Test day started with a nightmare. I don't clearly recall what it was about, but whatever it was I woke up screaming at the top of my lungs. This of course caused Mom and Dad to jump out of bed. In an instant, Mom scooped me up and started rocking me gently.
“Shh, it’s okay, sweetie,” Mom assured, stroking the top of my head. “Mommy’s here, the bad dreams can’t hurt you.”
I clung onto her for dear life, burying my face in her chest. Nightmares had been more and more common. They were even affecting my naps at this point.
“Another nightmare?” Dad asked, draping a wing over Mom and me. “I’m starting to think we should talk to a doctor about this.”
“That's not a bad idea.” Mom rocked me gently, rubbing my back. “Maybe we should talk to Luna? The dream world is her domain.”
“Even better,” Dad agreed, his expression softening a little. “I think we should get on the next train. Luna may not be a morning pony, but I think she’ll agree in a heartbeat to help.”
Mom nuzzled my cheek, sighing as I finally started to calm down. “Alright. I'll get him ready for the trip. Would you mind getting everything together for the tests?”
Dad smiled and gave both of us a kiss. “Of course not. Meet up in the foyer?” At Mom's nod, Dad trotted out of the room, leaving us alone.
Mom smiled as my sobs turned into sniffles and she trotted towards the closet to grab the diaper bag. “We’re going to make everything better, Dusky,” she whispered, voice full of maternal warmth.
'You say that now, but how will you look at me once you know?’ I asked, looking up at her, pathetically wiping at my nose. 'I should have been more careful...’
Mom stroked my mane and gave me a quick nuzzle before gathering her supplies. “No matter what, I’m going to make sure you’re safe,” she assured me, kissing my cheek before exiting the room.
'Thanks,’ I muttered, rubbing at my eyes. Recurring nightmares suck. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I dunno how I hadn't attracted Luna’s attention before that point. I've never asked her about it, but maybe she doesn’t keep an eye on baby dreams?
I spaced out as we left the castle, too busy dealing with my fears. Mom tried so hard to put a smile back on my face, but I just couldn't give her one. I wish I could’ve though, she looked so heartbroken each time she failed. Ignoring it the best I could, I tried to hide on her back.
We quickly met up with Dad and headed out for the train station. I would’ve been excited for my first train ride, but my fear only continued to grow with each passing moment. Curling up on Mom’s back, I hid my head under my hooves and uninjured wing. Mom tried to coax me out of hiding, but I didn’t budge.
“What do you think is bothering him so much?” Dad asked, draping his wing over me. “He looks terrible. We didn't screw up, did we?”
Mom frowned, looking back at me. “Faust I hope not.” She started to pet my mane. “I think figuring out the source of his nightmares will help.” I curled up tighter, a soft whimper escaping my throat.
“I hate feeling helpless like this,” Dad commented, grunting. “Just wish I could make Dusk feel better.”
‘They’re going to disown me. Toss me out like the little parasite I am’ I thought to myself, only making myself feel worse. My thoughts continued their downward spiral for the entire trip. I didn’t even realize what was going on around me as we passed through the gates of Canterlot Castle.
“Thank you for seeing us, Princess Luna,” Dad spoke, finally bringing me out of my self-loathing. “I realize this is short notice, but Dusk’s nightmares are getting out of hoof.”
Luna shook her head, a firm look in her eyes. “Nonsense, I am more than happy to help a foal in need.” She glanced at me, a smile forming on her lips. “Especially when said foal is of the royal family.”
I whine, feeling her nudge me. “Come now little one, there is no need to hide,” she cooed, her voice sounding like a light breeze. I peeked an eye out to take a quick look at her only to go right back under my hoof and wing. She clicked her tongue. “You were right to bring him. Come, let us go to my Chambers.”
Mom and Dad nodded, following her through the halls until we came to a grand bedroom. Mom lifted me off her back, setting me on the bed. “It's going to be alright, Dusk. I promise.”
‘Wait until after you hear the truth before you say that,’ I said, trembling. I peered out from my hiding place, glancing between the adults.
