//------------------------------// // Playtime in Canterlot // Story: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star // by Zubric //------------------------------// The towering buildings of Canterlot came into view as the train steamed its way out of the tunnel. Starlight stood on her hind legs, just barely able to keep her head high enough to watch the sight. With her nose pressed on the glass, the sight, to say the least, was adorable. Twilight reached down and ruffled the foal’s mane. “Enjoying the view, Starlight?” She asked, smiling wide. Starlight wasn’t sure why, but she felt a sense of wonderment from watching everything from her new stature. “Uh huh, everything is just so big,” She lisped, letting out a few coos as she watched the snow fall on the tops of the tall cliffs. Soon the smooth marble towers came into view, shining in the late morning sun as the train pulled into the station. The foal turned from the window, getting a prompt nuzzle from Twilight, before being set into the stroller. She kicked her legs and cheered when Spike got out her teddy bear. With grabby hooves, she snatched it out of the dragon’s hands and held it close. The filly just loved her present feeling comfort and safety when she had it. “Thank you, Spike.” She cooed. Spike patted Starlight’s padding and smiled back. “No problem, Starlight.” With a quick motion of his claw, the dragon ruffled the filly’s mane. Twilight continued to smile, relaxing as she pushed the stroller along with her magic. Birds sang in the trees as they passed, moving down the road to her parents’ house. “Oh I bet my parents will love you.” “I got a perfect track record.” Starlight mumbled, hugging her teddy while leaning back to enjoy the ride. Spike chuckled. “Oh, you know your mom is going to pull out the baby photos again. Right, Twilight?” Twilight blushed. “Yeah, maybe we’ll see you being bathed by me. Mom kept a lot of your baby pictures too.” She retorted, patting Spike’s head as they neared the house. Starlight giggled again, squeezing her teddy and grinning, as Twilight Velvet opened the door. “Oh, Twilight, I didn’t know you were coming over.” She said in a surprised tone. “I thought it’d be a nice surprise, hope you’re not busy.” Twilight smiled, wheeling the stroller inside. “No, no, never too busy for my own kids,” Velvet commented, looking down at Starlight. “Aww, hello to you too,” She mothered, ruffling Starlight’s mane. “Wasn’t she bigger though? I seem to remember her being a full grown mare last time I saw her.” “Long story but it’s only temporary,” Twilight explained, as she floated Starlight out of the stroller, checking her foal in front in front her mother. Starlight eeped and whined. “Twilight!” She blushed, seeing Velvet watching and awwing some more. “Oh, just checking for poopies. Don’t need you getting an ouchie diapee rash.” Twilight sing-sang, patting the diaper. It was only a little soggy, but the fact still made Starlight blush again. The lack of control was really inconvenient (for the most part anyways) always interrupting things. Plus there was the constant embarrassment of needing to be checked and depending on someone else. She was glad when the change was over a minute later. “Oh, she’s just so fussy, can I feed her?” Velvet asked, Spike being quick to pull one of the bottles out of the side pockets of the diaper bag. Spike gave the bottle over to Velvet, who with practiced skill, took Starlight into her hooves and angled the bottle to Starlight’s lips. The filly cooed and began to drink with ease, her forehooves holding the bottle. “Aww, good foal, drink your baba.” Velvet cooed, slowly cradling the little one as old instincts took root once more. Twilight watched in awe, and decided to pull Spike into a warm embrace as she observed the feeding. The drake happily leaned into the hug with a smile. “Oh, it’s been a great week, Mom. Starlight is so well behaved for a foal.” “That’s great to hear,” Velvet commented, as Night Light walked over to coo at the foal as well. “Hope she’s not as active as Flurry Heart.” “Starlight is absolutely tame in comparison to Flurry Heart,” Spike commented, still pressing into Twilight. Despite his age he was quite the cuddler too. Starlight, meanwhile, let out a burp over Velvet’s shoulder, blushing a tad. “Excuse me.” She said, wrapping her hooves around the mare’s neck and pressing into her. She relaxed, letting out a sigh. Velvet, in turn, massaged the foal’s back while humming to her. Starlight smiled wider, slumping into the cuddling. Twilight and Spike followed Velvet to the living room as she sat down and keeps up the back rub. “Well, it’s good to know she having so much fun.” The foal nodded. “Uh huh, it has been fun.” She