Rising Flame now tried his father's closet, hoping to spot any sign of wrapping paper. There were multiple suits hanging from the rails, and some strange shoes which he assumed was for his father's other form. Sky sat on the bed giggling at his efforts. He'd never find them in there, as she knew how her father hid them. It was in one of the glowing orange portals he could create where he stashed their presents every year.
The sound of a door opening caused Flame to spook, jumping up in shock and running from the closet. Unfortunately for him, one of his father's ties had snagged on his horn, so when they appeared in the main room it was still present. He looked up to Celestia with the most innocent smile he could muster. “Flame, have you been inside your father's closet?”
“No aunty, I have not.”
“Really? Then how do you explain this?” She pulled the tie off with a hoof, holding it in front of him, watching as his smile dropped. “You know, I would think that by now you would stop looking for them. Even I nor your mother don't know where he puts them, so you will have to wait until the morning. Come now, it is time for bed.”
Sky stamped her hooves and huffed, staring up at Celestia. “But I'm not tired! I don't want to go to bed!” A gold aura surrounded them both, and they found themselves floating through the air in the castle, to the room next to Celestia's, then set down on the two beds in there.
“I have let you stay up longer then your parents, Sapphy, but not much later. You don't want to be tired for tomorrow, do you?” She just sat the with a scowl on her face and crossed her fore hooves. Celestia sighed, before lighting her horn and creating a ball of light in the air, which Sky then smiled at. “You know, I was the one that taught him this spell when you were younger. It worked on your mother as well.” She sat in between the beds and closed her eyes.
“Fate has been cruel and order unkind, how can I have sent you away? The blame was my own; the punishment, yours, the harmony's silent today.”
“But into the stillness I'll bring you a song, and I will your company keep. Till your tired eyes and my lullabies, have carried you softly to sleep.”
“Once did a pony who shone like the sun, look out on her kingdom and sigh. She smiled and said, 'Surely, there is no pony, so lovely and so well beloved as I.'”
“So great was her reign and so brilliant her glory, that long was the shadow she cast. Which fell dark upon the young sister she loved, and grew only darker as days and nights passed.”
“Lullay moon princess, goodnight sister mine, and rest now in moonlight's embrace. Bear up my lullaby, winds of the earth, through cloud, and through sky, and through space.”
“Carry the peace and the coolness of night, and carry my sorrow in kind. Luna, you're loved so much more than you know, forgive me for being so blind.”
“Soon did that pony take notice that others did not give her sister her due. And neither had she loved her as she deserved, She watched as her sister's unhappiness grew.”
“But such is the way of the limelight, it sweetly, takes hold of the mind of its host. And that foolish pony did nothing to stop, the destruction of one who had needed her most.”
“Lullay moon princess, goodnight sister mine, and rest now in moonlight's embrace. Bear up my lullaby, winds of the earth, through cloud, and through sky, and through space.”
“Carry the peace and the coolness of night, and carry my sorrow in kind. Luna, you're loved so much more than you know, may troubles be far from your mind, And forgive me for being so blind.”
“The years now before us, fearful and unknown. I never imagined I'd face them on my own. May these thousand winters, swiftly pass, I pray. I love you; I miss you, All these miles away.”
“May all your dreams be sweet tonight, safe upon your bed of moonlight. And know not of sadness, pain, or care, and when I dream, I'll fly away and meet you there.” Upon opening her eyes, she found the pair to be breathing lightly, having fallen asleep half way through. She gently kissed them both on the forehead and left the room, leaving the orb of light spinning. Shutting the door, she rested her head against it, not bothering to wipe the tears away. “Oh Luna... can you ever forgive me?”
“I though we had discussed this already, Tia?” She whipped round to find her sister sat on her couch, a bottle of wine and two glasses on the small table next to it. “Of course I do. Now come, let us share a drink.” She cantered over and sat, giving a start as Luna pressed against her side. “There is nothing you could have done to stave off the darkness, so please, do not think of it any more."
The glasses were filled and the two sisters allowed themselves a moment of peace. After all tomorrow would be chaotic, with or without Discord's help. A party for the twins was one thing, but Alec inviting Scootaloo to have her sixteenth birthday at the castle? He was planning something, and neither mare could work it out.
