise her hoof to answer questions but, children scowled at her. Oh boy... it was one of these scenarios. Then later at another class, she had a teacher that was a bitter snark who really did not care about his job. Bastard told Twilight she was being a show off when she was trying to look through her bag for the proper book in front of the class. Well... I waited until class was over and... acted very unlady like, if he did anything to make Twilight cry I would ask the main family to bury him in a ditch. Okay, maybe I did not say it exactly like that, but in the end he was pissing himself after I told him who I was. Surely I would bring this to Celestia’s attention. I heard talk between facility members about the daughter of the two worst parents in Equestria attending their gifted school, more and more I felt like I should just grab Twilight and walk out of there. Her period of the day was not with the other children. But with a one on one with the princess. Surely I was going to bring everything up to speed and lay down the bad news to her. Twilight told me this was probably one of the few classes of the day she could actually enjoy, besides lunch but even that she sits by herself. I was expecting Celestia, but in came a familiar figure. Hinata... another one of my students, the one I trained to my full extent and was my last student before I quit the school. My how she grown. She was elegant, graceful. A long dark marvelous mane and tail, her fur was pure white. She was one of the taller unicorns you would see around Canterlot a few times. “Doctor Lucrecia?” The pure unicorn scoffed. “Well, if it isn’t Hinata... or should I say princess?” Lucrecia smiled. “Oh.” Hinata laughed, “It’s been awhile doctor, still the whole princess thing is not really working for me.” The older mare frowned, “Still modest. Your parents would be proud of your accomplishments.” The white unicorn smirked, “I guess. So what brings you here today?” “I came for a visit but instead shadowed my granddaughter here to observe how she’s doing in her classes.” Lucrecia craned her neck to see Twilight sitting on a bean bag chair reading over what could possibly be her last chapter from her magic book. “Oh?” Hinata asked. “I learned a few things about this new generation of staff and... While I used to teach here, some stuff I find a little lacking. And....” Lucrecia looked at Twilight again, “I was thinking of pulling Twilight out.” “Ser... really?” Hinata’s eyes widened. “Is there a problem?” “Well... Don’t get me wrong.” Lucrecia leaned her head in to whisper, “It’s just that when Twilight greeted me, she was in tears and telling me she was not happy here. And wishes to come home.” She shook her head, “I’m sorry for telling you this. It’s probably because of the drama or maybe its just the first few weeks of school.” “Yes...” Hinata let her eyes wander over to Twilight, “Well... If its what she wants then, alright. But its not everyday when you get to pass on your teachings to a filly. She reminds me of myself when I first came here... Scared, felt like I was alone, parents could not come and visit me. All I had were my books and kept studying. Celestia could only spend so much time with me...” ... “I want this to be a little different, before Twilight gets taught anything by Celestia... I want her to feel welcomed here, maybe be that daughter I always wanted.” Hinata let a smile crept upon her lips. “Velvet would appreciate you doing that for her.” Lucrecia smiled. “You two were pretty good friends growing up after all.” “Yes.” Hinata giggled, “Velvet would want the best.” Soon her lips formed a frown, “I just can’t believe what happened to that poor filly’s family. I’m sure Vanishing Star was great colt, you spoke very highly of him.” Lucrecia winced, “And that I did.” “You know... let’s talk about this over tea and cookies.” Hinata smirked. “Sure.” Lucrecia nodded. Within the next twenty minutes. Cookies, tea and juice were served. So the three had a nice conversation about random things, hopefully helping Twilight getting the idea that the school is not so bad. At least fix her classes first so she does not get stuck with anymore gutless teachers. “About Twilight’s progress through out the last few weeks doctor Lucrecia. She passes tests with flying colors, but its just the social matter that worries me a little.” Hinata brought up. “I was hoping I can help her make some friends.. Well since you know, with vacations, the children usually go home with their families but... seeing how Twilight’s parents are in... well steep trouble, I was wonder if it’s alright with you that Genshin and I could take her with us on some trips.” “That would be nice actually.” Lucrecia then looked at Twilight who slowly sipped her juice cup. “I mean, either way if she stays here or leaves the school. I really would like Twilight to join us on some things.” Hinata offered. “I even got this little place to stay in Ponyville called Golden Oaks. It is a library that Celestia sent me