//------------------------------// // A Very Special Night // Story: A Mother's Love // by GunsNRoses365 //------------------------------// The sun was beginning to set when Fluttershy and Lightning Twister arrived at the Golden Oak Library. After Fluttershy knocked on the door, it opened and revealed a smiling Twilight Sparkle. "Hi, Fluttershy, please come in." she said while motioning a hoof to come inside. Fluttershy entered the room and saw the rest of her friends and Lightnings friends there as well. Lightning held out his forelegs to Twilight who scooped him into hers and hugged him. "Happy birthday, Lightning, sweetheart." Twilight said as she kissed him on the forehead. Lightning smiled softly and said, "Thank you, Auntie Twilight." Twilight went over to the rest of friends as Lightning held onto her neck. "Well hey there sugarcube, Happy birthday!" Applejack said sweetly. Everyone else said Happy Birthday as well and Lightning thanked them all. He continued to hold onto Twilight's neck as he smiled at everyone happily. "Thank you so much everypony, this is this is the best birthday ever!" Lightning cheered "Your quite welcome darling," Rarity said gently. "But we have a special surprise waiting for you in Canterlot." Lightning looked at his Aunt Twilight in confusion before asking, "Canterlot? Isn't that the place where the princesses live?" Twilight smiled and said, "Yes it is sweetheart and we have something special for you in the castle." Lightning's eyes went wide with excitement. "Ooh what is it, Auntie Twilight!? What is It!?" He asked excitedly Twilight laughed and handed Lightning back to Fluttershy before saying, "If I told you, it would ruin the surprise, sweetheart." "Alright everypony, let's quit the small talk and get to the castle before it gets any later." Rainbow Dash said before flying out the door. Fluttershy helped Lightning into the wheelchair that Granny Smith allowed her to borrow for the night. Once Lightning was situated everyone made their way out of the library with Spike being the last person so he can lock the door. "You ready to see Canterlot, buddy?" Scootaloo asked lightning earning a nod in response. Everyone smiled and made their way to the train station with Fluttershy pushing Lightning's wheelchair. Once they arrived at the station they gave the conductor their tickets and found the a car to sit in. Lightning and his friends were all crowded together laughing. Fluttershy smiled at her sons happiness, she was so glad that he was enjoying his first real birthday with his family and friends. When the train arrived at Canterlot, everyone made their way to the castle as the moon began to rise. Entering the main hall, the group walked through the corridors with Lightning looking around the castle in total awe. he had never seen a place so beautiful in his life. When they arrived at the ballroom, Twilight opened the door and everyone in the group went inside except Lightning and Fluttershy who had a foreleg over his eyes so he couldn't see his surprise. Fluttershy removed her foreleg before saying, "Okay, sweetheart, I need you to close your eyes." Lightning nodded at and closed his eyes. Fluttershy smiled and brought him inside the ballroom. "Alright, Sweetie, you can open your eyes now." Fluttershy said gently. Lightning opened his his eyes and the immediately went wide with shock. "Surpirse!" Shouted the room full of ponies Lightning looked all around the ballroom.. It was decorated with streamers, balloons, and in the center of the room was a banner that said in large blue and green colored words, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIGHTNING" Lightning couldn't help but cry tears of joy. "I-is this for m-me" Lightning sobbed happily "Happy Birthday, Lightning!" Everyone shouted in response "This was the surprise I told you about, Lightning, sweetheart." Fluttershy said sweetly Lightning continued to cry happily as reached out for his mother. Fluttershy gently picked lightning up and held him close. Lightning nuzzled Fluttershy's cheek as she did the same thing. Everyone in the room dawwe'd at this sight as four more ponies entered the room. 