//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: A Sparkle Of Emotions // Story: Dancing With The Shadows // by Vocal Sweets //------------------------------// 8 months later... “So much for avoiding family…” Thought Twilight.  “... Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday, Flurry Heart. Happy Birthday to you.” A chorus of ponies that Flurry Heart recognized were all gathered under one roof of the Canterlot castle.  Flurry decided to have her party this year at the castle in Canterlot. Last year when she had her party at The Crystal Empire, ponies that she didn't even know showed up and all she really wanted where her family and friends there- well if she had any friends. It's not that she has anti-social, she just prefers choosing her friends wisely.  Some of the ponies at her school only wanted to be her friend because of her title. Others thought she was just stuck up and just another snot nosed filly. Everypony awaits around the crowded table. Twilight stands off in the corner watching the party. Flurry notices her aunt being a bit distant, she decided to go see what was wrong.  “Hey, Aunt Twilight. Are you okay?” Flurry asks. “Yeah, sweetie I'm fine! Just doing some thinking that's all.” Twilight said.  “Well, I'm glad you could make it to my birthday party!” Flurry said. Flashing her aunt a big toothy grin. She wraps her hoofs around her aunt's foreleg.  Twilight ruffles her nieces mane. “You know I wouldn't miss this for all of Equestria!”  “So, what are you doing over here instead of enjoying the rest of your party?” Twilight asks.  “Besides coming to check on you. I was meaning to ask you a cutiemark question?” Flurry said, looking at her flank. She turned back to Twilight, looking with hopefully eyes.  “Will I ever get my cutiemark? I mean I know mommy said I was the first born Alicorn, but I have been waiting 3 years to get my cutiemark. I mean I'm seven now for Celestia's sake! And most ponies my age already have their cutie marks!” Flurry said.  Twilight ponders for a moment. “Well, this sounds more of a CMC question than a Princess question. However, it sounds like to me you are going to be a late bloomer. The CMC were actually in the same boat as you, Flurry at your age. They tried everything they could to get their cutie marks, until they found their special talent which was 5 years I might add.” Twilight said.  “5 years?!” Flurry was shocked. “I...I can't wait 5 years of being an Alicorn blank flank!” Flurry's bottom lip quivers slightly. “Relax sweetie! Not everyone has to wait that long for a  cutie mark, I was just giving you a slight example.” Twilight said, giving her a small smile.  “Well I hope I don't have to wait that long. Anyways, thanks for the talk, Aunt Twilight.” Beams Flurry.  “Your welcome sweetie, anytime.” Said Twilight. She watches from afar as her niece runs off to join the others.  “We are so glad you could make it Twilight.” Cadence said, giving her sister-in-law a hug. “Flurry is really happy you came, Twilight.” Luna said. “Yes, that little filly has been grinning from ear to ear since you came.” Celestia said. “Well, I'm glad I could make her special day, even more perfect.” Said Twilight.  Luna giggles from beside Cadence. “Sister, remember when we were fillies? We were just about as rambunctious as little Flurry Heart here. I remember for Tia’s seventh birthday, she got into the cake before our parents had the chance to sing 'Happy Birthday’.”  “And if I remember correctly I smashed cake into your face which got you all filthy.” Celestia taps a hoof to her chin. “ I think you had an important Royal event to go.”  Luna and Celestia giggles. “You know, I believe there is an ancient spell that can turn alicorns like us into fillies, but only for a certain amount of time. You girls wouldn't want to get in on the fun would you?” Cadence said. “It would be fun to be a filly, just for a day, right Tia.” Luna said. Celestia smiles thinking that it would be a wonderful idea. “Twilight would you….”  However, Celestia's face was quickly replaced with a look of concern. “Twilight? What's wrong?”  An overwhelming emotion took over Twilight's entire body. She felt tears run down her face. She didn't realize that her hormones were already acting up and in front of the Princesses. “I'm fine.” Twilight said, sniffing back a few tears. “You girls go ahead I'll be fine! I don't want to impose on you girls having a great time.” Twilight said, trying to put on a brave face.  “But Twilight we need you to do the spell.” Cadence said. “You know! I'm not the only one who is great at magic here! Maybe try getting Celestia for once in her life to do something useful for once!” Twilight snaps.  Celestia looks taken aback at her friend’s outburst. “Twilight Sparkle! Nopony speaks to my sister like that! What has gotten into you?!” Luna said, her voice firm. “No, Luna it's okay.” Celestia said, quietly before walking off.  “Hey! Princesses how is everything with- uh Twily is everything okay?” Shining said, walking over to the Princesses- well three out of four of them. Twilight groans out in agitation and frustration, her mane and tail blazing with fire.  “I said I'm okay! Now would everypony get off my back!!!!” The only time when Twilight uses here Royal Canterlot voice was important events, but nothing like this.  Twilight hair stinged of smoke. Her right eye slightly twitched. “Ugh! I'm going to my room, do not follow me!” Twilight gallops full force to a nearby bedroom and slams the door.  The party goers stopped and stared at the commotion that just happened. Which put Cadence and Luna in an awkward situation.  “Please continue to enjoy this wonderful party, I just have to go use the little filly's room.” Cadence says giving the party goers an awkward smile.  “Luna? Shining? Do you think you can keep the ponies here entertained until I get back?” Cadence asks.  “Sure! Wait… when did we become party entertainers?” Shining asks.  “Yeah, I never signed up for this- and she's gone.” Luna said.  “Yep.” Mumbles Shining. ***  “This isn't the Twilight that I know and love. Something is definitely wrong here.” Cadence thought as she raced down the hallway looking for Twilight. “I know she didn't mean all of those things she said.”  Cadence checks every room that is available in the castle. She finally found Twilight in a spare bedroom on the left wing. Cadence knocks on the door, before entering. “Twilight, are you okay?” Cadence asks.  “Why does everypony keep asking that?” Twilight mumbles in a moody tone. “Well, it's because you aren't. Twilight I know this isn't you.” Cadence said sitting on her bed. Twilight down casts her gaze. “It's because I'm not.” Twilight mutters.  Cadence watches her sister-in-law, to see if her mood would shift anymore like it did a few moments ago.  It didn't.  “I'm your sister-in-law you can tell me anything Twilight.” Cadence said, giving Twilight a soft understanding smile. Twilight bit the inside of her cheek, then sighs. “Okay, but you have to promise me you won't tell Shining!” Says Twilight, who had a serious expression on her face.  “Cross my heart. Hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye.” Cadence chants. “Now can you tell me why you are acting like this?” Says Cadence.  “I'm pregnant.” Twilight says.  “I knew it.” Cadence says.  “What! How?” Asks Twilight.  “Well I was in the same boat as you are now in Twilight, before I had Flurry I was moody 24/7. I took out my hormones on practically everypony especially Shining.” Twilight thought back to when she took out her emotions.  “I just took mine on Princess Celestia.” thought Twilight. “This is the best day, ever!” Squeals Flurry. The mares look at the little filly startled by her voice. “Not only have I turned seven, but I got my cutiemark and I got a new baby cousin!” Flurry hops up and down.  “F-Flurry! H-How much did you hear sweetie?” Twilight said startled.  “Only that I'm getting a new cousin!” Says Flurry, who was still excited by the news.  “Shh! You need to lower your voice a bit! Aunt Twilight doesn't want anypony else to know.” Cadence says.  “But why?” Flurry stopped bouncing.  “She just doesn't. Can you promise something to your Aunt Twily and I?” Cadence asks.  “Sure mommy!” Says Flurry.  “Can you keep this a secret?” Cadence asks her daughter in a soothing tone.  Flurry nodded. “Sure I can! I'm the best secret keeper ever!” Says Flurry.  “Especially do not tell your daddy.” Said Twilight.  Shining walks in. “Do not tell Daddy what, exactly?” Shining looks at Flurry. Cadence and Twilight both looked at each other with a nervous expression on their faces.  “About the anniversary gift that mommy has planned for you on Saturday!” Says Flurry.  “Yeah! I have some big plans for us that day. Flurry kind of overheard us. So I guess the secret is out.” Cadence said. She was trying her best to keep a calm exposure. The nerves settled down in both of their stomachs.  “Hey, how come you're not out there helping Luna with the party?” Twilight asks, changing the subject. “Well, everypony went home. However, Luna left hours ago. Something about her wasn't paid enough for this.” Said Shining.  “Can Aunt Twily spend the night, tonight?” Flurry asked. “Flurry you know you have school tomorrow.” Shining said. “Yeah, besides I'm sure Twilight has a lot to do back at her castle.” Cadence said. “Come on, tell Twilight goodnight. I'll tuck you in, tonight.” Shining said.  A sad expression passed over her. “Goodnight, Twilight.” Twilight gave her niece a hug. “Goodnight sweetie.” Twilight said.  She watched as the filly trots down the hall, as she waits for Shining to leave out of earshot before speaking again. “I can't believe I snapped at Celestia like that.” Twilight said. “It wasn't your fault. It was your hormones that were making you act like that.” Cadence said. “She doesn't know that I'm pregnant though.” Twilight said.  “If you explain to her I'm sure she will understand, she's an understanding mare after all. You know that.” Cadence said, smiling at her. “I guess you are right,”  Mumbles Twilight. “But it's late so I doubt she is up at this moment.”  Cadence wraps a conforming wing around Twilight. The two sat there, enjoying the silence together.   ***  “Okay missy, I know you were listening in on Aunt Twilight and mommy's conversation.” Shining said. “So can you tell Daddy what was being said?”  Flurry looks at her father, with slightly tired eyes. “Daddy, I promised Aunt Twilight and Mommy I would keep it a secret. And you can't break a pinkie promise.” Flurry said, yawning.  “If you tell Daddy, I'll buy you that big stuffed animal you spotted at the toy store last month.” Shining said.  Flurry looks at her father with a curious gaze. “I'm still not telling.”  “I'll let you eat dessert for dinner and we don't even have to tell Mommy.” Shining said, grinning at his daughter.  Flurry thought for a moment. “... Nope. Besides, I already do that anyways.” Flurry giggles.  Shining’s wide smile faulted. “But I thought you were daddy's little girl?” Shining asks, in a small sad tone. “I am, but I can't betray mommy or Aunt Twilight's trust daddy, you both taught me that.” Flurry said.  “Shoot we did.” Thought Shining. “Plus, nice try, but briefing isn't going to work on me daddy. Now I'm sorry, but I'm going to bed. Goodnight. I love you.” Flurry turns over in her bed, away from Shining.  “Goodnight. I love you too.” Shining whispers. Walking out of Flurry's room and into the hallway. “Fine! If my own daughter won't tell me. Then, I'll just get my information some other way.” A sly smile plays into the stallion's lips, before turning in for the night.  *** A knock came from the door of The Castle Of Friendship. It was ten in the morning, who could be at her castle at ten in the morning? And on a Monday?  Yawning and looking a hot mess, Twilight got out of bed and wrapped herself around in her housecoat.  Making her way to the door, the knocking continued.  “I'm coming, I'm coming.” Twilight said, in between yawns. “Sweet, Celestia no pony has time for this.” She mutters to herself. Once she reaches the door, she opens it with her aura. “I hope you have a very good reason-” Twilight stopped, looking at the pony before her with wide eyes.  “Sh-Shining Armor! What are you doing here?” Twilight asks. She could feel her whole body going tense. “Well, I've been worrying about you here recently. And from the looks of it, you look like a hot mess.” Shining says. “Well, excuse me if you didn't give me enough time to freshen up before a greeting- especially this early.” Twilight grits her teeth. Shining chuckles. “Woah, Twily! I was just kidding. You know I still love you no matter what you look like.” Twilight rolls her eyes playfully at her brother. Shining enters, shuts the door behind him. “I actually already have a room set aside for you. But why could you have not waited til this weekend to come?” Twilight wonders.  Both of them started to walk down the hallway of her castle. “Well, I missed my little sister so much I just had to come and see her. Plus, Cadence and Flurry are having some kind of girls weekend. But turns out it's for an entire week. So I thought, why not come and visit my sweet little sister.”Shining said. Hoping that she wouldn't ask for the real reason why he was here. “Okay…” Twilight said, suspensions laced in her voice. But she thought otherwise. “What kind of girls week were they having exactly?” Twilight wondered. “Ah. You know: going to the spa, girly stuff.” Shining said.  