to one time for me to explore and find some more friends. Ever since, I just liked going back there.” “A library?” Twilight put down her cup. “Oh yes.” Hinata nodded. “It might not be as big as the library here but its a nice little get away.” Twilight couldn’t help but beam. Underneath the table cloth slowly crept up a little white hoof. Almost like a snake sniffing out its prey, looking for something suitable to eat. It caught Lucrecia’s attention as the white hoof somehow grabbed a cookie from the tray then crept back underneath the table. Lucrecia arched forward from her chair then lifted up the table cloth. Her eyes met with another pair of a small colt, nearly toddler age or older. Had shoulder length black mane with blue tints. “Well now... who might you be?” Lucrecia smiled. The little white colt wiped the crumbs away from his mouth, “I’m Ghendi... More cookie please?” The colt raised his fore legs eagerly waiting for more. Just then the other side of the table cloth rose. Hinata peered her head in, “Did you run away from Cadance again Genny?” The toddler only looked at the white unicorn with confused eyes. With a small spark of magic the colt was engulfed with an aura, then swiftly levitated from underneath the table. “No matter, mommy has a guest.” The colt was placed on another chair identical to the mares were sitting on. “Ghendi, this is doctor Lucrecia Sparkle. She was mommy’s teacher when she was a filly. This is also Twilight’s grandma.” Lucrecia craned her neck, “Hello there Ghendi. You want to be a princess like your mommy one day?” .... “Ghendi is a boy...” Hinata frowned. “Oh...” Lucrecia puckered her lip then let her eyes wander, “Sorry... sorry I...” “It’s okay, no harm done.” Hinata snickered. “I guess being part Kirin their bodies come in different shapes. It took Genshin awhile to get to where he is now.” “Hewwo.” Ghendi extended his hoof for a greeting. Recovering from the little identity mishap, Lucrecia extended her hoof as well and shook it lightly. “My apologies Ghendi.” She pulled her hoof back slightly, “Are you and Twilight getting to know each other?” “Cookie.” Ghendi raised his fore legs for another. Just then the sound of a mare hustling and breathing tightly could be heard. Standing in the doorway was a pink alicorn as she looked frantically around but then gasped as she saw Hinata. “Looking for something Cadance?” Hinata raised her tea cup. “Uh... um... yes, I wanted to look for a book. To... read to Genny.” Cadance nervously laughed. She looked around frantically, the closet book she could find next to her was the cart carrying a load of other books. “Um... yes here it is. The Alchemist theory!” Hinata raised her eyebrow, “Don’t think a toddler would like to read a nine hundred page book for a bed time story...” She taped her chin lightly, “Then again...” “Oh yes... Uh alchemy is all the rage now.” Cadance nervously smiled. “By the way Cadance.” Hinata smirked and pointed down with her hoof to the chair next to her where the white colt was stuffing his face with sugary snacks. “Hi Caddy." Ghendi waved, “Nom.” The mares could not help but chuckle at the innocent colt. Does not know much about the world around him yet, but he would learn the hard way later. “Cadance!” Twilight jumped up from her seat. The situation did not call for a sunshine, sunshine dance but the two did it anyway. The older mares clapped for the small entertainment. Lucrecia loved the fact that Twilight made some friends but sadly not around her age. But the more Lucrecia watched, the more she smiled, Twilight was having fun with royalty. There were ponies willing to try and become more for Twilight in the request of Celestia, try to be her friend. Some more time passed by and the day was ready to close. Hinata looked down at the lavender filly, “Twilight I know school is always a big step, but if you feel that this school isn’t for you. I won’t argue, it was just fun having you here. Never quite had a knowledgeable student like yourself just yet.” Twilight looked down to the floor again sadly. “I don’t know.” “Hmmm?” Hinata asked. “Speak up child.” Lucrecia smiled. “It’s just... I like your class the best out of all the other ones.” Twilight sniffed. “I do too. Best part of my day after being in Celestia’s court and doing paper work.” Hinata smiled. “I really do like being here with you Twilight. I would like to spend more time with you too and honestly, if you ever feel homesick I could always call your grandma...” Lucrecia nodded, she was willing to do that. “But if you want to go live with your grandma and learn under her, I won’t blame you. She is one of the best teachers this side of Equestria.” “Well Twilight?” Lucrecia asked her. “It’s a big decision. I won’t mind either way.” “I... don’t know... I don’t like some of the classes and kids... but I like princess Hinata and princess Cadence... going to miss Genny trying to eat my books. well... maybe.” Twilight frowned. Lucrecia looked at her former student, “Hinata... maybe