Family Planning Center

by MythrilMoth


Star, Sun, and Leaf

(This chapter written by special guest author divinearcadia and edited by Mythril Moth.)

Two weeks had passed since Twilight Sparkle's visit to the Family Planning Center, and her doctor had confirmed her pregnancy. Her mother contacted Shining Armor and Princess Cadance immediately, and they wasted no time in making the trip to Ponyville. Twilight's initial happiness at seeing them didn't last long, for they were constantly gushing and fussing over her. Unending questions from Shining, with suggestions and advice from Cadance that she couldn't use or remember for the long months ahead, were the only things they wanted to talk about. After three days of this, Twilight pleaded for her mother to rescue her from this nightmare, only to be ignored save for a sarcastic and unhelpful reply. So to save herself from further torment, she threw her mentor under the unstoppable love train.

Spike, for his part, took everything in stride. Twilight had expected him to be jealous and upset, but instead he seemed exceptionally receptive of the whole affair. When asked his opinion, he said, "Just because I'm a baby dragon doesn't mean I have to be a baby. I think it's great you want to be a mother, and I'll be like an uncle to the foal, which is pretty cool. Plus, I can show Rarity how mature I am by helping you out." Touched by his selflessness (well, sort of) and maturity, Twilight began renovating the storeroom so that he could have his own room. When he asked her why she was doing it, she said that it was time he had a room of his own, and it would keep the foal's crying from waking him up at night.

* * * * *

The palace staff was having a field day with Celestia's pregnancy. She had tried to keep it a secret for as long as possible to prevent anypony from making a fuss, but the young couple barreling into the throne room with an odd gleam in their eyes ended any hope of keeping her pregnancy quiet for another week or two. She thought, amidst the shocked gasps of nobles and the excited tittering of the staff, that it was probably better to get this over with sooner rather than later. As a day full of ceaseless attention dragged on for Celestia, the only consolation was that the pony who visited this torment upon her couldn't fake royal duties to attend to for an hour or two of peace.

What both expectant mothers loathed in equal measure was the food they found on their plates from that day on. Cold bran and flaxseed cereal with goat's milk and a small side of timothy hay for breakfast. Hot oatmeal with only a small dollop of honey and a light smattering of raisins for lunch, with goat's milk on the side. Timothy hay with a bran muffin for supper...and of course, goat's milk. By the end of that first horrible week, they had come to loathe goat's milk. They normally would've enjoyed a bit of goat's milk, but ever since the palace staff and Twilight's friends began reading certain pregnancy books, that was all the two expectant mares would be served. If they ever got testy, they would be given "tea" that was essentially just colored hot water, much to their mutual displeasure. Twilight made it a point to find every copy of those books and "lose" them in the mustiest corner of her basement, lest somepony else be subjected to this unique form of torture. Celestia idly thought about writing a royal decree banning their further sale on the same grounds. Later on, they would learn that Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash were treating Fluttershy to the same torment, though she accepted it with far more grace and poise.

That first month was easily the hardest, just getting used to the restricted diet and the excess of attention they found thrust upon them. Twilight made sure to read any books her mother happened across that had even one iota of sound advice as their foals steadily grew within their bodies, with weekly visits to Canterlot during the first four months, then regular visits from her mother once she progressed into the second trimester to limit travel for the sake of the foal. Twilight felt more ungainly than she would ever let on as the seventh month rolled around. One thing Twilight had taken to heart was the need to maintain a light walking regimen in order to remain in shape to have a healthy delivery, so she and Fluttershy made sure to walk around town every morning and afternoon. A noticeable lack of a heavy, bloated feeling gave Twilight the distinct impression that she was going to have a pegasus foal. She hadn't asked the doctor what gender or type it would be as she wanted to love the foal for who it was, not come to love a built-up idea, so she had to remind herself not to become overly attached to any particular mental image of her child, just in case her intuition was wrong.

The remaining months passed smoothly, their pregnancies progressing without incident. As the first week of April rolled around, Twilight and Fluttershy checked into the hospital in preparation for the day their foals would be welcomed into the world. Celestia's royal physician took the same precautions and prohibited her from leaving her quarters for the same reason, leaving Luna to shoulder the brunt of her duties for a time. The three expectant mothers received a constant stream of visitors with well-wishes and promises of gifts for their babies. Cadance and Shining Armor honestly didn't know where to be at any given point in time, and seriously considered interrogating Pinkie Pie about the location of that magic pond that would let them make clones of themselves so that they wouldn't have to miss out on a minute of either pregnancy. It was finally decided that Shining would stay with Twilight and their parents, and Cadance would be with Celestia.

