To Be Different

by Secret_Shadows

Chapter One: Hardships

Midnight trotted through the front door with a frown on her face, she threw her saddlebag down on the floor producing a loud thud as the heavy school books inside hit the floor. She jumped up onto a sofa and collapsed onto it letting out a sigh, speaking with displeasure in her voice. “Mom! I’m home...”

Starlight walked from the kitchen into the living room levitating a plate of snacks in front of her, setting the plate down on the coffee table with a smile. “Hey Midnight, how was school today sweetie?” She asked with a caring voice.

Midnight frowned and let out another sigh. “It was terrible! As always... the other fillies and colts made fun of my diaper again all day! They know I can’t control it!.” She said sniffling. “They wrote mean things all through my math book, and now I have to explain it to Miss Cheerilee! It wasn’t my fault!” She yelled.

Starlight sighed quietly and pulled Midnight into a hug. “Don’t listen to those other colts and fillies sweetie. They know you can’t control your bladder, that’s no reason to make fun of you!” She said gently, running a hoof through Midnight’s mane. “What did they write in your math book?” Starlight asked holding Midnight close to her.

Midnight sniffles and turns her head away from Starlight, still upset. “I d-d-don’t w-want t-to talk about i-it...” She paused and sniffled again. “T-they w-wrote ‘Dumb’ and ‘Foal’ an-and ‘Diaper Filly’ a-and ‘S-s-stupid b-b-bat p-p-pony!’ I c-can’t c-control a-any o-of it! I-it’s n-not my f-fault I’m in-incontinent a-and a-am a b-batpony!”

“Does Miss Cheerilee know you’re still getting bullied?” Starlight asked quietly.

“Sh-she c-can’t h-help! Th-this w-wasn’t a-at school!” She cries into her hooves. “Th-they ambushed m-me on m-my way home! Th-they pushed me down an-and t-tore apart all of my spare d-diapers a-and w-wrote those i-in-insults i-in m-my math b-b-book!” At this point she is sobbing uncontrollably. “Th-they t-t-tore a-apart m-my d-diapers b-before I c-could ch-change! Th-they s-s-said t-to ‘go be a d-diaper f-filly a-and gallop h-home t-to y-your m-mommy t-to g-get changed!’ I g-g-galloped h-home...”

Starlight wiped away Midnight’s tears with one forehoof, and tries to calm the sobbing filly. “Shh sweetie it’s okay.” She said gently. “Don’t let those mean fillies and colts push you around! You have to stand up for yourself.” consoled Starlight as she held the small filly in a tight embrace. “Are these fillies and colts in your class?” Starlight asked gently.

Midnight nods and returns the hug. “Y-yes... th-they a-are... a-and y-you s-said n-never t-to hit a-anypony...” Her ears fall. “I t-t-try t-to defend m-myself... b-but... th-they w-won’t l-leave m-me alone... a-and I’m n-n-not g-going t-to h-hit th-them...”

Starlight smiled and patted Midnight on the head. “I know sweetie and I’m very proud of you for not fighting. Sometimes you have to tell them you’re better than them. You’re a brave, smart, and pretty filly. Don’t let anypony tell you otherwise. Now I think somepony needs to be changed.” Starlight said with a slight giggle as she lifted Midnight onto her back, much like she did when Midnight was a foal.

Midnight smiled at her mothers praise. “Y-you’re proud of me f-for l-letting the b-bullies bully m-me?” She asked.

Starlight laughed loudly and grinned at her daughter. “No sweetheart, I’m proud of you for not fighting those mean ponies.” Starlight said happily, as she trotted out of the living room. “So did you learn anything ‘groovy’ at school today?”

Midnight giggled. “Mooom, we don’t say groovy anymore... and Not really... but for social studies I have to build a model of Canterlot! It’s gonna be really fun!” She paused and frowned. “I... I just hope the bullies don’t destroy it like they did to my last project...”

Starlight couldn’t help but laugh at Midnight’s displeasure of the word groovy. “You don’t say groovy anymore?” She said shocked. “You silly ponies don’t know what you’re missing out.” She said in a playful tone. “Well sweetheart I could always walk you to school with your project. How does that sound?” Starlight asked sincerely.

“You’re silly Mom.” She smiles. “You’d walk me to school? You haven’t done that in a long time!” She cheered. “That would be awesome!” She jumped into the air and flew in a loop before landing on Starlight’s back.

Starlight smiled sweetly at Midnight as they approached her bedroom. “Of course I’d walk you to school! I thought you might think I wasn’t ‘groovy’ enough for you.” Starlight said with a chuckle. Starlight opened the bedroom door and stepped inside, the room walls are a light pink in colour. Her walls are adorned with posters of the Wonderbolts, picture frames with Starlight, Midnight and Solar Flare.

“Moooom! I said don’t use the word groovy!” Midnight moaned.

“What word? Groovy? I’m not groovy enough for my daughter!” Cried Starlight in mock dramatics, throwing her hooves in the air.

“Mooom!” Midnight blushed. “You’re embarrassing me! And there isn’t even anypony around to see! That’s bad! Just use the word ‘cool’ okay? N-now i-if you w-wouldn’t m-mind helping me get changed... th-this diaper is gross...” She said with an unpleasant expression on her snout.

With a smile on her face Starlight placed Midnight on her bed. “Alright, alright I was just having a little fun.” She said teasingly, as she grabbed the changing pad from under Midnight’s bed and spread it flat on the mattress. She walked from the bed to a small closet on the other side of the room, where she grabbed a clean diaper, foal wipes and scented foal powder. Starlight returned to Midnight’s side. “Lay down please.” she said pleasantly with a reassuring smile on her muzzle.

While Starlight was doing this, Midnight grabbed her favorite plush, a Spitfire plush made by her real mother, she hugged it tightly. “M-mom... w-what happend to my real mom?” She asked with obvious nervousness in her voice.

When Midnight asked the question, Starlight froze mid step. She let out a sad sigh. “I think you’re old enough to know now. Your real Mom passed away a few months after your birth. She...” Starlight trailed off not sure how to continue. “She was very sick, from the time she was just a little filly. The Doctors and nurses told her she wouldn’t live to be ten, or ever have foals. That’s what the adoption agency told your father and I.” she said quietly, her voice quivering slightly as if she were about to cry.

“Oh...” Midnight sighed and started to tear up. “I-is th-that why I’m incontinent? B-because she was sick?”

“Well sweetie, that might have been a factor. You were also born three months too early.” Replied Starlight as she returned to Midnight’s side with all of her changing supplies. “Is there something bothering you sweetie?” She asked gently.

Midnight nodded. “Y-yeah... I... I can’t r-remember... what she looked like... my real mom... I... I f-feel b-bad b-because I c-can’t r-remember... l-like I’m a b-bad filly o-or s-something...” She layed down on the changing mat, her eyes started to water up a bit.

Starlight smiled down at Midnight as she un taped and removed the soiled garment from her. “You’re not a bad filly Midnight, would you like to see a picture of her?” She asked as she wiped Midnight’s bottom and filly parts clean with a foal wipe. “After you’re all clean of course. Can’t have you getting another rash can we?” she asked tickling Midnight’s belly with one forehoof.

“Mooooom! I told you not to mention that again!” She sighed. “You aren’t going to have to put that stupid rash cream on me again are you I hate that stuff...”

“Well I don’t want to take you to the doctor again. Your last check up didn’t go so well remember?” She asked sliding the clean diaper under Midnight’s bottom, and applying the scented foal powder Midnight loves so much. “You kicked the nurse when she took your temperature.”

“Y-yeah! B-but the thermometer d-doesn’t g-go d-down th-there!” Midnight said blushing. “I’m n-not a f-foal anymore!”

“You’ll always be my little foal sweetie.” Said Starlight, leaning over and nuzzling her daughters snout. She unscrewed the cap on the rash cream container, and dipped her hoof into it. She spread the cream onto Midnight’s coat before taping the diaper on securely. “Besides the nurse was just doing her job. Feel better now that you’re clean and dry?” She asked hugging her daughter.

“But she could have used the mouth thermometer thingy or the ear one!” Midnight protested, she winced slightly as the rash cream was put into place. “Y-yeah, I feel better...” She smiled. “But I still don’t think I needed the rash cream...” She said under her breath.

“What was that last part sweetie? You don’t want to be a grumpy pony do you?” She asked teasingly helping Midnight back to her hooves. “What did you forget to do Midnight?” Starlight asked in a serious tone.

Midnight blushed. “Oops...” She said as she lifted her dirty diaper up and flew over to the trash bin, throwing it away. “S-sorry... I forgot...”

Starlight smiled at Midnight as they walked and flew from the room. “How are your new diapers holding up? Any leaks during the day?” she asked in a concerned tone. “Now before you bite my head off, I have to know. I pay for them after all.” She said with a small laugh.

“G-good... I... I got so caught up in playing on the jungle gym at recess that I had forgotten to change until after... I didn’t even notice until Miss Cheerilee told me I needed to go to the nurse because it was...” She blushed. “Obvious... They are a bit plain though...”

“That must have been embarrassing. Was she... Discreet?” Starlight asked her concern showing on her muzzle now. “I know they're a bit plain but I did see some at the store called ‘silly filly’ they have prints on them. Would you like to try those out?” She asked as the duo arrived outside of Starlight’s bedroom. They stepped and flew inside, Starlight walked over to a small table and began to rummage through a pile of miscellaneous objects. Apparently searching for something specific. “Where the hay did that picture get off too?” she asked herself quietly.

“She was quiet about it, but that didn’t matter, the big dark stain on my diaper... anyway Yeah, sounds cool... are they pink? I like pink.” Midnight asked smiling, then she frowned. “Mom! Language!” She said giggling.

“Sorry sweetie I didn’t think you would hear me.” Starlight said laughing.

Midnight giggled. “I’m right behind you silly! You’re silly Mom.” She said nuzzling the back of Starlight’s neck.

After rummaging around in the pile of miscellaneous objects for close to five minutes, Starlight’s hooves brushed against a small silver picture frame. She picked the frame up in her hooves and turned to face Midnight. “Here she is holding you in the hospital. It was taken about two weeks before she... Passed.” Starlight said holding the picture frame out for Midnight to take.

