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// ACT 1: Little Sister Little Sister (chapter 2) 
// Story: The Vanishing Star 
// by NocturneD85 
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	 It was awkward for my sister who I did not see for so long to confront me. I made her cry with my story and all she wanted to have been a simple interview. I never knew my sister would buy any of my company's inventions and take the invite to my party for being our one-billionth customer. Talk about taking a wild guess.

She just sat there. Wiping away her messy tear face with the handkerchief, I provided for her. What was I even thinking of telling her this? Then again, how was I supposed to know it was she this entire time? She was such a brat back then, but she came a long way. Like any brother would do, I let her calm down. Just let her throw her arms around me, hugging something she probably missed for so long. I just said things to make her feel better. I told her the generic stuff, she had questions and I assume a lot of them. Like, "Easy there" and "It's alright."

A part of me wanted to cry as well. However, I did not. I just rubbed my hoof through her hair as she still cried. I had no idea what she went through but something tells me it is going to be something that is going to make me want to punch a wall. On the other hand, would it be peaceful?

Today was just more than I could handle. Twilight had too many questions so as a proper host, slash billionaire playboy. Yes, eat your heart out ladies. I invited her to stay a couple of weeks so we could catch up. Only that she promises that she does not tell the rest of my old family that I was alive.

As for long as I can remember I was part of a family bloodline that had high expectations. My parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, their cousins and siblings. They all were part of Sparkle family household. However, I walked away from all that. I did not ask to be born to parents that would ignore a child, but that was the luck of the draw. My story has caught a lot of attention and some of you want me to continue this sad little story. If you are not interested. I am fine with it. Some things are better off left buried in the past.

	*Sigh*

I only got one problem if I continue telling you this story. The thought of that household, hold too many hurtful memories. No my grandparents were not cold hearted either. It was just, each member of the family served to royalty or at least close in some form. Where do I stand during those years? I was probably the only child that was not interested in working for royalty. Do not get me wrong I have respect for the princess. It is just, why do I have to lay down my life to ensure the future of Canter lot? I was not interested in becoming a guard. I was puny back then, meaning having no upper body strength either. Explains why my brother could easily take me in our fights and made me eat rug or dirt. When I was younger, I always wanted to make toys and gadgets you would see in spy movies. I spent nearly every weekend making some sort of contraption that would have a purpose. Well, not all of them. Some just beep for no reason. Nevertheless, some of my little gadgets would always meet the underside of my brother's hoof. I do not know why he always gave me a hard time... But seeing him takes my stuff and breaks it, come on. Its a mix between hate and self loath. I hate him so much... And I hate myself for being born into this family.

I had no idea why, but if you were not with or mingled with royalty then you are scum. As well you were considered the black sheep. Maybe that was it. My entire bloodline was royal fundamentalists. Almost makes you think. "Where would my family be if they were not such flank kissers?" Answer, probably like a normal family. Maybe they would have been more like me. Trying to impress the world and get praise? Therefore, it was pretty much a choice, not made aloud by saying it. Judged repeatedly by family. I do not know where it exactly started. Maybe when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up? Maybe what I did in my spare time? Maybe my opinions on the royal family? However, what does asking a seven and a half year old going to accomplish their place in Canterlot that way? As I said, the family worked as one of the royal family’s subjects for eons. It would be in due time that each generation would go more crazy than the last.

However, there were members of the family that were not so all out with royalty business. I had a grandmother. She was from my father's side. My grandmother; Lucrecia was one of the few family members that would give me any attention. Some pony whom I felt safe with, some pony who felt like a second mother to me. An elder white faded pony with very gray hair with some light highlights and violet eyes. I loved going over her house, as I would show her my inventions. She would always find a spot in her house to put them and would love to play with them. At least fiddle with them. She was the only few ponies in the family that would talk to me, not leave me out of the dust. Why I think she was awesome because she gave credit where it was due. Sure there were times when Twilight and Shining did something good but with her giving me praise for every good grade, every contraption I build, everything I helped her out with. However, what I liked about her is that she would tell Shining Armor if he did not stop, beating me up she would chase him around with grandpa's leather belt. It was so satisfying when she caught him and gave him his punishment. Twilight would cringe with every slap was made on Shining Armor's flank. However, that would not stop Shining from trying again when she is not around. This time, Grandpa Draco would actually punch him in the face if he ever tried anything with me. Grandpa Draco was a retired royal guard, tough, but fair. A tall dark blue unicorn with cheap died black hair to cover up his grey hairs. Always hated seeing the weak being harassed, he stood up for the little pony. Nevertheless, was gentle at heart even if his exterior was as scary as a real dragon.

