//------------------------------// // Episode 14: Alicorn Momma Bear and daughters Vs. Insane Pegasus Mom // Story: My Little Pony: Sparkling Harmony: Future Incursion // by Captain_Cosmos //------------------------------// “So you guys became a traveling band to get out of relying on Berry bushes?” Melody asked her mom. “That’s cool!” Crystal exclaimed. Sparkler chuckled. It was around dinner time and Izzy had the idea to make it a cookout, inviting Hitch, Zipp, and Pipp. They were of course shocked by Dark and Light, but they paid no mind to their appearance, and Pipp gave the new arrivals PonyPhones. “When magic fails, tech prevails.” Pipp had said as she explained how the tracking function worked, which Sparkler was most concerned about. “Yeah. It is pretty cool.” Sparkler said. “But first we needed instruments.” “And boy did they find some amazing instruments.” Dark said. Sparkler lit her horn, and showed everypony the KeyGuitar Hybrid and the all in one drum set. Hitch, upon seeing the instruments, gasped. “Oh my Faust. A Sound Master X5 and a Beat Mixer J3!” He exclaimed. “You know these things?” Spike asked. “They’re the first instruments to use microcomputers in them.” Hitch explained. “These things were at the beginning of the modern era of music. Setting the stage for all the instruments we have today.” He said. Lightning raised an eyebrow. “So, they’re not as advanced as we thought?” He asked. “These things were discontinued nearly 50 years ago.” Hitch responded. “How in the hay did you manage to get these in such good condition?” He asked. “Apparently somepony didn’t want them and may not have even opened the box when they threw them out.” Spike said. Hitch’s eye twitched. “Somepony was STUPID enough to throw out two pieces of history?” He asked. Trying to remain calm. “Apparently so…?” Sparkler responded. Hitch took a deep breath. “I’ll be right back.” He said as he galloped off. Everypony was wondering what was up, before they heard Hitch scream at the top of his lungs in rage. After a moment, he came back. “Sparkler, PLEASE treat those things with better care and respect than their previous owner.” He told Sparkler. “Don’t worry Hitch. I ain’t mistreating the tools that allowed me and my boys to get off the Berry diet.” Sparkler responded. Hitch nodded in approval. Which got a chuckle from everypony. After a few moments of silence, trail spoke up. “So, does anypony know where we could even start looking for Sky and Sprinkle?” He asked. “They could be anywhere in the world.” Dark responded. “And the world’s a big place.” “Hmm…we could try Zephyr Heights.” Zipp suggested. “Zephyr Heights?” Sparkler asked. “Yeah. It’s where most Pegasi live these days.” Zipp said. “Mystic and Crystal landed in Bridlewood, Melody and Pedal landed in Maretime Bay, there’s a constant there.” “What constant?” Pedal asked. “Mystic and Pedal landed in a town heavily related to their species, with an Alicorn sibling accompanying them.” Zipp explained. “…So there’s a good chance Sprinkle, a Pegasus, landed in Zephyr Heights with Sky!” Lightning exclaimed, piecing together what Zipp was getting at. “Wait, but what about Flurry?” Spike asked. “She’s more an independent variable. Whatever magic accident brought you guys here must’ve had the sense to dump her with ponies who knew how to take care of her juxtaposed to on her own.” Zipp responded. “Fair enough.” Sparkler responded. “So you think we should start looking for them in Zephyr Heights Zipp?” She asked. “Considering we don’t know anyplace else they could’ve landed. It’s best to follow the trend.” Zipp responded. “Hey! That’s my line.” Pipp laughed. That got everypony chuckling. After a moment, Sparkler nodded. “Right, so are we gonna go there tonight or is it too far to make a round trip today?” She asked. “Too far. You and I will go tomorrow.” Zipp told Sparkler. “I’m coming too.” Pipp said. “That way I can run to the store and get one more pair of PonyPhones for them.“ She reasoned. “How much did the first round of PonyPhones cost?” Sparkler asked. Afraid that it would be a price she couldn’t pay Pipp back. Pipp caught on to what Sparkler was really asking and chuckled. “Oh don’t worry about paying me back Sparkler. Your normal methods of tracking aren’t working and these things are arguably the most important tools available to you. It never hurts to help a friend.” She said. Sparkler bit her lip. “…Thank you Pipp. You’re going above and beyond for ponies you just met. All of you.” She said to Sunny, Izzy, Hitch, Pipp and Zipp. “Well, as sheriff it’s my job to help those in need.” Hitch said. “And we’re friends now right? Friends are always there for each other.” Izzy stated happily. “I guess we are friends now.” Sparkler relented, sensing Izzy was not gonna take no for an answer on that one. After everypony chuckled, Pipp thought of something. “Hey Sparkler? Do you have any photos of Sky and Sprinkle on hoof?” She asked. “Why?” Sparkler asked. “Because I could send out a call to action to my followers on social media.