didn’t want to let go, feeling really soothed by the mother’s warmth just like with Twilight. Starlight wanted as much of this as possible while it lasted. Twilight hugged her dad as he came in. Night Light smiled. “Oh, it’s good to see you again. Been behaving yourself?” He asked his daughter, soon taking a glance at Starlight. “Oh, what a cute little filly, brings back memories of Twilight as a little one.” Starlight tried her best to hide behind Velvet’s hooves, shyfully waving a hoof in his direction. “H-hello,” She lisped, once again pressing her face into the fluffy coat while feeling meek. “Oh, is she shy?” Night Light asked, sitting next to his wife. Velvet switched Starlight to his lap, the filly shifting about. “Aww, little Starlight is just so cute. I could just eat her up.” Starlight, in return, eeped and kicked her legs while smiling. “Nu, don’t eat me!” She squeaked. But Night Light tickled her tummy, causing delightful laughter to erupt from the foal’s mouth. “Twily, save me!” She squealed, reaching out for her friend! Twilight played along, scooping the little one out of her dad’s clutches and into a hug. “Oh, don’t worry, I’ll save you,” Seeing the filly smile more, the princess ruffled her mane and gave a nuzzle in return. “Oh, I can’t wait to show you to Celestia.” She looked over towards Spike. “Did you remember to bring that magic book with us, Spike?” She asked him. Spike gave a thumbs up, patting his backpack. “Sure did, wonder what they’ll say about it.” Starlight’s cheeks turned red with embarrassment at the thought of Celestia cooing and dawwing at her, much like everyone else had this whole week. She was calmed down some by the pacifier that was set into her mouth, it bobbing slowly in a rhythm. The little foal leaned onto Twilight’s chest, getting comfy, while the adults talked on for a while. Soon, Velvet turned her attention to the foal and smiled. “So, Starlight, what did you want to play?” She asked, booping Starlight’s nose and causing the little one to cover it and clap. “Maybe hide and seek?” Starlight smiled, bouncing some and feeling a burst of energy, as something came to mind she hadn’t done since she was a toddler. “Sprinkler!” Velvet blinked a few times, before glancing over at Night Light. “Oh, I think we can set up the little sprinkler for you to play in. I think we have a slip and slide too.” "That sounds fun, i’m sure she love it. But won’t that take a few minutes to set up?” Twilight asked, while nuzzling Starlight again. “It’s no problem at all, Twilight,” Velvet commented. “Besides, Spike will enjoy it too, he’s small enough.” “Hey, I’m big!” Spike protested, puffing out his chest to try and look manly. It only lasted for a second however as he nodded. “But yeah, waterslide sounds like fun. But won’t Starlight’s padding get all soaked? We don’t have swim diapers.” “Don’t worry, Spike,” Twilight said in reassurance. “I’ll just use a spell I use on books when I go to the pool or the beach.” “Or the tub.” Spike teased, causing Twilight to blush. “That was only a few times!” Twilight protested, hearing Starlight giggle at her embarrassment. She then reached down and scooped Starlight into the air. While her parents were setting up the activity, the princess happily flew Starlight around the room using her magic, letting Starlight turn and steer herself around like one of Spike’s comic book heroes. Spike even added a small red cape to Starlight back to add the look. The two watched her fly about for a bit, but soon she landed on Twilight’s back as they made their way to the backyard. The slip and slide was pink in color and shaped like a small castle drawbridge, with water flying out in the tiny holes along the runway. Twilight smiled. “Huh, it’s smaller than I remember.” Starlight giggled. “Nuh uh, you were smaller,” She was helped to the soft grass, soon darting off to the start of the slide, water already sprinkling on her. Joy ran through her body as she backed up and ran as much as she could manage with her padding (thankfully protected with a spell) soon flopping onto her belly as she slid down the slick path, letting out squeals as she did so! When she came to a stop, she got up and giggled a little, upon seeing she came up short of the end. This did not deter her, however, as she happily went to try again. She stopped midway, observing Spike take a short running start and slide along a little too fast causing him to sip off the end of the slide and tumble to the grass, thankfully unharmed. “Spike is silly.” She laughed. The fun continued on for some time. Both Spike and Starlight lost track of time as they slid and played in the water. By the time Twilight pick Starlight up to dry, the filly was well and truly ready