we can compromise?” Hinata smiled and nodded, “Maybe we can adjust her schedule just a bit if she wants to stay.” “It’s just... I miss my mommy and daddy...” Twilight sniffed, “But... princess Hinata reminds me so much of mommy.” “Well honey.. I’ll try my best to fill her horseshoes if you want me to.” Hinata ran her hoof through Twilight’s short cut mane. “And that’s if you want me to too, I don’t want to replace her in your heart.” “How about this Twilight. I’ll check back in a couple of weeks to see how you’re doing.” Lucrecia offered, “And if you still want to leave then I’ll take you. No questions asked.” “Um... okay.” Twilight smiled while wiping away the immature tears. Lucrecia then looked back at Ghendi who was playing with a plastic samurai sword that he got from the toy chest not too far from the other side of the room. She slowly approached him, “Ghendi?” “Lady?” Ghendi looked up and blinked. “I want to ask you for a favor.” She smiled. “I was watching your sword play and think when you get older, you might be a great swords pony someday.” “Rery?” Ghendi put his hoof in his mouth then suckled. “Uh huh.” Lucrecia nodded, “You think you can protect my granddaughter Twilight from the bad ponies?” “Mmm...” Ghendi looked at Twilight who was showing Smarty Pants to Hinata. “From monsters too?” Lucrecia chuckled, “Especially monsters like trolls, dragons...” Twilight turned her head, “I can take care of myself when I get older grandma. I want to be the best magic pony like you.” The older mare laughed. “Okay, okay Twilight. But just in case I want Ghendi here to grow up strong too... Who knows, you two might go off on your own adventures like your grandfather and I did in our youth.” She paused, then chuckled again, “You two might even get married someday” “Grandma he still wets the bed.” Twilight frowned. "I also heard that you make one of the guards check under your bed for monsters.” Lucrecia shot back. The filly blushed in embarrassment. “Going to be a miracle that these two even get to be that age to consider romance.” Hinata smirked. So for a couple years, Hinata and Cadance grew on Twilight. Hinata’s husband; Genshin was one of the top captains for the numerous royal guard squads, he was also Shining Armor’s trainer. As an appease, he continued were he left off from his grandfather’s training. Your brother had a bad addiction to a drug that was popular back in those days called Nuke and withdrawals can lead to very violent behavior. Your grandfather put off his training until he got clean, unfortunately it was a bumpy road to recovery. He finally shaped up and joined the academy. I did visit him from time to time, same treatment of being ridiculed for having parents that left their child in a desert. Things changed once he was assigned to a squad. He started to become more responsible and more well mannered, it was a nice transformation. Though he admitted, he felt weak when he always had to rely on nuke to make his life better, his violent nature always made him felt guilty that he took it on you. Peer pressure could do that to you. Genshin made sure he could go that extra mile and never quit on him. It was almost like Twilight and Shining Armor found themselves the parents or adult figures they wanted all along. Like you always saw me or Big Tex and Betsy. Prior to this, Hinata was granted an ascension into an alicorn form... Every pony was proud for her but secretly... She hated it. She grew a little resentful of her title. But I knew she was afraid, one idea comes to mind was the idea of Alicorns being immortal. Just having a child, the thought of her child growing old while she remained young pained her. She grew more resentful of her new gift, even asked Celestia to strip her of her wings and possible immortality. Celestia, did not grant that wish and went on how it was a gift, but Hinata went on as normal. Later she would cover them, she never liked flying anyway. She went on as normal, the idea of Alicorns being immortal is still a brain teaser. While Lucia’s research was making some progress, Hinata was still curious. And offered some assistance in her research by offering her blood. How I knew about this, I monitored some of Lucia's experiments. This was going to be her biggest project yet if she ever made it successful. But do to time and resources, and lack of faith she would soon make less and less progress... Until her own son picked up the project. You might already know him as well. Things turned for the worse as... Canterlot was attacked by a beast that I wanted to believe crawled out of Tartarus itself. Yet, looked so alien like for what I wanted to describe as it looked like an alien dragon like... ugh... I’m sorry, it was too horrible to remember that day. It wanted to absorb the unicorn children inside of the gifted school, it held Twilight hostage. Just taunting Hinata and Genshin... sadly, they would expend all their magic in stopping the creature. And freed your sister and the other