//------------------------------// // Tiny bundles of joy part one. // Story: The Royal Three: Season Two // by Kingstar008 //------------------------------// February 10 1010 A.G Canterlot, Equestria 3:10 AM It was a chilly night in the city of Canterlot. And at this time all, of the city's residence were sound asleep, while Luna made sure that the dream realm was free of nightmares. Well, almost all of them. Canterlot castle, located in the northern part of the city, a few of its residents were wide awake. Atlas and Apollo we’re packing up a few more things before they had to catch their flight to the Twin Cities. More specifically, Surfside. The reason why they were going to Surfside all started a few weeks ago, when Canterlot was being invaded by the changelings. On that day, Apollo and Atlas saved a famous fashion model named Harmony breeze, from three changeling soldiers who wanted to harm her. As a thank you for saving her life, she and her husband decided to make them uncles to their soon to be born children. Their children are supposed to be born on February 21st. They decided to come 12 days early. When the humans heard the news about their nephews coming into the world that evening, they clear their schedule and book business class tickets. After Atlas was done packing things, he heard a knock on his door. He walked over and opened it. Revealing Celestia on the other side, wearing blue silk pajamas. “Tia, why are you awake?” He ask. “What? I can’t see my colt friend leave for his big trip?” Celestia said sarcastically. “No you can, that’s very sweet of you. It’s just I never thought I would see you up at 3 AM.” “You can thank Luna for that, I asked her to wake me up from my dreams when 3 o’clock came around. So I can tell you both goodbye for her. Anyway, do you have everything packed?” “All packed and ready to go.” Atlas said as he grabbed his suitcase handle. “I don’t know about Apollo though.” “Well, let’s find out.” The sun Alicorn said before she lit her horn, and they teleport in front of Apollo’s bedroom door. Atlas knocked on the door and said. “ Apollo, are you ready to go?” “I’m ready, just give me a few minutes.” A little while later Apollo came out of his room with his suitcase behind him. “Sorry for taking so long.” He then notices Celestia standing right behind his brother. “Oh, hi Celestia, what are you doing up so early?” “I’m seeing you off and Luna wants me to tell you goodbye for her.” Celestia replied. “Let me guess. Tonight is a very busy night?” Apollo ask. “Yes, tonight is very busy for her.” “Damn, that sucks.” Apollo said. He wish he could help her out sometimes with all of the PTSD related nightmares she had to deal with lately. But he knew he couldn’t since he doesn’t know how to get to the dream realm let alone navigate it. After all, he doesn’t want to end up like a lost tourist he sees all time back home in New York or in Canterlot. “So are we going to walk to the front door or we’re teleporting there?” He ask. “Teleportation.” Celestia and Atlas sad at the same time. Celestia lit her horn again and teleported herself and the siblings to the castle’s front door. A moment later, a carriage stopped in front of the castle gate. “That’s our ride. Goodbye Celestia, we will back in a few days.” Atlas said. “See you later, Tia.” Apollo said. “Goodbye boys, I hope you have a great time in the Twin Cities.” Celestia hugged the humans and gave Atlas a kiss on his left cheek. After they separated, Atlas and Apollo walked towards the castle gate. When they got halfway to the gate, Celestia remembered something very important. “Apollo, Atlas.” Celestia called out. “Yes?” The brother said in unison. “Tell Harmony I said congratulations for me.” “We will.” They responded. Before they hopped in the carriage, the two brothers waves at Celestia one last time before getting in. After that, the carriage departed. Next stop, the Canterlot International Air Station. ===•••=== 3:45 AM After going through security and waiting for a good 10 minutes for their boarding group to be called, Apollo and Atlas. We’re now sitting in the business class seats, waiting for the blimp to takeoff. As expected the business class section was pretty empty, just like the rest of the blimp. The only passengers that were in their line of sight for a few business ponies