Twilight raised an eyebrow before continuing. “Alright then,” Twilight said. Both of them stopped at one of the many spare bedrooms in her castle.  “Well, here's your room. It already has everything you need.” Twilight pushes open the door to reveal Shining's guest bedroom. It was designed the way he liked it. “Awe sis you know your B.B.B.F.F so well.” He gives Twilight a hug before entering his room.  “Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go check on something important.” Twilight said, in a flash of magenta light she disappears.  *** She teleports herself into a spare bedroom. “Discord?” Twilight calls out.  No answer.  “Discord!” Twilight hisses.  Still no answer.  Twilight thinks for a moment. She casts a Bubble of Silence spell on the entire room.  “Discord!” This time Twilight uses her Royal Canterlot voice. A bright flash of light appears in front of her. “You know if you ever needed me, you didn't have to use your Royal Canterlot voice.” Discord said.  He stops, quickly notices the alicorns expression was rather bothersome. “Twilight? What's wrong?” He asks. “And why are you in a housecoat?” He took in  that her appearance is more frazzled as usual. “Besides that I'm trying to hide the fact that I'm pregnant. I also have an unwanted visitor.” Twilight paces around the room feeling antsy.  “Who's the unwanted visitor? Need me to send them to another dimension?” Asked Discord.  “What… no. It’s my brother. And he can not see you,” Twilight said. “Think you could disguise yourself?”  “And why would I need to do that exactly?” Discord wonders. “Unless you wish to be six feet under the ground,” Sarcasm laced in Twilight's voice.  “Why do I sense that your brother is not a fan of me?” Discord asks. “Because he isn't. Ever since you sided with Tirek, even though it was six years ago. He still hasn't forgiven you.” Twilight said. “Wow! Your brother holds a grudge for a really long time. But, can't he see that I'm a changed draconequus?” Says Discord.  “Obviously not.” Mutters Twilight. “So do you think you can hold up a disguise til the end of this weekend?” Pleads Twilight. “I can try.” Discord mutters. The draconequus snaps his claw and disguising himself as Owlicious.  Twilight lets out a relieved sigh. She let's down the barrier.  There was a knock on the door. “Hey, Twilight? Are you okay? You were in here awhile. So I thought I'd come check on you.” Shining asks, entering the room. “Yeah, I'm fine just had to come check on Owlicious.” Twilight said. She lets the bird land on her hoof.  Shining looks at Owlicious and smiles, ruffling the birds feathers. “Are you sure you're okay? You look pale a bit.” Shining worried for his sister. “I'm fine, really. I haven't really had a proper breakfast since you arrived.” Twilight let out a nervous laugh.  “How about this, I'll fix your breakfast for you and you can go read one of your favorite books?” Shining suggested. “Well it has been a while since I've actually got to relax with a good book,” thought Twilight. “Okay, deal.” Twilight said, she sat Owlicious down on his perch.  “Think you could make me some cupcakes? Preferably Pinkie Pie Cinnamon Cilantro cupcakes?” Twilight asks.  Shining gave his sister a confusing look. “Cinnamon Cilantro Cupcakes? Twilight, those sound disgusting. Why would you even want those?” Shining said. Twilight's mind races for a moment, she lets out a nervous laugh.  “You know what scratch that, you can just make me pancakes instead. With whip cream and sprinkles on top, drizzled in chocolate syrup.”  Shining nods his head. “Okay…. Well if you need me I'll be in the kitchen.” Shining walks off. Twilight watches as her brother is out of earshot, before speaking to “Owlicious”. “Thank you, Discord. Now please promise me that you will stay hidden from Shining.” Twilight whispers to the bird.  “You have my word, Princess.” Said Discord.  Twilight gave a soft smile, hoping that he keeps his word. Twilight walks out of the room.  *** Twilight looked to her bedside table. The book that Discord let her borrow was still marked were she last left off at. The book remained untouched in the last few months, however.  