“This is quite the deep seated fear,” Luna commented, lighting up her horn. “But I believe my magic can unearth what the cause of these nightmares is.” Her aura then spread to my head, making it tingle.
I whimpered, wishing for a magic outburst; anything to get me out of that room. ‘Please don't tell them’ I mentally beg, tearing up.
The tingling grew after a while, Luna’s muzzle scrunched up in concentration. Then, as if in answer to my prayer, a flash surrounded the tip of her her and her aura died out. “Gah!” she cried in surprise. “Something has cut me off from Dusk.”
“What kind of something?” Dad asked, looking down at me. “What could keep you out?”
Luna frowned, turning to him. “I do not know, I’ve never encountered something like this before.” I felt her lay down on the bed next to me. “I can try to enter one of his dreams, though he would most likely be subjected to another nightmare.”
Mom frowned before letting out a sigh. “Do what you think is best, Luna.” I felt the tingle of magic wash over me. Tiredness hit me like a freight train, and despite my efforts, I slipped back into sleep.
It didn’t take long for the nightmare to hit me. I wanted to scream and wake up, but I couldn’t. I was in the castle again, sitting alone in my room. The normally welcoming, if childish, atmosphere was gone, and the crystal walls were now a darker color. The worst part was Mom and Dad. The smiles they wore when they normally greeted me with were gone and replaced with hateful sneers.
“M-mom?” I asked, looking up at her. My ears pinned back, and I shrank under their gaze. “I-I’m sorry...”
“Don’t call me that, parasite!” she roared, her wings flaring out. “You murdered my real son!” Her horn lit up and she lowered her head at me.
I whimpered, backing away slowly. “I-I didn't mean to...”
“Liar,” Dad growled, stalking towards me. “You killed Dusk so you could live the life of a prince.”
“No!” I shouted back, shaking my head vigorously. “I didn't mean to come here!”
“Liar!” they both shouted, starting to attack me. I screamed in fear, my dream self reduced to a wailing foal. I barely noticed that Luna had managed to worm her way in. After a moment, I opened my eyes, seeing Luna looking down at me.
She offered a kind smile, laying down next to me. “It’s alright now, Dusk Star. As long as I'm here, your dreams shall be peaceful.” Opening a wing, she gently pulled me closer. “Now I see what plagues your mind.”
I whimpered softly but otherwise remained silent. A part of me hoped that I could still keep my secret from her. Burying my face into her side, I simply cried into her coat.
Luna cooed softly, stroking my back. “All is well, little one. You are safe with me.” A soft lullaby passed her lips, and the dream realm around me shifted into a peaceful, moonlit meadow. When she gave no indication of knowing my secret, I relaxed slightly and settled in her grasp.
I came to sometime later, finding myself lying under Luna’s wing. Twitching my ears, I listen in on the ongoing conversation.
“...an old soul?” Mom questioned. “I’m not quite sure I follow, Luna.”
“Sometimes, a pony is born with memories or feelings from some other life,” Luna explained, sounding like she was speaking from experience. “To a newborn mind, these 'leftovers’ can cause much distress.”
“Will the nightmares stop now?” Dad pressed, glancing at me.
“That I cannot promise,” Luna replied. “That will fall on you two. From what I understood from his dream, Dusk is afraid you will reject him.”
Mom nodded and smiled. “Then there’s nothing to worry about. There is nothing in this world or beyond that could get me to reject Dusk.” I feel Mom nuzzling my cheek. “What a silly little pony you are.”
“That goes double for me!” Dad added, rubbing my head. “Family always sticks together. Especially in the Flash clan. I wouldn't be a very good dad if I left my son hanging.”
“Good to know the first alicorn colt is in good hooves.” Luna shifted, stretching out on her bed. “Now that you two are in Canterlot, I insist you stay for the day. I know my sister has been chomping at the bit to meet Dusk.”
Mom smiled. “If you insist then I guess we have no choice but to stay.” She leaned down, giving me a quick nuzzle. “How about it, honey, wanna meet mommy’s mentor?”
