Twilight's Life

by DuskShadowTheArkane


Hello World

Shining stayed another hour close to his sister due to the fact that Twilight would start to cry as soon as he tried moving his muzzle away. As soon as he had freed himself, he departed for home, his father staying behind to initiate his mother’s discharge, as she had made very clear that she didn’t want to stay in the hospital, her ‘point’ being two plates thrown after a nurse’s head when she informed her that the doctor planned to keep her for a few days. Shining stepped out of the hospital, watching the sun beginning to set on the horizon, and the moon initiating its slow ascent.. He smiled. It had been a great day. Who would have thought that he would get such a cute baby sister? He decided not to take the direct way home, but to take a stroll through the park next to the castle grounds. As he walked, he thought about the day and what future would hold for him and his family, now that Twilight was born.

It’s going to be entirely different now, but it’s going to be SO awesome! I have a little sis now! Twily and I are going to be the best siblings Equestria has ever seen. Oh, we’re gonna have so much fun together. I’ ll teach her everything I know about magic, games, and shenanigans, and she and I and Cadence… he stopped his train of thought and looked at the castle.

“CADENCE!” he shouted. “She wanted to know as soon as possible. I have to tell her,” he said to himself as he ran to the castle gates. He was sure that, as soon as he explained the whole situation, the guards would most certainly let him in.

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“We are most certainly NOT letting you in!” Shining was standing at the front gates, with two royal guards staring down at him, eyeing him suspiciously. Shining was looking from one to the other, contemplating what to do.

”But please, Sirs. I promised Cadence…”

“PRINCESS Cadence, peasant!”

“Yes, Sir. I promised Princess Cadence that I would tell her about my newborn sister as soon as possible. If you could just…”

”NO,” one of them, a huge unicorn, bellowed. “You are absolutely NOT allowed to enter the castle. If you want an audience with the princess, you’ll have to fill out this form -” He pointed to a sheet of paper that was nailed to a board on the fence. “ - And wait until you get an appointment! As for today, the royal court has ended!”

“But please, Sir, it won’t take long, I promise.”

”Hey, maybe you should let the colt go …”

“ENOUGH,” the unicorn shouted. “I said no, and that’s final. If you dare make any more trouble, the only thing you will see in this palace, is the dungeons.”

Shining’s head drooped and he turned away, starting to walk home again. He had taken three steps before he suddenly stopped and turned again, looking at to castle. The two guards tensed and watched him nervously.

No! Shining thought. Cadence is counting on me informing her of this news. I can’t let her down. She deserves to know. And as her knight in shining armor… He paused himself, cheeks reddening, ...yeah, I should probably go tell her. But how? He thought for a second before he knew what to do. Sweat started to roll down his face and neck. What he was about to do was considered crazy. Hay, it could even be considered treason. But, Shining thought, I’ll do everything for my beautiful Cadence. He looked the unicorn in the eye before turning away again. He walked a few paces away before he suddenly charged his horn.

“PRINCESS CADENCE!” he shouted, performing the spell. Before the guards had time to react, Shining was gone in a flash of purple light.

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Shining eyed his surroundings. He was standing in a wide hall, decorated with gold patterns and ornaments on both the walls and the high ceiling. The floor was made of the whitest marble in all of Equestria. He watched it all in awe. It was beautiful. It was divine. It was… then that Shining realized he had just broken into Canterlot Castle. He quickly scanned the whole room. At least he was alone. Or that’s what he thought.

”HALT! In the name of Princess Celestia of Equestria, you are under arrest!” Shining turned to see at least a dozen of guards, pegasi and unicorns alike, charge him. The unicorns fired various immobilizing spells in all directions, effectively destroying the ornaments and the tapestries of the hall. Shining only had a moment to consider the situation before a stray spell struck the ground not three paces away from him, creating a crater and throwing him back. He quickly got to his hooves and ran away from the guards. Even though he was still young, he was in good shape, and could easily get some distance between him and the armored guards. He ran up a stairway before turning left, running into a corridor that lead deeper into the castle. He could hear the guards closing up behind him and decided to turn it up a notch. As he ran into another corridor, he suddenly saw another group of guards approaching head-on.