for a nap, having spent her energy for now. Starlight let out a big yawn once she was all dry and warm, wrapped in a fresh onesie straight from the dryer. The radiating warmth of both her sleepwear, and Twilight’s gentle humming quickly sent her off to dreamland with a smile. While Starlight slept, the thoughts of her mom teaching her the alphabet came to the forefront of her mind. Times sure were simpler back then it seemed. No wonder she was so accepting of this mini vacation. She was startled awake quite suddenly however, when a light bump shook the stroller she’d been set in! She rubbed her eyes, adjusting to the change in light, observing the grand entrance hall of Canterlot Castle and the ceiling that seemed to stretch upward forever. Spike was the first to notice she was awake and smiled at her. “Oh, you’re awake. Feeling well rested?” He asked, checking her padding like any good caregiver. Starlight smiled back in return, her hoof clinging to her plush teddy bear. Another yawn escaped her mouth. “Yeah, doing great. Do we have to see Celestia?” She pleaded, hopefully. “Aww, don't be shy, Starlight. Celestia set an hour aside just for us. We don't want to disappoint her.” Twilight cooed, moving the stroller down the hallway and passing a few guards and maids. A few of the staff even waved at the foal, causing Starlight to hide behind her teddy in response. Upon entering the study, the group noticed the nice plate of brownies and other small snacks set upon the oak table. Celestia smiled at them as she came up and gave a light hug to each of her guests. The princess was quick to pick up little Starlight and nuzzle her as well. “Oh she’s so cute, hello Starlight,” She spoke in a motherly tone. “Have you been a good little foal for Twilight?” Starlight cheeks flare again as she nodded. “Uh huh, me good.” “And who’s your little friend?” Celestia asked. “Does he have a name?” “Um, I don’t think so. Does snuggle count?” Starlight replied in a sheepish tone. The solar princess awwed and set the foal on the couch of her study, letting Twilight sit too, while Spike stuffed a brownie into his mouth. Once the dragon was done wit his treat, he moved to his backpack, pulling out the adventure book that had started the whole mess. “Here it is, this is what’s responsible for Starlight’s current appearance.” He explained, and set it down before sitting himself off to Twilight’s left. Twilight watched as Celestia opened the cover, looking it over before flipping a few pages and smiling while letting out a chuckle. “What did you find, Celestia?” Twilight asked with concern. “Is this book dangerous at all? There won’t be more random moments of being sucked into it, will there?” Celestia’s smile grew as she looked up. “No, you and Starlight are perfectly safe. This book is one of many copies of a creation of an old student of mine.” “Personal or the institution?” Spike inquired getting a cross look from Twilight for interrupting. “Personal,” Celestia explained. “I was not as hooves on with her as I was with Twilight or even Sunset and Sunburst, but I did still get to see her talents bloom. Star Dreamer, I believe her name was. She was only my second student ever.” Starlight blinked, staring down at her chubby body. “She made books that turn ponies into not potty trained foals?” This got another laugh from Celestia. “Just that particular adventure, it seems. She always did have that mindset that one needs to experience things rather than just read them. A philosophy I practice all the time, though not to this extent of course,” She gave a knowing look in Twilight direction, and then continued. “I suspect the week-long foal reward was meant as a lesson of sorts,” She floated Starlight into her lap and tickled her with a wing. “I guess some filly need to learn to embrace their childish side a little more, and learn to slow down and just enjoy themselves.” Starlight squealed at the tickles. “Hehe, what? Why would I need to do that?” She asked, while grasping onto the rattle that Celestia had picked out of the diaper bag. “Well, I’m not sure why you were singled out amongst the group. Perhaps it was a mistake,” Celestia concluded. “But what I am sure about, is that you are enjoying being smothering in love and attention, no?” Celestia replied, watching the foal shake the rattle gently. Spike watched Starlight having fun “So, that magic? Can it be triggered again?” He asked as Twilight giggled. Celestia nodded. “I believe so. Why do you ask? Thinking of turning into a hatchling again, Spike?” She teased. Spike blushed, puffing out his chest. “N-no, I’m a big boy. I was just asking.” Starlight, meanwhile, shook her rattle. “Oh, but you were adorable in that gem print padding, Spike. Maybe