'Lightning," Twilight called out. "May I introduce you to some ponies?" Lightning nodded his head as Fluttershy flew over to the new group that had entered the room.Lightning saw the new group and observed them. One of the ponies was Princess Celestia. The other three were new faces to Lightning. One was an alicorn with a dark sapphire blue coat and a flowing dark blue mane that had stars shimmering out of it. The other two ponies were a pink alicorn with a mane and tail that had streaks of pink, yellow, and dark violet, and white unicorn with a dark blue mane and tail. Princess Celestia walked up to Lightning and said in her usual soft and motherly tone, "There you are Lightning, happy birthday my dear." Lightning bowed his head respectfully and replied politely, "Thank you Princess Celestia." The dark blue alicorn walked up to Lightning and smiled at him gently. "Lightning," Princess Celestia began "I would like you to meet my sister." the sun Princess stepped back to the other two ponies to let the dark blue alicorn introduce her self. "Greetings young Lightning, I am princess Luna, the princess of the night. My good friend Twilight Sparkle and My dear sister Celestia have told me many things about you. It is great to finally meet you." She said gently Lightning once again bowed his head in respect now that he knew she was a princess. "It's nice to meet you Princess Luna." he said politely Luna let out a small giggle before putting her hoof under Lightning's chin and gently raising his head. "Please young one, there is no need to bow to me. This is your birthday, you are the guest of honor not I." she said sweetly to the young colt. Lightning nodded his head as Twilight stepped forward with the other two ponies. "Lightning," he said "This is Princess Cadence and my brother Prince Shining Armor." Princess Cadence and Shining Armor stepped up to Lightning. "So your the young colt that Twilight has told us about, well you certainly are adorable." Cadence said making Lightning blush "It's great to finally meet you Lightning Twily has told me all about you." Shining Armor said happily Lightning gently smiled and said softly, "It's nice to meet you both, Auntie Twilight has told me all about you and told me all about the Crystal Empire. I've never been there before." Shining Armor smiled and said, "Well buddy, if you ever come to the Crystal Empire I'll have to give you the grand tour." Cadence playfully jabbed her husband with her hoof. "We'll have to give him the grand tour." she said before giggling. Lighting giggled as well he really liked these new ponies. Before anyone else could say anything the Cutie Mark Crusaders came up to Fluttershy and tapped her shoulder. "Hey Fluttershy, can we take Lightning outside for a few minutes?" Applebloom asked politely Fluttershy was a bit hesitant but she eventually replied, "Yes you may, Um...you will be nearby right?" Sweetie belle nodded her head vigorously "We sure will, Fluttershy, we'll be just outside the door." she said "We just want to give Lightning a special surprise." Scootaloo said as she floated in the air beside Lightning. After hearing what they said Fluttershy closed her eyes and gave a somewhat hesitant nod. Fluttershy was a bit worried about Lightning since he has a broken leg. However she knew that the girls would take care of her son. Fluttershy very gently took Lightning off of her back and carefully placed him back in the wheelchair. Once he was situated, Scootaloo stood behind Lightning ready to guide him out the door to give him his surprise. Everyone that Lightning had talked too waved goodbye and Lightning did the same. The CMC then took Lightning outside the ballroom with Scootaloo pushing the wheelchair. Fluttershy smiled at them but was still somewhat worried. She then saw Spike coming her way and she met him halfway by flying to him. "Um... Spike can you do something for me?" Fluttershy asked the little dragon "Sure Fluttershy whats up?" Spike asked curiously Fluttershy let out a sigh and said, "Lightning and the girls just went outside. Can you keep an eye on Lightning. I'm worried about something happening to him." Spike saluted the butter coated Pegasus and said, "Say no more, Fluttershy. I'll keep an eye on my little buddy." With that said Spike ran for the exit and stayed by the door. He peeked his head around the corner to where he could see the group of friends. The CMC were now all wearing the crusader capes as they stood in a circle around Lightning. Sweetie Belle stood in the center. She cleared her throat and began to speak. "Fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders, we are here today to swear in our newest member, Lightning Twister. Is there anyone here who objects to this?" Scootaloo and Applebloom gave Sweetie an unsure look. "Do what now?" they asked in unison. Sweetie groaned and slapped herself in the face with her hoof. "Is there anyone here that says no to Lightning becoming a Crusader." She said flatly "Oh!" the two fillies said in realization before shaking their heads. Sweetie smiled at this and said, "Then it is with great honor that we now make Lightning Twister a fellow cutie mark crusader!" The other two fillies cheered as a smile grew on Lightning's face