//------------------------------//
// Episode 44: Don't Stop Believin' 
// Story: My Little Pony: Sparkling Harmony: Season Two 
// by Captain_Cosmos 
//------------------------------//

In the land of Equestria, it’s pony citizens slept in silence. Resting for the day that would soon be upon them. In the town of Ponyville, in a particular house, a parrot sat on his perch, deep in slumber.

Flappy soared across the sky above Ponyville. Approaching the Sonic Rainboom barrier.

”Squawk! Just a little more! Squawk!” He said. In a second, an explosion of colors repulsed from him and covered the land in a rainbow. “Squawk! Haha! Yes! I did it! Squawk! He exclaimed.

”Congratulations Flappy.” Came a new voice. Flappy looked over and saw Princess Luna flying next to him.

Squawk! Princess Luna. What brings you here, Your Majesty? Squawk!” He asked.

”I come bearing a message from Twilight.” Luna replied. “She told me to tell you that Operation Don’t Stop Believin’ is go. I can only imagine that means it is time for you to put your plan into action.” She said.

Flappy grinned. “Squawk! Thanks for relaying that message Princess. You and Celestia’re still good to come join us right? Squawk!” He asked.

”We would not miss this event for the world.” Luna replied. “It has been a while since we’ve seen anything like this. It is a privilege to be a part of it.

”Squawk! See you later than. Squawk!” Flappy replied.





Flappy snapped awake, and smirked to himself. Time to get to work. He looked down to make sure his little note for Sparkler was secured to his perch. After confirming it was, he took off, quietly opened the window, flew through it, gently closed it, and then took off towards the Castle of Friendship.

…

Twilight was already up and wide awake, a cup of coffee in her magic as she looked over the notecards on which she wrote out the clues for Sparkler and whoever joined her to find on the scavenger hunt. Some of places they were hinting at were the park, the Boutique, town hall, and perhaps most important of all, the Ponyville Theater, where Sparkler tackled her fears and came out to everypony with what she truly was. Twilight smiled at that memory. She sang so beautifully that night. I could tell that she felt right at home on that stage. She sighed dreamily. She couldn’t remember a time where she was more proud of Sparkler than that night. Sparkling Medley had faced her fears, come out with her wings, and was accepted by Ponyville. A feat not everypony could achieve.

“Squawk!” Twilight suddenly heard a familiar squawking quickly approaching. She smiled when she saw Flappy enter the Library.

“Good morning Flappy.” She greeted him.

“Squawk! Morning to you Twilight! Squawk!” Flappy replied. “Squawk! Today’s the day. Squawk!” He declared.

“Yeah.” Twilight responded. “I just hope everything is ready.”

“We’ve been planning this for two weeks.” Spike said, rubbing his eyes and yawning. “Did we really have to wake up so early?”

“Yes Spike. We did.” Twilight replied. “We have to get the clues out before Sparkler wakes up. Because I can guarantee she’ll start looking as soon as she finds Flappy’s clue.”

“Squawk! Seconded. Are the other clues ready? Squawk!” Flappy asked.

“Yes they are.” Twilight replied. “Now we plant them.”

“Squawk! I’m particularly excited for when they get to town hall. Squawk!” Flappy commented.

“I’m not sure who’ll be happier. Kicker or Sparkler.” Twilight replied with a chuckle. “Now. Let’s get these clues out!”





Not even an hour later, Celestia’s sun grazed the land with it’s warmth and signaled the start of a new day in Equestria. In Ponyville, Sparkler knocked on the door to her bedroom, intending to wake Flappy up. “Flappy.” She called in. “Time to wake up.” She didn’t hear a response, in fact she didn’t hear ANYTHING coming from the other side of the door. Confused, she opened the door and walked into the room, only to find it empty. “Flappy?” Sparkler called out, looking for her Parrot friend. “Where did you go?”

She glanced over at his perch again and saw a piece of paper taped to it. She lit her horn, magically grabbed the paper, and saw it had writing on it.

Happy birthday Sparkler! Your first one in Ponyville!

I’m most likely with Twilight right now, but don’t worry. We planned something special for you today. Hidden around town are notecards that will hint towards where the next notecard is. Find all of them, and they will reveal your final destination.

Your first destination is one you visited recently. There, in the dead of night, your life was forever changed by the appearance of orange and red.

Have fun. See you later,

Flappy

Sparkler smiled as she read the note. “Ooh. A scavenger hunt. Sweet!” She exclaimed. She noticed there was additional writing on the paper.

P.S. Don’t worry about Kicker possibly being frightened today. He’s in on the whole plan. Just don’t expect him to tell you. Hehe.

Sparkler giggled at that last part. “Oh, does he now? Well. If you say so Flappy.” With the note in her magic, Sparkler trotted downstairs, where her remaining family members, official or not, were in the kitchen.

Aurora was the first to notice Sparkler’s arrival. “There she is. Our beautiful little twenty two year old girl!” She exclaimed as she walked over and pulled Sparkler into a loving hug. “Happy birthday sweetie!” She said.

“Yeah! Happy birthday Mom!” Kicker said, jumping out of his seat and racing over to hug Sparkler’s leg.

“Thanks.” Sparkler responded, blushing a little.

“Sleep well Sparky?” Thundercracker asked.

“I slept fine. Hey Kicker.” Sparkler said as she lit her horn and placed Kicker on the table. “A little birdie told me that you know what’s been planned for today.” She said.

“Yeah. I do.” Kicker replied with a nod. “Uhm…please don’t make me tell you. It’s a surprise.”

Sparkler chuckled and nuzzled Kicker on the cheek. “Don’t worry sweetie. I was just making sure Flappy was telling the truth.” She said.

“Hey Sparkler. Whatcha got there?” Thundercracker asked. Seeing the note in Sparkler’s magic.

“Flappy left it for me. Apparently he and Twilight have set up a special scavenger hunt for us today.” Sparkler explained.

“So that’s why she asked if there was anything special we did for your birthday.” Aurora commented.

“You know?” Sparkler asked, taken aback by this news.

“She sent a letter.” Thundercracker said. “She’s definitely a keeper.” He added with a chuckle.

Sparkler blushed. “Dad.” She said, embarrassed.

“Hey. Let’s do the Scavenger Hunt now!” Kicker suggested. “Where’re we going first mom?” He asked.

“Well.” Sparkler replied, glancing at the note again. “It says our first destination is where my life was forever changed by the appearance of orange and red.” She said.

“Hey! I’m orange and red!” Kicker exclaimed excitedly.