you should try it sometime. You might like it,” She lisped. “I know I am.” The filly proceeded to giggle as Celestia decided to fly her around the room again just like Twilight had done earlier. Sure, she could fly by her own power when bigger, but this was something new. Plus being so light let her do loops in the air as if on a rollercoaster. Spike just kept blushing. “Uh, I guess I’ll think about it.” He squeaked, getting a nuzzle from Twilight. As Starlight was lowered into Twilight hooves, Celestia couldn't help but ask. “So, Starlight, anything else you and your mommy used to do when you were younger?” Starlight tapped her chin, resisting the urge to suckle her hoof as she did so. “Ummm, I sort of remember wagon rides.” She confessed. Celestia beamed upon hearing that, promptly standing up. “Oh, I know just the little wagon to use. Shall we?” Upon seeing Starlight clap happily as confirmation, the group headed out along the hallway, steadily making their way to the garden. Starlight’s gaze never stopped darting around as she looked at every bright flower they passed, as she was wheeled along in a white wagon. The few trips to Canterlot she had made before had never been to many gardens. She’d always been focused on libraries (except for the one occasion of stalking Twilight around). This truly was the first time she’d seen such exquizite arrangements of flora. The few animals she did manage to spot kept their distance, the cuteness had not been an overstatement when Fluttershy had told her about her trip to these very gardens. The filly squealed and put her hooves up in delight. “Weee!” She cheered. Both princess’ awwed at Starlight, as they took their time strolling through the garden. Celestia continued to watch Starlight's carefree gaze. “It’s times like these that make life worthwhile. Seeing the young enjoying the world.” “Yeah, being a mother’s not so bad at times.” Twilight smiled, pushing the wagon along some more, moving just a bit faster to entertain the filly. “Even diaper changes?” Celestia teased. “Well, those are kind of gross.” Twilight admitted with a blush. The two hd a laugh over the thought, until fate had convenient timing. The semll of Starlight’s diaper caught Twilight nose almost instantly, as the foal whimpered. “Speaking of changes,” Celestia commented, as she lifted the filly out of the wagon. “You wouldn't mind if I tried changing her, would you?” “If you want to, sure.” Twilight commented, and rolled out the mat even as Starlight whined. “Eeep, no!” Starlight covered her eyes. “I’ll never live this down!” “This isn’t the first time I’ve had to change a diaper, silly,” Celestia mothered laying the foal upon the flora decorated mat. “Just last month I was helping promote a local daycare.” “Oh, what happened?” Spike asked, handing the supplies out while making sure Starlight had her teddy to snuggle to keep calm. “Well turns out it was one of the foal’s birthday, so the mother asked me to change her little darling and well...I got peed on.” Celestia admitted with a blush. Spike and Starlight both snickered as Twilight scolded them. “Spike! Starlight! That’s not funny!” “Oh no, no, Twilight, it’s okay,” Celestia giggled. “I mean, I got a laugh out of it too. That hasn’t happened since I was helping you change Spike’s diapers.” Spike frowned, crossing his arms. “What up with everyone making baby jokes about me today? I’m not a baby.” He promptly got a light hug from Twilight. “It all in good fun, Spike.” Twilight told him, as she placed the used diaper into a bag for disposal. Starlight continued to giggle, snuggling her bear as she was changed. Once the new diaper was all taped up, the princess scooped her up once more and sat her back in the wagon. “Hehe, thank you.” The foal squeezes her teddy bear, still feeling embarrassed at having messed herself in public like that (even if the princesses and Spike were the only ones around to see it). Starlight was wheeled around for a bit more time, staring at the various statues in the garden. But soon, Celestia’s time came to an end, as she looked at her pocket watch. “Oh, how time flies,” She commented. She promptly leaned down, gave Starlight a light hug, and then stood up. “It was nice spending time with you three.” “Yeah, wasn’t so bad, aside from the whole diaper thing,” Starlight admitted, watching Celestia head back towards the castle with a skip in her step. Once at the train station, Starlight looked up at Twilight. “So, um, what next?” She reluctantly asked. “Oh, you’re going to LOVE tomorrow! We’re going to visit Cadence!” Twilight happily squealed. Starlight meeped in realization. “That means Sunburst!” She blushed deep red at the thought of him of all ponies seeing her in this state.