“ Pipp said. “That way we can cover more ground because the number of pairs of eyes looking for them, even if not actively, increases by about 500%.” “Whoa.” All of the kids said. “Yeah. And all I need is a picture of Sky and Sprinkle.” Pipp said. That’s when Sparkler frowned. “A picture that I don’t have…” She said. “Maybe you don’t. But I have them on film.” Lightning chimed in. He held out his camcorder with the screen on and open. And everypony saw that he indeed had a clear still frame of the two missing fillies. Pipp smiled and whipped out her phone. “That’s exactly what we need.” She quickly snapped a photo of the screen and checked it to make sure it was good. “Perfect.” She said. Lumber smiled and nudged his brother. “Way to go Lightning. Your habit of recording everything to the rescue.” He said. “Yeah. Thank the stars Lightning.” Sparkler said. The others praised Lightning for his habit while Pipp quickly made up a call to action. “Ok. Hey Sparkler how does this look?“ She showed Sparkler her screen with the post on it. “To all my followers out there in Zephyr Heights. My friend is in need of your help. Her two daughters, pictured below named Sky Flitter and Sprinkle Medley, are missing. We have reason to believe they are in Zephyr Heights. If anypony spots them, please get in touch with me. #reunitefamily #helpamotherout” Sparkler glanced over the post and smiled. “Looks good to me.” She said. Pipp smiled and hit post. “And sent. Now if anypony happens to see them, hopefully they’ll get in touch—“ Pipp’s phone started blowing up with notifications. She glanced at it and the post was getting a ton of likes. “Well that didn’t take long for ponies to see it.” Sparkler said. “The power of technology Sparkler.” Pipp responded as she started going through comments. “Well Nopony’s seen them by the looks of it, but we’re getting encouraging messages wishing us luck.” She said. “Nice to know ponies are still friendly. Even on Social Media.” Sparkler said. “For the most part.” Pipp responded. That night, Queen Haven was on her phone looking through stuff when she noticed her daughter’s latest social media post. She at first ignored it, but then she saw what the post was. Her eyes widened when she saw Sky and Sprinkle in a picture. As well as a call to action to find them. Haven bit her lip, before making a comment. Saying that she hadn’t seen them. After hitting send. She smiled. “Sorry, but if you abandon your kids, you don’t deserve them.” She said to herself as she headed off to bed. The next day, While Sunny, Izzy, and Hitch agreed to look after the kids they already had, Sparkler, Pipp, and Zipp were flying in the sky, heading towards Zephyr Heights. “Ok, now this doesn’t make any sense.” Pipp commented, looking at her phone. “Something wrong Pipp?” Zipp asked. “Last night, my post got a comment from mom. Mom says she hasn’t seen Sky or Sprinkle, but then Raven messaged me privately saying that Sky and Sprinkle are living in the castle. That mom took them in.” Pipp explained. “Did this Raven pony give photo proof?” Sparkler asked. “Yeah she did.” Pipp responded, showing Zipp and Sparkler her screen. It showed Sky and Sprinkle in bed in what was clearly a room. “Well it LOOKS like your mom does indeed have them.” Sparkler said. “So why would she lie?” Zipp asked. “I’m not sure. I’m gonna call her.” Pipp said. Right then, her phone started ringing, Pipp accepted the call. “Hello?…oh hi Raven…I’m good. Just confused by your message juxtaposed to my mom’s comment…yeah she said she didn’t see them…what? Why would she do that?