and tourists. “Apollo.” “Yeah.” He replied, eating some salted peanuts he bought before he boarded the plane. “What the Twin Cities like?” He hummed in thought before answering. “Well in my opinion, Dockside and Surfside are two very great places to have a vacation. The cities are beautiful in the day and night. It’s very safe and the locals are very friendly. I just have to give you a heads up. The Twin Cities has a pretty large sea pony population, so expect to see some signs written in Ponish and SeaPonish.” (Sea Ponish is similar to Japanese.) “So basically like how Canterlot has signs written in kirish and in thersal?” Atlas said. “Yep.” “That’s interesting. It still amazes me that the six tribes have been living peacefully with each other for almost 3 millennia and they still speak their own languages. You would think that everyone would be speaking only Ponish at this point.” “I agree with you on that.” Apollo replied. “Is there anything else interesting about the Twin Cities?” “There is, like Surfside has a lot of celebrities thanks to the movie industry, but everyone knows that.” It was at this moment when the classic airline chime could be heard through the loudspeakers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3jH1qfw6X8&pp=ygUYYWlybGluZSBjYWxsIGJlbGwgc291bmQg “Fillies and gentlecolts, this is your captain speaking. I’m happy to announce that we just got the all clear from Air Traffic control to takeoff and begin our flight from Canterlot to Dockside and Surfside also known as the Twin Cities. The estimated flight time will be 5 hours and 50 minutes. Thank you for flying Paradise Airways and I hope you enjoy your flight.” After the announcements ended the blimp’s four propeller engines was turned on and the blades were spinning at their full speed. Two minutes later, the blimp took off from the tarmac. “Finally.” Apollo said, as he reclined his seat, almost to the bed position. “You’re going to sleep now?” Atlas ask as he tried his best to look out the window on the starboard side of the blimp. Since he and Apollo were in the middle row of seats. “No. This entire flight I’m going to enjoy every show and movie that this airline has the offer. I mean look at this. Their collection is bigger than JetBlue.” He said as he scrolled through the movies and TV shows on the screen. “Are you sure because by the time we get there you’re going to black out.” Atlas reply. “No, I’m not.” “All right, but if you black out when we get to the West Coast, I’m going to say I told you so.” Atlas said before he reclined his seat all the way back. Turning his seat into a bed. He snuggled up in a blanket handed to him by one of the stewardess and fell sleep. Meanwhile, Apollo start to watch a comedy movie while eating his peanuts. ===•••=== Surfside-Dockside International Air Station 7:40 AM (west coast standard time.) Apollo was sound asleep, snoring pretty loudly, when he felt something shaking him. His tired eyes slowly opened, trying to get used to the bright sunlight that was peering through the open windows. When his eyesight finally focus, he saw Atlas looking down at him with a smug smile on his face. “Rise and shine.” “What time is it?” Apollo ask as he rub to sleep from his eyes. “7:40 AM. We land in a few minutes ahead of schedule. And I-“ “Don’t say it.” “I told you so.” Apollo let out a long sigh. “So where you were asleep the entire flight?” “Nope, I’ve been up for the past three hours.” Atlas said. “You’re lying.” Apollo said, squinting his eyes. “If I was lying, how would I get this bag of popcorn if I was asleep?” Atlas was holding a bag of popcorn in his right hand. “Now I believe you.” Apollo conceded. “Good, now get your things, we got nephews to meet.” After Apollo put his seat back in his original position and got his carry-on from the overhead bins, he and Atlas disembark from the blimp. After they walked through the massive air station for a good 10 minutes, they finally arrived at the main entrance. Where carriages and a few cars were waiting on their passengers. “So how are we going to get to their house? By public transportation or teleportation? Because no matter how walkable the city might be there’s no way in hell I’m walking 20 miles.” Atlas ask. “He told me that he is picking us up and he has something cool to show us. I wonder what it could be.” Suddenly, they heard a loud car horn coming from a nice looking gray suv pulled up right in front of them. The passenger window opened, revealing a tan Pegasus in the driver seat. He lowered his sunglasses before saying. “Hey Yukons, welcome to Surfside.” “Sandune, this is the surprise you want to show us?” Apollo said in shock. “Yeah, I just bought this last week. When I saw this bad boy in the dealer, I knew I had to get it.” “Can we can sit in the front?” Atlas ask. “Of course, you can. Sandune replied. “Ok, because I called debs.” ‘Dammit.’ Apollo thought. After they put their carry-ons in the trunk, the two humans got in the suv and they drove off. ===•••=== 8:15 AM After they drove through the city, they ended up in a pretty wealthy neighborhood nearby the mouth of the river that flowed between Dockside and Surfside. A few minutes later they arrived at a beautiful two-story mansion. Apollo whistled before speaking. “That’s a beautiful mansion. Did you get inheritance or something?” “Nope. Me and Harmony worked hard on our careers.” Sandune said as he drove the car up the driveway and put it in park. After Apollo and Atlas got their bags from the trunk, Sandune open the front door and allowed to humans enter. The inside of the house was even more beautiful than the outside. The front them were two beautiful staircases with a chandelier between them. “Damn.” Atlas said in amazement. “This place is nice. Look at the chandelier.” “I’m glad you like my home. Though, I bet Canterlot castle is way better than this.” Sandune said. “That does it mean this house is any less beautiful.” Apollo said. “So where’s the family?” Atlas ask. “Well, Mira and Jack are visiting Harmony right now in the hospital and both sides of our family are going to be here in three hours.” “Ok. So when are your sons coming home?” Apollo ask. “They’re not gonna be here until tomorrow. The doctors wants to make sure that Harmony and the kids are healthy. You guys must be tired from your flight. Let me show you where your room is.” “Before you do that, can you give us a tour of your house?” Atlas ask. “Sure. which side of the house do you want to see first upstairs or downstairs?” “Doesn’t matter.” Apollo said. “Ok downstairs it is.” Sandune said as he walk down one of the hallways. And the Yukon brothers followed suit. “This house as you can see is pretty large, six bedrooms and five bathrooms to be exact.” “Six bedrooms! Thank goodness you’re having triplets.” Apollo said as he look around the beautiful hallway. “Yeah. But me and Harmony bought this house to accommodate our growing family.” “That’s pretty proactive of you guys.” Atlas complemented. “Thanks.” It was at this moment, when the three of them entered a Large room. “Here is the first stop on our tour. This is the living room with a kitchen nearby and over there is the dining room.” “Wow.” The Yukon brothers said. In the middle of the room is a large brown couch made out of leather surrounding a black coffee table. With a large flatscreen TV on the wall in front of it. Outside of the sliding glass doors was a well kept backyard with a pool, hot tub and a patio with a fireplace in the middle of it. The cherry on top this entire set up was the breathtaking view of downtown Surfside. “Damn, this couch is so soft.” Apollo said. He then noticed two buttons on the side of his armrest. He press one of the buttons causing the chair to recline. ‘I wish we had this back in Canterlot.’ Apollo thought. He picked up the remote that was in one of the couch’s cupholders and turned on the TV and was surprised of how clear the sound was. “Hey Sandune.” “Yeah, Apollo.” He called from the kitchen. “How come you never told us that you had a surround sound system?” “I didn’t think it was necessary to mention it.” Sandune replied. “Are you going to relax here for a little while or are come with us to see the rest of the house?” “I’m coming, I’m coming just give me a second.” After he turned off the TV and put the chair back to its original position, three stallions continued with the rest of the tour. After a little bit of walking, Sandune stopped in front of a set of doors that look similar to the ones he might find a movie theater. “Our next stop is a room I know the family and the two of you will love.” He pulled open the double doors revealing a