Where they in charge of the Sparkle house? Sorry to say, but we are only the many families of the bloodline of this current generation. There are higher families, but only are bigger flank kissers. Grandpa Draco would always tell me awesome stories about his youth where he would venture off in the wilderness to find adventure. He would always have something to do being out and around. He served princess Celestia for fifty years. Grandma Lucrecia was an alchemist who made various medicines and potions; she was a doctor earlier in her life. However, she knew a lot of magic spells too, various in all fields. Used to attend the school for gifted unicorns but she admitted she never made the grades that were satisfactory for an honorable mention. Still became a doctor through experience. I learned many of my spells from her and would borrow many of her spell books. Even some spell journals she had written over the years.

Could say, I was her personal student since I was three. She said she saw a gift in all of her grandchildren, but for me she loved how I always sat still and listened. Twilight was a bit jealous and knowing her track record who could blame her. Grandma would teach her but often trying to take on more than she could handle. However, there was something to grandma Lucrecia how she handled her patients, not only she made medicine. She would make extra parts. In addition, I mean extra parts. That is right. She would limbs out of old armor from discarded pieces of scrap metal. Grandpa helped shape them as he learned black smiting during his travels. It would catch on at first, but then there would be complications depending on the client saying that the metal limb would rust or snap apart. My grandma tried her best to improve the designs but she was nearing her retirement. She stopped making them one day because she could never perfect the designs and was deeply sorry for the clients who were hopping to walk again. Other doctors picked up the idea and tried their own methods so her ideas were not in vain, as she never patented it.

My grandparents took Shining Armor, Twilight and I to Pony Canyon one summer as congratulations to our young accomplishments. Mom and dad were back home, which I did not know they were trying for another baby when only for them to lose it as mom had an accident falling down the stairs. None of us knew she was pregnant at the time, but at that point, I think she started to notice the kids she already had and cherished us. Well, up until the point I wandered off. However, this was probably the only time my siblings and I had fun together and did not fight... as much. We had ice cream. Rode the rides, had our picture taken next to mascots. Ate the food, Ate more food. Jumped in the wave pool and watch grandpa chase after a punk who tried to steal his wallet. Played the arcade games, rode the monorail, I could name stuff all day. It was perfect. The one day where Shining Armor did not try to beat me up and instead we played, "House of the Dead Pony Two". We were so close to beating the last boss until we ran out of tokens. Twilight went on a few rides, but I will never forget when we somehow got her on the log ride it was too funny seeing her in the end. Her hair all wet and she was in a grumpy mood. However, that would change once she got a fruit drink that came in a bear shaped cup.

Life was great. Until six months later, grandpa died in his sleep of the age of sixty-nine. My protector from my older brother was gone. With only teaching me some fighting moves I could never succeed in using, Shining Armor put that to better use with me always being on the receiving end. This time, he was aggressive to the point where he broke my arm. My dad thought we were ruff housing again, but I complained that my arm hurt but he excused it. Not until later that day it was swollen, he was finally convinced after my mom yelled at him for being so inconsiderate. I hated Shining Armor and my dad so much. I just wished something would come along, break their limbs, and see how much pain they can go through. My dad probably stopped caring all together right after grandpa died, still no excuse. My mom would yell at my dad constantly, but he was not paying attention. All he wanted was to be closer to the royal family and figured since grandpa died they could get better recognition. Scum bag. Trying to ride your own father's death so you can be up on the mantle for the princess to see. Bastard...

Twilight still being young and naive never understood the concept of death. Mom and dad just sugarcoated it saying grandpa went on vacation up into the sky and liked it there so he and grandma can live there together. As usual, she was filled with questions. "Why can't grandma go up there with him now?" I knew the truth. She was too naive. Too soft.