She grabs the book and flips to the page she left off of which was: Facts About What Different Magic Your Draconequus Child Could Possess.  “This is a really interesting section,” Twilight mutters to herself. She scans the page for a mere twenty-five minutes. “Sweet Celestia! Where is Shining with those pancakes!” Twilight mutters to herself, she flips to her fifth page.  Another fifteen minutes passed. “Hey, Twily! Sorry it took so long,” Shining said, floating a tray full of pancakes towards her. On the tray was also a glass of milk and a small bouquet of white lilacs that sat in a light blue vase on the tray.  Twilight took the tray from Shining in her aura, sitting the tray in front of her. She gazes down at the plate, her face turning slightly green. She swallows down the awful sickness that she felt, letting the feeling pass. “Thank you, Shining.” Twilight said, forcing a smile. “Your welcome, but are you sure you are okay?” He asks.  Twilight sneezed and electricity shot from her horn. Shining ducks, he rose slowly up.  “Where did that come from?” Shining  asks.  “I guess I have a Spring Fever, cold wise of course. If I was you I would leave this room while I still had the chance.” Twilight said, she tried to push him out of the room with her aura.  Sadly, he wouldn’t budge.  “Have you been to the doct-” Twilight cut off his response.  “Yes, Shining I have and he said it was very contagious.” Lies Twilight.  “How long have you had it?” Asked Shining.  “For almost two weeks,” Lies Twilight, again. “But I have medicine for it. So hopefully by tomorrow I would feel at least a little bit better.”  “This is why your BBBFF is here for you Twily. But if you need me, just holler, or in your case use your Royal Canterlot voice.” Shining chuckles. “Anyways for now, just rest.” He orders.  “But what about-” Her brother cuts her off.  “Whatever needs to be taken care of I'll handle it for you.” Shining gave his Royal Guards honor to help his sister with whatever she needed for the day. “I just don't want you to push yourself more than you already have. You can just call me “Princess Shining Armor” for the day!”  This earned a small laugh out of Twilight.  “And besides, you look like you could use the rest. Promise me you'll rest for the day?” He gave a small smile.  Twilight nods. “If you need me, you know where I'll be.” Shining said. He then shuts her bedroom door and walks off. Once she knew Shining was out of earshot. She puts the plate aside and picks back up the book, reading where she left off at.  She zapped herself a platter of Pinkie's signature cupcakes. Reminding herself to pay Pinkie later for the tray. After her eighth cupcake, Twilight felt herself feeling a bit drowsy. She was half way through the chapter: How To Raise A Draconequus In His/Her Teenage Years.  Twilight yawns, she felt more tired than usual, which was in a way a bit odd for her. She knew she got at least a full eight hours of sleep last night. But why did she feel so drained?  “Maybe Shining is right,” She yawns. “I could rest…. I'm just going to take a quick… nap….” She mutters the last bit to herself, before luring herself into a deep slumber.  *** “Twilight, hasn't been back to check on me since this morning. I hope she is okay.” Discord thought. “Plus, I may need a real meal. This bird food-er owl food? Whatever it is isn't cutting it for my taste.”  'Owlicious’ flies into the kitchen. “I'm sure, Twilight wouldn't mind if I returned to normal for a little bit, besides it's late I'm sure nopony is bound to be awake at this hour.”  Discord's snaps his claw and returns into his regular form. He opens Twilight's cabinet drawers, only to find it filled with bizarre cravings.  He shuts the cabinet's. Turning around, he spotted a white stallion his mane colors was a modern sapphire blue mane with moderate cerulean and dark phthalo blue streaks. The stallion stood halfway down the hallway, his mouth agape.  It was Shining Armor.  “Oh, shi-” Discord thought, but got cut off by Shining. “What do you think you are doing here, Discord.” He spat the draconequus name out of distaste.  Once the draconequus did not answer. Shining, who was now in the kitchen went on to asking him more questions. “Why are you even here in my baby sister’s castle?”  “If you must know, Twilight asked me to stay here.” The draconequus states.  “And why would she? She despises you.” Shining had his blue eyes narrowed.  “You know, that is where you are wrong.” A mischievous smile plays on the draconequus lips.  “And what's that's supposed to mean?” Shining asks, his horn was already lit ready to charge at this foul creature.  *** Five hours later…  Twilight tossed and turned in her sleep. A loud crash awakens the young Alicorn from her deep slumber. She looks over at her alarm it reads: 4:14 am. “Can't believe I slept an entire day away,” Twilight thought.  Another crash and a beam of light rose magic sounds from the kitchen, along with a lot of shouting. “Shining? Discord!” Twilight thought. Twilight shot out of bed, forgetting her housecoat in the process. She gallops quickly down the hallway, hearing the argument getting louder, as she gets closer.  Twilight quickly reaches the kitchen. Broken plates scatters the floor, food covering and staining the walls and floor, even Shining and Discord. Discord's chaotic magic was running wild throughout Twilight’s kitchen. While Shining Armor looked at the draconequus with distasteful look in his blue eyes. Basically, her kitchen looked like a tornado hit it.   Twilight’s eye twitched slightly. “What is going on!” Twilight shouts.  “Twilight! What are you doing up out of bed?” Shining asks, his voice full of authority. “My question for you two is why are you two fighting!” Twilight shot back.  “Did he put you under a spell?” Shining asks. “Wh- no! Now answer my question!” Twilight said in a very demanding voice. “How could you fall in love with somepony like him?” Shining asks, narrowing his eyes. “Do you know what he has done to you and your friends? Do you know all the horrible things his has done to Equestria in the past?”  “Unlike you, I can look past somepony who has done wrong.” Twilight said, her tone bitter. “You can't stop me from who I fall in love with Shining!”  Twilight narrowed her eyes at her brother. Shining looks at Twilight noticing that something is different about her. “Wait are you?” Twilight keeps narrowed eyes at the two. “When I find out who-” Shining threatens. “Oh, Twilight didn't tell you?” Discord says in an innocent like tone.  “Discord! Can it!” Twilight snaps.  “So, that's why you've been acting strange here lately! And you're the father?” Shining asks, his eyes slightly ablaze. “You are correct.” Discord said. “Oh, you are dead meat, buddy!” Shining charges at Discord.  Twilight felt her hormones kick into overdrive. Her mane was ablazed, she wasn't just mad. She was furious! “Stop! I can't believe you two are acting like this! Shining Armor, you are my brother you couldn't have at least been a little bit excited for me? No! You had to go on your high horse thinking you never done no wrong! I would never disowned Flurry Heart! Yet, you have the audacity to put me down for my wrongdoings! This being one of them!”  Twilight's mane and tail was still ablazing. “You could have told me, Twi-” Shining stated but Twilight quickly cuts him off. “No, I couldn't have! Because I knew you would act…. Like… like this!”  “You're right, Twilight I would act like this! But I'm only trying to protect you-” Shining said. “Looks, like to me you're more judging me than protecting me! News flash: I'm not a filly anymore I can take care of myself!” Spats Twilight, hot tears spills down Twilight cheeks. “Were you really here or was it something entirely different?” Twilight asks, her mane and tail toned down a bit, but hot tears were still in her eyes.  “Well since the room is still full of tension. Might as well tell you the truth. I came to see why you were acting funny, but now I  see the answer crystal clear. ” He looks at Twilight’s stomach. Twilight rolls her eyes. “So, you lied to me!” Twilight seethes.  Shining Armor remained quiet.  “Everypony's been supportive, except you! You're such a hypocrite!” Twilight screams out in frustration. “I wish you were never my brother!  I wish Celestia would send you to Tartarus!” She gallops off, in a hurry slamming her bedroom door with a loud bang.  Ray's of early morning sunshine streams through Twilight's curtain. She didn’t care that Celestia was already raising the sun. Instead, Twilight slides her back down against the door. Letting out a whale of frustration and cries.  “I'm sure this week will get better and better…. Not!” Twilight thought, as her sarcastic tone was thought to herself, before she tried to curl herself up in a fetal position on the floor her lullaby to herself was accompanied by soft cries.  Before drifting off to sleep once more.