mini movie theater inside. “Oh my God, you guys have a mini movie theater.” Apollo said in surprise. “Did you pay some pony to set this all up or did it come with the house?” “It came off the house believe it or not.” Sandune replied. “Harmony and I use this place to watch regular TV sometimes or watch a movie together. The theater even has it own popcorn machine.” The tan Pegasus said, pointing at the machine in question. “Man, your kids are going to be so spoiled.” Atlas said as he explored the theater. “Not on my watch. I’m going to make sure and my boys are going to be the most down to earth ponies you will ever meet.” “Even more down to earth, the Mira?” Apollo ask. “I don’t know if that’s possible, but yes.” ===•••=== 8:35 AM After Sandune gave the Yukon brothers a tour of the entire house and showing them his cool stallion cave in the basement, the tour finally ended and he escorted them their room. “And this is where you will be staying for the next two days.” Sandune said as he open the door for the humans. “Damn, for a guest room this is really nice.” Atlas said as he placed his suitcase nearby the king size bed. “Hey Sandune, thanks for allowing us to stay in your house.” Apollo said as he started to unpack his things. “You don’t have to thank me, you’re part of the family now. I am eternally grateful for you both for saving my wife. It’s the least I can do.” “We were just doing what any other equestrian would’ve done.” Apollo said. “I am going to leave you guys alone for now. If you need anything, just let me know.” After that, Sandune left the two humans alone. Apollo lay down on the bed and was surprised of how soft the mattress was. “Hey Atlas, you need to fill this mattress man. It feels so soft.” Without a second thought, Atlas jumped on the bed back first. “Oh shoot, you’re right. This is softer the a Tempur-pedic mattress.” “Do you think it’s better than our beds?” Apollo ask. “Dude, this bed makes our mattresses back in Canterlot feel like a pile of rocks. This has to be a cloud or something.” “Ring ring ring ring. This is a Cloudsdale, we want our clouds back.” Apollo joked. Atlas started to laugh. After they laugh for a good minute, the room went silent. “So, what should we do now?” Atlas asks. “I don’t know. Maybe we should stay in here for a little while and play on my phones or watch some TV.” Apollo replied. “Na, I was thinking of hanging out nearby the Koi fishpond or going in the movie theater.” Atlas said as he got off the bed. “Do you want to come?” “I’m good.” “All right, I’ll see you later.” Atlas said as he walked out the bedroom. ===•••=== One hour later. 9:35 AM Speakers: “The beluga whale navigate the Arctic sea ice with her calf right next to her.” Atlas was in the mansion’s mini movie theater, watching a nature documentary while eating some freshly made popcorn. He’s been here for almost an hour now. And he has been enjoying every second of it. Then, all of a sudden, the door to the mini movie theater opened, illuminating the entire room with bright sunlight. Atlas paused the documentary and looked behind himself to see Sandune standing in the doorway. “Hey Atlas, me and Apollo are going to visit Harmony and the kids, do you want to come?” “Wait, we’re doing that now!? Oh crap.” He said as he turn off the movie screen and rushed out of the room. “Before we go I need your opinion on something. Do I look good?” Atlas is wearing a white T-shirt with gray cargo pants. “You look great. But you don’t need to be worried about that. Newborns don’t care about fashion.” “I know, but I want to look presentable. Where is Apollo?” “He’s in the car.” Sandune replied. ‘Knowing him, he is already in the front seat.’ “So are you ready to go?” “Ready as I could ever be.” When the two of them went outside, Atlas’ prediction was correct. His brother was in the front seat. ===•••=== Surfside medical center. 