Early in the evening on the eleventh day of April, Twilight went into labor. It was a calm night like many which had come before, with a warm breeze, bearing only a hint of coolness, blowing through the window. She was about to turn in for the night when the first contraction shocked her out of her half awake state. The contraction was shortly followed by the eerie sensation of a large volume of liquid dampening her legs and sheets as her water broke. Her heart began racing, but a strange calm settled over her as she recalled she had gone over this moment a thousand times in her head. She simply lit up her horn and pulled the tasseled rope beside her bed, ringing a bell in the nurse's station down the hall. Almost immediately, Nurse Redheart opened the door with a tired smile, which Twilight returned in kind.

"Is there anything you need, Miss Sparkle?" the nurse asked with her usual professionalism.

"The doctor would be wonderful right about now? Also, don't tell my family if they're sleeping. I don't want to disturb them." Twilight replied a little breathlessly.

"The doctor...?" She trailed off, noticing the light sheen of sweat on Twilight's brow and the unmistakable patch of dark fluid that weighed down the blanket. "The doctor! Yes! Yes, I'll be back in no time!" She disappeared in a flash and returned within a minute with the doctor on call.

Time lost meaning to Twilight after the doctor arrived and set about his work with the casual efficiency gained by years of experience. The delivery took only a few minutes, though it felt like an hour at the least. Before she knew it, the doctor was telling her that her foal was a healthy little filly. Twilight found herself in a sleepless daze once her foal was born, gazing down at the tiny new life as she lay propped up on some pillows. Twilight's foal had a dark, royal purple mane and tail, each with a lustrous gold streak not unlike the rose streak in her mother's, while her coat was a deep shade of navy blue. Blinking blearily, the foal shifted her wings and peered up at her mother with bright, golden eyes with what might be called a look of awe. She slowly reached up a foreleg to bump softly against Twilight's chin, which Twilight gently kissed on the soft underside, causing the little foal to squirm with a delighted giggle.

*She has wings... My little girl is a pegasus.* Twilight brought her face down to nuzzle the crown of the filly's head and licked her ear affectionately. At hearing a noise from the door, she looked up to see her mother quietly entering the room alone. Smiling, Twilight Velvet trotted over to her daughter and granddaughter.

"She's beautiful. So what will you name her?" Velvet asked softly.

"I was thinking Star Sweeper." The little filly wiggled deeper into the crook of her foreleg with a look of contentment. "I think it suits her."

"She certainly seems to like it," Velvet replied. "You did the same thing when I named you when you were born."

"I don't mean to be rude, but I think I'm about ready to sleep," Twilight said with a sharp yawn. "Tell Dad and Shining not to worry and that I'll see them tomorrow. How did you know I went into labor tonight, anyway? I asked the nurse not to tell you three in case you were sleeping."

"Mother's intuition. I told the boys I was going out for a walk. I just didn't tell them where," Velvet said with a smile and a little laugh, before turning to leave as silently as she entered. With that, Twilight settled down into her bed, which had had its sheets and covers replaced without her noticing. She yawned again, pulling her daughter close, her little head filling the curve of her neck. *My daughter is a beautiful little pegasus,* was her last thought before sleep took her.

* * * * *

The next morning, all of Twilight's friends and family were in her room, with the exception of Fluttershy, who didn't want to risk getting out of bed since she was almost due. Star Sweeper stared in awe at the large amount of ponies who had somehow managed to work their way into the small room. Strangely enough, it was Rainbow Dash who had the strongest immediate attachment to the little foal, wanting to twiddle her little hooves and blow little bursts of air in her face that would cause her to giggle cutely. Twilight didn't mind in the least because her daughter seemed to enjoy it so much, though she did ask Rainbow about the air blowing.

"Oh! That's right, you wouldn't know since it's a pegasus thing," Dash said. "We blow little puffs of air to simulate wind for our foals. It's one of the things we do so they get used to the wind as soon as possible. You should try it, Twi."

Twilight did just that, blowing a little puff of air that ruffled Star Sweeper's silky mane. The foal looked up at her mother and giggled louder than before, waving her hooves with glee. Everypony squeed at the adorable sight. Twilight puffed air into Star Sweeper's face once again, getting more giggles out of her, and smiled gratefully at Dash.

"I hope you guys know I really appreciate your company and all, but I think Fluttershy might be a little lonely," Twilight said to her friends, who looked a little guilty for giving Twilight all the attention when their other friend was nervously awaiting her own fateful hour. "Why don't you go visit with her for a while? We won't be going anywhere." With a general murmur of consent, they bade Twilight and her daughter farewell, slowly filing out to spend time with Fluttershy.

"That was very considerate of you, dear," Twilight Velvet said, walking over to sit down beside her daughter. "So how are you feeling? Any emotional ups or downs since you've woken up?"

"Not really," Twilight said cheerfully. "To be honest, I'm just a little tired still. Would you like to hold her for a bit? I fed her shortly before you guys came, so she shouldn't be too fussy for a while."

"I would love to, Twilight," Velvet said, lighting her horn to gently lift the baby foal into her arms. "She's so light and warm!"

