//------------------------------//
// 02 - The Problem and its Solution 
// Story: The Story of Everfree - a Narrative Chronicle 
// by Recon777 
//------------------------------//

Hyperion viewed the mortal ponies as insects and vermin. When he noticed them at all, he was disgusted with their construction of towns and villages on his planet. They had no place in his physical masterpiece, yet he tolerated their existence as long as they stayed mostly out of sight.

This posed a problem with his mate. She had grown rather fond of the mortals and spent a lot of time tending to them. Hyperion felt that Peri had an unhealthy obsession with her pets, giving too much attention to them. As a result, he grew jealous, leading to numerous moments of friction between them.

Typically, Hyperion would respond by attempting to win his mate’s attention with impressive physical constructs—a beautiful garden, a spectacular sunset, or even a meteor shower—anything to secure her attention.

However, what he could not tolerate was the growing fascination Periapsis had with the mortal ponies—the very creatures that would construct villages and cities on his masterful artwork. The very thorn in his side, which he had only mildly tolerated, had now become the very thing his mate spent her time tending to.

Hyperion was frustrated that such a situation could arise at all. There was no reason for it. Were not his impressive efforts to win her attention much, much more significant and attractive than anything those insects could offer? What was her problem, anyway? And after several discussions, why was he unable to dissuade her from this? Hyperion was most perplexed by the whole situation.

Then, one day, he realized what it was. Periapsis needed something to nurture. Hyperion did not have this need, but he recognized it in his mate. He had finally discovered the solution to her obsession. He put forth the suggestion that they have children together so Peri's nurturing attention could be diverted to something worthwhile. It was the perfect solution—little alicorns to care for and raise up to be just like them. Actual people, not these... vermin. He proposed the idea to her, and to his pleasure, she agreed.

A year following Hyperion’s suggestion, Periapsis gave birth to a foal she named Celestia. Her presence was bright like the sun. She was their little princess. A fitting title, for it made sense that an alicorn, daughter of the world’s rulers, would be a princess. Hyperion's plan was apparently a success. Periapsis diverted her nurturing attention to their daughter, and they basked in the joy of a happy family for a short while.

Not one to let success exist in a vacuum, Hyperion suggested a second child. When Celestia was six years old, Periapsis gave birth to her sister, Luna. Dark and spunky, she was a fitting counterpart to her elder sister, and for a while, it seemed like their family was complete.