With Dusk reuniting with his family, Twilight and Blue saw no meaning in keeping Mirror Coat’s sealing, so they had him to release it, retrieving all the information and memories of Dusk to everypony who knew him, including the rest of the family.
On the next day, a party was being held at the Bright Shore, celebrating Dusk’s birthday. There, besides his parents and siblings, were also his grandparents, both maternal and paternal, along with his uncle Shining Armor, her aunts Cadance and Dahli and his cousins, his great-uncle Shooting Star and his family. Twilight’s friends were also there, along with her husbands and children, along with Big Mac, Cherry, Jonagold and Apple Flower. Star also had the idea of inviting Gunter, Gallus, Bramble and Galena, so that they could meet his brother.
While Midnight and Sunny were talking with Gust, Gallus, Silver Wind, Apple Storm, Winesap Apple and Topaz and the younger foals were playing around, Dusk was with Star and his friends (along with Gleaming).
“I can’t believe you have a little brother, Star” Gunter said. “Wow… Is there something about you we don’t know yet?”
“Ya forgot ‘bout dah curse on his heart” Jonagold said.
“Oh yea…” Gunter said.
“Guys, please, don’t say things like that!” Moonlight admonished, while holding Star’s hoof.
“Moonlight is right” Galena said. “What kind of friends are you?”
“It’s okay, Galena” Star said. “I don’t mind it at all.”
“I’ve heard about this curse” Bramble said. “But I’ve always thought it was a legend… But maybe it was because of being a curse native of Wonderland.”
“Even if it is a powerful curse” Gleaming said. “Maybe I can find a way to break it. To me, it seems it is no different of an illness.”
“Okay, guys, let’s stop talking about me and my curse” Star said. “Today is Dusk’s birthday, so this day must be about him.”
“Well, I have to confess that I’m not used in being around too many ponies” Dusk said, while scratching the back of his head.
“Well, then I suggest you get used to it” Gunter said. “Believe me, with your brother around, things never get bored.”
“Well, that’s one way to put it” a voice said.
They all turned around and saw Heartbeat.
“What are you doing here?” Star asked, surprised. “I thought Golden grounded you for hiding from him and the others that you put some of Kurama’s energy in Mirror Coat’s seal … and also because of that prank you pulled on Purple Smoke.”
“Yeah, I guess this will have to be our little secret” Heartbeat replied, while making a hushing sound. “Any who, I just couldn’t help but coming and giving a gift to Dusk. It’s not everyday you become thirteen.”
And she handled him a small box, which Dusk took:
“Thanks, Heartbeat.”
He then opened and inside there was a necklace whose pendant was a blue pearl-like stone with a symbol that looked like a wave.
“Wow!” Dusk said, while putting the necklace on. “This is so cool!”
“Yeah, it is…” Star said. “What makes me wonder the reasons why you gave it to Dusk, Heartbeat.”
“Come on now, Star, can’t I give somepony a present without having any big secret motive?” she asked.
“Well, it’s not your style to just give something without a motive” Star replied.
“Oh, yeah, name one example of that” Heartbeat said.
“My mirror, which reflects my friendships to remind me my friends will always be with me” Star told. “Something that helped me to endure the light ponies’ sidelining as I grew up. Midnight’s mane clip which summoned her ponies to help her in times of great need… And I still don’t know the reasons behind Leaf Mane’s bracelet, but there must be one.”
Heartbeat tried to refute Star’s claims, but she couldn’t find any objection.
“Well… I only asked for one example” she replied. “Okay, bye, bye.”
And having said that, she just went away with her speed.
“I don’t know if I have to like her or not” Gunter commented.
At the Light Castle, Heartbeat was returning to her room, trotting, when Golden Paladin appeared before her.
“Do you mind?” Heartbeat asked him. “I have to get to my room.”
“You were at the Bright Shore, weren’t you?” Golden asked.
“What…?” Heartbeat asked, while trying to be as innocent as possible. “I was not! I can’t believe you would think…”
“I saw you there” Golden told.
“Okay, I was not expecting that… despite it was quite predictable” Heartbeat said. “And also… don’t you know spying is wrong?”
Ignoring that last remark of hers, Golden Paladin asked:
“Do you mind telling me what you were doing there?”
“I was just giving my gift to Dusk” Heartbeat replied.
“Which was what?” Golden Paladin asked. “Knowing you, it was quite a gift.”
“Now I see where Star got his suspicious side” Heartbeat said. “You two are quite alike, you know. Just for you to know, not everything I do is for any bigger plan of mine.”
After she passed by Golden to reach the door to her room, the General of Peace told her:
“If you know I saw you there, then you must know I know what your gift really was. Don’t you know the danger of giving Dusk that, having in count where he lives currently?”
Heartbeat opened the door of her room and, preparing to get in, she replied:
“Well, then, I would just give the young prince exactly what he wants and needs: the adventure of a life.”
Having said that, she got in and closed the door to Golden Paladin.
The End