"Yeah, I've looked into the differences between the types of foals and found that pegasus foals tend to weigh less and have a higher body temperature than unicorns," Twilight said, her eyes drooping slightly, a big yawn stretching her mouth wide. "If Dad or Shiny want to hold her, it's perfectly fine."

"Don't worry, dear," Velvet said with a smile, "she's in good hooves." With that, Twilight drifted off to sleep.

* * * * *

Twilight woke up a little after lunch to find her room empty, Star Sweeper nestled comfortably in the crook of her foreleg. *I wonder where everypony went?* Still drowsy, she pulled the call rope, and Nurse Redheart arrived a moment later.

"Hello," Twilight said softly. "Do you know where my parents went?"

"They went out to get some lunch a little while ago, but they're with your friends right now," Redheart replied just as softly as she noticed the sleeping foal. "Your friend Fluttershy just gave birth a short while ago. Your friends and family are in with her and the foal right now."

"Did everything go okay?" Twilight asked.

"Everything went without a hitch. She had a lovely little unicorn colt," Redheart said with a warm smile. "I believe she named him Drifting Leaf."

"I'll have to visit her in a little bit," Twilight mused. "But do you think I could get some lunch first, if it's not too much trouble?"

"Of course," the nurse said. "I'll be right back."

Lunch was a short affair, and Twilight was thankful to be back on her hooves, especially since Star Sweeper had become a little rambunctious after waking up during lunch. Getting out of bed, Twilight pulled out a cloth diaper and some rag padding, quickly dressing her squirming daughter. With that task complete, she gently lifted the foal in her magic, setting her on her back, keeping a gentle magical hold on her to keep her steady. *I'm glad I have a carrier for her at home. I should have Mom go get it for me before I check out. I'm just glad I thought to bring some diapers.* Twilight looked behind her to see Star Sweeper looking around with wide eyes at this new and exciting perspective. Smiling, she left her room and followed the sound of a quiet riot two rooms over. Peeking in, Twilight just barely caught a glimpse of Fluttershy's pink mane.

"Excuse me, everypony," Twilight said, trying to work her way into the room. Arriving at Fluttershy's bedside, she asked, "How're you feeling, Fluttershy?"

"Oh...not too bad," Fluttershy replied drowsily. "Just tired. But let me introduce you to my son, Drifting Leaf." Fluttershy shifted a little to reveal a tiny carrot-orange coated unicorn with slightly canted sapphire blue eyes, a messy straw-colored mane, and a straw-colored tail with a rebellious emerald green shock running through it. "Oh! Who's that adorable little critter on your back?" Fluttershy asked, smiling up at the curious little pegasus.

"This is my daughter, Star Sweeper," Twilight said, beaming over her shoulder. "Do you want to say hi to Fluttershy and Drifting Leaf?" At the foal's emphatic wiggling, Twilight lowered her to the freshly cleaned bed with gentle magic. Star took a few cautious steps forward, staring with wide eyes at the equally curious Leaf, and reached out to bop his hoof. As if in retaliation, Leaf quickly poked out with his own hoof to bump her on the end of her snout, causing her to sit down suddenly and sneeze. Star giggled a bit and began hopping about excitedly at meeting a potential playmate.

"Oh dear!" Twilight said as everypony giggled at the foals' antics. "It's not playtime right now. Right now it's time for littles ones and their mommies to rest. You'll get to play soon enough, so just be patient." Twilight picked Star Sweeper back up gently, the foal's little legs and wings flailing as she came to rest grumpily on her mother's back once again. Even as she pouted cutely, she made sure to keep the pair on the bed in sight.

"She's a feisty one, Twi," Dash said, laughing at the display. "You'd better keep an eye on her or she'll pull a fast one on ya."

"You might be right," Twilight said with a giggle. "If Fluttershy's feeling anything like I did last night, I think maybe we should all leave her alone for now to recuperate."

"Oh! Of course we've overstayed our welcome, dear Fluttershy!" Rarity said apologetically. "We should have been more considerate of your needs!"

"It's okay," Fluttershy said as she fought back a tremendous yawn. "I'm just glad you all could be here to give me support and welcome Drifting Leaf on his birthday."

"Aw shucks, sugar cube," Applejack said with a grin. "What kinda friends would we be if we weren't here for ya?"

"Yeah!" Rainbow said enthusiastically. "If you need any help at all, just let me know."

"Oh! Oh!" Pinkie Pie cried, hopping excitedly. "If either of you need a foalsitter, Auntie Pinkie'll be there in a jiffy to help out!"

"Okay, girls," Twilight said, smiling at their enthusiasm. "Let's let Fluttershy get some rest. Maybe we can visit again after supper if she's up for it." Fluttershy gave Twilight a grateful smile, punctuated by an adorably quiet jaw-cracking yawn. "Let me drop by my room first, and then I'll meet you all in the cafeteria." The herd swiftly filtered out of the room, with Twilight and Star the last to leave. "Congratulations, Fluttershy." Twilight said warmly. "He's just precious."