“THERE HE IS! DON’T LET HIM ESCAPE!” a pegasus guard with huge wings, his face contorted in anger, shouted. Shining yelped in surprise, and bolted left into another hallway. When he reached the end he turned left again… only to run directly into a huge figure, sending him flying back onto his back. Shining sat down on his haunches and shook his head, trying to stop the world from spinning. When he could see clear again, he looked up to see what he had run into, expecting a statue or some sort of pillar. What it actually was made him wish it had been a group of hungry manticores.

“Uh – oh,” he said. ‘Uh – oh’ proved to be none other than the regal Princess Celestia, looking down at him with a surprised expression on her face. Her expression soon melted to be replaced by a warm smile.

”May I help you?” she said, leaning down to his eye level. Shining quickly scrambled to his hooves before leaning down in a deep bow.

“P-P-P-Princess C-C-Celestia,” he said, his whole body trembling and shaking with fear. “I am ever so s-sorry, p-p-please forgive m-me.”

“THERE HE IS! PRINCESS, WATCH OUT! SOLDIERS, GET HIM!” The hugely winged pegasus guard was back, flying at Shining with a high speed as his soldiers followed directly behind him.

”Relax, Commander Eagle Wings, the situation is under control. The colt has done nothing wrong,” the Princess simply said, looking up at her guards. Eagle Wings stopped mid-flight, causing his soldiers to come to a crashing halt as they all landed in a heap.

“But, your Highness! He’s an intruder! He has broken into the castle and…” Eagle Wings started before being silenced by the Princess’ raised hoof..

“I am well aware of the situation as it could be surmised not only by my detection spells, but also by the shouting of royal guards that could be heard throughout the entire castle,” she said, glancing sternly at her soldiers. “I would have thought that a whole squadron of my guard would be able to detain a colt of his age.” The soldiers blushed and stared at the ground. “Nevertheless,” she said, looking back at Shining Armor, “I will handle this situation myself. You are dismissed, Commander.”

Eagle Wings looked as if he was about to protest, but soon turned around and beckoned for his soldiers to follow him. Shining watched them go before turning around fearfully, looking directly at the Princess.

“So, young colt, do you want to tell me your name?” the Princess asked, her smile reappearing.

”Sh-Shining Armor, your Highness,” Shining answered, still a bit shaky.

”Shining Armor? I have heard of you before. My niece really likes to talk about you.” Shining blushed. He hadn’t expected this. “Well, Shining Armor,” the Princess continued with a suddenly stern look. Shining shrank under her gaze. “What exactly were you thinking when you broke into my castle?” Shining gulped. “Well?” the Princess asked, never breaking eye contact.

“I-I am very s-sorry your H-Highness,” Shining stammered. “It’s just that I w-wanted to visit Cad…P-Princess Cadence to tell her the n-news.”

“What kind of news would that be?” Princess Celestia asked.

”Well, your Highness. My little sister was born today and I promised to tell Princess Cadence as soon as it happened,” Shining replied, gaining some courage.

The Princess eyed him with a neutral expression on her face. Finally, she turned around and began to walk away. Shining stood, unsure of what to do. The Princess stopped and turned around.

”Follow me,” she told him before walking again. Shining gulped before catching up. He nearly had to run to be able to keep up with her brisk pace. He feared what was about to come.

Will I be thrown into the dungeons for trespassing? Or will I be banished? Whatever it is, there is absolutely no chance of me joining the Royal Guard now. Shining hung his head low as he followed the Princess. Joining the guard had been his dream for as long as he could remember.. And thanks to my stupidity, that’s never gonna happen now. What the hay was I thinking??? Shining mentally scolded himself. He looked up to realize that they were approaching a pink-painted double door with two guards in front of it. The guards bowed as the Princess stepped in front of the door, before standing up and scrutinizing Shining suspiciously.

“Thank you, guards, please resume your watch at the end of the corridor. I would like for us to have some privacy,” the Princess said friendly. The guards looked at each other before bowing again and walking to the end of the corridor. Shining was confused. Were these the private chambers of the Princess? But what purpose would his presence serve? Was he about to be transformed into a bookshelf by the Princess? Before he had more time to think over, the Princess knocked on the door two times.