'I guess.’ I sat up, rubbing at my eyes. 'I do owe you a few smiles.’ Getting to my hooves, I looked up at Luna. 'Um... Thanks. I feel better, I think.’
Luna smiled at me, scratching behind my ear. “Have pleasant dreams from now on, little one.” With that she stretched and let out a yawn. “Speaking of which, I believe I have my own dreams to tend to.”
'Good morning.’ I hop off the bed, looking up at Mom. 'Hey um... I'm sorry I made you sad...’
Mom scooped me up, placing me on her back. “We won’t impose any longer. Thank you for all your help.” she blinked, receiving a soft snore in response. “Looks like Luna was more tired than she thought.”
“Either that or she’s a stranger to insomnia,” Dad said, leading Mom and I out of the room. Once we were out in the hall, he glanced at me. “So an old soul, huh? Wonder if Dusk will be able to tell us any of his old memories?"
“You heard Luna, they’ll probably bother him for sometime. Even if he has a few old memories, the rest of his mind is still forming,” Mom replied, leading Dad through the castle. “He might have nightmares for some time.”
Dad glanced between Mom and I for a moment. “At least we know what the problem is now, we just need to come up with a way to tackle it. Dusk sleeping in our bed isn’t enough anymore.”
“If I had to guess, his old memories are conflicting with how he understands the world. He knows we’re his parents, but those memories are telling him something different.”
“I sorta figured that much out,” Dad replied. “But what I don’t have an idea for solving this.” Leaning over, Dad kissed my cheek. “We’ll never leave you, Dusk.”
‘I really want to believe you,’ I replied, shifting on Mom’s back. I leaned my head over, returning the gesture to his nose. 'No, I do believe you.’
Dad smiled and rose his head up. “That’s my boy.” He fluffed his wings, puffing his chest out. “You’re looking better already.” Saluting to a few guards, he took on an air of professionalism.
Mom giggled, watching as Dad stood at attention. “You’re off duty, honey, you don’t have to act like you’re in boot camp.”
“I have to keep up my dignity, ya?”
Mom rolled her eyes. “You’re the captain, aren’t they supposed to be the ones saluting to you?” She poked his side. “I mean really, I hope Dusk doesn't inherit your ego.”
Dad scoffed, putting a hoof to his chest. “You wound me, princess. How could you possibly say I have an ego?”
'Hey man, you're mister 'too cool’ for school,’ I pipe up, smirking at him.
Dad let out an exaggerated sigh and hung his head. “My wife has turned our son against me. Do I have any allies? I bet you'll turn Spike against me next.”
Mom giggled again and batted at his side with a wing. “Oh yes, everypony’s out to get you, Flash. Soon, everypony will be chanting 'Down with Flash!’ with signs and everything.”
‘Personally, I think, ‘Bash the Flash’ would be a much better slogan,’ I chirped, snickering. 'Poor Dad, everyone's got it out for ya.’
Mom and Dad spent the rest of our trip down the hall teasing each other. It was one of the most sickeningly sweet things I’ve ever been witness too. Heartwarming, but too much for me.
I tensed up a little as we pass through a massive set of doors, into an even larger throne room. The room was long, at least as big as a football field. A stretch of carpet led to a small set of steps. Atop the steps was a pair of thrones with one being occupied by none other than Princess Celestia.
She was the tallest pony had I ever seen, easily standing higher than six foot. Just looking at her made me realize just how tiny I was at that moment. There was definitely a motherly air to her. It was like she would drop everything to be a shoulder to cry on for anyone.
“Twilight, Flash, it's good to see you again.” Rising up from her throne, Celestia walked towards us, a bright smile on her face. “Twilight, you look good. I hope you’ve been exercising.”
“Rainbow Dash has dragged me along on some of her workout routines,” Mom admitted, chuckling. “The soreness takes some getting used to, but I can’t argue with the results.”
Celestia’s smile turned mischievous, and she poked Mom’s belly with a wing. “I was talking about baby weight.”