…SHE’S WHAT?!” Pipp shrieked as she came to a dead hover in the sky. Sparkler and Zipp stopped in their tracks and assumed hovering positions as well. “Pipp?” Sparkler asked, worried about the frantic look on Pipp’s face. Pipp pressed her phone screen and held the phone out in the middle of them. “Raven, I got Zipp and the fillies’ mother. You’re on Speaker, say again what you just said.” She said. “Your mother intentionally said she hadn’t seen them. Hoping that you would believe it. She plans to take the fillies to the courthouse today and adopt them as her own children.” The mare on the phone said. When Sparkler’s ears picked that up, her momma bear rage fired up on the spot. “ADOPT THEM?! But they already have a mom! Me!” She exclaimed. “Are you their mom?” Raven asked. “YES!” Sparkler growled. “I’m on my way to come get them right now!” “Well apparently Haven believes you gave up your right to be their mom when you abandoned them.” Raven explained. At that, Sparkler didn’t want to hear anything else. Pipp could sense that Sparkler was about to blow. “Has mom left yet?” She asked. “Just walked out the door with the fillies.” Raven explained. “Ok, thanks for calling Raven. See you soon.” Pipp hung up the phone. “Come on! We need to get to Zephyr Heights before that witch legally steals them from me!” Sparkler growled as she rocketed off. “When I get my hooves on that witch they’ll need to take her to a hospital!” Zipp flapped her wings and zoomed off after Sparkler, quickly catching up and blocking her way. “Sparkler, you can’t barge in there and attack our mom. No matter how much she deserves it.” She told her. Sparkler stopped so she wouldn’t crash into Zipp, and stared daggers into her. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t gun it straight for Zephyr Heights and put that witch in the Hospital for this!” She growled. “Because the odds of her getting to the courthouse before we can intercept her is high. And no matter the reason, it’s considered assault and you will be arrested if you attack our mom without provocation.” Pipp explained as she caught up to them. “Without provocation?!” Sparkler exclaimed. “She’s planning to legally take my kids away from me! That’s definitely provocation!” She said. “Not in the courts’ eyes. The way they’ll see it, you just barged in and started attacking the queen.” Zipp explained. “I don’t care! Those are my kids and nopony is gonna take them away from me!” Sparkler growled. Her rage blinded her from the reality of the situation on the legal front. “And mom won’t.” Pipp said. “I have a connection in the courthouse. Somepony high up. He’ll make sure mom can’t adopt Sky and Sprinkle. But he’s also not going to let them go with a pony who just barged in and attacked another pony in anger. Do you want to lose them permanently?” She asked. That seemed to get through as Sparkler took a deep breath, and calmed down. “Fine. I’ll play nice. But I am gonna have some choice words for that witch.” She said. “Us too.” Zipp responded. “She didn’t even talk to Pipp and I beforehoof.” “Let’s get going.” Sparkler said. Pipp and Zipp nodded and the three of them resumed flying. This time at full speed. Pipp punched in a new number on her phone. In Zephyr Heights, a Pegasus stallion was in his office when his phone rang. He pressed the screen to answer it. “Judge Frankfort here.” He said. “Trevor? It’s Pipp.” Came the voice of Pipp over Speaker. “Pipp? Well this is a surprise. To what do I owe the pleasure?” Trevor asked. “Did you see my post last night?” “I did.” Trevor said. “Poor fillies. I hope they’re reunited with their mother soon.” “Yeah. Well, Zipp and I are on our way with the filly’s mother. Because they’ve been found.” “Really? That’s great!” Trevor said. “No it’s not. Because my mom found them, and is on her way to you with the fillies to adopt them! She found them who knows how long ago, she lied about not having seen them, and is planning to adopt them because the mother “abandoned” her kids. Even though that is far from the case!“ Pipp exclaimed frantically. “Huh? Why would your mother do all that?” Trevor asked. “I don’t know! But Trevor, whatever you do, don’t let her adopt the kids. They already have a mom who most certainly did not abandon them.” Pipp told him. “I’ll issue you a full pardon if it comes down to that.” “You say you have the mother with you right now?” Trevor asked. “I’d be happy to help but I do first need a statement from her.” “Sure thing.” Pipp said. After a moment, a new voice came on the speaker. “Hello. This is Sparkling Medley, the fillies’ mother.” It said. “Hello ma’am.” Trevor said. “I’m Judge Frankfort. I’m happy to help you reunite with your fillies. But I would like an explanation if you don’t mind. Just so I know that there’s no evidence of abandonment?” “My kids and I were visiting my significant others’ sister’s observatory. There was a magical accident, and a portal that sucked me and my kids in and scattered us across the land. Sky Flitter and Sprinkle Medley, my daughters, must have landed in Zephyr Heights. I’ve spent the last two weeks looking for them.” The mare on the phone explained. “I know it sounds crazy but it’s the truth!” “Alright. Thank you