“An adorable bundle of orange and red.” Aurora commented, petting Kicker on the mane.

“Grandma.” Kicker whined in embarrassment.

Sparkler giggled. “But yeah. Appearance of orange and red. My life was forever changed. Does that place sound familiar to you Kick?” She asked.

“Hm…oh! Yeah!” Kicker exclaimed, realizing what the answer was. “It must be the alleyway you found me in!” He said.

“That makes sense.” Aurora chimed in.

“That would seem like the most likely place. Given you did meet Kicker here in an alleyway.” Thundercracker added.

“Then what are we waiting for?” Kicker asked. “Let’s go on a scavenger hunt!” He said.

“Then let’s go!” Sparkler said.

Maddy barked and bounced around, clearly wanting to go too. Aurora chuckled. “Looks like Maddy wants to come too.” She observed.

“Alright Maddy.” Sparkler said. “You can come too.” She said as everypony started walking out the door. Maddy followed excitedly.





Outside of the house, Shining hid in a bush, keeping a close eye on things. He wasn’t alone. Spike hid in the bush with him, holding a walkie talkie. “Pathfinders to Glee Club. Target has yet to leave the nest.” He spoke into the walkie talkie.

“Give it a moment, Pathfinders.” Twilight’s voice responded. “She might be doing a morning birthday ritual with her parents or something and Kicker’s asking a bunch of questions.”

“Acknowledged Glee Club. We’ll report back when we have eyes on her.” Shining responded. “Pathfinders out.”

…

The connection was cut and Twilight set the walkie talkie down. “Hey Twilight?” Twilight turned to see Candy, whom she met the last time she visited for Kicker’s therapy session, smiling at her. “I just want to thank you for inviting me to today’s festivities. Sparkler and I have really reconnected over the weekend and I’m glad that you don’t…well, ya know.” She said.

“I won’t lie Candy, before I heard YOU didn’t make her miserable in school, I wanted to throttle every last one of you for putting her through that.” Twilight admitted.

“Believe me. I would’ve deserved it.” Candy commented.

“But today is about Sparkler being able to celebrate her birthday with all her friends. So if she considers you a friend, that’s good enough for me to not want to banish you to the moon.” Twilight said.

Candy nodded. She was worried that Sparkler’s new friends would hate her after learning about her connection to Sparkler, but she was surprised, and grateful, when they just expressed relief that not everypony in Kilihima village school hated Sparkler. “So. You’re really sure about becoming Kicker’s second legal mother.” She said.

“Why does everypony keep asking me that?” Twilight asked, a hint of annoyance in her voice. “If I wasn’t absolutely sure, I wouldn’t have signed the documents. And I would’ve been playing mom number two anyway. This is just a legal thing.” She said

“But this isn’t just admitting to Sparkler that you’re in love with her.” Candy replied. “You’re also agreeing to share the responsibility of raising a foal. Which isn’t easy by itself, but it’s even more difficult with a foal with Kicker’s trauma. You sure you’re ready?” She asked.

“I appreciate the concern, Candy.” Twilight replied. “I understand that it’s not gonna be easy, for any of us. But I know nothing worth doing is easy. You don’t have to worry about me.” She said.

“I’m a psychologist Twilight.” Candy said. “It’s my job to worry about ponies.”

Twilight nodded, then her walkie talkie went off with Shining’s voice. “Pathfinders to Glee Club. Target has left the nest. I repeat, target has left the nest.” He said.

“Acknowledged pathfinders. Keep a close eye on them.” Twilight responded. She glanced at Candy. Who smiled.

“I’ll go find Betty, Nosey, River, and Pearl so we can go to town hall.” She said.

“Right.” Twilight said. She levitated a megaphone to her mouth and talked into it. “Alright everypony! Sparkler’s on the move! Let’s run through the number.”





Sparkler and her companions stood at the mouth of where the first clue led to. For Kicker and Sparkler, it was like walking back in time, to the day they met.

“So this is where you found Kicker sweetie?” Aurora asked.

“Yep.” Sparkler said. “This is the place. In all it’s glory now that it’s light out.” She added.

Kicker stared into the alleyway that for a time, he called home. Without thinking about it, he walked over to the dumpster, the one Sparkler found him in. He stared at it for a good minute before breaking the silence. “Do you think it’s still in there?” He asked.

“Is what still in there?” Sparkler asked as she came up next to him.

“The apple, the one you caught me eating.” Kicker replied.

“I don’t think so.” Sparkler said. “The garbage had to have been taken by now.”

“Maybe the next clue is in there?” Aurora suggested as she, Thundercracker, and Maddy joined them.

“Could be.” Sparkler replied.

“I want to check.” Kicker stated. Before anypony could stop him, Kicker ran over to some cardboard boxes, climbed up them like a set of stairs to the top of the dumpster, and lifted the lid open. He peeked inside and saw something. “There’s SOMETHING in there.” He said.

Sparkler looked inside the dumpster, and sure enough, she saw a new notecard. “The next clue.” She lit her horn and plucked the notecard out of the dumpster. “Yeah I think this shouldn’t touch anypony’s hooves.”

“That would be wise.” Thundercracker commented.

Sparkler nodded and they all gathered around to read the note.

Congrats on finding the next clue! Good start eh?

Just as is the case with this place. Each location should hold a special place in your heart. Here, it’s special because it is where you met the colt you would come to petition to adopt.

“They mean me right?” Kicker asked.

Sparkler chuckled and nuzzled him in the cheek. “Yes honey. They mean you.” She said and went back to reading.

This next location isn’t as significant, but it is related. It is where your two boys met those who would become their friends, and we meet up weekly so they can play together.

“Meet up weekly. That’s the weekly pet play date. Right?” Kicker asked.

“Yeah. It is.” Sparkler said with a smile.

“Pet play date?” Aurora asked.

“Yeah. It’s a time of the week where me and my friends get together and we let our pets play together. Or in the case of Flappy and the cat that one of my friends has, try to get one up on each other.” Sparkler explained.

“Flappy still doesn’t like cats I see.” Thundercracker chuckled.

“He was pretty excited when we got Maddy, something about Maddy putting the cat in its place.” Sparkler said. “Anyway, let’s go to the park.”

“Yeah!” Kicker exclaimed. Hopping off the boxes he was standing on. “Let’s go!”





The CMC were in the park, playing catch with a frisbee.

“I’m a little jealous of Kicker.” Scootaloo commented as she threw the frisbee to Sweetie Belle.

“Why’s that Scoots?” Applebloom asked.