She took the frame and flew over to the bed slowly landing on it. She looked at the frame holding it in her hooves, she smiled, a bittersweet smile. All she wanted was to remember her real mother, now that she could see her, she was sad that her mother was not here. Tears started to stream out of her eyes at a slow pace, landing gently on the glass cover over the top of the photo. “D-do y-you know wh-what her name w-was? I’ve asked Gr-grandma an-and Grandpa b-before but... th-they won’t t-tell me... they told me to ask you... N-now I know wh-who the p-p-pony is in all of th-those pictures at th-their house... b-but... wh-why do they have a-all of those p-pictures?”

Starlight climbed up on the bed and layed down beside Midnight, pulling her daughter close to her body. “Those are your real grandparents sweetie. That’s why I don’t call them ‘Mom’ or ‘Dad’. It’s not normal for a pony to have three sets of grandparents, but it just shows how much we all care about you.” She consoled Midnight.

“I-is th-that w-why they a-always c-call me a m-m-miracle f-filly? B-b-because m-mom w-was s-sick a-and th-they kn-knew...” Midnight asked.

“Her name was Amber Shadows. That’s you she’s holding in her hooves. Your full name is Midnight Starlight Shadows, I’m sorry I waited so long to tell you. Why don’t you put that picture up somewhere nice in your room? Then you can eat your snack.” Starlight said trying to be cheerful in a sad moment.

“I... I w-was s-so small... I remember... I remember this...” Midnight paused, slightly ignoring Starlight’s suggestion to go eat her snack. “Amber Shadows... Mom... Sh-she looks s-so h-healthy in th-the p-picture! Wh-why w-was sh-she s-sick!” She said lashing out, starting to cry again. “I-it’s n-not f-fair!”

In one swift motion Starlight pulled the sobbing filly into her forehooves, hugging her tightly. “Shh, shh sweetie. Mommy is here now, and I’m not going anywhere. Why don’t we take a small trip Sunday afternoon to the cemetery? Then you can visit her anytime you want.” she said trying to calm Midnight’s sobbing. Trying to shift the conversation from something sad Starlight asks. “Is there anything you want for your birthday in two weeks?”

Midnight looks up at Starlight, silently nodding. “Y-yeah... we can go to the cemetery... a-and...” She stops to think. “They are making a new Soarin plush... I know my plush isn’t part of the set, but my Spitfire plush is lonely being the only wonderbolt plush I have...”

“Isn’t there any other toys you want sweetie? You do have a lot of plushies, but if that’s what you want I’ll get it for you.” replied Starlight with a smile on her muzzle, she ruffled Midnight’s mane with one hoof.

She smiled. “Well.. maybe some more make up and another dress for when I play dress up... I’m running out of pink hoof polish!” She said giggling. “But Spitfire needs another Wonderbolt!”

“Well if you keep up the good behavior you might just get a lot more for your birthday sweetie. Now why don’t you go put that picture up in your room, and eat your snack. Silly filly.” Starlight said cheerfully, nuzzling the back of Midnight’s neck.

“I can’t wait! And Okay!” Midnight said as she trotted off to her room placing the picture on her nightstand then she trotted to the living room to eat her snack, chowing down on her Celery Stalks with Peanut Butter.

Starlight followed Midnight to the living room and sat down on the sofa beside her. “Do you have any homework to do this weekend sweetie?” She asked levitating Midnight’s school bag over to her. As the bag drifts over, a small notebook falls out. “What’s in that one sweetie?”

“N-n-nothing!” Midnight said quickly running over to pick up the book only to have it held out of reach by Starlight’s magical powers.

“Let’s see what does this have in it!” Starlight said teasingly as she flipped through a few pages of the notebook.

“Moooom!” Midnight said, charging Starlight, flying past her grabbing the notebook, too late however as the page she was trying to hide had already been seen by her mother, she fell to the floor, she hadn’t even been able to grab hold of the notebook. “I...” She blushed. “I... I-it w-was a d-d-doodle! A th-thoughtless d-doodle i-in c-c-class! N-n-n-othing m-more!” Midnight protested, before Starlight even said anything.

“Just a doodle sweetie?” Starlight asked with a giggle. “When I was young we didn’t draw a heart around our name with a colt’s name under it if it was just a doodle. So who is this Snow Blitz? Is he cute?” She asked teasing Midnight.

“I... uhm... h-he s-sits i-in th-the f-front r-row i-in c-class... I c-can see him f-from m-my s-seat in the m-middle o-of the c-class room... I...” Midnight blushed. “I l-l-like h-him... h-he’s th-the c-cutest c-colt I-I’ve e-ever seen... b-but, h-he doesn’t kn-know m-me...” She said, her ears falling. “I-it d-doesn’t m-matter...”

“How do you know he doesn’t know you sweetie? Maybe he secretly has a crush on you!” Starlight said cheerfully winking at Midnight.

“I kn-know... I j-just know... nopony would have a crush on an incontinent batpony... b-besides... I h-have m-math homework...” Midnight’s ears fall. “O-or I did... b-before th-the b-bullies w-wrtoe their insultes over the problems in my math book...”

Starlight let out an unhappy sigh. “Midnight, do you think Miss Cheerilee is still at the school? I think you’ll see that someponies like a pony for who they are. Not for what they wear or what kind of pony they are.” said Starlight patting Midnight on the head gently with a forehoof.

“The other ponies are right... Blitz wouldn’t like a filly who wets and messes herself! I... I’m just a little filly who wets and messes herself, just like a foal...” Midnight said with a sigh, her ears falling. “And I think she might be... Why?”

“Midnight Starlight Shadows! I don’t want to hear you say that about yourself again. Do you understand? You’re the bravest filly I know, and you’re a big pony. No matter what the other fillies and colts say to you! Just because you have a medical problem doesn’t mean a pony won’t like you. I love you and will always love you no matter where life takes you!” Said Starlight with a frown on her muzzle, she hugged Midnight again before continuing. “Well we need to get your math homework sweetie, and show Miss Cheerilee what happened to your textbook.”

Midnight frowned. “D-do w-we have to? Th-this will be the th-third m-math book... th-this month... a-and, y-you a-always u-used t-to c-call me Midnight Starlight Charmer... c-can I n-not u-use th-that n-name i-instead? I... I’m n-not r-ready f-for m-my r-real n-name... a-and...” She stepped closer to Starlight, hugging her. “Ch-charmer i-is m-more r-real t-to m-me th-than Sh-Shadows is...” She said nervously.

“Aw that’s very sweet of you Midnight! I just thought maybe you would like to use your other name, and yes sweetie we have to. I don’t want you to get behind in school.” Said Starlight as she hopped down from the couch. “Besides you’re almost out of diapers and I don’t think you want Mommy to put plastic covers on everything do you?” she asked teasingly.

Midnight smiles and giggles. “Well... you already have a plastic cover on my bed... but... I guess you are right, and, alright, I just don’t want Miss Cheerilee to be disappointed in me... D-d-do I have to come?”

Starlight laughed as she leaned forward and nuzzled Midnight on her side. “Yes sweetie you have to come. I don’t think Miss Cheerilee will be upset with you, it wasn’t your fault. I’ll buy you an ice cream cone from Sugar Cube corner.” She said smiling at Midnight. “You can even ride on my back if you want to!” Starlight cheered.

“B-but, you put the foal powder on that smells like, well, foal powder, it’s not the special unscented stuff... W-won’t other ponies make fun of me?” Midnight asked as she flew into the air landing on Starlight’s back.

“Silly filly if anypony says one mean thing to you I’ll give them a stern talking to! Besides no big pony would say anything about it, you have to wear diapers for a medical problem. There’s a lot of ponies who have the same problem.” Starlight reassured Midnight.

“Well... let’s go then.” Midnight said from atop Starlight’s back. “I love you Mom.” She said as she nuzzled the back of Starlight’s neck.

“I love you too sweetheart.” Starlight said turning her head to kiss Midnight on the snout. “Have you made any new friends at all sweetie? Learn anything particularly ‘cool’ this week?” She asked trotting to the front door, and stepping outside into the warm afternoon air. “I know Mommy is bombarding you with questions, but one last one. Have you been practicing your tricks at all?” She asked with a small laugh.

“Yeah! I have, I have a neat new one!” Midnight said as she jumped off of Starlight’s back and into the sky, she flew forward. “And I’m getting better at avoiding hitting things too!” She said turning her head to face Starlight, away from the direction she was flying in.

Starlight laughed happily at her daughter. “That’s great sweetheart, we don’t want you flying into Sugar Cube Corner again do we?” She said teasingly. “Watch out for the tree sweetheart!” Starlight called to Midnight, too late as she collided with the tree.

“What Tre-” She stopped talking for a few moments as she fell to the ground. “Ow... that hurt...” Midnight asked rubbing her head. “I-I’m ok-kay!” She said dizzily. “B-but, I th-think I’ll r-ride on y-your b-back now...” She flew up to Starlight’s back shakily before landing on it. “I think I’m g-going to j-just r-rest my eyes.” She said with a yawn as her eyes drifted closed.

“Alright sweetie, I’ll wake you once we arrive. Have a nice nap!” Starlight said lovingly as she nuzzled Midnight gently.

They arrive at the schoolhouse half an hour later, Midnight still soundly asleep on Starlight’s back. She opens the schoolhouse door and trots inside, looking for the third grade classroom that Miss Cheerilee teaches. After a few minutes she finds the classroom and steps inside. “Hello? Miss Cheerilee?” Starlight asked.

Cheerilee looked up from grading her student’s school work. “Oh! Hello Starlight, what brings you here?” She asks quietly seeing Midnight asleep on Starlight’s back.

“Well... Midnight needs a new math textbook.” said Starlight with a heavy sigh.

Cheerilee frowned. “Again? Why? She wouldn’t show me her previous text books. Would you mind explaining.” She asked in a slightly impatient tone.

Starlight let out a  sigh as her horn flared to life, a math textbook floats out of Midnight’s school bag surrounded by a green glow. It flips open to the assigned page “That’s why.” She said pointing a hoof at the insults scribbled in the textbook.

Cheerilee’s ears fall flat against her head. “Those fillies and colts are so mean to anypony whose different than them. They know she has a medical condition for Celestia’s sake!” She said with a heavy sigh. She trotted to the back of the classroom and grabbed a textbook in her mouth. She returned to Starlight and hoofed her the book. “Chapter four, pages five and six. Midnight’s doing very well so far in Math, although she seems to have a little trouble on adding three and four digit numbers with decimals in them. Is there anyway you can help her?.” She asked sincerely.

