It was a beautiful winter morning in Equestria, the sun was shining, the birds were chirping, it was truly a good day. But for Celestia, it wasn’t so good. Earlier she had learned of Silver-Mane’s escape from the dungeon. And he seemed to take the four would-be kidnappers with him. She paced back and forth in the throne room, awaiting the arrival of Sparkler and Twilight. A few moments later, she heard a very loud, and angry Sparkler approaching. “Philomena is WHAT?!”
The doors to the throne room burst open and Flappy flew in, with Sparkler tailing him. “Flappy Medley you land right this instant!” She shrieked.
“Squawk! Sparkler! I promise I didn’t do anything! Squawk!” Flappy shrieked in fear.
“Didn’t do anything?!” Sparkler asked. “Then how is Mina pregnant with your chicks!”
“Ahem!” Celestia called out.
Both Flappy and Sparkler stopped and turned to see Celestia standing there. Sparkler immediately landed, dashed over, and bowed to the princess. “Your Majesty, I can assure you that I did everything I could to prevent this from happening. I promise Flappy will be disciplined for this.” She said.
“Sparkler, relax. I know exactly what happened. And it is not Flappy’s fault.” Celestia said.
Sparkler’s eyes widened as she rose and looked up at the princess. “Huh?” She asked. She only just found out that Flappy was gonna be a father when Flappy asked if he could stick around for a few more days, and from what she understood there was only one way for a female to be pregnant.
“Squawk! Just like we can blame magic for Melody’s siblings. Magic is also the culprit in Mina’s pregnancy. Squawk!” Flappy explained as he landed next to Celestia.
Sparkler blinked, her anger quickly dissipating. “Magic?“ She asked.
“Without boring you with specifics, a female phoenix’s reproductive system can obtain what it needs from a male bird without engaging in physical activity. All it needs is a spark of love from the female partner.” Celestia explained.
Sparkler understood all of that, and blinked. “…Huh. How about that.” She cleared her throat and turned to Flappy. “Ahem. Sorry Flappy.” She apologized.
“Squawk! Don’t sweat it pal. Squawk!” Flappy replied.
At that moment, Twilight came rushing in, having been left behind when Sparkler started chasing Flappy. “Holy Faust Sparkler. You’re fast for a cute little filly.” She commented.
“Exactly what my parents said. Hehe.” Sparkler responded.
“Good morning Twilight.” Celestia said. “Thank you both for coming.”
“Is there something wrong Celestia?” Twilight asked. “Your summons sounded urgent.”
“Indeed Twilight.” Celestia replied. “And unfortunately it is bad news.”
Sparkler stopped smiling. “W-what happened?” She asked, a little scared to know the answer.
“Last night, Silver-Mane and the four crooks who tried to foalnap you escaped from our dungeons.” Celestia said.
Sparkler and Twilight gasped, while Flappy raised an eyebrow. “Squawk! Wait wait wait. Somepony tried to foalnap Sparkler? Squawk!” He asked.
“Yeah. The night Silver-Mane threw me out of the Yule Ball. But I’m fine Flappy. How the HAY did they escape?!” Sparkler asked Celestia.
“I saw an inhibitor ring on Silver-Mane’s horn.” Twilight said. “He couldn’t have used magic.
“Our best guess is that Silver-Mane broke the ring.” Celestia replied.
“How is THAT possible?!” Twilight asked. “The Royal Guard uses military grade inhibitor rings. Those are indestructible.”
“It must have been a defective ring. I am ordering a quality control check on all other rings not in use, as well as sending Raven Inkwell to speak with the manufacturer.” Celestia said. “But our more immediate concern is our escapees.”
“Do you know where they went?” Twilight asked.
“We are launching a Ponyhunt for them. But there is no telling what they’re going to do.” Celestia replied. “Sparkler, given these events and the events surrounding the Yule Ball. I’m permanently assigning Flash Sentry to be your guard.” She announced.