Grandma said that grandpa wanted to leave us some stuff and wanted us to wait until we got older to get them. I still wonder what he left us to this day. So, pretty much the next summer. I was asked a very important question by my douche bag father, "Where do you want to go on your birthday?" Sheesh there was only one place I wanted to go. Where I felt like I was at peace. Pony Canyon, Of course he sighed and said all right. Grandma would give him the money for us all to go, as tickets were expensive. Therefore, we all got in the carriage and went to Pony Canyon... Or what I thought would be Pony Canyon. We had to make so many stops because Twilight always wanted something and would kick the seat repeatedly. Shining kept punching me, mom would only warn him, dad would just yell for all of us to shut up. He must have told us at least three times he was going to turn the carriage back the other way. Well he did so to get Twilight that stupid book which took an hour to drive back and get. What the hell? It is my birthday! The day ended with miniature golf. I hate golf. I wanted to take my putter and hit my brother over the head with it because he threw my ball into the grass and made me lose points. Mom just watched. Dad did not care. Twilight hit her ball too hard at some pony's windshield and set off the alarm. Well, long story short. My dad took me to the side and yelled at me telling me if I was not going to have fun we might as well go home. I said fine, grandma and grandpa would not treat me this poorly. Well that set him off and told me I could walk home for all he cared. My mom would yell at him for thinking so stupid, yet she did nothing. My butt-head siblings were calling dibs on my room. I managed to nap my backpack filled with mementos left by my grandparents before dad drove away.

I just stood there on the corner. Cold, a bit hungry and scared. It must have been a while because I was so sure my dad would come back and open the door. He never did, so I just walked where I thought would lead me home. Desert, desert, more desert. Nearly would have been eaten by coyotes if it were not for my invisible cloaking spell. I was so tired. I was crying at that point, wanted them to come rolling up. Apologize for what they done. Hell, I will take a scolding. JUST PICK ME UP! Well that same night I met Big Tex and his wife Betsy. Who took me in and were willing to take me away from my nightmares. They questioned at first because it would be considered kidnap if they took me, but I was willing. For all I could have known they could have been worse than my real parents could. However, they seemed so nice. In addition, it paid off. I got the love, the respect I wanted. My new parents in a rich home but always generous growing up raised me. Often participated in charities, used my allowance as donations to hospitals some times.

However, when I started working for Big Tex. I did not start in a good place. I worked in the mailroom to start, but felt that I was a big fish in a little pond. I would make friends in each department. Often promised them promotions and recommendations when I ranked up, I kept that promise but it was hard to come by. I eventually landed in development where I really shined. The company Big Tech needed new tech and ideas. The world was changing fast before my eyes and the development crew was stumped. All they could come up was waterproof cell phones and tablets but with a sticker that says, "Warning: Keep out of water." Cannot say my ideas were great either but they were too far ahead for their time. Therefore, we stuck to making digital cameras and lame novelty trinkets. Hearts and Hooves day was the worst when our best item was a plastic sunflower that danced to music.

Therefore, I started going through my old things from that night I left. My old back pack. Sure took a beating over the years as I dumped the contents on the desk and went through a trip on memory lane. I found grandma's old journals, matter of fact I never returned them because Twilight was trying to steal them and learn magic on her own. I managed to seize them back before my departure. So many memories, Then I walked outside to the park to take a stroll to find kids trying to use magic on their own. I would sit on a bench and watch the kids practice but to no avail. I do not know what possessed me to walk over there but maybe it was I wanting them to succeed.

"Hey. I couldn't help but notice you were trying to learn magic?" I asked.

The two kids, one boy with green fur and the other a girl with pinky fur were looking down sadly at the red ball they were trying to levitate with their horns.

"So what's wrong?" I asked.

"We don't know where to start." The boy unicorn answered.

"Don't know where to start?" I was stumped at first. "Don't you kids go to a certain school to learn that?"

"Only certain schools mister." The girl unicorn sighed. "Like the gifted unicorn school."

"Oh that." I nodded, "Pretty hard to get in. Let alone you have to know magic beforehand."

"We don't know any magic though." They both said. "And the books are really expensive."

