//------------------------------//
// Ch. 29 - Family 
// Story: A Trail Leading Home 
// by Hades Shadow 92 
//------------------------------//


Chapter 29



– Family –


Trail Blazer sat at his desk in his room, looking over the pages in front of him. He had been working on this one page all morning. Crumpled papers lay all across the floor of the room, signifying his frustration. 

Trail groaned as he crumpled another paper, throwing it behind him. 

“That is quite wasteful brother.” A female voice came from behind him. 

He turned to see Zala walking into the room with a tray balanced on her back, three tea cups sitting, steam coming off the tops.

“Bill me. And I’m not in the mood for tea.” Trail said grumpily. 

“It will help you concentrate brother. This happens everytime you start a new book.” Zala said, placing a cup on his desk. 

“Yeah yeah.” Trail grumbled. 

“Wow, you’re a real grump when you write. And you were so happy when you got home too.” Tala snarked from the doorway. 

“Oh yes, I’m always happy to come home to my supportive sisters.” Trail said. 

“Hey, I support you. Just stating the facts.” Tala said. 

“Do you have nothing better to do than bother me?” Trail said. 

“Nah. Not really.” Tala said, flopping onto Trail’s bed lazily. 

“Great, now I’m gonna have hair and feathers all over my bed.” Trail said. 

“Hey, I don’t shed!” Tala said sharply. 

“Oh no, not at all sister. I certainly don’t clean your sheets with a lint brush everytime I wash them.” Zala said, still standing by Trail. 

“Oh yeah. What about you? All those beauty products and perfumes in the bathroom. I feel like I’m walking into that prissy unicorn’s boutique everytime I go to take a leak.” Tala said back at her. 

Zala turned to glare at her, “At least I care about my appearance. When’s the last time you actually brushed your fur? Or preened for that matter.” 

“Hey! I preen every night. And I put all my feathers into the trash. Unlike you when you have to cut your mane. The sink was clogged for a whole day!” Tala yelled. 

“Will you both get out and scream at each other elsewhere!? I’m trying to concentrate!” Trail yelled at his sisters. 

“Butt out!” They both yelled at him, throwing some of the crumpled up paper at the back of his head. 

He turned and threw paper back at them. Soon it was a fight, paper balls flying everywhere. The fighting went to the living downstairs after Trail started to use magic to pummel the girls with paper. 

Trail had taken to using the underside of the stairs as cover, while Zala was hiding behind the doorway to the kitchen. Tala had made the couch into a fortress and was continuing the attack on Zala. Trail took the opportunity to fire at Tala while she was distracted, landing a hit right in her beak. The griffin puffed out her feathers, only to receive another blow to the side of her head from her zebra sister. 

As Zala laughed at her success, Trail hit her with a paper ball. This messed up her mane a little and made her face burn red with rage. The paper balls flew faster between all three of them now. It was a storm of projectiles that didn’t seem to have any sign of stopping. 

They were so focused on the battle of hoof, they didn’t even notice the front door opening. 

All of the sudden, every single ball in the air stopped, wrapped in a pink magical glow. The sibling trio all stopped as they recognized the magic.

“Ahem.” A soft voice cleared their throat. 

They all turned to see an elderly mare they all knew well. And she was giving them all a disapproving glance, tapping her hoof on her wheelchair.

“Hi Mom.” All three siblings said in unison. 

The balls of paper were all floated into the trashcan near the front door, and Starlight and Comet made their way into the house. Comet giggled at the scene, and even Starlight let out a cute little giggle. 

Then the trio found themselves pulled by their ears to the center of the room, where Valley Trail met them with that same glance. 

“Mother, we can explain.” Zala said nervously. 

“Oh I do hope so dear. Explain to me why three adults are acting like children. What kind of example are you setting for little Comet?” Valley said. 

“She started it…” Tala grumbled. 

“I do not care who started it Tala. Now, I want you three to apologize to each other.” Valley said sternly. 

The three looked at each other and hesitated for several seconds before Valley cleared her throat once again. They eventually relented.

“Sorry for being so grumpy about my writing sisters. I should know better.” Trail said apologetically. 

“No Brother. I am sorry. I was being childish.” Zala said. 

“Yeah, you both were big babies.” Tala said snarkily. 

As she said that, the pink glow around her ear returned and pulled. 

“Ow! Ow! Alright, I’m sorry!” Tala screeched. 

Her ear was released and she rubbed at it, “Geez Mom, you’re gonna pull my ear off one of these days.” 

“Well, you don’t listen very well to begin with.” Valley said, giving a little smirk. 

Tala grumbled, but only for a second. Soon all three siblings rushed over to the elderly mare in the wheelchair. Valley Trail chuckled and embraced them as well. 

“Good to see you again Mom.” Trail said, a tear falling down his face. 