And that’s what Sparkler was afraid of. “Princess, with all due respect, I have my magic back. I can take care of myself just fine.” She said. Having a guard in Canterlot was one thing. But a full time guard was another.
“I do not doubt that Sparkler. But it is better to be safe than to be sorry.” Celestia said. “And once we recapture the escapees I shall consider recalling Flash back to Canterlot.” She assured Sparkler.
Sparkler wanted to argue further, but something told her that she was at a disadvantage. So instead, she just sighed. “Good thing I like Flash as a friend.” She commented.
At that moment, the doors were bucked open and Chief Quill rushed in. “You Majesty! Something very very disturbing was just uncovered!” He shouted in an urgent manner. He skidded to a halt in front of Celestia and bowed. “Forgive the intrusion. But this simply cannot wait.” He said.
Celestia was surprised by Quill’s sudden entrance, but saw the look on his face and knew that he would not have barged in unless it was serious. “What was just uncovered, Chief?” She asked.
Quill rose and nodded. “Upon our search of Silver-Mane’s residence, we found significant evidence linking him to the terrorist organization UniMagix. What’s more, we have ample reason to believe that he is their leader.” He explained.
Everyone around him went wide eyed and gasped. Sparkler and Twilight in particular. Given the connection between UniMagix and their family. Silver-Mane?! The leader of the group that murdered Melody’s birth parents?! ran through Sparkler’s mind.
“Are you certain Chief?” Celestia asked after recovering from her shock.
“We found a list of all UniMagix members, past activities. Everything that a leader of an organization would possess.” Quill replied. “Princess, the situation is more dire than we first believed with Silver-Mane’s escape.” He said.
“Indeed.” Celestia responded. “With him on the loose, UniMagix is a threat to Equestria once again.”
“Squawk! Ya think?! Squawk!” Flappy chimed in. “Squawk! We’re talking about the guy who has continually bemoaned Sparkler, and the guy who indirectly ordered the murder of Melody’s original parents! Squawk!” He exclaimed.
“Melody?” Asked Quill. “Don’t you mean Thunder Kicker?”
“Long story Chief. Thunder Kicker went through a change recently. But right now, any and all records relating to Sparkling Medley and her family are to be sealed under the highest clearance at once.” Celestia ordered.
“Sealed?” Sparkler asked. “What’s up with that?”
“A measure to prevent your records from falling into the wrong hooves ma’am.” Quill responded. “Especially now, all measures must be taken to ensure your safety and the safety of your family.”
“To that end, Sparkler, I am assigning additional guards alongside Flash to Ponyville for your family’s protection.” Celestia told Sparkler. “Given this new information, Silver-Mane has become an even bigger threat.”
Ordinarily, Sparkler would have objected, but considering what she just learned… “Given the situation. You won’t get any complaints from me.” She responded.
“Me neither.” Twilight said. Normally she would have objected to having guards in Ponyville, but in this case, she could easily just think that they’re there for her family’s protection.
Celestia nodded. “I shall have the additional guards mobilized and on their way by day’s end.”
Everypony nodded, and Quill escorted them out of the throne room, offering to escort them back to the Sparkle residence.
Once Celestia was alone, she was soon joined by her sister, Luna. “Well this just took a turn for the worst.” Luna commented.
“I suspected Silver-Mane was no good. But this…”
“Good thing I placed Commander Fletcher and Colonel Omega on permanent Sparkler detail. She’ll need all the protection she can get.” Luna said.
“Indeed.” Celestia agreed.
“…Sister, we have to tell her.” Luna said. “She deserves to know.”
“I know.” Celestia responded. “But Clear-Cut made it clear that now was not the time.”
“Given everything she has gone through in her life, do you not think that she deserves to know the truth about who she really is?” Luna asked.
“Lulu, it pains me greatly, but the fate of the world is at stake and I will not risk any premature armageddon.” Celestia responded.
“She will be furious at us for not telling her.” Luna warned.
“I know.” Celestia responded.