"Don't your parents teach you?" I asked.

"They're too busy." They answered.

"Oh..." That hit a little too close to home. I felt terrible. Parents too busy to teach their kids anything and to fend for themselves. Then I noticed one of them had a digital tablet.

"How much did you say the magic books were?" I asked again.

"My mom and dad said a lot. Something like four hundred bits for a special book from Canterlot."

I breathed through my teeth. "Really now? And how can your family afford a tablet?"

"A birthday gift..." The boy said sadly. "It took them all year to save for it. This was the cheapest one they could get."

"But you're glad they got it for you right?" I looked at it, indeed was an out dated model. And it was exactly the ones my company made.

"Oh yes. I can do... almost anything with it." The boy unicorn frowned. "Almost anything."

"Almost anything? What's wrong kid?" I asked again.

"Well. My friend here and I wanted to get at least one spell book off of here." He pointed to the APP. "But apparently because the spell books are from Canterlot we have to buy it full price along with a subscription to pay it monthly."

"Too expensive huh?" I looked at the APP to get a closer look. "Well here's your problem. The books they're trying to sell are a brand that only the school of the gifted would endorse. The books at the school are expensive to begin with." I curled my lip, "So that means that they're probably not getting their money worth and want to expand to non students buying these cluster buck books for even more."

"But we want to learn badly and those are the only books available." The girl unicorn sniffed sadly.

"Through the service yeah. But libraries should have something." I shifted my shoulders and gave back the tablet. "If you're going to learn magic you need an alternative. Those books are for gifted unicorns anyway and take it from me I read a few chapters enough to make my brain hurt."

"Are they really that hard?" The girl unicorn asked.

"Believe me. It is." I assured them. "But what if something else came along that can actually help you learn starter magic?"

"That would be swell!" They both chimed.

Then that is when I got the idea for an APP. However, why stop there? New model tablets, Hell even a brand new service my company could create! Okay maybe I got a corn dog before I came up with the idea but still it was worth it. I ran back to the development team and told them the idea. I drew up plans and everything. I showed Big Tex and explained what I was trying to carry out. He said it was a gamble but he was willing to give it a shot since this was my turn to lead a project. It took a full year to build it and to include all the things we wanted. WiFi, music downloads internet, online bookstore, etc. At this point, I met my fiancée Swan for the first time as she was going to be my head assistant. My Celestia, she looked beautiful. Almost like a swan with her swan like neck, her white color, blue eyes, and blue mane. At first, we did not get along with the idea of what should be considered. However, in the end, we finally agreed that the ponies were the ones that needed the help. Not just a percentage. We did not start getting closer until the project was nearly over. This project nearly made me go insane because something new from a rival company would come up with something and we had to add it as well. At this rate, I fear the tablet would be far too expensive to afford.

However, I had an ace in the hole. I came up with a new form of memory transfer, size of a memory card that plugs into the back of the tablet it saves everything. Take it out and put it into a new model, all your files and settings will be there. It was genius; no longer did providers have to make you reset all your information just for a new product. I made a new APP for magic learners and called it Lucrecia since she was the best magic tutor I ever knew. Filled it with basic spells for fillies and colts to learn before they take on the world, later on updates added constantly, week by week. I filled the entire APP with grandma's spells well most of them.

Well. We had special testers ranging from young ponies to old to play around with the device. I was too nervous thinking that the device would be too hard for them to use. Twelve months of work to go down the tube. However, to my surprise, every pony enjoyed my project and rated it very high. My grandparents must have watched out for me. The rest was history; we packaged the tablet and shipped them out. Asking for maybe a bit much but it was worth it. The money came in around the hearts and hooves holiday and we had a winner. Number one present. Soon almost every pony in Equestria owned one. Big Tex congratulated me with being the head of research and development team. For a bit, we just made more and more APPS and updates.

We struck out of ideas for the time being. Until the company that made the Ponystation called, us up and asked for a proposition. To my surprise, they wanted my team and me to design the next Ponystation game console. My Celestia, this was too good to be true. We agreed and my team and I went cracking on it. Must have thrown out hundreds of designs to decide on one. Exhausted with the last project, Swan and I decided to take it easy and let the rest unfold. With a Pony E3 coming up I would hear that the design was all right, did not really wow any pony but oh well. It is what the thing did is what made their eyes bulge. Plays movies, games, can talk through it like a video phone. What won't that thing do?

