//------------------------------// // Family Vacation Part 1 // Story: Royal Rebirth: The Life and Times of Prince Dusk Star // by Grey Ghost //------------------------------// Mom trotted around her room, carrying me on her back as she packed for a family trip she and Dad had talked about a few days beforehand. It was supposed to be some kind of zeppelin tour. I had guessed that it would be like a cruise and found something else to occupy myself with. This time, it was messing with her ears. She ignored me for the most part, though she did seem to flick her ears in a coordinated way. I giggled, trying to nom whichever ear that moved. Whenever I managed to capture one in my toothless maw, she quickly freed it and flicked it against my nose. It was a rather fun game, though now I wonder if she was trying to develop my motor skills or something. Knowing Mom, it was more than likely. “So, what's the score?” Dad asked as he trotted over to us. “Looks like you got some pretty soggy ears, babe.” “He’s managed to catch my ears about a dozen times,” Mom answered, turning to him with a smile as she packed the beach towels. “Missed a lot more.” Dad smiled and ruffled my mane. “Then it looks like you’ve got some work to do, little buddy.” He leaned down and nipped at Mom’s ears. “See, ya gotta do it like that.” Mom’s entire face erupted into a blush and she batted at Dad’s side with a wing. “Flash! Don’t surprise me like that!” Fluffing her wings, she cleared her throat. “Did you get everything settled with the rest of the guard?” “Yup, they know what to do while we’re away.” He puffed up a little and rubbed his breastplate with a hoof. “I think I’ve turned them into a well oiled machine. Plus, I told them to keep an eye out for Spike.” “Fantastic,” Mom replied with a bright smile. “Though, I do wish he could’ve joined us. This zeppelin trip sounds like something he’d love.” Dancing a little, she giggled. “Oh, Dusk is going to have so much fun! And he gets to meet his cousin!” Dad chuckled, watching Mom move to imaginary music that seemed to have no rhythm. “I’m sure Flurry and Dusk will be great friends.” He pursed his lips in thought. “Unless they’re like oil and water. I mean, Dusk is a pretty quiet kid.” “Fluttershy and Pinkie are good friends,” Mom countered, pausing her dance mid pseudo-ballerina pose. “I don’t think Flurry’s need to move about will clash that much with Dusk’s timidness.” Dad nodded, patting my head. “If you say so, honey. I want Dusk to get along with her too.” ‘Oi, who you calling timid?’ I pouted, batting at Dad’s hoof. ‘I am the bravest foal you’re ever gonna see!’ I puffed myself up as big as I could, looking between them. My pout increased as they both dawed at me. I deflated in an instant, making irritated little snorts. “Aw, don’t be sad, Duskie,” Mom soothed, nuzzling my head. “We know you’re a big tough colt, isn’t that right, Flash?” Dad nodded, a proud smile on his face. “That’s right, you’re gonna take after us and be super brave.” Kissing my head, Dad turned to Mom. “We best get going, don’t want to be late.” Mom picked up our luggage in her magic, a bright smile on her face. “Alright, everything’s packed and the carriage is ready.” A white light surrounded us, and in an instant we were outside the castle. I blanched, holding onto Mom’s neck. She gave me an apologetic look, rubbing her nose against mine. “Sorry Dusk, I forgot that you’re still not used to teleporting.” She reached into her saddle bag, pulling out a strange pacifier I hadn’t seen before. She held it out to me with a smile. “Here, this is supposed to help soothe an upset stomach.” ‘Well... okay... but only because of that, got it?’ I take it from her, popping it into my mouth. I sucked on it for a moment, a pleasant, minty, coolness filling my mouth. ‘Hmm, this actually isn’t half bad.’ I got comfy on Mom’s back, waving at a few ponies. They waved back, smiles on their faces. After a few moments, our carriage pulled up in front of us, the driver stepping down to open the door for us. I spent the ride on Dad’s head, watching the countryside sail by. I smiled around the pacifier, the scenery relaxing me. There was something to be said about the great outdoors. An eep escaped me as the chariot came to a stop and I almost fell off my perch. I spread my wings, whipping my head around as I suddenly snapped back to the moment. ‘The heck was that!?’ Mom giggled, scooping me up and resting my head against her chest. “We’re here, Dusky. Wanna see the zeppelin?” She stepped off the chariot, turning so we could see the boarding ramp. “It’s like a really big balloon.” ‘Just as long as this thing doesn’t pull a Hindenburg on us, I’m good,’ I stated, looking up at the balloon in question. ‘Eh, we have magic, we’ll be fine.’ We waited by the ramp for a little while, watching the other passengers  file up the ramp. “Twily!” A young, feminine voice called out. Mom and I turned to see a pink alicorn with a tri-colored mane walking up to us. On her back was a little alicorn foal, her head rolling around as her attention seemed to be elsewhere. ‘Wow, she’s the definition of pretty pink pony princess,’ I commented, poking Mom’s head and pointing at the newcomers. ‘Geez, it’s like if everything in the pink isle was crammed into a pony shape mold and bam! You get her.’ “Cadance!” Mom beamed, meeting the mare halfway. “It’s so good to see you!” She poked her head around to get a good look at the foal. “And it’s great to see you too, Flurry! Can you say hello to your Aunt Twilight?” “Hewo!” Flurry replied, her eyes locking onto mom. She zipped into the air, getting into a scary pose and mimicking a roar. Mom smiled, repeating the action to Flurry. “And say hello to your cousin!” She held me out towards Flurry. “His name is Dusk Star!” ‘Uh, hi cuz,’ I greet, waving at her. She floated over to me, an innocent smile on her face. “Hewo,” she greeted, looking me over. ‘So uh, your mom looks like a living stereotype. Is she as pretty princessy as she looks?’ Flurry’s response was a string of babble that made no sense to me. ‘Ah, don’t know why I was expecting to be able to hold a conversation with a baby.’ I was slightly disappointed, I wouldn’t have minded if Flurry had turned out to be in the same position as me.  A white stallion with a long blue mane stepped up to Toy Aisle’s side, a smile on his face. “Looks like these two are hitting it off already. I bet they’ll be partners in crime once they learn how to talk.” “Always good to see you, Shining.” Dad stepped up to the stallion, holding his hoof out. “Still running those O&O sessions on Friday night?” “Are you kidding?” Shining said, tapping his hoof against Dad’s. “Those only get called off in times of crisis. Though we did have to find a new Rogue. And I had to start chipping in extra for the snacks now that you’re in Ponyville.” “Alright, alright you two,” Grandma cuts in as she and Grandpa walk over. “We have luggage to carry on and a room to find.” Grandma daws at Flurry and I before turning to Mom. “And... there's somepony you need to meet, Twily.” “Huh, what are you talking about Mom?” she asked, walking up and embracing Grandma and Grandpa.  “Not now, Twily.” Grandma pulled away, shaking her head. “Night, would you mind taking the boys and getting the luggage to our rooms. I’ll take Twilight and Cadance to meet our special guest.” “Can do dear,” Grandpa replied, taking some of the luggage in his magic and ushering Dad and Shining up the ramp.  “We’ll have everything set up by the time you come around.” Grandma smiled, watching Grandpa disappear from view. She took a deep breath, her look shifting to be a bit uncomfortable. “This might be a bit hard to believe, but it’ll be easier once I show you.” She turned towards the carriage she had come from, motioning for Mom and Cadance to follow.  I wriggled out of Mom’s grasp, taking to the sky with Flurry. ‘I wonder why Grandma’s being so secretive.’ I glanced at Flurry. ‘Maybe some long lost, third child?’ She opened the door to the carriage, a small grey colt poking his head up from the disturbance. His face lit up when he spotted Mom and he bounded over. “Mother! I missed you so much!” Grabbing her leg, he nuzzled her at an almost frantic rate. “Mother?” Mom repeated, gaping down at the colt with a thousand yard stare. Despite this, she put a hoof on the colt’s back and started to stroke it. Probably out of some form of instinct. “Mom, I don’t understand, who is this colt?” “Sabre Light,” Grandma answered. “He seems to be from one of those timelines you told us about. The one where Nightmare Moon is in control of things.We have no idea how he came here, he just showed up at our doorstep a few days ago scared out of his mind. And since he knew things that nopony outside the family would know, of course we took him in.” “Tell her it’s not true, mother!” Sabre begged, looking up at Mom. “You’ll make everything right and banish the sun again!” “Sabre,” Mom started, stroking his mane slowly. “I could never banish Celestia. She’s my mentor and friend. This isn’t the same world as the one you knew.” She spread her wings as if to demonstrate. Sabre gaped, backing up a few steps. “B-but... no!” Stamping his hooves, he lit his horn up. “You’re supposed to fix things!” “Things are fixed, Sabre,” Mom countered, trotting in front of him and crouching down to his eye level. “Ponies are happy and the world is peaceful. You can be a part of that.” Sabre stepped back, the light from his horn starting to brighten. “No! It’s all broken! I-I have to fix it!” “And would you go through your mother to do it?” Mom asked, stepping up to Sabre and holding a hoof out to him. Sabre whimpered, tears starting to flow down his face. “I-I will...” he replied weakly, his body trembling. Mom closed her eyes, an even look on her face. “Okay then, go right ahead. I could never harm a child, especially my own.” Deciding I wasn’t going to let Mom get blasted in the face, I landed between them and gave Sabre my best smile. ‘Hello, brother from another uh, timeline I guess?’ Without waiting for him to respond, I trotted over and hugged his leg. Sabre was caught off guard, the glow on his horn dimming as he looked between Mom and I. “I-it’s all broken,” he muttered, sniffling. He kept looking between us, his gaze lingering on Mom. “Then why doesn’t it feel broken?” Mom opened her eyes and smiled softly. “It’s alright, Sabre, you’re safe. I know I’m not the mom you knew, but I still want to be your mother.” She reached out again, offering a wing hug. Sabre seemed overwhelmed as he shot into her embrace, sniffling and burying his face in her fur. Mom shushed him softly, petting his mane. After a little while, he calmed down and pulled his face away from her fur. “I’d like to keep being your son,” he told her quietly. “Good.” Mom kissed his nose and gestured to me. “This is your baby brother, Dusk Star.” Sabre studied me for a moment, sticking to Mom like glue. “I have never seen a baby alicorn before.” ‘Well, Flurry was here first but, I’m the only male.’ I puff my chest out, looking up at him. “I have never been a big brother before,” Sabre said, stepping away from Mom to stand in front of me. “I’d have to learn about how to do a good job.” “Well, I’m learning how to be a mom, so I think we’re in the same boat.” Levitating us in her magic, she set Sabre on her back and me on her head. “Now come on, we can’t keep the rest of the family waiting.” Sabre nodded, getting cozy on Mom’s back. “Okay, Mother. Grandma and Grandpa have been talking about this trip for a while.” “I’m glad they brought you,” Aunt Cadance says, putting Flurry on her back. “Now I get to meet two nephews.” Sabre looked over at Cadance, shifting uncomfortably for a little bit. His eyes seemed to refuse to look at her dead on. “Y-yes, it’s nice to see you too… Aunt Cadance.” Aunt Cadance frowned, glancing at Mom. “Is something wrong, Sabre?” “It’s just, where I’m from, you were… disposed of when the moon took power,” Sabre admitted. “I was taught that you were a traitor, just like Uncle Shining Armor.” Aunt Cadance frowned for a moment before putting on the best poker face I’ve ever seen. “Well, in this world, my husband and I are perfectly healthy. We even have a little foal of her own.” She picked up Flurry in her magic who was playing with a stuffed snail. “This is your cousin, Flurry Heart. Say hi, Flurry.” “Hewo!” Flurrry cheered, taking one of her hooves off her toy to wave to Sabre. Her greeting over, Flurry stuck the snail in her mouth, nomming on it. Sabre looked at Flurry in disbelief, his eye twitching slightly. “Just how many alicorns does Equestria have now?” “Counting the babies? Six,” Mom replied, leading the other  adults onto the zeppelin. “Though, your brother is the only colt.” Sabre scrunched his muzzle up, looking between everyone. “Do you think I could ever become an alicorn like you did, Mother?” “I wouldn’t put it past you,” Mom said, glancing back at him. “But, don’t worry about that now, alright? We should focus on getting you settled in.” Sabre managed to smile, glancing at his back. “If I did, then I’d be the first alicorn with strygoi wings.” “Your father’s a strygoi?” Mom asked, sounding more than a little intrigued.  Sabre nodded, turning his attention to Mom. “Yes, his name is Dark Wing and he’s the captain of the Night Guard.” He frowned when Mom froze. “Um, Mother? Are you okay?” “Just uh… noticing that I seem to have a type even across timelines,” Mom replied, putting on a smile. “My husband in this timeline is named Flash Sentry and he’s currently the captain of my personal branch of guards.” “Do you know how you got here, Sabre?” Aunt Cadance asked, waving at a few ponies... who wore ‘best princess’ shirts. Sabre went quiet for a few moments before speaking. “One night when Princess Nightmare came to see me, she got really mad. Something about an alicorn that looked like Mom.” Sabre looked at Mom, working things out. “After she was gone, Mom came up and gave me a big hug. She said ‘no matter what shape the world’s in, I’ll make sure you’ll always be in it.’” Mom scrunched her muzzle up, seeming to be working out the story in her head. After a moment, she looked forward so Sabre couldn’t see the look of realization dawn on her. “That’s quite a story, Sabre. Sounds like the other me cast some sort of spell that resulted in your arrival here. I’ll have to see if I can figure out what spells the other me might’ve used to integrate you into this timeline.” “I think I heard her mutter something about the Starswirl section of the library,” Sabre offered, looking around at the ponies gathered on the ship. He quirked a brow when he noticed some whispering. “What are they whispering about?” “They’re probably curious about you,” Mom replied. “Dusk is the only foal I’m officially stated to have, so seeing me carry you is a surprise. A good surprise, by the way.” Sabre nodded, relaxing. “I suppose that makes sense.” He settled down on Mom’s back, continuing to take in the scenery. “D-do you think ponies will like me?” Mom turned back to Sabre with a warm smile, kissing his nose. “Of course they will, honey. As long as you treat others with kindness and respect, you’ll make tons of friends.” Coming to a stop, she checked the room door against her key. “Alright, here we are! Room 21!” She opened the door, revealing a grand suite.  My eyes widened, taking in the neatly arranged furniture. ‘Wow, looks like we’re travelling in style.’ Seeing Dad distracted by Grandpa, I zipped over and nom on one of his ears. He looked up at me, freeing his ear with a smile. “Good sneak attack, Dusky. That’s one point for you.” His smile turned wicked, pulling me close to his chest and tickling my stomach. “But watch how a real guard launches a counterattack!” ‘Gah! That’s not fair!’ I buzz my wings, trying to wriggle out from his grasp ‘Curse you and your adult strength!’ Dad turned to Mom, his expression shifting when he noticed Sabre. “Um, is he what your mom wanted to talk to you about?” Mom nodded, rubbing her neck. “As it turns out uh, the me from that Nightmare Moon timeline had a son with a ;Captain Dark Wing’. Not sure how he well, you know... but he’s here now, and I’m not going to abandon him.” Dad nodded, looking at Sabre with a smile. “Of course, I’d never ask you to abandon him.” He walked over to Mom and gave her a nuzzle. His gaze settled on Sabre. “I promise to be a good step-dad. I’ll treat you just like I would Dusk.” “Thanks...” Sabre responds, hopping off Mom’s back. He looks up and upon seeing Uncle Shining, his horn lighting up again. His face contorted into a look of rage for a moment, a spell charging around his horn. A beat passed and he let the spell die, looking away in shame. “I’m sorry,” he said, glancing at Uncle Shining for a brief moment before shrinking in on himself. “My education has affected me.” Uncle Shining blinked, looking between Sabre and Mom. “It’s uh, okay?” Mom sat Sabre on the sofa in the room, leaning in to whisper something in Uncle Shining’s ear. I assume it was to catch him up on everything she learned from Sabre. I , meanwhile, escaped Dad’s grip and went to go hang out with my Aunt and cousin. Flurry looked up from what she was doing and babbled at me. ‘So, what’s it like being a baby without an adult mind?’ I asked, smiling at her. She babbled at me again, gesturing wildly with her hooves. Joining me on the floor, she does that scary thing she did with Mom. I decided to mimic her, posing and making myself look as big as possible.  ‘Rawr! I’m scary! Rawr!’ I reply, batting at the air in front of me. Flurry giggled, batting her hooves against mine. Despite this not being the response I was hoping for, I played along and continued to bat at her. Our fun was interrupted when Aunt Cadance got in on it. “Muahahah! I’m the evil alicorn of tickles!” she nudged me over, tickling my belly with her wing. “No foal can escape my cruelty!” ‘N-no!’ I tried to shout, the sound coming out as a strangled gurgle. I tried to push her wing away, but she always moved her wing out of my reach. ‘This isn’t fair! Flurry, help!’ Instead of helping, Flurry decided to join her mother and moved her wings to my side and tickled me. ‘Gah! I’ve been betrayed! Am I destined to be turned on by my new family!?’ Cadance and Flurry laughed their heads off, attacking all my weak spots. Eventually, Cadance pulled away from me and took Flurry in her magic to let me breathe. “Looks like Aunty Caddy might have overdone it a bit.” ‘Ya think?’ I asked, throwing my hooves in her direction and tilted my head. I roll over, sticking my tongue out at her. ‘I’m totally not gonna make you any crafts.’ Aunt Caddy rolled me onto my stomach and helped me get upright. “There you go, Dusk. All better.” A smile spread across her face. “Though, judging by the squish, I think you need a clean up.” ‘Damn you baby bladder,’ I grumbled, fluffing my wings. ‘I didn’t even notice that. Are you happy with yourself? You made your favorite nephew pee himself!’ Aunt Caddy carefully scooped me up and carried me to a secluded spot in the room. “There’s no need to get fussy, I can change you in a jiffy.” Lifting her diaper bag with her magic, she started to change me while humming a tune. I squirmed, making it somewhat hard out of spite. ‘I’m not gonna make it easy for you, betrayer!’ “Squirm all you like, I changed Flurry during the height of her magic outbursts,” she told me, poking my chest. “This is easy compared to that.” Finishing up, she placed me back on the floor. “There, one clean colt.” I looked down at myself and trotted back to  Flurry. ‘I let you change me because those things are far too uncomfortable when they’re full.’ I stuck my tongue out at her before bursting into a full on gallop. My gallop was suddenly stopped by a light blue aura. “Sorry Dusk, but you can’t just run around. You might accidentally break something and get hurt,” Aunt Caddy told me, bringing me to her eye level. ‘What!? Come on! We’re in our room! It’s not like I’m trying to go on deck or something!” I whined pitifully, pouting at her.  “There’s no need to pout,” she assured me, nuzzling my cheek. “How about we play a game?” “C-can I play?” Sabre spoke up, getting our attention. “I-I’d like to spend some time with Dusk, if that’s okay...” His eyes were cast to the side, hoof gingerly scraping the floor. “Of course you can play too, Sabre,” Aunt Caddy assured, leaning down and nuzzling the top of his head. “This trip is the perfect time to bond with my other new nephew, and for you to get to know your little brother.” Sabre smiled, hugging her neck. “Thank you, Aunt Cadance!” Patting his back, Aunt Caddy returned his smile. “Don’t mention it. Now, what game would you like to play with your brother?” Sabre put his hoof to his chin. “I um... dunno. What's a good game to play with a baby?” “You could always play with his favorite stuffed animals with him,” she suggested, chuckling over how similar Sabre looked to Twilight while deep in thought. “Or you could give him a ride around the room on your back.” “Would he let me?” Sabre asked, looking down at me. “Why don’t you try and find out,” she replied, nudging him towards me. “Go on, Dusky, your big brother wants to spend some time with you.” I put on my cutest face and stretched my forehooves out to him. ‘Don’t need to tell me twice! Come on, big bro, let’s play!’ I made sure to giggle and flail my arms as Sabre lifts me up. His timidness melted away as he placed me on his back and I caught him smiling for a split second. After giving me a moment to grab on, he slowly trotted around the room and made sure to bounce me a bit. I coo, spreading my wings, giving them a few flaps. Sabre perks up at the sound and trots just a bit faster, earning a giggle from me.   ‘See? This is fun! You’re fun!’ I assure him, hugging his neck.  “I think Dusk likes me!” Sabre beamed, bouncing me some more. “Mother, look! Dusk likes me!” he cheered, waving a hoof for Mom’s attention. Turning from her conversation, Mom smiled at the two of us. “I’m so happy for you, Sabre!” she chirped, getting out of her seat and resting a hoof on Sabre’s head. “You’re gonna be a good big brother to Dusk, right?” Sabre’s grin somehow found a way to grow and he nodded at Mom. “Yes! I’ll be the best big brother ever, Mother!” Turning to me, he rubbed his nose against mine. “I promise, Dusk!” His cheer was infectious and I couldn’t help but smile and hug his neck. ‘Alright, I’ll hold ya to that, big bro.’ With a buzz of my wings, I perched myself on his head. “I wish I had wings,” Sabre said idly, his eyes crossing to keep track of me. “Father always made flying look fun.” Taking his attention off me he looked to Mom. “If I became an alicorn, do you think I’d have wings like a strygoi?” “I’m not really sure.” Mom pursed her lips, clicking her tongue. “I’ll ask the princesses about it, alright?” “Okay, Mother,” Sabre answered, trotting around the room with me again. “Come along, Dusk! We have a room to see!” I cheered as loudly as I could, pointing a hoof forward to lead the charge. ‘Yeah! This zeppelin is ours!’ I spread my wings out, laughing my little head off.   Sabre seemed to get the meaning of my babble even if he didn’t actually understand it and started to gallop around the room and towards the door. It took him a moment to realize that we were floating in front of the door. “I’m glad you two are having fun, but let’s relax for a moment.” Mom set Sabre down, still wearing her smile. “Why don’t we all go out as a family?” “That’s a great idea, hon,” Dad agreed, putting a wing on her back. “There’s an introduction from the captain after liftoff, how about we all go to that?” Reaching over, he ruffled Sabre’s mane. “I can give you a ride if you want.” “Um, can Mother give me a ride instead?” Sabre asked, tapping his forehooves together.  Dad smiled and gave Sabre’s head a pat before pulling his hoof back. “If that’s what you want, buddy.” Scooping him up, he placed Sabre on Mom’s back. “There we go!”  With another quick movement, Dad placed me on his back between his wings. Sabre and I settled into our spots while Mom and Dad left the room. Feeling a little mischievous, I leaned into Dad’s wing, trying to preen it like I had seen him do. I knew that I needed to pull out damaged feathers. What I didn’t know was what all constituted as ‘damaged’. Throwing caution to the wind, I reached out and plucked a frayed looking feather with my teeth. Dad jumped, jostling me. Looking back, he blinked at the sight. “Dusky, are you trying to preen daddy’s wings?” I held the feather up to Dad and looked to him for some sign of approval. Dad chuckled, patting my head. “I think you’re a little too young for that, but I like your initiative.” I beamed at him, spitting the feather out and letting it drift to the floor. Saluting at him, I settled onto his back again. Dad continued to trot down the halls, heading up towards the main deck. Ponies mingled about, chatting excitedly to each other. They all went silent at the sight of my mother.  “It’s Princess Twilight!” one of the crowd members called out, releasing the floodgates. We were surrounded by excited ponies in a cacophony of voices as they tried to ask Mom questions all at the same time. Dad pushed himself in front of Mom, his wings flared out. “Everypony back up! Give the princess some space!” Mom smiled, putting a hoof on Dad’s side and mouthing a quick ‘thank you’ to him. “Hello everypony,” she greeted, directing her smile to the crowd, “I appreciate the sentiment behind your excitement, but for this trip I’m a passenger just like you. But, if you come up during the voyage in small doses, I’m sure I’d be happy to answer questions within reason.” I stayed on Dad’s back, hiding behind one of my own wings. My previously injured wing stayed clamped to my side. One of the crowd members frowned and said, “What are you talking about, this is the Princess Cruise!” “Princess Cruise?” Dad repeated. “And what exactly is a princess cruise?” “It’s all right here in the pamphlet,” the closest member of the crowd said. “Isn’t that why you're here?” Mom and Dad exchanged a look, the two seeming to have a conversation with only their eyes. “Um,” Mom started, smiling sheepishly, “I think I need to have a word with my family real quick.” I peeked out so see Mom slowly making her way back below deck. Dad followed her, sliding his wings back to cover me in his feathers. I took the hint, curling up as much as possible to hide from the crowd. I had to fight the urge to sniffle, the amount of ponies overwhelming. “Hey, it’s alright,” Dad soothed, entering our cabin again. I nuzzled the back of his neck, calming down now that all the noise was gone. I looked over at Sabre, he seemed a little shaken up, but was faring much better. Mom in the meantime left the room to talk to Grandma and Grandpa, leaving me with Dad and Sabre. “Sabre, do you think you can watch your brother?” Dad asked as he placed me on the floor.  