“Yes, it is so wondrous to have you here Mother.” Zala said, a tear forming in her eye as well. 

Tala didn’t say anything, but she did nuzzle into the mare’s neck more than the others did. 

“My children. You all look well. I trust you have done well for yourselves since last we saw each other.” Valley said. 

“We have Mother. We have a wonderful home here. And Comet is doing so well in school.” Zala said. 

“I know. She showed me the school.” Valley said, turning to see the filly, who was still giggling. 

Trail groaned at his daughter, feeling embarrassed. But also noticing that Starlight was now giggling too, his face grew red. 

Valley noticed this and smiled, “Starlight has also told me she has taken Comet under her wing. Such a talented mage teaching our little Comet is truly a blessing.” 

Starlight blushed at that, “Please. I’m not famous or anything.” 

“Student to Princess Twilight and the mare who lead the rescue operation against Queen Chrysalis.” Trail said, listing off her accomplishments. 

Starlight’s face grew more red, “Trail!” 

“Hey, I didn’t know about that.” Tala said, flying behind Starlight to prevent her escape. 

“Looks like little Miss Glimmer is more awesome than I gave her credit for.” Tala smirked.

Starlight’s face grew so red, you could swear she had steam coming off her forehead. 

“Now now Tala, let us not embarrass poor Starlight too much.” Zala said, coming to Starlight’s rescue. 

Starlight let out a sigh of relief, her face staring to lose that redness. 

“Though I must say, our brother sure knows how to pick ‘em.” Zala snarked. 

The redness returned to Starlight’s face again, even more intense than before. Trail also started to glow red. 

“Zala!” Trail shouted. 

Both sisters started to laugh at the embarrassment of the two unicorns. Valley rolled her eyes and gave the two girls a flick on the ear with her magic.

Comet looked at her father and teacher, seeing the embarrassment on their faces. What Auntie Zala had said, what did she mean?

Comet pondered these thoughts for a few minutes, not realizing that everyone had sat down on the couch to relax. She walked over to sit next to her father, who was sitting away from Starlight, both not looking at each other for more than a few seconds each. 

“So Mom, why didn’t you tell us you were coming to visit?” Trail asked. 

“A mother can’t surprise her family. Besides, if I had, Zala would still be trying to make the place spotless for my arrival.” Valley said. 

Zala looked away from everyone staring at her, not giving them the satisfaction of her lack of denial to the statement. 

“Well it’s always nice to see you Mom. But please tell us next time. You know we don’t like you to travel alone.” Trail said. 

“I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I thought you had learned that when you three tried to put me in that retirement home.” Valley said. 

“We just worry about you Mom.” Tala said quietly. 

Valley brushed her daughter’s head with magic, “I know dear. But I am not ready to retire just yet.” 

“So you live all by yourself Valley?” Starlight asked. 

“Yes, in our old family home. In the forests just south of Baltimare.” Valley explained. 

“Guess that explains why Trail is such an outdoor pony.” Starlight chuckled. 

“Guilty as charged. I know every inch of that forest. I could walk through it blindfolded as a kid.” Trail said. 

“I tried to get him to do it for real, but he wussed out.” Tala snarked. 

“I didn’t mean it literally. I could have walked over a root, or stepped on a snake!” Trail shouted at the griffin. 

Everyone laughed at that, even Trail after a few seconds. 

“So Zala, why do you and Tala call her Mom?” Starlight asked. 

“Cause she adopted us.” Zala said. 

Starlight looked over at Valley, who smiled. 

“Indeed I did. My husband and I both. I remember it like it was yesterday.” Valley said, leaning back in her wheelchair. 

“We had some business in Griffinstone, and after we had concluded our business with our very greedy griffin supplier, we came across a young griffin chick being pushed around by some older younglings. My husband scared them off while I picked up the little chick. She was very hesitant about me holding her, but she was so tired and malnourished that she didn’t have the energy to resist me. I couldn't bear to leave her there, so we brought her home. And that night, we gave her the name Tala.” Valley said, telling her story. 

Tala came over and nuzzled Valley lovingly. 

“Not long after that, we started to experience some thefts in our pantry. So one night I stayed up to see what could have been stealing from our storage. Little did I know, I would meet a certain zebra filly. I caught her burying her head in a cereal box. She was thin, and the most adorable little filly I had ever seen. When I approached her, she thought I was going to hit her for stealing. I grabbed the poor dear and held her tight. She started crying into my chest when I told her she could have anything she wanted to eat. In the morning, I showed her to my husband and we decided to adopt her as we had Tala. We gave her the name, Zala.” Valley finished. 

Zala quickly came over and hugged her mother. 

Starlight wiped a tear from her eye, “That’s such a beautiful story. I had no idea.” 