"Thank you, Twilight," Fluttershy answered meekly. "Congratulations on your feisty little filly."

"Thanks. I'll talk with you later, okay?"

* * * * *

Six days had passed since news of the two births had reached Canterlot, and Celestia was exhausted. It was not from lack of rest, for she had spent recent weeks doing little else. No, her exhaustion took the form of a feathery pink blur that hovered anxiously around her seemingly round the clock.

Cadance had become a constant presence, trying to anticipate her aunt's discomforts and eliminate them before they could become a problem. It would have been welcome if Celestia were ever really in discomfort to begin with, but there was such a thing as being too comfortable, and Cadance had long since pushed her across that line.

"Cadance," Celestia said patiently for what felt like the thousandth time as her niece fluffed a pillow that had been fluffed too many times to count already.

"Yes, Auntie Celestia?" Cadance asked. "Is there anything I can get you?"

"Yes, actually, there is," Celestia said with a sigh. "I'd like for you to take an hour for yourself. I'm tired and would like some time alone."

"I couldn't possibly leave you alone in your condition, Auntie!" Cadance said in a tone that was equal parts horrified and sycophantic. "I couldn't stand it if you needed something and I wasn't here!"

"Cadance," Celestia growled, shooting her niece a warning look. "Consider this a favor not only to me, but to yourself. When the time comes for you to have a foal of your own, I would respect your wishes to be left alone if you so asked, instead of constantly hovering around despite your wishes."

Cadance pulled a foreleg back as though stung, her eyes tearing a little. "I'm sorry, Auntie," she said sadly. "It's just that I'm so excited I can't help myself. I'll give you some space now." She turned and trudged toward the door.

"Cadance?" Celestia called after she had taken a few steps. Cadance stopped to look over her shoulder, her downtrodden face letting Celestia know that her words had gotten through. "It's not as though I don't appreciate your presence, but sometimes it's nice to have a moment alone. Especially since I so rarely get them in the course of my duties. You have been a welcome presence since I've been restricted to my room, so don't think otherwise. I'll see you in an hour and we can talk some. Just talk."

"Okay, Auntie," Cadance said, a smile working its way back onto her face. "Sorry for fretting over you so much. I'll be back soon."

"See you soon, Cadance," Celestia said with a smile. *I hope she and Shining Armor have a foal of their own soon. With all the love those two have to give...* Celestia let her head sink into the soft, cloud-stuffed pillow. *I don't even know what she was doing, fluffing a cloud-stuffed pillow. There's nothing anypony could do to make them more comfortable.*

* * * * *

Celestia was in the middle of raising the sun on the seventh day after Twilight's delivery when the first contraction happened. Her royal physician was waiting just outside the doors to her chambers for her daily examination, so the timing couldn't have been better. Once the sun was just peeking over the horizon, she released the spell and opened the doors to allow her physician to trot sprightly in.

"Good morning, Your Majesty," she said in her clipped, professional manner. "How are we feeling today?"

"I would have to say that I feel it's time," Celestia replied, another contraction causing her voice to become hoarse. A moment later, another contraction struck, accompanied by her water breaking.

"So it would seem," the doctor replied, walking over at a stately pace. "We need towels soaked in hot water in here!" she called out to her nurse, who looked in, only to widen her eyes before darting into the en-suite royal bathroom to comply. "Don't worry Princess, you're in good hooves."

By this point, Celestia was chiefly focused on her labor pains and paying little attention to the doctor's words. The birth proceeded smoothly, and Celestia soon found herself with a newborn foal resting in her forelegs, nuzzling her chin: a snow-white unicorn colt whose pale mane and tail had a powdery silver-blue sheen, and whose stubby horn curiously glinted golden in the early morning sun.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty," the physician said, walking around the bed after wiping her hooves off with an extra towel. "A healthy little colt. What will you name him?"

After a moment of consideration, Celestia replied in a firm, soft voice, "Helios. My son's name is Helios." As though her words were a signal, Helios opened his pale indigo eyes and raised a forehoof to gently touch the base of her horn. Celestia's face broke out in a joyous smile and she licked his chin, startling him. She chuckled a bit and nuzzled him gently. "If you would have visitors gently and kindly turned away for the time being, I do believe I would like to sleep for an hour or so, but I would love for Princess Cadance to be the first through my doors."

"Of course, Your Majesty," the doctor said. "I'll pass on your wishes to the guards after we change your sheets."

"Thank you." Once the bed had been changed, Celestia settled down with a soft yawn. "Now, if you would excuse me, I could use a little rest." With that, she hugged Helios a little closer and drowsily closed her eyes to enjoy her well deserved rest.

* * * * *

Once Celestia awoke from her nap, she magicked open the doors to her suite. "Cadance?" she called. As the younger alicorn trotted in, Celestia smiled at her. "Meet my son, Helios."