Midnight stirs on Starlight’s back. “H-huh” She moans the words out in her sleep before changing her position slightly and continuing to sleep.

 “That was adorable!. She also needs to improve her reading a little bit, could you maybe read to her in the evenings? That seems to work well for most fillies and colts.” Said Cheerilee in full ‘teacher’ mode now.

“I’ll read her the Daring Do novel series, I’ve never seen a foal who didn’t enjoy those books. When is her social studies project due?” Starlight asked in a serious tone.

Cheerilee smiled a little bit. “Alright and her social studies project is due in two weeks! She chose the toughest project of them all, building a replica of the Royal Canterlot Castle. Midnight likes a challenge.” She said laughing. “Well I think that’s all.”

Midnight stirs once again, this time opening her eyes. “Wh-what? What’s going on? How did we get here? The last thing I remember was... flying into a tree.” She says displeased as she rubs the top of her head. “”That would explain my headache...”

“I was just discussing your progress in school with Miss Cheerilee. You’re falling behind in Language arts again sweetie. Why didn’t you tell me you were struggling?” Starlight asked clearly concerned.

“Oh... But I’m trying! The words... they jumble up on me! I don’t know why!” Midnight’s ears fall and she frowns. “I think there is something wrong with my eyes... or maybe somepony is magically making it hard for me to read!” She said in defence. “I’m trying, I really am Mom! Honest!”

Starlight frowns a little bit. “It sounds like you have Dyslexia, sweetheart.” She said calmly.

Midnight frowns. “Dyslexiwho?”

“Dyslexia sweetheart. It means you have troubles reading words, there’s nothing wrong with your eyes.” Said Starlight, gently patting Midnight on the back.

“Then why can’t I read right?” Midnight asked with a sigh.

“It’s because your brain reads the letters differently than other ponies. I can help you with your Language Art’s homework okay? You’re going to be read a really good bedtime story tonight too.” Starlight said cheerfully.  “Is there anything else Miss Cheerilee?”

“Nope! I will see you on Monday Midnight, have a good weekend!” said Cheerilee happily as she trotted back to her desk and resumed grading papers.

“Bye Miss Cheerilee.” Midnight said waving from Starlight’s back. “See you on Monday!”

Starlight walked out of the classroom and then out of the schoolhouse. A small group of fillies and colts snicker and whisper as Midnight and I walk by but a stern glance stops them. I turn my head to Midnight. “Are those the ones that are bullying you?” She asked pointing to the group of three colts and two fillies playing on the jungle gym

“N-n-no... they... let’s Ignore them please Mommy... I... l-let’s j-just keep going...” Midnight said with a nervous voice.

Starlight frowns but quickens her pace. “Mommy? Sweetie you only call me Mommy if you want to get your way...” She asked knowing Midnight would try to get her way.

 Midnight let out a sigh. “F-fine... th-they... they are some of the ones that bully me but not all of them are... some of them just watch when two of those colts and one of the fillies bully me... they are from the other third grade class, I don’t know their names...”

“Thank you for telling me the truth.” Said Starlight nuzzling Midnight.

“I d-don’t want them to bully me again... a-and they c-can probably smell the foal powder from there... L-l-lets j-just go... I... *sniffle.* They are m-mean...” Midnight said, her eyes watering up.

“Aw don’t cry Midnight. I think I should go talk to them, you can wait here you don’t have to come with me.” Said Starlight as she trotted toward the group of fillies and colts.

“I’ll c-come b-but... I w-won’t s-say anything...” Midnight frowned as she spoke.

 “Okay, sweetie I’ll do all the talking.” Said Starlight trotting over to the group of foals, who whisper back in forth between each other. Snickering as they do so.

“Hey look everypony it’s the Foal who still wears diapers from Miss Cheerilee’s class!” Shouted Comet Tail pointing a hoof at Midnight’s diaper.

“She doesn’t have a cutie mark either! Diapered baby blank flank!” Shouted Boulder sniffing the air. “She’s wearing Foal powder too! What a foal!” He shouted again.

Midnight blushed in embarrassment and started to cry.

“Excuse me that’s my Daughter you’re talking about and she has a medical problem! Apologize to her right now.” Said Starlight her voice dripping with venom.

“Ooh whatcha gonna do to me? You wouldn’t hit a colt would you?” Sneered Comet Tail.

“Comet Tail I don’t think she’s going-” Said Boulder, who was cut off mid sentence by Starlight.

“Comet Tail that’s your name? Isn’t your Dad the sheriff?” Asked Starlight, her voice filled with anger.

“Uhm... Way to rat me out Boulder!” Yelled Comet Tail, pushing Boulder down with his forehooves.

“Boulder... Now where do I know that name?”Said Starlight putting one hoof to her chin in thought.  “Oh! Your Mom works at the market. I wonder if she knows her son’s a bully!”

The snow white coated colt froze mid step. “Uh-oh... SCATTER!” Comet Tail screeched as he attempted to gallop away, only to be held in place by an emerald aura of magic. “H-HAY! What gives?!” He yelled in distress.

“From what I can see here, you’re the ringleader. If you bully my daughter again I’ll have to tell your Father how rude you are!” Growled Starlight, her horn sparking in anger.

“Y-Y-Yes M-M-Ma’am.” Replied Comet Tail who was visibly shaken by the ordeal.

“Good now apologize all of you!” Said Starlight pointing a hoof at the group of fillies and colts. “If Midnight comes home crying one more time, I will personally writer a letter to the Royal Guards and have them deal with you!” She growled releasing telekinetic grip around Comet Tail’s tail.

Midnight sniffles, still crying, unable to hear the verbal motherly smack down that Starlight is giving to the colts.

“I’m Sorry Diap-” Comet Tail started but was cut off by a look from Starlight.

Starlight gives Comet Tail a death glare. “Try that again. Without the insults.” She said her voice dripping with venom.

“I-I’m S-Sorry for c-calling you a D-Diaper filly, and a s-stupid bat pony.” Said Comet Tail kicking his hooves at the ground.

“I’m s-sorry for stealing your math book and writing all those mean things in it... It was C-Comet T-Tails idea. W-We should p-play t-tag at s-s-school on M-Monday.” Said Boulder who was looking Midnight in the eyes as he apologized, so far the only colt who looked truly sorry.

“Sorry.” said the trio of fillies and colts quietly not looking at Midnight or sounding very apologetic.

Midnight smiled slightly when Boulder apologized, but continued to frown when the others did, giggling lightly on the inside that her mom had been able to make them all apologize, even if most of them didn’t mean it.

“How about you three try that again? Midnight wants a real apology, right sweetheart?” Starlight asked nuzzling her daughter’s muzzle.

Midnight nodded. “Yes... I d-do...” She said through her sniffles. “Th-thank you B-boulder.” She said blushing lightly.

The trio of two colts and one filly sighed in unison. “Fine... We’re sorry for pushing you down and stealing your backpack.” They said in unison, the filly pushed the smaller colt forward. He looked at Midnight and sighed again. “S-Sorry for t-tearing u-up your d-d-diapers, C-Comet T-Tail s-said you only wore them b-becuase you like being treated like a f-foal.” said the younger colt, in an apologetic tone.

“Did he?” Starlight said turning to look at Comet Tail, only to find he had galloped off while the other colts and filly apologized.

Midnight nodded again. “H-h-he d-d-did... I r-r-remember c-cause h-he s-said it wh-while th-they held m-me d-down while C-comet T-tail w-went th-through m-my s-s-saddle b-b-bag...” She said still sniffling.

“Aw don’t cry sweetheart, how about we go to the store now? After that we can get some ice cream and cupcakes!” Starlight said cheerfully to Midnight as they began to trot away. “Oh sweetheart say bye to new your friend.” she said with a chuckle.

“B-b-bye B-b-boulder...” Midnight said waving a hoof, still blushing, and sniffling.

“B-bye Midnight.” Boulder called back, blushing as he did.

As soon as they were away from the other fillies and colts Midnight spoke up. “Th-thank you... b-but that only solved some of it... they’ll do it again... Boulder might not, but Comet Tail still will!”

“Silly filly I’m going to write a letter to their parents. Each of them, and I’ll have a chat with the Sheriff sometime.” Starlight said sweetly. “I don’t think Boulder will bother you anymore, after all he wants to play tag with you on Monday!”

“D-d-don’t w-write a l-letter to Boulder’s mom... p-please... A-and... I-i’ll p-play t-tag with him... h-he s-seems n-nice...” Midnight said, blushling slightly. “H-he’s k-kinda c-cute...” She said softly.

“Alright I won’t write a letter to Boulder’s Mom. If he bullies you again though, you have to tell me alright? Even though you think he’s cute, it’s still not right to bully another filly or colt.” Said Starlight being serious for a moment.

“O-okay, I’ll tell you... b-but I don’t think he will...” Midnight replied.

“I thought you liked that other colt Snow Blitz? Do you like two colts?” Starlight asked with a giggle.

Midnight’s face turned as red as it possibly could. “N-n-no! I j-j-just th-think B-boulder i-is k-kinda c-cute! Th-thats i-it! Honest!” She protested, perhaps a bit too much.

“I think somepony has another crush! You’re turning into a regular little heartthrob!” Starlight said in a teasing voice.

“Y-y-yeah, O-ok-kay M-mom... L-let’s just g-go to the store now...” Midnight said blushing.

Twenty minutes later Midnight and Starlight arrived at the crowded supermarket. Starlight trotted inside, Midnight still laying comfily on her back. “Midnight sweetie, could you grab Mom a shopping cart?” Starlight asked kindly.

Midnight smiled and flew off of her mother’s back over to a row of shopping carts, returning with one. “Here.” She said cheerfully. “Uhm... Mom... Can I ride in the cart?” She asked nervously.

“Of course you can sweetheart! and Thank you for getting the cart for me” Starlight replied in a cheerful tone, she picked up Midnight in her forehooves and set her in the cart. “What should we pick up for supper tonight?” She asked sweetly, nuzzling Midnight.

“Hmm. Well... how about...” Midnight paused to think. “Fishies!” She said with a giggle. “I haven’t had fish in a while!” Midnight said with a cheer.