“He’s getting an Alicorn as an adoptive mom. Who WOULDN’T want that? Even if Sparkler isn’t royalty.” Scootaloo replied.

“You know he didn’t ask for it right?” Sweetie asked Scootaloo as she threw the frisbee to Applebloom.

“Of course Sweets.” Scootaloo replied. “I know he never asked to be an orphan. But now he’s getting an Alicorn for a mom. A powerful one too. Sparkler’s now blasted a bugbear out of town TWICE. Both singlehoofedly.” Scootaloo added.

“That’s mighty impressive.” Applebloom said as she threw the frisbee to Scootaloo.

“All I’m saying is that Kicker’s luck really came through for him to get a mom he’ll have a real hard time losing.” Scootaloo stated. “He may not have asked for it but he’s getting it.”

“Can’t argue with that. Take what you can get.” Sweetie said.

“Exactly.” Scootaloo responded.

Right then, Applebloom noticed something off her peripheral vision. She turned her head to see exactly who the CMC were waiting for. “Heads up! Birthday gal and company incoming!” She called to her friends.

Sweetie and Scootaloo turned to the direction Applebloom was looking and saw who they were waiting for. They smiled. “Sparkler!” They called out.

Sparkler heard her name called and glanced over to see the Cutie Mark Crusaders waving at her. She smiled. “Applebloom. Sweetie Belle. Scootaloo.” She greeted each of the fillies. “How’re you today?”

“We’re good thanks!” The fillies replied. “Happy birthday to you!” They recited.

“Aww. Thanks girls.” Sparkler replied.

Aurora and Thundercracker smiled warmly at the fillies. “Well aren’t you three just cutie pies.” Aurora said.

Applebloom only then noticed that Sparkler didn’t just have Kicker and Maddy with her, but also some older looking ponies. “Oh. Howdy there!” She said to them. “Are y’all Sparkler’s parents?” She guessed.

“Yeah. We are.” Thundercracker replied.

“Nice to meet you two.” Sweetie said. “I’m Sweetie Belle. The Pegasus is Scootaloo. And Applebloom’s the Earth Pony.” She introduced herself and the CMC.

“Nice to meet you three.” Thundercracker said.

The CMC nodded, then turned their attention to the youngest one there. “As for you little dude.” Scootaloo directed at Kicker.

“How’ve you been Kicker?” Sweetie asked.

“I’ve been great! Ever since I got my cast off yesterday it’s been fun hanging out with my future Grandparents.” Kicker said. “We got a Hearth’s Warming tree and we’re gonna decorate it tomorrow.”

“Awesome!” Scootaloo responded. “My aunts and I still need to get one.”

Sweetie nodded and turned back to Sparkler. “So. You’ll probably need the next clue to your scavenger hunt huh Sparkler.” She said.

Sparkler’s eyes widened. “Don’t tell me you three are in on this too.” She giggled.

“I’m pretty sure the whole town is in on it.” Scootaloo responded.

“The whole town?” Sparkler and her parents asked together. Maddy just cocked her head in confusion.

“Oops. We weren’t supposed to tell you that.” Scootaloo smiled sheepishly.

“Just forget we said that. Please?” Sweetie asked.

“Uh…alright.” Sparkler replied in confusion.

“So uh. Anywho. Here’s yer next clue. Taped to the back of this disk.” Applebloom held out the frisbee for Sparkler to take, which she did in her magic. “Anyway. Gotta go now! Bye!”

With that, the CMC ran off. Leaving behind a few confused ponies.

“What was that all about?” Aurora asked.

“I don’t know.” Sparkler replied. “But if the whole town is in on their plan…what are we gonna find after this?”

“Who knows.” Kicker responded. “Anywho. Come on mom! Let’s see the next clue!” He said.

Sparkler nodded and took the notecard off the back of the frisbee. She read out loud like the last one.

This next location is right up your alley. It’s a place to go and have fun. Hang out with friends, and sing about how you always got a friend in me.

Sparkler smiled, figuring out the next stop on their journey. “Well. Looks like we’re going to the ElectroScratch next.” She said.

“ElectroScratch. Nice name.” Aurora commented.

“Yeah. It’s really cool!” Kicker agreed.

“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s do it.”





Unbeknownst to Sparkler and her family, Spike and Shining were still hot on their trail, tracking them and relaying their progress to Twilight and the others. They followed them to ElectroScratch and staked out there while they were inside.

They sat at a table across the street from the club, and decided to get some lunch in the meantime. As they ate, Spike noticed Shining eying the club more than he needed to.

“Worried Sparkler’s gonna take Twilight to a club sometime?” Spike asked. Guessing what Shining was thinking about.

“What do you expect? I’m her brother.” Shining replied, sighing. “Least I don’t have to worry about Sparkler getting her preg—oh wait, pregnancy spells exist…aw Apple fudge.” He commented.

Spike laughed. “Sparkler’s not like that. I can tell she genuinely loves Twilight.” He said.

“It’s just…I get now that she’s not evil, but I still get the nagging feeling that there’s more to Sparkler than meets the eye. Something that we don’t know.” Shining explained.

“There is a mystery surrounding Sparkler. She’s the first to admit that.” Spike responded. “But you don’t need to worry about Twilight. Sparkler will take good care of her.”

“I hope so.” Shining said. “Because if she doesn’t. I’m coming after her.”

They both chuckled. Knowing that Shining would go after her. “Just make sure she has enough time to ensure Kicker’ll be taken care of.” Spike chuckled.

“Sure.” Shining responded.





Sparkler and her family walked down the street to Carousel Boutique some time after arriving at ElectroScratch. Where they were treated to a rather smashing performance of a remix of Sparkler’s and Flappy’s Me and You. Performed by Vinyl and Octavia. After which they were given the next clue.

That was a smashing performance wasn’t it. Yeah I gave them permission to remix it. My idea actually.

For your next clue. You have been here a few times. Most recently to ensure that Kicker remained warm during the coldest of winters.

The clue was clearly pointing them towards the Carousel Boutigue. So after bidding farewell to Vinyl and Octavia, they set out to Rarity’s place. And knowing Rarity, Sparkler guessed that a nice new outfit was waiting for them as a gift. Rarity just can’t help herself. Sparkler thought.

They reached the Boutique, and inside, they found that there were multiple signs pointing to the closed curtain that surrounded the elevated stage.

Aurora chuckled at this sight. “Wow.” She commented. “They must really want you to see what’s behind the curtain Sparkler.”

“Really? If only they had left some kinda clue to THAT.” Sparkler chuckled.

“I wonder what IS behind the curtain.” Kicker remarked.