Ms. Medley. When Haven gets here I’ll inform her that you are on your way and that she has no grounds for adoption.” Trevor said. “Could you keep the three of them there until we arrive?” Pipp’s voice asked. “I’ll try.” Trevor said. With that, he said goodbye and hung up the phone. He let out a sigh and facehoofed. “Haven what in the hay were you thinking?” He asked nopony. Outside his office. Queen Haven led Sky and Sprinkle, who were confused as all hay, to the door. “So, why are we here?” Sprinkle asked. “You’ll see.” Haven responded with a smile. A smile that neither Sky or Sprinkle were comfortable with. It had been two days since Haven took them in, and so far things were going fine…but her taking them to what was clearly a courthouse raised some red flags with them. Haven opened the door and ushered the girls in. She smiled as she walked in after them. “Judge Frankfort. Good morning.” She greeted him. “Queen Haven. To what do I owe the pleasure?” Trevor asked. “I wish to formally adopt these two girls right here, Sky Flitter and Sprinkle Medley. Their previous mother abandoned them.” Haven explained. At that, Sprinkle’s and Sky’s eyes widened. “WHAT?!” Sky asked. “You want to adopt us?! But we already have a mom! She’s on her way to pick us up!” Sprinkle exclaimed. Both she and Sky immediately backed away from Haven, Sky even lighting her horn. “She should have gotten here by now. She has not.” Haven responded. “Actually Haven. Your daughter Pipp just called. And according to her, their mother is in fact on her way. I actually talked to that mother myself.” Frankfort said. “Fortunately there is no evidence of abandonment and the circumstances appear to be beyond anypony’s control.” He explained. Sky and Sprinkle blinked, before it clicked with them. “Yeah! We told you a magic portal scattered us!” Sprinkle exclaimed. “You said you believed us!“ Sky growled. “I did believe you. But it’s been two days and your mother has not shown up yet.” Haven said. “But she IS coming.” Trevor said. “She’s on her way right now. Haven, you do realize that this is very much considered kidnapping correct?” He asked. “I was not kidnapping them.” Haven responded. “The way these fillies are acting suggests otherwise.” Trevor said, gesturing to the two fillies in the corner, one ready to attack. “By the looks of it they didn’t even know what was going on until you asked me to give you legal guardianship of them.” “Yeah! You’re insane lady!” Sky growled at Haven. “Look, just do it!” Haven told Frankfort. “I will not. These fillies have a legal mother that is on her way to get them. I will not take part in breaking up a family for any reason unless there is evidence warranting such an action.” Trevor stood his ground. “Now. We are all going to wait in this office until their mother arrives. I do believe she will want to talk to you.” He told Haven. Haven glanced between everypony, before sighing and taking a seat in defeat. Trevor smiled. “Good choice.” He said. He turned to the two fillies and smiled. “Don’t worry girls, everything is going to be ok.” He said in a reassuring tone.” “Did you say you talked to our mother?” Sprinkle asked. “I did.” Trevor responded. “…If you want, I can call her and let you talk to her.” He offered. Sky and Sprinkle nodded immediately. After what just happened they were eager to hear a sensible mare’s voice. About an hour later, Sparkler, Pipp, and Zipp landed in front of the courthouse in Zephyr Heights. They rushed in and Pipp talked to the receptionist. “Hi. We’re here to see Judge Frankfort?” “He’s expecting you. Go right ahead.” “Thanks.” Zipp said as Pipp took them down the hall. They reached the door and knocked. “Come in.” Trevor called out from inside the office. The trio walked in, and Sparkler saw Sky and Sprinkle behind the desk. Sky and Sprinkle watched the door open and smiled widely when they saw their mother enter the room. “Mom!” They exclaimed as they rushed out from behind the desk and crashed into their mother, hugging her tight, tears of joy and relief in their eyes. Sparkler caught her daughters and held them tight. Tears falling down her face in joy. “Sky! Sprinkle! Are you two alright?” She asked. “We’re fine now.” Sprinkle said. “We missed you mom!” Sky exclaimed. “I missed you too girls!” Sparkler responded, happy to see her daughters again. “Maybe not so much if it took you two weeks to get here.” Commented Haven. Sparkler grimaced while Sky pointed at Haven. “That’s the crazy lady that tried to adopt us.” She said. “…Would you two mind waiting outside for a few? Pipp, Zipp and I have some things to talk about