Sabre nodded, walking up to me and sitting on his haunches. “Of course, stepfather, we’ll be on our best behavior.” He looked down at me with a slight mischievous look. “Isn’t that right, Dusk?” I babbled at him, looking between him and Dad. Sure, I was up for some shenanigans. Dad either ignored the look, or didn’t notice as he just nodded and walked into the other room where Mom was. Once Dad closed the door behind him, Sabre picked me up in his magic and started to trot. “Wanna see if this room has a minifridge, Dusk? Maybe order some room service?” Kicking my legs, I let out a soft whinny. Free floating in magic was still rather unnerving, a sensation of weightlessness my mind didn’t enjoy.  Sabre seemed to pick up on this, placing me on his back. “Better?” he asked, looking over his shoulder at me. My smile brought a smile in return. Patting my head he continued his search for a fridge and the menu for room service. He bounced as he walked, trying his best to keep me calm while he explored. Eventually, he did find the fridge over by the desk in one of the room’s corners. Throwing it open, we found several different bottles. With my non-existent reading ability, I merely let him list off the contents. Juice, soda, flavored water. Nothing too interesting. He pulled out a soda for himself and floated over a juice for me. With a quick hop onto the desk chair, he searched the desk itself for the menu. Juice box in hoof, I fluttered up onto the table and laid down next to the stack of papers. Stealing a glance at me, Sabre's eyes lit up. "Aha!" he exclaimed, reaching next to me to pull out what looked like the menu. Cracking it open, he perused it for a few moments before his mouth started to water. "Dusk, they have a Super Zeppelin-Sized Banana Split, doesn't that sound good?" ‘Sounds like way too much ice cream for the two of us,’ I replied, dribbling a bit of juice.  He nodded, seeming to get the gist. "Okay, then how about some hay fries and a normal sundae?" A soft yawn showed him my toothless gums. "Maybe just the sundae?" he corrected, chuckling weakly.  Babbling happily, I nodded in approval. Finishing my juice, I laid my head on my legs, content to just watch him work.  Lighting his horn up, Sabre levitated over to the series of tubes that were labeled in ways I assumed were for contacting different parts of the ship. After a quick order of our sundae, he floated back over and started to play with me. Puffing my chest out, I bat at his hooves. Try as he might, he wasn’t going to get at my belly. Groaning dramatically, he collapsed in a heap. Letting out a little snort, I landed on his side and posed triumphantly.  “Curse you little foal, you have bested me!” I giggled my little head off, posing for an imaginary crowd and soaking in their praise. ‘That’s right, no one beats Equestria’s Prince! Er, well, not the smallest one!’ Sabre sprang up, grabbing me with his hooves. "Aha! Time for my counterattack!" He cheered, ruffling my mane. My squeals filled the cabin as he attacked my defenseless belly. "The night will last forever, little one," he proclaimed, not relenting his assault. "Say goodbye to your precious sun." Throwing his head back, he laughed maniacally. My sides were saved by a loud knock at the door. I rolled over in time to see my brother almost get wacked in the face as the door burst open. Squeaking, I dove under a nearby table as loud hooffalls entered the cabin.  Sabre jumped, panic in his eyes as they settled on the figure that had entered the room. A massive, beefy minotaur with blue fur sauntered in, a silver tray with our ordered sundae resting atop it in one of his hands. “Princesses! I have brought you your requested desert!!” he bellowed, strutting past Sabre. "I was the one who requested the sundae," Sabre squeaked out, waving his hoof to get the minotaur's attention. He  jumped as the minotaur's head snapped down to him. "And who are you, little foal?" the minotaur questioned, barely hiding his disinterest.  “I-I’m Sabre Light... P-Princess Twilight’s son...” he muttered out, ears splaying back. The minotaur's grin returned, kneeling down to present the sundae. "Ah! The little prince! So exciting to have you aboard." His muzzle scrunched up and he scratched his chin. "Funny, you're older than I was led to believe." “Oh no, t-that’s my brother,” he corrected, but didn’t give away my hiding spot. "Hmm, wasn't aware the princess had two sons but oh well, seems not all rumors can be believed. Enjoy your delicious treat, courtesy of Iron Will's Princess Cruise!" A rush of hooves stampeded in, entering from the other door. Dad wasted no time putting himself between the minotaur and Sabre. “There are the guests of the hour!” Iron Will beamed, holding his hand out to Dad. “I hope the room is up to your standards, princesses.” “Who let you in here!?” Dad demanded, his wings flared. He lowered his head, almost like a bull. “Well!?” “I let myself in,” Iron Will answered, setting the tray down on the desk. “This is my zeppelin after all.” Mom frowned, noting my hiding spot. “Aren’t you the minotaur that gave poor life advice to Fluttershy?” Trotting over, she coaxed me out of hiding. “I don’t appreciate you bursting in like that, scaring my children.” Stroking his chin, Iron Will leaned against a nearby wall. “Forgive me princess, didn’t mean to scare the tykes with my dramatic entrance. But, let’s get down to brass tacks.” “I’m sorry, I’m a little lost,” Cadance said, eyeing the minotaur suspiciously. “Who are you exactly?” “I’m Iron Will, former life coach and current Cruise Director/CEO of this fantastic cruise line that you’re on,” he greeted, waving his hands out across the room. “I was the one who sent your in-laws the free tickets to our maiden voyage.” “And let me guess, it wasn’t out of the kindness of your heart?” Shining stood next to dad, wearing almost the same scowl. “You wound me, prince,” Iron Will started, a quiver to his voice. “Do you really think I’m so low? I merely wanted to have this cruise to allow these passengers a chance to properly express their appreciation for their newest members of royalty.” I moved into Mom’s arms, finding safety in her presence. Iron Will towered over me and my family. Even Aunt Cadance only came up to his stomach. Just looking at him made me uneasy. I turned away from the minotaur, burying myself into my mother’s embrace.  "Show their appreciation to us, what do you mean?" Aunt Cadance inquired.  Her face soon scowled as well. “Now hold on. You advertised us being here, didn’t you?” "Of course!" Iron confirmed, flexing. "Equestria loves its rulers, so a cruise built around spending time with you was guaranteed to be a success." He inclined his head towards Flurry and myself. “And who doesn’t love adorable royal foals!” "If this cruise is built around us, does that mean you've made activities with us as the main attraction?" Mom guessed, narrowing her eyes at the minotaur. “We’re not zoo animals, Mr. Will.” "Of course not, but you are respected public figures that your citizens aspire to be like," he countered, offering her a used car salesman grin. "Think of it this way, the Wonderbolts do similar events all the time. What's the harm in a few hoof shakes and autographs in exchange for a free family vacation with all expenses included?" Mom's muzzle scrunched, letting Iron's words sink in. "And what sorts of events do you have for us?" “No.” Dad’s words were curt, final. “This is extortion and you know it.” "Extortion? I don't even know the meaning of the word," the minotaur said, looking away. “Don’t play dumb with me,” Dad barked. “You got us here under false pretenses and now you want to use the other passengers' enjoyment against us.” Iron Will tapped his hoof against the floor, his tail flicking back and forth. "That is one very strong accusation you've made there, do you have any proof of it?" “Mr. Will, you are in a room with two princesses, two guard captains and the newest members of the royal family. I want you to think, very, very carefully of what you say from this point on.” Snorting, Iron Will turned for the door. "I've said what I need to say. I need to return to my duties." “He’s scary,” Sabre muttered as the door closed before Will. Looking down, his ears remained splayed. “I’m sorry. I ordered a sundae for Dusk and I. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble.” Mom bent down, nuzzling her cheek against his. “Don’t blame yourself, Sabre. He was going to come bother us at some point, he just used the sundae as an excuse.” A firm tone slipped into her voice. “Just ask next time before you go ordering anything, okay?” Sabre nodded, keeping close to Mom while his ears slowly stood back up. “Um, I also gave Dusk a juice box and took a soda.” “Was it one hundred percent juice?” Mom questioned, looking around the room for the box. Spotting where I had discarded it, she levitated it over. “Let’s see...” Her frown returned very quickly. “Why am I not surprised. Iron Will stocked the fridge with the cheapest products possible.” Shaking her head, she tossed the empty box into the trash. “Still, I think a scare like that is punishment enough for taking from the mini-fridge. Agreed?” “Yes Ma’am.” “Good, then how does taking a look at this ship’s pool sound?” Mom questioned, flashing him a bright smile. Dad put a hoof on her back. “I think we need to have another family meeting about all of this.” Sighing, she slowly nodded. “Okay, you’re right.” Putting me down, she patted Sabre and I’s heads. “Keep an eye on Dusk again while we talk things out.” “I didn’t mean to get us caught up in anything,” Grandma began as she stepped into the other room. “I just thought it would be a perfect family trip. Sabre and Dusk could see their aunt and uncle, get to play with their cousin...” Uncle Shining put a hoof around his mother’s barrel, patting her side. “Come on, Mom, you showed us that letter; there was no way you could’ve realized there was something amiss with it.” I was sitting on my mother’s back, excited for what she had in store for me. She had said something about a play area for foals and I couldn’t help but imagine what might be in store. If only for the reason that it meant spending time with my cousin and new brother. “You three are going to love this!” Mom beamed, her smile threatening to escape her face. “Peewee Princess Playtime sounds like just the thing for us!” Aunt Cadance giggled, unphased by the excited Flurry holding onto her head. “I think it might be just a bit below Sabre’s range of fun activities.” "It's okay, Aunt Cadance," Sabre dismissed, trotting between the two adults. "I'll enjoy spending time with these two. Plus, mother says I can pick an activity later.” He straightened up, smirking. “I’m going waterfalling with Grandmother.” Shaking her head, Aunt Cadance shared his smirk. "I see your granny has infected you with the thrill seeking bug. I'll probably be doing something less intense to keep your uncle's seasickness from getting triggered." Opening his mouth to speak, Sabre seemed to deflate. His eyes lingered on the floor, ears drooping. Mom seemed to pick up on his discomfort and let one of her hooves rest on the top of his head. Her contact seemed to lighten his mood. At least enough to