“Let’s find out shall we?” Sparkler trotted over to the curtain, and saw a note taped onto it. She took the note in her magic.

Sparkler,

Behind this curtain lies not only my gift to you to celebrate your birthday, but also a little something for Kicker as well. Winters can be cold and I would hate for him to be freezing in his sleep.

Sparkler giggled as she magically grabbed the rope. “Looks like you’re getting something too Kicker.” She said as she pulled the rope to draw back the curtains.

The curtains opened to reveal a pair of ponnequins. An adult sized one and a foal sized one. The adult Ponnequin had, predictably, a new, eye matching blue sweater for Sparkler, but she was still taken aback by how sparkly and shiny it was. And even more surprising was that Sparkler noticed a new bow to go along with it, equally as shiny and sparkly.

Thundercracker let out an impressed whistle. “Wow, that’s a fancy sweater and bow.”

“It is.” Sparkler agreed. “Rarity’s outdone herself this time.”

“Yeah! I don’t even know what mine is but I like it!” Kicker exclaimed as he circled the outfit that was meant for him.

Everypony turned to look at the smaller ponnequin, and saw that it had what they recognized as a onesie on it. A Sparkler blue onesie that had Sparkler's Cutie Mark all over it.

Sparkler giggled. She could already tell Kicker was gonna look so adorable in his new PJs. “That’s a onesie Kicker.” She said.

Kicker stopped circling his new PJs and looked up at his mom curiously. “Onesie?” He asked. Cocking his head to the side.

“They’re a kind of pajamas.” Aurora responded. “They’re meant to keep you all nice and warm and cozy at night.”

“Ooh.” Kicker responded. Intrigued by the notion. “Can I put it on now?” He asked.

“They’re meant to be worn at night sweetie.” Sparkler replied. “But you can certainly wear them to bed tonight.” She told him.

“Yay!” Kicker replied, excited to wear his new PJs.

Sparkler smiled and lit her horn. With a quick flash, she changed into her new sweater and put on her new bow.

Everypony around her smiled, approving of her new look. “Wow.” Thundercracker said. “Looking good Sparky.”

“You’re absolutely sparkling.” Aurora added.

Sparkler blushed. “Thanks.” She said.

Kicker smiled. He loved his mom’s new sweater and bow. Then, he noticed something stuck to the adult ponnequin. He looked over and saw it was a notecard. “Hey! I found the next clue!” He exclaimed.

Everypony looked to see that yes, there was the next clue taped to the ponnequin. Sparkler smiled as she took the notecard off and read.

You’re nearly at the end of the scavenger hunt, but we’ve saved the best for last. Your next destination is quite important to Ponyville. It’s the place where Mayor Mare keeps the town running.

“Oh! Sounds like we’re going to town hall next.” Aurora figured out.

“Yeah. Looks like it…though…” Sparkler frowned.

“What’s wrong?” Thundercracker asked.

“I can’t seem to remember why Town Hall should hold a special place in my heart. Our first clue said each place would, but Town Hall is different.” Sparkler explained.

“Maybe there’s a present there for you too?” Kicker asked. “Like here?”

“Maybe.” Sparkler replied. “Well, guess we’ll find out soon enough.” She lit her horn and poofed Kicker’s new onesie back to the house. “Let’s go to Town Hall.”





Flappy flew down and landed on the railing attached to Town Hall, where Investigators Nosey and River, Pearl, Betty, Candy, and Mayor Mare were all gathered.

“Squawk! Thanks for all being here guys. This’ll mean a lot to Sparkler. Squawk!” He said.

“Every one of us was involved in making this happen.” River responded. “Only seems fitting that we all gather to witness it’s culmination.”

“I just can’t believe it’s actually happening.” Candy commented. “I knew of Sparkler in school and suffice to say, I had my doubts this day would ever come.”

“Squawk! Well thanks to everypony here, it has. Squawk!” Flappy responded.

Pearl nodded, before she saw something approaching. She turned her head to see Sparkler and Kicker. Along with a few others walking towards them. “Hey! They’re here!” She took off in a sprint and headed right for Kicker. “Hey Kicker! How’s it going?” She asked.

“Hey Pearl.” Kicker responded. “It’s going good.” He said.

Sparkler smiled as she noticed that Pearl wasn’t the only one. Ahead she saw Betty, Candy, Nosey, River, and Mayor Mare all standing there, with Flappy standing on the railing. “Hi everypony.” She greeted all of them. “Nice of you to finally show yourself Flappy.”

“Squawk! I told you I was with Twilight. But I figured I’d come by for this stop. Squawk!” Flappy replied. Chuckling.

Sparkler nodded and turned her attention to the others. “I’m gonna go out on a limb and say that you all being here has something to do with why Town Hall is a stop on the Scavenger Hunt.” She inferred.

“Yeah!” Candy replied excitedly. “Betty has the exact reason. We’re just all here to witness it. Betty?” She smiled at Betty.

Betty nodded and magically extracted a piece of paper from the folder she was holding in her magic and gave it to Sparkler. “This should explain why you’re here today, Sparkler. I figured I’d deliver it to you personally.” She said.

Sparkler, confused for the moment, took the parchment in her magic and brought it in so she could read it.

Dear Sparkling Medley,

Thank you for expressing your interest in assuming the legal guardianship of Thunder Kicker. Every foal deserves the love of a parent.

After careful review of your petition, We are…

Sparkler stopped right there. Her eyes widened at the next part.

Kicker noticed her change in expression, and noticed her eyes starting to glisten. “Mom?” He asked, getting worried. “Is everything ok?”

Sparkler found it in herself to smile, and finished the letter.

…We are happy to inform you that we believe you to be a suitable mother for Thunder Kicker. With this letter you will find all the documentation you will need to complete the transfer of legal guardianship to you, be sure to file it with your place of residences’ town hall at your earliest convenience.

Congratulations,

Bob Foaly

Family Services

Sparkler stood there, completely taken aback by what she just read. M-My petition…was approved… ran in her mind.

Reality sunk in faster for Aurora and Thundercracker and they burst out smiling. “Well. Now we know why Town Hall was the next stop!” Aurora exclaimed, a few tears of joy escaping her eyes.

“Yeah…” Sparkler finally managed to say, her own tears of joy close to coming out.

“Mom?” Kicker asked. Confused as to what was going on. “What’s going on?”

Candy chuckled. Kicker must not have realized it yet. “Kicker, Sparkler’s petition to adopt you was approved. She’s gonna be your new forever mom.” She told him.