Dad snickered while Mom blushed and put a hoof on her stomach. “I’ve been getting in some exercise, but you try working off the weight from an alicorn foal. It's not like Dusk zips around like Flurry does.”
Celestia giggled, letting a hoof hang in front of her mouth. “Cadance has mentioned in her letter’s that she’s started considering watching Flurry as a full body workout.” Her gaze then fell on me and a warm smile spread across her muzzle. “You and your cousin are as different as day and night, my little pony.”
'As I've been told’ I reached out, fascinated by her flowing mane. Cooing softly, I ran my hoof through it.
“May I?” Celestia asked, pointing a hoof at me as she looked between Mom and Dad. With their permission, she lifts me off Mom’s back. “Hello there, Dusk Star.” She tilted her head down, letting me get a better reach at her mane.
‘Hi, Sunbutt,’ I replied, running my hooves through her mane and giggling from the tingly feeling. 'How are you doing that? Is Mom’s mane gonna do that? Will mine?’ I then snickered as I pictured an older version of myself with a beard that moved like Celestia’s mane. ‘Okay, that would be cool. Would be hard to eat out of a bowl though.’
Celestia giggled, holding me close to her chest. “My, he certainly is a talkative one. Reminds me of his mother after a study session.” She gave Mom a mischievous look.
'Mom wants me to talk so, I talk.’
“You are just too precious,” Celestia said, tickling my nose with a tip of her wing. “it's about time the royal family had a few stallions. I was afraid we've have nothing but princesses!”
“Then maybe you and Luna should have some foals,” Dad said, pointing a hoof at her. “You can’t expect Twilight and Cadance to be the only royal mothers. Or do you two like the idea of being the most eligible bachelorettes eternally?”
Celestia's smile turned a little sad, and she shifted me onto her back. “Raven, would you be a dear and cancel court for the rest of the day?”
The mare beside Celestia’s throne nodded and used a quill to scratch something out. “Consider it done, Princess. I’ll go inform the guards at the door and let them know not to let anypony else in.” With that, she trotted out of the room.
I giggled, my body immersed in Celestia's mane. 'Geez, it's like every inch of it is tickling me!’
“Oh!” Mom shot up. “We visited your sister too. See, Dusk was having nightmares and apparently it’s because he has an old soul.”
Celestia giggled, leading us to a side room. “That's a bit of a misnomer; all ponies have old souls, it's just that, the vast majority are born as clean slates.”
“Have you seen this sort of thing before?” Dad questioned. “Luna seemed to have been speaking from experience on the subject.”
“More than a few, though but that might be due to our age. I know Starswirl had old memories, he used to keep a journal detailing his research on the matter.” Celestia laid down on a couch, placing me in her hooves.
“Fascinating,” Mom said, her and Dad taking a seat across from Celestia. “I have to wonder what Dusk will be able to share about his old memories.”
“They may fade on their own.” Celesta rubbed my head, gazing down at me.
‘I don’t think my memories are gonna fade,’ I commented, relaxing as Celestia scratched behind one of my ears. 'At least I hope they don't.’ I shuddered at the thought of losing my memories. It would basically be losing who I am.
Everything seemed normal in the streets of Canterlot. Ponies were going about their day with nobles holding their noses high into the air. No one even noticed as arcs of electricity appeared in an alley and an orb of white light formed. Once the last of the light faded, a young foal dropped to the ground.
“M-mother!” Scrambling to his hooves, he glanced around in a panic. This turned out to be a bad idea, the light of the sun burning his eyes.
“Gah!” He covered his eyes with the back of a hoof while he stumbled out of the alley. “What in the merciful name of the Night Mistress is that?!”
“Mother!” He called out again, pushing into the crowded street. “Where are you!”
Ponies pretended not to notice the colt, carrying on with their day as he squeezed past their legs. One particularly rude mare shoved him to the ground, muttering a curse of 'shade-blood’.
He growled as he got up, shooting a glare at her. He debated for a moment if he should retaliate before deciding he had more pressing matters to deal with.