“Come iiiiiiiiiin,” a voice from the other side lilted. Celestia opened the door with her magic and beckoned Shining to follow her. Shining’s eyes widened.

Wait a second, are these maybe… he stepped into the room and gasped. It was a huge complex containing an enormous four post bed, a big shelf containing various books, a huge vanity, and a fireplace with a cozy rug in front of it. And laying on that rug, reading a book, was…

“Auntie Celestia? May I help you? Wait, who’s…SHINING! How nice of you to visit me!” Cadence jumped to her hooves before making a beeline for Shining, hugging him and pulling him to the ground.

“Whoa Cadence, we just saw each other earlier today, remember?” Shining asked while trying to get up. Cadence blushed.

“I know, but I would never have thought that you would visit me in the castle,” she said, her cheeks tingling red. Shining stared at the ground, a red hue rising to his white cheeks. Celestia observed the two with mirth.

“Rather ‘break in’ than ‘visit’,” she said, a mischievous smile on her face. Shining’s blush deepened yet again.

”What do you mean by that, Auntie Celestia?” Cadence asked, glancing back and forth between the two. Celestia began to chuckle.

“Well, it seems that Shining has some very exciting news he wants to share with you. So exciting that he teleported right into the castle when the guards wouldn’t let him pass,” Celestia answered as she suddenly appeared thoughtful. Cadence gasped. Did she understand her auntie correctly? Celestia turned towards Shining. “Come to think of it, I still have to decide your punishment.” Shining gulped.

”Please, auntie, don’t…” Cadence started before being silenced by Celestia raising a hoof. She righted herself before addressing him in a formal tone.

“Shining Armor, for trespassing into Canterlot Castle, as well as embarrassing a whole squadron of my Royal Guard -“

Shining’s head dropped.

“- Which is unheard of, especially for a colt who I will personally see to join the Guard -“

Shining looked at her incredulously before starting to smile.

“- I, Princess Celestia of Equestria, hereby sentence you to come to the castle twice a week to see my lovely niece Princess Cadence, as well as taking her out for a stroll today,” Celestia finished, smiling down at him.

“THE HORROR, THE HORROR! Please show some mercy to his poor soul,” Cadence squealed dramatically before breaking out in laughter.

“Please, your Highness, your verdict is cruel and unheard of! Have mercy on a simple colt like me,” Shining exclaimed, deciding to play along before starting to laugh himself.

“My verdict is final and will not be altered,” Celestia answered, maintaining her regal tone before allowing herself a little chuckle. “Now I have to go, my ponies need me.” Celestia noticed the confused glances Shining and Cadence were giving her. She sighed. “I have to attend to royal business,” she explained. Comprehension dawned on their faces. Celestia chuckled again before turning away and starting for the door. She stopped just before it, glancing over her shoulder. “Have fun, you two,” she told them, smiling. She opened the door and stepped out, Shining’s and Cadence’s thanks following her before she closed the door behind her.

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“Shining, did you really teleport into the castle?” Cadence asked as soon as Celestia left. Shining blushed, unsure if he should boast about it and push out his chest, looking like a hero; or if he should be humble and rueful. He decided to keep things factual.

”Yes, I did,” he deadpanned. Cadence shook her head.

”Why would you do something so boneheaded?!” she yelled. Cadence was concerned. Was she the reason he failed to think rationally? “It could have cost you your dream of joining the guard. You could have gotten in trouble. Or hurt! OR KILLED! What in the world were you thinking?” Shining winced. She had never once before yelled at him. She looked really…scared? Was she that concerned about him? He decided to calm her nerves.

“I’m sorry, Cadence, but I have awesome news I wanted to share with you as soon as possible. And when the guards didn’t let me in, I just did the only thing I could’ve done to ensure that you were informed as fast as possible,” he explained. Cadence cocked her head.

“What would be so important that you would risk so much for me?” she asked, really curious now. Shining took a moment to take in the beauty of her poise. Her head softly cocked to the side with a mild frown on her face that peculiarly accentuated her features.

”Well,” he said, a smile creeping to his face, “Earlier today -” He stopped to raise the tension. “- I became the big brother of a beautiful little filly,” he concluded, smiling broadly at her. Cadence kept looking at him, confused, as if she hadn’t comprehended what he had said.