Though one particular night. Big Tex took me to a party devoted to inventors and investors alike, even representatives from the military show up. Hell, I heard princess Celestia was going to show up. Ways to form partnerships mostly. I was allowed to bring a date, which else would I take. I asked Swan, at first she passed on the offer but I told her what it was for then she did a surprise one-eighty on me. She was going to have more fun than I did that was for sure. Went as much as I expected. Like a comic convention for nerds except its nerds that could build a bomb out of toothpicks and make it, dance to techno. Weird analogy I know. I met some extraordinary ponies that evening like Doctor Rainbow and her study of rainbows being used a laser. Sounds like a weapon sure but could come in handy someday. Then there was Doctor Shamrock who made a novelty invention of dissolving alcohol in your system after you drink it, just take a pill and boom. The effects will not matter, though useful for a Saturday night of fun.

Then I met up with an interesting stallion, a family friend you could say. Named Illusive Von Lorenzo, a prodigy that hailed from an important family. I did not quite catch it at first back then because I was distracted by his harem that followed him like sheep. Illusive Von, your Adonis stallion. Long blond hair, yellow coat, a unicorn. Wore a white suit, an overcoat over his shoulders. Sipping wine as he walked. Stylish glasses that hung closely to his nose than covering his eyes. Those eyes of his. Were rather, illusive. Almost like looking into a calming blue fire. It was just odd, but I just waved it off. I guess I had too much to drink already. He spotted me within an instant; we went through a few things together a few years prior. I introduced Swan to him. Go figure, he kissed her hoof. Swan blushed. As much to my dismay. Illusive Von would ask me about my inventions, all I really had was the phone app and some toy robots I built-in my spare time. To my surprise, I thought he would be difficult to impress. However, he just smirked and said it was thoughtful that I would think of the ponies that needed it.

Swan asked Illusive Von what he did. He explained that he was going to be the next head-in charge of his father's group; Black Op group out of the Royal army called the "Black Sun". They had a lot of tech on their side and small wars could be fought easily if Celestia ever had to call them in. I heard about the Black Suns from my uncle Aries; who was a guard during my youth saying they were tough and should never get on their bad side. However, they get the job done. I did not really talk much with my uncle Aries that much but Shining Armor actually admired this group in his youth. Thinking they were like GI-Pony but in real life. While they were not national celebrities, they were honored much as heroes. Thus giving the Lorenzo family a lot of breathing room with royalty. However, the Lorenzo family was better known as diplomats, politicians, scholars and prodigies.

The Black Sun ordeal was made up my Illusive’s father. Sheen Von Lorenzo, Speak of the devil. Quite a normal looking experienced business pony. Much like his son he was a unicorn but with dull gray hair. His weird eyes matched his sons. Well know we know whom he gets them from. Black suit Wrinkles here and there but kept him in a suave mood. Sort of like a Hugh Hefner type. He fancies smoking, as you cannot see him without a light and smoke. A very suave pony. He was also very social. He started the Black Sun when he was just starting out and had help from various sources to become the dominating OPS today. I talked with him for a few. However, something about seemed rather off. Almost a bit familiar, him and his son. Just can't put my hoof on it.

Sheen invited my family to his table for drinks. We talked. Had fun. But he was persistent. Wanted to know about me. He said I reminded him of some pony as well from back then. Do not see how, I am wearing this disguise to fool every pony for years and go into my new life as Fade Away. Regardless, I let it slide. However, his eyes and determination. They seemed a bit more than one lets on. This would not be the last time I would meet up with Sheen or Illusive over the span. However, they asked in interest if I was really that into technology, I said I liked making toys. That was it. Then, Sheen asked me another question. If I liked toys so much, can I make models? Sure I could, I loved those when I was a kid. However, where he was going with this. He wanted me to design him airships that could travel far distances across Equestria. Therefore, I rather formed a little pact with Sheen for a while designing him ships inspired by old television shows I used to watch. However, I did not stop there; I made all sorts of crazy things. From ships, to weapons, to body armor. They did not go far as he really liked my talent in designing; he kept the plans and agreed to credit me. Before I knew it, Sheen showed the military what I drew up. In addition, the military general came my way to ask me something. As well as his good friend the surgeon general.