From the architecture, he knew he was in Canterlot; the former seat of power. Princess Nightmare Moon had abandoned it, shortly after her return to power. However, he knew of ponies that hadn’t abandoned the city. He quickly found a street sign and changed his course with a familiar destination in mind.
Rushing up to the door, he banged on it as hard as he could. “Grandma! Grandpa! Please, let me in!”
A few moments later and Twilight Velvet opened the door, a confused look on her muzzle. “What’s this about grandma and grandpa?”
The colt rushed forward, wrapping his arms around her neck. “Grandma! Mom’s gone, I-I dunno where.” A whimper emitted from his throat as he buried his muzzle in her neck.
While it was clear that she had no idea what was going on, Velvet couldn’t do nothing for this foal. “Come inside, sweetie. How about I get you something from the kitchen and you tell me everything?”
The colt nodded, letting Velvet lead him inside. Out of the bright light, he blinked, eyes adjusting to the milder light. “A-aren't you worried about that big thing in the sky? Where's the moon?”
“The big thing in the sky?” Velvet questioned, rummaging through her cupboards until she had everything she needed for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. “Are you talking about the sun?”
“T-the sun?!” The colt’s eyes went wide, full of fear. “B-but Princess Nightmare Moon banished the sun!”
Velvet frowned, quickly making a sandwich. “For all of one day maybe, but Twilight and her friends returned her to being Luna.”
“Mom would never do that!” The colt shouted, lips pulled back to reveal a set of fangs. He stomped his hoof, glaring at her “She’s loyal to the princess! She'd never betray her like Uncle Shining!”
Velvet didn’t flinch from his outburst, wheels turning in her head. “Honey, Twilight has been Princess Celestia’s student for years. And Shining Armor is with Cadance in the Crystal Empire.”
“That's not true!” The colt argued, tears forming in his eyes. “Mom never got into the Tyrant Sun’s school! That's why she was so proud of me when Princess Nightmare took me as her student!”
Velvet poured a glass of milk, slid it and the sandwich in front of the colt and levitated a few pictures from the family room. “Maybe that’s how you remember things, but here, Twilight hatched the egg given to her and the Sparkle family gained a new member.” She displayed a family photo that included a newborn Spike.
“No!” The colt’s horn lit up, sending the photos across the kitchen. “It's not true! Where's my mom! I-I want to see her!” Choking back a sob, the colts legs trembled, threatening to give out.
Velvet pulled the colt into a hug and stroked his mane. “Twi-your mother is in Ponyville right now. I don't know what happened sweetheart, but you’ll always be safe here.”
The colt whimpered, holding onto her for dear life. Velvet took a moment to take in the colt’s appearance. He was a light grey with a short mane and tail that were a dark blue with purple running through it. Despite his being a unicorn, he had the tuft ears and fangs of a strix.
“Sweetie, what's your name?” Velvet asked, rocking him ever so slowly.
“Sabre Light,” he answered, sniffling softly.
“That's a nice name.” Velvet smiled, kissing his head. “Now, how about we get that belly of yours full!” Picking him up, she placed Sabre into a seat at the table. He took the offered food from before, nibbling it slowly.
He looked up at her, looking like he was about to say something before deciding against it.
“Yes sweetie?” Velvet asked, taking a seat across from him. “You can tell me anything, that's what grandmothers are for.”
“Umm, do you have any meat?” Sabre questioned, looking up at her with a weak smile.
Velvet nodded, rising from her seat. “We keep a bit in the freezer for Spike. I'll get you some.”
Sabre brightened up, taking bigger bites of his sandwich. “I would’ve been okay if you didn’t. Strix and strix hybrids like me also like things like mangos.”
“Nonsense.” Velvet smiled, pinching his cheek. “It's a Granny's job to spoil her grandbabies. Your brother already knows that.”
Sabre giggled, weakly batting at her hoof. “You say that where I’m from too.” Pausing, he eyed her intently. “Brother?”