Candy’s words sunk in for Kicker, and it clicked with his little five year old brain. A huge smile burst out in his muzzle.

…

At Ponyville theater, Celestia and Luna had just arrived and Twilight was greeting them, when everypony heard a faint shouting coming from the distance. “YEAH HOO! SPARKLER’S MY MOM NOW!”

What was obviously Kicker’s very loud proclamation of pure joy sunk in for everypony and they all burst out laughing.

“Guess they made it to Town Hall.” Rainbow commented, laughing her flank off.

“That colt’s gotta be happier than a foal on Hearth's Warming Day.” Applejack added.

“And now he’ll get to spend it with his new family.” Twilight responded.

…

Back at Town Hall, Sparkler was tackled to the ground by a VERY happy Kicker, who couldn’t stop smiling. “This is the best thing ever!” Kicker cried out in sheer joy. “I love you mom!”

Reality finally sunk in for Sparkler and her tears of joy finally came out. After everything that happened. The day was finally here. She could finally call Thunder Kicker her official son.

“I…I love you too…my son!” Sparkler finally said with the biggest smile she could manage as she used her forelegs and wings to hold her son close. Not wanting to let him go ever again.

Nosey, River, and Pearl looked on and were all smiling. “Aww! Congratulations to you two!” Pearl called out. She turned her attention to Nosey. “So, when am I gonna get to call you dad Mr. Nosey?” She asked.

Nosey blushed when Pearl asked him that. “Erm…well…ya know…” he stammered.

“Pearl, let’s not take away from Sparkler’s moment.” River suggested. “Let’s worry about us tomorrow.”

“Oki doki.” Pearl replied.

Betty smiled and breathed a sigh of relief. It’s so beautiful when a foal finds his family. She let Kicker and Sparkler have another moment before clearing her throat loud enough for Sparkler to hear. “Ahem. Excuse me Sparkler.” She tried to get Sparkler’s attention.

Sparkler heard Betty and, because she was lying on her back currently, moved her head up so she could look at Betty. “What is it Ms. Pringle?” She asked.

Betty magically pulled out some forms from the folder. “I have all the necessary paperwork right here. Just sign your name where it says and Kicker will officially be your son.” She said

Sparkler nodded and turned her attention back to Kicker. “Mind letting me up so I can go make it official?”

Kicker nodded rapidly and hopped off his now official mom. Sparkler got up off the ground and lit her horn to take a pen and the paperwork from Betty to sign.

As she was signing the documents, her eyes widened when she found something, her signature was not the only one on these forms, below each spot for her signature, there was a second signature, and she was shocked when she worked out the name through the fancy script. Under her own signature, was the signature of Twilight Sparkle.

Twilight?! She…she’s offering to be Kicker’s second parent? Several questions ran through Sparkler’s mind. When did this happen? Why didn’t Twilight talk to her first? And most importantly, why she did it to begin with?

“Hey Betty? Can I talk to you in private?” She asked.

“Sure.” Betty replied.

She and Sparkler moved away from the main group. Kicker watched her go and raised an eyebrow in confusion. “What’s going on?” He asked.

“I’m sure it’s nothing grandson.” Thundercracker said, coming up and ruffling his OFFICIAL grandson’s mane. “Probably just some questions about the forms.”

“Squawk! Yeah. Squawk!” Flappy said as he landed next to Kicker. “Squawk! I’ve been waiting a while to say this. Welcome to the family Kicker! Squawk!” He exclaimed.

“Thanks.” Kicker replied.

Once they got out of earshot, Sparkler broke the silence. “When did Twilight sign these forms?” She asked.

“Yesterday. Not long after I arrived. Flappy had the idea to make this a stop today.” Betty replied.

“Does he know Twilight did this?” Sparkler asked.

“Yes. He said you wouldn’t mind…that’s the truth right?” Betty asked.

“No, no of course I don’t mind.” Sparkler replied. “I’m actually really happy about this.” Indeed, behind all the questions she had, Sparkler was well beyond happy that Twilight was volunteering to be Kicker’s second mom. “I’m just trying to understand why she did this.”

“You’ll have to ask her.” Betty replied. “But I will say that she clearly cares about you a lot. If she’s so readily willing to volunteer to help you raise Kicker.” She said.

“She…she does?” Sparkler asked. Taken aback by this. I…Is it possible… Her mind raced as a thought came to her, was it possible that her feelings for Twilight were returned? And that this was some way of hinting at it?

“I can tell she does.” Betty replied. She glanced over at Kicker. “You gonna tell him Twilight’s his second mom?” She asked.

“After I talk to her.” Sparkler replied. “I’m sure she’s smart enough to not have done this if she wasn’t sure. But at the same time. I want to make absolutely sure before I tell Kicker the potentially good news.” She held up one of the forms she signed. “Mind if I make a quick copy she and I can look at together?”

“Of course.” Betty replied.

Sparkler nodded and made a copy of the form she held up. After carefully concealing the copy in her sweater, she nodded. “Right. All the forms are signed.” She announced.

“Great.” Betty replied. Taking the forms and pen from Sparkler. “I can take it from here to get it filed. Mayor Mare has your final clue.”

“Thanks for everything Betty. I couldn’t have done this without you.” Sparkler stated.

“Just doing my job.” Betty replied.

Sparkler nodded as they walked back to the group. “Alrighty!” Sparkler announced. “All the paperwork is done. Everypony, I would like you to meet, Thunder Kicker Medley. My son.” She smiled at that.

Kicker grinned like a goofball. Thunder Kicker Medley. He almost couldn’t believe it was reality. Sparkling Medley was really his mother now.

“Thunder Kicker Medley. Has a nice ring to it.” Nosey commented.

Sparkler smiled and turned her attention to the two Investigators. “Thank you for all you’ve done Investigators Nosey and River. I would’ve been woefully unprepared if you hadn’t come.” She said.

“All in a day’s work ma’am.” Nosey replied with a nod. “Just make sure we don’t need to do this all over again.” He winked at her.

“Oh don’t worry. I can’t do any worse than those two.” Sparkler giggled.

That got a chuckle out of everypony around. Mayor Mare nodded and held out a notecard for Sparkler. “Here’s your final clue to today’s festivities, Sparkler. I do hope you’re having a very happy birthday.” She added.

“Thanks.” Sparkler replied as she took the notecard in her magic. “And this is officially the best birthday I’ve ever had.”

Betty nodded. “Good to hear.” She cleared her throat. “We shall leave you to your final clue. Mayor Mare, may we go file Sparkler’s paperwork?”