At this rate, my future was certain. I felt like king Midas with the golden touch. Everything I placed a hoof on, I made better. But then, I realized I was not really happy. I watched all these families walking around. A mom, dad, kids spending time with each other. Swan and I were already dating and happy with our relationship but I was ready to pop the question. Finally asked on a wonderful night when we sat outside on a balcony eating our dinner. She said yes and it made me very happy. I would go on to tell every pony, well not every pony.

However, the next project would change my life even further. Both military and the surgeon general would one day drop in on us just to see how we are doing. Do not know why but Big Tex told me another proposition. This time, instead of making digital devices what if I could help with the military and hospitals. About the year when I was born, there was war fought in the barren wastelands outside of Equestria between ponies and griffons. Each side lost a lot. Death was in the millions. However, the injured were no longer being appreciated after losing a limb or an eye. Anything really. Now these days’ veterans are living unhappy lives being handicapped. I was stumped. I told them I would think about the idea.

Again, I would go out to take my walks to get ideas. However, I do not know why but I was on the bad side of town this time. I saw homeless ponies wandering trying to find scraps of food or money. It was unbearable. I was making money and yet these ponies do not have anything. However, what really sold me was a pony that could probably be around Twilight's age right about now. He just sat there with his back to the wall wearing ragged clothing. He had long black hair, white fur and was a unicorn. He was on the skinny side, poor explained it and had one leg and an arm, and the other were either amputated or blown off. I thought he was a girl at first because of the size but. Well moving on.

His name was Ghendi and that is the only thing he goes by. He sat there only looking at me, thinking I was going to give him change. Well, he was right. I felt sorry for the pony and gave him a twenty in his paper cup. He told me a gracious thank you and I walked off.

I would come back a couple of days later to find out he had a kid with him this time, again I keep going back to remembering my sister Twilight. Also was boy, white unicorn with blue hair was named Synn. Poor thing had bruises on him and looked very hungry. Then I would learn that the two were brothers. Already spent the twenty I gave them to eat but then ran out again. Back to begging, I do not know what bothered me the most. The fact that twenty bits could feed them for so long or the look of them begging. I would keep giving them money. I was often warned about panhandlers but this case was something different. Day by day, I would walk out there and give them money. Then I would learn that gangs would sometimes mug Hendy and his money would be stolen. The only thing I could think of is giving them money. How he got around was he crawled into his brother's little red wagon and Synn would pull him to go to the nearest food joint so they could eat.

I went back home and looked through my grandma's journals again. And stumbled back upon the metal limb project she used to work on before she retired. It hit me like a ton of bricks but why not? I saw not only limbless veterans but also regular ponies born with no limb either. In addition, if I know any better, the ponies with no legs would one day like to walk. Only problem. The metal. I went back to work and proposed the idea of the metal limbs. The surgeon general explained that the idea of a fake limb was not beneficiary enough but I told him that ponies that loose an arm or leg are missing life. The military general sat quietly. If we made limbs to act like real limbs then it would not feel awkward. They were still not sold on the idea yet. And I admit this was probably my worst idea yet.

I went over grandma's notes repeatedly. Same problem she world describe would come up. Joints would break. Screws would get loose and sometimes fall into drainage pipes. Metal would sometimes dig into skin. There was too much to go over and perfect. Let alone the idea of a prosthetic limb is not entirely new, it must have been perfected dozens of times for advanced than the last. The military general did not want veterans and his soldiers to ever feel useless in life. As with the surgeon, general wanting ponies to have a second chance at life. The idea, make a prosthetic limb that feels like the real thing and not some wooden or metal thing hanging off your body. If not metal or wood. Then what?