“That’s it?” she asked, her frown deepening. Shining was perplexed. He didn’t expect her to react like that. “So you risked everything just… to… wait,” she said, realization dawning on her face. “You mean, your mother,” she stuttered. Shining leaned in closer, trying to understand what was going on.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH,” Cadence suddenly squealed, jumping around like a filly getting her presents on Heart’s Warming Eve. Shining jumped back surprised, her squeal still ringing in his ears. Before he could shake his head, Cadence charged into him, hugging him tight. “Oh Shining, that’s SO great! I love foals!” she exclaimed with delight.

“Cadence… can’t… breath!” Shining choked out. Cadence, realizing her bear hug, let go of him. Shining gasped for air before looking up, noticing that Cadence was standing face to face with him. He recoiled with a yelp. Cadence chuckled before storming at him again.

”Are they still in the hospital?” she asked, her voice trembling with barely contained excitement.

“Y-yes, but she’ll be discharged soon. Why?” Shining cautiously replied, unsure of what to make out of the situation. He suddenly felt himself lifted in a light blue magic aura.

”Then, WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?! Let’s go!” Cadence yelled delightfully while bolting out of her room, only to be followed by a struggling Shining in her magical grip.

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”Where’s Mommy?” Velvet asked, hiding behind her hooves. She was sitting in the waiting room with little Twilight while Night Light filled out some forms so they could go home. At the moment, they were playing a game.

“There she is!” she exclaimed, pulling apart her hooves and smiling down at her daughter. Twilight let out a happy squeal and clapped her hooves together while giggling. “Where’s Mommy? There she is!” Velvet repeated, to which Twilight started laughing even harder. She mimicked her mother, hiding behind her little hooves, before pulling them apart.

“Apabaaah!” she exclaimed, looking at her mother. Velvet smiled before nudging her filly onto her back. She began to tickle her foal's soft belly, eliciting a bout of delighted squeaks as little Twilight tried to roll away, and protect her soft, ticklish underside.

“Tickle, tickle, tickle,” Velvet exclaimed while laughing. Twilight was laughing furiously now, having given up trying to roll away, as Velvet held her with her hooves while rubbing her nose all over her little belly. Velvet stopped her tickling and picked up Twilight, hugging her close to her chest. Twilight gave a contented sigh as she snuggled into her mother’s fur. Velvet looked down at her as Twilight’s big, purple eyes looked straight into her own.

Mommy loves you so much, my little pony, Velvet thought, I know you are going to be one of the most beautiful and talented mares that ever lived. I’m going to give you everything to make your life as perfect as you make mine. Twilight, as if hearing her mother’s thoughts, smiled up at her, her eyes shining as if saying I love you, mommy. At the moment, Velvet was pleased with just sitting there, looking into her daughter’s eyes. She suddenly noticed some movement in the corner of her eye. She glanced up to see that Night Light apparently had finished the paperwork and was now standing in the doorway, smiling at both of them.

”How long have you been standing there?” she asked,

“About five minutes,” he replied, entering the room. “You both were just such a beautiful sight that I didn’t want to ruin the moment.” He walked up to his wife and child, and dropped to his front knees, gaining an eye level with Twilight. “Hello, little Twilight. Have you missed your daddy?” Twilight replied by sticking her tongue out before burying her face in her mother’s chest again. “Well, I guess that means ‘no’,” he said, his smile not faltering.

“Have you finished all the paperwork?” Velvet queried, drawing his attention back to her. He looked up before nodding.

“Yes, as well as giving them the information about our insurance,” he deadpanned. Velvet blushed.

”That bad, huh?”

“No, it’s nothing compared to what happened when you were giving birth to Shining,” he replied, smirking. “I think that might be the reason the doctors didn’t object when you told them you were going to leave.”

Velvet shuddered, remembering the minutes prior to the birth of their son.

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‘Okay, Velvet, I need you to press again,’ the doctor, a young stallion with big, round glasses told her. Velvet was giving birth for the first time and she knew that the minutes prior to the birth would be forever memorized under ‘things I can reproach Night Light for’ as another pang rocked her body. She screamed in pain before collapsing on the bed again, exhausted.

‘Where’s Night Light? Where’s my husband?” she asked, trying to regain her breath.