speak his thought. “When I was little, I used to get sick when Dad took me out flying.” Shyly peeking up at her, he asked a question. “D-do you think we can try and find him...?” Mom stopped, leaning down to give him a nuzzle. "Oh honey, of course we can try to find him. I'll get a sketch artist to talk to you and get a small group to search for him. How does that sound?" “I would like that very much. Thank you, Mother.” Brushing his mane away from his forehead, she leaned down to give it a kiss. "Good, then let's focus on having a fun vacation." She suddenly reared back as her head nearly collided with a foal. Smiling sheepishly, she took a step back and looked to make sure I was safe on her back. "Sorry about that, are you okay?" she asked the young foal. An almost manic face leaned out from behind the oblivious foal. “Oh it’s quite alright, Princess! My little Snowball was just so excited to play with the little prince!” Without further comment, she plopped her foal onto mom’s back. I had to scramble back to make room, almost falling off. ‘Oi! There’s only so much space here!’ Quirking a brow, Mom’s face scrunched up in thought. Biting her tongue, she said, “Well, Dusk has been needing to socialize.” Looking out across the play area she tapped a hoof to her chin, clearly trying to press forward from the situation. “What do you want to play with first, Dusk?” Fluttering onto Mom’s head, I wrapped my forelegs around her horn. An indignant huff escaped my lips, casting a glare at the mare. ‘I’d like it for people to not invade my personal space, thank you very much.’ Tickling my side with a wing, she pointed at the building blocks. “How about those, Dusky? Want to let out your creative side?” Considering for a moment, I flew over to one of the massive boxes of blocks. Lifting one out, I squished the plush cube between my hooves. I couldn’t hold back a giggle, the soft material squeaking. Sabre took a seat beside me, pulling out a block of his own. "I'll follow your lead." Flurry and ‘Snowball’ joined us, though Flurry just stacked things to knock them over. I did my best to make a castle, Sabre filling in for my lack of coordination. Snowball had joined in with Flurry, building stacks and knocking them over.  When our castle was complete, Sabre lifted me up with his magic and placed me inside. "Every castle needs its prince," he stated, winking at me. I struck a pose, doing my best to look regal. Sabre struck his own pose, playing an imaginary trumpet as if to announce my coronation. We kept the pose for all of a second before the two of us started laughing our heads off.  A chorus of fake and way too loud laughter joined in, breaking us from our reverie. Turning around, we found a crowd of parents surrounding us pushing their foals toward us. I squeezed under Sabre, a pulse of panic shooting through me. Sabre did his best to shield me from the crowd and tried to get Mom's attention. “Mother!” Sabre called, waving an arm about.  Mom reacted instantly, picking up Sabre Flurry and I in her magic and started to console us. She passed Flurry to Aunt Cadance and cradled me in her hooves. “It’s alright, it’s alright,” Mom soothed.  I sniffled, burying my face in her chest.  “I appreciate that you might be excited about our presence, but I’d ask that you not surround us. My son doesn’t do well in crowds.” Mom looked out at the crowd, authority etched into her features. “I don’t want to be rude, but at his age he could have a magic outburst and as an alicorn that could be very dangerous.” The parents of unicorns in the crowd shuffled awkwardly, looking down at their own foals in understanding and realization. Slowly dispersing, only a few more zealous parents remained.  Sniffing the air, Aunt Cadance looked down at Flurry and I. “Sorry everypony, but it looks like Dusk and Flurry need a changing. You’ll have to come by later to ask politely about more play time.” She finished by giving Mom a quick wink. “We would appreciate some privacy please,” Mom said, her magic opening her saddle bags. The crowd grumbled, but couldn’t argue with two princesses. Once the last pony walked out, Mom and Aunt Cadance sagged in relief.  “Iron Will must have hyped them up before we arrived,” Mom grumbled, setting me down.  I hugged Mom’s leg, doing my best to show I was over the whole thing. Adding a quick nuzzle, I looked up at her. A tired smile graced her face and she put a foreleg around me for a quick hug. 'some vacation, huh?' Sighing, Aunt Cadance closed her bag and held Flurry close. "Not exactly the relaxing start of a vacation I was hoping for," the pink princess commented, looking at Mom. Flurry didn't seem too bothered, poking her mother's cheek and mushing it about. "Well, at least these two are mostly unphased," Mom relented, scooping me up. "Don't know what I would've done if Dusk started crying." Looking down, she regarded Sabre. "Are you okay? That was a lot of ponies." Sabre nodded, standing at attention like a proper soldier. "O-of course. A simple crowd is nothing to an envoy of the night." He thumped a shaky hoof to his chest. Smiling, Mom ignored his trembling and leaned down to kiss his forehead just beside his horn. "That's my boy. Mommy's proud of her two brave colts. I think you deserve a milkshake while we try to have some real fun." Taking Sabre's hoof, Mom led us to another part of the ship. Aunt Caddy wasn't too far behind, the two adults trying to come up with a plan to salvage things.