Flame sat up slowly and yawned, looking around the room for a few moments confused. Then he remembered they were in Celestia's spare room, and looked over to the next bed to see Sky still asleep. He flapped his wings a few times, then took a running jump towards her bed. He was about halfway there when all his movement stopped. He looked down to see a green glow around his waist. “Now, that is not the proper way to wake your sister up, is it? AB, would you like to do the honours?”
Stood in the door way was Sweetie Belle and Applebloom, smiling in. The earth pony trotted over and sat next to Sky's bed, lifting up a hoof. “Ah would love t', Sweets. Now watch and learn, little Flame.” Her hoof came down and dug into the filly's ribs, causing her to awaken in fight, but the high pitched sound of filly laughter soon hit their ears. She continued her assault until Sky's face started to get really red, and then she eased up. “An' a good mornin' to you, Miss Sapphire. It's time t' get up now!”
“But can't I have a lie in, please?” Applebloom shook her head at the pout, long since becoming immune to it's affects.
“Why would ya want t' lie in past ten in the mornin', Ah don't know. But yer mother an' father asked us to come get y'all. Now hope to it little princess!” She pulled Sky with a hoof, setting her on her back. Sweetie Belle was waiting by the door with Flame on her back, and together they entered the main room. There was another pony waiting for them, one that they had not seen for a couple of years. They jumped down and immediately threw their forelegs around the white mare's neck.
“Ah, ah... that is not the proper way to say hello. Try again.” Rarity smirked as they fell back to the floor and sat in front of her. Sky titled her head to the side and bowed it a little, which was returned. Flame knelt to the ground, bowing in front of her. He then made her giggle as he grabbed one of her fore hooves and kissed it gently. She certainly hadn't taught him that bit.
“I hope that's not a sign of infidelity on your part, Rarity.” A large pegasus stallion walked in, his dark grey coat gleaming, but his mane... it was not longer a Mohawk, and his tail had grown out. Sky ran over and leapt around his neck.
“Mister Thunderlane!!” He laughed, making sure she didn't fall with a foreleg.
“Good morning sweetie.” The sound of babbling drew their attention to a small cot, and upon looking inside, they saw a unicorn colt. “I see you've met the newest addition. This here is our son, Jett Emerald. My parents are looking after him for the night.” His coat was the same as Rarity's, but his mane was jet black, and his eyes were the sparkling green of his name.
“Yes, yes, we've all said hello, and it is unbecoming of one in my position to be seen it such a way, which is why I have been away for a while. Now, it's time to get you two ready!” Flame tried to run as a tape measure appeared in a blue glow, but was once more caught by the fashionista's younger sister. Just outside the closed doors, the five guards started snickering as a wail came through the wood.
“Noooo, I don't want to be dressed up!”
Pinkie put the finishing touches on the dining hall, letting Joe float her down from the ceiling in his magic, giggling all the way. She gave the room a final look over, smiling at her efforts. It was a miracle to get a party together for two seven year olds and a sixteen year old, but Pinkie Pie is Equestria's premier party planner.
A side door opened, four ponies trotting in. Pinkie zipped over and started her usual mile a minute speech, rushing around the room and pointing out highlights. After at least two laps of the room, she scrambled back over to the group, stopping in front of Alec with a impossibly wide smile on her face. “So, what do you think?”
“Uh... yeah. Looks like your cannon got sick and spewed out a party.”
“Aww, thanks.”
“It wasn't a compliment, but yeah, it looks good. Now let's get everypony in here before they arrive.” All but the main doors opened, and a whole bunch of ponies streamed in. Luna came to the centre if the room, standing next to Alec, then were joined by Firefly and Bisfrost. Everypony else ducked down behind the shadows as they heard voices coming, and Alec nodded towards to the stage, and made sure Trixie was ready.
Scootaloo, Flame and Sky trotted down the corridors, worried as to why they seemed to be herded in one direction, and why no guards were present. They approached the dining room doors, pushing them open to reveal darkness. Slowly trotting in, they stopped as the door swung closed behind them. A light appeared on the stage, slowly growing in size until it took the shape of a dragon. It's head looked at the three ponies in the middle of the room, and then leapt towards them.