"Oh my gosh!" Cadance squealed as she laid eyes on Helios for the first time. "He's so beautiful!"

"He certainly has a presence about him," Celestia chuckled. Helios, for his part, was studying this newcomer with restrained curiosity and a slight tilt to his head.

"His horn's...golden?" Cadance asked as she noticed the strange sheen of the colt's horn.

Celestia made a thoughtful noise. "Curious, isn't it? I've never seen anything like it." She chuckled. "It's quite attractive, though."

"It certainly is," Cadance said with a smile. After a moment, she shifted on her hooves. "Can I...Can I lay down next to you two?" Cadance asked a little nervously.

"Of course, Cadance," Celestia said, smiling. "So, when do you think you'll be ready to have a foal of your own?"

"I'm not sure, Auntie..." Cadance said softly, laying down gently on the bed so as to not jostle its occupants. "With all of our duties and responsibilities in the Crystal Empire, there would hardly be any time to devote to raising a child."

"All in good time," Celestia said. "It is a big step in anypony's life, and I am pleased to hear that you are serious about it. Though you would have some time to wait in any case, as Hearts and Hooves Day is some distance away. Who knows how much will change in the time between now and then?"

"Of course," Cadance said wistfully, imagining one day holding a foal of her own in her hooves. "But I can hope and try my hardest to make that time come all the sooner."

"Just remember that if you ever need help or assistance when the time comes, you have many a shoulder you can lean on," Celestia said with a warm smile.

"Thank you, Auntie." As the two mares fell silent, Helios wriggled around a bit and got his hooves under him. He took a couple of tentative steps over to Cadance, sniffing her a moment before hooking a leg over her wing joint and hoisting himself onto the middle of her back. "Oh? What's this?" she asked, laughing at his actions. Helios looked around a bit before becoming bored and curling up with his tail covering his muzzle, settling in for a nap. Celestia held a hoof to her mouth and chuckled at his odd behavior.

"It appears as though he found a comfortable place to sleep!" Celestia said mirthfully. "I hope you don't mind staying for a while."

"Not at all!" Cadance replied, laughing quietly. With a sleeping foal on Cadance's back, they talked about Twilight's little filly and Fluttershy's colt, as well as their excitement about their plans to bring all the foals together in a month's time. They made small talk well until lunchtime, when Helios awoke for a feeding, and their own stomachs growled for food. After lunch, they each wrote a letter to Twilight about the healthy delivery, telling her all about Helios and their eagerness to see her and Star Sweeper in a month's time, with admonishments in Cadance's letter for Shining Armor, who was most likely trying to pamper Twilight as Cadance had Celestia. They only had to wait a few minutes for a reply, in which Twilight assured them that Shining Armor was well in hoof and that all of her friends were incredibly excited to see Helios.

They spent the rest of the day entertaining the senior staff before allowing the nobility to visit. Helios warmed up to the staff quickly, yet treated most of the nobility with hilarious disdain. What came as a bit of a shock was how Helios and Blueblood immediately warmed to one another. *It's as though they can tell they're half-brothers,* Celestia thought warmly upon seeing her sons together. *Maybe Helios can work some sibling magic and help change him for the better. I would love to have a closer relationship with my estranged son.* By the end of the day, all three of them were quite tired despite a few cat naps caught between visitors. Instead of Cadance leaving once Celestia lowered the sun, she lingered a bit, blushing and scuffing her hoof.

"Is something the matter, Cadance?" Celestia asked curiously.

"Well...being around the two of you made me remember my foalhood, and maybe I'm getting overly nostalgic..." She trailed off, her blush intensifying. "Do you think...would it be okay...can I sleep with you two tonight? Like I did all those years ago?"

"Of course, Cadance," Celestia said fondly. "I always have room for my favorite niece." Cadance gave her aunt a bashful smile before climbing back into bed, Helios wiggling snugly between the two mares. Once he found a comfortable position, Cadance draped a wing over his body, and Celestia draped her wing over Cadance. "Good night, Helios. Good night, Cadance."

"Good night, Auntie Celestia." Cadance replied drowsily. "Good night, Helios." With gentle smiles and an overabundance of contentedness, the three drifted into happy dreams, two of them dreaming of the day another little foal would be sleeping by their side.

* * * * *

*Oh, where in the world IS that silly filly?!* Twilight thought frantically as she rushed about, looking for her wayward daughter. The time for their get together with the Princess and Helios was close at hoof, so naturally, Star Sweeper had wandered out of sight. As she trotted past the kitchen, she heard the faintest sound—a certain stoneware jar in the hooves of a certain little filly. Stopping, she poked her head into the kitchen, seeing exactly what she expected to see: Star Sweeper standing on the kitchen counter with a foreleg straining deeply into the depths of the cookie jar, one eye shut and her pink tongue poking out in concentration as she struggled to purloin a cookie. Fighting back a laugh, Twilight donned her most no-nonsense expression and entered the kitchen. "Just what do you think you're doing, young lady?"