children.There were a lot of wounded, and... Ghendi lost a fore leg, then a back leg during the attack, I was using my magic to help him not bleed out. Poor colt, he lost his parents and his limbs on the same day... All because he wanted to live up to the promise he made for me in protecting Twilight...He was young and stupid, but was kept true to his word, wanted to be like the guards for their nobility. Only for him to break down. The creature tried to pierce Twilight and Ghendi with its tentacle or.. tail whatever. But to my horror Hinata jumped in front of them, only to have Genshin to the same thing. Celestia used a paralyzing spell to make the creature halt. Another spell was complicated to master, even for myself but it needed a sacrifice to put a creature of that magnitude down. The side effect, it would paint a curse mark on a chosen target, problem was, it had to be alive. Well.. you know where this is going... But as I was standing there... Hinata and Genshin had some final words for the two... “HINATA! GENSHIN!” Twilight cried as she tried to reach up for her teacher slash mother figure, only to have her hooves pause. “TWILIGHT STAY BACK!” Hinata coughed up blood. It splattered everywhere, the grass, her clothes, even on herself. “Please... Just stay back...” “It’s for your safety Twilight!” Genshin grunted, blood poured down his mouth as well. “Both of you...” Hinata heaved. “MOMMA!” Ghendi tried to get himself up, but with the lack of support in standing he could not. “DADDY!” “Please... children... I got something I want to pass on.” Hinata coughed again, blood seeping through her lips and dripped down her chin. “Ghendi... Eat your greens and grow up to be big and strong like your daddy. Go on lots of adventures. Don’t start fights.. but always stick up for your friends. Fight for what you care about and what you believe in. Respect your instructors...” She coughed again, more blood gushed out. “Don’t let any pony tell you, that you’re no good for any reason.” “Don’t get... Don’t get upset when you can’t perform spells right the first few times. Don’t grow resentful of gifts if you feel like you did not earn them. There is always a purpose... Save your bits but also be a little bit charitable... Another thing, about mares...” Her lip trembled but tried to produce a smile, “Fillies and mares ... don’t fall for the first one you see, it hurts when you realize that you are not what they want. Marry a smart mare and don’t get mad if they’re smarter than you. Marry a mare who likes you for you and not because of your title. It’s okay to take interest in a mare that is a bit older than you. Remember... mommy and daddy love you... Just remember when you feel like you’re going down, their is always a little angel on your shoulder that is going to tell you to get up... because mommy, daddy... every pony loves you... And always will.” Hinata then focused her attention to Twilight. “Twilight...?” It was too unbearable for the lavender filly, “Please don’t go.” Not caring for the blood, the filly tried to run up to her mentor only to be stopped by a magic grip from her own grandmother. “I’m sorry honey, but we got to do this... We’re out of options.” Hinata cried, the blood kept coming. Her wings spread out loosely, shadowing the two foals from the evils of the threat. “It was also nice... getting to know you and your brother.” Genshin cringed in pain. “You were always a smart kid and polite too...” “Twilight... study real hard, but don’t get upset if you fail at something. Life is not always about books. We’re all not perfect. Make friends but not too many, some that you can trust." Hinata heaved, tears rolled down her cheeks more and more. Mixed with the blood slowly flooding from her mouth. "Honest friends... Generous friends... Loyal friends... Kind friends... Fun friends... Be happy at celebrations. Be adventurous... Also, respect your teachers and make Celestia happy. She is a good teacher, just being near her you feel warm and things will be okay...” Hinata gagged again, “You are a special pony Twilight... just remember that. I love you like you were my own...we both do... you’re parents would be proud of your progress and both your brothers.” Hinata then focused on Lucrecia who was still performing a medical spell on her son. “Lucrecia... thank you... for everything...” ... Lucrecia could not help but smile through the painful feeling. “You were one of my best...” “I better stop now...” She gagged again, “I wondered myself if Alicorns could die... now I guess I finally got my answer...” They said their goodbyes and the spell finally reached its conclusion. The power and magic from both Hinata, Genshin and the creature were carried over into Ghendi. But in the form of a black cutie mark, along with some odd tattoos. The aftermath left a lot of ponies scared, even outside of Canterlot news spread about the attack. Accusations were made on who did it, what attracted the creature in the first place and what could have been done to