Sunny was finally asleep.
But Shining and Argyle were back on the sofa and Shining was more traumatized than she had ever been.
“A…arg…ile…” she weakly spoke as she hugged him.
“Shhh… hun please.” He whispered.
“They all know…” she sobbed.
“I know, I know.” Said Argyle nervously.
Both of them didn’t know what to do now. The facade was lifted. And they couldn’t do this again. Even more so now that poor Sunny was involved.
“Hun. I don’t have a plan anymore… but… I do have an old one.” Said Shining.
“W-what do you mean?” Asked Argyle.
“You know. The original plan… we find the three crystals.” Said Shining.
“Hun. Why are you talking about that now?” Asked Argyle.
“Love… I don’t want to do this… but. I need to leave.” Shining cried again.
“No… Shining please don’t…” Said Argyle.
“I have to… for Sunny. For you. For all pony kind.
If I can find the other crystals we can protect them like we said we would.” Said Shining.
“Love… please. She needs a mother!
And you know they can’t activate unless.” Argyle struggled to speak.
“I know. I know we can’t be that spark.
We can only protect them. Safe in the harmonic apparatus.
…
But… Sunny. It’s her. She is the spark of friendship the three crystals need.” Whispered Shining.
Argyle went wide eyed.
“Love, look at the family blanket. And closely.” Shining said moving part of it out of the crib.
Argyle looked at the blanket. Then Sunny.
And then his mind snapped…
On the edge of that blanket. He could see an orange earth pony with a purple mane. With one notable detail.
She had the wing of an Alicorn on her.
“It can’t be. It’s impossible.
All this time… all this time it was Sunny on there?!
What does this mean!?
How can this be?…” Argyle was at a loss as he went through a rollercoaster of emotions.
“We. Were always meant to be. That’s what this means for us.
Argyle. Sunny Starscout is the most important pony here right now.
We need to protect her. But she’s also the greatest thing that ever happened to us.” Said Shining.
“Absolutely. But Shining there’s got to be another way I’m not going to leave you alone searching for the crystals!” Argyle said.
“Hun. I need to protect her and you.
You can introduce her in a few years after I leave.” Shining said crying again.
“Please… no… I can’t lose you forever.” Argyle whimpered.
“No… love. You’re not. And I’m not being sentimental. I’m being literal.
I promise I will stay in bridlewood looking for the unicorn crystal until you join me again.” Shining looked him in the eye.
“Until Sunny’s old enough to take care of herself. You can make your escape and reunite with me until we become the happiest family we were always meant to be.
Promise me Argyle that you will raise her right. And that you will teach her to love all ponies no matter what.
Promise me. That you will find me in bridlewood when she’s ready to spread that love.” Asked Shining.
“I-I promise.” Said Argyle.
“Good.” Said Shining leaning in close to him.
And they kissed tears rolling down their eyes.
“I love you Argyle Starshine.” Said Shining before knocking him out.
Shining left a momento from her past and kissed her daughter goodbye.
“Goodbye my sweet Sunny Starscout. I love you so much. And I promise I will return.” She whispered to her before finally walking out and running off into the night towards bridlewood.
===
When Argyle woke up. He was alone with his daughter Sunny Starscout.
And in his hoof, he saw Shining’s hat… with her hoofwriting inside saying.
“I love you.”
And he kept it as a treasure ever since.