Having been caught in the act, Star Sweeper quickly extracted her hoof from the jar. She stood on the counter and knocked a hoof against the side of the cookie jar as though that were all the explanation needed. "Oh? Checking to make sure we're not critically low on cookies, were you?" Twilight asked, one eyebrow raised. Star Sweeper quickly nodded her head in the affirmative with a big smile of her own. "That's very thoughtful of you, but I don't think that's all you had in mind, now is it?" Her only response was the most innocent look of confusion one could ever hope to see on the face of another living creature. Twilight rolled her eyes, losing the battle to keep the smile off her face at the filly's antics.

"Now, I distinctly remember telling you that we're having lunch with my friends and the Princess today, so you should worry less about our cookies here and more about the cookies your Auntie Pinkie is bringing. It's almost time to go, so hop on my back and let's get going. Drifting Leaf will be looking for you, and today's the day you finally get to meet Helios. Your Uncle Spike is already there, and we don't want to keep them all waiting, now do we?" Surprisingly, Star looked down at her hooves and scuffed them a bit instead of hopping excitedly, urging her Mom to hurry her pace. "What's the matter, sweetie? Nervous about meeting Helios?" A quick nod, followed by Star's lower lip sticking out in a pout. *I wish she wouldn't pick up Rarity's habits like that.* Twilight shuddered at the thought of her friend's potent pouting skills combined with such an adorable and devious little filly.

"Don't worry," Twilight said, closing the gap a little more and nuzzling her daughter's neck. "I'm sure you two will get along just fine. Don't forget I'll be right there with you." Star perked up a bit, a little of her usual confidence reasserting itself. "Are you ready to go now? I'm sure we can get there in time if we hurry." A solid nod and a leap over her head ended with a familiar weight settling on Twilight's withers. With a big smile, Twilight cantered out of the library and across the bridge to the large meadow by the White Tail Woods. It was a pleasantly warm May day; they walked down the familiar path with a gentle breeze blowing against them, Star standing with her eyes closed and wings spread out in enjoyment. After mere minutes of walking, Twilight spotted the large checkered cloth that covered a good patch of ground in the distance, along with her friends talking and unpacking picnic baskets laden with food.

"Hey, Twi!" Dash called as she broke away from the group to meet them partway. "It looks like your little troublemaker's enjoying herself."

"Yeah," Twilight said with a chuckle. "I found her 'checking the levels of the cookie jar' just before we left."

"Ha! That definitely sounds like her," Dash laughed. "So, are you ready to make another friend today, Star?"

"She's actually a little nervous about that," Twilight said. As if in affirmation, Star Sweeper peeked warily from behind her mother's neck. "But I told her not to worry and that I'll be right there."

"That's right, Star," Dash said confidently. "You can always rely on your Mom when it counts. She'll never let you down if she can help it."

"I hope we're going to have enough food since my parents, Cadance and Shining Armor are coming as well," Twilight said as they made their way over to their friends.

"I don't think you have to worry about that," Dash chuckled. "With Pinkie Pie and Applejack in charge of food, I'd be surprised if we get through half of what they brought!"

"Darn tootin', sugar cube!" Applejack said as she picked up on the conversation. "Since today's th' day we finally get t' meet the li'l fella, Ah wanted t' make sure we make this shindig go off without a hitch!"

"Oh yeah!" Pinkie chimed in excitedly. "And me, Rarity, Applejack and Dashie all brought gifts for each of the foals, since this is such an extra splendiferous day for everypony!"

"You didn't tell me about that!" Twilight said, a faint note of panic in her voice. "Did you know about this, Fluttershy?"

"Only for a little bit," Fluttershy replied happily. "It was actually Rainbow's idea, and Rarity gave them all suggestions about what to get and how much to spend."

Rarity trotted up to Twilight and ruffled Star Sweeper's mane. "I know the three of you wouldn't want us to spoil your darling little ones, so I made sure to keep our spending limit modest."

"And what's your definition of modest?" Twilight asked flatly.

"Just trust me on this, Twilight darling," Rarity said reassuringly. "Consider this a bit of a delayed baby shower from us to the three of you! Speaking of which, I do believe I see the Princess and the remainder of our guests coming now!"

"Oh! Fluttershy! Where's Drifting Leaf? Shouldn't he be here?" Twilight asked, suddenly noticing the absence of a certain hyperactive little colt.

"Oh, he's never too far away," Fluttershy replied calmly. Sure enough, Twilight suddenly noticed something moving right in front of her. Somehow, Drifting Leaf had managed to hide in plain sight in short grass that barely tickled the little colt's barrel. The orange colt grinned cheekily up at her before bounding over to hide behind his mother.

"Just what are you doing, you silly little colt?" Twilight asked with laughter in her voice.