prevent it. It was a field day for anti-Royalty factions, let alone other kingdoms. Thank goodness that the media was told by royalty to cover it up. With Hinata and Genshin gone. Equestria lost a king and queen, a title that has not be earned since over a thousand years. Now, those two were gone because they sacrificed themselves. Twilight lost a pair of secondary parents, but to Ghendi... He lost so much. His parents dead, lost two limbs, a cursed cutie mark tied to the tattoos his mother and father gave him. Genshin told us one last thing to myself and royalty as well as whoever was there to witness the tragedy at first hoof... To think of Ghendi as a hero... Sadly, with propaganda the ponies demanded that Ghendi be banished or even worse killed, one of them lead by Sirius that racist bastard. They were scared of him, did not want what is believed to be a cursed child have anything to do with their kingdom. Probably the first few times I ever saw Celestia get angry. From my earlier travels, I remember an academy on one part of Equestria. It was very neutral between politics and military, it was basically in the middle of a city. I proposed this to Celestia, then pulled some in some favors from former chancellor Kirk and the new chancellor; Picard. I gave Ghendi new legs using my old models. Never really performed that kind of surgery on a child. And under orders, they would keep Ghendi safe, give him a good education, and train him. I would take some days off to go visit him, one reason because his prosthetic constantly needed to be repaired and changed. At first, their were ponies there that treated him like garbage and no foals wanted to be his friend... None of the adults except for a few wanted to put up with him, they were scared that he might go crazy one day with the monsters power. But slowly over the years I noticed some change... He grew stronger, grew smarter, went on missions... I watched him grow. I saw him save the day dozens of times with his magic, brawn, skills, brains, even wits. Eventually down the line, the curse mark would fade and give him a real cutie mark. The tattoos though, would show up every now and then if he was ever going to fight on another level. It's a bit difficult to explain right now... He went on many adventures with a bunch of famous explorers, even got to along with commander Hero to fight a few threats here and there. I would ask Ghendi; who took up the name G for protection reasons. What did he like most about his adventures. He would then reply, the company and the thrill of helping making Equestria a better place. He knew that’s what his mother and father would want. By now, he must have been all over Equestria adventuring. He would graduate from the Sleipnir academy, he made friends during his grade school years finally, even during his travels. Outside the city was a village that had other Kirins in it. His father Genshin; had a twin brother named Genshou, then he had a wife Hima that were protectors of the village. Besides Kirins, other ponies lived in peace under their protection. The couple had many children, one of their youngest was named Synnenchi. Yeah... that got you wondering huh? Ghendi felt at home with the family, liked to spend his time in that town whenever he could. But one day, changelings attacked and most of the village was wiped out. Ghendi and his team did not get there in time to save it, only to meet the changeling queen who... I believe was a different hive queen from the one that crashed Shining Armor’s wedding. Ghendi fought, and fought and fought... Only for him to ruin his fake legs in the process. Probably for the better until he came along and met you. But the attack made no sense, no sense what so ever. Kirins could eliminate hundreds of changelings by the mere presence... Some pony might have played a part in it, just to lure him there... All he could manage to save was the child. And if that was not bad enough, there was more waiting behind friendly lines. In order to keep themselves safe, they had to go dark and cut connections for awhile. Luckily no pony caught up with them. From what chancellor Picard told me, he did not give me a straight answer saying not either of them were dead. That gave me a little hope, I could not communicate with them during that time. I feared that I might have lost another child. We were close, we would pay each other visits, he would bring me souvenirs from his travels then maybe ask me to help him with a little research. By then from traveling so much his fake legs must have gave out with lack of repair. Might have risked an infection if he was not careful. By a years time, I was updated on the dastardly assassins trying to kill him were defeated by Commander Hero on one of his missions by Picard... How relieved I was... only problem... we still did not know who ordered it, as well as Ghendi could still not be found. A year later, I would learn that he would come back into the light but working for you. A strange surprise