Chapter 3: Memories of the Past
"So you're Golden Heart? The hero of Discord's reign," Twilight ask while looking up and down at the one called Golden Heart, "Amazing. The princess mentioned you once but I never saw you until now."
"Yes, well, I wasn't around because I was retired and lived far away." Golden Heart explains to Twilight. "It is an honor meeting one of the holders of the Magic Element. I apologize for not being here when you were facing Discord and the Changelings. Matters at home deserve my attention."
"You are forgiven, Golden Heart. May as well since my friends and I took care of that problem."
"Golden Heart, you and I both know of the matter at hand." Celestia said to Golden Heart seriously, reminding her friend of what she has written...about him.
"Yes, I know. We are dealing with something more dangerous as Nightmare Moon, Discord and Chrysalis right now." Golden Heart said with a serious nod. "We should get be prepared, knowing him, he may have read my letter on the way over here."
Twilight looks worried as she glances between both alicorns. Whatever they're saying doesn't sound good at all. The purple unicorn asks nervously, "Is there something that I should know about? What..."
"Never mind that for now, Twilight Sparkle." Celestia said waving a hoof while smiling a bit. "For now, you have a special birthday for a special filly to work with."
"I don't know. I don't feel comfortable if whoever you two are talking about would attack without warning."
"Knowing this individual, he won't attack until he himself is ready to. Anyway, Celestia is right. Your daughter will need every love and attention she can get now." Golden Heart assures to Twilight with a smile. "And if it helps matters anyway, I will attend to give your daughter my wishes."
Twilight pauses then smiles, saying, "Yeah...I think she would love that. Thank you. And you're right: my main focus is my daughter's special birthday."
"Perhaps you should make it special by taking her to Sir Spell Nexus, the one who started the events that led to her creation in the first place." Celestia said thoughtfully. "He has been a big sad and down lately, still taking the heat for what happened during those times. You and Nyx should visit and cheer him up."
"You're right, I must assure Sir Spell Nexus that there are no hard feelings and we truly forgave him..."
Twilight say her goodbyes to the princess and Golden Heart before leaving. The male alicorn watch her go, saying in concern, "I'm concern about the fact that we haven't explain about Lorcan yet."
"Twilight is in the middle of the most important events in her life right now." Celeatia said seriously. "Now is not the time to worry about the one who took her brother's life."
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"Okay, the second chapter picture is done." Bat announces as he got the second chapter of the book done. The bat winged pony glances at PSP who is working on the fifth chapter now. "How many is this story going to have?"
"Let's see...last ball count...there are 21 chapters, as well as the prologue. I think I did Nyx's adventures so well. I am up to her argument with Twilight." PSP explains to his parents. "I feel sad for the little filly."
"Well, she was having worries due to what she experienced in the Everfree Forest as well as her problems with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. BTW, should the name of Diamond's father be Filthy Rich as originally named or some other name?"
"To be honest, Bat old pal, I thought of using the name 'Regal Cut' and give him a different job...but I felt that would be untrue to Mr. Rich himself."
"And making Rarity and Sweetie orphans when their parents are truly alive," Bat remarks with a scoff. "I mean, that wouldn't be nice and true."
"Neither are Gabby Gums reports about you and me." PSP groans a bit as he got the next paragraph done. "Luckily, that matter is cleared up. Who knew that it was Nyx's friends who were Gabby Gums the whole time?"
"Yeah, luckily the school newspaper made a correction. I just hope we don't get criticism over Nyx or anything else."
"Right, that poor filly has suffered enough for her actions, no need to push it."
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It was nighttime at Fluttershy's cottage. The Pegasi in question is sleeping in her home along with most of the animals. And I said most because a certain animal in his cage is sleeping.
The animal sighs as he looks up to the sky through a window, remembering what his past was like: small, unforgiving and cruel. The poor dear was lucky to escape his situation and prison, landing in this world that his kind wanted to conquer generations ago.
The animal is lucky that Fluttershy wasn't scared of him...and was kind to help him and take the creature in until he is given to Nyx. But would she accept him? The animal is sad that he may be rejected again.
The animal saw a book near his cage and took it through the bars. He looks at it, seeing an Ugly Duckling in a picture crying out, "Lost". He is lonely and no one wants him...then the duckling found his true family who loves and adores him. Will the creature has a life like this?