Scootaloo shot her wings out as the twins began screaming, covering them from the monster. As it got closer, the mouth opened, as if to swallow them whole. It got to inches away from Scootaloo's muzzle and the exploded, forcing them to close their eyes from the flash. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!” She rubbed her eyes and took a quick peek, the room now illuminated and lots of ponies smiling at them. The remains of the dragon formed words that echoed the shout, and slowly fizzed away like used fireworks.
She lowered her wings to let the foals see, but their faces couldn't be more different. Luna shot forward and gleefully swept them into her embrace. Sky was really happy in her gold coloured dress, and with the way her mane was done. Flame on the other hoof, was clearly unamused with his outfit and mane. And then came the good part as ponies came forward with wrapped up gifts, their eyes lighting up with shock.
Scootaloo was currently being set upon by her family, who had a pile of gifts for her. She thanked them all before Rumble approached slowly, placing a grey box on the floor and nudging it forward a little. She didn't take her gaze off him whilst she reached for it. He had his muzzle pointed towards the ground, switching his eyes from the wall to hers and back. His heart stopped for a moment as she gasped upon opening the box.
Scootaloo stood stock still in shock, staring at the light violet earnings, the jewels shaped like the butterfly portion of her cutie mark. She raised her gaze back to Rumble, mouth hanging open. He smiled softly and held the box up next to her face. “Do y-you like them? I-it's purple j-jade, t-they match your eyes, which are b-b-beautiful on their own.”
He watched as she worked her mouth a few times before closing it and her eyes. He was about to ask what was wrong when she leapt at him, hooves around his neck and knocking him to the floor with a satisfying smooch. She pulled away and sat on his lap, keeping her hooves on his chest. “Thank you Rumble, they're wonderful, but... I don't have my ears pierced, and I'm not sure mom would let me get them done.”
A tap on her shoulder caused her to turn, finding Firefly standing there with a smile, pointing to the side. Scootaloo's gaze followed the hoof, seeing Twilight with a My First Earring kit. She gave Rumble one more quick kiss, gathered up the discarded box, and shot off into the corner with the alicorn.
On the other side of the room, Rising Flame was looking on with a small hint of jealousy as Sky continued to unwrap her presents. She had slightly more than him, even though he had received lots of them, mostly toys, but to his secret glee, quite a few books on things like Equestrian History. A hoof resting on his shoulder caused him to look up, seeing his father with a soft smile on his face. “Don't worry son, there is at least one more for you. It's for your sister as well, but I've got a feeling you're going to get more use out of it.”
“What is it, father?” Alec gave a small chuckle, shaking his head.
“It's a surprise. We'll show you at sundown.” Flame set his curiosity on the back burner as the door to the kitchens open and the servants began heading towards the table. He went to run over, but his fathers voice slowed him down. “Don't eat too much, you've got a cake to come yet.”
The meal was magnificent, the chefs pulling out all the stops. There were plenty of healthy foods for the adults, but the younger ones gorged themselves on what tasted nice, not what was good for them. Scootaloo was sitting amongst her friend when Alec noticed her face jump a little, before settling into a pleased smile. And then he saw who was sat next to him. “Rumble, fore hooves above the table please.”
The colt's forelegs shot up, and he averted his gaze from the now laughing group. The lights were dimmed down as a bright glow emanated from the kitchen. Scoots was motioned to the central table with the twins, and a group of unicorns emerged, carrying a large cake between them. And then it started. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...” Three different names were shouted out by pre arranged groups.
“RISING FLAME!”
“SKY SAPPHIRE!”
“SCOOTALOO!”
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!” With the final verse, they all took a deep breath and blew the candles out, which totalled thirty. Well, there were two ponies now seven and one of sixteen sharing a cake so... A knife was picked up in a beige glow, cutting three large slices and putting them on plates in front of the special ponies. They prepared to dig in, but failed to notice the blue, gold, and green auras. They leant down to take a bite when their faces were slammed into the slices. Flame and Sky came up giggling, whilst Scootaloo gave the best scowl she could muster.