9:50 AM After they arrived at the hospital, Sandune, Atlas and Apollo enter the main lobby and walked toward the reception desk. “Good morning, we’re here to visit Harmony breeze.” Sandune said the white unicorn mare behind the counter. “And what relation do you have with the patient in question?” The receptionist ask. “I am her husband and these two are friends of the family.” He replied. After looking through a large binder filled with patients names, the receptionist placed her finger on the top of the page and said. “Ok, Harmony is on the fifth floor in room 518. Here’s your visitors passes and I hope you have a nice visit.” “Thank you.” Sandune said as he and humans walked away. After the trio got off the elevator, they walk down the hallway until they found room 518. After they got permission to enter the room, Apollo open the door. And what they saw could melt anyone’s heart. Inside of the hospital room was Harmony breeze, laying in her hospital bed with a smile on her face. In her arms were three little babies wearing blue onesies. “Good morning, honey.” Sandune greeted before giving his wife a kiss on her for head. “How are the little ones?” “They been nothing but wonderful little angels.” She replied. “Hey Atlas hey Apollo, I’m glad you’re here to meet the little ones.” Harmony said. “We wouldn’t pass an opportunity to see our nephews.” Atlas said. “What are the names of these cute little guys?” Apollo ask. “Their names are Adrian, Aegean and last, but not least Caspian.” “Can I hold one of them?” He ask. “Yes, you can, just be careful with him.” Harmony said as she passed baby Aegean to Apollo. Apollo look at the adorable baby sea pony cradled in his arms. The little guy had the same aqua blue coat like his mom and a little bit of mane sticking out of his blue baby hat was the same sand color as his dad. “Look at him. He’s so freaking adorable.” Apollo said. “Can I hold a baby as well?” Atlas ask. “Sure.” She passed baby Adrian to Atlas. It was at this moment when little Aegean stirred from his slumber and opened his hazelnut colored eyes. “Hey there little guy I’m your uncle, it’s nice to meet you.” Apollo said to the little newborn. As a response, the little baby smiled at the human and tried to grab him with his tiny little hands. “Aww, he likes you.” Sandune said. “Do you love your uncle Apollo? Yes you do you little guy. yes you do.” He said as he allowed Aegean to grab his finger. This made the little guy laugh his little head off. This is when Atlas notice Adrian was also starting to wake up as well. When he finally open his eyes, Atlas said. “Hey little guy.” But instead of a smile, Adrian’s eyes filled up with tears his lip quivered and he began to cry. “He doesn’t even know my name and he already hates me.” He said, feeling bad that he might’ve scared the infant. “He doesn’t hate you he’s just hungry. Just passed him to me and you’ll see.” Harmony said. And Atlas did just that. After Harmony received Adrian back in her arms, she pulled her right breast out of her shirt. Adrian latched onto the nipple and started to drink like there was no tomorrow. “You’re a hungry little sea pony. Yes you are.” She said to the now calm infant. “Well, that’s a relief. I thought I screwed up already.” “While we wait for Adrian to finish how about you hold little Aegean for a little bit. He also wants to say hi to you.” Apollo said as he handed the little baby to Atlas. “Hello Aegean, aren’t you a happy little baby.” Aegean made some happy baby noises try to grab Atlas with his tiny hands. While Atlas was having a nice time with his nephew, Harmony finished feeding Adrian. She covered her self up and patted his back causing him to burp. “They’re, all better now. Apollo, do you want to hold Adrian for a bit?” “Yes, please.” ===•••=== 10:00 AM After 10 minutes of socializing with harmony and her babies, the Breeze triplets were exhausted and were now sleeping in their mother’s arms. “Look at them, they look so peaceful.” Apollo said, as he watched the triplets sleep together. “They are adorable.” Atlas replied. “Hey guys, it’s time for us to go.” Sandune said as he looked at his watch. “Already?” Apollo ask. “Yep, it’s 10 o’clock.” “It was nice seeing you again, after all this time.” Apollo said. “It was nice seeing you again as well. I know that these little guys enjoyed their time with you.” Harmony replied. “When you get discharged tomorrow, you’ll make sure I’ll be the first one to pinch one of the babies cheeks, right?” Atlas ask. “Don’t worry I’ll make sure you’re the first one in line.” “Thanks.” “We will wait for you by the elevator.” Apollo said as he and Atlas walked out of the room. “OK.” Sandune replied. A few seconds later, Atlas came back in the room. “I almost forgot, Celestia wants me to tell