"Lost..." The newcomer mumbles as he looks up to the sky. "I'm...lost..."
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Twilight with Nyx on her back trots up to the front door of the mansion owned by Sir Spell Nexus. The purple unicorn knocks on the door with a smile.
The door opens as Nexus's butler, Proper Etiquette, answers, blinking as he saw Twilight and Nyx, "Ah, Miss Sparkle. Welcome, I didn't know you and Nyx were going to be visiting."
"The princess told me to do so, this is to cheer up Nexus and assure him that we both forgiven him for his actions when under the influence of Nightmare Moon's essence." Twilight said to Proper with a smile.
"Well, the master needs some cheering up...and some friends. Come."
Proper allows Twilight and Nyx into the mansion, leading him to the study. Sure enough, there's Nexus in his chair, a bit pale and such, as well as downtrodden. And it didn't help that his former student and the one whom was once Nightmare Moon, both whose lives he tries to influence or ruined, is now visiting him.
"Twilight Sparkle, Nyx...how nice to see you." Nexus said with a sigh.
"Nexus, it's time to put behind your dark past." Twilight said with a smile. "And assure you that all is forgiven."
"I'm not sure if I deserve to be forgiven, for all I did to you, Nyx and everypony else." Nexus said sadly.
"Aw, come on, Nexus. What you did before was only because you were under the influence of Nightmare Moon's evil." Twilight assured Nexus.
"Right; Yes, I was a bit unhappy that you wanted me to kill mommy, her friends and my friends...and given gave the blessing onto mommy to force me into remembering who I am." Nyx said gently. "But you were somepony you aren't. After all, it takes a long road to redemption for anyone wanting to make up for being evil. Remember when you help out against the fight against Boris?"
"Well...yes, but I gave him the spell that almost destroy us all." Spell Nexus points out in sadness.
"Doesn't matter; the point is, you helped out during that crisis, willing to make up for your past sins. Huh 'past sins', sound likes an idea for a book." Nyx chuckles the last part. "Seriously though, you told me how much you appreciate Celestia back before the Blessing."
"You were a nice and understanding headmaster of my school before the Blessing, that's who you really are." Twilight said with a smile, "Even when I attacked my daughter...that wasn't who I really am and I was forgiven for what happened; you should be too."
"Do you really think so, Twilight," Nexus asked as he looked at the purple unicorn.
"I know so." Twilight replied with a nod.
"You will feel better, Nexus...even when you are boring when you talk and rant." Nyx giggles making Nexus sighs a bit irritated. "Oh, I almost forgot. My birthday is coming up!"
"What, seriously," Nexus ask while blinking his eyes a bit making Twilight chuckles sheepishly. "I'm surprised that you got one since you weren't made naturally."
"Yes, but I think I deserve one too." Nyx squeaks a bit. "Oh, I cannot wait!"
Nexus dismiss Nyx for a moment as she leaves the room. The headmaster asks Twilight, "Your daughter has a birthday?"
"Yes, I made July 18th that day. I am planning a birthday party but Nyx got Spike to spill the beans." Twilight groans a bit. "Hopefully we get ready in time. Speaking of party, would you like to attend?"
"I…I don't know. I didn't leave a nice impact on Ponyville when I was there last." Nexus said in concern, recalling how his last visit to Ponyville didn't end well, especially since he tried to hang Twilight to get the love out of Nightmare Moon's heart. "What if they try to punish me on sight?"
"Rainbow has already forgiven you, Nexus, and so do some ponies. Come to the party." Twilight said gently. "You will find that things have changed."
"I'm sure everypony will forgive you." Nyx assured the melancholy pony.
"Well...I will see what I can do." Nexus said with a sigh. Then he blinks a bit upon seeing Nyx, "Nyx? How did..."
"I was small, I sneak in without noticing." Nyx said with a cute grin, making Twilight sighs in annoyance.
"Nyx, come on, it's called a surprise party for a good reason." Twilight said seriously.
"Sorry, mommy," Nyx said. Then a thought came to her head, "Sir Spell Nexus? There's something I always wanted to ask you. How is it that the Elements of Harmony didn't affect me when I took control?"
"Right, did it happen when you and your cult captured me?" Twilight ask Nexus in concern. "What happened on that night?"