“I’m here Velvet,’ Night Light replied, just now entering the room. ‘Don’t worry, it will all be ri…’ That was as far as he got when, suddenly the equipment in the room was picked up with magic, and forcefully launched at him.

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“Well, I could have most definitely handled this better,” she said, blushing furiously. Night Light chuckled while nuzzling his little daughter.

”Shall we go now?” he asked, kissing both Velvet and Twilight’s head. Velvet nodded and got up. She gently bit Twilight on her neck, before picking her up and placing her onto her back. Twilight squeaked in joy and clapped her hooves together at the prospect of riding on her mother’s back. Velvet grinned before walking after Night Light, leaving the hospital and stepping out into a warm evening in Canterlot.

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“Bababaaah!” Twilight stated as the family passed various shops and restaurants. As it was still an early evening, the streets were still filled with all kinds of ponies; from the noble elite, their muzzles stuck high into the air, as well as the salesponies trying to get the crowd’s attention. They were just passing an apple vendor when a dog suddenly sprang forth from the stand, barking and trying to jump up at Velvet to reach Twilight. Twilight, frightened by a creature she had never seen, promptly began to howl. Velvet jumped in mild shock while Night Light stepped between her and the dog, blocking its path.

“Bad dog, get away from her!” he said, charging his horn. Before anyone could do something, a red colt stepped out from behind the stand. He seemed to be Shining’s age, only being a little taller and more lanky.

”Please, Sir, don’ go an’ hurt ma dog,” he pleaded in a heavy southern accent. “He didn’t do it on purpose. He’s jus’so fon’ of fillies. Please, he wouldn’t go an’ hurt a pony ever, honest. He’s the nicest dog ever!”

Night Light relaxed, dropping his spell, while Velvet tried to soothe a bawling Twilight.

”There, there, my little pony, it’s just a dog. He won’t hurt you, mommy promises,” she said, pulling her daughter down from her back and into a hug. Twilight began to calm down, going from bawling, to simply sniffling. “There, that’s better. Now, would you like to see the dog again? It’s safe, mommy promises. And, the colt said that he’s a nice dog. Right?” she asked, eyeing the red colt.

“Yes mam! Jackaroo here’s the nices’ of all dogs,” he stated, nodding his head. “He’s just a little too curious and energetic. He’s a puppy afterall.” Velvet carefully approached the dog standing next to the colt, her daughter hugged close to her. Three steps away, she sat on the ground and beckoned the dog to come closer. When he reached her, she carefully extended a hoof at it. The dog vigorously wiggled his tail and sniffed at the offered hoof before starting to lick it. Velvet smiled and began to pet it.

“See Twilight? It doesn’t want to hurt you,” she said, looking at her daughter. Twilight, still sniffling a bit, watched her mother pet the animal before carefully extending a tiny hoof herself. The dog responded by pulling away from Velvet’s hoof and sniffing at Twilight’s. Twilight shrieked before pulling away. The dog tilted his head curiously before sitting down, eyes locked on her. Twilight, with a bit more of her mothers encouragement, slowly extended her leg again, cautiously eyeing the dog. The dog carefully approached her hoof and took one sniff before stepping back, allowing her to get accustomed to the situation. Twilight pulled back her leg and looked at it curiously, before smiling and extending it out again. The dog stepped forth and gave it an experimental lick before stepping back. Twilight giggled at the strange feeling before pulling back to look at her, now slightly, wet hoof. Still giggling, she extended her hoof a fourth time. This time, the dog crouched low and under her hoof, before standing up again, allowing Twilight's hoof to graze his fur. Twilight squealed in joy before starting to move her hoof back and forth across the dog’s head. He responded by stepping forth, delightfully licking Twilight's face. Velvet watched as her little filly grasped the dog with her hooves, hugging it and nuzzling his head. She smiled.

Oh, my little filly, there just isn’t anything that doesn’t make you squeal in joy, is there? she thought. You just grasp the world in your hooves like you’re saying, ‘Hello world, I want to hug you.’

”Lil’ Mac, what’s taking y’all so long?” a voice behind the colt yelled. The dog and colt turned to the source of the voice before the dog let out a single bark and began to run towards the pony approaching the colt and the family.