“Sure thing.” Mayor Mare replied. She and Betty made their way into town hall.

Candy smiled as she wandered over to Sparkler. “Oh yeah. This is definitely a far cry from when we were in school Sparkler.” She commented.

“Yeah. It is.” Sparkler replied. “I’m still trying to wrap my head around how different things are compared to back then.”

“Hold on a moment.” Thundercracker interjected, realizing something. “Sparkler was this mare in school with you?” He asked.

“Yes, she was.” Sparkler replied. “Long story, but she and I are friends now.”

“Yeah. We are.” Candy replied. “So. Wanna read the last note?” She asked.

Sparkler nodded and read the final notecard.

Congrats on officially becoming a mother Sparkler. You’ll be a great mom. I just know it.

Now it’s time for your final clue. On the back of each notecard you collected is a portion of a picture. Arrange all of them correctly and they shall reveal your final destination.

See you there.

Sparkler turned the note card over. And indeed saw a portion of a photo. “Huh. Turns out the final clue is a puzzle.” She summoned all the other notecards she was now glad she kept, and saw that they all had portions of a picture on them.

“Ooh! A puzzle!” Kicker said.

Sparkler nodded. “Yes Kicker. A puzzle. Shall we put it together Can—“ She had turned to look at Candy, but saw that both she and the investigators, as well as Pearl, were gone. As was Flappy. “What the…where did they go?”

“Your new Unicorn friend Horn Pulsed me saying they were going ahead to the final destination, they teleported.” Thundercracker said.

Sparkler blinked. “Uh…ok.” She just went along with it. “Let’s assemble this picture.”

She used her magic to arrange the notecards to form a complete picture. It took a few moments, but eventually she managed to form a complete, coherent picture. And what it depicted made her smile with pride. The picture depicted her singing at the Ponyville theater, the night she came out with her wings.

“Looks like we’re going to the Ponyville theater.” She announced.

“Ooh. Being treated to another performance are we?” Aurora asked.

“Let’s go find out.” Sparkler replied.

Kicker marveled at the picture. “Whoa! Is that you on stage mom?” He asked.

“Yep! That’s her alright Kick.” Thundercracker replied.

“That night was the second proudest moment of my life.” Sparkler said. “It was the night I faced my fears and let everypony know who I really was.”

“Tell me what happened. Please?” Kicker asked.

Sparkler smiled and lit her horn, gently placing Kicker on her back. “Well Kick. It all started when I first got to Ponyville…”





“His reaction was just as we thought.” Candy reported to Twilight. “Sheer happiness.”

“We could hear his shout from here.” Pinkie commented. “A party today and TWO tomorrow! Fun!” She exclaimed.

“Two tomorrow?” Rarity asked. “For what?”

“One for Kicker’s official adoption, another for Twilight and Sparkler getting together. Duh!” Pinkie replied.

“Pinkie, we’re aren’t together yet.” Twilight said.

“But you’re going to talk to her, and we ALL know that you two love each other. Oh! Are you gonna move in with Sparkler and Kicker? Are they gonna move in with you? Are you gonna tutor Kick—“

“Heads up everypony!” Everypony heard Shining Armor shout.

Twilight turned to see Shining and Spike approaching fast. “Sparkler’s coming!”

“Alright!” Twilight acknowledged. “Everypony in position!”

Everypony raced all around and out of sight. A moment after, Sparkler and her family approached.

The Ponyville Theater came into view for Sparkler, and she immediately noticed that it appeared empty. “Uh…hello?” She called out. Nopony answered.

“Where is everypony?” Kicker asked. “I thought they’d all be here. I wanted to tell them you’re my mom now.” He said.

“I’m sure you’ll get the chance.” Sparkler replied.

The five made their way closer to the stage. When they got a certain distance, a paper airship flew in and hit Sparkler in the head. “Ow.” Sparkler winced at the impact. She glanced down and saw the paper airship. She picked it up in her magic, unfolded it, and it only had one sentence.

Enjoy the performance.

Everypony raised an eyebrow at that. “What performance?” Kicker asked.

Sparkler was about to answer, when music suddenly started playing, and a spotlight shined, directly on Twilight, who started singing.

🎶Just a small town girl
Living in a lonely world
She took the midnight train
Going anywhere🎶

Flappy came in and started the next verse.

🎶Just a little colt
beginning a brand new life
He took the midnight train
Going anywhere🎶

Twilight and Flappy were joined on stage by the rest of the mane 6, including Starlight. All of them started to sing as well

🎶A singer in a smokey room🎶

🎶A smell of juice and Apple Cider🎶

🎶For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on🎶

🎶Strangers, waiting
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows, searching in the night.🎶

Sparkler's friends were joined by a couple other ponies on stage. Sparkler's eyes widened when she saw they were the CMC, Soarin', Nosey, River, Betty, and Candy.

🎶Streetlights, ponies
Living just to find emotion
Hiding somewhere in the night!🎶

All the horned ponies lit their horns and the curtain parted to reveal a large Neon sign of Sparkler's Cutie Mark glowing blue, the same color as her magical aura. Sparkler saw that the Ponyville Orchestra, along with Lyrica playing the piano, was the source of the musical accompaniment. Sparkler marveled at the neon blue sign of HER cutie mark while Airwave trotted to the forefront of the stage with a huge smile on his face.

🎶Working hard to get my fill (Winks at Sparkler)
Everypony wants a thrill
Paying anything to roll the dice
Just one more time🎶

🎶Some'll win
Some will lose🎶

🎶Some were born to sing the blues🎶

🎶Oh the journey never ends🎶

🎶Oh the journey never ends🎶

🎶It goes on and on and on and on🎶

🎶It goes on and on and on and on🎶

🎶Strangers, waiting
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows, searching in the night.🎶
(🎶In the Night!🎶)

🎶Streetlights, ponies
(Ponies!)
Living just to find emotion
Hiding somewhere in the night!🎶

The song went into an instrumental spotlight. Allowing Sparkler and her fellow audience to be presented with something that really shocked them to their core. From all around, the citizens of Ponyville brought in layers of what was undoubtedly the largest cake any of them had ever seen. Sparkler herself immediately spotted that among these ponies were Celestia, Luna, Cadance, and Shining Armor. The cake was built up and Sparkler counted twenty-two layers, as many layers as she was years old. Holy mother of...How the hay did Pinkie manage that?! was all she could think before the singing started again.