"Why Ah never..." Applejack said in confusion, scratching the back of her neck with a hoof. "Ah don't think Ah've ever seen anypony as sneaky as that little varmint."

"He must be taking lessons from Pinkie Pie!" Dash said, laughing.

"Actually, I've been picking up a few pointers from watching the little guy myself," Pinkie said, to the astonishment of her friends. Before they could ask what she meant, the other group arrived, with a regal-looking Helios riding on the withers of Shining Armor.

"Hey! Twiley! How's it been?" Shining called out, drawing their attention to him.

"Hey B.B.B.F.F.! Who's the cute little guy on your back?" Twilight asked.

"Everypony, may I introduce you all to my son, Helios," Celestia said regally, though the unmistakable pride of a new parent seeped through in both her voice and expression. "He developed a fondness for Shining Armor earlier today and decided that he would accompany him to Ponyville."

Twilight and her friends noticed the unique way that Helios carried himself immediately. The colt was not cold or aloof; rather, he seemed to possess a unique curiosity that couldn't be expressed properly, so he didn't bother to try to show it. One thing about the little colt which was immediately apparent: when he favored somepony, his delight was unmistakeable, as demonstrated by his co-opting of Shining Armor as his personal "chariot". The next thing they noticed about him was the odd metallic sheen of his mane and tail, as well as the unmistakeable golden shimmer of his horn. Unsurprisingly, Rarity was the first to close the gap to greet Helios.

"Why, look at you!" She said breathlessly. "You're such a lovely little colt, aren't you?"

Helios looked at Rarity with a curiously blank expression for a few moments, as though studying this newcomer. He tilted his head to the side a moment later, bringing his hoof up to Rarity's nose and lightly tapping it. Rarity crossed her eyes slightly to look at the tiny hoof prodding her muzzle. A second later, she chuckled and lightly kissed Helios' hoof, causing him to coo softly.

"It appears as though he likes you," Celestia said with a grin. "He's rather picky about the ponies he likes, and we've found that he's exceptionally unpleasant to ponies who shower him with empty flattery...at the expense of several nobles' dignity, I might add. You wouldn't believe some of the looks he gives the ponies he doesn't like."

"Why he sounds like he's one mighty sharp li'l fella," Applejack said with a chuckle.

"What's up with his horn?" Pinkie asked, leaning in to study Helios. "It's really really shiny!"

"You're right," Twilight said, taking a closer look herself. Helios took a cautious step back, a bit unnerved by the keen interest these two strangers had suddenly taken in him. "I've never seen a horn do that before. What's going on here, Princess?"

"I'm more than a bit curious about that myself," Celestia admitted. "I've had Luna researching it for the past month, but we're no closer to finding any reference to such a phenomenon."

"Oh, it just means he's extra-special," Fluttershy said with a smile.

"Hey everypony, how 'bout y'all come on over an' get some grub while it's nice an' hot?" Applejack suggested. "We can chit-chat while we eat. We've got some presents fer the li'l fella too, but y'all can jes' take 'em back with ya so y'all don't have ta worry 'bout losin' nothin.'"

"That sounds like a wonderful idea, and thank you all for your thoughtful presents. I think I'll follow your suggestion about the gifts, though right now I could certainly go for something to eat," Celestia said.

With that, everypony seated themselves upon the large picnic blanket. Twilight lowered Star to the ground, and the filly tottered over to a suspicious blond tail flicking from behind Fluttershy, giving it a sharp tug. A very startled Drifting Leaf jumped in place before turning around to see who had found him, and promptly pounced on the instigator. Despite the sudden attack, he quickly found himself pinned amid a storm of giggles from his tormentor. They wrestled around for a bit, a struggle of foalish proportions with playful little nips and much giggling, before finding themselves looking up at a curious Helios, who had made a beeline for the two foals as soon as Shining Armor had set him down. They quickly scrambled to their hooves to inspect this newcomer.

Star took a half step back and glanced nervously at Helios, while Drifting Leaf took a bold step forward, staring defiantly back. A sudden smile broke across Helios' face as he reached a hoof forward to thump against Drifting Leaf's chest, making him take a step back. Leaf let out a high-pitched growl before retaliating; however, Helios took a quick step back at just the right moment, causing Leaf to overbalance and fall flat on his face. Star looked on with wide eyes, a giggle escaping her lips at the sight. Drifting Leaf was less than amused, scrambling to his hooves and attempting to tackle Helios, only to miss and fly wide as the other colt ducked suddenly. As Leaf turned around, he suddenly found the tables turned as Helios pounced on him instead with a giggle of his own.