Starlight gave Midnight a gentle pat on the head with a smile. “Sure sweetheart fish sounds nice.” She said cheerfully as she pushed the cart along with her Telekinetic magic, her horn glowing bright green. After a few minutes of what seemed to be aimless wandering through the store, they arrived at the refrigerated section. “How does Speckled trout sound?” She asked Midnight with a smile on her muzzle.

Midnight smiled. “Sounds good! I love Speckled trout!” Midnight said, she licked her lips and drooled a little bit at the sight of the fish, one of her favorite foods.

“Good we’ll have trout and fried carrots for supper then!” Starlight said cheerfully as she placed the trout into the cart. “Don’t eat it raw silly. I saw you drooling!” She said with a giggle.

“B-but! I read in a book about bat ponies that we can eat fish right from the river... it’s natural!” Midnight said with a giggle.

“Well Mommy can’t eat fish raw, I’m not a bat pony. We still have to pay for it too silly.” Starlight said pushing the cart to the produce section. She hoofed a few veggies into the cart: Carrots, Asparagus, and Brussel sprouts. “Can’t forget the Brussel Sprouts!” She said knowing Midnight would protest.

“Mooom! I haaaaaaate Brussel Sprouts!” Midnight protested. “They taste all gross!”

“Midnight you need to eat at least one! Growing fillies need lots of vitamins and those good things!” Starlight said with a smile, pushing the cart to the dreaded diaper aisle. Once in the large ‘supplies’ aisle, Starlight begins hoofing various brands of diapers and reading the backs. “What about these ones sweetheart? They look nice.” She said holding a package of Cloud Nine filly diapers.

Midnight blushed as Starlight read the backs of the diapers. “I... um... th-they l-look nice... th-they have clouds and pegasi on them... th-they look nice... b-but h-how a-about something pink?”

“Are you sure sweetheart? The pink ones have really foalish patterns on them..” Starlight said trailing off. “I don’t want you to wear something that could cause problems.” She said very concerned for Midnight’s safety at school.

“W-w-well.. I h-have B-boulder n-now t-to p-prot-tect m-me... m-maybe... A-and I l-like th-the pink ones...” Midnight said blushing. “J-just b-because they have blocks and p-pacifiers a-and rattles on them d-doesn’t m-mean I c-can’t like them... l-like y-you always s-said, n-never b-be afraid t-to be y-yourself... Besides, these look the m-most a-absorbant... a-and s-soft...”

Starlight smiled and let out a sigh. “Only the best for you sweetheart, if they look comfortable and absorbent then we’ll get them.” She said ruffling Midnight’s mane with one hoof. “Could you get them for me? I can’t reach them.” She said smiling. “I know I could get them with magic but you used to jump at the chance to use your wings when you first learned to fly.”

“Okay!” Midnight said smiling, she jumped up into the air to grab the pack of diapers before quickly floating back down into the cart hiding behind another pack of diapers. “Wh-why d-don’t y-you g-get them...” She said nervously. “I-I’m content h-h-hiding h-here...”

“Why are you hiding sweetheart? Did you see somepony you like?” Starlight asked curiously, unaware that her crush was a few feet away.

“Mooom! Hush!” Midnight said pointing a hoof to a small snow white colt with black spots on his coat at the end of the aisle with his mother. “I’m not here! Quiet! You’re shopping alone if anypony asks!” She said covering her head with her hooves trying to hide in a small fort of packs of diapers and other items they had bought.

“Oooh! Is that Snow Blitz down there?” Starlight asked sweetly pointing a hoof at the colt. “He’s cute!” She said unintentionally very loud.

“N-n-no! I-its n-not! L-leave Blitz alo-” Midnight stopped her self and hid in the cart.

“That is him! Why don’t we go say hi to him?” Starlight said in a playful tone pushing the cart forward a few feet. “Go on go say hi!”

“Mooom! N-n-no! P-please!” Midnight protested, but it was too late, Blitz had seen her.

“Hi..Mistynight?” Snow Blitz said walking over to the shopping cart with a grin on his muzzle.

Midnight sighed in defeat. “Hi Snow Blitz... it’s Midnight, actually...” She said shyly.

“Oh... Did those bullies corner you again after school? I tried to look for you but I didn’t see you.” Snow Blitz said still smiling. “Oh yeah I learned a new trick today! Can you do any tricks yet?” He said happily, completely ignoring the small fort of diaper packages Midnight had constructed.

“I... um, what? T-t-tricks... I c-can d-do t-tricks...” Midnight said nervously trying to hide herself even more in her fort.

“How come you’re hiding under your uhm... Diapers?” Snow Blitz asked with genuine curiosity in his voice. “D-Did I do something wrong?” He asked his ears falling flat against his head.

Midnight popped out of her fort and flew up out of the cart down to the floor where Blitz was. “N-no, y-you’re f-fine... I... j-just... N-no i-it w-wasn’t y-you...” She said trying to make him feel better, in truth it was him. “I... I-” She stopped when she felt her diaper start to get wet, she blushed and her eyes grew wide. “I... I’m... I’m j-just w-w-wet a-and em-embar-rassed...” Midnight said, not sure if she should be glad that she had wet herself to get an excuse, or horribly embarrassed.

“Oh uhm... S-Should I g-go? If you’re wet then you probably need your Mommy to change you.” Blitz replied nervously, not sure what to do in the situation.

“N-n-no I-I’m f-fine... r-really...” Midnight said blushing “I... I c-can’t f-feel it... I-it’s... it’s fine... s-s-so... I c-c-can d-do t-tricks... wh-what trick d-did you learn today?” She paused and got quiet. “Y-yeah the b-bullies b-bullied m-me to-today...”

“I told you to come get me if they were picking on you again!” Snow Blitz said with an almost angry tone. He sighed and perked up. “I learned how to do a loop de loop today!” He said happily

Midnight’s ears fell as Blitz spoke in an angry voice, “S-s-sorry... I w-was already h-half w-way home... B-b-but.” Her ears perked back up. “I c-could do a loop de loop!” She smiled  and flew into the air and did a loop before landing seamlessly in front of him, a bit dizzily after she touched down. “I-its f-fun... if you don’t get dizzy...”

“That was cool! I’m sorry Boulder picks on you so much... He really is a nice colt, but he lets that Comet ‘Snail’ push him around.” Blitz said happily.

“H-he i-isn’t gonna pick on m-me again a-anymore...” Midnight said with a smile. “Y-yeah... we are g-gonna p-play t-tag on Monday... a-at School...”

Snow Blitz perked up visibly swishing his tail in excitement. “C-Can I play tag with you too?!” He asked with excitement

“Y-you w-want to play w-with me? E-even though I w-wear diapers?” She asked, her ears perking up.

“Why would wearing diapers matter? You’re pre-” Blitz put a hoof to his mouth cutting himself off while blushing in embarrassment of almost calling his crush pretty. “I..Uhm..W-Wearing d-diapers shouldn’t matter, you seem like a fun filly to play with.” He said happily.

“R-r-really? Y-you r-really think so?” Midnight asked happily.

“Yeah! W-We could have a sleep over this weekend if my Mommy lets me!” Blitz said excitedly, hopping around Midnight in a circle. “Can I Mommy? Huh can I?” He said still hopping around Midnight in excitement.

“Yeah!” Midnight’s face lit up. “We should! It would be awesome!” Her ears fall half way down. “A-are y-you m-my f-friend n-now th-then?”

Snow Blitz looked at Midnight confused. “I thought we were already friends?” He said smiling.

Midnight hopped up and down happily, jumping in circles around Snow Blitz before stopping and looking at him, without thinking she kissed his cheek and then continued to jump around him happily cheering that she had a friend.

“I...I...Y-You k-k-kissed m-me?!” Snow Blitz cheered, jumping into the air and doing a brief somersault before landing embarrassed. “Mommy can Midnight sleep over at our house tomorrow?” He asked putting on his best ‘puppy dog’ eyes.

Midnight blushed as the sleep over was suggested. “M-m-maybe w-we should d-do i-it at m-my house... c-cause... I...” She stopped. “I...” She trailed off as she felt the product of her earlier snack, she quickly flew up into the air and landed back in the shopping cart in her little fort. “I... uhm... M-m-m-mommy! W-w-we h-have t-to g-go!” Midnight pleaded frantically.

“What’s the matter sweetheart?” Starlight asked in a reassuring tone. “Oh did you...?” She asked quietly knowing Midnight would catch on. “I didn’t bring any foal wipes with us sweetie...”

Midnight blushed and looked at her mother pleadingly as she nodded. “I kn-know... w-we h-have t-to g-gooooo.” She turned back to Blitz, hiding herself in her fort. “B-blitz w-we h-have t-to g-go, s-sorry... s-see y-you t-tomorrow?” She asked.

“Yeah I’ll see you tomorrow! I uhm... D-Do you w-want to play after school sometime?.” Snow Blitz said blushing as he held up his hoof for a high hoof.

Fall Leaves held out her hoof to Starlight so she could shake it. “I’m Fall Leaves, Snow Blitz’s Foster Mother. You are?” She said happily with a smile on her muzzle.

“Oh forgive me where are my manners? I’m Starlight Charmer.” She said shaking hooves with Fall Leaves. “I hope I’m not being too forward but I couldn’t help but notice you have colt diapers in your basket?” Starlight asked quietly pointing her hoof to the basket.

“Oh not at all!” Fall Leaves said joyfully clapping her forehooves together. “Snow Blitz has trouble staying dry at night.” She said loudly, much to Blitz’s silent protests.

“Mooooooom! Th-Th-That’s not t-t-true! They’re for my little brother.. Yeah that’s it!” Blitz said blushing in embarrassment.

“I-it’s o-ok-kay B-blitz... I H-have t-trouble staying d-dry a-all d-day!” Midnight said cheerfully trying to cheer him up, she then frowned remembering her accident. “M-mooooom! W-we n-need t-to g-goooooo!”

Starlight sighed. “Can you grab a container of foal wipes sweetie?” Starlight asked quietly, pushing the cart out of the diaper aisle and waving with one hoof to Fall Leaves and Snow Blitz.

Midnight blushed and shook her head no. “N-n-no, I-I’m f-fine I-in m-my f-fort...”