Sometime later, Sparkler, Twilight, Maddy, Thundercracker, Aurora, and the Medley Sextuplets were on the Friendship Express headed back to Ponyville. After learning what they had, Flash was informed of his new assignment. Once they were all on the train, Flash was eventually put on Sextuplet detail so the adults could talk in private.
“You’re kidding me. This Silver-Mane Noble has been the most vocal against you since coming out. And this same Noble is the leader of the group that murdered Melody’s original parents?” Aurora asked once Twilight and Sparkler finished telling them what happened.
“And now he’s on the loose, along with a quartet of crooks that tried to foalnap you?” Thundercracker asked.
“Yep.” Twilight responded.
Thundercracker and Aurora glanced at each other. “There’s no way we can convince you to come home with us to Saddle Arabia is there?” Aurora asked Sparkler.
“I’m done hiding mom.” Sparkler responded. “I’m not gonna let a bunch of bullies ruin what I have in Ponyville.” She declared.
“Sparkler, honey, right now you’re five.” Thundercracker said. “You may have an adult mind but your magic might not be at full strength.” He reasoned.
“Exactly why Celestia is assigning guards to Ponyville for hers, and for our family’s, defense.” Twilight explained. “I can assure you your daughter is as safe as ever in Ponyville.” She told Sparkler’s parents.
Aurora sighed, and relented. “Can’t really argue with you can we.” She chuckled.
“If only we could stay an extra week. But they’ll be wanting us back at work tomorrow.” Thundercracker grumbled.
“Don’t worry. I’ll look after little Sparkler here until she grows big and strong again.” Twilight said, nuzzling little Sparkler in the process.
“Twily.” Sparkler whined.
Aurora and Thundercracker chuckled. “So. Where are the kids going to stay?” Asked Aurora. “I doubt they’ll want to be separated into two different houses.”
“Precisely why Twilight and I are going to have a serious talk about moving in together. And which house we should live in.” Sparkler responded.
“Sparkler, your house certainly isn’t big enough.” Aurora told her.
“Magic makes things possible mom.” Sparkler replied. “If need be we can expand the house.”
“So long as town hall approves.” Twilight commented.
“Right.” Sparkler said. There’s always that red tape in doing something like this. She thought. She knew that the red tape was gonna be a struggle. But if they decided to go through with Sparkler’s house then it would be worth it.
Later on, well into the night, Sparkler and Twilight were putting the kids to bed. Colts in the guest room, and the fillies in Melody’s room. “Good night my little angels.” Sparkler said to the fillies as she kissed each of them on their foreheads.
“Night mom!” All three of them recited.
“Hey mom? Why does Melody get a bed but Crystal and I have to sleep in sleeping bags?” Sky asked.
“We just…haven’t gotten around to setting you two up with beds yet. But I promise it won’t be too long.” Sparkler responded.
“Ok.” Sky replied.
Sparkler nodded and backed out of the room. Where she and Twilight switched and repeated their good nights to their other kids. They gently closed the doors and left their kids to rest. They made their way down to the living room. “Oh yeah. We definitely need to make the decision tonight.” Sparkler commented.
“Definitely. Thank goodness we had a pair of sleeping bags lying around.” Twilight responded.
They entered the living room of Sparkler’s house, where they found Starlight, and Spike sitting on the couch.
“Remind me again why Spike and I need to be here?” Starlight asked.
“Because you two live in the Castle. So you two should be part of this discussion. Cause it could end up with the castle having more occupants.” Twilight explained.
“Then why isn’t Flappy here?” Spike asked.
“Because he’s in Canterlot with his mate Mina. He’ll be back in a few days…with his three chicks.” Sparkler responded. Almost not believing what she was saying. Flappy is gonna be a father… She couldn’t believe the parrot that she practically raised since she was six was now going to be a father.
“Anywho…” Twilight walked up to a whiteboard that she summoned and flipped it over to reveal four columns, a pros and cons list for both the castle and Sparkler’s house. “Now we are going to list the pros and the cons of each location. And make the decision based on the results.”