“There, there, Jackaroo, ‘s all good, now go an’ take a watch on the apple cart fer me,” the pony, an elderly green earth pony mare, said as she stepped next to the colt.

”Sorry Granny, there was jus’ some trouble with Jackaroo an’ this here family,” the colt replied, looking at her.

“Trouble? What kinda’ trouble? Did’cha lose control on him again?” the mare asked with a stern look. The colt’s head sunk in shame.

“Please madam, he hasn’t done anything wrong. Your dog just surprised my little filly a bit,” Velvet replied while standing up, placing her daughter back on her back. Twilight hugged her mother and nuzzled into her neck. The old mare watched them before breaking into a smile.

”Wouldcha look at that! Seems we’re not the only ones that’s got us a new foal. My son jus’ became a father to a lil’ filly himself. The name’s ‘Mamma Smith’ by the way, or, as Lil Mac here now calls me ‘Granny Smith’. And this here is mah gran’son Macintosh Apple,” she said.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, madam. My name is Velvet and this is my husband, Night Light,” Velvet said, introducing themselves. Night Light made a little bow. “And this,” she said, turning and rubbing her head on her daughter’s, “Is little Twilight Sparkle.”

“A pleasure makin’ your acquaintance. Well, we better pack up nao or we’ll never get back tah Ponyville. Have yourselfs a nice evening,” Granny Smith said before turning back and walking back to her cart with her grandson.

”Goodbye, a nice evening to you too,” Velvet called after her before turning towards her husband. “Now, let’s go and get Twilight cleaned of dog drool,” she laughed, starting to walk towards their home, Night Light following close behind.

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The receptionist in Canterlot Hospital had seen all kinds of things since she started working. Ponies - and many other creatures alike - with many strange injuries. She sometimes thought about the unicorn who ended up sharing his body with his cohort, after a laboratory accident. There also were foaling mothers, destroying whole rooms in their labor, especially the white mare called Velvet, who was notorious for the hospital’s staff.

An alicorn, moreover the niece of Princess Celestia herself, barging into the entrance area, holding up an unicorn colt with her magic was something even she hadn’t seen in all her life. She watched as Princess Cadence slipped on the floor and flared her wings to their full span as to not fall over, knocking off a potted plant. The aforementioned colt seemed to struggle to escape the magic cloud he was levitating in.

“M-may I help you, your h-highness?” the receptionist asked as Cadence came to a sliding halt in front of her desk. Cadence cleared her throat, slightly embarrassed.

”Yes, I would like to know where to find the Sparkle family, please,” she said, looking at the receptionist as she clearly ignored the struggling Shining. “I was told that Velvet Sparkle foaled today.”

“Yes, your highness is correct, but we already disbanded her, seeing as there were no complications, and she wanted to go home.”

“I see. Well, thank you for your information. Please continue with your duties.”

“Of course, your highness,” the mare said, bowing. “Have a nice evening.”

“Thank you very much. Come on, Shining, let’s go.” And with that she walked out of the hospital. The receptionist looked after her before shaking her head in disbelief and returning to her magazine.

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Meanwhile, the little family had arrived at their home, and Velvet was now bathing her little filly. She watched as Twilight pushed a bath duck around, babbling to herself. She gently washed her filly’s mane with some foam hair wash, and rinsed her before biting her softly in her neck and pulling her out of the tub. She placed her on a towel and began to dry her softly. Twilight looked up at her with shining eyes, the bath duck still in her muzzle. She bit down on the duck, making it jar. Velvet shook her head before taking the duck away from Twilight.

“No, my little filly, we don’t eat this. It’s not healthy for you,” she said. She took a play suit and dressed her daughter in it before placing her on her back again. As she walked out of the bathroom, she heard a knock on the front door.

“Night Light, dear, could you get that please?” she called down the stairs.

”Already on it, hon,” he replied as he opened the door. Immediately, he was greeted by the sight of an alicorn standing on his threshold, holding his son in a magic field.

“Good evening, Sir. My name is Princess Cadence. I…”

“CADENCE, LET ME DOWN ALREADY!” Shining interrupted her, still struggling against the more powerful magic of the princess. Cadence, realizing that she was still holding him, released her magic, causing him to fall flat on his stomach with a thump.