indeed that you would meet up again after the embassy incident. You took Ghendi and Synn in and gave them the best treatment. And well... the rest is history. I started communication back with Ghendi as he updated me on everything. Then alas, he told me about your hard work and how you were a very generous pony. He talked about you in very high regards. I was happy to still learn about your later years because Big Tex would only call so often. Last thing I heard was you graduating from college then becoming his heir to the company. Then came the contest... And the prize of attending a Big Tech party. I figured it was time for you to see what your family was up to. See how different things were after you left. I got Ghendi to agree that the family deserves closer. He knew he would be committing a crime but he had to sneak into the production line and went through the winning tablets. There were other winners, but he went for the grand prize and sneaked back out to later ink in the proper documents to make sure it works as if it were bought legit. In his heart, he knew that having a family was the best thing in the world while losing them was the worst. He respected you and saw you as the older brother he never had, appreciated everything you did for him and Synn. He then came back to Canterlot on one of his days off. He posed as a mail pony to give it like as if it were a normal package to your parents. It was addressed from me of course and acted like it was a present from all three of us.They did give me the idea to get her one, I told them I would cover it. I was just happy Twilight never lost her true self. Took everything Hinata said to heart and followed up on them. So did Ghendi... Well, some of it... You know how the fight went. Your brother grew up to be a successful captain, married a princess and leading his own kingdom. Your sister grew into a wise, talented and beautiful young mare. She made quite a name for herself. As for your parents, they slowly got by. After what was done to them, they kept it together. I told Celestia to check in periodically to make sure Sirius was kept in line. You can’t be too careful around how things are handled here in Canterlot. And I want to let you know, this was not your fault. I wanted you children to live a happy life and follow your own paths... And that’s what you did... If the fault should be put on... It should be me... I was manipulating things and bending things in the background, to make sure all of you lived good lives... There was a lot of conflict in the past twenty years... but I think I’ll share that story another time. So... if you want to be mad at me... I’ll understand... (out of Lucrecia POV) The brown stallion blinked, not once but twice. With a deep sigh, he let his neck crane to his left then to his right to look at the room. Not sure of what to even say. The pain he thought he caused, only intensified after the story only to be assured that hew as not at fault. He looked to his right and saw a large oval shaped mirror. Just staring back at the two ponies who were sitting in fine chairs having tea. He then looked back at his grandmother. Sweet, kind, but older than he remembered but still the same mare. “Think I should stop trying to act like a brat and not try to force every pony to see things from my perspective...” He said. “I was always scared if no pony ever took my side, they would think I’m some spoiled jerk...” “Honey... You had a long trip.” Lucrecia smiled. “But if I can say just a few more things.” “Go on.” He mumbled. “I grew up in a pretty religious family. Probably one of the reasons why I got up and left my family to pursue traveling. But I like to think something is watching over me. The almighty one or great one, whatever book you go by.” Lucrecia frowned, “Yeah... I got a lot of explaining to do once I meet her because of some of the choices I made... but I like to believe for the bad I done back then... I also done some good.” .... “Like the good book says. She moves in mysterious ways, her plans are a mystery but she gave us free will to chose our own fate for good or not.” The old mare smiled. With a grunt she stood up, the brown stallion did as well and embraced each other in another hug. And with a gentle pat on the back to seal the deal. “I known Big Tex and Betsy ever since they were young. I known Ghendi ever since he was a toddler, I had many students come and go in hope to build their own lives. Like they were my own children and friends. That’s why I loved doing this for many years. I kept losing and losing my children and friends around me, only to gain more and more...” Lucrecia smiled, “I met a lot of ponies this way, but for when their training ends. If I could send a mature pony out the door to brace the world, then I done my job more than enough times. And that’s what makes me glad... And what made me happier, is that you never forgot.” ... The stallion couldn’t help but smile. Just then the butler; Pennyworth knocked on the