“Right.” Her friends said.
“I got a con for the Castle already.” Spike said. “Too large. It’s a maze.” He reasoned.
Twilight and Starlight chuckled. “True. But the offshoot is that there’s enough room for the kids to all have their own rooms.” Sparkler said. She took a marker and wrote too large in cons for the castle, and enough room for kids in it’s pros.
“Your house has essentially the opposite pro and con Sparkler.” Twilight said. “It’s too small, but it’s not a maze.” She reasoned.
“I can agree with that.” Sparkler said as Twilight wrote it down in the Sparkler’s house section.
And so the four of them went off. They discussed everything from physical location, utilities, psychological effects, and Sparkler’s Label, they couldn’t really give the castle any pros there because Sparkler made a very cohesive argument about how the Castle’s walls will adversely affect the quality of the sound being captured by her microphones.
After about an hour. Nopony could think of any more pros or cons for either location. So Sparkler and Twilight set the markers down and they all looked at the results. They all frowned. “Huh. A tie.” Starlight observed.
“I was not expecting that.” Spike commented.
“Ugh. For every pro for either side, there is a con for the other. Effectively canceling each other out.” Sparkler explained.
“So we can’t use that to make our decision.” Twilight said.
Starlight took a look at the whiteboard, particularly at the two locations. Her mind raced for a moment, before coming up with something. “Merge them.” She said.
That got the attention of Sparkler, Twilight, and Spike, who all turned their heads to look at Starlight. “What?” They asked.
“Merge them. Bring the houses together.” Starlight said. She lit her horn, flipped the whiteboard around, and drew a picture of the castle, then drew Sparkler’s house at the base of it’s trunk structure. “Think about it, you both are attached to your places. You both have fond memories. Why not have the best of both worlds and merge them together?” She reasoned.
Twilight stared at the drawing, her mind racing, before she gradually started smiling. “Ya know, that actually isn’t a bad idea. It’s a great idea actually!” She said.
“Would we be able to do such a thing?” Sparkler asked. “From my understanding your castle literally grew out of the ground like magic. What would happen if we tried to change it physically?”
“Worse case scenario we find another place to live.” Spike said.
Sparkler shivered. “Is it worth that risk?” She asked. “I mean, aren’t there some pretty important artifacts in that place?”
“We can always move everything out of both houses.” Twilight suggested.
“Are you kidding me? Do you know how much stuff is in the castle?” Spike complained.
“Oh it’s not as much stuff as you think. We’ll just remove the books and other irreplaceable items. Everything else can be bought at a store.
Starlight sighed. “We’ll need help where the Chandelier is concerned.”
“But we’ll be able to do it.” Twilight said brightly. “Sparkler?” She asked, wanting her opinion.
Sparkler looked between her three friends, all with different expressions. Twilight, excitement, Starlight, less enthusiastic now that she realized how much work it would be, and Spike, annoyance. Her mind raced with this idea. Starlight’s right, it would be the best of both worlds…but there’s also a risk… After a moment’s thought, she nodded. “Eh, worst case scenario we look for a new place to live. Let’s go for it.” She said. Good thing the kids haven’t grown attached to this house…least not too much.
Twilight fluttered her wings cutely in excitement. “And you know what, this is a chance for us to make some improvements to the Castle. Such as an intercom system.” She said. She turned to the board and started drawing on it. “And we could put up a better radio receiver, we could build a concert room with stage lights. TONS of things we could do!” She said.
Sparkler, Starlight, and Spike chuckled as Twilight listed off things they could do. Sparkler smiled. Good thing we can save money by DIYing some of these improvements. She thought, though in retrospect they probably could get everything they needed free of charge since Twilight was a princess…Sparkler shook that thought out of her head, knowing full well Twilight would hate that. She’d rather pay for it than have ponies treat her special. She concluded as she joined Twilight in planning things out.
To be continued…