Chapter 12 – Parties, Tests and New Arrivals
Despite being in their early teens, both Spike and Scootaloo began running down the street back towards the castle, laughing and playing the entire way. It pleased both Twilight and Rainbow Dash that their children were getting along and made them hopeful for the future.
“Think Pinkie will have everything set up,” Dash asked, draping her wing over the princess’s back, “I mean, we might be taking our time, but those speed demons are tearing through town like Sombra himself was chasing them.”
“It’s Pinkie,” came Twilight’s answer, “I have long since given up finding out how she does what she does or if something is impossible for her. She just is.”
“So…Luna visited my dreams last night,” Dash said awkwardly.
“Oh really, do tell Dashie.” Twilight teased.
“Oh, haha,” Dash said, bumping Twilight with her flank, “You know you’re the only princess for me. She did give me my test. Its…a doozie.”
“How big of a doozie?” Twilight asked, concern creeping into her voice.
“She’s sending her personal weather ponies to the Weather Factory,” Rainbow explained, “And in three days’ time, I’m expected to show up there and pick up a sample of liquified moonbeam so I can work on creating a pearl of crystalized moonbeam the size of an apple and I have to complete it in 2 weeks so I can present it to her before the Summer Sun Celebration.”
“That’s…intense,” Twilight replied, floored by the test put before Dash, “Two weeks? That’s not a lot of time, especially with your fear-“
“Fear? Who said anything about fear, I’m not afraid!” Dash shouted, panic in her voice, “I just have a minor aversion to Aeromancy thanks to flight school.”
“Ok, your aversion to Aeromancy.” Twilight said with a giggle, “May I continue? Moving on, you will need to relearn Aeromancy and use it to replicate one of the most difficult tasks in Equestria. A task that has been thought to be impossible since the time of the Pillars. And you’re going to complete this in two weeks.”
“Too ambitious?” Dash asked, flashing her trademark cocky grin.
“You wouldn’t be my Dashie if you weren’t ambitious,” Twilight giggled, “Come on, lets catch up to the kids. Would not look good for the adopted children of the resident Princess to be causing too much chaos.”
“You realize our daughter is one of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, right?” Dash said with a laugh tearing off down the street, sending up a cloud of dust.
“And what will they say about the Royal Consort!” Twilight shouted, before chasing after the three of them.
Arriving at the front gates of the Palace of Friendship, Twilight found Spike, Rainbow and Scootaloo all sitting in front of the gates, innocent looks on their faces.
“I thought it would be a better idea if we all went into the party together.” Dash said, ruffling her feathers.
“Well then, let’s not keep our guests waiting any more than we have to.” Twilight replied, draping a wing over Dash’s back.
Watching the children rush a head of them again, Twilight noticed a blush darkening Dash’s cheeks.
“Does it make you uncomfortable when I place my wing on your back?” She asked.
“No…not uncomfortable…” Dash stammered, “Placing a wing over another Ponies back as a Pegasus is a sign of possession.”
“Well, you are my Dashie,” Twilight answered, “Why shouldn’t I be possessive?”
“…we haven’t had our challenge yet.” Dash replied shyly, “So, there’s a chance that I could win and I would be your Strategos. It means-“
“It means you would be the dominant part of our relationship.” Twilight said, interrupting her marefriend, “It means you would be able to make all of the decisions for our family.”
“You’d also be the first Princess to the underwing to a Pegasus.” Dash said with a smile, “Tell ya the truth though Twi, I’m kind of interested in being your underwing though.”
“Well, this will be good practice for when I win your challenge,” Twilight teased, leaning in close and kissing Dash’s cheek.
Turning right at one of the intersecting hallways, the happy couple could hear the deep rumble of music coming from the open door of the ballroom. Walking into the cavernous room, Twilight and Rainbow were shocked by what their cotton candy colored friend had been able to throw together in a couple of hours.
Rainbow colored streamers were draped from the circular balcony to the magically lit chandelier suspended high above the dancefloor. Tables were spread all over the room, four settings to a table. The back wall had a large stage against it, towering speakers belting out the controlled chaos created by Vinyl Scratch and her marefriend Octavia Philharmonic. Ponies of all ages crowded the dance floor, dancing to the music either on their own or paired up together. Spike, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom were standing over near the catering tables, loading plates full of sugary treats. Applejack had commandeered a corner of the room and stood with Big Mac, Rarity and Fluttershy next to a large stack of Sweet Apple Acres Cider, both kid friendly and the harder adult version. Overseeing the festivities like the King and Queen of Partytown were Cheese Sandwich and Pinkie Pie, mingling amongst the partygoers easily. As soon as the pink mare saw her friends, Pinkie Pie lifted an old-fashioned megaphone to her muzzle.