door. Lucrecia told him to come in. “Doctor Lucrecia. The guests have arrived and the supplies are all set up.” Pennyworth said. “Alright. We’ll be down in a second.” Lucrecia nodded. She turned back to the brown stallion, “We can talk more before you go home at the end of the week.” “Alright grandma. I’ll be just a second.” He looked at the mirror. “Just one more thing.” Lucrecia approached the door. “Yeah?” He asked. With a simple smile, “You want have a good life? Take care of your family and friends.” She turned, “Or don’t... it’s up to you.” A simple nod from the brown stallion and the older mare walks out of the room. He then faced the mirror and looked over himself. He was a mess. His hair was all over the place, shaving was not really a big thing to him and only cared for style. Clothes were wrinkled a bit. Probably should have took better care of himself. It’s time to put down the charade... The brown stallion sighed, “I think it’s time too Fade...” Come on Van... Every pony is waiting for you... “What if they’re still mad at me?” He asked again. Then apologize. If they don’t want to forgive then well, that’s their problem. Your grandmother and Ghendi really did suffer. It hurt her more making these decisions. You don’t have to forgive dad, but at least give him a chance. Just one. Same with Shining Armor, he’s probably still upset that you keep pushing him away. "I guess..." He said. "I have been a little prejudice towards him but you have to admit he's not thinking." Maybe he isn't. Maybe he is. Just remember, he is under constant pressure to rule a kingdom. While he's taking care of the important stuff for the Crystal empire, it's the little things that matter. And for Twilight that matter, she really did bring you all this way just to show you a good time. Yeah she should lay off sometimes but you only have one sister... "What about Lorenzo though?" He asked. Let royalty do their job for now. Have a little trust in the system. If he passes he passes, he does not, then what are you going to do? ... “I could not have succeeded without you...” Nonsense. You did this all on your own. Now come on... Go to the party... Just try to have a good time okay. The brown stallion took a deep breath. Then let his horn glow with radiance. His light brown coat then turned into a bluish color. Spiked brown mane and tail then fell to a flat and straight blackish blue color. He gave his reflection a nod as his reflection did one too. He would have took that as him going crazy but instead he took it as his conscience talking to him. He turned away from the tall mirror to proceed to the doorway, only to stop and give it one last look. The room that he liked to sit in when he was a child. The perfect rays from Celestia’s sun peered through the circle window to grace the room. He could not help but smile. As much as he would like to relive those days from his childhood, they were gone. Like yesteryear we move on and keep moving forward. He used his magic to shut the door behind him. Then proceeded to trot down the stairs. He was expecting a small group of guests and friends... but the the kitchen was empty and dark. All except for a tiny light source. Tiny candles have been lit. Slowly he approached the light then looked down. From the illuminating candles, it was a cake. A rather large one at best. “I hate surprises...” He muttered but could not help but smirk. *CLICK* “SURPRISE!” A loud group of ponies erupted in cheer as the lights turned on. The stallion was soon surrounded by family and friends. Loved ones from his old family and his current one. Big Tex and Betsy stood there clapping while streamers and confetti were thrown. Synn had a little party hat strapped to his head as he blew into his kazoo as he sat on Shining Armor’s back while Cadance tried to make sure he was balanced well. Swan wasted no time trotting up to the stallion and planted a big kiss on his own lips. He sure was surprised. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” Half of them yelled. “YAY!” Pinkie Pie threw streamers everywhere. “PINKIE NOT IN THE FACE!” Dash yelled. Just then Ghendi trotted up to him, wearing his own party hat, “We’re you surprised?” “Oh yeah. I was... bro.” The blue stallion then pulled the other one into a brother hug. “We would not be here if it were not for you.” He then pulled away slowly, appreciative. “Thanks. I really learned a few things today. I think I can actually move forward now.” Ghendi smirked, “I’m glad you can now.” “Let’s all give him a cheer every pony!” Twilight raised her fore legs to encourage every pony. HIP HIP HORRAY! HIP HIP HORRAY! HIP HIP HORRAY! The stallion looked at the Kirin still with his foreleg around him, “You make my sister happy okay?" "OH OH!" Pinkie bounced, "Make a wish and blow out the candles!" The blue stallion turned around as commanded and looked down at the cake. He thought about his wish for a second while tapping on his chin. Then he stopped, held his breath and then blew out the candles.