“Well a half-brother I’m sure, but yes, your mother recently had a little colt named Dusk Star,” she told him with a smile. “He's an adorable little thing, Equestria’s first male alicorn!”
Sabre did a spit take, covering Velvet’s face in milk. “How did a unicorn give birth to an alicorn?!”
Velvet calmly wiped the milk off her face. “Your mother became an alicorn a little over a year ago. She's the princess of Friendship.”
Sabre gaped, babbling incoherently for a little while. He stared blankly at the wall, one of his eyes twitching every so often..
“Velv! I'm home!” Night Light called, the sounds of the front door closing behind him. “Did anything happen while I was gone?”
“Why don’t you come to the kitchen and find out!” Velvet called back, a mischievous smile on her face. She winked at Sabre, stifling a giggle.
Night stepped into the room, oblivious to Sabre for a moment as he planted a kiss on his wife’s lips. “So, what’d you want me to see~?” He wiggled his eyebrows only for Velvet to turn his head to Sabre. “Oh! We have a guest! Who's this?”
“Grandson from an alternate universe,” Velvet quickly explained. “He just appeared at the door an hour ago.”
“Twilight?” Night questioned, looking at his new grandson before settling his gaze on his wife. At her nod, he rubbed his neck. “Not something you hear everyday.”
“Few things with our daughter are typical,” Velvet reminded him with a giggle, trotting to the freezer and rummaging through it. “I have fish, chicken or pork. Which would you prefer?” she asked, looking over her shoulder at Sabre.
“Umm fish please,” Sabre spoke, looking between his grandparents.
“Can do!” Velvet pulled the fish out and prepped the oven. She hummed a tune to herself as she grabbed a pan and spices in her magic.
“You controlled your temper nicely.” Celestia sipped at her tea. It was dusk now, and soon the sisters would have to perform their duties. “I know this whole mess has been bothering you.”
Luna suppressed a groan, stirring at a fresh cup of her own. “Can we just pretend the tomato incident never happened?”
“You were the one who wanted him to be 'thrown into a deep dark hole.’”
“I know, but I just got to meet Dusk today and I don’t want to think about distasteful things until the trial itself.” Luna snorted as she grabbed a scone and dipped it in her tea. “Honestly, I could still rant and rave about how that loathsome stallion should be cause enough to bring back the stocks as a form of punishment.”
“Just the stockades?” Celestia questioned, frowning at her. “I know you better than that, Luna.” Pouring some more tea, she mixed in some milk. “You don't have to hold back with me.”
Luna grumbled, setting her cup down. “No, there are other methods of punishment that have been retired, but you’ve made it clear that times have changed. I would like to adapt at least a little bit.”
“Very mature of you.” Celestia smiled, looking out the window. “You know, Flash suggested we make some foals ourselves.”
Luna sighed, staring out the window with her sister. “We do have the luxury of more free-time thanks to Twilight shouldering some of our burden. Though, finding suitors interested in us as mares rather than chasing our title would be a challenge.”
“Very much so. There is the chance those foals won’t be alicorns. That they would be mortal.”
“The fact that Twilight and Cadance both have had alicorn foals does bolster my confidence in that front,” Luna offered. “And if they were born mortal, we could always do what you did with Twilight and gently nudge them on the path to ascension.”
Nodding, Celestia turned back to Luna. “Do you have anypony in mind?”
Luna chuckled, a small smile on her face. “Unfortunately no, I have only been back a short time and much of it has been spent learning how much times have changed. What about you, Tia, has there been anypony to catch your eye in these recent years?”
“Perhaps...” Celestia smiled cryptically, finishing her cup. Setting it down, she rose up, taking the sun in her magic.
Luna let out a giddy giggle, taking the moon in her own magic. “Come now, Tia, you can’t just leave it at that. Tell me who it is that you have feelings for.”
With the sun in it's resting place, Celestia turned and walked out of the room. “Good night Luna.”
Luna chased after her sister, a pout on her muzzle. “Tia, you can trust me with a secret!” she whined. She groaned as Celestia ignored her, and continued towards her room.