“Everyone, can I have your attention please,” She shouted, excitement causing her to bounce in place, “The other half of the guests of honor have finally arrived. Presenting my good friends, Princes Twilight Sparkle and her royal consort, Rainbow Dash.”
As the words left her mouth, the ballroom erupted into cheers and applause for the new parents. A blush on her face from the sudden attention, Twilight waved to everyone while Dash basked in the attention. Winding their way through the crowds of ponies, they soon found themselves with the older crowd in the back corner, mugs of cider in their hooves.
“So, darlings, do tell, how does it feel being the parents to that rambunctious pair of foals?” Rarity asked, swaying gently from the adult beverage.
“Well, I’ve been raising Spike since the day he hatched,” Twilight said, “So that’s nothing new. Scootaloo’s a little more energetic than I’m used to, but she’s an amazing little filly and we love her.”
“Couldn’t ask for a cooler pair of kids if I wanted to,” Dash replied with a smile, “Can’t wait to start teaching Scoots how to fly.”
“That thar filly’s been itchin ta get in the air as long as ah can remember,” Applejack drawled, “Not to mention, she’s been lookin up ta yah fer a while now Rainbow.”
“Eyup.” Big Mac said, leaning against one of the larger barrels.
“And just think, all four of those adorable troublemakers have paired off now,” Rainbow said, waving her wing over towards where the kids sat, “Might even need some more attentive supervision if you know what I’m talking about during their sleepovers.”
“I know Applebloom and Spike are seeing each other,” Fluttershy asked, “But who are Sweetie and Scootaloo involved with?”
“Nice going Dashie,” Twilight hissed before turning back to their friends, “Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle have decided to begin courting each other.”
“Oh, that’s so cute,” Fluttershy said, a warm smile on her face.
“Yes it is,” Rarity said, taking a long drink from a mug held in her magic, “Which reminds me, I need to have a discussion with Scootaloo today.”
“Have you decided what her test will be, Rares?” Dash asked.
“Oh yes, I know just the thing,” Rarity replied curtly, “And she will definitely need your guidance, Rainbow Dash. If you’ll excuse me.”
********
As Rarity crossed the crowded dance floor, a bright flash of green burst from the table Spike and the Crusaders were sitting at. Disguising the flaming burp as a cough, Spike placed a small scroll on the table before turning towards his moms. The sight of a determined Rarity marching across the ballroom sent a tingle of fear through the young Drake.
“Look out Scoots, incoming Rarity at 9 o’clock.” He said, nodding towards his little sister.
“Oh good, that gives me plenty of time before I have to talk to her tonight.” Scootaloo said, oblivious to the oncoming storm.
“I think she means that she’s coming over here from your left side Scoots,” Sweetie giggled, giving the orange filly a nuzzle, “Like right now.”
“Wait, what?” Scootaloo asked.
“I believe she is saying that I am here right now to address the fact that you are currently interested in dating my sister.” Rarity said, a smirk on her face.
Scootaloo whirled around and found herself muzzle to muzzle with the older unicorn. Taking a deep breath, Scootaloo fluttered her wings and tried to use the self-assured look her new mom usually used.
“Yeah, I’m interested in dating Sweetie Belle,” Scootaloo said, “And I am formally requesting whatever test you feel is appropriate so that I can have your permission to openly be with her.”
“You are definitely your mother’s daughter, I’ll give you that,” Rarity said with a laugh, “Very well, produce for me a gemstone made of crystalized rainbow by the Summer Sun Celebration and I shall see you as worthy of my little sister.”
“Three weeks…” Scootaloo squeaked, her eyes going wide, “I mean, of course. I will have it for you by then, Ms. Rarity.”
“Very good then,” Rarity replied, before turning around and looking over her shoulder, “I look forward to seeing what you can produce.”
As Scootaloo watched her fillyfriend’s sister walk away, all of her bluster and confidence whooshed out of her like a deflated balloon. Collapsing onto the table, her stubby wings fell to her sides and a long, drawn-out sigh escaped her lips.
“Ya’ll ok there, Scoots?” Applebloom asked, reaching her hoof across the table.