you congratulations on having a triplets.” “Wow I never expected the sun empress to congratulate me. Thanks for telling me.” “You’re welcome and see you tomorrow.” After that, he left the room once again. ===•••=== 11:20 AM After they left the hospital and got a bite to eat in a nice restaurant, Atlas and Apollo we’re now back in the mansion, while Sandune went to the air station to pick up his family. Apollo was in the mini movie theater while Atlas was in the loft. While Atlas was finishing up a game of Mario kart, he heard the front door unlock. “Hey guys I’m back. And I brought some ponies who really want to meet both of you.” Sandune said as he entered his house. “Ok, I’m coming down.” After he put his phone in his pocket Atlas walk down the stairs. He thought of sliding down the railing, but he decided to do it. After he got to the first floor he saw that there was five ponies accompanying him. Three sea ponies and two Pegasi. “Oh my, you’re right, he is tall.” Said the older sea pony mare. “Yeah, I get that a lot. My name is Atlas and I’m guessing both of you are Mira and Harmony’s parents.” “That’s right. My name is Oasis and this is my husband, Allure.” “Hello.” The older blue sea pony stallion said. “My name is Jilly.” Sandune’s mom greeted. She is a tan Pegasus with black mane and tail. “And this is my husband Daniel.” “Nice to meet you young stallion.” Daniel greeted. He is a brown Pegasus with a Sand colored mane and tail with two gold stripes. “It’s nice to meet all of you. Who’s the buff sea pony that’s helping Sandune?” “That’s my father, his name is Icon. The family usually call him grandpa Icon.” Oasis said. ‘Wow, for a great, great grandfather he really looks good for his age.’ He thought. “Where is your brother? Sandune said he came with you on this trip.” Oasis ask. “He’s in the movie theater.” “Oh. So when will he be back?” Daniel ask. Atlas was confused for a moment before realizing something. “Didn’t your son tell you?” “Tell us what?” “This mansion has a mini movie theater.” The middle aged ponies eyes widened. “You’re joking, right?” Allure ask. “I’m not joking and believe me, me and Apollo couldn’t believe our eyes when he open the doors. I can show you where it is.” “Please do.” He said with great interest. So, the four ponies followed Atlas to the double doors of the mini movie theater. When he was about to open the doors, he thought the movie theater would be empty. He was proven wrong when his ears were hit with the sound of police sirens and gunfire. On the big screen was an intense police chase and the main characters were shooting at the cops. Their aim was worse than a stormtrooper. Apollo paused the movie causing the lights inside the movie theater to turn on. He then looked behind himself, shielding his eyes from the bright sunlight, and ask. “What is it Jupiter?” “Sorry Titan, I didn’t know you were in here.” Atlas said sheepishly. “But thank goodness I found you because the family is here and they want to meet you.” “They’re here already? I’m coming.” he said before he put his popcorn on the other seat and got up from his chair. He didn’t have to walk far since the ponies that wanted to meet him and Atlas were already in the theater. “So you’re Apollo, it’s nice to finally meet you. My name is Oasis and this is my husband Allure.” “And I’m guessing you’re Sandune’s parents right?” “That’s right. My name is Daniel and this is Jilly. It’s nice to meet you.” “Same over here. Oh and congratulations on becoming grandparents.” “Thanks.” Allure said. “And since you and your brother are here we want to tell you about how grateful we are for saving Harmony from those changelings.” Oasis said. “You don’t have to thank us. We was just doing what was right.” Atlas said. “We’re still eternally grateful though.” Jilly said. “Did you meet the newborns already?” Allure said. “Yeah, we just met them an hour ago.” Atlas answered. “The triplets are so cute.” “We even took a few photos of them.” Apollo said as he showed them a photo of Harmony holding three sons. “Aww, they’re so adorable.” Jilly said. “I can’t wait to pinch their cheeks when I meet them.” Oasis said. “When are you going to visit them?” Atlas ask. “Sandune said we could visit them right now if we like. But we’ve been traveling all day and just want to relax for a little bit.” Daniel