“Sweetheart I can’t change you if I don’t have anything to clean you with.” Starlight said gently, rolling her eyes at Midnight.

“F-f-fine.” Midnight said quickly popping out of her fort flying as fast as she could to the shelf with the wipes on it, returning to Starlight putting the wipes in the cart and then burying herself in the fort of diapers again. “L-l-let’s g-g-go h-h-home...”

“Alright sweetie we just have to pay for our things then we can go home, can you last that long? Or do you need to be changed now?” Starlight asked with a sincere tone, concerned about her daughter’s health.

Midnight shifted uncomfortably. “I-I’ll b-be f-fine, I d-don’t w-want t-to b-be ch-changed i-in p-public, l-lets j-just g-go h-home.” She said.

Starlight let out a sigh. “Sweetheart I don’t want you to get sick. Are you absolutely sure you can last until we get home?” She asked now clearly concerned. “I know you hate being changed in public but it’s better than having the nurse take your temperature again.” Starlight said nervously.

“Y-y-yeah b-but th-the th-thermometer d-doesn’t g-go th-there! Th-that n-nurse t-treated m-me l-like I w-was a f-foal! I-i’m n-not a f-foal! Th-the thermometer goes in your mouth or ear! Not down there!” Midnight protested. “I c-can l-last!”

“Well I could always ask to use the fillies room at the checkout. I’m sure they would understand the situation.” Starlight said in a caring tone. “Well sweetie as much as you disagree with the nurses they were doing their job.” She said with a giggle.

“W-we t-tried th-that last time, th-the bathroom was gross! Remember? Th-they d-didn’t clean it! L-let’s just g-go home! I-its s-staff o-only n-now r-remember?” Midnight said reading a sign they passed, cringing at the memory of how awful the restroom was at that store.

Starlight sighed in defeat. “Alright sweetie let’s just get our things paid for and go home alright?” Starlight said hanging her head in defeat. She pushed the cart to the check out.

The mare working the checkout cringed at the smell coming from the filly; Not wanting to be rude to the embarrassed filly, she simply rang up their purchases with a sympathetic look on her muzzle. “That comes to forty five bits.” The mare held out one hoof to accept the bits.

“Really only forty five? Is there a sale today or something?” Asked Starlight rummaging around in her saddle bag, before she pulled out a small change purse. Starlight counted out forty five bits and hoofed them to the mare.

The check out mare quickly put the bits into her register with a smile on her muzzle. “Yes Ma’am all foal supplies were fifty percent off today.” Said the Checkout mare placing the items into Starlight’s saddle bags.

Midnight blushed and sighed, no longer being protected by her fort of diaper packs. “Not a foal.” Midnight mumbled under her breath crossing her arms.

“Did you say something sweetie?” Asked Starlight lifting Midnight from the cart with her forehooves. She pushed the cart back to where Midnight got it from and then left the store in a hurry. “Sweetie I hate to say it but you’re starting to smell... I don’t want you to smell in public.” Said Starlight in a motherly tone.

“I... I... I c-can’t c-control it! I-I’m s-sorry!” Midnight said, starting to get a little emotional from the feeling of her horrid diaper. “I d-don’t w-want t-to b-be changed in public!”

“Shh sweetie it’s not your fault, I know you can’t control it. I should have packed your saddle bag, but I didn’t expect you to have to go so soon.” Starlight said trying to soothe Midnight, before she could burst into tears.

“I kn-know... I... I j-just d-didn’t th-think I w-would h-have t-to g-go e-either... I d-don’t w-want t-to b-be changed i-in p-public...” Midnight said, sniffling, but not fully crying.

As Starlight and Midnight head towards their home, she spots a bench and starts to walk towards it. “I’m sorry sweetie but if you stay in that diaper any longer you could get very sick. I’m going to change you on this bench okay?” She said giving Midnight a sympathetic look. She lifted Midnight from her back in a green telekinetic aura, placing her on the bench.

“N-no!” Midnight said trying to flap her wings to get back onto Starlight’s back to no avail. “N-no N-not in public! N-not a-again!” She protested, at this point she was crying.

“Midnight sweetie the faster I get you changed the faster we can go home okay? Mommy didn’t want to do this, but you need to be changed.” Starlight said in a motherly tone as she moved her hooves to the diaper.

Midnight continued to struggle against Starlight. “All of th-the p-ponies a-around a-are g-going t-to s-see! N-no!” Midnight wailed, crying loudly, still flailing.

“Midnight! Please calm down, I used to change you in public all the time when you were a foal this isn’t any different sweetheart.” Starlight said gently.

“I’m Not A Foal! This Is Different!” Midnight yelled at Starlight, slapping Starlight’s hooves away with her own.

“Ouch! Midnight don’t hit me! I know you’re not a foal sweetie, I just want to help. I can’t help if you don’t let me.” Starlight said with a hint of irritation creeping into her voice.

Midnight continued to cry but stopped fighting, she brought her wings up over her face and continued to cry loudly and hysterically. “P-please... M-mommyyyyyyy!” Midnight pleaded.

Starlight nuzzled Midnight’s exposed belly very lovingly. “Shh, shh if you just calm down for five minutes sweetheart I’ll have you all clean and dry. Don’t you want Snow Blitz to sleep over tomorrow?” She said moving her hooves back to Midnight’s diaper preparing to remove the soiled garment.

Midnight ignored Starlight, continuing to cry, but now putting up no resistance to her just wanting it to be over already.

“Thank you sweetheart.” Starlight said kissing Midnight’s left wing, she un taped the soiled diaper from Midnight’s body and slid it away from her. She lifted the container of foal wipes from her saddlebag along with the ‘Silly Filly’ diapers. Starlight proceeded to clean Midnight’s bottom and fillypart’s as quickly as she could. She opened the pink case of diapers and took one out, and slid it underneath of Midnight threading her tail through the hole before taping it on securely. “See that wasn’t so bad was it?” Starlight said lovingly as she picked Midnight up and placed her on her back again.

Continuing to cry Midnight hugged Starlight’s neck tightly and buried her face into her mane looking for the comfort only her mother could provide.

Starlight ruffled Midnight’s mane with one hoof. “Aw don’t cry Midnight. I’m sorry I had to put you through that again. I love you, and only want the best for my filly.” She said in a motherly tone.

Midnight continued to cry, through her tears she spoke. “I l-love y-you t-too m-mommy...”

“We can go out for ice cream tomorrow with Snow Blitz, how does that sound? We still have some strawberry ice cream left in the freezer you can have when we get home.” Starlight said once again heading in the direction of their home.

“O-o-okay...” Midnight said, she nuzzled the back of her mother's neck. “Th-thank you... I l-love you...” She said gently closing her eyes, still crying, trying to rest after her episode, she drifted off to sleep.

“I love you to Midnight, I’ll wake you once we’re home” Starlight said quietly as she continued their walk home. After a twenty minute journey through town the mare and filly arrived home. Starlight opened her front door and stepped inside, closing the door behind her. She trotted to Midnight’s bedroom and placed the still sleeping filly under her large pink comforter. “Do you want to sleep a little longer sweetie or do you want to get up?” Starlight asked Midnight quietly as she nuzzled her back.

“Huhmmahmm?” Midnight said, opening her eyes slightly, yawning, then closing her eyes again as she breathes softly in her sleep.

Starlight smiled and pulled the blankets up around the sleeping filly with her mouth. “I’ll take that as you want to sleep some more. I’ll wake up you up for supper in a couple hours.” She said leaning down to kiss Midnight on her snout. “Night sweetie.” She said softly trotting out of Midnight’s bedroom and shutting the door quietly.

“I love you Mom.” Midnight said softly in her sleep as her mother left the room.

Midnight wakes in her bed later that evening to the all too familiar feeling of a wet diaper, tears roll down her face as she quietly cries. “Why... Why did this happen to me? Why couldn’t I be a normal pony? Why do I have all of the problems...” She thought, rolling over onto her side she clutches her Spitfire plush tightly and pulls the blankets around her as she sobs.

The door to Midnight’s bedroom opens slowly, and the light from the hall pours in from the crack. “Hey sweetie it’s time to wake up.” Starlight called into the room.

“I’m already awake.” Midnight said in a hushed voice. She was facing away from the door but she could hear Starlight and see the light from the hall, she was crying, and her sobs could clearly be heard by Starlight.

Starlight walked to Midnight’s bed and sat down. “What’s the matter sweetie? Did you have a bad dream?” She asked in a gentle caring tone.

“All day and night, every day and night, twenty four, seven.” She paused. “It’s not fair.” She said in an aggravated tone. “Some days I make progress, only to be shot back down to the level of a foal.” Sniffling, she continued. “All I want, is one day, to not be a foal, to be a regular filly... to have fun, and not have to worry about this stupid incontinence... it’s not fair...” She paused again. “Why do I have this? Why was I cursed with this horrible condition? What did I do to deserve this?!” She lashed out, her mind going a thousand miles a minute. “And they all laugh... and call me names... something I can’t control... they know it... they know I can’t control it... and that’s what feeds them, they pick on me for something I can’t stop, something I can’t help, something... I can’t change...” Tears stream down her face as she continued to face away from Starlight.

“Oh Midnight sweetie...” Starlight said trailing off in that same sincere motherly tone. She moved Midnight’s blankets aside and picked up the sobbing filly in her forehooves, she began to rock her gently much like she did when Midnight was still a foal. “Haven’t you been talking to Miss Psyche sweetheart? She’s there to talk to you about these things, you know that.” She said still rocking Midnight back in forth, humming a lullaby softly.

“I know... b-but, it’s been a week since my last appointment... I don’t have another one for a while... I... She’s one of my only friends... one of the few ponies that doesn’t judge me, even though she is a doctor and it’s her job... I... So much has happened, I can’t keep track of it all...” Midnight said.

“Sweetie I’m always here to talk or listen, you know that right? Even if you think you can’t tell me, you can. I’m your Mom and I love you, I’ll always be your best friend. Do you understand sweetie? No problem is too big or too small for me.” Starlight said still rocking Midnight. “You don’t have to worry about your problems here at home, just be who you want to be. Not who the other ponies want you to be.”