I had a difficult choice to make. Quit the project. Or go out and find a test subject that had no limbs. And I just know the pony to do so. Therefore, I found Ghendi and his little brother in the same spot trying to make the most of their un-fortunateness. I did not beat around the bush and asked Ghendi the question. Be my prototype. He did not answer. I explained that he had limbs he might not be hanging out in a gutter. He said he wanted to work but could not because of his condition. I gave him my word. I would help him and his brother out with a new start. After looking at Synn who was in poor shape, Ghendi finally agreed. We wasted no time have a doctor check him out and study his missing limbs. Sure, it looked disgusting but upon further inspection, it looked like a sword hacked off them because they were trapped under a heavy rock during some battle out west between ponies and griffins. I wanted to puke at the marks but tried to keep my cool. Bone was showing and all. His limbs were long gone, no use finding those.

I stayed up many nights. Ghendi and Synn would live with Big Tex and Betsy. Eat fine foods. Have warm beds. Take hot showers. Enjoy the finer life. However, me, I worked non-stop making up proper materials to help make a proper prosthetic. Swan and my team worried about me, this was indeed a challenge and was nearly outside my usual work. Going over the notes repeatedly. Along with coming up with plausible ideas to use. We finally came to a solution. An automated bone coated with thick coat to be durable and with real like skin and fur around it. The idea hit a few snags but in the end. Ghendi got a new back leg and forearm. We tested the new limbs with a series of training. Jumping. Riding, Running, Swimming, Fighting, He excelled at everything. The new limbs were a success. Veterans and accident victims were tested next passed with excellence. They said it felt like they never lost their limbs at all.

A success, another success. Thank you grandma.

In addition, with that, contracts were signed. Plans were given out for hospitals to use. Every pony went back to work. Morale has been boosted in the military and I am now a billionaire. I was on the cover of magazines. I went on talk shows to have interviews. I went to openings to new Big Tech stores and cut the ribbon. I was promoted far too many times than I could count. We can afford more building space and a better security program. However, that only left one thing... Ghendi served his purpose. Now what? Well. He said he was able to work so I offered him a job as part of security. He took it. He and Synn would be paid greatly where they could buy their own home but I invited them to stay with us. Big Tex and Betsy do not mind. The more the merrier they say. However, seeing what Ghendi does, he trains a lot. Almost makes you think was some sort of ninja or soldier. Well, good think I kept him in security. Synn would attend school normally.

My window of opportunity only opened up further.

I had many parties devoted to my success. I would hear endless praise. However, no, I gave a lot of the credit to my team and family. They deserve it. I am just glad I could help the world out instead of just Canterlot. Who also benefits from this?

However, that one party... I met a purple unicorn. She looked a bit too familiar and wanted to talk to me. She said she wanted an interview but really, she asked for my life story...

Twilight and I talked back and forth. Her wanting to tell the rest of the family I was alive. However, some reason I did not want her to do that. I explained to her that I was happy where I was and did not want to face mom and dad ever again. This was the best decision I ever made buy walking away from that douche bag father and enabling mother. Let alone the abusive brother. What was there to gain? Tell them I am alive and they come to apologize and want me back? Or tell them I am alive and rich and suddenly they start kissing up to me?

The next morning... I introduced Twilight to Big Tex, Betsy, Synn and Ghendi. The explanation was not easy, but I told them that Twilight was my sister from my earlier family. The one that treated me terribly. The room was silent. Twilight faced me, her face made me see she was uncomfortable. Big Tex and Betsy were looking at her weirdly but I told them she was all right. Synn just ate his cereal happily while Ghendi... I noticed was looking at her... in an interested way. Twilight sat down as Betsy asked her to join. Twilight settled on a grape fruit and toast. Questions asked, but Big Tex and Betsy knew what to ask. Nothing to push her on and making her feel bad coming from a bad family.

"So Twilight Sparkle. What brings you to our city?" Big Tex asked.

"Oh. Well two reasons... One I bought a tablet from a store in Ponyville and it said I was the one billionth customers and was invited to a Big Tech party." She pecked at her grape fruit some more.

"Well congratulations missy." Big Tex said to her happily, "Hope you had fun."

She nodded, "Oh I did Mr. Big Tex."

"So what else did you come for darling?" Betsy buttered her toast.

"Well... Also, for princess Celestia. She wants to present Vanishing... I mean Fade Away an achievement award in Canterlot." Twilight explained.

I nearly spit out my orange juice when she said that...