said. “Speaking of relaxing do you mind if we stay in here for a little bit?” Jilly asked. “I don’t mind at all.” Apollo replied. After everyone chose their seats, Apollo was about to unpause the movie when he ask. “You guys are fine with an action movie, right?” “I don’t care as long as it’s not a horror movie.” Allure said. “Same over here.” Daniel chimed in. The moment he unpause the movie, one of the characters pulled an RPG out from underneath his seat and shot it at the cops. Blowing up part of the bridge in the process, allowing them to get away. “Damn, that escalated quickly.” Atlas said to him self. ===•••=== After they finish the movie, the four ponies decided it was time for them to visit their grandkids in the hospital. Icon went with them as well. Leaving Apollo and Atlas alone in the mansion. After they got back from the hospital, the older ponies couldn’t wait for their grandkids to come home. ===•••=== 3:30 PM Apollo was walking down the hall towards the backyard wearing a white T-shirt and swimming trunks. He just finished working out in the gym and decided that a little dip in the pool would help him relax. After he put his towel on one of the poolside chairs, he put on his goggles, took off his shirt and jumped in. The water felt great on his skin. It wasn’t too hot or too cold. It was just right. Then he saw something that he wasn’t expecting at all. At the bottom of the deep end of the pool was Icon lying on his back, reading a news magazine. When the older sea pony felt the wave from Apollo’s cannonball he looked up from his magazine and saw Apollo waving at him. Icon waved back, close to his magazine, and float towards the surface. Apollo did the same. “Sorry for disturbing you, I didn’t know some pony was here.” Apollo said. “It’s all right, I don’t mind.” The Naval vet said. “Your Atlas, right?” “Atlas is my brother, my name is Apollo.” “Oh, it’s nice to officially meet you.” “You too. Why are you reading underwater?” “No reason, that’s just how I read sometimes when I’m back on land.” “Right, I remember Mira telling me you live in Lake mead. What is it like down there?” Apollo ask. “It’s a nice friendly neighborhood. It gets pretty busy, specially during the summer and winter months, but it’s nice place to live. But it’s hard to keep up with what’s going on outside of Las Pegasus. Especially when the news tries to grab your attention these days.” “It’s not that bad. I think it’s pretty tame compared with what they do back in America.” Apollo said. Icon raises an eyebrow. “Oh really. I still remember when you guys came around and they couldn’t stop talking about you guys for four months. Heck, there was section of the newspaper dedicated to talking about you guys.” Apollo cringed at the memories. “Yeah, that was a strange time. I’m still surprised how many strangers were interested in us. I'm talking about the innocent ones not the weird ones.” “Speaking of which, I saw footage of you three standing up to the changeling queen with that purple unicorn and Princess Cadence. For a civilian, you have a lot of guts.” “Thanks.” “I’ve been meaning to ask you boys something.” Icon said. “I’m all ears.” “You guys could’ve run away and hid behind the alicorns like every pony else. But instead you defended the city with them. Did you always had the courage to do that?” “Well kind of. When I saw what the changelings were planning for the entire country, I just couldn’t stand by and allow it to happen. This country doesn't deserve to a colony.” “And now you’re heroes. Especially to this family.” “I was just doing the right thing, that’s all.” For the next 30 minutes Apollo and icon had nice long conversation with each other. Icon told Apollo about the adventures he went on when he was in the Navy, and Apollo told him all the funny situation is he got himself in with his friends back in Canterlot and in New York. Eventually, they realize that they were in the pool too long and they decided to get out. “Hey, after we dry off, do you want to get a cream soda or whatever young ponies drink?” Icon ask. “Sure, maybe we can go down to stallion cave.” Apollo suggested. Icon look at him with wide eyes. “There’s a stallion cave in this house?” “Yeah, it’s in the basement.” Apollo answered. ‘Well, it looks like this is going to be a fun afternoon.’ Icon thought.