”Oops, sorry Shining,” she apologized, her cheeks getting red. Night Light facehoofed at his son’s behavior in front of royalty before dropping to his knees.

“Your highness, it is a pleasure to welcome you to our humble home. How may we be of service?” he asked, still bowed.

“Please, there is no need for that. Please rise. Act as if I’m a common visitor,” Cadence told him.

“Of course your highness,” Night Light responded while getting up. “How can I help you?”

”Well, Shining told me that his sister was born this afternoon and…” she said, trying, and failing, to contain herself “…I JUST LOVE NEWBORN FOALS! THIS IS SO AWESOME! MAY I SEE HER???” she yelled, delighted. Night Light shook his head to clear his ears of the ringing.

“Oh, I see,” Cadence said, misunderstanding his behavior. “Well, that’s okay, see you tomorrow, Shining.” And with that she began to walk away, her head hung low.

“Your highness, wait, of course you can see her,” Night Light told her, stepping out of the house. Cadence turned around, hope on her face. “It was just,… you see, when you yelled… and,” was as far as he got before he was glomped.

“THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU,” Cadence exclaimed. “This is SO GREAT.”

“Erm, yes,” Night Light replied, worming his way out of her embrace. “Just follow me.”

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Velvet heard the commotion going on outside and decided it was best to just settle on the living room rug with her filly nuzzled up to her, and a book lying in front of her. She had just laid down when Night Light entered the room, followed by a giddy Princess Cadence and a grumpy-looking Shining Armor. She got up and bowed while hugging her daughter close to her.

”Your highness, it’s a high pleasure to be granted a visit from you in our humble home,” she said. “How may we help you?”

“Please, there is no need for formalities. Just call me Cadence,” Cadence replied while walking up to Velvet. “I just wanted to see Shining’s sister.” She bowed until she was at eye level with Twilight. “Hello little filly, how are you?” she said, smiling. Twilight looked at the strange mare in front of her before extending a hoof and softly poking her muzzle. Cadence giggled, making a hooting sound when Twilight touched her. Twilight laughed before repeating the action. As Cadence hooted again, Twilight clapped her hooves together in joy.

“She’s so cute. What’s her name?” Cadence asked before hooting again as Twilight continued to poke her muzzle.

“Twilight,” Velvet simply replied. Cadence nodded and watched as the little filly yawned before closing her eyes, and nuzzling into her mother’s coat.

“Looks like little Twilight has had enough wonders for today,” Velvet remarked. “I’m really sorry, your highness, but I think it’s time for her to get some sleep.”

“No problem at all, madam. Auntie Celestia is probably awaiting me at dinner,” Cadence replied. “And please, just call me Cadence. Shining, would you like to accompany me back to the castle?” she asked, turning to face the colt.

“Only if I can walk this time,” he replied before his father jabbed him into his ribs.

“Please, feel free to visit us any time, Cadence,” Night Light told her while walking the two to the door.

“Would you like to come to dinner tomorrow, Cadence? We would like to get to know our son’s friend after all,” Velvet called after them.

”I would love to, Mr. And Mrs. Sparkle.” Cadence replied.

“Great. We’re having dinner at 7 p.m.,” Velvet told her.

“I’ll be there, Mrs. Sparkle. Have a nice evening.”

“Thank you. Have a nice evening yourself. Goodbye,” Velvet and Night Light said.

“Goodbye, see you tomorrow,” Cadence replied, stepping out into the evening with Shining following behind.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
“You have such a cute sister, Shining,” Cadence said as they walked towards the gates of Canterlot Castle.

“Thanks, Cadence, I think she’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen,” he replied.

“Oh really?” Cadence asked while giving him a smug look. Shining blushed.

“What I mean… I…” he stammered before Cadence started to laugh.

”Oh, lighten up, Shining, I’m just joking,” she laughed.

“Oh, haha, very funny,” he replied grumpily.

Cadence continued to laugh as they approached the castle gates. Shining noticed that the guards hadn’t changed and that the guards at the front gates were eyeing him angrily. The fact that he was approaching them with a princess didn’t lighten their mood.

“Well, uhm, Cadence, I don’t think the guards would let me in again today, so, uhm, I had a good time,” he stammered.