"Fade Away we don't spit at the table." Betsy scolded me.

"Uh..." I wiped my face clean then the area around me, "Sorry. Just surprised."

"But that's terrific news!" Big Tex chuckled, "First you were a break through inventor, got on the cover of a lot of magazines, invited to millionaire parties and now the princess of Equestria wants to give you an award." Tex patted me on the back repeatedly, a bit hard but that is what he is. A real dad.

"Oh it so is." Betsy clapped her hoofs together. Soon little Synn did also.

"Highest honor." Ghendi nodded.

"I always wanted to see the castle." Synn bounced up and down in his seat.

"Sweetie we don't jump at the table." Besty reminded him.

Ugh... Do not get me wrong. However, as Twilight would explain a lot about herself she kept bringing up my old family. Not that I am not proud do not get me wrong. It is just still a bit makes me uneasy just to hear Shining Armor's name. Yes, congratulations on the captain position but if you are still the same way down underneath then I sure hope they discharge his ass. However, not likely anymore since he married a princess himself. What a great way to earn immunity. Manipulative ass. Maybe I am wrong. Maybe he changed. However, I told Twilight I am not even going to give him or my former parents the satisfaction of a friendly chat. Cannot believe I am saying this but I rather have camera ponies follow me around. Or I could just cloak myself when I am stressed out.

I breathed in and out. And decided. I am not Vanishing Star in any form. I am Fade Away. Always will be. Big Tex and Betsy are Fade Away's parents that gave him the love and resources to build a future. Not Orion and Twilight Sr that ignored one of their children because he had no interest in perusing anything with royalty. Vanishing Star was a young pony that died or went missing in the desert all those years ago. Fade Away is some pony... Vanishing Star is no pony... However, why does the thought of a wandering child in large stretch of desert bother me so much? While I tried to separate myself from my old life, it just will not go away. Almost like Vanishing Star just wanted to go home but never did... Almost like a ghost that never rests.

I was clearly lost in my thoughts weighing the options. Go there and say that I am Vanishing Star this entire time and try to make things right. Or Go there and stay as Fade Away and leaving this thing buried in the past.

A few hours later. Twilight came into my room where I was going over plans for a couple new designs for updated phone models.

"That's great that you're getting married." Twilight smiled.

"Yeah. Never thought the playboy would ever get tied down." We both laughed. "I guess we all have to sometime." I look straight at her, "So... Any boys back in Ponyville waiting for you?"

She gasped then sunk her head in embarrassment, "No... I've been busy."

I hugged her, "It's quite alright. Don't want little Twilight to fall in love too fast."

She hugged back.

Then I asked, "So... if you don't mind me asking."

"Yeah?" She asked.

"Just... what happened that night after dad and I argued. You know. When he left me on the corner?" I asked.

"Well..." She turned her head away, "Dad drove around for five or ten minutes hoping to blow off some steam, mom was yelling at him again. When we came back to the parking lot, you were gone. Mom suddenly thought you were kidnapped while dad just assumed you walked away to teach him a lesson. We drove around calling your name but nothing. Mom called the police and dad drove around some more... We devoted most of the night and next day looking for you." Twilight sighed then continued, "The police took our story. Shining Armor and I were sent home while mom and dad kept looking."

"There... was supposed to be a surprise party for you the next day because it was a weekend. Grandma was watching the house for us and setting everything up. But when you went missing." She started to walk away and gave my globe a slight spin, "There were streamers, a big cake, lots of presents, banners, all of our relatives and friends. However, when mom and dad opened the door, I was surprised that you even got one... But mom cried and fell to the floor. Dad had a hard time explaining but he eventually did. The rest of the family was in disgust and couldn't believe what he done." Her head in shame, "Mom and dad got disowned by grandma Lucrecia and the rest of the family. Neighbors would get wind of this and called child services. Shining Armor would go to live with another relative of ours and I went to go stay at the castle because I was supposed to go anyway. Mom and dad would soon be arrested and there would be a trial. However, since they could not find your body they were found not guilty. Mom still hopes that you were alive in some form while dad took a vow of silence..."

I sighed. And sucked it up, "What happened to grandma Lucrecia?"