“Well, my fillyfriend’s sister has given me a test based on Pegasus magic, which I have absolutely no experience with and my mom locks up any time someone so much as breathes the word Aeromancy.” Scootaloo replied, “Meaning I am up against a wall and will have to work twice as hard. Its just like learning to fly. It’s frustrating. At least it will be worth it in the end when I succeed.”
“Your…your not worried you’re going to fail?” Sweetie gasped.
“I am Scootaloo Sparkle-Dash,” She replied, iron creeping into her voice, “Failure is something other ponies need to worry about. It’s just like when I’m doing one of my scooter tricks. No matter how many times I fall down or get hurt, I’m gonna get right back up.”
With a loud squeak, Sweetie Belle leapt forward and tackled Scootaloo to the ground before giving the orange filly a fierce but chaste kiss. Gagging slightly at the sight of his sister making out with her crush, Spike grabbed the scroll he had just been sent before motioning for Applebloom to follow him.
********
Twilight watched with a smile as her daughter’s fillyfriend tackled her in a passionate embrace and her son escaped as quickly as he could, his own special somepony trotting beside him. Leaning against the sky-blue Pegasus beside her, she enjoyed the warmth coming from her consort and sighed to herself.
“You ok over there, Sparkles?” Dash asked.
“Yeah,” Twilight answered, nuzzling the mare beside her, “Just realizing that I’ve never been happier than I am right now.”
“Can’t argue with that,” Dash replied, “We’ve got an awesome little family. I’ll be able to get Scoots in the sky in no time. Same with Spike once his wings come in.”
“Do…do you mean it Rainbow Dash?” Spike asked, finally making his way through the crowd, “You’ll teach me to fly, even though I’m not a Pegasus?”
“Why wouldn’t I?” Dash asked, cocking her head to the side, “I helped Sparkles here learn to fly, I’m gonna teach your sister to fly. Celestia, it’s practically a family tradition at this point.”
Shocked and at a loss for words, Spike through his scaly arms around Dash’s neck as a few tears rolled down his snout to be absorbed by her fur. Straightening up, he wiped the tears from his eyes.
“That means a lot to me…mom,” Spike said, trying to look cool in front of Applebloom, “Um, yeah, Aunt Cadence sent this.”
“I’ll take that,” Twilight said, grabbing the scroll in her magic, “Looks like your sister is done making out with Sweetie Belle, why don’t the four of you hit the dance floor.”
“Sounds like a good idea, don’t want to see my mom’s being all lovey dovey either.” He said with a laugh.
Ignoring his little verbal jab, Twilight unrolled the scroll and read the message to herself.
“Looks like the guards are being transferred on the day of the Summer Sun celebration,” She said to her friends, “So we’ve got a deadline for building the barracks. Cadence also included the information about the Guard Captain she’s sending. Apparently, he volunteered for the posting.”
“Lucky us,” Applejack slurred, already into her fourth glass of cider, “What’s the name of this high falutin Captain that bein sent our way?”
“Somepony by the name of Flash Sentry.” Twilight answered, “I think we met him a couple times when we were up north.”
“Did…did ya’ll say Flash Sentry?” Applejack asked, the color draining from her normally orange face, “I…he…that…eeep!”
As her eyes rolled back in her head, Applejack collapsed to the ground like a puppet who had their strings cut. As Fluttershy tried to rouse the farm pony, Big Mac shook his head in amusement.
“Mac, darling, would you like to enlighten us about your sister’s rather amusing reaction?” Rarity asked, a grin on her face.
“Eyup,” He replied, Sitting on his flank and taking a mug of cider in his hoof, “AJ there had some powerful feelin’s fer that Flash Sentry feller when they were both yungins. She took over her responsibilities on tha farm fore they could work things out tween themselves and he ran off and joined the guard. I’m thinking them thar feelings didn’t ever really go away.”
“How romantic!” Rarity squealed, “Young love separated by time and distance, reunited after years apart to fan the flames of passion.”
“Yay!” Pinkie screamed, “I get to throw a huge welcome to Ponyville party once they get here.”
“Don’t go to overboard, Pinkster,” Dash said, “We’ve got the Summer Sun Celebration to plan for as well.”
“Between Cheese and I, we’ve got this,” Pinkie said, a manic glee in her eyes, “I mean, what could possibly go wrong.”
Dash glared at the pink pony as a chill went through the group’s bodies.
“You fool, you’ve doomed us all.” Dash whispered before draining the rest of her cider.