from ear to ear. Applebloom handed something to Scootaloo. It was a crusader cape just like theirs. Scootaloo went over to Lightning and very gently wrapped the cape around his neck to where it fit but didn't choke him. "We now present our newest member with his very own crusader cape!" She said while tying the cape. "Wear it with honor and pride!" Sweetie pushed Lightning wheelchair around and he saw his reflection in one of the windows. He observed the cape before looking at the rest of the crusaders. "Thank you girls," He said softly before giving them all a proud smirk "I know that if we work together we'll all discover our special talents and get our cutie marks." The now four crusaders all bumped their hooves together before cheering and laughing. However none of them noticed someone coming their direction. It was a white unicorn with a blonde mane and tail. Scootaloo grabbed Lightnings wheelchair and turned him around. However she was laughing with joy and she accidentally bumped into the unicorn that was coming their way. "Hey, watch where you going!" the unicorn snapped very harshly and regally making everyone fall silent and stare at him. Lightning ears fell flat as he said very nervously, "Oh. I'm s-sorry m-mister, w-we didn't mean t-" "Be quiet," The unicorn snapped harshly making Lightning tremble and whimper. "I am Prince Blueblood and you shall address me as such!" Spike was still watching Lightning and he had seen everything that just happened. Recognizing Blueblood's name, he ran back into the ballroom to find Fluttershy. Lightning continued to whimper and shake as Scootaloo tried to calm him. However it was to no avail as Blueblood became more irate and began snapping at the group once more. "Do you know what you did!? you just ruined my perfect grooming with your filthy commoner hooves! Now I have to get a whole new one! Haven't your parents taught you heathens any manners!? How did you even get into my castle anyway!?" Lightning was now completely afraid this stallion was treating him just like his father had. Scootaloo saw how scared he was and she flew up and got face to face with the pompous prince. "Hey It was an accident and we said we were sorry you jerk!" Scootaloo snapped. She didn't care who this stallion was no one was going to talk to Lightning or her friends like that. "P-please sir. Let us go." Lightning whimpered. "We were just going-" "The only thing you four are doing is leaving!" Blueblood snapped. "Guards! Escort these hooligans out of my Castle!" "Blueblood!" A new voice snapped. Blueblood turned around and saw the source of the voice. It was Fluttershy and she was not smiling at all. "You will call me-" Blueblood was cut off by Fluttershy who was now nose to nose with the spoiled prince and she was giving him the stare. "Be quiet!" she snapped "Just who do you think you are, talking to my son and his friends like that? Neither you nor the guards will lay a hand on them. First of all, you may live here but this not your castle. Second of all, today is my son's birthday and we were allowed to use the castle ballroom for his birthday party." Blueblood was backed into a corner and was trembling as Fluttershy's continued talking. "Now I suggest you leave, you royal pain in the flank. I'm still upset about how you treated my friend Rarity at the Grand Galloping Gala last year. If you ever threaten my son or his friends again, I promise you, the last thing your going to have to worry about is your stupid grooming, You got that!?" Blueblood was now cowering in fear. He vigorously nodded his head and ran off in the other direction. Fluttershy crossed her forelegs and she gave wicked little smirk. She refused to let anyone mess with those she cared about. "Wow, Fluttershy, that was awesome!" Scootaloo cheered. Fluttershy blushed a little bit before giggling. She and the rest of the CMC turned to the distressed Lightning. Fluttershy rubbed one of his arms and Scootaloo rubbed the other as Applebloom and Sweetie Belle gave him warm smiles. "Are you alright, sweetheart?" Fluttershy asked him sweetly Lightning nodded his and said, "Thanks for helping me and my friends, Momma." He then gave her a hug as best as he could. Fluttershy smiled before picking her son up without hurting him and returning the hug. "Your welcome sweetheart, I'm just glad your alright. Now I think it's time for a certain birthday colt to blow out the candles on his cake." She said gently before playing nuzzling her son, making him giggle. She then placed him back into the wheelchair and brought him back into the ballroom where Pinkie was busy lighting the candles on his cake. She then brought the cake to one of the windows that showed a beautiful view of the moonlit sky. She then ran outside with a large canon but she stopped in her tracks and smiled happily at Lightning. "Hey there, Lightning," She said cheerfully. "Your Auntie Rainbow and I have a special present we're going to give you as you blow out the candles." Lightning saw his cyan colored aunt fly up to the window and wave to him. Lightning waved back as Rainbow Dash shot out of sight and Pinkie ran outside to the field. Fluttershy took Lightning over to the cake and he looked at the beautiful night sky one more time before looking at all of his friends and family. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIGHTNING!!!!" Everyone cheered. Lightning took a huge breath and blew out everyone of the candles. Next thing he knew he heard a loud explosion outside and was greeted by a beautiful rainbow streak forming in the night sky as well as Fireworks that spelled out, "Happy Birthday Lightning!" Tears of joy flowed down Lightning's face as Pinkie and Rainbow returned to the room. He reached out his forelegs and the two mares engulfed him in a group hug. Lightning said nothing as he cried happily into the shoulders of his Aunts. "Did you enjoy that buddy?" Rainbow asked him. With tears still in Lightning's eyes he nodded his head before baying his face into Rainbow's chest. Rainbow gave him to Pinkie who kissed him on the forehead before placing him back into the wheelchair. Fluttershy pushed him over to the rest of his friends and family as Rainbow and Pinkie followed them. Fluttershy then handed Lightning a small box. "Here you go sweetheart," She said sweetly. "This is a gift from me, I hope you like it." Lightning nodded his head and opened the box. The second he laid eyes on what was inside they went completely wide. Inside the box was a necklace with a silver chain that held beautiful dark blue gem as it's centerpiece. The gem matched lightnings fur color and created a beautiful blue glow from the moons reflection. Lightning had never seen anything so pretty. He felt like he could stare at it for hours. Fluttershy gently took the necklace out of the box and gently put it around Lightning's neck. Tears of happiness formed once again in Lightning's eyes as hugged his mothers neck. "Th-thank y-you so much M-Momma! I l-love it!" he sobbed happily Tears of happiness formed in Fluttershy's eyes as she picked up her son and held him close to her. She gave him a gentle kiss on the forehead and nuzzled his cheek and Lightning did the same. Everyone in the room d'awwed at this site and smile at the moment between mother and son. "Th-thank y-you all so m-much for th-this w-wonderful b-birthday." Lightning cried happily to the rest of the ponies in the room. Everyone simply smiled at the young colt before he once again started hugging and nuzzling his mother. They stayed like this with everyone watching on happily. This was truly a night for Lightning to remember. After a few minutes Lightning let out a long yawn. "Are tired sweetie, would you like to go home?" Lightning nodded his head and laid it on his mothers neck. "I think we're going to go back to Ponyville everyone." Fluttershy said softly "Thank you all for making this a night to remember for my precious little boy." Everyone nodded their and gently smiled at the little colt as he fell asleep in his mothers arms. Everyone d'awwed once again and said their goodbyes to the two. Princess Celestia then decided to call for a carriage to take them home so they could get home faster. When it arrived Fluttershy very carefully entered it and sat down without disturbing Lightning. She placed him in her lap and pulled him close to where his head rested on her neck. Lightning eventually opened his eyes and looked into the beautiful eyes of his loving mother while his head stayed on her neck. Fluttershy gently kissed him on the forehead as the carriage made it's way back to Ponyville. Lightning had fallen asleep once again by the time the carriage arrived in Ponyville. Fluttershy very carefully flew out of the carriage, thanked the two royal guards that flew it, and made way back home with her son cradled close to her chest. When she arrived at her cottage, she went inside, quietly closed the door, and Flew upstairs to Lightning's bedroom. She placed him in his bed and tucked him in. Lightning yawned and smiled in his sleep and held Fluttershy's hoof. Fluttershy gently smiled at him and kissed him on the forehead. Princess Luna's beautiful moon shined down on them as Fluttershy gently stroked Lightning's mane. With her loving smile still on her face, Fluttershy gently kissed him on the forehead and said, "Happy birthday Lightning. I love you my precious baby boy."