Nexus hesitates a bit while saying, "That...is a long story. You sure you want to hear it?"
"We aren't going anywhere for a while, Sir Spell Nexus." Twilight said with a nod.
Nexus nods as he begins to explain, "Well, you see...on that night, when I put that bag over your head, put sound dampening spell on it to keep you from screaming and kick you...I need something to keep the Elements from harming her. So...I cut you and used some of your blood."
"Wait, blood," Twilight ask Nexus stunned. "You mean..."
"That's right; we used your blood for immunity and for a body." Nexus explains. He pauses then adds, "That explains how Nyx got her ability to want to learn, from you. So through DNA and such, you are, in fact, her real mother!"
"What," Twilight ask in shock and alarm. She can't believe what she herself is hearing.
"Twilight is my real mother?" Nyx ask in surprise and amazement.
"Yes." Nexus said while looking down. "Sorry for not mentioning this before...but I was guilt-ridden and depressed."
Twilight pauses then nuzzles Nyx while saying, "Well, no matter what the case is...Nyx is still my own daughter, through and through. And I care for her like a mother should."
"Thanks, mommy," Nyx said with a smile on her face.
"You're welcome, honey." Twilight smiled back.
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Ben Mare was cleaning out the front part, sighing a bit. He misses Twilight and Nyx but knows that they're scheduled to come back.
"Man, this is what I called a boys' day in." Spike comments while coming in. "Just us guys, hanging out."
"Spike, have you ever miss someone every day and want to be with them again?" Ben asks Spike with a sigh.
"To be honest, whenever Twilight and her friends leave me behind intentionally or unintentionally, I miss them." Spike admits. "Why do you ask?"
"When I was alone and exiled myself when I was a Demon Pony, I missed Twilight all my life. It took my love for her and some help from Zecora to keep me from going crazy." Ben explains with a sigh. "Of course, I am getting nervous when Twilight and Nyx leaving for the day."
Spike smiles as he pats Ben on the back, saying, "No worries. They aren't gone forever. They just left to surprise Nyx. You will see them tomorrow."
"Yeah...you're right. Thanks, Spike, I was worried for a moment." Ben said to Spike with a grin. "It's no wonder you're Twilight's number one assistant! You look out for your fellow ponies and is the next thing she has to a brother since her own two ones."
"Awww, come on! You're making me blush. You're..." Spike then pauses, realizing what Ben just said. "Wait, her 'own two ones'? Twilight only has one brother."
"Oh...sorry, just...a mistake." Ben said sheepishly, realizing that Spike has no knowledge of Twilight's other brother Starlight...and decides not to explain. "Well, never mind. Okay, some of the ponies are busy with the party; So how about we close the library and hang out, just us two guys?"
"Sure, why not?" Spike said.
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Golden Heart listens in as Celestia informs him of the events that occurred during Lorcan's return, what surprises him is the return of the princess's own colt, Ben Mare.
"So you have a son named Ben Mare...who was the same Demon Pony you told me about...and now he is the holder of the Triforce Element, correct?" Golden Heart ask Celestia curiously.
"Yes, I'm worried that Lorcan himself may try to hurt Ben and use his Triforce Element to release the Dragon Army." Celestia said grimly. "We may need all the help that we can get to stop him."
"No worries. If Lorcan tries something, we will try our best to stop him. What I regret is not stopping Lorcan when I knew what he did to Starlight."
"Yes. One of your spells can make you see all of Equestria when needed. I'm worried that when the time comes, we may have to tell Spike the truth about him, Starlight, Tadaka, everything."
"I'm surprised how many secrets you kept about Spike, especially concerning his grandfather King Spykoran the Old, the original Spike." Golden Heart said in amazement.
Celestia pauses a bit then adds, "Amazement; More like the opposite, old friend."
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It was almost time for Nyx's bedtime as she and Twilight arrives home. To the two's delight, a familiar unicorn and his wife are at the table, talking with Twilight's parents.
"Uncle Shiny," Nyx giggles a bit. Shining turns and grins upon seeing his niece trotting to him.
"Hey there, little Nyxie," Shining said while nuzzling Nyx. "How are you?"
"I didn't know you coming with Aunt Cadance!"
"Well, Shining got some time off for a while so we thought we could visit Twilight's parents." Cadance explains with a giggle.