“Y-yes... you’re right, you are ‘Mom’ and my best friend but...” Midnight took in a deep breath, taking a leap of faith with her next words. “But you aren’t my Mom. A-and...” Midnight looked away from Starlight. “Y-you... you never c-can b-be...” She said in her state of disorientation and depression

To Starlight it felt as if every piece of her world had just shattered in an instant. She felt like someone had reached inside of her chest and tore out her heart. “H-How c-could you s-s-say th-th-that...” She trailed off setting Midnight down on the bed, tears flowing freely from her eyes. “M-Midnight I love you, I’ll always be your Mom no matter how you feel.” Starlight said stroking her daughter’s mane.

It hit Midnight like a brick wall what she had just said. Her eyes watered up more than they had been, she looked up at Starlight, her mother and jumped up onto her giving her a tight hug. “I-I-I’m s-s-s-sor-r-ry! M-m-m-m-mommy! I d-didn’t kn-know-w wh-what I w-was s-saying!” Midnight cried out. “Y-you a-are m-more th-than m-my mom... y-you a-are my Mommy.” She said through her tears.

“I know sweetheart, I’m not mad or upset with you.” Starlight said wiping away Midnight’s tears with one hoof. “I’ll always be here for you, always.” She said hugging her daughter tightly.

“I love you! I l-love y-you s-so much Mommy!” Midnight said, nuzzling her mom apologetically. “I’m s-so s-sorry! I, I love you!”

“I love you too Midnight, you’re my only daughter and the best daughter a mom could ever hope for. Before you came into my life your father and I tried for a long time to have foals, but we just couldn’t. Even though your Dad isn’t around a lot, he loves you very very very much. He wishes he could come home but being a royal guard means he has a lot of responsibility. I got a letter from him...” Starlight said trailing off looking at the picture of the three of them on the wall.

Midnight perked up for a moment. “Yeah!? What did it say! Is he coming home?” Midnight asked excitedly, until she saw the look on her mother’s face. “O-oh...”

“He said he loves us very much and that his present to you is on it’s way but he won’t be able to make it home this year, again.” Starlight said sighing sadly. “When he gets time for leave, I’m going to give that stallion an earful!” She said her tone loving but with a hint of frustration.

“Oh... r-really? Th-that’s...” Midnight frowned. “I... I’d rather have him than some silly old present...” She said with a tear rolling out of her eye.

“I know sweetie, I’d rather see his face for real rather than just in picture frames. Now that you’re up do you need to be changed?” Starlight asked Midnight, trying to steer the conversation away from her Dad.

Midnight nodded. “Y-yeah. I n-need to be changed...” She trailed off.

Starlight smiled. “Okay sweetie could you grab your changing mat?” She said as her horn flared to life, a clean diaper, foal wipes and scented foal powder drifted across the room surrounded by the familiar green glow of Starlight’s magic. She released Midnight from her hug, hopping off the bed and turning on the light before returning to Midnight’s side.

“I love you mom... I... I’m sorry I freaked out a little bit ago... I... I think I need to see Miss Psyche sometime soon though...” Midnight said in an apologetic tone. “I think I am... what did she call it...” She stopped to think. “Depressurized?”

“Depressed sweetie, you were close! and I love you too sweetheart.” Starlight said nuzzling Midnight lovingly. “Do you like these new silly filly diapers? They look comfortable, and I’ll see if I can get you an appointment with Miss Psyche Tuesday after school.” Starlight asked with some concern in her voice.

Midnight smiled. “Yeah. They work pretty nice... I think...” She blushed. “I think I m-may h-have w-wet m-multiple t-times while I w-was asleep... th-they s-seem to b-be h-holding up n-nicely.” She paused.” And thanks, I really think Miss Psyche is helping me, it’ll be good to have another appointment with her.”

“That’s great sweetie, and I think Miss Psyche will want to hear all about your new friends!” Starlight said with a cheer and a smile. “Now lay down sweetheart.” She said in a gentle tone.

Midnight reached down under her bed and pulled the changing mat up, spreading it out on her bed. She laid down on the mat. “Okay... Do you think we can get a new changing mat? This one is old, the material itches my wings... and it’s a horrible shade of grey...”

Starlight laughed and got to work cleaning up Midnight, first she un-taped the wet diaper which fell forward on it’s own with a thud. “Oh my, you really had to go didn’t you? How does a pink changing pad sound?” Starlight asked as she cleaned Midnight’s fillypart’s and bottom.

Midnight blushed. “I... Uh, y-yeah... I did... a-and y-yeah! A pink changing pad sounds nice!” She said cheerfully, she clapped her forehooves together slowly in a nervous fashion. “M-maybe o-one w-with a pattern on it?”

“With flowers?” Starlight asked sliding the wet diaper away from Midnight and rolling it up, she slid the clean diaper underneath of Midnight threading her tail through the hole.

“Yeah, that sounds cool!” Midnight said waiting for Starlight to finish up.

“Remember when Sky came over and fillysat you last week?” Starlight asked applying the scented foal powder now, and rubbing it in with one hoof. She taped Midnight’s new diaper on securely then helped her back to her hooves, giving her a big hug.

“Yeah! I remember!” Midnight cheered. “She was really fun! I want her to fillysit more often!” She cheered then returned Starlight’s hug. “U-um... M-mom... y-you r-remember when I was a foal a-and you u-used t-to u-use th-that foal oil? A-and h-how it helped m-me r-relax?”

“Of course I do sweetheart, you said your first words during one of those massages. I was a bit mad because you said Spitfire instead of ‘Mommy’ but you were three.” Starlight said with a chuckle. “Why do you ask sweetie?” She asked in a motherly tone.

“W-well... I w-was w-wondering... I-if y-you c-could g-give m-me one o-of th-those m-massages again? M-maybe... i-if it’s not too much t-to ask... o-or w-weird...” Midnight asked.

Starlight smiled widely down at Midnight. “Silly filly, that’s not weird or too much to ask. I’ll gladly give you a massage.” Starlight said nuzzling Midnight.

Midnight hugged Starlight again. “Really? Thanks Mommy!” Midnight said in a cute tone of voice.

“Before I start your massage what did you forget to do again sweetheart?” Starlight asked pointing to Midnight’s wet diaper still sitting on the bed.

“O-oh...” Midnight blushed and quickly lifted the diaper throwing it away in the trash bin before returning to the changing pad laying down on it spreading her wings and legs lazily.

“Good girl, I’ll be right back okay? I just have to grab the bottle of foal oil from my bedroom.” Starlight said hopping off the bed and leaving the room. She returned five minutes later levitating a small bottle labeled ‘foal oil’. She unscrewed the cap and applied some of the oil to her hooves, then began to gently rub it into Midnight’s coat starting with her belly.

“Oh, I remember this, it feels so good, it’s so... relaxing.” Midnight said relaxing into the massage.

Starlight moved her forehooves to Midnight’s forehooves slowly pressing her hooves into Midnight’s own. “You would come into my room at four in the morning sometimes when you were little and demand a massage, it was adorable!” Starlight said in a cute tone, rubbing Midnight’s joints.

Midnight blushed. “I... I r-remember that... b-but.. t-to my defence t-there w-was a thunderstorm that night!” She said with a giggle.

“What about every other night sweetie? There wasn’t a thunderstorm every other night!” Starlight said with a small chuckle, moving her hooves to Midnight’s hind legs..

At this point, Midnight’s face couldn’t have been redder. “I... I d-don’t know... I w-was th-three!” She said defensively but with another giggle.

“I’m only teasing sweetie, roll onto your belly please.” Starlight said making a rolling gesture with her hooves, winking at Midnight.

Midnight rolled onto her belly spreading her wings out as she did. “Okay...”

Starlight applied a little more oil to her hooves, then pressed them gently into the space between Midnight’s wings. “Is this spot still ticklish?” She asked starting to tickle Midnight’s back with her forehooves.

“N-n-no!” Midnight said her words fighting the urge to giggle. “I-I’m not t-ticklish th-th-there a-anymore!” She said giggling.

“Suuure you’re not!” Starlight said laughing as she stopped the assault of tickles and began massaging Midnight’s outstretched wings. “Supper should be finished soon if you were hungry sweetie.” She said with a smile.

“Yeah! Sounds good, I am really hungry.” Midnight said as her tummy rumbled.

“Sounds like it!” Starlight said happily as she finished up the massaging Midnight’s wings, she moved her hooves to Midnights lower back and pressed them gently into the spot. Working away Midnight’s pent up stress. “Feel any better yet sweetie?” She asked nuzzling the back of Midnight’s neck.

“Yeah... a lot actually.” Midnight said smiling. “Thanks... Mom, I really appreciate it.” She said softly.

Starlight finished the massage and lifted Midnight back to her hooves. “I’m happy to hear it, and you’re very welcome sweetie. I know you had a rough day!” She said cheerfully giving Midnight another nuzzle, and kissing her on the nose with a grin. “Since you were so well behaved this past week in school, how about I get you one of your presents early?” Starlight asked in a motherly tone.

“Okay! I love presents! B-but... w-why? Why so early? You never give me presents this early... unless it’s something silly, like pajamas... or socks... I don’t even understand what you are suppose to do with socks!” Midnight said giggling. “There is no point to them... pajamas keep your forelegs and hind legs warm just fine... why socks?” She asked curiously.

“The pony who runs the clothing boutique in town, insisted that in her exact words. ‘Are all the rage up in Canterlot this time of year!’” Starlight said laughing and shaking her head. “I thought they looked cute so I bought you a few pairs, and I thought you liked your last pair of PJ’s I got for you?” She asked teasingly.

“I-I d-do!” Midnight said, blushing as she was caught off guard. “B-but th-they are itchy... all of my PJ’s are itchy... I l-like the socks too... b-but I don’t know wh-what they do...” She giggled.

“I don’t think that pony knew either but I was the only one in the boutique! Hop on my back and I’ll give you a ride to your surprise.” Starlight said cheerfully with a smile. “No peeking!”

Midnight climbed onto Starlight’s back and closed her eyes. “Okay... But I don’t know why it would be in the kitchen.” She said curiously.

Starlight cantered to the kitchen, stopping every few seconds to make sure Midnight had actually closed kept her eyes closed. Where Midnight’s favorite chair used to be was a high chair built specifically for older fillies and colts. “You can open your eyes now sweetie!” She said cheerfully.

Midnight opened her eyes and saw a high chair. “A high chair?” Midnight asked.