in here.” Sparkler said. Sky and Sprinkle nodded and walked out of the office. Though they were disappointed they weren’t going to get to hear their mother verbally smackdown Haven. Once the fillies left, Sparkler lit her horn and put up a sound barrier around the office. Just in case anything was said that she didn’t want the fillies to hear. “And now we can talk without the fillies picking up any potential bad words.” She announced. “Mom, what in the HAY were you thinking?!” Zipp asked. “Sparkler here spent the past two weeks worrying about her kids. And you have the nerve to LIE and try to adopt her kids away from her when you KNOW she’s looking for them?” Pipp asked. “Are you insane?” “Those fillies needed a home. I was offering to give them one.” Haven said. “They were eating trash before I found them.” “Honestly? I’m starting to think that was better for them.” Sparkler said. “Because apparently the alternative is a crazy lady who thinks she can adopt any foal she wants even if they aren’t orphans!” She growled. “Excuse me.” Haven said. “But you would do well to remember that I am the Queen of—“ “I don’t care!” Sparkler cut Haven off screaming at her. “I don’t care who you are! Just because you have a crown on your head that doesn’t give you a pass for what you tried to do today. What you tried to do today equates to kidnapping! Consider yourself lucky your daughters talked me out of putting you in the hospital for this!” She growled. “Speaking of your daughters.” Pipp said. “Don’t you think you should’ve asked us before trying to go through with this? Don’t you think we would’ve liked to know we were going to have siblings?” She asked. “Yeah mom. You should’ve come to us beforehoof.” Zipp said. “And why would I need to do that? I can do whatever I want without my daughters’ approval.” Haven said. “Maybe because WE’RE YOUR CHILDREN! Seriously mom! How do you think we would’ve felt if it went through without us knowing?” Pipp asked. “Would you have been resentful of the fillies?” Haven asked. “THAT’S NOT THE POINT!” Zipp shot back. “Answer the question Zipp.” Haven told her daughters. “…You’re unbelievable mom. You’re actually insane.” Pipp said. With that, she stormed out of the office. Zipp shook her head and followed suit. Haven watched her daughters leave without saying another word. After a moment, she glared at Sparkler. “This is all your fault.” She said. “If you and your fillies hadn’t shown up those two wouldn’t have just berated me like I was beneath them.” Sparkler’s jaw dropped. This lady had the audacity to blame HER for HER OWN mistakes? “You’re actually blaming me?!” She exclaimed. “You’re the crazy lady who tried to adopt MY kids and didn’t tell them befofehoof. They’re right. You should’ve talked to them beforehoof. Because to them, if the adoption went through it would’ve looked like you were casting them aside!” Sparkler growled. “Ahem. Ladies, if I may interject here for a moment?” Trevor, who had been patiently silent for the whole argument, spoke up. Sparkler and Haven glanced at Trevor. “Is there something you want?” Sparkler asked. “Given everything that’s happened. Ms. Medley. I believe there is enough for pressing charges to be an option for you.” Trevor informed Sparkler. “Forget pressing charges.” Sparkler responded. “She’ll probably just weasel her way out of any verdict she doesn’t like anyway.” If Haven was anypony else Sparkler would’ve absolutely pressed charges for attempted kidnapping. But honestly she did not want to deal with this witch anymore when she had more important things to do. “Though I do wonder. Is there just cause for a restraining order?” Sparkler asked. “Because I’d very much like for Haven to stay as far away from me and my family as possible.” She explained. Trevor smiled. “There is just cause for such an action.” He said. Sparkler smiled and said she wanted to do that. Ten minutes later, Sparkler emerged from the office, smiling. “Alright girls. Wanna get out of here?” She asked. Sky and Sprinkle nodded. “Yeah. Let’s go.” “Let’s stop at the store and get Sky and Sprinkle Phones.” Pipp suggested. “Especially after what happened today they need tracking capability.” “Right.” Sparkler said. With that. Sparkler, her two kids, and Pipp and Zipp left. Sparkler let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding. At last, she had all her kids back. Plus she filed her first restraining order against another pony. It’s something I WISH I didn’t need to do. But it is funny to think that my first one will probably become null and void once we hop back to 1003. She thought. To be continued…