"Guess what? I got a birthday coming up." Nyx exclaims happily and anxiously. "I got a party and everything."
"Come on, Nyx, time for bed. No need to get overexcited." Twilight said, secretly annoyed by Nyx's announcements so far. The idea is for her daughter to not be so anxious to get back to Ponyville too soon.
Nyx saw a book with the title 'Crystal Ponies' on it which Cadance is looking at, then the filly ask, "'Crystal Ponies'? What are Crystal Ponies?"
"Those are for another time, Nyxie. Come on, off to bed." Cadance said with a smile, motioning her niece to head on upstairs.
Nyx shrugs a bit and heads upstairs, she can't wait for a party that is coming. Mr. Sparkle shook his head, adding, "Too much birthday."
"I know, dad. Spike told her, it's getting a bit hard to keep her away from the surprises." Twilight said with a sigh as she sat down in a chair. "So Shining, are you going to attend the party?"
"Well, I did mention having some time off for a while. Perhaps Cadance and I can swing on by and attend." Shining said with a grin. "Can't miss my little niece's big day now, can I?"
"Indeed. It's not unlike my parties that my own parents threw for me." Cadance said with a smile. She notices a concerned look on Twilight's face, "Twilight? Is there a problem? What's wrong?"
"The princess told me that you and Nyx went off to visit Sir Spell Nexus. What happened?"
"Oh...I found out what happened to me when the cult tried to bring back Nightmare Moon. Turns out that they used my blood in the ritual...and that it brought back Nightmare Moon for her own body; So that means I am Nyx's real mother." Twilight said with a sigh, much to her family's surprise. "I mean, don't get me wrong, I am not upset, just awkward. Am I a bit too young to have foals?"
"Twilight, you are never too young. You took care of Nyx, despite some setbacks. You acted on mother instinct." Mrs. Sparkle explains to her daughter gently. "There isn't anything wrong?"
"I know. I am also concerned that once word of this spreads around, it's going to be even more awkward."
"Trust me, Twiley, if any pony gives you more problem, they will answer to your friends, Ben...and me." Shining laughs as his horn glows a bit to make a small spell.
Cadance and Twilight laughs a bit, the pink alicorn comments, "Already sticking up for your sister, have you?"
"I have been since Twiley was a filly and I am not stopping anytime soon, baby!"
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Nyx sat in her bed, looking thoughtful as she looks out a window to the moon raised by her half-sister Luna. The filly's birthday will soon be here...and she found out that Twilight was her real mother.
"I must be the most lucky filly in Equestria." Nyx mumbles happily as shet settles into bed. "Still...I would be even more lucky if I have someone like me..."
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In his cage, the one in the cage looks out to the mood, looking thoughtfully. Will Nyx likes him? Will he like her as a friend? What will happen?
The creature grunts as he looks back at his own past...
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In a POV, we see dragons laughing cruelly as they push him. One of them remarks, "You are a runt and a fool. How could you say that about Tadaka?"
"Me...got tired of hearing about monster. Me want freedom...and to meet ponies." The one talking snaps to the other dragons, only to get hit by a fireball."
"Don't know why you are one of the moon. But once Tadaka or one of his sons set us free, Equestria will burn. IT WILL BURN AND YOU WILL BE TRAPPED HERE!'" Another dragon roars furiously.
"NEVER; LEAVE ME ALONE!"
The one yelling fires a white blast at the dragons who got out of the way. It hits a wall, making an explosion. As all is clear, something unexpected happen: a rift is appearing!
The dragons look stunned. This prison that they're in was supposed to be unbreakable unless the Elements of Harmony are used to released them. Now...they can escape!
"Out of my way, stupid heads!" The one who fire the blast exclaims as he rush past the dragons. They look stunned for two reasons: the one that they mocked is escaping...and the rift is healing itself fast.
The baby creature times it and jumps through the rift just before it heal all the way. His view became white until he saw blue sky...and green grass as he himself is heading towards it, hitting the ground hard...
The last thing that the newcomer to Equestria saw while groaning before he passed out was a white rabbit in a crater...
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The newcomer opens his eyes and frown. He is glad to escape those stupid dragons. The gift himself will be glad to have a new life here in Equestria...and with those who would care for him.