“I may not have birthed them, but I gave them their names and raised them myself. Trail was so delighted to have siblings. They were inseparable. Always getting into mischief, and never letting anyone hurt their family.” Valley said. 

“They are my sisters. Our bond goes beyond blood.” Trail said. 

The three siblings joined around their mother, giving the tightest, warmest family hug in existence. Comet jumped into her Nana’s lap and joined in on the family hug. 

“You’re such a beautiful family.” Starlight said, her heart so warm in her chest. 

“Thank you dear. What about you? Tell us about your family.” Valley said. 

“Oh it’s just me and my dad. He lives in Sire’s Hollow, where I grew up.” Starlight said. 

“And what about your mother?” Valley asked. 

Starlight’s ears lowered, “I don’t remember my mother very well. She died when I was a filly.” 

“Oh goodness. I’m so sorry Starlight.” Valley said. 

Comet immediately rushed to hug her teacher, which Starlight returned gratefully. 

The family and their guest all enjoyed themselves in the living room. Zala even made tea and cookies for everyone to enjoy. Starlight was enjoying all the stories of Valley Trail and how she raised the three siblings. She even helped raise Comet during her earlier years. Starlight was once again curious about Comet’s mother, as she had not been mentioned at all when it came to Comet’s younger years. But she knew better than to bring it up with Comet and Trail around. Maybe she could get Valley alone and ask her questions. 

“So Valley, where is your husband?” Starlight asked. 

Valley grew solemn, “My dear Cloud Trail. He passed away years ago I’m afraid.” 

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Starlight apologized. 

“No no dear. He passed peacefully. We all do miss him, but he would not want us to be sad.” Valley said. 

“Still, I’m sorry. It must be hard for you to be without him.” Starlight said. 

“Terribly so. But he wished that I continue on for our family. And I will until I know I am no longer needed.” Valley said solemnly. 

“We’ll always need you Nana!” Comet said, hugging her nana. 

Valley chuckled and hugged the filly. 

The night continued on with much merriment. Valley even cooked a delicious meal fit for a grandmother’s cooking. Starlight admitted it was even better than Zala’s cooking. Though she couldn’t say it to the zebra’s face. The group all enjoyed themselves until the hours of the evening. Starlight eventually had to make her way back to the castle.

“It was lovely to meet you dear.” Valley said, waving Starlight farewell. 

“Same to you, Valley. Now I know where Trail gets all his charisma.” Starlight smiled. 

“Oh you flatter an old mare. Now get along, before it gets too dark.” Valley said. 

Starlight smiled and turned to Comet, who was standing next to her Nana, “See you tomorrow Comet. I know you’ll do great on your next test. You can always come to my office if you want some extra practice.” 

“Thanks Starlight. With you as my teacher, I know I’ll do good.” Comet said gleefully. 

Starlight smiled and lit up her horn, teleporting away from the Trail Family Home. 

“Alright young filly. It is far past your bedtime.” Valley said. 

“But Nana, Dad lets me stay up till 10.” Comet pouted. 

“Oh does he now? Well not while I’m here. Young fillies need their rest. Now come on. Nana will tuck you in.” Valley said. 

Comet smiled widely and ran to her room. Her nana did indeed tuck her in that night. As Comet laid in bed all cozy, she smiled up at the older mare. 

“I’m glad you’re here Nana.” Comet said. 

“I am too sweetie. I missed you so much. I’m so happy for you.” Valley said. 

“Will you be staying for Nightmare Night?” Comet asked. 

Valley looked at her with mock shock, “Like I would miss taking my little filly on her yearly candy hoarding?” 

“Yay!” Comet squealed. 

“But for now, little fillies need to go to sleep.” Valley said. 

“You’ll be here when I wake up?” Comet asked. 

“Of course silly filly.” Valley said, kissing her granddaughter on the forehead. 

Valley then started to quietly wheel herself out of Comet’s room and closed the door just enough for a little light to peek through. 

“You always were the best with children.” Trail said from the hallway. 

“I raised you three right, didn't I? Celestia knows it wasn’t easy.” Valley said. 

“I’m also glad you’re here Mom.” Trail said. 

“I am too. And such a wonderful new home that you’ve found here.” Valley said. 

“Yeah. Comet has made so much progress.” Trail said. 

“She has. And you as well.” Valley said. 

“Me? I haven’t even started on the next book.” Trail said curiously. 

“Not the book. I meant that Starlight Glimmer. Such a nice mare.” Valley said. 

“Yeah, she’s a good friend. Comet really likes her.” Trail said, not understanding what his mother was saying. 

“I know. Like I said, such a nice mare. I hope to see more of her in the future.” Valley said, rolling down the hall to her room.

Trail looked confused at his mother. What could she be talking about? Sure Starlight was a nice mare, and he spent a lot of time with her. She’s a good friend. Nothing more.