"But… I don't want to move, mom! I like it here!"
Dawn was frustrated. Her mom and dad were completely convinced that moving out of Canterlot was the best way to keep their daughter safe. Dawn had started being bullied by other ponies at her school because of her cutie mark. Her cutie mark was different from most. Not many understood what her cutie mark even was, let alone her special talent.
"I know you do dear, but trust us! This is so we can keep you safe." Dawn's mom said to her in a gentle tone.
Dawn's dad came through the door. He didn't say anything but just looked to Dawn's mom and nodded. Dawn's mom looked at Dawn. "You ready?" She asked softly.
Dawn sighed. Even though she really didn't want to leave, her parents were set on her moving. Her friends had said she could move in with them, but that left very few options. So, with a suitcase by her side, she nodded her head, annoyed. Dawn's mom stopped for a moment, knowing how hard this must have been for her daughter, but knew in her heart that it must be done.
"You go on ahead with Dawn while I lock everything up, okay?" Dawn's mom said, turning to her husband. Dawn walked pasted her dad, with a look of disapproval on her face.
"Duskshine," Dawn's mom said to her husband. The tall dark brown stallion stopped halfway through the doorframe.
"Dawn. Get to the carriage, I'll join you shortly." His voice was soft but still dominating as usual. Making sure Dawn was on the carriage, he went to his wife.
"What is it, Lily?" Duskshine murmured. Lily was looking at the floor.
"If... If I don't come out after five minutes, I want you to take Dawn to Ponyville… without me." A tear fell from Lily's cheek. Duskshine walked up to her.
"Don't talk like that, you're coming with us."
Lily looked up at Duskshine. "But… I can't! I have to stay here and… and make sure nopony ever finds out where she's gone. Oh, pony feathers! I wish we could just tell her why we're moving her."
Duskshine sighed. "I know it would be easier to just tell her, but Princess Celestia said it's best for her not to know, remember?"
"I know, I know… Is your sister still up for taking her in?"
Duskshine nodded. "Twilight was more than happy to help." Lily looked through the window to Dawn, who was just leaning her head against the side of the carriage.
"You think she'll still understand that we love her, even though we won't be there?" Lily inquired. Duskshine stood at her side, looking out the window. "She will, I’m sure she will."
After standing for a moment, Duskshine looked at the clock. "I better get going, if I want us to get to Ponyville at sunrise."
Lily looked at him. "Make sure you keep an eye on her."
"I will. It'll be hard not being able to actually be there." Duskshine smiled.
"I know, but at least you'll be able to see her." Lily smiled back.
Duskshine looked at Lily. "I'll write to you, every day. I promise."
Lily smiled, and bade him farewell. "Go on, before anyone sees."
With that, Duskshine boarded the carriage and nodded to the driver, and the carriage sped off.
After a couple of minutes of silence, Dawn looked to her father. "Dad, do I have to live with your sister?"
"Yes, dear."
"But… I want to stay with you, dad!" Dawn insisted.
Duskshine sighed. "I know you do honey, but this is for the best. You have to trust me."
Dawn scowled. "Don't want to go to Ponyville," she muttered.
"You'll enjoy it just as much as you did Canterlot." Duskshine said, overhearing her mutter. Dawn just adjusted her black and green mane so her fringe covered her eyes. It was her own little way of saying don't disturb me. Duskshine just smiled, and silence once again filled the carriage. The sun had just started to rise as buildings started to appear in the distance.
"There it is, Ponyville." Duskshine proclaimed. Dawn moved her fringe out of her eyes so she can see what her new home looked like, and tried to find any bad points. Maybe she'll be able to find something that’ll help her persuade her father that moving here is a bad idea.
"This...is Ponyville?" Dawn said in a judgmental tone. Sure, the country was beautiful but Dawn had always been a city girl.
The windmill started turning as ponies of Ponyville began to wake up and start their daily routine. Closed signs turned to open, locks were unlocked. Stalls were pulled in to the market area as the clock tower donged to tell the residents of Ponyville that it was six o'clock in the morning. The carriage pulled into the entrance of Ponyville and father and daughter got off. Duskshine went to the driver and thanked him for bring them here and then the carriage drove off.
"So dad… are you sure Twilight would want me, what with my special talent?" Dawn asked. Duskshine looked to his daughter. "My sister's always had an open mind, more so than me, so I know she'll look after you." Duskshine then looked forward again, and after a moment, started to lead on.
"We’d better not keep her waiting," he said uneasily. Dawn started to follow her father as they both entered Ponyville.