“Yes sweetheart, I know you sometimes like it when I treat you like a foal. I thought you would like it if I sometimes fed you. I won’t bring it out if we have company or if you want to sit in your favorite chair I’ll put it away.” Starlight said nervously.

“I...” She paused unsure of what to say. “I c-can t-try it... I guess...” She said nervously not wanting to show that she liked the idea.

“Alright do you want me to help you into it? It’s a little tricky.” Starlight said lifting the table portion of the chair up with her hooves.

“Y-yeah...” Midnight said hesitantly.

“Don’t be nervous Midnight, I’m the only pony here. I had this made especially for you!” Starlight said happily as she lifted Midnight into the chair and strapped her in. She put the table portion of the chair into place again.

Midnight blushed. “I... uhm, now what?” She asked, still nervous.

“Well when Sky was fillysitting you last week, I went out and bought you a new changing pad. That’s why I knew you would like pink and if it had flowers on it.” Starlight said smiling. “Would you like to see it?” She asked kindly.

Midnight nodded. “Y-yes... p-please.”

Starlight trotted out of the kitchen and returned a few moments later carrying a large flat wrapped up object, she lifted the object to Midnight’s awaiting hooves. “Go ahead and open it sweetheart.” Starlight said pleasantly with a smile.

Midnight unwrapped the object finding a changing pad inside it, it was pink and had a flower print on it, She smiled. “Oh, thank you mom! This one looks much better than the old one! And its even soft!” She cheered, she tried to fly up and hug her mom only to be held in place by the strap on the high chair.

“You’re welcome sweetheart!” Starlight said happily, she moved closer to Midnight and hugged her tightly. “I’m glad you like it, Sky helped me pick it out for you.” She said cheerfully.

“Sky knows me so well!” Midnight said cheering. “I can’t wait to- never mind...” Midnight said, thinking about what she was about to say. “S-so.. y-you s-said y-you w-were g-going t-to f-feed m-me?”

“If you’d like me too, the trout should be done any second now!” Starlight said happily, mere seconds after she finished talking the oven timer went off. She pulled the oven door down with her magic, and the pulled the savory baked trout out of the oven with more telekinesis magic. She pulled two plates from the cupboard down and plated the trout. After plating the trout Starlight levitates the two plates to the table, placing one in front of Midnight and the other on the table before sitting down beside Midnight. “Let me know if this get’s awkward sweetie, I haven’t fed you since you were a foal.” She said giggling.

“O-oh... I... O-ok-kay...” Midnight said, blushing, still unsure.

Starlight smiled and began to slice up the fish into small portions Midnight could eat, she lifted the first piece of fish to Midnight’s mouth. “Open wide!” She said in a sing song voice one would use to speak to a foal.

Midnight smiled, still nervous and bit down on the piece of fish. “Th-this is w-weird...” She blushed as Starlight talked to her in a foalish tone of voice.

“I don’t have to feed you if you don’t want to sweetie.” Starlight said kindly.

“N-no i-it’s f-fine... j-just weird... I-it’s been a while... s-since I was a f-foal... I... I-it’s j-just new to me...”

“I know sweetie, but do you like this? Sometimes I worry that I treat you like a foal too much, when I know you’re a big filly.” Starlight said sweetly with a smile, bringing another bite of fish to Midnight’s mouth.

“S-sometimes y-you do, but.” She bit down on the fish taking it in her mouth and swallowing. “But I k-kinda l-like it... a little bit... m-maybe... kinda...” She blushed and looked away.

“You do? Even when I accidentally call you a foal?” Starlight asked bringing more fish to Midnight’s mouth, her tone very motherly.

Midnight blushed and nodded. “Y-yes b-but, Only At Home!” She quickly stated, blushing and breaking eye contact again. “M-maybe s-sometimes... o-outs-side... wh-when im n-not a-around o-other f-fillies and c-colts...”

Starlight smiled and nodded, bringing another bite of fish to Midnight’s open mouth. “Okay sweetheart, well I have some bad news. You have a check up with the doctor on Tuesday.” She said with that same motherly tone.

“With Miss Psyche? I know already Mom...” Midnight said giggling as she took another bite.

“No sweetie, not Miss Psyche but yes you do get to see her on Tuesday. I meant Doctor Heart Monitor.” Starlight said slowly, knowing Midnight likes the doctor but dislikes the nurses.

“I like Doctor Heart Monitor, he is nice... am I gonna have to see Nurse Red Heart again? I don’t like the nurses...” Midnight said with a frown.

“Yes sweetie Nurse Red Heart will most likely be there. I think I can get her to check your temperature with the ear thermometer this time.” Starlight said giggling as she lifted the last piece of fish to Midnight’s mouth.

“Okay... as long as you can get her to use the ear one... I don’t like the mouth one either...” Midnight said as she took the last bite of fish.

“How about some Strawberry Ice cream with chocolate cake for dessert?!” Starlight asked happily.

“Chocolate cake!? And ice cream!?” Midnight cheered. “Wait... what’s the catch?” She asked raising an eyebrow.

Starlight laughed a hearty laugh. “Well the only catch is, we have to do some of your homework tonight.” She said cheerfully.

“Awww, do we have too?” Midnight moaned. “Can’t we do it on Sunday?”

“If we do it Sunday you won’t have as much time to play though sweetie! Come on we’ll only do five questions okay? That’s half your homework in one night.” Starlight said quickly eating her own baked trout. She hopped off her chair and levitated to the two plates to the kitchen sink.

“Fiiiiineeeee, but, cake and ice cream first!” Midnight said giggling thinking she could just eat then claim she wanted to go to bed.

“I think somepony likes chocolate cake! I was thinking for your birthday party we could bake you cookies, cupcakes and a white chocolate cake. How does that sound?” Starlight asked from the other side of the kitchen. She took the chocolate cake and strawberry ice cream from the fridge and freezer and quickly plated both items, bringing them to the table.

Midnight’s eyes grew wide as she saw the cake. “I want it...” She paused. “No I need it...” She paused again. “No, I can’t live without it.” She said,her wings flapping slowly as she tried to lift herself out of the high chair over to the cake only to be stopped by the strap holding her in.

Starlight placed the plate of cake and ice cream in front of Midnight, then sat down with her own plate. “Careful sweetie, you’re strapped in remember?” Starlight asked with a giggle. She took a bite of the cake, it’s delicate texture assaulted her senses causing her to exclaim loudly. “Mmmm! Oh uh.. Excuse me!” She said laughing.

Midnight drooled at the sight of the cake and ice cream in front of her, she hesitated to dig in, looking up at Starlight for an answer to an unasked question.

“Does my little foal want to be fed again?” Starlight asked in that same sing-song tone again.

Midnight slowly nodded keeping her mouth shut as she blushed.

“Silly filly you don’t need to be shy around me!” Starlight dropped her voice down to a whisper before continuing. “After all who changes your diapers?” She whispered teasingly as she lifted a bite of cake to Midnight’s mouth.

“I...” Midnight stopped and blushed. “Y-you d-do...” She said softly before taking a bite of the cake and swallowing it. “B-b-but... I... I... Y-you... th-that’s not fair...” She said waiting for another bite of cake.

Starlight ruffled Midnight’s mane with one hoof. “Aw I’m sorry sweetie I didn’t mean to upset you.” She said lifting another bit of cake to her mouth.

Midnight ate the cake and then opened her mouth to ask a question. “W-would y-you m-mind t-talking t-to m-me l-like I a-am a f-foal? I-it... it’s c-calming...” She blushed and looked away. “Sh-should I t-talk like a foal? I d-don’t r-really u-understand h-how I sh-should be a-acting i-in th-this...”

“Silly filly just be yourself, I like this time we spend together. It helps us bond better!” Starlight said giving Midnight a nuzzle before bringing a spoonful of ice cream to her mouth.

Midnight nodded and took another bite. “O-ok-kay... I guess...” She nuzzled Starlight back.

Starlight smiled sweetly and kissed Midnight on her nose. “Don’t be nervous I love you very much!” She said lifting another spoonful of ice cream to her awaiting mouth.

Midnight took the ice cream in her mouth and swallowed it.

“Are you excited to have Snow Blitz spend the night tomorrow sweetie?” Starlight asked lifting another spoonful of ice cream to Midnight’s open mouth.

Midnight swallowed another spoonful of ice cream. “Yeah! It’s gonna be great! B-but... I just hope he doesn’t think I’m weird because I’m incontinent...” Her ears fell, but then she smiled. “I don’t think he will though... B-but, it’s possible...”

“Don’t be silly sweetheart, if he defended you from the bullies before why would he care that you’re incontinent? Maybe he likes you because you’re different?” Starlight said bringing another spoonful of ice cream to Midnight’s mouth. “Open wide for the Pegasus!” She said in a foalish tone.

“But I don’t like to be different...” Midnight said before taking another bite, she giggled at her mother talking to her in such a silly way.

“Being different is what makes you who you are sweetie, don’t let anypony tell you otherwise.” Starlight said in a slightly serious tone. “Midnight don’t be ashamed of who you are sweetie, even if the other ponies make fun of you. A lot of those fillies are just jealous of your pretty blue coat” She said smiling.

“R-really? Th-they are jealous? Of me?” Midnight’s face lit up. “Y-you really think so? N-not th-that them b-being j-jealous i-is a g-good th-thing...” She giggled.

Starlight smiled and lifted the last spoonful of ice cream to Midnight’s mouth. “I think some of the fillies are, after all Bat Ponies often have very pretty coats, and you learn to fly at an earlier age than other pegasi.” She said cutely, “Open wide for the train!” She said making foalish train noises as the spoon was brought to Midnight’s mouth.

Midnight giggled and opened her mouth for the ‘train,’ taking the ice cream in her mouth and swallowing it. “Thanks Mommy, it means a lot...” She said smiling.

“You’re welcome sweetheart, now that supper and dessert is all finished let’s do your homework.

“Aww... but I’m having fun being a foal...” Midnight said giggling. “Can’t we do it later?”

“Sorry sweetie it’s already seven thirty and your bedtime is eight thirty!” Starlight said helping Midnight down from the high chair, giving her a nuzzle as she did.

“Aww! But it’s Friday! Can’t I say up a bit late?” Midnight complained, returning Starlight’s nuzzle anyway.

“We’ll see. Go get your homework sweetie, we’ll do it in the living room.” Starlight said trotting into the living room and climbing onto the couch.