🎶Don't stop believing
hold on to that feeling
Streelights, ponies🎶

Sparkler felt herself be pulled up onto the stage during this verse. her mind snapped back to see that Twilight was pulling her up into a hug. When the verse finished, she heard a big bang, and looked up to see the group Rainbow said were the Wonderbolts drawing her Cutie Mark in the sky, a Wonderbolts salute! Rainbow came flying in at Rainboom speed and surrounded her cutie mark with a rainbow circle.

🎶Don't stop believing
hold on to that feeling
Streelights, ponies
Don't Stop!🎶

The song came to an end with fireworks going off in the sky and confetti raining down. Sparkler’s eyes were as wide as saucers as her mind raced with what just happened.

After a second, the silence was broken. “Happy birthday Sparkler!” Everypony there exclaimed before giving off a thunderous applause and cheering.

That broke Sparkler’s shock and she found it in herself to say something. “Guys…this is…”

“The best thing anypony’s ever done for you and we made you super duper happy on your very special day?” Pinkie cut her off, guessing what she was about to say.

Sparkler nodded in response. “Yeah. Pretty much. How…ok, ignoring the cake that only Pinkie Pie could possibly get to work, you guys didn’t have to do all this.” She said.

“Oh yes we did Sparkler.” Rainbow replied. “You were LONG overdue for a birthday you could celebrate with more than one friend.”

“Uh huh!” Pinkie added. “I told you you would get the best birthday you’ve ever had. The only way that was gonna happen is if ALL of your friends were here to celebrate with you!”

“Pinkie, I literally just signed the documents to assume legal guardianship of Kicker. This was already the best birthday, the best DAY, of my life.” Sparkler replied. “Honestly all this.” She gestured around her. “Is just the icing on the cake.”

“No. The icing on the cake is what’s on the actual cake silly.” Pinkie seemingly corrected Sparkler.

Sparkler just chuckled and rolled her eyes while Twilight brought her in for another hug. “We just wanted to do something special for you today. Make this a day you’ll remember for the rest of your life.” She said.

“You most certainly succeeded in doing that Twi. Thank you. Thank you all!” Sparkler addressed the crowd.

There was more cheering and applause in response as Pinkie smiled, got out a flame thrower from who knows where, and used it to light the two candles positioned where Sparkler could reach them, miraculously only setting the candles on fire. “Well what are ya waiting for Sparky!” She said as she threw the flamethrower away, resulting in a crash and a screeching cat. “Make a wish and blow out the candles!” She told her.

“No need for wishes.” Sparkler replied, smiling. “I already have everything I could possibly want.” She took a deep breath, and blew out the candles.

Pinkie bounced in place. “Now come on everypony! Let’s party!” She turned to Vinyl. “Hit it DJ-Pon-3!” She said.

“Who’s ready for some remixes of Sparkler’s greatest hits!” Vinyl responded into the mic.

Sparkler couldn’t help but laugh as the music started. Remixes huh? This should be good.

And so the party commenced. The cake was immediately cut into equal pieces for everypony to have a slice. And throughout the party, ponies came up to her and Kicker and congratulated them. For Sparkler, it was like she was in heaven. Every year her parents would do something special on her birthday, like the scavenger hunt. And while she did have fun those years, she always longed to have an actual group of friends besides Flappy to celebrate the day with. And she knew that after all these years, she would have that wish going forward.

Despite all of this however, there was still that one thing in the back of her mind. She knew that she had to talk to Twilight. At the very least I need to make sure she’s serious about being Kicker’s second parent.

“Squawk! Now’s the time Sparky. Squawk!” She heard Flappy tell her. She turned to find him hovering beside her. “Squawk! Go and find her. This is the best chance you’re gonna get. Squawk!”

Sparkler thought for a moment, before nodding. “Keep an eye on Kicker for me.” She said as she walked off to find Twilight.

It took a few moments, but she eventually found Twilight eating her piece of cake off to the side. She smiled and trotted over to her. “Hey Twi.” She called out.

Twilight heard her nickname and looked from her piece of cake to see Sparkler approach. “Sparkler.” She smiled. “What’s up?”

“Nothing much. Just enjoying the best party I’ve ever had. I heard you were the brains behind this whole thing.” Sparkler said.

“More of a team effort really.” Twilight replied. “We all pitched in.”

“Maybe. But I hear you coordinated everything. Made everything come together. Just when I thought you couldn’t be anymore amazing.” Sparkler commented. Realizing what she just said and blushing.

Twilight giggled. “Eh, I’ve coordinated Winter Wrap Up before. This is just another day for me really. I hope you had fun today.” She said.

“I did. And what’s more, you made Kicker the happiest colt in the world. Which actually brings me nicely to why I came over here.” She lit her horn and pulled out the copy of the document. The one with Twilight’s signature on it. She unfolded it to show Twilight. “Care to explain why I found your signature on the documents? Making you Kicker’s second parent by law?” She asked.

Twilight blushed. “Oh…um…y-you’re not mad at me for that…are you?” She asked, worried.

“Twilight…you know how I feel about you.” Sparkler replied with a sigh, referring to her accidental confession last week. “Honestly, the thought of raising Kicker with you is too good for me to be mad at you for making it so behind my back.” She explained. “I’m only asking why you thought it was a good idea to do this before consulting with me. You realize I would’ve said yes. Right?” She asked.

“I know.” Twilight replied. “I was sure you would. But Flappy had the good idea to keep you in the dark about Kicker’s adoption, which I agreed with because I wanted to make today as special for you as possible. And then Rarity had the idea that I should put myself down as Kicker’s second parent for you to find today. So it kinda put us in this position.” She explained.

“But why though?” Sparkler asked. “I understand you wanting to make today as special as possible for me, hence why I didn’t find out I could make the adoption official til today, but if you wanted to be a second parent to Kicker, why didn’t you wait until after I signed the forms myself?”

Twilight let out a sigh. This was it. “It was supposed to be a clue for you.” She admitted.

“A clue?” Sparkler asked, baffled. “A clue to what?”

Twilight blushed and looked away from Sparkler. “It was supposed to be a clue to…to…” She wanted to say it, she knew it had to be said, but something was holding her back. After a moment, she just went a different route. “Grah, buck it. I’m just gonna go for it.”

Sparkler was about to ask what the frax that meant, before her eyes went as wide as saucers as a soft pair of lips suddenly pressed against her own. It took a second for her brain to register what was happening, but she realized that Twilight was kissing her. Twilight Sparkle, her crush, was ACTUALLY KISSING HER!

Once her brain registered what was happening, and her wings sprang open, Sparkler closed her eyes, cocked her head to the side to deepen the kiss, allowing herself to be lost in the bliss. Ok. NOW it’s the best day ever. She thought.