Star Sweeper stared in amazement at this new foal who was more than a match for her playmate, and laughed at their antics. Feeling suddenly left out, she bounded forth and joined the fray, the chaotic trio rolling around near a wide-eyed Fluttershy. Their antics drew the attention of the adults, who watched the little ball of mock violence with varying degrees of bemusement. The foals' wrestling match soon broke up, with panting and giggles all around. Helios trotted up to Star and tapped her on the forehead, to her great confusion. She laughed suddenly and did the same to him, just below his horn. With the introductions apparently complete, the adults quickly distributed the food, and soon everypony was eating heartily.

"It seems as though Helios approves of his new playmates," Celestia said with a warm chuckle. "Of course, I never had any doubts in the least, knowing their mothers as well as I do." Her words caused a pleased blush to rise on the complimented ponies' faces.

"Celestia, it's good to see you again," Twilight said as she sat down between the Princess and her own mother. "How is the palace adjusting to the new addition to the royal family?"

"I haven't seen the staff happier in months," Celestia said. "Helios is an absolute joy. I've found that he likes to roam the halls. I was quite surprised the first time it happened." Twilight's eyes widened suddenly as she imagined Helios deciding to suddenly sneak off on his own through the labyrinthine halls of the palace. "He didn't get far the first time, because I noticed the door ajar not long after his departure, so as soon I found him, I decided to follow him around to see what had drawn his interest. It turns out that he was simply going around, trying to find out what was in each room. He would stop in front of some of the guards and tap on their hoof plates to get their attention, only to smile up at them once he had done so. To say the least, it both pleased and confused my guards. Now we make it a daily ritual to take an hour to show him a new part of the castle. One thing that thoroughly surprised me was when he and Prince Blueblood bonded on the very day he was born. I truly hope that my son can help him to become a better pony."

"It sounds like he makes it a point to find ponies he likes and give them a little happiness," Twilight Velvet said with a chuckle. "He certainly is a very special little colt even now. I'm very honored that you've allowed me to be a part of your lives, Princess."

"Me too," Twilight said with a bright smile. "I'm so happy you asked me to share this with you. I remember the fiasco at the Grand Galloping Gala and what Rarity had told us about Blueblood. If Helios likes him, I'm sure that he'll change for the better."

"That would take a miracle," Rarity muttered. Everypony ignored her.

"It still amazes me that I have such special and loving ponies that I can involve in our lives like this," Celestia said with a smile of her own. Looking over at the foals, she pointed a forehoof with a laugh and said, "It looks like Star Sweeper and Drifting Leaf are taking Helios around to make his introductions." True to her words, the slightly older pair flanked Helios as they led him over to Applejack. They stopped a couple steps away and let Helios continue on his own to come face to face with her.

"Well howdy there, li'l guy," Applejack said with a smile. "Looks like you've made a couple new friends already. How'd y'all like some apple fritters?" Applejack selected a trio of perfect specimens and placed them on a plate before sliding it in front of the little colt. He looked at the offering before turning back to Applejack with a big smile. He stepped around the plate and nuzzled the farmer's shoulder affectionately, prompting her to twist around to nuzzle him in return. "Why, ain't you just the sweetest li'l thing? It's too bad Apple Bloom an' the rest had school today. Ah'm sure you'd love t' meet them too, but there's always next time."

Helios returned to the plate of fritters, sliding it torward his compatriots; they split the treats three ways before quickly demolishing them. Once finished, Star and Leaf began to run off, but Helios returned the used plate to Applejack, to the adults' surprise and delight. Once done, he trotted back over to his friends, leading the charge to their next flight of fancy—which happened to involve climbing Shining Armor like a small mountain, much to everypony's amusement.

"H-Hey guys!" Shining laughed, rolling onto his side a bit. "What's the big deal? Your hooves are all sticky!"

"It looks like they're scaling the Shining Mountain!" Fluttershy said, giggling.

"Just what I was going to say!" Cadance said mirthfully while leaning into her husband. "But honey, why are you so worried about sticky hooves when we've faced down both the Queen of the changelings and a dark king from a thousand years ago?"

"Because I'm helpless against something this adorable!" Shining said, laughing with everypony at the foals, who were once again roughhousing atop their living mountain.

The rest of the afternoon was spent happily talking and reminiscing, with the occasional introduction of Helios to another individual. The group made plans for future visits and play dates for their charges, while exchanging stories about their first month of raising their foals. As the day wore on to evening, they began cleaning up the area, finding that the three foals had gone over to the base of the tree they'd spread out the picnic blanket under and fallen asleep in a fuzzy little pile. Despite their reluctance to wake them up, duties and responsibilities forced their hooves. Being as gentle as possible, they gently separated the sleeping foals from one another and settled them on their respective mothers' withers. With everything taken care of, they all made their way slowly back to the center of Ponyville, where they made their farewells, with promises of seeing one another soon.

All in all, it had been a wonderful day for the three mothers and their foals. Though they knew days like this couldn't last forever, they also knew they would always cherish these precious moments for the rest of their lives. So it was with a healthy appreciation of their friends and family that they made their way home to sleep, and to await whatever challenges would come with the new day.