“Fiiiiiiiine.” Midnight complained following Starlight into the living room, she grabbed her saddlebag and came to the coffee table dumping a small notebook, a pencil, and her text book out onto the table with a thud.

“Okay sweetie, I’ll compromise we’ll do five questions tonight then the other five on Sunday. Sound good to you?” Starlight asked opening Midnight’s math text book to the assigned page.

Midnight sighed. “Okay... I guess...” She said opening her notebook to a free page using her mouth and a pencil to write down her name and the subject, she then started to copy the questions over to the page. “Three hundred, point five... plus eighty point three...” She said quickly scribbling the words down. Thinking for a moment she writes down her first answer. “Three hundred and ninety.”

Starlight frowned slightly. “Sweetie that’s not right. If you add five and three what do you get?” She asked pointing to the five and three.

“Eight?” Midnight answered.

“That’s right. Now what happens when you add three hundred and eighty together?” Starlight asked trying to encourage Midnight.

“One hundred ten?” Midnight said tilting her head confused.

“Not quite sweetheart. Say you have three hundred pieces of hay and a nice pony comes along and gives you another eighty pieces. How many is that all together?” Starlight asked smiling.

“Three Hundred...” She paused thinking for a moment, scribbling down some problems in the notebook before dropping her pencil from her mouth. “And eighty... Three hundred eighty... I...” She sniffled. “I’m just a stupid foal! That was so obvious!” She cried.

“You’re anything but a stupid foal Midnight! Don’t say those things about yourself.” Starlight said sternly hugging Midnight. “You’re still learning how to add these three digit numbers with decimals in them. Now that you have three hundred and eighty, add the decimal sweetie.” She said smiling.

“Three hundred and eighty point eight?” She asked, still sniffling a bit.

Starlight cheered happily. “That’s right sweetie! Good job.” She said ruffling Midnight’s mane. “Now question two?” She said still smiling.

Midnight smiled a bit at her mother’s praise. “O-one hundred and four point six... plus one hundred and two point six...” She stopped to think. “Two hundred six point twelve?”

“Close sweetheart, when a decimal goes over nine, you round up the nearest whole number.” Starlight said cheerfully. “Everything else is right though!” She said happily.

“S-so, Two hundred... Seven... point two?” Midnight asked, stopping several times to think.

“That’s right sweetheart good job!” Starlight said cheering again.

Midnight smiled again. “Th-thanks...” She said.

“Okay just three more sweetie! What’s the next one?” Starlight asked..

“Three more I can do this!” Midnight said happily because of her mother’s support. After struggling with three more problems and eventually getting them right, Midnight yawned. “All done! That took foreeeever! What time is it mom? I don’t think I could look at another number...” She said with a giggle.

Starlight looked at the clock on the wall and frowned it was eight thirty. “It’s eight thirty sweetie, bedtime!” She said smiling.

“Aww but mom! I’m a big pony! One more hour please! Please! Please! Please!” Midnight begged. “I’m getting older! You’re gonna have to let me stay up later than eight thirty eventually! Why not now? Besides its Fridayyyyyyyy!” She whined.

“I know you’re getting older sweetheart but I don’t want you to be cranky tomorrow morning. If you promise to not complain when I wake you up for breakfast you can stay up until nine thirty.” Starlight said shaking her head in defeat. “I can’t argue against a cutie like you!” She said nuzzling Midnight affectionately.

Midnight blushed. “Mooooooooom! I’m not cute! I’m pre- Oh nevermind!” Midnight said throwing her hooves up into the air in defeat.

“Silly filly of course you’re cute! You’re Mommy’s cute little foal!” Starlight said teasing Midnight.

“I’m not a-” She stopped remembering what she had said earlier and blushed, she snuggled up close to Starlight and nuzzled her. “A-alright... I g-guess y-you’re r-right...” Midnight said as she tried to climb up onto Starlight’s lap and curled up into a small blue ball yawning.

“Aww is my little Midnight sleepy?” Starlight asked in a cute tone. “If you fall asleep now Mommy can’t brush you!” She said levitating a brush from across the room and threading it into Midnight’s mane.

“N-no I’m not sleepy!” Midnight said with another yawn.

Starlight smiled at Midnight and brought the brush through her mane again. “It’s okay if you’re sleepy sweetie, you can always stay up late tomorrow.” She said brushing Midnight’s coat now.

“I-I’m n-not t-tired...” She trailed off, yawning again closing her eyes, quickly jolting them open again.

“Are you sure about that sweetie? You sound pretty tired. Let’s go get your pyjamas on then we can watch some TV for a little bit.” Starlight said moving Midnight and getting down from the couch, she crouched so Midnight could more easily get on her back.

“A-aww, but th-they are i-itchy...” Midnight said with another yawn.

“What about the new pair I bought you last week sweetie? You said the fabric was comfy.” Starlight said cheerfully.

“I forgot about them...” Midnight said with a giggle. “O-okay... b-but I still won't like it!”

Starlight smiled and patted her back. “Come on sweetie the Star train is calling all ponies named Midnight!” She said laughing.

Midnight giggles. “Where are all the other ponies named Midnight? I can’t be the only one...” She said smiling as she climbed onto Starlight’s back.

“They already took the train to dreamland silly!” Starlight said with a giggle as she trotted to Midnight’s bedroom. Once outside of her door she opened it, and turned on the light before stepping inside. “Go on sweetheart get your PJ’s on I’ll be right here if you need any help.” She said smiling as she crouched again.

Midnight climbed off of her mother’s back and to the dresser, pulling a silk pink nightgown out of the bottom drawer. Quickly sliding it over her head and her forehooves through Midnight smiled and blushed slightly. “It hides my diaper...” She said with a smile. “I never noticed that before...”

“I thought you might like that feature. Do you want to change into your night time diaper now sweetie?” Starlight asked pointing with one hoof to the package of ‘Dreaming Fillies’ diapers that were visible on the closet’s shelf.

Midnight thought for a moment before nodding. “Okay... I guess...”

Starlight smiled and nodded, she trotted out of the room returning a few moments later with Midnight’s new changing pad. She spread it out on Midnight’s bed then grabbed her ‘supplies’ from the closet. “Lay down for me sweetie.” She said giving Midnight a motherly nuzzle.

Midnight laid down on the changing mat, as she did she felt her diaper was slightly wet, she sighed.

“Thank you sweetie.” Starlight said happily as she lifted up Midnight’s nightie, she quickly un taped the diaper and made a mental note that Midnight was wet. “Did you know you were wet sweetie? I would have changed you earlier.” She said wiping Midnight’s fillypart’s and bottom clean, she slid the dreaming filly diaper underneath of Midnight and applied the scented foal powder.

“No... I didn’t...” Midnight said with a frown.

“Alright just checking sweetheart, I don’t want you to be shy about asking for a change.” Starlight said taping on Midnight’s nighttime diaper securely then helping her back to her hooves.

“Mom... You’ve been helping me change for almost nine years... I think I’m over being shy about asking for a change...” Midnight said with a slight blush, she yawned.

“I know sweetie but it never hurts to ask right?” Starlight said picking up Midnight and placing her on her back again. “Are you sure you’re not sleepy?” She asked again as she trotted back to the living room.

Midnight nodded. “Y-yeah, I’m s-sure.” She said, her eyes closing again, she quickly snapped them back open.

“Well how about we play some Ponopoly then?” Starlight asked placing Midnight on the couch before she pulled a board game from underneath the coffee and setting it on top of said table.

“Okay!” Midnight said smiling. “I always win!”

Starlight smiled. “That’s because you always end up buying Canterlot before Mommy can!” She said giggling as she set up the board on the table. “You can go first sweetie.”

Midnight picked up a small metal crown and placed it on the start box of the board before picking up two dice and throwing them. “Six!” She cheered as she let out another yawn. “The Ponyville Express Railroad! Yes! Mommy, you be the banker! I’m no good with numbers.. uhm, take my twenty bits!” She cheered.

“Alright sweetie!” Starlight took Midnight’s twenty bit’s and placed them in the bankers box, she hoofed Midnight a card that read ‘Ponyville Express Railroad’. “Here you are sweetie!” She cheered, picking up the dice in her hooves she tossed them. “Five! That will bring me to...” She stopped to think. “Ah Canterlot boulevard, I’ll take that for thirty bits!” She placed the thirty bits into the bank and then took the canterlot boulevard card out and placed it in front of herself.

Midnight giggled. “You still don’t have Canterlot itself Mommy!” She said tossing the dice again, this time her eyes close and she drops the dice, she lets out a yawn.

“Come on sweetie it’s bed time, we’ll play tomorrow with your friend.” said Starlight nudging Midnight awake with her snout.

Midnight jumped awake. “Huh? What?  Oh... Okay.” She said with another yawn, closing her eyes again.

Starlight smiled and placed the sleeping filly on her back. “Let’s get you into bed and then I’ll read you a story!” She said trotting to Midnight’s bedroom, the door still open from earlier. She walked in and placed her down on the bed and covered her up with the large pink comforter. “All nice and snug?” She asked in a silly tone.

“Yes.” Midnight said nodding as she snuggled up in her blanket.

“Story time!” Starlight said cheerfully, she left Midnight’s room and returned a few moments later carrying a book in her mouth. Starlight cleared her throat before opening the book to begin reading. “Daring Do and the Sapphire stone. Do you know who Daring Do is sweetie?” She asked waiting for an answer before continuing.

Midnight shook her head. “No, who’s that?”

“She’s a Pegasus Explorer who goes into old ruins and temples to find treasures. Isn’t that ‘cool’?” Starlight asked. “This is the first book in the series.” She said smiling.

“Really? That sounds awesome!” Midnight said, with another yawn.

Starlight smiled and began to get into character. “Hey everypony I’m Daring Do, the famous explorer from Cloudsdale. I’m here to tell you about my amazing journey to get the Sapphire stone from the Jungle Temple of-” Starlight was cut off by the sound of Midnight’s soft breathing, she smiled and gave her a kiss on the nose. “Goodnight sweetheart, I love you!” She said nuzzling Midnight.

Midnights eyes opened slightly when Starlight kissed her, she nuzzled Starlight’s snout before her eyes closed again. “I love you too mommy.” She said quietly as she drifted off to sleep.