After what seemed like hours, but really only a few seconds, Twilight pulled back. They opened their eyes, and stared lovingly into each other’s eyes. “D-does that mean…” Sparkler whispered.

“Yeah.” Twilight replied, smiling. “I feel the same way.”

Sparkler couldn’t believe it. She was almost certain, til today, that Twilight only saw her as a friend. But it turned out she saw her as something more too!

“I have to ask though, why?” Twilight asked. “Why did you fall for me?”

“How could I not?” Sparkler replied. “Twilight, I literally don't know where I would be today without you. The old me would be hiding her wings under sweaters still and she most certainly wouldn’t be a MOTHER right now. Not only did you open my eyes to what I really was, you helped me see that I can be myself AND have friends at the same time. Really, today was only possible because of you.” Sparkler’s eyes started to water during her speech. “And to top it all off, you were the first in Ponyville to accept me for who I really was. Right after saving me from utter destruction. I owe so much to you. I just…I just want to make you as happy as you’ve made me. To stand by you as you’ve stood by me. I…I love you Twilight Sparkle.” She said, tears of joy falling from her face.

Tears started falling down Twilight’s face as well. “Sparkler.” She said. “I don’t know what to say.”

Sparkler couldn’t help but giggle at that. “If we’re in confessions mode now. Maybe you could tell me what made you fall for me?” She asked.

“If I had to pick one thing.” Twilight replied. “It would be the mystique surrounding you that first drew me in. An Alicorn born to non-Alicorn parents? Flurry’s considered a stretch even with Cadance as a mother.” She explained. “And as we started spending more time together and our study sessions branched out to other topics, I came to realize that I was having more fun with you than I do any of my other friends. I still love them, mind you, but you and I have the most in common. I’m only sorry I was too oblivious to see it until you made your accidental confession last week. I was feeling something for you for a while, but I had dismissed it as being really, really good friends.” Twilight admitted.

Sparkler again chuckled. “Flappy had to make me describe you as I saw you for me to realize I was in love with you.” She admitted.

That got them both laughing. “Guess we were both oblivious to our feelings were we.” Twilight said.

“Yeah. We were.” Sparkler responded. They continued to laugh for a good moment before calming down again. “So.” Sparkler said. “Before we talk about anything else. I just want to make sure. Are you sure about being Kicker’s second parent? I know you’re smart enough to know when you’re not sure about something. But I’m just making absolutely sure before we tell Kicker.” She explained.

“Yes, Sparkler.” Twilight replied, a huge smile on her face. “I’m sure. I want to be there for both of you. To help you give Kicker the life that was nearly stolen from him. I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life.” She said.

Sparkler smiled and lunged forward to wrap her forelegs around Twilight. A huge smile on her face. “You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that!” Sparkler exclaimed. “I thought today couldn’t get any better. But boy was I wrong.”

Twilight laughed as she returned the hug. “I’m just glad we finally had this talk.”

Sparkler nodded. “Yeah. Me to Twi. Me too.”

They sat there in each other’s embrace for a good few moments, before parting. Twilight cleared her throat. “So, before we go tell Kicker the good news. I do have two more things to ask you.” She said.

“Alright. Shoot.” Sparkler replied.

“First, I think this goes without saying but Rarity told me I should ask anyway. Will you be my marefriend Sparkler?” She asked.

Sparkler replied without hesitation. “Yes!” She exclaimed. “I’d like nothing more.”

“Great.” Twilight replied. “And the second thing…there’s something going on in Canterlot. Something called the Yule Ball that happens around Hearths Warming every year.” She lit her horn and magically held up two tickets. “I was thinking maybe you and I could attend the Ball together?” She asked.

“Twilight. I would be honored to be your date to the Yule Ball.” Sparkler replied.

“Mom!” They heard Kicker shout. They turned to see THEIR son race up to them. “Mom. Pearl just told me there was a Power Ponies movie playing in theaters. Can we go see it tomorrow?” He asked.

Sparkler glanced at Twilight, silently asking her if she agreed. Twilight just chuckled and gestured towards her, silently saying it was her call. Sparkler smiled. “Sure.” She said. “We could go see it as a family with grandma and grandpa.” She glanced back over to Twilight before continuing. “And we can see if your other mom can see it with us too.”

“Other mom?” Kicker asked. “What other mom?”

“Well…” Sparkler replied. “Kicker there’s something Twilight and I have to tell you. Well, two things. First, Twilight and I are a couple.” She said.

That took a second to register with Kicker, but when it did, he smiled. “Awesome!” He exclaimed. “Congratulations!”

“Thanks.” Sparkler and Twilight both said together.

“And the other thing.” Sparkler said. “When I was signing the forms to legally adopt you. There was another name on there. Another pony signed up to help raise you.” She said.

“Who?” Kicker asked. “Do I know them?”

“I would say yes. I was even told. You wouldn’t mind having me as a second mom.” Twilight replied.

It took a bit for Kicker to connect the dots, but he eventually did. TWILIGHT was his second mother. “You’re also my mom?” He asked Twilight.

“Yeah. I am.” Twilight replied. “Is that ok?”

“Yeah!” Kicker responded. He lunged forward and crashed into Twilight, giving her a big hug. “I love you…Mommy Twi!”

Sparkler and Twilight laughed when they heard that fly out of his mouth. “Mommy Twi? That’s what you’re calling her?” Sparkler asked.

“Yeah. That way I don’t get you two mixed up.” Kicker explained. “You’ll be mom, and Twilight will be mommy Twi.” Kicker said. “Is that ok?” He asked.

“Of course it is sweetie!” Twilight replied. “I’m glad you approve of this.”

“Of course!” Kicker replied. “I love you! Both of you!”

“And we love you Kick.” Sparkler and Twilight said as Sparkler joined in on the family hug. Basking in this moment that she had dreamed would be reality. Best, day, ever! she shouted in her mind.





Off in the distance, the cloaked figure watched the festivities from afar. They were smiling. “It is fortunate she has friends that are willing to go this far in celebration.” They stopped when they noticed something glowing. Their eyes glowed, their vision magnifying. And what they saw shocked them. They were focusing on Sparkler’s Cutie Mark, and saw that that area wasn’t fur as per usual, but instead crystallized. Before they could process the sight, the Crystal changed back into fur.

The cloaked figure deactivated their magnifying vision and slowly smiled. “Her joy has at last reached the threshold. It is only a matter of time now before she learns of her true destiny.” The cloaked figure nodded, then disappeared back into the shadows.

To be continued…