Celestia, he’s so cute when he stammers like that, Cadence thought. “All right, I’ll see you tomorrow, have a nice evening, my strong knight,” she said, kissing him on the cheek. She giggled when he reached up to his cheek with a hoof, stammering, and went up to the castle with the guards opening the gates for her. As soon as she was out of sight and earshot, she squealed before galloping to the dining hall.

”AUNTIE CELESTIA, AUNTIE CELESTIA!” she yelled, running on giddy hooves. She barged into the dining hall where her aunt was sitting, sipping on some tea while waiting for her to arrive. She looked up to see her niece practically bouncing at her.

“My, my, Cadence, I take it you enjoyed your time with the Sparkle family?” she asked with mild amusement.

“Yesyesyesyesyes!” Cadence chanted while bouncing around. “They are SO nice and their filly is SOOOOO CUTE!” She stopped as she remembered something. “They have invited me to dinner tomorrow, am I allowed to go?” she asked, a bit nervous. Celestia contemplated this before smiling.

“Why, of course you are. And it would be my pleasure to take you there to see if this filly is as cute as you tell me,” she answered. Cadence practically exploded in joy before storming forth and hugging her aunt.

”Thankyouthankyouthankyou!” she exclaimed. Celestia chuckled.

”You seem very enthusiastic, dear niece. Is there maybe something more than the filly? Perhaps this something has the form of a white unicorn colt?” she asked, a mischievous smile on her face. Cadence blushed.

“That has NOTHING to do with it! Shining and I are only friends,” she responded, her cheeks tinged a deep shade of red.

“Well then,” Celestia replied, not missing Cadence’s reaction, ”Please take a seat, dinner will be served momentarily.” Cadence sat down, her cheeks still burning, as dinner was rolled in by a couple of servants. While they ate, Celestia observed Cadence’s behavior.

Seems like the Princess of Love has found love for herself, she mused. Little Cadence is coming of age.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Meanwhile, a stupidly grinning Shining was bouncing into his home. The day had been the best he ever had.

“Well, look at that, Night Light, seems like a certain colt has played the hugging and kissing game with a certain princess,” Velvet noted, watching her son as he bounced against a doorframe in his giddiness. Shining blushed.

”We… I… we didn’t do anything like that, mom,” he said in a tone quite a few octaves higher than usual.

”Well, lover boy, how about you get down from cloud nine, and do your homework?” Night Light asked, stepping into the room.

“WE DIDN’T… I DIDN’T… WE… yes sir,” Shining replied, his cheeks sporting a fiery red.

Night Light and Velvet watched their son walk up the stairs before bursting into raucous laughter.

“See how crazy your brother is, Twily?” Velvet asked. “Just a little kiss and he’s out of his mind.”

Twilight opened her eyes and looked up at her before giggling as Velvet placed a kiss on top of her head.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

A few hours later, Velvet was lying on her favorite rug, reading a book on magic, her daughter nestled at her side. Night Light and Shining had long since gone to bed, and Twilight had been sleeping for some time now. Velvet finally had the time to enjoy a little peace and quiet.

As she flipped to another page, she suddenly became aware of a gentle prodding at her side. Looking down, she saw that Twilight had woken up and was now prodding her side with her nose, squirming uneasily.

”What is wrong, Twily?” Velvet asked, worried. Twilight didn’t look at her, but resumed her prodding, steadily turning to whining.

“My little filly, what is going on? Were you having a bad dream? Are you scared?” Eventually, she understood. “Are you hungry?” she asked. From the way Twilight prodded, Velvet understood that she wanted to get to her belly. She rolled onto her side and pushed Twilight close to her. Twilight nuzzled up to her before beginning to suckle gently. Velvet smiled down at her daughter.

You are the most beautiful and most precious thing to mommy, little filly. Mommy will always be there for you. She loves you so much, my little pony.

When Twilight finished suckling, Velvet gently pulled her up and hugged her to her chest, softly tapping on her back. When she burped, Velvet lay back down, gently holding her filly in her forelegs, close to her chest. Twilight nuzzled deeper into her mothers coat before falling asleep again. Velvet smiled, blissfully enjoying the moment.

“Sleep well, my little filly.”