Until Rumble came over and licked her cheek, causing her to smile and blush, allowing him to continue cleaning her face. What they also didn't notice was the camera placed in front of them. Alec moved over to where the other Crusaders were, specifically looking at Sweetie Belle. “Excuse me Miss Belle, may I have a word with you... in private?”
She looked around with others before nodding, following him to a balcony. Spike couldn't help but follow, hoping that it wouldn't be anything bad. He gently eased the door open, sticking his ear to the crack. “So then Mr Luckes... what d-d-do you want to talk about?”
“Well, Scootaloo is now sixteen, and I'm not blind as to how Rumble looks at her. What I want to know... you and Spike...”
“... have we... um, done that? It's kind of private... but yes. Why?”
“Well, I was wondering... I mean, I've looked into the history of dragon-pony relationships, and it is possible for them to have children. What I wanted to know is... how have you avoided becoming pregnant? I mean, you and Spike are both at the age where it's possible.”
“How dare you ask something like that of her?” Spike then realised his mistake, and started to back away, but a beige glow around his body forced him out onto the balcony, the door being pushed closed by a firm hoof. He felt like he was in the right, so stood in front of Sweetie Belle and glared back at Alec. “How... could you ask that?”
“Spike, take it easy man. I've not seen nor heard of condoms here, so there must be another way to prevent pregnancy.” Alec floated four chairs, and they sat down. The door opened and Luna came out, carrying a tray of drinks, and then sat next to Alec. “I... just want to find out if it's possible to prevent Scoots being with child before she's ready.”
Spike made as if to speak, but Sweetie Belle placed a hoof over his mouth, giving him a quick peck on the cheek before turning back to the other pair. A small, flat green circle appeared, growing slightly larger. She tuck her hoof in and pulled out a white cardboard box, passing it over to Alec. “Sorry, I really liked that portal spell of yours, and had Twilight teach me it. Those are pills from Nurse Redheart, and they are a trusted form of birth control. It's what me and Spikey Wikey having been using.”
Alec gave a sigh, looking at Luna once before meeting Sweetie Belle's gaze. “Thank you, I'll talk with them in a minute. So then, Rarity's colt. Is that why she's been hiding, saying that her 'Manehatten store needed her personal pizazz to get it running again'?”
“Uh huh, mom and dad were the only other ones that knew. She wouldn't even see Fluttershy when they paid a visit, but I think she knew. It was funny, Rarity thought she looked 'fat and ugly' whilst carrying him, but a few fashion magazines got pictures of her from somewhere...”
“Sweetie Belle...”
“It wasn't her.” Alec and Luna stared wide eyed at the teenage dragon, surprised he'd admit it. “It was me. The issue is due out tomorrow, and I was allowed the final edits. In fact, I've got a copy for her to ready in the morning. Sweetie, can you get if for them?” She nodded and put her hoof back into the portal, bringing said article forth. She passed it over and watched their reactions.
Alec gave a low whistle as he read the head line. “'Even at nine months pregnant, Miss Rarity shows us she is still top of her game, and glows even brighter with her coming motherhood.' Yeah, I can certainly see that... ow!” He rubbed his flank where Luna had just slapped him. “Oh come on, you look at that and tell me there isn't... something there!”
Luna smirked at him and ruffled his mane, laughing as he pulled away. He never did like his hair touched, even as a human. She then pressed closer, nodding to Sweetie Belle. “Thank you, this eases our concerns. You may return to the party now, but can you ask Rumble to come speak with us?” They got down and nodded, heading inside close together.
Alec and Luna sat looking over the city for a few minutes, and they heard the door open and shut. Rumble appeared and jumped into a chair in front of them. You could clearly see the unease on the colt's face. A cardboard box was thrown into his lap, and he gave the label a read, looking back up at the couple with wide eyes.
Alec said nothing, keeping his stern gaze whilst Luna smiled softly. “Do not pressure her, Rumble. If she feels she is ready, then offer her the choice. We are merely trying to help. Wait until after the party. Do you understand?”
“Yes ma'am.” She nodded and returned inside, Rumble's confidence draining under the glare that was now being thrown his direction.
“Rumble.”
“Yes, s-s-sir?”
“Treat her right, or it won't be just Dash after you.” He swallowed nervously before staring into those soul-piercing blue eyes.
“Yes sir.”